Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Chiwa Bistro

    4.4 (32 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Chiwa Bistro Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Chiwa Bistro

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Paola C.

    This newest addition to the SONO mall was not what I expected for good reasons. The restaurant is decorated with beautiful laterns and text all over. You forget that you're at a busy mall. Great variety of many great Asian staples on the menu. They have dumplings, sushi, ramen, noodles, and more. I was surprised to find how AFFORDABLE everything was. Definitely a plus during these pricey times. Service was great and very fast, but note that if you plan to order the mini soup dumplings they take a little longer to prepare. I recommend the volcano sushi roll! Very delicious shrimp tempura roll with tuna and avocado. Comes with a little spicy mayo kick. Another plus is that every table comes with chili crisp oil if you're like me and like to include it on everythinggggg!

    Soumya A.

    They are lactated at the best location right in the heart of the city next to SoNo. They offer an elaborate menu with ramen, sushi, poke bowls and much more. I am a vegetarian and asked for a veggie ramen bowl and to make it a little spicy. They got the ramen exactly like I wanted. It was delicious in every sip and every bite. All the vegetables were amazing too. The berry and mango boba tea were completing the food for us. Ordered amazing and refreshing Poke bowl which was delicious. The ambiance is lively and welcoming. The fried chicken and curry was not the best, the chicken felt like not real chicken as my husband said. They also customised this dish with fried tofu for me and it was delicious. The vegetarian sushi was displayed in the beautiful sushi boat and was totally fresh and delicious. The crunchy cucumbers and soft avocados were just perfect. The service was so quick and friendly. They gave us some wonderful recommendations and an overall great experience. Foodieveggie approved.

    Shrimp Tempura Udon
    Mia M.

    LOVE their shrimp tempura udon dish! My boyfriend and I have visited this restaurant several times now, and I always leave super happy! Chiwa Bistro gave me my first introduction to udon, and I definitely was not disappointed. Their scallion pancakes are also tasty! The ambiance was very relaxing, with very pretty Chinese lanterns hung up around the main dining room. Servers were all very friendly and attentive. 10/10 experience!

    Tonkotsu Ramen
    Lucia B.

    Great service by Amy, she was very attentive. The owner was also very welcoming and generous. The place is decorated in a very cheerful manner. I love the sake on the walls. We had the Tonkotsu Ramen with the KuroButa pork, the picture looks like 4 pieces of pork, while they brought in 3, my husband was disappointed . We also had Bbq Eel Don was good, extra charge for fried rice (I didn't know). Overall, a good place to eat. I would like to try the dim sum next time.

    Sushi and one of the specialty rolls.
    Beth L.

    The food keeps getting better. Love this place!! Golden Dragon Roll is the Best! I haven't tried the ramen yet, but I plan to next time I go.

    Jenny S.

    Pretty presentation salmon was just ok. The roll tasted old, the rice was hard. I tried the passion fruit bubble tea and it was very sweet and I tried my husbands milk tea and it just tasted like watered down milk. It's a cute place and friendly service but the food just wasn't good.

    Gyaljen Nuru F.

    Clean nice and comfortable, This is new edition in SONO, there are 3 other Ramen and 4 sushi places in near by but this place is also not bad to try. I love the friendly server and hot soup here. Good job guys !!! See you again

    We really enjoyed this place! The service was wonderful and fast, and the food was delicious -- we ordered different kinds of sushi and miso soup. Everything was excellent and fresh! A pleasant surprise was the complimentary drinks from the staff. Thank you for a lovely evening!

    Lauren M.

    Food was fresh and delicious and the service was great, love the Soju alcohol beverage,I got the apple and it was very refreshing and crisp. We got the mini boat and it was beautifully appealing. I have to say, it felt like home so friendly and attentive.

    Amazing service and food was absolutely amazing. They were welcoming and attentive and everything we ordered was fresh and cooked to perfection.

    Christina Roll - very fresh fish and nice presentation

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrew E.
    239
    10
    7

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 day ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mia M.
    1
    12
    18

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Beth L.
    22
    25
    27

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jackie L.
    42
    132
    7

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jin Z.
    0
    11
    19

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Great service and good food! Has a little bit of everything so everyone will be satisfied here. Super convenient as it's right at the mall.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Chiwa Bistro

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Japanese 865 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Haruki Ramen and Izakaya

    Haruki Ramen and Izakaya

    4.6
    (193 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    The vibe is chill. Would recommend the Ishiyaki Wagyu on hot stone! It was tasty and came with a…read moreside of kimchi and string beans. The poke bowl was flavorful but was mainly rice. I wouldn't recommend the Yaki Onigiri, despite reading positive reviews for it. The fried rice was way too heavy and didn't taste good. The greasiness was competing with the strong taste of the salmon. Some servers knew their job well, and greeted us at the door. A newer server wasn't as knowledgeable on gluten free options there and also didn't take away our used appetizer plates before serving us the mains. Not a huge deal, but it does make a difference in your dining experience and how the flow of your meal goes.

    "Comforting Bowls and a Cozy Izakaya Feel"…read more Haruki Ramen & Izakaya delivers a warm and inviting ramen experience that feels both relaxed and satisfying. It is the kind of place that works perfectly for a casual date night or a comforting dinner when you are craving something rich and flavorful. We started with the agedashi tofu and Sapporo, which was a great way to ease into the meal. The tofu was lightly crisp on the outside and silky inside, sitting in a savory broth that balanced sweetness and umami nicely. Paired with a cold Sapporo, it set the tone for a solid evening. My girlfriend ordered the spicy tonkotsu ramen, which came out steaming and fragrant. The broth was creamy and pork forward with a steady heat that built gradually without overwhelming the palate. The noodles had a nice chew and the toppings were well portioned. I went with the mazemen, which was bold and satisfying. Rich sauce coating thick noodles, topped with a perfectly jammy egg and fresh scallions for brightness. It was hearty and full of flavor, the kind of dish that leaves you full and content. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with dim lighting and a laid back energy that encourages you to settle in. Service was attentive and friendly without being intrusive. The only reason this lands at four stars instead of five is that while everything was very good, it did not quite reach that unforgettable level. Still, it is a dependable spot for quality ramen in Norwalk.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Haruki Ramen and Izakaya
    Haruki Ramen and Izakaya

    See all

    Bar Bushido

    Bar Bushido

    4.3
    (34 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    We went on a Sunday and chose the chef's counter in the tamaki-ya room hidden away in the back. We…read morewere fortunate enough to find Chef Taibe behind the counter on his otherwise night-off. I'm no foodie but I am Chinese/Japanese and can appreciate finer things in life when I see it. This place meet and exceeded my expectations. The wonderful speak-easy tamaki-ya room in the back is warmly lit and held at a nice volume, much quieter than the izakaya bar in the front. For small bites we had the Beet n Hijiki salad (highly recommend!), Agedashi tofu, and Torched Maine uni. For hand-rolls I had the Spanish Mackerel, Hokkaido Scallops, Ocean Trout, BBQ Eal & Foie Gras, and Cucumber ume. My wife had the Maine Uni, Hamachi, and Botan Ebi. Everything was good, but there were quite a few that were very good, and there were two that, for me, were the best that I've ever had in recent memory. For the Spanish Mackerel Chef Taibe put an interesting spin on it by topping it off with a traditional Chinese ginger and scallion garnish used in a tender chicken dish. It works, it balances out the briny taste of Spanish Mackerel... which is great... unless you LOVE the briny, savory, mineral, metallic, umami taste of fresh Spanish Mackerel :) The Hokkaido Scallops was, by quite a large margin, the best scallop dish I've ever had. The tender sweetness of the fresh scallop combined with a brown butter kewpie (how American!) and yuzu tobiko sauce swimmingly. Texture, temperature, taste, all perfect. I like eel and I love Unaju. But by far the biggest surprise was the BBQ Eal & Foie Gras (see pic). This dish alone warrants a culinary course. On the face of it, bbq, eel, foie gras all sets you up for something rich, filling, heavy. But when I bit into the unassuming hand roll, it was the lightest bite of Japanese rice/seafood/seaweed/liver/sauce combo I've ever had. Turns out Chef Taibe prepared the sauce from scratch using five+ different spices, and prepared the foie gras au torchon. I could go on, but suffice to say, this was one of the best bites I've ever had. By contrast, I thought I was going to close out with the cucumber ume roll, but compared to the eel and foie gras, the ume actually felt more overpowering. Perhaps if they cut back on the generous amount of ume paste... (Worthy mention: Chef Taibe presents the nori in a separate envelope. This seemingly simple step is crucial to the taste and mouthfeel of the hand roll. It provides a wonderful fresh crisp crunch to every bite and it does indeed make a difference. He mentioned he sources a special nori but I forgot the details, just know that it's really good) My wife loves uni, and I'll let her describe her experience (which she won't) but it was so good she had to order a second one. As if you need more convincing, we had a great experience and I think you will too. Bravo Chef, well done

    We absolutely love Bar Bushido. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the intention behind…read moreeverything -- this isn't just a restaurant, it's a full experience. The cocktail program is seriously one of the best in the area. Creative without being gimmicky, balanced, and clearly inspired by Japanese ingredients and technique. Every drink feels thoughtful and well executed -- the kind of place where you actually want to work your way through the menu. The food is where it really shines. The chef-owner's love of Japanese cuisine comes through in every detail. The yakitori program is outstanding and deeply traditional -- using all parts of the chicken the way it's done in Japan. It's respectful, intentional, and absolutely delicious. You don't often see that level of authenticity and execution locally. The bar bites are some of the best around. The fried chicken sando is one of my personal favorites -- perfectly crispy, juicy, balanced, and craveable. And the ramen? No one can hold a candle to it. The broth is deeply flavorful and layered, the noodles are spot on, and every topping feels purposeful. It's the kind of bowl you think about the next day. Perhaps the best kept secret in all of Norwalk is the back room -- the elegant Temaki-Ya. Tucked away behind an unmarked entrance, this intimate hand-roll bar feels almost like discovering a hidden Japanese speakeasy. The atmosphere is quiet and refined, the kind of place that's perfect for a special date night or a memorable evening with friends. The temaki (hand rolls) are beautifully composed, with thoughtful ingredient combinations that balance texture, flavor, and visual appeal. What makes this place special is the dual experience -- lively izakaya vibes in the front, elegant hand-roll bar in the back -- all tied together by serious culinary skill and genuine hospitality. Norwalk is lucky to have this spot.

    Photos
    Neon wall decor
    Neon wall decor
    Tofu / Asparagus Kushiyaki
    Tofu / Asparagus Kushiyaki
    Cucumber sunomono

    See all

    Cucumber sunomono
    Kawa Ni

    Kawa Ni

    4.4
    (372 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$$

    Hands down one of my fav. Kawa Ni in Westport. I recently went there for late lunch. Its the kind…read moreof atmosphere that feels trendy without trying too hard. Ive been there for dinner time as well, it's lively, loud in a good way, and immediately feels like somewhere you could stay for hours. I ordered the miso ramen, and it was honestly one of the most satisfying bowls of ramen I've had in Connecticut. The broth was the star of the dish its deep, rich, savory, and layered with that perfect balance of umami and subtle sweetness from the miso and a bit nitty form the sesame seeds. The noodles had the perfect texture: chewy, springy, and able to hold onto the broth beautifully. Nothing was overcooked or mushy . What impressed me most was how balanced the ramen was. Some ramen spots go overboard with salt or spice, but this bowl felt refined. Rich but not greasy. Flavorful but not overpowering. You could tell there was actual technique behind it. The portion size was also generous enough to leave completely full without feeling uncomfortable afterward. The service matched the food perfectly and so freaking sweet. I have trying to rec this all my coworkers

    Ok, where do I even start with this spot!? Highly recommend…read moremaking a reservation because they book up fast. Like one of Westport's hottest restaurants right now! The decor is a lovely authentic izakaya with the wood paneling and everything. It's a beautiful homage to Japanese culture. Ok now menu. Lunch there is great but recommend going for the dinner menu over anything to have more options! The addictive cabbage is just as it says, addicting. It's acidic, savory and has the perfect crunch to it. The crab Rangoons are sooo good. They give you plenty of sauce and you can tell it's the good crab. The cold sesame noodles are perfect! A little bit of heat, a bunch of flavor. I'm drooling just thinking about it! The chili dumplings were good but a little too spicy for me! We also really enjoyed the kimchi carbonara and personally, I'm a sucker for udon noodles! And now the star of the show for me and something I've ordered three times now! The crab fried rice! The crab is so tender and buttery, like it actually melts in your mouth. And the pork belly chunks in it, also tender and delicious. I like dream of this dish every week! And the great thing is you can order the half size during dinner so you can try other things too! This spot is in my top 5 for 2026 so far! Please go try them asap!

    Photos
    Inside of pub
    Inside of pub
    Miso salmon donburi
    Miso salmon donburi
    KIMCHI CARBONARA is excellent

    See all

    KIMCHI CARBONARA is excellent
    Mecha Noodle Bar

    Mecha Noodle Bar

    4.2
    (591 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    The food was amazing but the service is the best there is in Fairfield county!!…read more The entire staff was helpful, amazing customer service! Julia did everything to make us happy during our entire visit. I highly recommend Mecha in Norwalk/SONO

    Rafael, Hayro & Betsy created a very memorable experience for me at 'Mecha'-- the service was…read moreabsolutely impeccable. I ordered two miso ramen with a load of add-ons to go following the epic snowstorm... it was positively delicious. Broth was balanced, savory and had the perfect aspect of heat... pork belly was cooked to perfection and I love how they prepare the perfect tamago (egg). A special treat is the saki flight-- Hayro is very well versed in his tasting note knowledge and origins of the featured sakis and was ultra kind, consistent with his execution of dynamic cocktails behind the bar. Love the ambiance, music is always on point and the bar set-up is ultra inviting... I prefer that over sitting in a booth. Rafael, the manager, was ultra attentive and very gracious towards me as a waiting patron... he even surprised me with a little KFC Bao which was absolutely magical with the sauces provided! Professionalism 10.0 and so endearing! I would recommend double checking your to go orders, especially if the order is a bit complex or heavy on the add-on factor (my cabbage was left out but I believe it was substituted for a larger order of greens)... but Betsy was polite and patient amidst me being a picky foodie in my ordering process! I can't thank this team enough for consistently delicious food and noteworthy customer service... it is ultra popular for a reason! *Posted while currently waiting on yet another to go order-- thank you, Mecha!*

    Photos
    Mecha Noodle Bar
    Best Pork Belly I have ever had!
    Best Pork Belly I have ever had!
    Storefront

    See all

    Storefront

    Chiwa Bistro - japanese - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...