Food

A bao and ramen noodle bar with sushi on the side. The eclectic menu tempts with a selection of bao buns, ramen noodle broths and sushi poke bowls. No Asian chefs or staff in sight – but the rich and savoury broths simmering away in giant pots in the open kitchen infuse the venue with authentic umami aromas.

Start with a beef, chicken, prawn or eggplant-stuffed bao bun enhanced with pickled vegetables, piquant teriyaki sauce or firecracker mayo – and a bowl of strongly flavoured fermented kimchi vegetables on the side, which has the kick of a mule. The tempura panko prawns with a sweet chilli dipping sauce come rolled in a heavy-handed batter – but the seared seven-spice tuna or beef tataki with house ponzu, nori and roasted garlic burst with flavour.

The ramen broths are the star of the show, made from a chicken stock. Lean over the table, bend low over the bowl and slurp the ramen noodles like the guy in the comic-strip mural over the counter. The mouth-filling (beef, duck, chicken or vegetarian) broths are infused with delicious smoky, salty and sour flavours of fermented soy, miso, mushroom, nori, pickled cabbage and charrred yaki corn – and the option of a five-minute marinated egg.

If they have mochi, share dessert. Otherwise skip sweets.

Drinks

A small selection of affordable wines by the glass is available, as well as craft beers, spirits and cocktails.

Service

The table waiters are indifferent; rather ask advice from the enthusiastic staff in the open kitchen.

Ambience

Three Wise Monkeys has a casual, younger, trendy Sea Point night vibe, with intimate, comfy black banquettes, a grungy, dark interior, and an open-street counter for singles.

Best for…

Catching up with friends over lunch or dinner.

(August 2019)

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.