Gogyo Fitzroy
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An exciting addition to Fitzroy’s bustling food scene, Gogyo serves up delicious Japanese food and exceptional ramen. The restaurant has only been opened for a bit over a month but it already runs like a well-oiled machine. Not entirely surprising when this delicious outlet is from the legends behind ramen chain IPPUDO which was founded in 1985 in Japan's ramen capital of Hakata by Shigemi Kawahara, the internationally renowned Ramen King.
We loved tasting our way through the menu. To start the octopus karaage was delicious. A Japanese bar staple, we loved the tender morsels of octopus encrusted with a flavoursome spice mix and then perfectly fried to achieve a moreish crunchy exterior – this one is dangerously addictive.
For something heartier, the chicken stuffed with sticky rice is a thing of beauty. Comfort food at its best, the dish was simply bursting with flavour. The chicken breast was wonderfully tender and moist and the sticky rice had the perfect chewy yet melt in your mouth texture. Just yum!
For meat lovers, do not go past the grilled Wagyu Striploin. The steak was cooked to perfection from end to end and was beautifully tender and flavoursome. The accompanying chimichurri was fresh and simply delectable.
A visit to Gogyo would, of course, be incomplete without a bowl of their speciality ramen. We tried the Tonkotsu Classic and were thoroughly impressed. The broth was a thick, cloudy and somewhat creamy concoction of decadently rich, unadulterated pork flavours – the end product of intensely boiled pork bones and more notably, pork fat. The thick, gleaming layer of liquid pork fat that formed on the surface of the broth was the key to an authentic and robust tonkotsu broth. As the strands of noodles were pulled through the surface, they were coated with the unctuous liquid which ultimately provided the noodles with its indulgent flavours.
Dessert time continues to please at Gogyo. Whatever you do, make sure you try the Matcha Kuzuneri – a beautifully simple and refreshing dessert of Matcha mochi jelly and black sugar syrup served with creamy macadamia sorbet. You can thank us later!
Drawing influence from the izakaya style of Japanese eating and drinking, Gogyo offers a compelling proposition - stylish, laid back surrounds, a commendable drinks list and a clear focus on serving up utterly delicious dishes.
Location: 413 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: (03) 9417 7474
