Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Zen Ramen & Grill

    4.2 (94 reviews)
    ModerateRamen
    Open 11:30 am - 9:30 pm

    Order Zen Ramen & Grill Takeout or Delivery

    Zen Ramen & Grill Photos

    ZEN RAMEN & GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like Zen Ramen & Grill

    Recommended Reviews - Zen Ramen & Grill

    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

    Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Soup
    Kristena R.

    I found this restaurant on Yelp. We ordered takeout and the food is delicious! I ordered the pork tonkatsu ramen and the spring rolls. We also got two sides of egg fried rice. The ramen was perfect. The pieces of pork were big and plentiful. Broth was exactly what you'd expect for a dish like this- exceptional flavor. Service was convenient and our food was ready for pickup at the designated time. The inside of the place looks nice so maybe one day we'll dine in.

    Black garlic is either a clever marketing trick or hidden within that milky cold broth
    Mehul P.

    I imagined how satisfying it might have been biting into entire clove of roasted black garlic until I realized that was not the reality of ordering that dish on the menu. Instead, I did find the noodles thin enough & the veg & soup ingredients satisfactory. Increase in one star, because I'm willing to find my zen & will likely not forget this place. However, if you were to serve that soup temperature hot it would be so much better for every single customer. Also, cry until you cry spice request starts with fresh green or red chili, especially of the Thai variety. I sweated it out, probably because the sriracha was handy nearby. No tears of joy yet, maybe next time?

    Kathleen L.

    It must be an off day. The waitress told us to pick a table. Our table had soy sauce spilled on it. We only had two people so we just avoided that side of the table. We waited a long time for the waitress to come take our order... so ended up using the kiosk. The calamari came out at the same time with the soups. The small pieces of calamari were perfectly fried... the big pieces were very rubbery. The egg was gray, smelled funny, and tasted funny... my husband ate his and I did not eat mine. Last time we really enjoyed our food... must just be an off day. Not taking off stars this time.

    Inside
    Alexandra A.

    Small and locally owned, Zen Ramen & Grill offers ramen and other Japanese food and drink items. It is located in a strip mall which makes parking easily accessible. At max capacity it can hold 97 individuals. This surprises me since it looks a lot smaller. I personally think it should hold 50-60 people max to be comfortable. Service was very quick. My fiance and I were seated right away and a staff member had asked for our drink order within seconds. We stuck with water and for some reason the tap was not good. Tasted stale and with a lot of iron. For food we started with chicken karage and unfortunately this was a miss for me. Seemed more of a chicken nugget and the flavors just weren't what I normally expect. For our entrees we both ordered 2 different ramens: Chicken Miso & Black Garlic Pork Tonkatsu. The chicken miso was also a miss for me, the broth tasted very tomato based and the texture of the chicken was off. It felt undercooked but looked way over cooked. The vegetables and half egg were also cold and lacked flavor. Fortunately the black garlic pork tonkatsu was better - the broth was OK and we both preferred the black garlic ramen over the chicken miso. Zen Ramen won't be my 'go to' ramen spot however if someone were to coordinate a meal here I would happily join!

    Lesley Anne Y.

    Service was great. Place is not too big but theres a few tables and booth and bar seats. They has the kind of ramwn noodles that i like. (Not Udon). For appetizers we had fried brussels sprouts and Chicken Karage. I love the chicken Karage it was tender and seasoned perfectly. My Spicy Shiyou and Tempura Ramen was really good. A bit too spicy for me but someone suggested the Shrimp Ramen so i. Going back to get that! I also want to try their hibachi. So i am definitely coming back! Happy Eating!!!

    Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Soup (husband waited 10-15 mins for his food)

    To start off, I'm new to ramen, I only started eating it a couple of months ago. I've also only had ramen from a different state, so I'm basing my opinions off of comparing Zen to ramen places in the state I normally buy them. The pros: I like the ordering system, it's cool and efficient. I enjoyed being able to sit in a booth rather than table/chairs. The cons..... -I ordered the pork tonkotsu, it was maybe luke warm when it was served to me. It wasn't steaming or hot in anyway. Within 10 minutes it was cold. -my food was delivered pretty quick, we waited 10-15 MINUTES for my husbands food. Had we been on a first date, that would've been so awkward! -the meat was charred & overcooked *compared* to the other ramen I've tried, which was very lightly cooked. I didn't like the meat over cooked. -the bamboo shoots smelled absolutely disgusting, almost like sewer. Now- this could be "normal", but again, the ramen I have had did not have foul smelling bamboo shoots, they didn't really smell like anything. I had to remove them from my soup because it smelled so bad and tainted the broth. -the boba smoothie was absolutely TERRIBLE! This may be personal preference to be fair, it's super icy and may have been my fault for not asking if it's made with milk. Again, in the state I get boba from, if it says "smoothie"- it's made with milk, as opposed to "icy" which is water. The tapioca was TERRIBLE too, I've never had tapioca in all my years drinking it to be MUSHY tapioca! It wasn't chewy, but straight mush like it was old?! Overall, I will never be coming back, and did not satisfy my ramen craving. Upset because this place is so highly rated! I wish the boba would've been worth $7 at least!

    Marisol H.

    I had a pleasant first time experience at Zen Ramen Grill. The service was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was filled with greenery and ample seating. They have a convenient online ordering station located inside the restaurant. The Black Garlic Tonkotsu was flavorful 8/10 and the Spicy Shoyu w. Shrimp tempura has a spicy kick 7/10. The Edamame and Gyoza were also delicious though i felt like the Edamame was super super salty. I noticed they had a lot of foot traffic going going in and out for both dinning in and takeout. Could be a positive sign their takeout is consistent - will likely follow up.

    Hot Green Tea
    Alana S.

    I'm so glad that this place is doing well. I always see little local businesses come and go, but Zen Ramen continues to grow everytime I visit! They are always adding new things to the menu, so I'm able to try something new each time I go. The katsu curry chicken was so delicious, I think it might be my new favorite after the ramen. It's a HUGE portion, but soul warming. The steamed broccoli was a welcome addition in between bites of slightly spicy curry. I'm definitely going to be ordering again.

    Spicy Shoyu w Shrimp Tempura
    Edward M.

    Very friendly service with decent food. Pork Tonkotsu Ramen - broth is a lot thinner than I would have expected, decent flavor but not as deep as I would like. Ramen was cooked perfectly, more like fresh ramen, so more chewy. I will probably go to Kitikata or something.

    Brandy G.

    i've been coming to the spot since it has open and it's always been the same, good food with generous portions at a great price with fast service. Everything is so good, my personal favorite dishes are the chicken katsu, takoyaki, and their shrimp miso ramen. The place feels warm and welcoming, I totally recommend.

    Chicken Kara-Age
    Dan N.

    I was excited to have a new Ramen place close by. It is nice inside and it is in a nondescript strip mall. We sat at the counter and there were maybe 2 other people on a Thursday night. The Server was very nice and friendly and seemed to know the menu very well, we asked questions and she knew all the answers. We started with some excellent Chicken Kara-age, well breaded, not greasy, crunchy, Hot! and good. The Gyoza was almost like deep fried, but it also was very good with a perfect black Vinegar sauce. The Appetizers were both good so I had high hopes. When our Ramen came it looked good. The first big shocker was the temperature, it was kinda lukewarm at best, and the noodles were not toothy or elastic; they were like egg noodles that sat in liquid for too long, no real texture. I wasn't crazy about the black garlic taste, it had a bit of an odd flavor, I finished it, it wasn't bad, just I would not get it again. The Spicy Ramen had some real heat again, not a lot of complexity but it was fine, the broth reminded me of instant spicy ramen. I don't think I would go back for Ramen, the other food we had was very good, I would like to go back and try some of the other things they have

    Ho T.

    I ordered pork buns as an appetizer, which came in two and were served on a plastic taco holder. The buns are light and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness. The pork belly is char grilled on both sides. I believe they overdid it because it was burned and the meat was bit dry. It's bizarre how they cut the cucumber; it's thicker than the pork belly, and from afar, it seems that I'm eating cucumber buns. It is not worth it, and I would not recommend it. The ramen appears pitiful. I wouldn't tell what's in the bowl because the contents are drowning in the soup. They need to work on the presentation. The pork belly is prepared similarly to the appetizer. The noodles were firm and chewy, and the boiled egg was cooked exactly such that the yolk was runny, just way I like it. The soup was average, and the flavor was linear; unfortunately, it tasted like instant noodle package. I left feeling quite disappointed and wishing I could go somewhere else except this eatery. I promised myself that my dinner would be more filling than my lunch.

    Crab Rangoon(4 Pcs)

    See all

    14 days 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 Dana P.
    16
    13
    6

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mehul P.
    123
    35
    118

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    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

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C C.
    0
    8
    1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 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

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    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
    Photo of Sarah J.
    24
    81
    222

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Nice ambiance. Pleasant staff. Food mediocre. Better options in the area. Will likely not return.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    This place was recommended for ramen and I was not impressed. It seemed overpriced and not all that tasty to my liking.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chicago g.
    0
    189
    167

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of George E.
    167
    37
    3

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Frank V.
    101
    20
    4

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    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
    Photo of Les W.
    22
    32
    6

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Zen Ramen & Grill Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Zen Ramen & Grill

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Ramen 3,922 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Hoffman Estates

    Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Hoffman Estates

    4.5
    (932 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    Very nice and bouncy noodles made to order. The soup is light and refreshing, couple that with the…read moredelicious chashu and you got a very savory bowl of noodle soup. Vibe was chill, mostly a quick eats restaurant so it's great for a casual meal.

    Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is a ramen shop that focuses on traditional Japanese-style bowls with a…read morestrong emphasis on carefully developed broths and chewy noodles. We walked into a casual, cozy space with a smaller dining area that can feel busy during peak hours, but the atmosphere stays simple and focused on the food rather than a polished dining experience. The setup works well for a place centered around a warm bowl of noodles, where the attention stays on what is in the bowl rather than what is on the walls. The ramen is the main reason to visit, especially the signature Kitakata-style noodles. The noodles have a thicker, springy texture that gives each bowl a satisfying bite, and the broths are where the restaurant stands out. We tried the Spicy Miso Ramen, which brought a deeper, richer flavor with a noticeable kick, and the Green Chili Shio Ramen, which offered a lighter but still flavorful option with a cleaner broth profile. The balance between the noodles, broth, and toppings made the bowls feel thoughtfully put together rather than just another standard ramen option. The toppings were generous and the eggs were cooked well, adding a creamy richness that tied the bowl together. Beyond ramen, the sides are worth adding to the meal. We ordered the pan-fried gyoza, which came out with a crisp exterior and a juicy filling, making it one of the stronger starters to share. The karaage also added variety if you want something beyond noodles, with a crispy coating that held up without being greasy. The menu has enough options for different preferences, including vegetarian ramen choices that do not feel like an afterthought. Because of its popularity, waits can happen, especially during dinner hours and weekends. Joining the waitlist ahead of time is a good idea if you are planning around a specific schedule. The restaurant moves with a steady pace once seated, and the service generally matches the casual style of the space. The staff handle the flow efficiently, and even when the dining room is full, the pace of the meal stays comfortable without feeling rushed. Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is a strong ramen destination for anyone looking for flavorful broths, well-textured noodles, and comforting Japanese dishes. The spicy ramen options and pan-fried gyoza are highlights, making it a place worth visiting when you want a satisfying bowl rather than just a quick noodle stop. The quality of the broth and the texture of the noodles make it a step above the average ramen spot, delivering a meal that feels complete and well considered.

    Photos
    Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Hoffman Estates
    Tonkotsu Ramen with added egg and Bamboo Shoot
    Tonkotsu Ramen with added egg and Bamboo Shoot
    Ban nai curry

    See all

    Ban nai curry
    Torizen

    Torizen

    4.3
    (218 reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $$

    It's been quite a few years since my last updated review of this place and I have been here several…read moretimes both for lunch or dinner during that time in between. However, my most recent visit came in for dinner and I just had to finally update this post because throughout all of these visits, this place is so amazingly consistent in the food quality in the portions and in the incredible Japanese hospitable service. This is truly authentic legitimate food. And it's great to see the menu over the years really evolved as well as expand. This is a real go to, and I am so glad that they're here and not too far away and this is truly a great Japanese cultural feast and taste for the mouth!

    Ok then- me, hubby, and a couple friends decided it was time to take Torizen for a test drive. On…read morea cold Saturday am, we arrived just before opening- when the guy opened the door? Well- let's just say he wasn't too warm or welcoming and could barely grunt a greeting. Hmm. We were quickly seated in a very japanese-looking restaurant (a good sign). We ordered two apps - the chicken karaage and the agedashi tofu. I ordered the spicy tonkatsu pork ramen (not on their web menu, but still...). First demerit- my ramen arrived before the apps did. Seriously. Seriously? Me with a main dish and my hubby/friends bereft of food? Oh wow. I didn't touch it until the apps arrived a couple minutes later - finally their mains arrived. Yay. The apps? Well, the chicken karaage was really fried chicken breast meat (no bones; not a prob for me, but hubby - a japanese man by birth- was not impressed). The agedashi tofu was yummy and quite good. Nice! Ok- my ramen was - yes- spicy and oily, as any good ramen should be. The bad part? I could tell the bean sprouts weren't fresh as my sensitive digestive tract let me know - fast- that the sprouts were "not" fresh. Yikes. Not a good thing - hence the demerit. Ok- first- we may come again. But gosh. the workers really need to be a bit happier to be there- or - if they can't be pleasant - keep them out of the public's eye. That would be a big help- after all, this was our first visit- and it wasn't too welcoming - it would have offset the bad sprouts, you know?

    Photos
    Torizen
    Potato salad
    Potato salad
    Chicken Karaage

    See all

    Chicken Karaage
    Minami Sushi

    Minami Sushi

    4.3
    (477 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Minami Sushi is hands down one of the best spots I've been to--an easy 5 stars. Everything about…read morethis place is amazing. The sushi is incredibly fresh, full of flavor, and clearly made with care. Every bite tastes high quality, and you can tell they take pride in what they serve. The presentation is top tier, and the menu has a great variety whether you're into classic rolls or something more unique. On top of that, the service is excellent--friendly, fast, and welcoming. The atmosphere is clean, comfortable, and perfect for both a casual meal or a nice night out. Overall, an amazing experience all around. I'll definitely be coming back again and again.

    This minimal Japanese restaurant and sushi bar offers a refined space suited for discerning sushi…read moreenthusiasts. Perfect for a quick lunch, a relaxed date, or a casual meet-up with friends, it combines modern elegance with a welcoming atmosphere. Their bento boxes are popular, and signature dishes like yaki udon and crispy chicken katsu with Japanese BBQ sauce are highly recommended. Seasonally, try the Laura Abbey roll, soft shell crab, Hell roll or dragon roll for a truly satisfying experience. The miso soup and petite salad with carrot ginger dressing delight. The sushi boat sets sail an omekase amount of pieces (7 rolls, 8 pieces of nigiri and chicken karage). The go-to entrees are spicy chicken teriyaki or panko breaded or grilled salmon. With decades of expertise, it's an ideal spot to enjoy quality sushi and create memories. #sushi #schaumburg #dining #nightout

    Photos
    Minami Sushi
    Amazing
    Amazing
    Minami Sushi

    See all

    Kai Mom's K Food Togo

    Kai Mom's K Food Togo

    4.6
    (61 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    My first Yelp Review of 2026!…read more Kicking off the year with Kai Mom's K Food To Go -- and I'm so glad I finally tried it after seeing all the buzz. They have quite an extensive menu offering both Korean & Chinese entrees. It was tough deciding what to choose but we ended up ordered the Jjampong + Jjajangmyeon combo, Pork & Stir-Fried Squid, Galbitang, and Soy Garlic Fried Chicken (Bone-in). Out of everything, the Jjajangmyeon was the clear standout. The flavor was so good that I'd honestly come back just for that alone. Absolute comfort food. The Jjampong didn't quite hit for me -- it wasn't bad, but it felt a little bland and lacked the umami I usually look for. I've had better elsewhere, so I'd probably skip that next time. Similarly the Pork & Squid stir fry just didn't pack the right punch for me so I would pass too. Other highlights were definitely the Soy Garlic Fried Chicken and Galbitang. The chicken was packed with flavor, perfectly crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside -- a must-order. The Galbitang was comforting and hearty, with about four bones in the soup, super tender meat, and a clean, soothing broth. The space itself is small with only four tables, and we lucked out getting one. It has such a cozy, homey feel -- like you're sitting in her kitchen while she cooks you a homemade Korean meal. Service was excellent too; they checked in often and kept our drinks refilled. Overall, a great start to my 2026 food reviews. I'll definitely be back -- especially for that Jjajangmyeon and Soy Garlic Fried Chicken. I can't wait to try more of their dishes.

    I come to Kai Mom's ToGo pretty often, especially for their soondubu soup. It's always so…read moreflavorful! I tried their seafood pancake for the first time today, and it was delicious as well. I also highly recommend their fried chicken and dumplings! Whenever I don't know what to eat, this is my go to spot. It's only 2 minutes from my office, so super convenient. Great food and great location, definitely is one of my favorites in Schaumburg!

    Photos
    Kai Mom's K Food Togo
    Bibimbap
    Bibimbap
    Cheeto fries

    See all

    Cheeto fries
    Tiger Chicken

    Tiger Chicken

    4.0
    (61 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    Have tried this place a couple times and each they have somehow showed they care less and are…read morecontemptible to anyone who actually places an order. My order has been wrong 2/3 now. The inside is a mess of random literal stuff (emory boards and piñatas??). None of the 4 menu screens work. There is one POS system and a brunch of printed menus scattered around without any organization. Nothing appears to be made in-house. The bubble teas all come from mixes. I will say even though I did not get the Korean corn dog I ordered, the one I got was edible. However, the inside was overcooked and it fell in my lap because the stick was ineffective. Not worth a stop unless you are desperate. The ownership obviously doesn't care, why should I?

    This place is in between my parent's house in Schaumburg and my sister's house in Bartlett so I…read moreoften pass it while I'm in town for a visit. Well I finally decided to try it for dinner when we had no plans. You order on a touch screen so you don't have pressure while making decision which I love but also you don't really get to interact with the staff. The food took a significant amount of time for our food to be ready but the place although small is really cute with K-pop videos on so we were entertained. Unfortunately, the food was very okay. Now they do come out looking delicious but the flavor profiles are a lot less than what you'd expect. I wouldn't try it again unless someone else was paying because we didn't find the food worth the price.

    Photos
    Fry em up!!
    Fry em up!!
    Ramen Mozzarella Korean Corn Dog
    Ramen Mozzarella Korean Corn Dog
    Matcha milk tea with boba

    See all

    Matcha milk tea with boba

    Zen Ramen & Grill - ramen - Updated June 2026

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