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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Lake View East

Japanese food

Japanese food that respects the craft of the kitchen rather than just checking the boxes of a standard menu.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
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Updated April 2026
01
Musashiya Ramen image 1
Musashiya Ramen image 2
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Ramen restaurant

Cozy spot offers rich tonkotsu broth ramen with customizable options and flavorful pork chashu. Unique Katsu curry and impressive takoyaki add variety. Quiet, intimate setting suits solo diners and dates perfectly.

Ramen here stands out with its rich tonkotsu broth and flavorful pork chashu. The Katsu curry offers a unique taste not found elsewhere in the city, and the takoyaki is notably impressive.

People are saying

"I found the Katsu curry here to be the best in Chicago."

"It's a cute, cozy little spot, just like places in Japan."

"The ramen here is stellar, especially the tonkotsu with pork."

Good to know

1

The ordering process is simple; fill out a paper form for customization.

2

Musashiya Ramen is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

3

Expect a wait during busy times due to limited seating.

02
Konbini & Kanpai Wrigleyville image 1

Sake bar offers a quiet, chill atmosphere with a lovely back patio overlooking the Red Line. Enjoy unique sake selections paired with juicy, well-seasoned teriyaki chicken and tasty katsu sandwiches. Perfect spot for relaxed vibes and thoughtful drinks.

Teriyaki chicken comes juicy and well seasoned on shredded vegetables with sauce. The menu features tonkatsu sando, karaage fried chicken, and katsu sandwiches, adding variety beyond sushi to Japanese food options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The outdoor seating has great vibes and is lovely."

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu and teriyaki chicken, was excellent."

Good to know

1

Sake tasting events occur regularly, offering a variety of options.

2

World Sake Day tasting provides great value for the price.

3

Prices for drinks and food are very reasonable.

03
AJI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Counter seating for 10 creates an intimate setting with dark, minimalist decor. Chefs serve a 14-course omakase that rivals Michelin star quality. The atmosphere stays chic and elegant, perfect for special occasions.

Omakase here offers an incredible experience with amazing food that stands out from typical sushi. The quality rivals many Michelin star omakase restaurants.

People are saying

"The fish here is thoughtfully prepared and bursting with flavor."

"This omakase experience is perfect for a memorable date night."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and focused on quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating at AJI.

2

The omakase experience includes 15 taster courses prepared by skilled chefs.

3

Pricing is $150 per person, excluding taxes, gratuity, and drinks.

04
Tso Good (Formerly Café Flamingo) image 1

Sandwich shop shines with exceptional chicken sandwich and playful flamingo theme. Egg tamago katsu offers good flavor, while shrimp katsu is less impressive. Tight seating and lively music create an upbeat vibe.

Egg tamago katsu stands out with its good flavor. Shrimp katsu tastes average and less impressive.

People are saying

"I was blown away by the amazing, flavorful chicken sandwich."

"The sandwiches here are huge and affordable."

"I will be back for the general tso chicken sandwich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events due to limited seating.

2

Parking is available on the street, but it can be busy during peak hours.

3

Combo meals are priced around $12, offering good value for a quick bite.

05
Katsu-Shack image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast-casual spot with a cozy Japanese vibe and walls decked in Cubs jerseys. Tonkatsu is tender and juicy, fried with perfect panko and served with soft bread or rice. Friendly staff serve authentic katsu sandwiches and bento in a relaxed, inviting space.

Tonkatsu here is incredibly tender and juicy, fried perfectly with panko and served with homemade soft bread or rice and miso soup. The menu also features authentic katsu sandwiches, bento, donburi, and karaage, all prepared quickly by friendly Japanese staff.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and filling."

"The tonkatsu here is perfectly fried and juicy."

"The Japanese food here, especially the katsu, is so crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a special on Tuesday.

2

You receive a 10% discount when showing your game ticket.

3

The space at Katsu-Shack is quite small, so takeout is recommended for larger groups.

06
Kim’s Korean Cuisine & Sushi image 1

Cozy Korean spot with a family-like atmosphere and relaxing jazz. Sushi shines with crispy beet topping and solid rice dishes like Crunchy Salmon Roll. BYOB policy lets you enjoy wine with delicious starters like gyoza and miso soup.

Sushi features a natural crispy topping made from beets and avocado. Rice dishes like Crunchy Salmon Roll and Dolsot Bibimbop offer solid flavors. Starters include delicious gyoza, edamame, and miso soup.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and well priced."

"The Korean food, especially the bibimbap, is some of the best I've ever had."

"The Japanese food, especially the bulgogi and bibimbap, was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Kim’s Korean Cuisine & Sushi is BYOB, so bring your own wine.

2

Expect to pay around $65 for two meals and a drink after tip.

3

The restaurant offers excellent value with large portion sizes.

07
Taipei Cafe image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Tiny space offers cozy atmosphere with Japanese background music. Bento boxes serve teriyaki beef and fried tofu with sweet and sour sauce. Clean, minimalistic interior suits quick meals and quiet dining.

Bento boxes feature teriyaki beef, fried tofu medallions with sweet and sour sauce, and teriyaki chicken skewers. Sides include braised eggs, cabbage, green beans, salad, and white rice.

People are saying

"The milk teas here are creamy and delicious."

"This food, the braised pork over rice, is one of the best I've tried."

"The Japanese Food bento boxes came with rice and eggs."

Good to know

1

Dine-in seating is limited, making to-go orders common.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The cafe closes earlier than expected, often before 9:30 PM.

08
To Korean Cuisine image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant with K-pop decor offers a chill vibe and colorful interior. Ramen features phenomenal broth, while gyoza is perfectly crisp. Tables have charging stations, making it convenient for a younger crowd seeking trendy street food.

Ramen stands out with its phenomenal broth and solid flavors. Gyoza offers a perfectly fried, crisp texture, while teriyaki chicken brings great flavors and balanced spiciness.

People are saying

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

"The daktoritang soup was rich, fresh, and comforting."

"The teriyaki chicken here is really good, tender with great flavors."

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.

09
Sushi Box image 1
Sushi takeaway

Offers fresh sushi with high-quality fish at affordable prices. Packaging is a cute box that adds charm to quick, takeout-only service. Perfect for a fast, tasty meal with friendly staff ensuring a smooth experience.

Sushi here offers super fresh, made-to-order options with great quality for the price. The sushi tastes like it comes from a high-end restaurant but is available as fast takeout with friendly staff.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so affordable and tasty."

"This lunch spot is quick, fresh, and a great value."

"I thought the Japanese food here was awesome and highly recommend it."

Good to know

1

Sushi Box is a walk-up and take-out-only sushi bar.

2

Ordering ahead is recommended for a smooth, wait-free pickup.

3

Prices at Sushi Box are very affordable compared to downtown sushi restaurants.

10
Sakura Teppanyaki & Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Six hibachi stations deliver teppanyaki shows with flames and tricks, blending casual and upscale vibes. Fresh sushi features white tuna and salmon, while tempura offers a satisfying crunch. Warm lighting creates a cozy feel despite lively noise.

Fresh sushi stands out with tasty white tuna and salmon. The teppanyaki offers lively chef performances and the tempura has a satisfying crunch.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The chef's entertaining performance made for fun activities."

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, was so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are strongly advised, especially during peak hours.

2

The set meals range from $30 to $40 and include multiple courses.

3

Free parking is available nearby, making access easier.

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Lake View East, Chicago

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