Dirk Vogel
A Slice of Authentic Japan in North Center! As a big fan of Japanese culture and cuisine, especially after visiting Tokyo last year, I can confidently say that Menya Goku nails every detail of an authentic Japanese ramen experience.
Let’s start with the drinks – they’re fantastic! The Japanese-style highballs feature fresh variations like yuzu that transport you straight to an izakaya in Tokyo. The beer selection is impeccable, showcasing Japanese staples like Sapporo and Hitachino.
The service deserves special mention: super attentive without being intrusive, always going the extra mile with thoughtful attention to detail that elevates the entire dining experience.
Now for the food – it’s exceptional, and having Menya Goku in the North Center neighborhood is a true gem. This is easily among the best ramen spots in Chicago, right up there with the absolute best.
The appetizers are impressively fresh. The chicken wings are cooked to order, crispy and flavorful. The salad features that distinctive sesame dressing you’d find in Japan, and the karaage is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
But the star of the show is, of course, the ramen. I’m obsessed with their miso tonkotsu broth – rich, deep, and layered with flavor. The noodles are house-made and cooked to perfection, with just the right texture and bite. All the toppings are top-notch: pickled bamboo, jammy egg, tender sliced pork, and mushrooms.
Everything on the menu is excellent – you truly can’t go wrong.
Menya Goku brings a slice of authentic Japan to North Center, and we’re so glad they’re here!
… moreKristen Potosky
This was one of the best places we ate at in Chicago. The staff are super efficient and overall amazing. Tasty food and superb service. Would definitely recommend and come back on our next trip.
… moreLily Simon
So lucky to have Menya Goku in my neighborhood! It was so delicious, some of the best ramen I have ever tried, and our server was so kind. Please note there is usually a decent wait during their dinner rush, but if you to past 8PM you will not have to wait long. But I waited and I thought it was worth it in every delicious slurp of my ramen, and the staff is incredibly efficient even in their busiest hours.
… morerob fischer
Absolutely delicious ramen and small plates. Very friendly service. My one wish is that they would open for lunch.
The Tan Tan Men and Shoyu ramens were both delicious. So much wonderful umami in the Shoyu. I’m excited to go back and try the tonkatsu.
Great happy hour specials as well.
This is my new favorite ramen spot.
… moreDana Hilgers
Great dining experience today! We came towards the end of the night and the staff was friendly and kind. Service was fast and the vegan ramen was incredible. (I subbed in regular noodles and added an egg) My sister got the regular ramen and said it was some of the best pork she had ever had in ramen.
Prices are fair for the quality
We randomly stumbled upon this place so glad it worked out so well!
… moreLea Diane
This review is long overdue! My husband and I have been dining at Menya Goku for 3 years now. We’ve tried everything on their menu but our favorite is the tonkotsu ramen and pork belly buns for appetizers. The staff is amazing and always so welcoming. It’s a small but cozy restaurant. I would recommend going before 6pm or after 8pm otherwise there could be a long wait (but it’s worth it!).
… moreA Sato
I’m from Sapporo (origin place of miso ramen) and I’ve been on a quest to try good ramen places in the States. People ask me the best ramen place in Chicago and my answer has been Ramen wasabi. I’ve heard this place is great and I . I’ve actually happen to seen the staff inside right before open, and they were cleaning windows, sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning the restaurant spotless getting ready to welcome customers. That’s when I knew they are AUTHENTIC Japanese restaurant. We finally had the chance to come in, and everyone was friendly. They told me ramen wasabi and they are brothers (same owners) which assured me that it’d be great ramen. Yet I was still pleasantly surprised with the quality of their foods. I appreciate the authenticity of the flavor, quality, and cleanliness. They not only have amazing food but their process is also true to Japanese culture. Our server Yasmeen was amazing and very knowledgeable! FYI, they have coat racks!!
… moreJeremy Fuller
I’ve only ordered to go many times because I live close by and the seating is too limited for my family but the food is worth it. Great flavor to price ratio. Love the spice ton ton men but have loved everything I’ve tried. Hopefully will get a chance to try fresh and hot soon!
… moreCameron Lee
We came at peak rush hour, 6pm on a Saturday, and had to stand for about 30 minutes before being seated. The ramen was excellent so it was definitely worth the wait! The Tan Tan Men was incredible, it’s a must try if you like numbing spice. We received the wrong kind of Buns but we didn’t mind since they were very delicious also.
… moreDan Puma
One of my favorite local takeout places! The Tan Tan Men ramen is so so good. I would 100% buy the broth and drink it. Atmosphere inside looks great too.
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