Morikawa Bento

Hello, fellow food enthusiasts across Illinois! If you're craving authentic Japanese cuisine that’s both delicious and incredibly convenient, then you absolutely need to discover Morikawa Bento. This unique Japanese restaurant, situated in Chicago, specializes in bringing the delightful and well-balanced experience of traditional bento boxes right to your doorstep.

Morikawa Bento offers a culinary journey that harks back to the traditional Japanese concept of "bento on the go," emphasizing thoughtfully arranged and freshly prepared meals. While it operates primarily as a kitchen for popular take-out platforms, its dedication to quality and flavor is evident in every dish. For locals seeking a taste of Japan without the fuss, Morikawa Bento provides a perfect solution, allowing you to enjoy everything from savory Nasu Dengaku to crispy katsu and tender unagi, all designed for convenient enjoyment. It’s a wonderful option for a last-minute dinner plan or a planned family meal.

Morikawa Bento is strategically located at 3517 N Spaulding Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA. This address places it within the vibrant Avondale neighborhood of Chicago, making it a highly accessible spot for many residents across Illinois who utilize delivery services or opt for pickup. Spaulding Avenue, while not a major thoroughfare like some larger streets, provides a centralized point for their kitchen operations.

As a concept primarily focused on takeout and delivery, its physical location serves as a central kitchen, optimizing efficiency for widespread service. For those opting for pickup, the location in Avondale offers convenient access within a bustling Chicago community. For the vast majority of its customers across Illinois, the true accessibility of Morikawa Bento comes through its strong presence on major delivery platforms, ensuring that delicious Japanese meals are just a few clicks away, regardless of your precise location within the service area. They also have a second location at 2537 S Wabash Ave in Southloop, further expanding their reach within Chicago.

Morikawa Bento specializes in delivering authentic Japanese bento boxes and a selection of classic Japanese dishes, focusing on quality and convenience. Here's a comprehensive look at their services and culinary offerings:

• Takeout and Pickup: Morikawa Bento operates primarily as a kitchen designed for efficient takeout and pickup. You can place your order by phone or through various delivery apps and collect it directly from their location.

• Extensive Delivery Services: They are a prominent player on popular food delivery platforms including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. This focus allows them to bring freshly made-to-order bentos and other Japanese dishes directly to customers across Chicago and surrounding areas in Illinois.

• Diverse Bento Box Menu: Their signature offering includes a wide variety of bento boxes, each thoughtfully designed for a balanced and satisfying meal. Options span different protein categories:

  • Chicken Bento Boxes: Such as Chicken Katsu Curry Bento (crispy fried chicken cutlet with curry), Goma Chikin Bento (fried chicken with roasted sesame dressing), Teriyaki Chicken with Cold Udon Bento, and Yuzu Chikin Bento (crispy fried chicken with ponzu sauce).

  • Pork Bento Boxes: Including Tonkatsu Bento (crispy fried thick cut pork cutlet), Tonkatsu Curry Bento, and Shogayaki Bento (thinly sliced pork belly with ginger sauce).

  • Beef Bento Boxes: Featuring Sukiyaki Bento (traditional hot pot beef).

  • Fish & Seafood Bento Boxes: Options like Unagi Kabayaki Bento (slow-roasted freshwater eel) and Saikyoyaki Bento (grilled miso black cod).

  • Vegetarian & Curry Bento Boxes: Such as Chicken Katsu Curry and Tonkatsu Curry, with an Omu Curry (Japanese Curry and Omelette) also available.

• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Beyond the structured bento boxes, they offer various rice bowls like Oyakodon (chicken, onions, and eggs simmered in sweet and savory sauce over rice) and other signature bowls.

• Appetizers and Sides: Complement your meal with popular Japanese appetizers including:

  • Nasu Dengaku (grilled eggplant with miso glaze) - highly praised by customers for its flavor and freshness.

  • Gyoza (pan-fried pork dumplings) and Vegetable Gyoza.

  • Karaage (crispy fried chicken).

  • Korokke (homemade sweet potato croquettes).

  • Takoyaki (octopus balls).

• Combos: They also offer combos like Tonkatsu + Gyoza for a comprehensive meal.

• Dessert & Beverages: A selection of desserts, often including Mochi Ice Cream, and various beverages are available to complete your order.

Morikawa Bento has several compelling features and highlights that make it a notable Japanese restaurant in Chicago, appealing to a wide range of Illinois locals:

• Authentic Bento Box Experience: The primary highlight is their dedication to the traditional Japanese bento box concept. These are not just meals; they are thoughtfully prepared, balanced, and elegantly presented culinary experiences, reminiscent of those found in Japan. The focus on making bento an "everyday meal choice" for busy people is a key differentiator.

• High-Quality Ingredients & Freshness: Customers consistently praise the freshness of the ingredients. For example, the Nasu Dengaku (grilled eggplant) is highlighted for its perfect flavor and texture, and the Korokkes for tasting fresh. This commitment to fresh, quality components is a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine.

• Diverse Menu with Traditional Favorites: Morikawa Bento offers a broad menu that covers many beloved Japanese dishes beyond just sushi and ramen. From various Katsu (chicken and pork cutlets) and Sukiyaki (hot pot beef) to Unagi Kabayaki (roasted eel) and Grilled Miso Black Cod, there's a wide selection to cater to different tastes, ensuring a satisfying option for everyone.

• Signature Dishes & Customer Favorites: The Nasu Dengaku stands out as a highly recommended dish, described as "amazing!!!" The homemade sweet potato croquettes (Korokke) also receive positive mentions. The "Famously Large" Yama Classic California Roll is a popular choice for its size and flavor, indicating that while primarily a bento spot, their rolls are also well-regarded.

• Convenient Delivery-Focused Model: Operating as a "small kitchen for orders on the most popular take-out platforms" like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, Morikawa Bento prioritizes convenience. This model ensures that high-quality Japanese food is easily accessible to a wide geographic area in Chicago and surrounding Illinois locales.

• Careful Packaging for Delivery: Reviews often mention the food arriving hot and well-prepared, suggesting attention to packaging details to maintain quality during transit.

• Honest and Transparent Communication: While some reviews mention issues with certain dishes (like salty Tonkatsu), the transparency in these reviews helps manage expectations and highlights the overall commitment to customer feedback, which is crucial for a delivery-focused business.

• Rooted in Experience: Morikawa Bento's expansion to the US from a successful Hong Kong brand established in 2013 speaks to its experience and reputation in delivering quality Japanese bento.

While direct, ongoing promotions for Morikawa Bento might fluctuate, Illinois locals can often find value through several avenues, especially given its strong presence on delivery platforms:

• Delivery App Specific Deals: Major delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub frequently run promotions such as discounts for first-time customers ordering from Morikawa Bento, reduced delivery fees, or percentage-off deals during specific periods. It’s always advisable to check the Morikawa Bento listing directly within these apps for any current offers.

• Seasonal or Limited-Time Menu Items: Restaurants often introduce special dishes for a limited time, which might come with introductory pricing. Keep an eye on their menu on delivery platforms for any new or seasonal additions.

• Pickup Discounts: Some restaurants offer a small discount for pickup orders to encourage direct business and reduce delivery fees. It's worth inquiring if Morikawa Bento has such an incentive.

For the most current information on any promotions or special offers, Illinois residents are highly encouraged to visit the Morikawa Bento listings on their preferred food delivery app or contact the restaurant directly via phone.

Ready to order your delicious Japanese bento from Morikawa Bento? Here's how you can get in touch:

• Address: 3517 N Spaulding Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

• Phone: (773) 840-8833

You can use the phone number to inquire about their menu, hours of operation, or to place an order for pickup. For delivery, their service through major apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub is the most common and convenient method.

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the bustling Chicago area, Morikawa Bento stands out as an incredibly suitable and convenient option for authentic Japanese cuisine. Its primary focus on meticulously crafted bento boxes offers a unique and traditional dining experience, making it perfect for individuals and families looking for a balanced, flavorful, and complete meal.

The emphasis on a delivery-centric model ensures that high-quality Japanese food is easily accessible, fitting seamlessly into busy schedules. Whether you're planning a last-minute dinner, seeking a satisfying lunch at work, or simply craving a taste of Japan, Morikawa Bento delivers on convenience without compromising on quality. While reviews highlight specific favorites like the "amazing" Nasu Dengaku and the fresh Korokkes, the diverse menu ensures there's something to appeal to every palate, from various katsu options to succulent unagi. Even with minor critiques on certain dishes, the overall sentiment points to a consistent effort to provide delicious and authentic Japanese meals. Morikawa Bento truly embodies the spirit of bringing gourmet, traditional Japanese flavors directly to the homes of Illinois locals, making it an indispensable part of the local culinary landscape.

Morikawa Bento

3517 N Spaulding Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA