Washoku Guide
Cities/Chicago/Izakaya/Chicago Kalbi
Chicago · Izakaya · a la carte

Chicago Kalbi

JapaneseYakinikuJapanese BBQWagyuWagyu BeefJapanese-Korean BBQ

Chicago Kalbi is a Japanese yakiniku institution that has anchored Albany Park since 1990, founded by French-trained Japanese chef Isao Tozuka and his wife Chiyo, who introduced authentic Wagyu table-grill BBQ to the Midwest. The current kitchen is led by acclaimed Chef Nobu Takahashi, recognized in the 2019 Michelin Guide for his Tokyo yakiniku restaurant.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Albany Park
Since
1990
Chef
Nobuyuki (Nobu) Takahashi
Owner
Isao Tozuka
Chicago Kalbi — authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago, Albany Park
Plate № 16
Editorial placeholder
About
Founded in 1990 by Chef Isao Tozuka — trained as a French chef in Tokyo and inspired by his wife Chiyo's Osaka yakiniku background — Chicago Kalbi pioneered Japanese-style yakiniku (table BBQ) in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood. Chef Tozuka built his reputation importing high-grade Wagyu beef directly from Japan and adhering to the Japanese approach to grilling premium meats tableside. In 2024, succession chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Takahashi took the helm; he brings more than 30 years of Japanese yakiniku expertise and previously ran Yakiniku Shunyasai Fanbogi, which earned a Michelin Guide listing in 2019. The restaurant has become a pilgrimage spot for Japanese baseball stars, with Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani among its famous regulars, as reported by Block Club Chicago. Reservations are accepted by phone only.
Neighborhood & visiting

Chicago Kalbi sits in Albany Park, one of Chicago's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Founded in 1990 by Japanese chef Isao Tozuka, making it one of Chicago's longest-running authentic Japanese-owned dining establishments.
  • Current Executive Chef Nobu Takahashi has over 30 years of yakiniku mastery and previously helmed a Michelin Guide-recognized Tokyo restaurant.
  • Wagyu beef is imported directly from Japan, maintaining the premium standards that made Chicago Kalbi the preferred dining spot for Ichiro and Shohei Ohtani.
  • A rare authentic yakiniku specialist in Chicago, offering table-grill BBQ in the Japanese tradition rather than the more common Korean BBQ format.

Founded 1990 by Isao Tozuka (Japanese, French-trained chef) and Chiyo Tozuka (Osaka yakiniku background). Current chef Nobu Takahashi succeeded Isao Tozuka; his Tokyo restaurant was in the 2019 Michelin Guide. Phone reservations only.

Links
Website →Map →Tripadvisor →

More authentic izakaya in Chicago

Other authentic cuisines in Chicago

Browse by cuisine in Chicago:KaisekiSushiTeppanyakiYakitoriRamenDonburi

Authentic izakaya in other cities

Frequently asked

About Chicago Kalbi

Is Chicago Kalbi an authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago?
Yes — Chicago Kalbi is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in Chicago: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Chicago Kalbi located?
Chicago Kalbi is located at 3752 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, Chicago, USA in the Albany Park neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Chicago Kalbi?
Chicago Kalbi does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Chicago we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Chicago Kalbi?
Chicago Kalbi sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Chicago.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Chicago →Izakaya in Chicago →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →