Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Illinois

Soup and edamame

Made for those who want to start their meal with a light, salty snack before moving on to a warm, restorative bowl.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Koi Noodles image 1
Koi Noodles image 2
Koi Noodles image 3
View all
Chinese restaurant

Spacious dining area with tasteful koi-themed decor creates a warm and cozy atmosphere that suits families and dates. Soft 80's rock music plays in the background, adding to the relaxed vibe. Modern chairs and an artsy layout complement the Asian-inspired setting.

Signature koi soup features sweet corn and rich broth. Noodle soups with braised wagyu brisket and mushrooms offer deep flavor. Vegan dumplings come with flavorful noodle soup options.

Garlic shines in the pan-fried edamame, delivering a strong, savory flavor. This version stands out for its bold garlic taste and crisp texture.

People are saying

"The vegan noodle soup here is so flavorful."

"The crab rangoon here is a fantastic date spot starter."

"The garlic on the edamame was amazing and abundant."

Good to know

1

Koi Noodles offers happy hour every day with food and drink specials.

2

Happy hour Sapporo is available for $3, making it a great deal.

3

The restaurant has a vegan menu for those with dietary restrictions.

02
Mori Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a warm, comfortable atmosphere with a husband and wife team running the place. The space feels welcoming and casual with fun music playing. The menu features fresh, local ingredients and creative specialty rolls that stand out.

Spicy miso soup offers a perfect level of spice and fresh tofu. Miso soup here stands out for its amazing flavor and quality ingredients.

Garlic Parmesan Edamame stands out with its rich flavor and perfect seasoning. It offers a unique twist on the classic edamame, making it a memorable choice.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing and super fresh."

"The sushi here is always so fresh and delicious."

"I found the edamame to be great."

Good to know

1

Dining can be expensive, usually around $100 for two without drinks.

2

Expect a wait time of 45 minutes to 1 hour for food preparation.

3

The restaurant offers a huge variety of specialty rolls to choose from.

03
One More Sushi Express image 1
Sushi restaurant

Bright, playful interior with an anime and gaming theme and cute murals creates a welcoming, serene atmosphere. Clean, open kitchen and tidy environment support a relaxed dining experience. Music plays loudly, adding to the lively yet calming vibe.

Authentic miso soup tastes fresh and well-balanced here. Staff recommend hot soups that pair well with sushi, making the soup experience solid and satisfying.

Spicy edamame beans come with a noticeable kick. They serve it alongside sushi, ramen, and boba fruit tea.

People are saying

"The sushi here is fresh, flavorful, and honestly the best I've ever had."

"This miso soup is authentic and perfect."

"I thought the edamame was great."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street with a pickup zone.

2

The portions are large, so come with a big appetite.

3

They allow customers to bring their own beverages.

04
Nomu Ramen & Sushi image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant offers an izakaya-style setting with a huge central bar and a modern, classy vibe. Atmosphere feels cozy and stylish, with thoughtful design enhancing the dining experience. The space is well-arranged and uncrowded, supporting a refined yet approachable environment.

Strong garlic flavor defines the soup, making it refreshing and light. It contains no salt, keeping the taste clean and mild.

Spicy edamame serves as a popular starter with an addictive kick. It pairs well with other appetizers like gyoza and okonomiyaki fries.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is authentic and delicious."

"The ramen noodles here are thin and chewy."

"I found the spicy edamame to be addictive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Prices for meals are generally reasonable, with ramen dishes around $10-$15.

3

The restaurant offers a limited vegetarian menu alongside ramen options.

05
KOHOKU-KU RAMEN CHICAGO image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with private booths and Showa-era Japanese decor creates an authentic atmosphere reminiscent of Osaka. The vibe is cozy and snug, with close seating and bar stools enhancing the neighborhood feel. Energy stays calm and welcoming, reflecting a genuine Japanese ramen shop experience.

Ramen soup offers a flavorful broth with layers of umami, fat, spice, and salt that build as you eat. The spicy tonkotsu soup has a gelatinous collagen-rich broth that stays rich even at high heat, while the Shio Ramen provides a low sodium option for lighter taste.

Sea salt edamame stands out with its simple seasoning and solid flavor. It pairs well with other appetizers and is easy to enjoy without fuss.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the delicious ramen here."

"The ramen soup here is rich, savory, and incredibly flavorful."

"The edamame appetizer was delicious."

Good to know

1

KOHOKU-KU is BYOB for alcoholic beverages.

2

The menu includes a wide variety of dishes such as takoyaki and chicken katsu curry.

3

There was no long wait to sit; I was seated immediately.

06
Takibi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, intimate sushi spot with cozy incandescent lighting and unique wall art creates a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. Quiet vibe suits relaxed dining or catching up with friends. Known for fresh, high-quality sushi and impeccable plating.

Miso soup comes with many meals and has a mild saltiness. It has a chicken-like flavor that differs from the usual taste.

Garlic Edamame stands out with its sweet and savory flavor. Regular edamame comes perfectly seasoned and very flavorful, though takeout versions lose some of that seasoning.

People are saying

"I've never had sushi this high quality before."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh, especially the tuna and salmon."

"The miso soup was pretty good, not too salty."

Good to know

1

Takibi is a BYOB restaurant, so bring your favorite drinks.

2

The menu features a variety of sushi options and vegetarian dishes.

3

Ramen is available for dine-in only, while sushi is available for takeout.

07
Kyo Ramen & Poke Bowl image 1

Restaurant offers a clean modern interior with low lighting and a cozy yet casual vibe. Music plays but often clashes with the well-designed space, creating a slight disconnect. Sushi rolls display with orchids and a pretty bar add to the chic atmosphere.

Miso soup stands out with its outstanding flavor and super tasty broth. Lunch specials include a complimentary soup that complements the meal well.

Spicy edamame comes with a seasoned coating but lacks a saucy texture. Regular edamame is solid in flavor.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"The miso soup here is outstanding and super tasty."

"The spicy edamame here was good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of sushi and ramen options.

2

Portions are large, often providing enough for multiple meals.

3

Prices are reasonable, with entrees around $15.

08
Strings Ramen Shop image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant with an open kitchen visible from seating area creates a moody, cozy atmosphere. Space feels tight and intimate, often crowded, with a homey vibe and friendly staff. Music adds to the relaxed setting, making it feel like an authentic late-night Asian snack spot.

Soups come with thick, soft noodles and a broth packed with herbs and chili for a spicy kick. The flavors are rich and memorable, making the soup stand out.

Edamame serves as a cool snack that balances the heat from spicy ramen. It comes as a simple side, sometimes noted as just okay, but often enjoyed alongside vegetarian and spicy ramen dishes.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich and delicious."

"I thought the soup and noodles were the best I had ever tasted."

"I found the edamame to be exceptionally good."

Good to know

1

The spicy challenge allows participants to eat for free if completed in time with minimal water.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so feel free to bring your own drinks.

3

They automatically add gratuity to bills for small groups.

09
Tsukiji Sushi Sake Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant blends Japanese decor with Latin music, creating a unique fusion atmosphere. Warm, inviting vibe features comfortable patio seating with gorgeous landscaping. Energy stays friendly and lively, enhanced by a reggaeton playlist and candlelit tables.

Beef udon soup stands out with rich flavor. Miso soups come in regular and spicy versions, both very flavorful. Lobster wontons add a unique twist to the soup offerings.

Spicy edamame stands out with its addictive heat and flavor. It pairs well with other starters like lobster wontons and complements the overall menu.

People are saying

"The owners are so sweet and made me feel at home with their kindness."

"I've never had miso soup this flavorful before."

"You have to try the spicy edamame; they're so addicting."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-6 PM daily, offering great drink deals.

2

Halal chicken and beef options are available on the menu.

3

Free parking is available four blocks away from the restaurant.

10
Strings Ramen Shop Hyde Park image 1

Ramen restaurant offers a spacious dining room with minimalistic Japanese decor and good lighting. Atmosphere feels authentic and cozy, filled with cultural touches like documentaries on ramen origins. The vibe is lively and welcoming, suitable for families and casual meals.

Rich ramen soup offers a variety of choices with noodles that pair well. The broth leans toward a savory profile, though some prefer it a bit saltier.

Edamame comes soft and easy to eat, served warm rather than cold. It often arrives as a free appetizer, paired sometimes with veggie gyoza.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was great and of good quality."

"I found the edamame to be excellent and surprisingly cooked."

"The ramen soup is deeply flavorful and awesome."

Good to know

1

The restaurant hosts a spice challenge for adventurous eaters.

2

Vegan options are limited; only vegetarian options are available.

3

You can bring your own alcohol, as the restaurant does not serve it.

11
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill image 1

Small space filled with Japanese manga art and comic book style design creates a cozy, cool atmosphere. Live music performances, including DJs and saxophonists, add energetic vibes. The place draws a crowd that appreciates authentic sushi paired with unique drinks like sake flights.

Spicy and regular versions of miso soup stand out here. Both have a solid flavor that complements the meal well.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is always fresh and delicious."

"The steamed edamame comes with a dusting of sea salt."

"I loved their spicy miso soup."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on weekdays with $3 takoyaki and $5 off jumbo rolls.

2

On Tuesday nights, enjoy $5 off jumbo rolls and $3 off regular rolls.

3

Reservations are charged for cancellations, so plan accordingly.

12
Umai image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space features high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that create an open feel despite crowded, close seating. Atmosphere is chill but stylish, attracting a younger, hip crowd for casual dates or dinners with friends. Music and a full bar complement the lively vibe during dinner hours.

Miso soup stands out with high quality and rich flavor enhanced by black garlic oil. Small touches like extra servings and Japanese pickles add to the experience.

Spicy edamame delivers a consistent kick of heat that stands out. It pairs well with other items like pork shoulder skewers and various rolls, making it a frequent choice.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, beautiful, and delicious."

"I found the miso soup here to be superb."

"The spicy edamame has just the right kick."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends, especially after 6pm.

2

Umai offers a self-serve sushi experience with prices based on weight.

3

The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly with several options available.

13
CHICAGO RAMEN image 1
Ramen restaurant

Counter seating faces an open kitchen where chefs prepare ramen in an intricate, visible process. The cramped space offers a Japanese small shop feel with tight bar-style seating and authentic decor that creates a comforting atmosphere reminiscent of Tokyo.

Soups feature pork cooked to fall apart, making it easy to eat. The broth delivers a consistently amazing flavor.

Edamame comes hot and garlicky, coated in a spicy sauce that makes it stand out. The pods are plump and flavorful, often served alongside other appetizers like tempura shrimp and gyoza.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich and delicious."

"I found the ramen here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The garlic edamame here is a revelation."

Good to know

1

There are only two tables for four people, leading to limited seating.

2

Expect high prices for extra toppings, like $7 for corn and chives.

3

The portion size is generous, offering good value for the price.

14
Kajiken Chicago image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese-style interior features wooden decor and warm lighting that create an inviting atmosphere. Music includes authentic Japanese selections enhancing the cultural vibe. Seating is intimate and creatively arranged, offering a spacious yet cozy dining experience.

Soup ramen has a balanced flavor but does not stand out and feels overpriced. Dry ramen without soup offers a refreshing twist on the traditional dish.

Edamame comes in Original, wasabi-garlic, and spicy chili flavors. The spicy chili version works well as a starter. Some find the edamame flavorful, while others might skip it next time.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is so flavorful and delicious."

"The edamame was flavorful and delicious."

"I found the spicy ramen soup delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes during peak lunch hours.

2

The average cost per person is around $20 for ramen and a shared side.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

15
Izakaya Shinya image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Izakaya-style restaurant offers authentic Japanese decor with traditional seating and moody lighting. The atmosphere stays cozy and lively, featuring karaoke that energizes the space late into the night. Guests enjoy grilling at the table and a varied sake and cocktail selection.

Miso soup comes free with rice bowl orders and can be ordered alone. It has a very flavorful taste and often surprises with its quality.

Spicy edamame stands out with a bold kick. It arrives fresh and pairs well with hibachi dishes.

People are saying

"The food here felt like being back in Japan."

"The miso soup is a nice surprise that comes with meals."

"The edamame was good once served."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday and Saturday night, starting at 9pm.

2

Happy hour offers $7 drinks, but only for the first drink.

3

The restaurant is open until 2 AM, perfect for late-night dining.

Discover more

Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...