Sydney · Donburi · casual
Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD)
JapaneseUdonSobaJapanese NoodlesAffordableCBD
Sister restaurant to Menya Noodle Bar, Mappen delivers honest Japanese udon and soba at some of Sydney's most affordable prices — the name itself means 'one more time' in Nagoya dialect, a nod to its highly repeatable food. The retro Japanese interior and housemade broths make it a lunchtime CBD staple.
- Price
- ¥
- Area
- CBD (George St)
- Since
- 2014
Plate № 85
About
Mappen operates from Meriton Retail on George Street as a more casual, noodle-focused sibling to the long-running Menya Noodle Bar. The name 'Mappen' derives from the Nagoya dialect word for 'one more time', reflecting the owners' confidence that guests will return. The menu focuses on udon and soba with a full selection of toppings including shrimp tempura and shredded vegetables, served in housemade broths. The Japanese retro interior provides an atmospheric setting at a price point that rivals food courts. Licensed with BYO wine, it occupies an unusual space between casual dining and a quality Japanese noodle experience.
Neighborhood & visiting
Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD) sits in CBD (George St), one of Sydney's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional donburi restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Run by the same Japanese ownership as the well-regarded Menya Noodle Bar, ensuring consistent quality standards.
- One of the most affordable authentic Japanese noodle experiences in Sydney CBD — udon and soba from around $12.
- Housemade broths and generous tempura toppings elevate the offering well above comparable food-court Japanese.
- BYO wine licence makes it a rare casual Japanese option that suits an impromptu dinner as well as a quick lunch.
Address confirmed via Facebook post from @mappencbd August 2024: '551 George Street Sydney CBD' (Meriton Retail). Opening hours vary slightly from website; closed Monday and public holidays.
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Frequently asked
About Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD)
- Is Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD) an authentic japanese restaurant in Sydney?
- Yes — Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD) is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in Sydney: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused donburi format.
- Where is Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD) located?
- Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD) is located at Shop 11, 537-551 George Street (Meriton Retail), Sydney NSW 2000, Sydney, Australia in the CBD (George St) neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD)?
- Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD) does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular donburi restaurants in Sydney we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD)?
- Mappen Noodle Bar (CBD) sits in the ¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Sydney.
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