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Top picks in Arlington Heights

Japanese food spots

You are looking for Japanese dishes that stay true to their traditional roots.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Japanese restaurant

Low key, cozy Japanese eatery with a relaxed atmosphere and upbeat background music. Tables include self-service condiment carts and a complimentary salad bar. Decor features clean, humble Japanese style with cute plush decorations, creating a casual, comfortable vibe.

Food offers authentic Japanese flavors with dishes like shoyu ramen and takoyaki that are both fresh and filling. Portions come generous and affordable, served promptly by pleasant staff.

Spicy ramen stands out with its rich seafood broth and thick cuts of meat. Generous portions come with fresh salad bar access and dishes like katsudon packed with pork and rice.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I've ever tasted."

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, is the best I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour menu available five days a week with 30% off ramen and 50% off appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers a complimentary salad bar for meals costing $11 and up during lunch hours.

3

Allergy warnings are clearly marked on the menu for those with dietary restrictions.

02
Teriyaki Chopper image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers tight seating with stools and no standing counters, creating a compact dining area. Anime posters decorate the interior, adding a distinct visual vibe. Ordering happens via a kiosk system, making it friendly for picky eaters and those who prefer minimal social interaction.

Food features well seasoned dishes with Japanese rice and super juicy meat. Meals come out quickly, made fresh in front of you, with large serving sizes and very fresh ingredients.

Teriyaki beef and chicken come cooked to order with a sauce that complements the meat without being too sweet. Service moves fast, and the flavors offer a taste close to authentic Japanese teriyaki.

People are saying

"The teriyaki chicken and beef combo was savory and perfectly cooked."

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The teriyaki chicken and beef had a great char and smoky flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not accept cash payments; only credit cards are accepted.

2

Portion sizes are generous, making it a good value for the price.

3

Expect a wait time as food is cooked fresh to order.

03
Sozai Banzai image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Cozy, homey setting with basic furniture and warm, inviting atmosphere creates a comfortable dining experience. Quiet and uncrowded, it offers authentic Japanese flavors with affordable prices and a clean, no-frills environment.

Food arrives freshly cooked and hot, showcasing authentic Japanese flavors without Americanized twists. Meals offer great value with consistently delicious taste and quality.

Ramen features chewy noodles, tender chashu, and broth that is balanced, not heavy. Pork dishes like the bento and katsu curry offer tender meat** with well-measured spices. Udon noodles come rich and savory, while chicken katsu stays crispy and flavorful.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be fresh and authentic."

"The food here is delicious and authentic Japanese."

"The ramen here is above average and truly remarkable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a rotating daily lunch special with varying meals.

2

You can order at the counter or on your phone and leave a tab open.

3

The restaurant is located in a strip mall with ample parking.

04
Naomi Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy interior contrasts with an unassuming, slightly run-down exterior, creating an intimate and peaceful atmosphere. Booth seating offers unique comfort while soft music and quiet decor enhance the relaxing vibe. Sushi stands out for its freshness, flavorful rolls, and top-notch quality at low prices.

Food stands out for its authentic Japanese flavors and well-presented dishes. Cocktails complement the terrific dining experience.

Fresh and delicious sushi stands out with consistently great and authentic flavors. The quality here is hard to beat in the northern suburbs, making it a reliable spot for sushi lovers.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, flavorful, and consistently tasty."

"The cocktails here are interesting and delicious."

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Parking is somewhat limited, so arrive early.

3

Expect longer wait times during weekend dinner hours.

05
Bakery Crescent image 1

Japanese artisanal bakery offers softest milk bread and authentic pastries with generous portions and reasonable prices. Cozy neighborhood atmosphere with fresh products baked twice daily by an experienced baker. Specials after 3pm highlight a variety of Japanese-style breads suited to Asian tastes.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious, with hot meals prepared to order requiring advance notice. Pastries and breads also stand out for their freshness and quality.

Freshly made-to-order bento boxes cost just $8.75, crafted by a Japanese professional chef. The takoyaki bun and tonkatsu sando stand out, with the latter tasting best when heated briefly. The yakisoba pan offers a fluffy bun filled with noodles, adding a classic savory touch.

People are saying

"The bread here is so delicious and fluffy."

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I found the Japanese pastries and bento boxes to be the best in Illinois."

Good to know

1

Bakery Crescent offers a variety of sweet and savory breads at affordable prices.

2

A bento box of the day costs $8.75, freshly made to order.

3

There is a 4% credit card fee, so paying with cash is advisable.

06
Osaku Sushi & Ramen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small Asian restaurant with limited seating and a grab-n-go vibe. Atmosphere feels low key and uninviting for dine-in, focusing mainly on takeout. Food quality stands out with fresh sushi and flavorful ramen despite the simple setting.

Food offers fresh, authentic Asian flavors with excellent taste and good value under $15. Extra care is taken for kids' food allergies, and packaging is done well.

Fresh salmon sashimi stands out with its silky texture and fragrant aroma. The menu features spicy pork ramen, sushi rolls like spider and tempura, and hot pork gyoza, all served with generous condiments and friendly service.

People are saying

"The ramen here is flavorful and delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Osaku Sushi & Ramen has only two small tables, making it mostly a takeout place.

2

Takeout is the best option because of the small size.

3

The restaurant is open on Mondays and Sundays.

07
Nikko Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant with cozy diner feel and relaxed vibes. Space includes a bar facing the sushi preparation area and about six tables. Offers fresh, inventive sushi alongside Korean dishes, attracting late-night diners seeking variety and quality.

Food stands out for its freshness and tasty flavors, especially the Chicken Teriyaki and Chicken Katsu. Quality remains excellent with a small joint feel that pairs great food with attentive service.

Cuts of fish stand out with fresh nigiri, especially the fluke. Chicken Teriyaki and Chicken Katsu offer solid cooked options alongside clean fried rice and seaweed salad.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, inventive, and delicious."

"The sushi here is fresh, inventive, and delicious."

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Nikko Sushi is open until midnight on weekdays and weekends.

2

Expect a wait time as food is cooked to order; reservations are not required.

3

The signature roll costs $17 for only 5 or 6 pieces.

08
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant inside a busy market with consistently long lines and a crowded lunchtime atmosphere. The space feels like a hole in the wall and can be uncomfortable during peak times. Known for rich, flavorful ramen broth and big portions, it attracts many seeking authentic Japanese ramen.

Food here is consistently delicious and efficiently prepared to order. The dishes stand out as exceptional for a food court setting.

Broths have rich flavor and noodles cook just right. Shio-Ramen stays true to traditional Japanese recipes. Spicy miso ramen offers a balanced heat without excess salt.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and tasty."

"I found the spicy Miso Ramen to be amazing."

"I found the ramen here to be the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially during lunch hours and weekends.

2

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid waiting.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but the restaurant previously operated as cash-only.

09
Sanuki Seimen Mugimaru image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy space offers freshly made udon noodles with a perfect chewy texture and deep umami broth. The atmosphere feels warm and unassuming, attracting those who appreciate varied tempura options alongside comforting Japanese dishes. Seating is limited, which can affect dining comfort.

Curry with sticky rice stands out as a rare vegetarian option and is considered the best in the food court. Fried foods like shrimp tempura, croquette, and chicken karaage are fresh and available when in stock.

Udon here has a mochi-mochi chew, firm yet supple, with broths that are clean and full of deep umami. Tempura options include crispy shrimp, lotus root, onion, and sweet potato, all fresh and tasty.

People are saying

"The shrimp tempura here is crispy and delicious."

"I've never had udon this good; I'd sacrifice anything for it."

"The Japanese food here has perfectly cooked udon noodles."

Good to know

1

They make and cook the udon fresh in front of you.

2

The udon is about $5 cheaper than in Dallas.

3

They offer a variety of tempura options.

10
Holiday Inn Express Chicago NW - Arlington Heights by IHG image 1

Hotel offers clean, cozy rooms with dated decor and quiet atmosphere despite some road noise. Amenities include free breakfast with rice and miso soup, a pool, fitness room, and airport shuttle. Location provides quick access to highways and nearby shopping.

Surrounding area offers many food choices including Japanese restaurants, bakeries, and Asian eateries. Location provides quick access to shopping and dining options near the airport and major roads.

Breakfast includes white rice, instant miso soup, and furikake seasoning. These items rotate but consistently appear alongside standard breakfast foods.

People are saying

"This hotel's location is excellent, with many shops and restaurants nearby."

"I loved the Japanese food breakfast with rice and miso soup."

"The breakfast food here is great, with rice and miso soup."

Good to know

1

Check-in may be difficult; plan accordingly.

2

Parking prices are steep for guests.

3

The hotel allows a 1pm check-out.

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Arlington Heights, Illinois

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