Akahoshi Ramen is a humble ramen shop in the city of Chicago. Everything is made in the restaurant, including all soups, seasonings, toppings, and noodles. We are not an authentic ramen shop, though we value the history of ramen, and our ramen is influenced by its past and its future potential. The dish, popularized in Japan after World War 2, is symbolic of both struggle and perseverance. It is both a simple dish, and a fantastically complex one that we treat with reverence and respect. Roughly translating to “Red Star,” the name “Akahoshi” is a love letter to two cities; Sapporo, Hokkaido, where red stars adorn city monuments, and Chicago, Illinois, where the red star decorates the city flag. Our ramen is influenced by Japanese and American ideals in cooking. We hope you will join us to enjoy a bowl of ramen, made with the respect and passion it deserves.
Momotaro is a multi-level Japanese restaurant located in the West Loop. Led by Executive Chef Gene Kato, Momotaro has had the honor of being named Restaurant of the Year in both Chicago Magazine and Chicago Social. Under Kato’s leadership the restaurant has come to define the balance between traditional values and modern technique, blending the two in a science and art that has resulted in an authentic, innovative menu. The restaurant, designed by the world renowned AvroKO, also contains the subterranean Izakaya at Momotaro (a laid back, lively lower-level bar and restaurant reminiscent of the neon-lit haunts of trendy Tokyo neighborhoods) and an elegant second floor private space that overlooks the main dining room.
Serving up the best sushi in Chicago and binchotan roasted meats using the freshest ingredients we can find, all with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer.
Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Steak is an updated take on the classic steakhouse and features a contemporary, chef-driven menu, an award-winning wine list and a well-curated craft cocktail program. The sister restaurant to RPM Italian, RPM Steak marks the second collaboration between Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and Bill and Giuliana Rancic.
OPEN FOR LUNCH 7 Days a weekCentrally located in Chicago's West Loop, Nobu Chicago playfully blends elements of old world Japanese and new world utilitarian.
TAO Chicago offers guests a sensual trip through the cuisines of Asia. The design-driven restaurant and adjoining nightclub is inspired by the original TAO locations in New York City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. TAO Chicago features multiple levels, creating dynamic spaces within the historic building’s shell, while adding TAO’s Asian-influenced DNA to the restaurant, lounge and nightclub including murals by artist Hush and TAO’s signature 16-foot-tall Quan Yin statue anchoring one end of the dining room. TAO Chicago’s restaurant menu, created by TAO Group Partner and Chef Ralph Scamardella , is complete with Pan-Asian offerings from the sea, sky and land including signature dishes like Satay of Chilean Sea Bass, Crispy Rice Tuna and a Wagyu Rib-Eye.
Sushi-San serves up the best sushi in Chicago made with the freshest ingredients they can find, all served with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. The bar is kept stocked with rare Japanese whisky, sake, wine and inventive cocktails. Join them for lunch and dinner.
Located in Chicago’s culinary destination, Fulton Market, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.
Situated in Lakeview's iconic Southport Corridor, Itoko is a neighborhood Japanese and robata restaurant from Gene Kato, Executive Chef of Momotaro. “Itoko” meaning “cousin” in Japanese, refers to the connection with Momotaro, located in the Fulton Market District. The menu features the high level of ingredients and technique that Chicago has come to expect from Chef Kato, alongside a beautiful interior curated for the Southport neighborhood. The menu itself features uniquely interpreted sushi rolls that allow the high-quality fish to be the star of the sushi experience. In addition, an innovative beverage menu with a focus on cocktails & highballs highlights the relationship between the technique of the food created by the kitchen and how this is complimented by the beverage selection.
The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro. The Izakaya and its shared-plates pub-inspired menu echoes the Yokocho street scene of Tokyo. Narrow lounge-inspired ‘alleys’ around a central bar bedecked with hand-painted Japanese menus, moody neon lights, and vintage Tokyo street signs set the scene for the Izakaya’s direct nod to Tokyo’s most famous post-war black markets. Dark, energetic, and ripe with expectation, the Izakaya additionally offers a 30-seat bar featuring crafted cocktails, sakes, and a quality selection of Japanese whiskeys. Parties and programming are no strangers to the Izakaya, where a rotating selection of events, including Monday Night Karaoke, feel right at home in this lively lower-level atmosphere.
