This spring, Ramenhead will move from its original Parliament Street address to a new, larger home at 75 Kloof Street, bringing its distinctive take on Japanese street food to one of the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.
Since opening in 2022, Ramenhead has earned a loyal following for its meticulous approach to ramen, from multi-day simmered bone broths to house-made noodles produced using the only Yamato Ramen Machine on the continent. Its new Kloof Street location will build on that foundation, expanding the offering while retaining the relaxed, unfussy character that has become central to the restaurant.
The expanded menu will introduce a dedicated sushi counter, serving made-to-order new Edo-style sushi alongside a selection of fire-cooked izakaya dishes. Ramen, meanwhile, remains at the heart of the offering, with the same attention to craft that has defined the restaurant since its beginnings.
Drinks will take on a greater role, too. The new courtyard will house a dedicated sake and cocktail bar, pairing a selection of Japanese sake with cocktails created by sommelier and service director Jennifer Hugé. It will also provide a natural setting for Ramenhead’s live-music evenings and the convivial atmosphere for which the restaurant has become known.
Chef Julia du Toit, who has led the Ramenhead kitchen since its opening and has worked alongside Peter Tempelhoff for the past decade, will take the lead as executive chef and partner. Her appointment marks an evolution for the restaurant as it enters its next phase, supported by the wider FYN Group team and its founders, Tempelhoff, Ashley Moss and Hugé.
The move feels particularly well suited to Kloof Street. Known for its independent restaurants, bars and late-night energy, the neighbourhood offers Ramenhead a setting that reflects its own approach: serious about food and technique, but never overly formal.
With more space, a broader menu and an expanded drinks offering, Ramenhead’s arrival promises a fresh take on the Japanese street-food experience that made it a Cape Town favourite in the first place.
