Washoku Guide
Cities/Chicago/Teppanyaki/Ron of Japan
Chicago · Teppanyaki · a la carte

Ron of Japan

JapaneseTeppanyakiHibachiSushiSteakSeafoodLive Cooking

Ron of Japan is Chicago's oldest and most storied teppanyaki restaurant, founded in 1968 by Ron Shimosawa, who introduced Osaka-style teppanyaki cooking to the city. Now in its sixth decade, the Streeterville institution serves impeccably grilled steak, seafood, and sushi with the lively tableside showmanship that defined the genre.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Streeterville / Near North Side
Since
1968
Owner
Ron Shimosawa (founder)
Ron of Japan — authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago, Streeterville / Near North Side
Plate № 14
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About
Ron of Japan opened in 1968 when founder Ron Shimosawa — a Japanese entrepreneur — imported the teppanyaki cooking style he encountered in Osaka and brought it to Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. Now in its sixth decade of continuous operation, the restaurant remains one of the city's most enduring Japanese dining experiences, offering multi-course teppanyaki dinners where diners are seated around communal iron griddles as chefs perform tableside. The menu features premium cuts of filet mignon, scallops, shrimp, and chicken alongside a sushi selection. A second location operates in Northbrook, IL. The Chicago location's intimate 10-table dining room has hosted generations of birthday celebrations and anniversaries, earning a loyal local following distinct from the larger national teppanyaki chains. With over 55 years of operation, Ron of Japan holds a unique place in Chicago's Japanese dining history.
Neighborhood & visiting

Ron of Japan sits in Streeterville / Near North Side, 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 teppanyaki restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Chicago's oldest teppanyaki restaurant, founded in 1968 by Japanese entrepreneur Ron Shimosawa who personally introduced Osaka-style teppanyaki to the Midwest.
  • More than 55 years of continuous operation make Ron of Japan the longest-running Japanese restaurant of any kind in Chicago.
  • Intimate 10-table teppanyaki room and premium steakhouse-quality proteins distinguish this original from larger corporate teppanyaki chains.
  • A Streeterville institution beloved for multigenerational family celebrations, recognized by the neighborhood's cultural history as a local landmark.

Founded 1968 by Ron Shimosawa (Japanese). Current ownership succession less documented but Japanese founding heritage is clear. Second location in Northbrook (633 Skokie Blvd, (847) 564-5900).

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →

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Frequently asked

About Ron of Japan

Is Ron of Japan an authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago?
Yes — Ron of Japan 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 teppanyaki format.
Where is Ron of Japan located?
Ron of Japan is located at 230 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611, Chicago, USA in the Streeterville / Near North Side neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Ron of Japan?
Ron of Japan does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular teppanyaki restaurants in Chicago we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Ron of Japan?
Ron of Japan sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Chicago.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Chicago →Teppanyaki in Chicago →Authentic teppanyaki worldwide →All cities →