Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant

## Experience Authentic Japanese Comfort at Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant in Elk Grove Village, IL

For Illinois residents seeking a genuine taste of Japan, Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant in Elk Grove Village is a highly recommended culinary destination. This isn't just another Japanese eatery; it's celebrated by locals for its commitment to high-quality, authentic Japanese dishes that truly evoke a sense of home-cooked comfort. With a senior master Japanese chef at its helm, Kurumaya prides itself on delivering traditional fare and homemade dishes that stand out in the Chicago suburban dining scene.

Kurumaya offers a diverse menu that extends far beyond just sushi, inviting diners to explore a wide array of Japanese culinary delights. From incredibly fresh sashimi in their bargain-priced Chirashi Sushi lunch special to hearty Tonkatsu and flavorful Katsu Curry, every dish is prepared with attention to detail and traditional methods. The atmosphere is often described as lively and welcoming, with many other customers enjoying their meals, creating a vibrant dining experience. Whether you're craving a light lunch or a full dinner with a variety of "side dishes for your drinks," Kurumaya promises an authentic and satisfying journey to Japan without ever leaving Illinois.

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## Location and Accessibility

Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant is conveniently located at 1201 E Higgins Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, USA. This strategic position on East Higgins Road, a major thoroughfare, ensures excellent accessibility for residents of Elk Grove Village and surrounding Northwest Chicago suburbs, including Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, and Schaumburg.

The restaurant offers a private parking lot for its patrons, providing easy and stress-free parking, which is a significant convenience for diners. Its location in a well-established commercial area means it's simple to find, whether you're making a special trip for authentic Japanese cuisine or stopping by while in the vicinity. The accessibility of Kurumaya makes it a practical and appealing choice for a delicious meal in the area.

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## Services Offered

Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant provides a range of services designed to offer a flexible and authentic dining experience:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in the restaurant's lively and welcoming atmosphere. The interior is described as clean and comfortable, often with "checkered tablecloths" that give it a unique, cozy charm. The staff is consistently praised for being "friendly" and "attentive," making for a pleasant dining experience. Reservations are accepted.
• Takeout: All of Kurumaya's authentic Japanese dishes are available for takeout. This is a convenient option for those who prefer to savor their meals in the comfort of their own home.
• Delivery: Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant partners with popular third-party delivery platforms, allowing customers to have their delicious Japanese cuisine delivered directly to their doorstep within the service radius.
• Online Ordering: Customers can easily browse the menu and place orders for both pickup and delivery through their online portal or via partnered delivery apps, streamlining the ordering process.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Kurumaya operates with distinct lunch and dinner hours throughout the week, accommodating various schedules for both quick midday meals and relaxing evening dining. They are typically open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
• Accepts Reservations: Given its popularity and often lively atmosphere, especially during peak dinner hours, the restaurant accepts reservations, which can be particularly helpful for groups or during busy times.
• Beer & Wine Only: For those looking to enjoy a beverage with their meal, Kurumaya offers a selection of beer and wine.

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## Features and Highlights

Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant is highly regarded for several distinctive features that make it a standout choice for authentic Japanese cuisine in Illinois:

• High-Quality, Authentic Japanese Dishes: Customers consistently praise Kurumaya for its genuine and high-quality traditional Japanese food. It's often highlighted as one of the "best places around where you can get high-quality authentic Japanese dishes."
• Exceptional Chirashi Sushi Lunch Special: A strong recommendation from regulars, the Chirashi Sushi at lunchtime is noted as a "real bargain" for its generous portions of various fresh sashimi over rice, priced around $15-16.
• Delicious Tonkatsu and Katsu Curry: The Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) and Tonkatsu Curry are highly recommended and considered "good" by many. The Katsu Curry is a comforting and flavorful dish.
• Wide Array of Izakaya-Style Side Dishes: For dinner, Kurumaya truly shines with its extensive selection of appetizers and small plates, perfect for sharing and accompanying drinks like beer and sake. These include authentic items such as:
  • Goya Champuru: Okinawan stir-fry with bitter melon, tofu, and pork (a unique and authentic offering, with a note for its bitter taste!).
  • Dashimaki Tamago: A favorite, Japanese omelet with broth.
  • Gyoza: Classic pork pot stickers.
  • Agedashi Tofu: Tofu tempura in soy sauce broth.
  • Chicken Karaage: Japanese-style fried chicken.
  • Hamachi Kama: Grilled yellowtail collar.
  • Surume Tempura: Deep-fried squid.
  • Maguro Yukke: Tuna with slices, served with quail egg.
  • Saba Missoni: Mackerel simmered in miso.
• Variety of Sushi and Sashimi: Beyond Chirashi, they offer various sushi dinner sets (e.g., Take, Ume, Matsu with nigiri and California rolls) and assorted sashimi platters.
• Hearty Entrees and Bento Boxes: The dinner menu also includes entrees like Walu Steak, Tempura Moriawase (assorted shrimp and vegetable tempura), and various Teriyaki options (Beef, Chicken, Salmon). Their Bento Boxes are particularly popular for lunch, offering a combination of meat, tempura, California roll, and more.
• "Comfort Food" Vibe: Many customers describe Kurumaya's food as feeling like "home-cooked meal" or "grandma's house," providing a comforting and nostalgic experience.
• Lively Atmosphere with Attentive Service: The restaurant often has a "lively" ambiance with many customers enjoying their meals, yet the service remains "great," "attentive," and "friendly."
• Reasonable Prices for Quality: Diners consistently note that despite the high quality and authenticity, the prices are very reasonable, especially for their generous lunch portions.

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## Promotions or Special Offers

Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant is well-known for providing excellent value through its regular menu offerings, particularly during lunch. Their Chirashi Sushi lunch special, priced around $15-16, is repeatedly highlighted by customers as an incredible "bargain" for the quantity and quality of sashimi provided.

Additionally, Kurumaya offers a variety of appealing lunch specials that typically run Monday through Saturday. These specials often include different Bento Box options (such as Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, or Saba Shioyaki Bento Box), which come with a combination of main protein, California roll, tempura, and other sides, all at a reasonable price point (e.g., around $11-12 for some bento boxes). These lunch sets provide a fantastic opportunity for locals to enjoy a comprehensive and satisfying Japanese meal without a high cost.

While specific daily happy hour deals are not prominently advertised, the nature of their extensive "side dishes for your drinks at dinner time" suggests that the dinner menu itself offers great flexibility for ordering smaller plates and enjoying a variety of items. It's always a good idea to check their current menu or inquire with the staff about any seasonal specials.

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## Contact Information

Ready to experience the authentic flavors and comforting ambiance of Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant?

• Address: 1201 E Higgins Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, USA
• Phone: (847) 437-2222

Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant operates with the following hours:

• Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Lunch), 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM (Dinner)
• Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Lunch), 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner)
• Sunday: Closed

It's advisable to call ahead for reservations, especially during peak dinner hours, as the restaurant can be quite lively and popular. For takeout orders, calling in advance can also help ensure a quick and smooth pickup.

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## Conclusion: Why Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant is Suitable for Illinois Locals

For residents across Illinois, particularly in Elk Grove Village and the surrounding Northwest Chicago suburbs, Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant offers an unparalleled and truly authentic Japanese dining experience. Its strength lies in providing high-quality, traditional dishes that evoke the comforting feeling of home-cooked Japanese fare, a rare find outside of major city centers. The extensive menu, ranging from incredible Chirashi Sushi lunch deals to hearty Tonkatsu and a delightful array of Izakaya-style appetizers perfect for sharing, ensures there’s something to satisfy every craving and occasion.

The consistent praise for its fresh ingredients, generous portions, and notably reasonable prices makes it an outstanding value proposition for locals. Coupled with a lively yet welcoming atmosphere and genuinely friendly, attentive service, dining at Kurumaya feels like a genuine culinary journey to Japan. With convenient accessibility, private parking, and options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant is a highly recommended and suitable choice for any Illinois local seeking a truly authentic and satisfying Japanese meal.

Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant

1201 E Higgins Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, USA