Washoku Guide
Cities/Chicago/Ramen/RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown)
Chicago · Ramen · casual

RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown)

JapaneseRamenPlant-based BrothTokyo-styleUmamiVegan-friendly

RAKKAN Ramen opened on Broadway in Chicago's Uptown neighbourhood as the official US franchise of the Tokyo-based chain founded by Ryohei Ito in 2011, winner of Tabelog's Best Ramen in Japan award in 2012. The restaurant is distinctive for its 100% plant-based dashi broth, which delivers tonkotsu-like depth through kombu, shiitake and fermented seasonings.

Price
¥¥
Area
Uptown
Since
2011
Owner
Ryohei Ito (founder, Tokyo)
RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown) — authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago, Uptown
Plate № 34
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About
Founded in 2011 as a four-seat ramen bar in Nishiazabu, Tokyo, RAKKAN was awarded Best Ramen in Japan by Tabelog in 2012—the country's most authoritative restaurant-rating platform. Founder Ryohei Ito's signature innovation is a 100% plant-based dashi broth that achieves a richness and umami depth comparable to traditional tonkotsu through kombu kelp, shiitake mushrooms and koji-fermented seasonings, reflecting Japan's deep tradition of plant-forward cooking. The Chicago Uptown franchise carries this philosophy to one of the city's most diverse and food-forward neighbourhoods, serving its silky slim noodles and 40%-lower-calorie broths to both traditional ramen enthusiasts and health-conscious diners. Open seven days a week from 11 AM, RAKKAN accepts reservations and operates with a full ramen menu.
Neighborhood & visiting

RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown) sits in Uptown, one of Chicago's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused ramen counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional ramen restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Official franchise of Tokyo-founded RAKKAN, awarded Tabelog Best Ramen in Japan 2012—one of the most credentialed Japanese ramen brands in Chicago.
  • The 100% plant-based dashi broth technique—using kombu, shiitake and koji-fermented seasonings—is a uniquely Japanese culinary innovation with no equivalent among Chicago ramen restaurants.
  • Open seven days a week from 11 AM with reservations accepted, making it the most accessible sit-down ramen destination in the city's North Side.

Phone +1 773-739-9239 confirmed via official RAKKAN website and TripAdvisor. Founded 2011 in Tokyo per official brand history. The area code 773 covers the city of Chicago outside the Loop.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Tripadvisor →

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Frequently asked

About RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown)

Is RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown) an authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago?
Yes — RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown) 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 RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown) located?
RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown) is located at 4926 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, Chicago, USA in the Uptown neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown)?
RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown) accepts reservations online. For an authentic ramen experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown)?
RAKKAN Ramen (Chicago Uptown) 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 →