The Best Japanese Restaurants
While Chicago has long been celebrated for its vibrant dining scene, the suburbs are home to a range of exceptional Japanese restaurants that deserve recognition. From cozy spots serving up fresh sushi to places specializing in ramen, izakaya-style small plates, and other traditional Japanese fare, you can find a variety of authentic and inventive dishes across the suburbs. The Northwest suburbs in particular are a hub for outstanding Japanese restaurants, so whether you in the mood for a quick bento box or a great omakase experience, check out our list of favorites below.
NORTH SHORE
Jimoto
Executive Chef Yoonseok Jang brings his creativity, culture and excellent sushi to this Winnetka standby. You can sit at the sushi bar or grab a table and enjoy the wide open windows on nice days. From the maki to their fresh poke bowls topped with tuna, salmon, eel, octopus, or shrimp, each plate is thoughtfully conceived, executed and delicious. Pair your meal with some premium sake, a signature cocktail or Japanese beer.
Tenjin (Formerly Renga-Tei)
Chef Naoki and his wife, Yoshimi, renamed the restaurant formerly known as Renga-Tei when they took over in 2023 in order to make it their own, however the food and experience continue to match the quality that made it a Lincolnwood institution for more than three decades. They offer comforting homestyle Japanese cooking that includes sushi, noodles, donburi and yakisoba.
Tori Dasu
Housed inside one of our favorite North Shore restaurants, Guild Hall, offering the opportunity to order from either spot while there. Everything is delicious from the Nigiri and Sashimi, to the Makimono and Specialty Rolls. They also have a great Sake list.
694 Vernon Avenue
Glencoe, IL 60022
NORTHWEST SUBURBS
Chicago Ramen
The growing ramen empire of the Chicago suburbs was founded in Des Plaines by chef Kenta Ikehata, who has been called "The king of Tonkotsu ramen". They are known for their tsukemen ramen, or dipping ramen, which has thick cold noodles designed for dipping in rich, piping-hot soup. A must try for ramen fans everywhere.
Locations in Des Plaines, Schaumburg, Mundelein, Wheeling, Palatine, St. Charles, Rolling Meadows, Algonquin, Park Ridge and Crystal Lake (see map for details)
Daruma
A popular destination for locals and business lunches, who feast on their expansive menu of sushi, hot pot, yōshoku, soba, and more. We recommend trying the nabeyaki niku udon brimming with marinated beef and broiled saba shio-style mackerel, or the motsumi, a slow-cooked miso tripe stew.
Kurumaya
Tucked away in a suburban strip mall, Kurumaya is worth checking out. They offer a simple atmosphere with checkered tablecloths and hand-drawn menus that showcase their wide ranging menu that includes everything from sushi and sashimi platters to katsu curry and pan-fried dumplings.
Izakaya Sankyu
One of the few traditional izakaya style establishments in the Chicago suburbs. They offer an array of delicious Japanese cuisine from sushi and noodles to the wild, but tasty pork cheeks and tori-liver. Be sure to check out their loaded Bento Boxes for lunch, dinner or take out.
Mitsuwa Marketplace
A Japanese market that offers everything from produce and packaged goods to books and toys. They also happen to have an amazing food court that offers some of the best Japanese food in all of Chicagoland. We encourage you to try all the stalls but make sure to put the famous thick and tasty ramen from Hokkaido Ramen Santouka at the top of your list. Also check out the bakery while there for an array of delectable Japanese pastries.
Ramen House Shinchan
Inspired by the City of Nagoya in Japan, Ramen House Shinchan offers a menu of authentic and unique dishes like Tonkotsu Ramen, Taiwan Ramen, Tebasaki, and Misotatsu. Their delicious noodles can be enjoyed in a variety of broths like hearty miso-pork, creamy egg-based, or a flavorful chicken broth.
Locations in Palatine, Vernon Hills and Glenview (see map for details)
Shakou
A modern contemporary spot with multiple locations across the suburbs. Shakou offers a menu that includes sushi, poke bowls, ramen and a variety of entrees. If dining in, you can order their famous sushi boat but we prefer enjoying their food at home where they are a go-to for takeout dinners.
Locations in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Park Ridge, St. Charles and Libertyville (see map for details)
Sozai Banzai
The Northwest suburbs offer some of the best Japanese food in the Chicagoland area and Sozai Bonzai helps lead the way with their delicious homestyle staples like oyakodon, kitsune udon, and curry rice. They also offer a variety of traditional bento boxes that can be customized to your liking.
Tensuke Market & Food Court
A Japanese market that offers fresh wild-caught sashimi shipped in daily from both coasts along with imported rice and noodles, meat, produce, snacks, booze and more. They also have a food court where can pick up outstanding sushi and sashimi along with delicious comfort foods like gyudon and curry rice.
Tokio Pub
Attached to Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg and part of the Lettuce Entertain You empire, Tokio Pub offers Japanese fusion in a cool relaxed atmosphere. We love their BBQ Pork Buns and Roasted Tofu and Shiitake Mushroom Ramen. They also offer a variety of signature cocktails and Japanese Whisky.
WESTERN SUBURBS
moto imoto
Part of the BG Hospitality Group behind popular restaurants like Gia Mia and Fire + Wine. Moto imoto offers a beautiful blend of “East meets West” chef driven, farm fresh, Pan-Asian inspired menu. A great spot to grab a bento box for lunch or a nice dinner with shared plates and delicious cocktails. Hosting a party, they also offer great catering options.
Nabuki
The popular Hinsdale spot offers an innovative mix of traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi, along with original creations with a dash of Latin flair. The sushi is both fresh and beautifully made, and the service is always excellent.
Sen Sushi
A former member of the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, Sen Sushi is one of the top spots to find fresh fish and sushi rolls in the suburbs. The small cozy spot offers an array of fish, many flown in from Japan every few days, and has created a loyal following for their classic sashimi and a delicious contemporary maki.
