Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Arlington Heights

Japanese food

Japanese food that respects the precision of the cuisine instead of treating it like standard takeout.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Ramen USA image 1
Ramen USA image 2
Ramen USA image 3
View all
Japanese restaurant

Cozy Japanese eatery offers spicy ramen with rich seafood broth and thick meat cuts. Enjoy generous portions alongside a fresh salad bar. Relax in a casual space with upbeat music and self-service condiment carts for a laid-back meal.

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."

"I found the food here to be very affordable and good."

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

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
Sozai Banzai image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Cozy, homey setting offers authentic Japanese flavors with chewy ramen noodles and tender chashu. Quiet and uncrowded space ensures a comfortable dining experience. Affordable prices and clean, no-frills environment make it a great spot for budget-friendly meals.

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."

"I thought the ramen here was above average and truly remarkable."

"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.

03
Naomi Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy interior and booth seating create a peaceful vibe. Fresh, flavorful sushi offers top-notch quality at low prices. Soft music and quiet decor make it a relaxing spot for Japanese food lovers.

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."

"It's a quiet and peaceful place."

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.

04
Teriyaki Chopper image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant features authentic teriyaki with fast service and perfectly balanced sauce. Tight seating with stools creates a compact dining area. Anime posters add a distinct visual vibe, while kiosk ordering suits picky eaters and those who prefer minimal social interaction.

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."

"I got a feast with my chicken salad, the portions were huge."

"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.

05
Osaku Sushi & Ramen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small Asian spot offers fresh salmon sashimi and spicy pork ramen with bold flavors. Seating is limited, creating a grab-n-go vibe perfect for takeout. Friendly staff serve up hot pork gyoza in a simple, low-key setting.

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."

"The lunch special here is a great deal with plenty of food."

"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.

06
Bakery Crescent image 1

Japanese artisanal bakery shines with softest milk bread and authentic pastries baked fresh twice daily. Bento boxes at $8.75 offer takoyaki bun and tonkatsu sando, perfect when heated. Cozy vibe and generous portions make it a local favorite.

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 Japanese pastries here are amazing and authentic."

"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.

07
Sanuki Seimen Mugimaru image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot serves mochi-mochi udon with a deep umami broth that comforts. Crisp tempura shrimp and fresh veggies add variety. Warm, unassuming vibe draws fans of authentic Japanese flavors despite limited seating.

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.

08
Nikko Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot with a cozy diner feel and a bar facing the sushi prep area. Fresh nigiri, especially fluke, shines alongside Korean dishes. Late-night diners enjoy inventive sushi and solid cooked options like Chicken Teriyaki.

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."

"This late night spot has divine sushi rolls and fantastic fish."

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.

09
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka image 1
Ramen restaurant

Busy market spot serves rich broth and authentic Japanese ramen with perfectly cooked noodles. Expect big portions and a crowded lunchtime atmosphere that feels like a hole in the wall. Spicy miso ramen offers balanced heat without too much salt.

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.

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

Hotel has cozy rooms with quiet atmosphere despite road noise. Guests enjoy Japanese breakfast featuring rice and miso soup. Amenities include a pool and airport shuttle for easy travel.

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."

"Breakfast included rice, furikake, and instant miso soup."

"I loved the Japanese food breakfast 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.

Discover more

Arlington Heights, Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...