Sydney’s oldest operating ramen restaurant has just closed its doors after 28 years in business, with tough economic conditions cited as the reason for the closure.

Ramen Genki in Artarmon has long had a reputation for its authentic Japanese noodle dishes.

But after holding the illustrious title of ‘Sydney’s oldest Japanese ramen shop’, the restaurant shut its doors permanently on January 5.

News of the popular restaurant’s closure saddened Sydney foodies, many of whom came out in force during its final days of trade.

There were reports of long lines of customers along the mall and around the street corner to ensure the venue had a fitting send-off.

A notice posted by the restaurant’s second-generation owner, Kyo, confirmed the sad closure news.

Addressed to their loyal customers, the poster thanked patrons for making them ‘the oldest Japanese ramen restaurant in Sydney’.

‘It is with a heavy heart that we announce that our final day of business will be January 5th, 2026. We deeply appreciate all the customers and everyone involved who has supported us over the years.’

Genki employee and spokesperson Eiji Sasage told the Daily Telegraph that the business owners made the sad decision to close after facing a turbulent few years of economic difficulties, brought on by numerous factors including a decline in foot traffic and failed rent negotiations.

The 19-year-old, who has worked at Genki for the past five years, said ‘it really stressed them (the owners) out and…in the end it was like no I just can’t do it any .’

Online tributes have flowed during the final days of Genki Ramen’s operation.

A north shore residents’ Facebook group led the charge with a stirring post.

‘Genki Ramen at Artarmon has been serving the community delicious Japanese food for 28 years and is known far and wide for its incredible ramen,’ it read.

‘In fact, they’re Sydney’s oldest ramen shop. The outpouring of love, appreciation and disappointment at the news of their closing today has been huge.’

‘I’m not even a big ramen lover, but this place was never ‘just’ a ramen shop,’ a fan wrote.

‘It was a place of comfort. It’s heartbreaking to see something that built and carried its own identity through countless trends come to the end.’ Thank you, Kyo and team, for your wonderful, authentic offering to the local community for all these years.’

Another post shared to a separate upper north shore Facebook group was also flooded with comments from saddened patrons.

One comment in reply to the closure announcement shared a personal story of gratitude.

They wrote: ‘Genki is the OG of ramen in Sydney. I moved from Japan when I was a child… While I quickly got used to the Australian way of life, I did miss my food and had lots of cravings that were never satisfied – until someone informed me about Genki. Genki was my spot that I went to when I had my ramen cravings.’

Another wrote: ‘Will miss the creamy ramens of the old days. Thank goodness for their kickstarting the ramen trend.’

‘This place should be listed on heritage protection,’ responded another.

But in a faint glimmer of hope for ramen fans, one commenter hinted that Genki Ramen’s next chapter could still be around the corner.

‘On speaking to the owner, Kyo, he mentioned the rents were very high and he’s looking for an alternative location,’ the Sydney resident claimed.

Genki Ramen’s own Instagram account also shared one final farewell message to their customers, saying they were ‘truly grateful to all of you’.

This message similarly attracted warm support from patrons – and promises to return if the venue re-opened elsewhere.

‘Wishing you all the very best for the future. Artarmon has lost one of its greats! We will miss you,’ replied one customer.

‘Please let us know if there is a new opening somewhere in the future,’ hopefully added another.

‘All the best to everyone in Genki!! We will miss you a lot and wholeheartedly hope you will return soon!!’