The second place I tried, searching for my Ultimate Tendon place. This time it's Tenjin in Lincolnwood. It's a classy set-ip, just like Nomu in Glenview. And it shows in their food presentation. Instead of the traditional bowl they serve it on, they opted for a plate, with much less rice, 2 small pieces of shrimp tempura, one more than Nomu's singular sensation. But, with more tempura veggies. Side of pickled veggies but surprisingly, did not come with a bowl of miso soup like at Nomu! Or, anywhere else for that matter. Good taste, satisfying but not the Ultimate Tendon I was looking for. The search continues! read more

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Food 4.5/5 Sushi rice 4.5/5 Service 5/5 Fish is very fresh Sushi rice is cooked very well and seasoned right Most importantly, it's consistent Been here 2 times in a few months and both times were good Authentic Japanese restaurant If you want saucy roll, you won't find any Only downside, they are a little far from my house or I'll 100% go more often read more

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Updating my review for Tenjin (formerly Renga-Tei Japanese) Feb. 2026 While hubs and I don't venture toward the city much, when we do we always tried to make a point to eat at Renga-Tei. We know the owners retired and sold their restaurant with recipes & techniques, but hadn't been in the area to dine under the new ownership. I feel like we cheated ourselves of an excellent dining experience! Few recent reviews mentioned the rise in menu prices, but honestly every restaurant has risen in price. The high quality of freshness and the good service we received matched the pricing. Hubs & I were in the city and decided to visit Tenjin. Already knowing the standards and quality of the previous owners, we hoped our dining experience would be similar and we were NOT disappointed! I called and easily made a reservation for 6:15 for the 2 of us on a Thursday evening. I immediately got a text confirmation of my reservation. As with typical Chicago traffic our timing had to be changed and there was no issue with modifying our reservation. I received another text confirmation with the new time. Stepping into Tenjin we were quickly greeted by the sushi chefs and other staff members. There was a party of 2 ahead of us and they were quickly seated. We were checked in next with our reservation and led to a spacious table toward the back. Our server quickly took our drink order (green tea) and gave us time to look over our menu. They had a special feature of the day, but we opted for something hubs and I both enjoyed - the Bento Box! We ordered edamame and goma-ae to start. The edamame was steamed to perfection, just tender enough without being mushy. The goma-ae portion was so generous! Hubby went for a double steak dinner combo A (no chicken) and I chose the steak and teriyaki salmon dinner combo B. We also had the appetizer sashimi and chef nigiri assortment. The sashimi and nigiri assortment was so fresh and generous, each bite was truly savored. The kampachi was my favorite, buttery and tender. The chef was incredibly kind to us because our assortments really were assortments - we didn't have duplicates between the sashimi and nigiri which was greatly appreciated. The dinner combinations were just as delicious, plenty of food to satisfy any hungry appetite. Each combo came with shrimp and vegetable tempura which was delicately battered and fried. The steaks and salmon cooked perfect without being dry or chewy. It also came with miso soup and salad. This was one dinner where our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, but that didn't stop us from savoring every single bite! There was plenty to eat and we had leftovers for the next day (which was just as delicious)! I wish we didn't fill ourselves up so much because I would have loved to see what was available for dessert. I guess this means we'll have to return again :) Our server was so kind. She gave us time to look over our menu, asked if we had any questions, kept our glasses refilled and our tea warm. Every server we saw that even was upbeat and so friendly to all the tables. They all seemed to pitch in to help one another. We left with extra full bellies, smiles on our faces, and warm wishes for a good night ringing in our ears. If you have been wondering if the food is the same or if the service has changed, don't think twice and make your reservation! read more

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Setting is nice and clean. Servers were so friendly and attentive. Love it so much. Will come back again! Easy parking easy front and at back. Monday special has Bento boxes. Otherwise the sushi and all the dishes were fresh and truly delicious! Nice for family and groups. read more

We waited forever to grab a table of four, and when we sat down it took another 20 minutes before the waiter came over to take our orders because they seemed short staffed. I didn't mind much, but this place is definitely not for a quick meal haha! There's a small parking lot in the back, and the store is quite cozy! We tried the shrimp toast and the grilled whole squid! Shrimp toast came with a delicious aioli, and the toast was super crispy and buttery while the shrimp was fried and battered. Grilled whole squid was a HIGHLIGHT - cut into small ringed pieces, this was so chewy and bouncy, and the slightly charred flavor combined with the fresh lemon squeeze was delish!! We also tried the tenzaru udon with tempura shrimp and veggies! Normally udon dishes come with very few noodles because they're so thick, but they were quite generous with the udon portion!! The dipping sauce was good if you combine with scallions, ginger, and the mountain yam. The tempura itself was ok - some pieces were a bit too oily and disintegrated a bit. Did love the light batter though! The tonkatsu curry rice was delicious!! The curry was similar to its boxed version but a bit more rich, and the tonkatsu was fried nicely. I kept dipping my udon in the curry sauce since it came in a separate pot! read more

Ordered the Spicy Salmon Skin Sushi Roll, was very well made and fresh. I also got the Tonkatsu Curry which was amazing. Servers were very kind and they greet you in and say farewells when you leave. Coming back for sure. read more

Haven't been to Tenjin since Renga Tei days. It is still a very comfortable and friendly environment. We tried many appetizers and I ordered Chicken Katsu Curry. The favors were bold and savory... maybe the curry sauce was just a bit thick. Overall, a very enjoyable dinner with great service. read more

Tenjin - Chicken Katsu with Curry on the side. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lincolnwood, Illinois

After trying Tejin once, it has quickly catapulted to being my favorite Japanese restaurant in Chicago already. Simple but a memorable interior decor, it reminded me of a japanese owned and operated restaurant in LA. It seemed like reservations are smart unless you come in right when they open. We came on a Sunday at around open at 4. Open for lunch on the weekdays but only dinner service on the weekends. The menu, while diverse, does not deviate from traditional Japanese favorites in katsu, tempura, udon and sushi classics. The Takoyaki was warm and soft when you bit into it. The nigiri specials were the highest fish flown in from Japan I've had in the Chicagoland area. The tonkatsu curry pork was what stole the show for me tonight. Perfectly fried and curry tasted just like Coco in Japan. I will definitely be back very soon to try more of the menu! Tip: Happy Hour is everyday from 4 till 5:30. Some great deals on that menu from $5 Takoyaki to $7 chicken wings. Monday specials are also something I will be back for! read more

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While in Chicago, we called in our take out dinner orders at Tenjin, one of my Uncle's favorite Japanese restaurants. The restaurant was cozy and warm in the single digit weather and there were several diners already eating before 6p. There is also a sushi bar and quite a few tables and booths. We picked up our large order of Tempura appetizers, Curry chicken Katsu bowl, Ribeye steak ala carte and 6 combination dinners. The food was plentiful and delicious! read more

It's really good. This place is an absolute hidden gem. It doesn't look like a place from the outside, but if you go inside, I promise you you'll find that it is amazing. The food is great and they have a good selection. And all the servers are really nice. Service is also really fast. Overall this place is great to go on a nice evening if you're craving sushi or other authentic food. read more

I was searching for a Bento box around me. I found this little gem near me. I read all the reviews from the yelp but truly I don't believe what people said. Basically, I risked and called this place. Very intelligent young man picked up the phone and suggested to me and was very polite, patient with me. Truly my every penny was worth it. Chicken and beef teriyaki were so tender. Shrimp tempura and veggies crispy outside tender inside. Especially with the sauce hits the spot. I offer to order something for my son, he's like nah probably boring and all the Japanese teriyaki is bland he said. Guess what? After I start eating my food he looked and said ) Mom can I try it? He put the one piece of beef teriyaki and said .. Mom I should've take your offer this food is too good How can I say no and he start searching the yelp for more photosDefinitely ℹ recommend to anyone if you like fresh quality food. read more

Tenjin - Chicken and beef combo teriyaki and tempura was absolutely yummy - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lincolnwood, Illinois

Came here for an early dinner. Was even able to take advantage of happy hour items. Old establishment was much better. Meat quality was fine, flavor was lacking (need more sweetness in teriyaki sauce). Curry sauce needed carrots/potatoes and some meat. Service was good. Prices seemed high. I want them to succeed but not sure if the value is there. Review should be a 3.5. Will try again, want to support local business. read more

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Finally! Thank God!!!!!! Actual excellent nigiri, sashimi and Japanese food on the North side of Chicago. Been looking for a year. Found it tonight. Home run. Thank you! read more

Tenjin - EXCELLENT SAKE Tasting - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lincolnwood, Illinois

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Great restaurant, with great service, and great food. A go to on any given day and well worth the travel. Also great for pick up to take home. Chef Buya will keep your mouth watering and have you coming back for more. An ambiance and setting that will make you feel at home. read more

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LOVED this place. My husband and I came here on an early Thursday night and it was kind of empty but it's a weekday so kind of expected. Service was great, our waitress kept checking on us and cleared the empty plates quickly so we had room on the table for other dishes we ordered. The food was brought out so quick! It was just the right flow between our appetizers to entrees. We got: Fried oysters - it was fried so well! The sauces it came with were delicious Ika geso - fried calamari leg which was delicious!! Definitely would get this again Acuapulco Roll - for 5 pieces they were huge! I could have done without the lettuce on the inside. But definitely tasted fresh Tonkatsu curry - this was my first time trying this and wow I was amazed. The curry was so flavorful and the pork was so well cooked and crispy. Definitely coming back for more of this and to try different sushi rolls! read more

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Tried Tenjin after reading all the good reviews. Not for us. I found the meat very fatty, the chicken very dry. And there were 2 shrimp in my Shrimp Tempora dish. Service was good. We won't go back read more

Reservations recommended, especially for weekend evenings. Tiny, odd shaped parking lot. Tasty tempura and fresh sushi. Love their makis and donburis. Tuna steak was seared perfectly- tender and tasty! Very brightly lit, so not really for an intimate date night. A great special occa$ion restaurant for celebrations or family gatherings. read more

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This place used to be Renga tei but switched owners I believe. Menu is relatively the same but prices seems to have gone up and portion size isn't too good. Because of this, I don't think id recommend. They have parking in the side and back. Workers are really nice though. read more

Formerly Renga Tei, now under new ownership as Tenjin, our first visit after the reopening was admittedly underwhelming but the food showed enough promise that we decided to return. I'm glad we did. Now on our fourth visit, it's clear this restaurant has found its footing. Each time, we've been more impressed than the last. The flavors are consistent, thoughtful, and delicious, and the team is clearly growing in confidence. Some have criticized portion sizes, but I'd argue that's the weakest form of critique when the food itself delivers. The prices are fair, especially for the quality of ingredients, preparation, and service. We recently arrived 40 minutes before closing on a Monday night and were seated and cared for without even a hint that we were imposing. That kind of quiet hospitality speaks volumes. Expectations should be shaped by a restaurant finding its stride not by outdated comparisons. read more

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We've passed this place 1000's of times and finally stopped in for dinner last night. It recently changed over from over from a previous, similar type restaurant but I think a lot of the same people are here. Good food and service. My wife had sushi and I tried their Sukiyaki. Very good. Ample parking. Also found a really good Japanese beer. read more

Tenjin - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lincolnwood, Illinois

Everything about this place was fantastic! The service was amazing, the food was even better. I will definitely continue to go here for some of the best Japanese food in the city. read more

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Our favorite Japanese place in Chicago! It's an authentic Japanese restaurant owned by a old Japanese couple from Japan. We have going for years... My favorite is the tuna avocado salad. Their miso matcha dressing is homemade and to die for. Their fried oysters and fried squid legs are really good as well. My husband likes their chirashi bowl and combination A set. Make sure to go early. I think they close at 8pm. read more

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This used to be my go-to spot nearby, but the fish isn't as fresh as it used to be. That's a bummer for sushi lovers. And the parking situation is a real pain. read more

Always a great meal. Our server Jason is always great and attentive. He gives solid recommendations and the male host is very friendly. The other wait staff are very pleasant as well. I highly recommend. read more

First time visiting since new ownership took over. The inside of the restaurant still looks the same as before. The dinner menu is a condensed version of what it used to be. It's also been redesigned and looks fancy. They don't have many traditional Japanese specials like they used to, but most of the old favorites are there. Not sure if menu is still expanding or not. Prices are up but that's pretty standard nowadays with increased costs in general (did I just pay $8 for a dozen eggs the other day?!). I was pleased to see that the sushi rice is still nicely prepared. Also the vegetable tempura was better than I remember, lightly fried and crispy. Maybe the best change was that their katsu curry is part of the dinner menu now (I recall from before I could only order it as a special on a Friday or Saturday or something like that). Green tea is $1 (didn't it used to be free?) and Hojicha is a whopping $3. Free refilles still though. Service was good and food came out quickly. Glad this long time restaurant is still around, even if it is under new ownership and a bit different from what I remember. read more

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Thank you Mr. Hisao Yamada. I attach his announcement seen on their Facebook page today. We have enjoyed many delicious meals in his restaurant for 20+ years. Best wishes and good luck for your well-deserved retirement! read more

Tenjin - Announcement, May 27, 2023. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lincolnwood, Illinois

Food was very tasty with authentic flavors. Cute restaurant with great service. Will definitely be going back. read more

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We used to come here often back in the days ( renga Tei) . The food is different from what I remember. Portions are small, chicken was dry, the salad was average. The staff were very attentive. The ambiance is the same, it's you neighborhood Japanese food joint. read more

Ordered the curry udon. The prices were raised by this restaurant. All you get is the bowl of noodles. Nothing else is included, not even a side of rice. read more

Excellent food and service. We had calamari & sushi and it was super fresh and delicious

Great place for a lunch date! Nicer no-frills traditional Japanese food. We both got a lunch box, which had lots of bites to try. I especially love the steamed spinach with sweet sesame sauce. Going to have to go back for the tuna avocado salad. Another table ordered that and it and it looked fabulous! read more

Tenjin - Chicken teriyaki lunch box. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lincolnwood, Illinois

We went for relaxed birthday dinner. Husband and I enjoyed very fresh sushi, sashimi, and rolls. I especially loved the hamachi, salmon, and halibut. My teen kids loved the delicious teriyaki chicken and yakisoba. Friendly, fast service. Quiet and pleasant ambiance. Will definitely be back! read more

Tenjin has really hit its stride. We had such a delicious meal there recently. It took them a while after taking over from Renga Tei, but the food is excellent and they have added more specials and desserts to the menu. Service was great, food came quickly. Our waiter said he was new to the restaurant, but he did a great job. read more

Wonderful Japanese place. Everything tastes clean and authentic. But we had green tea soba noodles and shrimp and maybe vegetable tempura. Everything was so crispy! A cosmic experience! read more

Tenjin - Green Tea Soba Noodles! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lincolnwood, Illinois

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Used to go here when it was Renga-Tai. The menu has had some changes but the food is still very good, the staff was nice, will go again.

This place is a hidden gem! The restaurant is small and cosy and the staff is friendly and attentive. I had the Katsu curry and really enjoyed it. It wasn't too salty and liked how the sauce was separate. The parking lot is a bit small so I would recommend going to when they open for dinner. read more

Tenjin - Katsu Curry - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lincolnwood, Illinois

Definitely a place you need to go! Everyone that has been there loves it so I didn't have a hard time getting a couple friends to join me. There is everything on the menu from hamachi Kama to tempura and the fully loaded bento box. Reservations are recommended since they were busy and every table was occupied. We sat at the sushi bar and had a nice time. I wish the service was a little better, but I have no complaints. They also close at 8pm even on the weekends and shut things down to discourage you from staying. It's intimate inside, but I didn't feel crowded. read more

Tenjin - Bento Box A - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lincolnwood, Illinois

I got the chirashi bowl deluxe and while eating it I found a piece of plastic wrap in my food. It was fortunate that I found it. I mentioned it to the server/owner. I didn't want to make a scene as an aunt from out of the country was taking myself and my parents out. I assumed that they would make it right. They apologized and eventually offered free dessert. However when the bill game they didn't even attempt to discount my meal for their mess up (I could have easily made a scene and demanded OUR entire meal be free. Nope we get the bill and they thought their apology would be enough. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SUSHI RESTAURANT unless you want to eat garbage in your food. Owner clearly does not care about long term customers and service. It's crazy how they wasn't even an effort to comp my food. Dangerous practices done by this restaurant. read more

My aunt was craving Japanese food. I always drive by this place but its the first time I'm trying it out. I ordered the TEMPURA SHRIMP DINNER which comes with Soup or Salad, and Rice. I could say its aythentic shrimp tempura which means good quality and fresh shrimp. I chose Miso Soup so I wasnt able to try the salad. But my cousin said it was good. My cousin ordered Yakisoba he said the noodles was a bit undercooked but taste wise no complains. Also ordered the CHICAGO SUPER CRAZY ROLL and you'll see it in the picture why its super crazy. But i liked it. It was suppose to come with tuna and salmon but i doubled on shrimp aa substitute. Will definitely try some other stuff on the menu. Meaning i will order again. Some of the food i ordered waa for family members so cant say anything abt them. Happy Eating and Stay safe. read more

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Congratulations Tenjin on the new rebranding! The food was great and atmosphere refreshed. Service was friendly and everything just seems a little updated. 良く出来ました！おめでとう御座います！ We had the tasting menu. Very traditional but innovative. read more