ICHI by Torino

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the charming North Shore village of Wilmette, a true taste of authentic Japan can be found at ICHI by Torino. As a quick-serve spin-off of the highly regarded Torino Ramen in downtown Wilmette, ICHI (meaning "marketplace" or "fair" in Japanese) brings traditional, casual Japanese cuisine directly to you. This local gem has quickly become a favorite for its healthy, flavorful, and delicious offerings, ranging from hearty ramen and satisfying donburi to fluffy bao buns and delightful onigiri. ICHI by Torino offers the kind of Japanese food that feels genuinely local, just like what you'd find in Japan, making it a perfect spot for a quick, authentic, and affordable meal.

ICHI by Torino is conveniently located at 3217 Lake Ave #9C, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA. Situated in Westlake Plaza, this spot is easily accessible for residents of Wilmette and the surrounding communities in the North Shore area, including those near Wayfair by I-94, as noted by a delighted customer. Lake Avenue is a well-traveled road, making navigation to the restaurant straightforward. The presence of the restaurant within a plaza typically means ample parking is available, ensuring a hassle-free visit whether you're picking up an online order or enjoying a casual dine-in experience. Its strategic location makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking quality Japanese food without having to venture far, particularly appealing to those who previously had to travel to places like Schaumburg for a "decent Japanese place."

ICHI by Torino is designed with modern convenience in mind, offering a variety of services to accommodate different dining preferences while maintaining its commitment to authentic Japanese flavors.

• Primary Takeout Service: While there is "minimal seating" and space to eat-in, ICHI by Torino is primarily focused on takeout orders, allowing customers to enjoy their meals at home or on the go. This is a deliberate strategy to offer a "casual take away / delivery menu."

• Online Ordering: Customers can easily place orders online through their website or popular platforms like DoorDash and Grubhub, streamlining the process for quick and efficient pickup or delivery.

• Dine-In (Limited Seating): For those who prefer to eat on-site, ICHI offers a "nice clean casual spot with minimal seating." This provides a cozy atmosphere for a quick meal, though it is not a full-service dine-in restaurant like its sister establishment, Torino.

• Catering Orders: ICHI by Torino also accepts catering orders, perfect for local businesses, family gatherings, or events that require authentic and delicious Japanese comfort food. You can call directly for catering inquiries.

• Diverse Menu Categories: The restaurant offers various menu sections including ramen, donburi (rice bowls), bao buns, bentos, onigiri, sides, salads, and a selection of drinks and Japanese snacks.

ICHI by Torino shines through its dedication to authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and a customer-first approach, earning high praise from its patrons.

• Authentic Japanese Comfort Food: ICHI specializes in dishes that "Japanese local would eat," offering a genuine taste of Japan without having to travel far. This commitment to authenticity is a major draw for discerning palates.

• Healthy, Flavorful, and Delicious Food: Customers consistently laud the food for being "healthy, flavorful, and delicious." This makes ICHI a great option for those seeking nutritious meals without compromising on taste.

• Fresh Ingredients: The quality of ingredients is a highlight, with reviewers noting that "The ingredients were fresh." This commitment ensures that every dish, from ramen to a chicken karaage bowl, is vibrant and satisfying.

• Customizable Options: Many of their offerings, such as the ramen and donburi bowls, allow for customization. For example, customers can "Create Your Own Bento" with choice of protein and sides, and ramen bowls offer various soup bases and protein add-ons. This flexibility caters to individual preferences.

• Delicious Core Offerings:

  • Ramen: Praised for having "fresh homemade broth everyday!" Options include Torino Chicken Ramen, Tonkotsu, Spicy Tonkotsu, and Veggie Miso Ramen. Customers have enjoyed the Tonkotsu Ramen with Chashu and Spicy Tonkotsu with Karaage Chicken.

  • Donburi (Rice Bowls): Popular choices include Salmon Teriyaki Donburi (described as "outstanding" and "delicious") and Yakiniku Beef BBQ Donburi.

  • Bao Buns: Available in various fillings like Pork Chashu, Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken), Beef Yakiniku BBQ, and even Potato Korokke. While one reviewer found the pork in a bao a bit dry, the buns themselves were good. They also offer a Bao Bento, combining bao with sides.

  • Onigiri: A convenient and popular snack, perfect for kids or a quick bite.

  • Chicken Karaage: The "Boneless Karaage Wings/Japanese Fried Chicken Combo Meal" is a best-seller, indicating its popularity.

• Reasonable Prices: Customers consistently highlight the "prices!!!" as a major positive, affirming that the food is "very reasonably priced." This provides excellent value for high-quality Japanese cuisine.

• Friendly Staff: The "front staff is very friendly," contributing to a positive and welcoming experience for all visitors.

• Sister Restaurant Benefits: Being a spin-off of Torino Ramen means ICHI benefits from the same ownership and culinary expertise, ensuring consistent quality across similar menu items like ramen and bao.

• Portion Sizes: Meals like the Salmon Teriyaki Bento are noted for being "great portions," offering satisfying quantities of food.

ICHI by Torino offers several promotions and deals, particularly geared towards value and convenience for its local customers.

• Create Your Own Bento: This popular option often serves as a form of value promotion, allowing customers to build a customized meal that includes a protein, two sides, and a choice of miso soup, fruit cup, or mini salad, all for a set price.

• Combo Meals: Deals like the "Boneless Karaage Wings/Japanese Fried Chicken Combo Meal" offer various sizes (6, 10, 15 pieces) that include sides and a drink, providing a complete meal at a bundled price.

• Party Trays: For larger groups, ICHI by Torino offers convenient "Bao Party Tray" options, allowing customers to enjoy a selection of their favorite bao buns for events or family gatherings.

• Rewards & Savings Program: ICHI by Torino explicitly states a loyalty program: "Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Earn 25 bonus points just for signing up." This is a fantastic incentive for repeat customers.

• Delivery Promotions: Platforms like DoorDash may offer "0 delivery fee on first order" or other discounts for ICHI by Torino, especially for DashPass or Grubhub+ members.

To stay updated on the latest promotions and special offers, locals in Illinois should visit ICHI by Torino's official website (ichi.kitchen), check their online ordering platforms (DoorDash, Grubhub), or inquire directly by phone.

Ready to savor the authentic Japanese comfort food at ICHI by Torino? Here’s how you can reach them:

• Address: 3217 Lake Ave #9C, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA

• Phone: (847) 728-0347

Their typical operating hours are:

• Monday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM

• Sunday: 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

(Note: Hours may vary on holidays or due to special circumstances, so it's always a good idea to confirm by checking their website or calling ahead.)

For residents across Illinois, particularly those within the Wilmette area, ICHI by Torino stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for authentic Japanese comfort food. Its identity as a quick-serve spin-off of the beloved Torino Ramen highlights its commitment to delivering genuine Japanese flavors in a convenient format. This dedication is evident in the consistent praise for its food being "healthy, flavorful, and delicious," a trifecta that caters perfectly to modern dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

The key strengths for locals lie in ICHI's blend of authenticity, quality, and remarkable value. Reviewers enthusiastically note that the food is "what Japanese local would eat," providing a rare and sought-after experience in the North Shore. The fresh ingredients, generous portions (like the "great portions" of the Salmon Teriyaki Donburi), and "very reasonably priced" menu items ensure that customers feel they are truly getting their money's worth. Whether it's the "outstanding" Salmon Teriyaki Donburi, the satisfying ramen, or the customizable bao, the menu offers something for every craving and dietary need, including a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Furthermore, the "friendly front staff" creates a welcoming atmosphere, while the primary focus on efficient takeout and online ordering, complemented by limited cozy dine-in seating, perfectly fits the busy lifestyle of many Illinois residents. ICHI by Torino isn't just a restaurant; it’s a convenient, high-quality, and authentic culinary haven that delivers delightful Japanese comfort food right to your table, or your home. For Wilmette locals, it represents a fantastic option for a reliable, delicious, and genuinely Japanese meal.

ICHI by Torino

3217 Lake Ave #9C, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA