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Kimchi and ramen in Illinois

You shouldn't have to choose between a steaming bowl of ramen and a proper serving of kimchi.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Korean restaurant

Small, informal Korean restaurant with an adorable, well-coordinated interior and cozy, cheerful atmosphere. Offers authentic Korean dishes including vegetarian bibimbap and spicy ramen. Feels like a warm family-run spot with a clean and inviting vibe.

Kimchi is made from scratch here, showing clear care in preparation. It is well pickled and has a delicious taste that stands out.

Spicy ramen stands out with its bold heat and rich flavor. Korean ramen offers a satisfying, savory broth paired with chewy noodles.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The kimchi here is amazing and tastes so fresh."

"I enjoyed the ramen; it was so delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.

2

Expect no side dishes served with bibimbop, unlike other Korean BBQs.

3

Prices are higher compared to similar options in the area.

02
You Korean & Japanese Sushi Bar image 1

Spacious Korean restaurant offers a calm, quiet atmosphere with open, inviting dining areas and tactful decoration. Guests can enjoy authentic Korean flavors alongside adult gaming options like karaoke and slot machines in a separate room. A small Asian market adds a unique touch to the experience.

Three kinds of house-made kimchi arrive with clear care and authenticity. The kimchi tastes like the real deal from Korea and pairs well with dishes like tofu steak.

Spicy ramen stands out with its excellent flavor even without meat. The dish shares its quality with other noodle options like udon, making it a solid choice for spice lovers.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's bulgogi was grilled to perfection and very flavorful."

"This kimchi is authentic and reminds me of home."

"The spicy ramen here is excellent, even without meat."

Good to know

1

Reservations are typically required for parties of five or more.

2

The lunch special costs $15 and does not include a drink.

3

The restaurant has a small grocery section for Korean and Japanese snacks.

03
SGD DUBU SO GONG DONG TOFU & KOREAN BBQ image 1

Spacious dining area with high ceilings and dark wood accents creates a calm, modern atmosphere. The environment suits family dinners and large groups, offering a clean and tidy setting. A crowd often gathers at the entrance, reflecting its popularity among those seeking authentic Korean cuisine.

Kimchi here has a balanced sourness that is not overpowering. Side dishes include spicy cucumber and well-seasoned banchans with a mix of sour and sweet flavors.

Soups and ramen stand out with tofu soup and beef ramen noodles cooked just right. Budaejiggae pairs well with either rice or ramen, and avoiding rush hours helps enjoy the best flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The ramen broth here is mild but good."

"I loved their kimchi because it wasn't too sour."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during peak lunch hours, especially around 12 PM.

2

The restaurant closes for staff lunch at 2:45 PM.

3

They offer a variety of customizable protein, rice, and noodle options.

04
Gung Ho - Bolingbrook image 1
Ramen restaurant

Anime-themed decor and TVs playing anime create a quirky, playful vibe. Tables include sketchbooks with colored pencils and games, encouraging creativity and interaction. Booths offer private seating with intentional design including good lighting and electrical outlets.

Kimchi here has a nice spicy kick and stays fresh and crunchy. The kimchi fries stand out as a flavorful dish, and the kimchi chicken ramen combines well with the spice.

Broth comes out perfect with options for four spice levels. Ramen dishes like Goku and Tonkotsu pack plenty of noodles and meat without being too salty.

People are saying

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

"The milk teas here are great, especially the brown sugar."

"The kimchi fries were next level."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is available with many customizable options.

2

Expect a wait for a table during busy hours.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with a family meal costing around $76.

05
Tenichi Sushi & Ramen image 1

Restaurant offers a cozy, bright dining room with cherry blossom decor and an innovative tablet ordering system. Atmosphere stays relaxed and peaceful, fitting for casual dinners or date nights. Food presentation matches menu pictures, enhancing the overall experience.

Kimchi here comes with a bold flavor and a crisp texture. It pairs well with dishes like fried chicken and ramen.

Ramen features a slightly thick and soupy broth with great richness and a creamy texture that improves with each bite. Varieties like the Black Forest Ramen and Tokyo Tonkotsu offer perfectly cooked meat and a balanced flavor that is not overly salty.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, melt-in-your-mouth salmon sashimi."

"The ramen broth was savory and prepared over 18 hours."

"I found the kimchi to be spectacular and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses an iPad ordering system for convenience.

2

Expect a 20% gratuity added for parties of six or more.

3

Parking is easy and available at the village crossing plaza.

06
Waukegan CM chicken Bobadod image 1

Restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with K-pop music creating a lively vibe. Seating includes comfortable bean bags and a free Pac-Man arcade game adds playful energy. A mini grocery store sells Korean snacks, enhancing the unique experience.

Kimchi here has a spicy kick that stands out. Staff often offer free samples and pair it well with dishes like spicy ramen and rice bowls.

Dumpling ramen stands out as a favorite, often paired with garlic wings. The menu includes spicy chicken dumpling ramen and special ramen options for toddlers, all noted for fresh, delicious flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, hot, and tasty."

"This spicy chicken dumpling ramen is so delicious, I forgot to take a picture."

"I loved the kimchi, it had a surprising kick to it."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of free parking available.

2

There was no wait when I visited.

3

The restaurant offers good Korean food, snacks, and bubble tea.

07
Mr kimchi Korean AYCE BBQ Algonquin image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Grill-at-table setup creates an interactive dining experience with large tables suited for groups. Atmosphere stays calm and inviting with music at a comfortable volume, making it ideal for gatherings. Unique features include a ramen bar and a birthday wheel offering free items, adding fun elements to the meal.

Kimchi comes with a perfect spice that stands out among the side dishes. Staff offer proactive refills to keep it coming throughout the meal.

A ramen bar comes with the meal and offers an awesome selection. The ramen tastes very good and matches the quality found at the Niles location.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and delicious."

"The ramen bar here is so cool and unique!"

"I thought the kimchi here was perfect."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with fresh, flavorful meat and attentive service.

2

They celebrate birthdays with a fun song and a prize wheel for the birthday person.

3

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak dinner hours on weekends.

08
Mr.Kimchi Korean AYCE BBQ Niles image 1

Large, modern space offers an interactive grilling experience with a choose-your-own instant ramen bar and photo booth. Atmosphere feels laid-back and family-friendly, though music volume can be high. Flavored soju and cocktails complement the all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ well.

Kimchi here stands out for its bold flavor and freshness. It ranks among the best versions available.

Complimentary all-you-can-eat ramen bar offers a unique experience with a separate area to cook your own ramen. This setup stands out as a distinctive feature alongside other dining options.

People are saying

"The food here is great and flavorful."

"You can choose your own instant ramen from a huge wall."

"The kimchi here is flavorful and well-marinated."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 3 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect it to get busy after 6:30 pm, especially on weekends.

3

There is a promotion every Monday and Wednesday where Premium AYCE customers can get ramen for free.

09
To Korean Cuisine image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant with K-pop-themed decor and colorful interior creates a chill, casual atmosphere that feels like being in Seoul. Tables include charging stations, enhancing convenience. The vibe attracts a younger crowd seeking lively, trendy street food experiences.

Kimchi here has a balanced flavor that is flavorful but not overpowering. The kimchi fried rice combines bacon, pork belly, and seaweed with a perfectly cooked egg, making it very comforting. Side dishes include kimchi and pickled radish that complement the meal well.

Ramen shines with a phenomenal broth and solid flavors. The kimchi ramen stands out and works well for hangover relief.

People are saying

"This Korean food is so fresh and flavorful, I loved it."

"The ramen broth here was phenomenal."

"The kimchi fried rice has stellar flavor and comforting ingredients."

Good to know

1

Parking is on the street, costing about $2.50 an hour on weekdays.

2

After a certain time on weekends, parking is free.

3

The restaurant is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

10
Mr. Kimchi ALL YOU CAN EAT Korean BBQ image 1

Korean BBQ restaurant offers private booth seating with smokeless grills that keep the air clear. Warm, inviting atmosphere blends modern and traditional decor with mainstream K-pop music creating an authentic vibe. Guests cook their own food at the table, enjoying an interactive and intimate dining experience.

Fresh kimchi adds a must-have tang to many dishes here. It pairs well with a variety of thinly sliced meats and comes alongside other small plates like pickled radish and spicy rice cakes.

Complimentary ramen comes with premium all-you-can-eat levels, adding value to the meal. A ramen bar was added during renovations, enhancing the dining experience with options like Hangang ramen.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The marinated meats here are perfectly seasoned and fresh."

"You get complimentary ramen when you order premium levels."

Good to know

1

Lunch special offers 30% off from 12-3pm.

2

All-you-can-eat lunch is available from 11am to 2pm for $19.99.

3

The restaurant hosts birthday celebrations for large groups.

11
Wu's Ramen and Poke image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant with cozy modern decor and peaceful atmosphere featuring open kitchen where chefs brew fresh broth. The vibe stays calm and intimate, making it suitable for quiet meals or dates. The menu offers flavorful ramen and poke bowls with tender meat and rich broth.

Kimchi comes as a side dish that pairs well with the main meal. It adds a spicy, tangy kick that complements dishes like pork ramen and appetizers.

Broth stands out as naturally made and very flavorful with tender meat in the ramen. Options include spicy beef ramen and perfectly cooked pork in miso ramen, all consistently delicious and filling.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is absolutely delicious and flavorful."

"The fruit teas here are delicious and taste so fruity."

"The kimchi here is a great addition to the meal."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 20-30 minutes during busy dinner hours.

2

The average meal cost is around $30, including drinks.

3

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

12
MR. KIMCHI KOREAN BBQ RANDHURST image 1

Large space with modern decor and interactive grilling offers a lively atmosphere enhanced by background music and a soju bar. Private booths and a ramen bar add variety to the experience. Smoke suckers above grills keep the air clear during cooking.

Kimchi here stands out for its freshness and high quality. It comes as part of several tasty side dishes that complement the meal well.

A self-serve ramen bar lets you make your own bowls, included with the all-you-can-eat package. The variety of ramen options is wide, and the setup includes a ramen machine for cooking your food.

People are saying

"The food here is great and really tasty."

"You can make your own ramen here; it's great!"

"I'm still thinking about the bulgogi here."

Good to know

1

You can only order three plates at a time, and they must be different types of meat.

2

An 18% service charge is automatically added for tables of two.

3

Rice is free during lunch but costs an extra $3 per bowl at dinner.

13
KOW image 1
Restaurant

Large, beautifully designed space features loud K-pop music, laser lights, and a ramen bar where customers can cook their own ramen. Atmosphere feels lively and upbeat, with neon accents and big screens playing music videos. Guests enjoy a vibrant setting with interactive dining and a full bar on a mezzanine level.

Bold and tangy flavors define the kimchi here. It pairs perfectly with rich meats, adding a sharp contrast that stands out.

Ramen comes with a helpful waitress guiding through the ordering process. Samjang sauce adds a distinctive flavor, and ramen pairs well with kbbq in the all-you-can-eat setup.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The ramen bar is a really unique addition to the all-you-can-eat."

"I've never had kimchi this good before."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option costs $33 per person.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during weekend dinner hours.

3

A 50% charge applies for unfinished food left on the table.

14
My Bowl Ramen Library image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant combines newly remodeled interior with grill tables featuring individual exhaust systems that keep the air clear. The atmosphere is spacious and chic, supporting lively social gatherings and casual dining. An aisle of Asian snacks adds a unique touch to the experience.

Sides include two servings of kimchi, which is flavorful enough to take home. Bowls can be customized with kimchi and an egg, plus plenty of free veggies.

Ramen noodles come in a bowl that stands out for being very fun and delicious. Kids enjoy choosing their own ramen and drinks, making it a lively experience.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is fresh, flavorful, and truly incredible."

"The Ramen staff were so friendly and helpful."

"I went through two servings of kimchi and got one to go."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay over $30 for lunch bowls.

2

The outside seating is pet friendly.

3

Dinner offers a traditional Korean dining experience where you cook at your table.

15
K-bop image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, cozy Korean restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like being in Korea. Casual, cafeteria-style dining with customizable meals and a menu featuring varied kimbap and notable tteokbokki. Space is clean and quiet, suited for relaxed meals and lowkey dining experiences.

Offers variety of kimchi for takeout alongside dishes like spam kimchi kimbap and kimchi ramen. Kimchi features as a key ingredient in several menu items.

Spicy ramen stands out here with a kick that only some can handle. Options include kimchi ramen and varieties paired with bulgogi, offering a mix of flavors and heat.

People are saying

"I found the Korean food, especially the kimbap, to be great."

"I found the ramen here to be pretty spicy."

"The kimchi portions here are huge!"

Good to know

1

K-bop has shared parking with other businesses nearby.

2

The restaurant was clean and well-maintained during my visit.

3

Expect delays during busy lunch hours due to high customer volume.

16
H Mart Naperville image 1
Korean grocery store

Spacious grocery store with a calm, professional atmosphere and a noticeable fresh seafood scent. Two distinct food courts offer a variety of Asian dishes and snacks, creating a lively dining experience. Features include a live fish counter, boba shop, gachapon machines, and a French-style bakery.

Freshly made kimchi sits in the refrigerated section alongside steamed buns and egg rolls. A wide selection of imported groceries includes an especially great variety of kimchi with no MSG.

Ready-to-eat options include pork ramen noodles with a rich bone broth. The food court serves authentic ramen alongside various instant ramen and Asian teas.

People are saying

"This grocery store has an amazing variety of hard-to-find Asian items."

"I found a great variety of kimchi and other Asian ingredients here."

"I loved the ramen, especially the bone broth."

Good to know

1

A special live lobster sale is happening today.

2

The food court closes at 8pm, but may not always be open until then.

3

H Mart offers a wide variety of Asian products and some American groceries.

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