Oiistar

I made a reservation for two at 8:45 PM. When we arrived a little early, I noticed that the…read morerestaurant was listed as closing at 9:00 PM, so I asked what that meant for our reservation. The response I received was essentially, "I don't know." Since I had a reservation, I was then asked for my name. After I gave it, I was told that they couldn't find it and couldn't pronounce my name, so I should look for it myself. I was honestly quite taken aback by the way the situation was handled. I tried to be understanding, thinking that the staff may simply have had a long and busy day, but I'm leaving this review in the hope that the next guest has a better experience. If, when I first asked about the closing time, someone had simply said, "We're sorry for the confusion. We stop accepting new customers at 9:00 PM, but we will continue serving guests with reservations," the whole situation could have been resolved pleasantly for everyone. And before telling a guest, "I can't pronounce your name and I can't find your reservation, so you find it yourself," it would have taken very little effort to scroll down just a little further. My reservation was there.

I ordered the Tonkotsu ramen and this is hands down the best pork Chashu Pork I've had in any ramen…read morerestaurant. It's thick, flavorful, moist, and mildly sweet! I already started eating before I took the pic but had to share a review unexpectedly since it was so good. Also had great old school hip-hop vibes, which is a great way to loosen up during my lunch break :)

Chili oil, low sodium soy sauce, chili flakes and furikake on each table

Pork belly

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Express lunch 10 Hour Tonkotsu Edamame Hummus Salad-San karaage chicken

Daifuku Ramen

4.5(280 reviews)

4.2 mi•Chinatown

My favorite ramen place in Chicago!…read more Broth was creamy and super flavorful. I loved the noodle texture, the pork wasn't fatty or hard to eat, & bonus for a full egg! Interior is so cute and the workers here are so kind and fast. The price here also can't be beat. There is sometimes a line at peak dinner and weekend lunch hours and it's a physical line but it's definitely not more than 20-30 minutes at least the times I've been. I highly recommend !!

Service: good Shirts: very cute I did end up buying one…read moreRamen: it was decent. Maybe I don't like ramen and that's the issue but I do sometimes feel like it's missing something. Also I only had one bite of edible pork the rest was fat.

Hakata Tonkotsu

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Hakata Tonkotsu

Ramen Wasabi

4.2(2.3k reviews)

1.3 mi•Logan Square

Ramen Wasabi will always have me at a chokehold. Probably by far the best ramen spot in Chicago,…read moreand that is saying a lot since I've been to many different ramen restaurants in the city. Ramen Wasabi has no reservations. The wait times vary, but sometimes there are seats readily available. There are bar seats available and a large middle table that you share with other parties. Service has always been good for us, and we're known as regulars there now Karaage - Fried Chicken Nuggets: An absolute must for any craving. Plenty to share with friends and the togarashi mayo dip is super delicious with it. Juicy bites with crispy batter, making everything about this appetizer perfect. Signature Tonkotsu (with Spice Umami): the noodles are sooo bouncy. I love how rich the broth is and how easy it is to bite into the Char Siu. It is so filling and honestly reminds me of my time in Japan. Tokyo Classic Shoyu (with Spice Umami): lighter broth compared to the tonkotsu, but just as delicious. This is another must-try! Ramen Wasabi will always remain as my top ramen shop in Chicago. Never had a miss with this. I would love to try their other dishes (donburi) when I have the chance...but their ramen is too good to not order

Food was decent. I went for dinner and I was impressed with the salad, wings and ramen. Everything…read morehad some spice to it but it wasn't overpowering. Service was good. Waitress was attentive and definitely helped with good suggestions Ambiance is good. Very dimly lit but perfect for a good date night.

Spicy Roasted Garlic Miso Ramen

Inside

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Tokyo Spicy Wings Small Plate

Kyuramen - Downtown Chicago

4.2(646 reviews)

2.5 mi•Near North Side

This place was my heart away from home…read more I was craving soup. I scrolled through their menu and found so many delicious things. It was so convenient that they offered delivery to my hotel at the wee late hours of the night where I hit their curry tonkatsu omurice dish and a side of hot ramen broth. So delicious.

Probably one of the best, near authentic ramens in the downtown area. My husband and I LOVED the…read more"Amazing Lemonade." Whatever they put in it, it's truly amazing. The ramen noodles have texture and not soggy. The broth, though a bit oily, was delicious with depth. The omurice is more of a novelty dish here. It's good, but if you've ever had the real thing, you'll know that it's not close to a real omurice. The curry that goes on top was basic and nothing special. Service can be a hit or miss. We've been here a couple of times and it just depended on who you got. Ambiance is nice. You get a pseudo private area/booth like place to sit. But this traps the heat in and we were both sweating by the end of it. Would be nice if they were able to turn down the temperature or not make the light above so hot.

1.8 mi•West Loop, Near West Side

Honeycomb pods

Matcha Pudding W. Red Bean

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Pork Bao Buns ( 2Pcs) 2Pcs

Gyuro Ramen

4.4(278 reviews)

Stopped by Gyuro Ramen in Chicago and had the Wagyu Misuhi Ramen, Kimchi Wagyu Ramen, and a side of…read morekimchi. The staff was top-notch--attentive, welcoming, and made for a great dining experience. The ramen itself was flavorful, and the kimchi was easily the standout of the meal. While the homemade noodles are a nice touch, they were a little undercooked for our taste on this visit. Overall, everything else was delicious, and we enjoyed our meal. 7/10

Ordered pick up for lunch during the week. My order was ready at the estimated time…read more I got the gyudon and the wontons. The gyudon was a tad sweet and the ginger made it sweeter. I was hoping for a little bit more savory. The wontons were delicious and I would definitely get it again. I will continue to explore the menu and come back as it's near work.

2.0 mi•West Loop, Near West Side

Interior

Truffle fries

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Wagyu bone marrow

High Five Ramen

4.0(1.1k reviews)

It is definitely a cool spot. It's in the basement and has limited seats. We tried:…read more- Tonkatsu 1/2 spice - Shio 1/4 spice - Coconut Painkiller Slushy I think the tonkatsu was the best, but definitely go low spice. Not because of the heat, but after a few minutes it definitely takes over the bowl and you lose the original flavor. The drink was great, but a bit small.

High 5 Ramen has a lot going for it on the surface. The basement speakeasy vibe is great, the…read moreservice is on point, and those frozen slushy drinks are always a win. Unfortunately, the ramen itself just doesn't hit anymore. It's not terrible, but it's definitely not crave-worthy. The broth lacks the deep, complex umami you want in a great bowl of ramen, ending up feeling pretty one-note instead. I was hoping my first underwhelming bowl was just an off night, but after two or three visits with the same mid result, it seems like the quality has genuinely slipped. It's a fun spot to hang out, but the food just isn't hitting the mark like it used to. 3.49 stars.

1.9 mi•Fulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side

Entrance into the restaurant, located in the basement

Ramen

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Orange slush

Ramen Wasabi

3.9(753 reviews)

Wow! How delicious. I got the miso pork belly ramen and it was so flavorful. The pork belly was so…read moresoft along with my favorite part, the egg! We also got the chicken karaage, which I would definitely go back for. Our server was very attentive and gave great recommendations as it was my first time there. It was also a great vibe for a dinner hang or a date! I'm eager to go back and try the other signature ramens on the menu!

I have been to the FM location twice and got seated fairly quickly (pre Fall weather though) on…read moreboth occasions. I am glad to have this location by me given the drive and long wait times at the original location. I go have gotten the tonkatsu (sub with chicken) on both visits and it's hit the crave spot. Their broth is still one of the better ones in my opinion.

2.7 mi•Near North Side, River East

Ramen Wasabi- Fulton Market is now open. 11.2024

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New Ramen Wasabi on Fulton Market 11.29.24

Ramen-San Deluxe

4.0(661 reviews)

Nate and I have been to a different location of Ramen-San and really enjoyed it, so when I realized…read morethis was near the comedy club where we had tickets later, we stopped by for happy hour. We were seated right away and the happy hour menu is great. We got an order of chicken karaage, tofu bao, pork belly bao, some fried Brussels sprouts (not on the happy hour menu but still only $6), and a couple of drinks. The food came out quickly in rounds which was nice. I loved the chicken karaage - it was super crispy but juicy inside and the lime kosho aioli is so tasty. It's also a large portion to share. The bao were tender and fluffy, and the tofu definitely had a kick of spice, so be aware! The Brussels sprouts were tasty but nothing too unique. I loved the happy hour experience here and would definitely come back.

Chicken Shio 10 Hr Tonkotsu x 2…read more 6.5/10 follow my yelp collections for updates on all the places i've tried!

Dessert menu

Crunchy tuna*

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Ramen chicken

Monster Ramen

4.3(192 reviews)

2.4 mi•Logan Square

This is a unique ramen spot that specializes in beef-ramen! You don't find many spots like that,…read moresince many ramen shops tend to have pork broth or char siu (pork). We didn't come in with a reservation, but were seated very quickly (within 10 mins) at the bar. It was very cool to be able to watch the chefs cook up your ramen while you were seated! It has a fairly dark and intimate dining area, making it a great place for a date night. The Shoyu Plus had a unique depth to its broth, with delicious flavors within each bite. Something that I noticed was that it had a lighter broth compared to your traditional tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen. The Miso Wagyu is a smaller version of the Monster Ramen (their specialty). This was a decent size with again, lots of flavor. The broth was a little thicker (not too thick, but due to the miso). But it was just as good as the Shoyu Plus. If I had to choose between the two, I really liked the Shoyu Plus. But if it's your first time, try their speciality! Good depth in their broths, and an amazing place for those who cannot eat pork to still enjoy ramen here

I was skeptical when I first heard the name Monster Ramen. All my previous personal experiences…read morehave always proven to me that restaurants with names that don't represent their culture in distinct ways are generally subpar. For example, I would usually never even think to step into a restaurant named Best China House, Sushi Bistro, or Mom's Korean Restaurant. (Apologies if your shops are named as such. These were meant to be generic examples) Oh, how times have changed. I would have never thought having a bowl of ramen at a Monster Ramen would give me this much pleasure. Part of it will (in fact, most of it) be on me and my general philosophy on fusion cuisine and outdated gemerational gap. There was definitely a time when avoiding agorementioned type of restaurants may have been deemed smart. But I feel the new generation of restaurant owners and chefs have up'd their games in not only at better food making, but also accepting of a bit more irony. Anyone who knows me knows how much I stay away from trying anything "fusion." It's kinda funny to myself how hypocritical it is that I would be totally okay in substituting an ingredient or two when I'm missing some when cooking, but when it comes to paying money to sit and eat that I would judge chefs by thier style of cooking. Yes, a big part of it is based on a large pool of personally gathered data, but I do acknowledge that I need to open myself up a bit more. Case in point. I was recommended MR by a fellow Yelper and I decided to give it a whirl. I happened to have a friend and his son with me, so I was able to do small tastings of 3 different ramen. And boy, was I pleasantly surprised. We collectively had bowls of shio, shoyu and miso specials. Plus, I ended up getting the Summer Special bowl to go for my wife. All of them had their individual charm to them but more importantly, each of them were made to perfection when it came to broth seasoning and noodle texture, which are THE two most important aspect of ramen, in my opionion. Not too salty nor bland soup. Perfectly dense noodles. I just loved all four! It wad when I tasted the yuzu in tgeir shio ramen that my wife would love it. Even though I brought her the spicy Sunmer version home, I still think it'll be worth bringing her and our daughter back when we get a chance to. Our server Dionne (I think) was most pleasant and helpful. The atmosphere of the restaurant was great, too. It helped that I came before the dinner rush, although, I can also see more lively vibe being nice as well. Will be back with the fam definitely!

3.2 mi•Printer's Row, South Loop

Seating

Miso Wagyu

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Menu as of 9.20.25

Umai

4.1(1.2k reviews)

Amazing sushi and fantastic service! 10/10!…read moreIf you find yourself in the south loop then you must give this restaurant a try!

Such a lovely South Loop gem! We came here for dinner and we asked to be seated outside. As the…read morehost was taking us to our seats he brought waters with him, which was great so we didn't have to wait. The patio was very cute with plants and lights. I got a chocolate martini and it was rimmed with chocolate sauce. It wasn't filled to the top (see pic) so it felt a bit pricy for the amount you get but it was very good. To start off, we got the spicy edamame and it was garlicky with a kick! I typically eat vegetarian foods, and there was a vegetarian section for sushi which was nice. I got the cucumber roll and added avocado along with the sweet potato tempura roll and added cream cheese. The rice was very soft and seasoned and tasted premium. The vegetables were fresh and delicious. Would love to come back for the ramen

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Eggplant Appetizer

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Handroll Spicy Tuna

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59 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Charles V.

3 years ago

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Wicker Park in Chicago, Onistar stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of ramen. Having traversed the United States in search of the perfect bowl, I can confidently say that Onistar reigns supreme as the best ramen spot in the nation. From the moment you step through the doors of Onistar, you are greeted by the tantalizing aroma of simmering broth and fresh noodles, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. The menu boasts a tantalizing array of ramen options, each meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients and infused with bold flavors that transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Tokyo. One standout dish at Onistar is their signature Tonkotsu Ramen, a rich and creamy broth that is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a depth of flavor that is simply unparalleled. Tender slices of chashu pork, perfectly cooked eggs, and an assortment of fresh vegetables adorn the bowl, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that leave you craving more with every slurp. For those seeking a bit of heat, the Spicy Miso Ramen is a must-try, featuring a fiery blend of miso paste, chili oil, and fragrant spices that pack a punch without overpowering the palate. The heat is perfectly balanced by the richness of the broth, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning spice lovers. Beyond the exceptional ramen, the atmosphere at Onistar is cozy and inviting, with friendly staff who are passionate about sharing their love for Japanese cuisine with every diner. Whether you're dining solo or enjoying a meal with friends, the warm ambiance and attentive service only serve to enhance the overall experience. In conclusion, Onistar in Chicago's Wicker Park stands as a shining example of culinary excellence in the world of ramen. With its impeccable craftsmanship, bold flavors, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder that Onistar has captured the hearts and taste buds of ramen enthusiasts across the nation. If you find yourself in Chicago craving a taste of authentic Japanese ramen, look no further than Onistar for an experience that is truly second to none. read more

Pete J.

655

14 years ago

Had a good experience here and I think this restaurant will do fine once they settle into the neighborhood. I had the chance to sample of few dishes. -Oiimen Ramen - A very good tonkatsu-style ramen. Good noodles and a very nice silky pork-based broth with a nice amount of sansho pepper to give it a a little spice. I liked the ingredients, but would've preferred some pork belly instead of the pork loin. -Ribs - The menu said the ribs were grilled, but there were no grill marks or charring. They were braised. Felt a little misled. -Pork Buns - Good, with ample amounts of pork belly to make this very satisfying. However, I thought the "no carry-out" policy could be a huge detriment to the business. Given the amount of foot-traffic in the area during the evenings, they need have a carry-out menu. I most cases, just by having a carry-out menu / items can account for up to 30-40 percent of a restaurants overall sales. Just sayin'. Lastly, I think they also need to work on their marketing a bit - social media, targeting Yelpers/Yelp Elites, writing press releases, targeting Chicago food bloggers, targeting groups of Asians on Facebook would be a good start. I'm between a 4 and a 5 for this review, but I'm giving it a 5 if this place can maintain it's consistency in the upcoming year or so. This place has a lot of potential and I'd like to see it succeed. Oh yeah, and please, add a spicy seafood ramen option! read more

Sydney X.

Elite 23

133

715

3 years ago

Oiistar is a gem in the world of ramen, and I can't stop raving about my recent dining experience there. The Oiimen classic ramen bowl was nothing short of spectacular! From the first slurp to the very last bite, it was an explosion of flavors that left my taste buds dancing with joy. The broth was rich and savory, and you could tell it had been simmered to perfection. The noodles were cooked just right - firm and toothsome, yet they absorbed the broth's essence beautifully. The toppings were generous, including succulent slices of tender pork, perfectly marinated soft-boiled eggs, and a medley of fresh vegetables. The attention to detail in each component of this bowl was evident. The authenticity of the classic ramen bowl is worth noting. It felt like a slice of Japan right here in the heart of the city. The flavors were true to the traditional ramen I've had in Tokyo, and that's a testament to the skill of the chefs at Oiistar. As for the Spicy garlic shoyumen, it was a delightful surprise. While it may not have reached the same heights as the classic ramen, it had its unique charm. The spiciness was just enough to give it a kick without overwhelming the palate, and the garlic added a wonderful depth of flavor. read more

Marty W.

13 years ago

Came here for lunch with my girlfriend and her baby on a whim and was blown away. I don't know how I've survived half of this treacherous winter without it. Seriously, the best ramen I've had in Chicago. We ordered the mushroom, duck breast and 6 hour pork shoulder buns which were all delicious. I particularly loved duck breast because of the raisin chutney it was served with. Super balanced and delicious. We followed with the pozolmen ramen which I've since been back for....twice. The broth was creamy and buttery, super rich, and perfectly porky. Service was stellar. Our waiter, Alex, was super knowledgeable and cute and funny to boot. Kept two ladies and a baby happy for the (gulp) 2.5 hours we hung out. So cheers to him. All in all, one of my new favorite places. Go now. Over order. Slurp it up. Repeat. read more

Victor J.

14 years ago

I don't know what restaurant those two bitter reviewers above ate at,but it sure wasn't Oiistar! I live in the Wicker Park area,and I was patiently awaiting the opening of this much-needed ramen shop. Boy was it worth the wait! I ate there last night, and I had a wonderful experience. The waitstaff are very friendly and knowledgeable, the sangria is so tasty and affordable it almost made me feel guilty, and the food was delicious! I love the open kitchen concept, it made me feel like I was getting a free show while I waited for my food. I got the pork buns as an appetizer, and they were very good. I also got the pasolmen(sp?) ramen, and if you are a fan of spicy food this is the dish for you! So in summary, I had a great experience dining at this new restaurant, and I will definitely be back again and again!! read more

Nisha C.

Elite 25

124

332

3 years ago

Oiistar Ramen was the perfect spot to eat on a cold rainy day. I started with the Berkshire Pork Bun which featured a succulent pork belly and a flavorful sauce. The Spicy Garlic Shoyumen Ramen is a must-try, with rich, garlicky broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and a generous serving of pork, soft boiled eggs, and veggies . I got the ramen with wavy noodles and it was the perfect amount of chewiness. The service was fast and we sat at the tables in the back and it didn't feel too noisy or overwhelming. It was a lively atmosphere but we could still enjoy our conversation. Overall a great ramen place that hit the spot on a cold and dreary day. Don't miss Oiistar if you're a fan of ramen, it's a must try! read more

Laurita M.

Elite 26

161

190

375

2 years ago

I tried the vegan ramen which was the only vegetarian/vegan option for ramen on the menu. The dish featured a generous amount of fresh vegetables and tofu, which I appreciated. However, the broth could have used a bit more flavor, and some additional seasoning on the vegetables might have enhanced the overall taste. The non-vegetarian/vegan Ramen received high praise from my friends at the table. They did have Japanese beer available which was a delightful complement to the meal. I hope the restaurant will consider expanding and enriching their vegetarian and vegan selections to better cater to diverse palates. read more

Dusty W.

162

7 years ago

This is one of the best restaurants that I've tried so far. The food here was a variety of the best American and Asian foods. Their selections were in a wide range that for sure will be fitted on your standard. They really had the good quality of the food here, from veggies to meats. Truly fresh and new. They value your money and they want you to be satisfied with every food that you will be going to eat and order here. Just like me, I am really glad that I found this restaurant through my friend's recommendations. Great place, delicious food, and good customer service. Fantastically awesome! read more

Evy C.

Elite 24

3 years ago

The bar seating experience on a Saturday at 6pm was impeccable, with no wait time, and the attentive staff enhanced our overall dining enjoyment. The ramen impressed with its rich and flavorful profile, while the slightly pricier buns offered a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are a definite must-try. Now, let's highlight the star--the shrimp tempura bun. A crispy masterpiece, it provides a satisfying crunch complemented by the pickled slaw. While the buns might impact your wallet, the exceptional dining experience makes it a worthwhile venture for those who value quality. read more

Miranda W.

12 years ago

Great Ramen! I had the Tikkoman, which I thought seemed the least spicy of the ramen flavors. It turned out to be quite spicy for my taste, but I am a baby about spicy food. Buffalo Wild Wings honey bbq is the most spicy I can handle and enjoy, and this was spicier. The meat was crispy and I did not expect that. It was a great surprise. My fiancée had the original and he loved it. It was also very spicy. We also had the pork belly bun and it was amazing!! The sauce was so good! I wished it was larger Next time I want to try the donut Bao and I plan to ask for mild ramen. read more

Nicole B.

14 years ago

i got in chicago friday, we visit some friends and had good time.sunday evening went out for diner and stopped at oiistar. SUPER ,SUPER good decision.wait about 10 min but it went fast watching the big screen and having a nice sangria. Now the food; pock buns fabulous!,the ramen better than all florida!the cream caviar awesome! we all agreed with 5 stars review . i wish i get a place like this in fla. for all looking for a nice restaurant and have agood time while in chicago,this is the place. PS, THIS IS NOT A MC. DONALDS TO GET FRIED FRIES! read more

Daniel K.

5 years ago

Just moved to Chicago from Canada and had to try some of the local ramen for one of my first meals. This place didn't disappoint. As soon as I walked in I could tell I would love it, just based on the smell. I had their classic ramen with pork belly - the broth was deep and rich (which I prefer over lighter broths). Standout was the pork belly, very large savory portions. Extremely tender, I agree with others when they say it almost "melts in your mouth". Perfect meal for a chilly winter night in Chicago oh and service was great as well read more

Emily W.

294

9 years ago

I've been trying to find a good ramen place for awhile. I went here on a Saturday night and it was busy, but I was able to get a table. The space is a little narrow, but there is plenty of seating. The waiter was fast and helpful. I had the Oiimen ramen and the tempura shrimp. The ramen came in a huge bowl. It looked great and tasted even better. The the tempura shrimp was very good. Prices are very reasonable. I like this place better then the nearby Wicker Park options and I will be back. read more

Amisha R.

Elite 26

164

128

318

2 years ago

Oistar serves the best ramen in the city, hands down. The cozy yet sleek atmosphere adds to the overall experience, making it a perfect spot for a warm, comforting meal. The Musselman Mussel Ramen is my absolute favorite, especially on a cold night -- rich, flavorful broth with perfectly cooked noodles and fresh mussels. Their bao buns are also a must-try, soft and packed with delicious fillings. Whether you're craving ramen or just looking for a cool place to unwind, Oistar never disappoints! read more

Katie J.

14 years ago

I hear of oiistar from a friend so I decided to try it. As soon as you walk in they greet you immediately, which to me was great. The atmosphere was great, very clean and neat. I ended up ordering the duck breast buns. Absolutely delicious, nothing like I have ever tasted. You won't find anything similar anywhere. With my buns, I also ordered the oiistar sangria. It had a very particular taste that I have never tried before. So hands down, very good place. MUST TRY. read more

Robin G.

4 years ago

Seriously, one of the best ramen I've ever tasted! This place really deserves your time and wallet. I've been here twice and now both times it has left me with a smile on my face and gingerly deeply satisfied. My hubby and I came here and he has tried ramen from many different regions he said this pace was one of the best tastings he's had! The space is small, but welcoming for small to midsize parties (4-5). read more

Laura L.

4 years ago

Probably one of the best ramen in Chicago! I got the Oiimen classic ramen that has black garlic. The mild had a tiny kick. The noodles are really thin, which is amazing. They do run out of soft-boiled seasoned eggs so get them early! My husband got the classic Musclemen medium heat. Excellent as well. Highly recommend getting the gyoza. It has the crispiest bottom with tender meat, served with a great sauce! read more

Theodora D.

9 years ago

My husband and I really like this place. My husband loves the garlic ramen and while I'm not that into ramen, their buns are so great! The flavor combinations and texture of the buns. A big foodie friend recommended this spot as the best ramen in Chicago and I haven't heard anyone say differently. It also has a good atmosphere and a patio. My only complaint is they got rid of my favorite bun :( read more

Donny S.

8 years ago

This is absolutely the best Ramen shop in Chicago. Wicker Park is filled with Ramen sbops, and this one puts a the others to shame. Prices are reasonable, the ambiance is great making it the perfect place to bring a date. The spicy garlic ramen is my favorite but the others are definitely worth trying too. read more

Eddie C.

14 years ago

I have been to many noodle resturants in the Chicago area, and I would say that this by far is my favorite. For starters, it is a great atmosphere to dine in. Not only that but the food is delicious. It has a very particular taste that sets itself from others. I would highly recommend this place read more

Oiistar - asianfusion - Updated October 2026

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(213 reviews)

10/1/26. This is my favorite ramen place bc the food is authentic and very tasty. This place has…read morecome highly recommended by many of our friends and even just acquaintances we met here today. I did not want to have any vegetarian Ramen for the last 20 years because the last time I had it in New York City the vegetable broth tasted like plastic. So I refrain from eating Ramen ever again because I am vegetarian. But Rudy's vegetarian Ramen was amazing and very flavorful and Rich with shiitake mushroom broth. and Rudy is an amazing and kind and humble owner. He is also the host and wait staff plus manager of all operations. What a cool and great guy! He doesn't have an ego but this focus on making really good food is the best. Thats why this place doe so well w customers bc they are very happy when they leave. And my vegetarian mushroom broth ramen was just so so good. We will return for sure. The staff were sweet and attentive. The place is clean and the bathrooms are also. Owning a restaurant is a lot of work so we appreciate this Ramen place because it's definitely the top Ramen place in Chicago. Oh and I'm a fan of Kimchi and the kimchi side here for $1.99 was very authentic and yummy. My secret wish: I would love to have Jja jja mien for vegetarians and a separate pork or beef based one and I am sure Rudy will make an amazing one! Restaurants that have an owner with kindness and humility and integrity will always succeed and Rudy's is that kind of place.

Alrighty then! Met up with a couple of friends for a quick lunch, and as luck would have it our…read moreoriginal spot wasn't going to work out - so we saw Rudy's was a short walk away and that's how we got here! Nice restaurant for sure- the ambiance was just fine - it was nicely decorated and well-maintained- always a good thing! The menu was simple- and boy was it to the point! A few apps, including the Karaage Chicken (which we ordered, natch!), but Ramen galore! I ordered the Tonkatsu Ramen (a fav go-to), just w/o the bamboo shoots. The smell was good- the broth looked pretty decent- and the egg was cooked just right. The chicken was good- and came with a nice little spicy yuzu sauce- unique and delish. The ramen? Well - it was pretty ok- not great. The Chashu didn't work for me (but I'm super picky about chashu, to be fair - the only reason for the one point demerit). The broth wasn't too salty nor did it appear to have any amount of MSG - and was quickly slurped up. The noodles were just fine- a bit too thin for me, but there were perfectly fine! Umami was just on the good side of adequate - coulda used a splash more of it, but it was fine otherwise. So if you find yourself in Noble Square/Wicker Park area? Stop by, as I seriously doubt you'd be disappointed here!

Strings Ramen

(529 reviews)

Chicago Ramen lovers, we have great news for you!…read more Strings Ramen just opened their new Lincoln Park location, at 1353 W Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614 Their new location is larger, with space for about 60 people, a parking lot and they will have full bar service later this summer. We enjoyed Edamame, Chicken Karaage, Truffle Fries,and Pork Gyoza. The mocktails that we had, both Raspberry Rose Refresher and Stringria Summer Passion Fruit are both delicious and refreshing! Their Kim-Chi Ramen and Kaisen Don dishes are amazing! Don't miss their desserts, we had Matcha Cheesecake and Mango Propitious Ice Cream and we recommend both of them. ***FREE, FREE, FREE!!!*** To celebrate their new location, They're giving away 100 free Ramen Bowls to the first 100 customers on June 2, 2026! Dine-in only. Doors open at 11 am Don't miss your chance to try their amazing food for yourself!

I would call this functional ramen - if you're nearby and want some ramen this place is fine, but I…read morewouldn't go out of my way to get it. The interior was modern and attractive, there's a long bar with stools and a little sitting area on the side with some wall-size art; didn't get a look at the bathrooms. I ordered the kinoko ramen, which iirc uses a miso pork chicken broth. The texture of the broth was appropriate, with small pools of oil (fat is flavor!), I enjoyed the chewiness of the veggies and mushrooms, the noodles were fine but nothing special. There was a prominent black-pepper note to the broth that would probably be overpowering or even too spicy for some. I didn't try my dining partner's chasu ramen so I didn't get the full experience of the more traditional dish. Service was fine - it is a large space for only the two obvious servers we saw for early dinner on a Sunday, but service could have been more attentive; we weren't followed up regarding our meal or checked for a refill on our water. There's a small parking lot in front and the dining room floor plan should be plenty comfortable for someone wheelchair-bound. I would be back, but only if I had to.

Little Wok Wicker Park

3.8

(161 reviews)

This Chinese restaurant continues to impress me with its delicious flavors! I came back here during…read morea busy day, when Division Fest was happening just a few blocks down. The wait was a bit longer than typical but definitely understandable with all the crowds! This time we ordered salt and pepper shrimp, eggplant tofu, and hot and sour soup. The salt and pepper shrimp was my favorite. The shrimp was large and juicy, while it was perfectly seasoned and crispy on the outside. It was also a generous serving! The eggplant tofu had really great savory flavor but the ratio of eggplant was much smaller than the tofu, and I felt like I didn't get enough of it compared to tofu. The hot and sour soup was good and leans a little more on the sour side. I think it would be even better with some more depth of flavor or salt. Overall a great spot on division for yummy Chinese food! I'll definitely be back again.

Little Wok is an underrated "hidden in plain sight" gem in the heart of Wicker Park! I honestly…read moreunderestimated the food because the interior looked so nice. Their preparation of Chinese food actually tastes really good and comparable to other Chinese restaurants in the area. They have a beautiful patio and spacious interior with large garage windows that open up in the summer. They were playing the NBA playoffs on two of their screens. Even during peak hour on a weekend evening during Do Division fest, it was only a 10 minute wait for two! The salt and pepper shrimp is solid, crunchy coating with plump shrimp and perfect salt/pepper seasoning. This is one of our go-to dishes at any Chinese restaurant and they do it well here. The Szechuan eggplant with tofu was really flavorful and tender, although it was more tofu than eggplant. The crispy onions in the brown sauce were nice and sweet. The hot and sour soup is a classic and rounded out our meal. I always forget sometimes the spice makes my nose tingle but otherwise the flavor is good. The only room for improvement would be their rice was a little dry, with the texture of day old rice or rice that was left in the cooker for a few hours. It was unusually busy due to the street fest, I've been here before and the rice is typically fine though. Overall this is a great spot for a low key dinner or a large group of 6+ since they have plenty of seating.

Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill

(2k reviews)

Friendly and kind staff! The rolls came out quickly. The decorations are cute. We came for the…read moreweekday happy hour 4:30-6:30PM which included $4 off jumbo rolls, so we tried 3 jumbo rolls. Also tried 2 pieces of their limited fish for the day. We went before a night shift so couldn't try any drinks. I liked ThugLife2 the most, light, refreshing and good crunch from the jalapeño. Riverwalk was oily feeling with the tempura crunch, so not my favorite but if you like tempura, this is good. Sin nombre had interesting complex flavor but light with the yuzu marinade. The albacore was seared so slight firmer texture. The sashimi we got came with grated ginger and soy sauce and I didn't have to dip it at all. The texture was firm but not chewy, very fresh.

My niece was craving Japanese food, so we decided to have lunch at Yuzu. We went in hungry and…read morequickly realized the bento box lunches were no joke--they were generous, filling, and definitely a lot of food! But the real star for me was the hamachi kama. Absolutely superb! It brought back so many memories because my family and I used to feast on hamachi kama when we were younger in the Philippines. There's something special about food that not only tastes good but also takes you back to a particular time and place. The hamachi kama was cooked beautifully--tender, flavorful, and satisfying right down to the last bite. Sharing a meal with my niece while enjoying something that reminded me of growing up made the lunch even more special. Sometimes, it's not just about the food. It's about the memories that come with it.

Kameya Sushi & Ramen

4.4

(358 reviews)

It's a very small and cozy spot for dinner. They have an…read moreextensive menu of sushi, ramen and many more options. The menu is a bit off which is weird, the online menu has different options than the one in person. They have gluten free ramen options which is always a plus, I got the seafood ramen with miso broth and I took out the mussels and salmon. It was good but not the best ramen I've had.

Great Sushi at Kameya! We were able to walk in on a Saturday night and snag a table. Very small…read morerestaurant, only a couple of tables inside and out. I loved my salmon paradise roll & chicken gyozas. Friend said the sweet potato roll was delicious, but skip the side of noodles.

Noble Thai

(285 reviews)

Highly recommend this restaurant!! The food is full of…read moreflavor and delicious. The ambiance is great - cute spot. Great and speedy service. Order: Vegetable egg rolls - 5/5 Pad Thai with tofu - 2/5, way too sweet for my liking, but the chili sauce helped a little Pad See-Lew with tofu - 5/5, full of flavor Noble Thai fried rice with tofu - 5/5, full of flavor Coconut ice cream - 5/5, I didn't like the addition of whip cream and peanuts, but the ice cream itself was good Thank you for a wonderful meal. I can't wait to come back again!

It's been a while since I've been here. So happy to be back. Such a clean modern restaurant…read more Greeted right away. Staff is so friendly. We had chicken satay to start. It arrived with 6 skewers. Nicely seasoned. The peanut sauce was delicious. Also a small cucumber salad. Entree was pad thai with tofu. Very thin noodles. Lots of flavor. Tofu was prepared perfectly. Loved it. Other entree was shrimp fried rice. The shrimp had no flavor. The rice was a little bland but still good. It came with cooked onions & green onion garnish. Very reasonably priced food for the portions. Can't wait to come back.

Musashiya Ramen

4.3

(106 reviews)

We arrived right when they opened up on Sunday for lunch. The girl working wasn't quite ready for…read moreus when we arrived but still delivered friendly and great service. The handier was small and beautifully decorated. My wife and I both ordered tier ramen. They give us a little paper to customize what we want in our ramen. I ordered their Tonkotsu Pork Chashu. You also have the option to choose the noodle texture and the saltiness in your ramen. Pretty neat. And since I was able to order my ramen how is like it, it's hard to really critique the dish itself. Obviously it was really delicious and will definitely be returning.

I went on a chilly day so I was craving ramen and this perfected it! It's a cozy spot right off…read morebroadway. I loved the boba and dumpling fun snack idea!! Also loved the curry udon. It tasted like a home cooked meal that cheered me up! They also have a challenge going on soon to take on a 5lb ramen bowl!! Service was quick and worker was really kind

Komorebi Sushi

4.6

(328 reviews)

BYOB FYI. I feel I didn't know this before getting a reservation. They do not have any drinks other…read morethan water and tea. The staff are very nice though. I came here on NYE there were three adults and one child. They do not have bento boxes, karaage or dumplings. I got a hot green tea, and three rolls. The turtle, the mafia, and caterpillar. The were very small rolls, not well formed, very average. And we got the tempura sweet potato roll, although the sweet potato wasn't tempura there were just fried pieces on top of the sweet potato roll. Nevertheless it was better than the turtle. I also got the Spicy Miso Soup which was very good and spicy. They kindly gave us free mochi which wasn't on the menu. We were in and out within an hour.

I was so impressed by how many vegetarian rolls they offered on their menu. I only got to try the…read moreBlack garden but it was delicious! Flavorful, well prepared, a true roll. Place was quick and efficient for orders too.

Nomonomo Sushi

4.4

(48 reviews)

First time coming into Chicago and trying out the Chef Omakase (Chef Alexis) experience . 10/10…read moreAlexis treated us so well and the selections were soo fresh and very tasty . Will definitely come again

I came here with a friend on a Wednesday evening. Reservation was easy to make. I ordered two…read morerolls: Artmex and mango salsa salmon. The rolls were on the plain side. For the price point and ingredients, I expected a more unique and flavorful roll. My friend ordered a noodle dish that was good. If I come back, I would order ramen over the sushi. Service was ok - it was hard to get our waitress's attention throughout the night, despite it not being very busy.

Tanoshii West Loop