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Chicago · Ramen · casual

Chicago Ramen

JapaneseRamenTsukemenTonkotsuTokyo-styleKaraage

Chicago Ramen was founded in 2019 by Japanese chef Kenta Ikehata, who trained at Tsujita in Tokyo—named one of the best ramen shops in Japan by the Japan Times—and later opened Tsujita's first US location in Los Angeles. His Des Plaines restaurant brings Tokyo-calibre ramen and tsukemen to the Chicago suburbs.

Price
¥¥
Area
Des Plaines (suburban)
Since
2019
Chef
Kenta Ikehata
Chicago Ramen — authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago, Des Plaines (suburban)
Plate № 29
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About
Chef Kenta Ikehata's Chicago Ramen is the only ramen restaurant in the Chicago area operated by a chef with direct lineage to Tsujita Tokyo, one of Japan's most celebrated ramen brands. After more than seven years under Tsujita in Tokyo and a stint managing their groundbreaking Los Angeles flagship—praised by late LA Times critic Jonathan Gold as 'the king of tonkotsu ramen in LA'—Ikehata opened his own shop in Des Plaines in 2019. The menu highlights tsukemen (dipping ramen), chicken ramen, vegetable ramen and spicy miso tsukemen, all built on rich broths developed and refined through years of Tokyo training. The restaurant has quickly become a destination for serious ramen enthusiasts across Chicagoland, earning nearly 900 Yelp reviews and consistent praise for broth depth and noodle quality.
Neighborhood & visiting

Chicago Ramen sits in Des Plaines (suburban), 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 ramen restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Founded and led by chef Kenta Ikehata, trained at Tsujita Tokyo—one of Japan's top 10 ramen shops—and previously the opening chef of Tsujita Los Angeles.
  • The tsukemen (dipping ramen) format is one of the most technically demanding and Tokyo-authentic styles available in the entire Chicago metropolitan area.
  • Sole Chicago-area restaurant with direct pedigree from Tsujita, the Tokyo brand praised by Jonathan Gold as 'the king of tonkotsu ramen in LA.'
  • Established in 2019 with nearly 900 Yelp reviews, Chicago Ramen has become the benchmark for serious ramen in the northwest suburbs.

Phone +1 224-938-9982 confirmed via Eater Chicago. Founded 2019 confirmed via Yelp establishment date. Website: https://chicago-ramen.us.

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →

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Frequently asked

About Chicago Ramen

Is Chicago Ramen an authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago?
Yes — Chicago Ramen 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 ramen format.
Where is Chicago Ramen located?
Chicago Ramen is located at 578 E Oakton St, Des Plaines, IL 60018, Chicago, USA in the Des Plaines (suburban) neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Chicago Ramen?
Chicago Ramen does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular ramen restaurants in Chicago we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Chicago Ramen?
Chicago Ramen sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Chicago.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Chicago →Ramen in Chicago →Authentic ramen worldwide →All cities →