Kurumaya is a place that I have visited maybe three times before, several years ago. It was a…read morepopular, well reviewed place back then, just as it is now. But it just kind of slipped out of my consideration for no particular reason. But today I was driving near there, headed for somewhere else, and it hit me - Bento box sounds good today. And so it goes.. Parking in this small strip mall is usually pretty easy. It is a popular choice for lunch for many people that work in this business area of Elk Grove. I think that is because in addition to the good food, the service is not only friendly, but also very efficient. That allows you to have a nice sit-down lunch and still get back to work in time. They don't rush you, but you won't have to wait long for both the food and the check. Today I did have my delicious bento box, which as others have agreed, is a great deal for lunch. But I also splurged for a "Rock' n Rol" sushi roll, which was quite tasty. My waitress was wonderful - friendly and efficient as usual. But she didn't rush me personally. She even asked me if I wanted tea. In summary, it's an excellent choice for lunch. Good food, affordable, kind people, and a nice change from a fast food drive-thru.

Ask for Harumi - She is the most wonderful, nicest server ever and knows the best recommendations…read moreon the menu! If you're looking for the most authentic Japanese food outside the city, seems like this and a couple other places are all in the Schaumburg/Elk Grove Village area. Highly recommend hitting their lunch menu if you can because the bento box values are so worth it for authentic Japanese food/sushi. We got there at opening for dinner on a Saturday and got there just before dinner rush! This place is such a hidden authentic gem - you can tell from the decor to the choice of seating design to the actual menu and way they cook the RICE and other dishes. They serve the same grain for sushi as they do regular rice (Tamaki gold). Quality is not skipped here. We got the agedashi tofu (must get appetizer, as it's hard to really every achieve at home cooking), house special curry katsu, the beef kurumaya gozen (bento box) (which has incredible tempura, juicy soft beef), and assorted sashimi platter (I forget the name). All come highly recommended and were well worth the price point. I am just a bit sensitive about the freshness of the sushi, but I think this is probably as fresh as you can possibly get with generous cuts outside the city. Everything down to the miso soup too was delicious - best place to take your friends/family/coworkers for an authentic Japanese meal. Parking lot available out front. Recommend also stopping by Tensuke market nearby after!

I will say I have been to this restaurant many times in the past and the food and service was…read moregreat. I went back a couple days ago and everything has changed. The menu is much less, the food portions are less, and the container the food comes in is plastic and made for to go orders even though we dined in. The service was also not very friendly and when our waitress brought our food, she didn't even smile or say anything. She just plopped down the food and walked off. This used to be my favorite restaurant but I don't think I'm coming back.

This has been on my list for awhile and one day I decided to try. It's located in a strip mall with…read morelots of parking. When you go inside, they have a sufficient amount of tables to sit at, but it wasn't very busy on a Saturday night. You order at the register and he brings it out to you. You'll have to be patient, they don't have a lot of staff. We ordered tako karaage (fried octopus), croquettes, Taiwan style tonkotsu ramen with 2 pieces of chashu, and the deluxe bento with butashoga (ginger pork). I had a bite of the pork and it was delicious. Ginger was not overpowering. Tender meat. Prices were very affordable and cheap. Service was great and he brought out our food hot and freshly made. I would definitely come back and try other items. -tako karaage 5 - it had a nice little chew and was not overly fried. Great taste. -croquettes 5 - I loved these. When you bite into them, they're soft. Flavorful, savory filling inside. I should have gotten more of these. -Taiwan style tonkotsu ramen 5 - noodles were chewy. Bountiful amount of ground pork. The two chashu pieces were tender and easy to break apart. Broth was not heavy, it was just right.

Very friendly staff and the fresh fried food and soup were good…read more The sashimi (otoro, fatty salmon, ikura) were very good, melt in your mouth level of deliciousness. The yakitori had issues, most of our skewers tasted reheated or cold, which was then reheated anyways. I think they have staffing issues as well. Ordered a lemon sour and it was flat due to having flat soda water. They kindly replaced it with a slightly less flat soda water. Strong recommendation for the otoro and sashimi cuts. Maybe double check if yakitori is hot before ordering more.

Everything we ordered was delicious, but unfortunately the chicken gizzard skewers were 100%…read morespoiled (they had a wet dog smell to them). After communicating this to staff, they passed it around and confirmed it was indeed spoiled and took it off our bill, which we appreciated. They can get busy and with not too many hands on deck, food and service can come out slowly. It's understandable to a degree, but it does feel like servers rarely come around (through the whole dining experience, our water was never refilled once or even asked to be) and overall service seems subpar at best. Ambiance is great. They definitely have that Japanese izakaya vibe. Go to Sankyu if you have time on your hands and order menu items that are likely ordered often and you will have a 4-5 star experience.

I was disappointed with the food. First the name difference (Ramen USA) on Yelp compared to their…read morewebsite and Google maps kinda threw us off. There's also discrepancy in their menu and what they actually have available as it seems they also display items for the the cafe next door. We happened to arrive during happy hour so some menu items were discounted. They also have a complimentary salad bar. We ordered chicken karaage, potstickers, salmon avocado sushi, and I had the katsu sandwich. All the food items we ordered came separately over a span of 20+ minutes, with the sandwich arriving last and cold. Not only did the sandwich come on a cold sourdough bread, the meat also had an unusual texture and so I ended up throwing it out. The other items we ordered were lacking in flavor. The chicken karaage was prepared well but it had no flavor. I'm regret spending money at this establishment.

If customers are waiting before the restaurant opens, you know that you are in for a treat, right?…read moreI mean, this was our first time to Uma Japan Eatery (didn't know it was formerly Ramen USA) and we were a little confused when we arrived because there was signage for Uma, Ramen USA, and M Cafe. So we got out of the car and saw someone pull up in front of the restaurant and jump out at 11:59. As soon as the door was unlocked at 12pm, this customer went in, and a few others after them. This is a small joint, and it was already half full by the time we ordered, then sat down (they told us the table at which to sit). I didn't know, but asked, and found out that a salad bar and miso soup are also included. The salad bar was pretty decent, with fresh vegs. They even had French fried onions (my guilty pleasure) and a very good House dressing (ginger vinaigrette). The portions are enormous. The couple next to us got ramen, and it was practically overflowing. We ordered takoyaki (too much food, we didn't need). I had the Pork Katsu bowl and my companion had a Katsu curry. I wished I had ordered the curry -- it looked dark and rich and thick like pudding (not like a boxed curry). They also gave us a bonus piece of chicken karaage which was so large and crispy. I think I'll get the curry next time, or the ramen. We originally came because we were going to get a karaage sando, but get the curry.

Hands down the best ramen in the Chicago area. Broth is creamy and flavorful, the chicken katsu is…read moreperfectly battered. The ground pork is a great alternative to slices of pork belly (which I don't like). The veggie ramen is equally flavorful. Absolutely addicting. A must try!

This was hands down some of the best ramen I've ever had. The broth was packed with flavor and…read moretasted like it had been simmering forever in the best way. Every bite was comforting and rich without being too heavy. The edamame was surprisingly amazing, perfectly seasoned and super fresh. And the shrimp tempura? Chef's kiss. Soft on the inside, light and crunchy on the outside, and not greasy at all. Everything we ordered hit. You can tell a lot of care goes into the food here. Definitely coming back next time I'm craving ramen.

A very unassuming sushi place in the strip mall next to mitsuwa marketplace. But let me tell you…read morethis place is AMAZING. Service was prompt quick and they definitely know how to make a sushi roll. The fish texture is perfect super flavorful and the rolls pack a punch. The rice was warm fluffy, and well seasoned. 10/10 for the toro blue fin roll and 9/10 for the Barbara. You can't go wrong with any of the sushi! You gotta come here if you love mitsuwa marketplace!

Nikko is the best spot in the burbs to grab fresh made to order sushi. The apps were amazing well…read moreput together .. and the rolls and nigiri had the right amount of rice to fish ratio. Unlike them ayce places that serve warm rice and a huge ballad bland fish ( ahem ahem royal sushi). Nikko does it right. Quality of fish is A1 and service is on point. Friendly peeps in there. This is my fav sushi spot a hidden gem

The little things matter, they add up, and do not go unnoticed. These little details is where…read moreTensuke Market truly shines above and beyond other specialty/import grocers. The baseline meets expectations. For a store of this size, they have a very good selection of Japanese and other Asian products, imported and domestic. Further, their selection of house-made items, like the tsukemono is impressive! The store is very clean (restrooms included), and well-stocked. The prices are on the higher side, but this is common and expected from a specialty market. They also have a food court - one counter sells all the food (rather than multiple stalls). The selection is fair with bowls, sushi, ramen, and other apps, IIRC. The dining area is massive and very well through out. There is free water, large containers of miso soup (which one is apparently free to refill at their heart's content). Bonus points for not having to carry (and spill) hot soup on the way there. While the area is clean, there are table wipes provided. The only thing missing is unlimited green tea like many places have in Japan, but given the cost of matcha in the US, I understand, and am by no means complaining. I'd ordered a bowl with various kinds of seafood. While not a masterwork, it was excellent for the category of items prepared in a grocery store. There are other small things which go a long way in the big picture view: The staff are helpful and friendly, think a Trader Joe's like attitude; increasingly rare in retail. At the register, items that have the potential to leak are sealed in small plastic bags. Going further, there are small bags of ice (think school nurse for playground boo-boo's sized) to help keep delicate items cold and fresh. Final thing I loved: the parking lot has ample EV charging, and there is even a charger by an accessible parking spot. Though I don't need an accessible spot, I appreciate that those who have a need and drive a plug-in are able to charge. Final verdict: Tensuke delivers an all around excellent experince, with a great selection, friendly staff, and little details like preventing items form leaking and free ice making the experience truly top notch. Would recommend?: Yes, especially if you're a fan of Asian cuisine. Would return?: Absolutely, I see myself going at least once a month, or when the snacks run out!

Since they relocated to their new building, I wanted to stop by and check out the new location…read more Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed to find out that the food court restaurant was closed and wouldn't reopen until 4 PM. Since I was already there and hungry, I decided to grab one of the hot premade meals instead. I went with the spicy kimchi yaki udon. This dish definitely packed a lot of heat, but I felt like it was missing some flavor to balance out the spice. The udon noodles were cooked well and had a nice chewy texture. At $8, the value wasn't bad either, and it definitely did the job of satisfying my hunger. I'll have to come back another time when the food court is open so I can try some of their freshly prepared dishes. Hopefully, the next visit will be a better experience!

Unique Ramen cafeteria style restaurant. Truly as the name implies, it's a library style wall of…read moreany kind of ramen you you could imagine. Make your selections, bring to the counter to pay & for instructions on how to prepare. There's a small bar of veggie add-ins. Many different drinks & snacks to pick from.

Discovered this place by chance and ive always wanted to try something like this. I was overwhelmed…read morewith the Ramen selection snd would probably have to go back again n qgqin to try most of it. They do have free toppings like green onion, bean sprout, corn and onions. The place is very spacious. Mostly a self serve except when you check out but service was still good. I want to try the kimbab and teokboki when i go back and they also have a few selections of bubble tea. Will definifely be back. Happy eating!

Stupid me, I've been on a quest to fond my Ultimate Tendon place and it was just under my nose all…read morethis time! At Mitsuwa, well actually, inside and in the food court, is a fairly new stall called "Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr." And my eyes suddenly were so wide open as I scanned their menu display and saw the glorious 4-pronged (shrimp tempuras) rice bowl, surrounded by crispy, tempura veggies! A side of pickled veggies and a bowl of miso soup! Oh joy! Could this be the Ultimate Tendon that i've been dreaming of, looking for? Yuppers! I think this is it! Oishi!

This location has been open for about a year and took over the space where Mama House used to be…read more For those who aren't familiar with it, it's located inside the food court of Mitsuwa Japanese grocery store. After looking over the menu, it seemed like they specialize in tempura, so I decided to try the Soba #13 meal. It came with chilled buckwheat noodles topped with sesame seeds and shredded roasted seaweed, along with two jumbo shrimp tempura served with dipping sauce. The dipping sauce is definitely important because, without it, both the noodles and shrimp tempura would be pretty bland. It tastes like a soy sauce-based sauce with a little chili oil, giving it a nice savory flavor with a mild kick. The chopped green onions add a nice touch of color and freshness. The soba noodles were chilled, chewy, and firm, while the shrimp tempura was light, flaky, and super crispy. My only concern was that the food was more on the lukewarm side, which made me wonder if it wasn't cooked to order. Overall, the food was just alright for me. At $15.99, I didn't feel very full afterward, so unfortunately, I don't think the value was quite there. But don't worry--I'll definitely come back and try some of their other dishes. Maybe there's something on the menu that will be a better match for my taste buds, my belly, and my wallet.

Wow. I found myself…read morein Arlington Heights, and my buddy suggested this place due to an upcoming trip to Japan in 2027. It's a Japanese market that features an amazing food court (and this is where I spent all my time.) I don't recall the name of the stall I purchased from. But I can tell you it was quick, not expensive and very filling. I had a bowl with beef and noodles; for dessert I hit the matcha dessert stall for some matcha and vanilla ice cream. The whole place meal me feel like I was dining outside the state of Illinois. The service from everyone in the market was very friendly and they even had a sake/soju tasting by the front door (and the vendors allowed you try was much as you wanted.) I highly recommend this spot

If you love Japanese culture, food, and want to visit a neat place and kind of feel like you are…read morevisiting Japan, you need to visit Mitsuwa! Not only is there a food court of different Japanese restaurants to try, there is also a grocery store, bakery, bookstore, and stores that sell ice cream, traditional desserts, as well as crepes and boba tea! My family and I visit here often every year and we like to try the different foods and desserts and then check out the bookstore and grocery store afterwards. My favorite foods so far have been the beef udon soup with a soft boiled egg, shrimp and vegetable tempura, miso soup, and Japanese curry with rice, beef, and vegetables (carrots and potatoes). My son always gets the chicken and beef on a stick and my daughter usually gets a garlic pork dish with white rice but I forget what this dish is called. My husband also enjoys the beef udon soup like I do. I swear that whenever my food is finished, I am legit sad! The crepes are good, there is a variety of boba teas to try, and the ice creams are delicious! Lychee has been my favorite so far but I have yet to try the matcha, red bean, among others! You can get a small sample of different ice cream flavors too, which is nice! I sampled the red bean flavor so that will be my go-to next time! At the grocery store, I love buying Happy Turn snacks which are like a sweet and salty crunchy cracker (maybe it is made of rice?) that are individually wrapped and mochi from the fridge area. Finally, I usually like to buy mochi from the store right next to the bookstore. The mochi from this location is the best! I usually buy multiple flavors to take home and eat at a later time! You must try these! My kids love checking out the bookstore and they usually pick something out for me to buy for them - whether it is a book, keychain, etc. There are magazines, anime figurines, soft plushy toys, pens, and stationary, etc. It is interesting to browse through the things they have there! You cannot bring food or drinks inside but they do have a shelf at the entrance where you can place your drink there if you like. The first time visiting here, the majority of the customers were Asians and as the years have passed, there is now more of an influx of non-Asians who simply love the food and appreciate the culture, which I think is neat! The first time I visited here was with my college roommate who was from Japan and she recommended this place back in 2009 perhaps? I have been visiting ever since with my family. We travel more than an hour from Wisconsin to come here but it is 100% worth the drive! Also, the cashiers and workers there are quick, efficient, and friendly. I have even been able to practice a few of the Japanese phrases I have learned with a couple of the cashiers too (I asked if they spoke Japanese first)! Overall, Mitsuwa is my happy place! Great food, interesting finds, different culture, and everyone there looks excited to be there. This is as close to visiting Japan as I can get until I keep learning more Japanese and save up enough money to go visit Japan someday! This is my dream! In the meantime, we will keep visiting Mitsuwa!