Chicago · Ramen · casual
Menya Goku
JapaneseRamenTantanmenTonkotsuIzakaya Small PlatesKaraage
A cozy spin-off ramen counter in North Center's Ravenswood corridor, owned and operated by Satoko Takeyama, the Japanese restaurateur behind Ramen Wasabi. Menya Goku specializes in deeply flavored tantanmen, miso, and tonkotsu bowls served alongside Japanese small plates.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- North Center
- Since
- 2021
- Owner
- Satoko Takeyama
Plate № 33
About
Menya Goku opened in 2021 as a smaller, neighborhood-focused companion to the popular Ramen Wasabi brand, bringing the same Japanese ownership and culinary DNA to North Center's tree-lined Montrose Avenue. Owner Satoko Takeyama has confirmed her active role in both venues via Yelp Q&A and multiple media interviews. The restaurant seats roughly 30 guests in a warm, minimalist interior, and the tight menu revolves around three exceptional broths — Goku Tonkotsu made with Berkshire pork bone, a spiced Tantanmen, and a rich Miso — all paired with hand-selected toppings like ajitama egg and durac pork chashu. The Infatuation awarded it an 8.2 score, calling it one of Chicago's best ramen destinations. No reservations are accepted; walkers and name-list seating only.
Neighborhood & visiting
Menya Goku sits in North Center, 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
- Owned by Satoko Takeyama, the same Japanese restaurateur behind Ramen Wasabi, ensuring the same exacting ramen standards.
- The Goku Tantanmen — a rich, creamy, spice-aromatic bowl — is widely cited as among the city's finest ramen offerings.
- Berkshire pork bone tonkotsu broth and durac pork chashu reflect a commitment to premium Japanese ramen ingredients.
- The Infatuation gave Menya Goku an 8.2 rating, placing it firmly in Chicago's top tier of Japanese ramen destinations.
Sister restaurant to Ramen Wasabi (Logan Square) and Ramen Wasabi Fulton Market under Shoyu Hospitality. No reservations taken.
More authentic ramen in Chicago
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Des Plaines (suburban) · ¥¥Chicago Ramen
West Loop · ¥¥Hokkaido Ramen Santouka (West Loop)
Hoffman Estates (suburban) · ¥¥Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai (Hoffman Estates)
Lombard (suburban) · ¥¥Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai (Lombard)- Uptown · ¥¥RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown)
Palatine (suburban) · ¥¥Ramen House Shinchan (Palatine)
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Frequently asked
About Menya Goku
- Is Menya Goku an authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago?
- Yes — Menya Goku 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 Menya Goku located?
- Menya Goku is located at 2207 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, Chicago, USA in the North Center neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Menya Goku?
- Menya Goku 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 Menya Goku?
- Menya Goku sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Chicago.
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