Rising Sun Workshop

An ancient Mitre Ten store behind the discount chemist on King Street is the home of Rising Sun Workshop, Sydney’s first and only communal motorbike workshop and ramen bar.

If you’re here for noodles, Rising Sun’s signature styles include the Light (a delicate chicken-based broth spiked with three-fish dashi), the Darkness (a heavier soup made with chicken parts, roasted pork bones, smoked hocks and shiitake mushrooms) and the Monk (a vegetarian number with a light shiitake- and kelp-based broth). Depending on your choice, expect toppings ranging from marinated eggs, to miso pumpkin and thick slices of roasted free range pork belly.

All of the above are served daily for lunch, as well as dinner Wednesday to Saturday. The rest of the evening menu is crowded with izakaya-style snacks like vegetable gyoza with seaweed and shiitake XO, karaage chicken with native lime mayo, and sides such as caramelised brussel sprouts with lap cheong sausage. Pair with a cocktail like the Native Negroni, or a lo-fi drop from the extensive wine list.

Other daytime highlights include Rising Sun’s take on wachoushoku (a mixed Japanese breakfast plate), Hokkaido-style buns, and avocado piled on charcoal toast with guacachile (Mexican salsa), pickles and a gooey onsen egg. But it's hard to go past Rising Sun’s breakfast ramen, a truly inspired thing. Picture noodles, bacon, egg and tomato bathing in buttered-toast broth.

Motorcycle repairs go on nearby – the cafe sits on a raised platform right next to the workshop. The building has two storeys, with an upper mezzanine that looks into the kitchen and the motorcycle workshop. It’s a simple but clever design from architect and co-owner Heleana Genaus, with a lot of heritage elements maintained, impressive considering Rising Sun’s DIY, part-crowdfunded build.

The bike workshop works via memberships and bookings, and the rates are affordable. Think about it like this: every bowl of noodles you eat is helping someone else access the workspace. Come hungry.