Joomak Melbourne: A Basement Korean Restaurant for Kimchi Pancakes and Late-Night Dining

Head downstairs on Swanston Street, and your next Korean dinner could involve kimchi pancakes, a cheese-and-fish-roe egg roll and ice-blended rice wine.

If you’re looking for a Korean restaurant in Melbourne CBD, Joomak offers an underground setting with a menu built for an evening outing. The restaurant describes itself as a Korean pub and says it has been operating since 2010.

For the fourth instalment of our Melbourne Korean food series, we’re swapping noodle bowls for a basement dinner spot where sharing a few dishes is an appealing way to explore.

Source: https://share.google/dVtcJlC1FvKdHhAWc

Kimchi Pancakes at Joomak

The kimchi pancake is one of Joomak’s highlighted dishes, appearing on its official website and in the City of Melbourne’s venue listing. The latter describes its crisp texture and fermented-kimchi tang.

For anyone searching for kimchi pancakes in Melbourne, this gives you a specific dish to investigate.

It would be a useful starting point for a shared order. When tasting, notice the balance between the pancake’s centre and edges, how clearly the kimchi comes through, and whether you prefer it with or without the accompanying sauce.

Source: https://share.google/XlTiNowNjoo15tDyR

Cheese Egg Roll with Fish Roe

Another dish highlighted by the City of Melbourne is Joomak’s Cheese Egg Roll with fish roe, combining rolled eggs, melted cheese and fish roe.

It offers a different direction from the pancake, making the two an interesting pairing to consider. Before ordering, ask about portion sizes so you can decide how much else your table needs.

If you’re photographing the meal, the sliced egg roll provides a natural close-up: frame the cut surface so the filling is visible rather than relying only on an overhead shot.

Source: https://share.google/Du7pTWCNnFVQ4xv8s

Ice-Blended Makgeolli

Joomak’s drinks are part of its Korean-pub identity. Its website highlights soju and makgeolli, while the City of Melbourne specifically mentions house-made ice-blended makgeolli.

Makgeolli is Korean rice wine. If you’re curious about the ice-blended version, ask what flavours and serving sizes are available during your visit.

You can also keep the outing focused on the food. Check the current drinks menu for an option that suits your preferences.

A Different Setting for Korean Food in Melbourne

Joomak’s basement location at 407–409 Swanston Street is part of what distinguishes it from a street-facing restaurant.

Make a note of the address before heading over, particularly if you’re meeting friends separately. It’s easier to organise the evening when everyone knows to look for the downstairs venue.

For a first visit, start with a couple of shared dishes and build the rest of your order around your appetite. Check the current menu rather than assuming every item pictured online remains available.

Joomak Melbourne Opening Hours and Bookings

The restaurant’s official website currently lists:

Days	Opening hours
Monday–Saturday	5pm–2:30am the following morning
Sunday	Closed

It also invites diners to call to book. Confirm kitchen closing times directly if you’re planning a late meal, as venue hours do not necessarily indicate the last food order.

📍 Address: Basement, 407–409 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
📞 Phone: 03 9663 7123
🌐 Website and menu: Joomak Melbourne

Add Joomak to Your Melbourne Korean Food List

For diners exploring late-night Korean food in Melbourne, Joomak offers a dinner option with a distinctive basement setting.

Start by investigating the kimchi pancake and cheese egg roll, then choose the rest of your meal from the current menu. Bring friends willing to share, and leave enough time to enjoy the outing.

Which would you reach for first: kimchi pancake or the cheese-and-fish-roe egg roll?