Chicago · Izakaya · a la carte
Momotaro
JapaneseIzakayaRobataSushiYakitoriJapanese Fine Dining
Momotaro is Fulton Market's landmark multi-level Japanese restaurant, where twice James Beard-nominated Chef Gene Kato channels his Japanese heritage into an a la carte menu spanning nigiri, robata, yakitori, and seasonal composed dishes.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Fulton Market
- Since
- 2015
- Chef
- Gene Kato
- Owner
- Gene Kato / Boka Restaurant Group
Plate № 17
About
Opened in 2015 by Boka Restaurant Group, Momotaro occupies a dramatic multi-story space at 820 W Lake Street designed by world-renowned firm AvroKO. Chef Gene Kato, who grew up in a Japanese household and has devoted his career exclusively to Japanese cuisine — spanning Japonais, Ohba, and Sumi Robata — leads an expansive a la carte program that ranges from premium bluefin nigiri and housemade maki to live-fire robata skewers and Miyazaki wagyu from the coals. Consistently awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recommendation, Momotaro is one of Chicago's highest-volume authentic Japanese dining destinations, with a particular following for its chef's nigiri selection and robata duck breast. Reservations are available via OpenTable.
Neighborhood & visiting
Momotaro sits in Fulton Market, one of Chicago's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Chef Gene Kato's lifelong devotion to Japanese cuisine — rooted in his Japanese-household upbringing and spanning 25+ years across Chicago's best Japanese kitchens — delivers unmatched culinary depth.
- The multi-concept format — combining a premium sushi bar, yakitori robata grill, and cocktail lounge under one roof — mirrors the experience of a top Tokyo izakaya.
- Consistent MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recognition and two James Beard nominations confirm the restaurant's standing as Chicago's premier casual-to-upscale Japanese dining destination.
- The AvroKO-designed space is among the most architecturally striking dining rooms in Chicago, creating a special-occasion atmosphere without omakase pricing.
Opened 2015. Chef Gene Kato also helms Itoko (Lakeview). MICHELIN Bib Gourmand consistent recipient. Part of Boka Restaurant Group.
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Frequently asked
About Momotaro
- Is Momotaro an authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago?
- Yes — Momotaro 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 Momotaro located?
- Momotaro is located at 820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, Chicago, USA in the Fulton Market neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Momotaro?
- Momotaro accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Momotaro?
- Momotaro sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Chicago.
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