Ringo ~ by Hemmi

For those in Illinois, especially within the vibrant city of Chicago, who are on the lookout for a truly authentic Japanese dining experience, Ringo ~ by Hemmi stands out as a remarkable find. Tucked away in the charming Lincoln Park neighborhood, this restaurant is lauded by locals as a "hidden gem," offering a genuine taste of Japan right here in the Windy City. What makes Ringo ~ by Hemmi particularly special is its commitment to traditional Japanese cuisine, prepared and served by a dedicated Japanese head chef and staff.

More than just a place to enjoy delicious food, Ringo ~ by Hemmi offers an experience that resonates with warmth and hospitality. Patrons rave about the friendly and attentive service, which contributes significantly to the overall delightful atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a quiet lunch, or simply craving high-quality sushi and savory Japanese small plates, Ringo ~ by Hemmi promises a satisfying and memorable culinary journey. Let's explore what makes this establishment a must-visit for Japanese food enthusiasts in Illinois.

Ringo ~ by Hemmi is conveniently located at 1441 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Chicago's lively Lincoln Park neighborhood. The Fullerton Avenue location ensures excellent visibility and easy access for both residents of Lincoln Park and those traveling from other parts of Chicago and the wider Illinois region.

Being situated on a prominent street like Fullerton Avenue means the restaurant is well-connected by Chicago's extensive public transportation network. Various bus routes operate in the area, and it's typically within a reasonable distance of CTA L train stations, offering convenient options for diners who prefer not to drive. For those arriving by car, street parking is often available in the Lincoln Park area, though, like any urban setting, it's always advisable to allow for some time to find a spot, especially during peak hours. The restaurant's presence at the intersection of Fullerton and Janssen also aids in its easy identification. Its accessible location makes Ringo ~ by Hemmi a practical choice for a delicious Japanese meal, whether it's a weekday lunch or a weekend dinner.

Ringo ~ by Hemmi provides a comprehensive menu of authentic Japanese dishes, focusing on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Here’s a look at their key offerings:

• Authentic Japanese Sushi and Sashimi: A cornerstone of their menu, Ringo ~ by Hemmi offers high-quality sushi and sashimi. Customers consistently praise the fresh fish, noting how it "melted in our mouth." Favorites include scallop, hamachi, salmon, and fatty tuna. They also offer classic maki rolls like Spicy Tuna Maki and elaborate Sashimi Moriawase sets.
• Savory Small Plates (Otsumami): Beyond sushi, the restaurant excels in its selection of Japanese small plates, often referred to as "Otsumami." These include items like Tokyo Chicken (Japanese-style fried chicken), Tempura Moriawase (shrimp, fish & assorted vegetable tempura), and Tofu & Nasu Agedashi (fried tofu and eggplant).
• Signature Udon Dishes: A standout item is their Inaniwa Ume Udon, which has been described as having a "different level of umami" and noodles with a unique "cross between typically udon and ramen noodle chewiness." This dish is highly recommended.
• Traditional Japanese Soups and Custards: The menu features traditional options like Miso Soup, which has been hailed as the "Best Miso Soup" by customers. They also offer Chawanmushi, a silky smooth Japanese savory steamed egg custard, sometimes topped with crab gravy.
• Rice Sets and Entrees: Complementing their dishes, Ringo ~ by Hemmi offers a classic Rice Set (miso soup, rice & salad) and various entrees such as Chicken Teriyaki and Salmon Teriyaki.
• Sake and Beverages: To complete the authentic experience, they offer hot sake and other beverages that pair well with Japanese cuisine.
• Catering Services: Ringo ~ by Hemmi extends its culinary expertise beyond the restaurant, offering catering for small private banquets to corporate events. They specialize in sushi, izakaya-style appetizers, onigiri, and bento boxes, with customized menus available for various preferences and budgets, including delivery and uniformed chefs for full service.
• Dine-In and Takeout Options: Customers can enjoy the inviting atmosphere for a dine-in experience or opt for convenient takeout.

Ringo ~ by Hemmi distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its glowing reputation among locals:

• Authentic Japanese Experience: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The restaurant is run by a Japanese head chef and features a Japanese staff, ensuring that the cuisine and dining experience are genuinely authentic. Customers often feel like they are "sitting in a restaurant in Japan."
• High-Quality Fish and Ingredients: The sashimi and sushi are consistently praised for the "above average" quality of the fish, which reviewers describe as melting in their mouth. The inclusion of fresh ingredients like myoga on the sashimi set further emphasizes their commitment to authenticity and quality.
• Exceptional Udon: The Inaniwa Ume Udon is a consistent show-stealer, noted for its unique texture and profound umami flavor. This dish alone is a reason many customers plan to return.
• Outstanding Service and Hospitality: The staff at Ringo ~ by Hemmi are repeatedly described as "super nice," "super sweet," and "attentive." The personalized touches, such as singing "Happy Birthday" and offering a special dessert, create a genuinely warm and memorable dining experience. Even the head chef taking the time to escort guests to the door highlights their dedication to customer care.
• "Hidden Gem" Status: Despite its high quality, many refer to Ringo ~ by Hemmi as a "hidden gem," suggesting a more intimate and less overtly commercialized dining experience where quality speaks for itself.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While known for sushi, the broad menu including various small plates, udon, and other Japanese entrees means there's something to satisfy different cravings and preferences, making it suitable for a wider audience.
• Best Miso Soup: The Miso Soup, often a simple staple, receives high praise, indicating attention to detail even in the most fundamental dishes.
• Catering Flexibility: The availability of customizable catering options, including chef services, adds a significant layer of convenience and value for local events and gatherings.

Based on available public information, specific, regularly advertised promotions for Ringo ~ by Hemmi are not extensively detailed, as is sometimes the case with highly authentic, quality-focused establishments that rely on consistent demand for their culinary offerings. However, based on general restaurant practices and snippets of information, potential or past offers might include:

• Lunch Menu Offerings: Ringo ~ by Hemmi has separate lunch and dinner menus. Lunch typically offers a different price point for similar quality, making it a potentially more accessible way to experience their cuisine during the day. Their "Ringo Zen - Mini Course," a 4-course Chef Hemmi Special for $40, appears to be a structured value offering on their lunch menu.
• Seasonal Specials: Given the emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients, it's highly probable that Ringo ~ by Hemmi introduces seasonal specials that highlight specific fish or produce, offering unique, limited-time dishes.
• Special Occasion Accommodations: As seen in customer reviews, the restaurant goes above and beyond for special occasions like birthdays, offering personalized gestures like special desserts and singing "Happy Birthday." While not a discount, this adds significant value to the celebratory experience.
• Catering Customization: For larger groups or events, their catering service offers customized menus based on preference and budget, which can be seen as a tailored "special offer" for private functions.
• Online Deals (Past Instances): While not current, Ringo ~ by Hemmi has been listed on platforms like Groupon in the past for cash-back rewards, indicating they might occasionally participate in such promotions.
• Holiday or Event-Based Specials: Restaurants often have special menus or pricing for holidays. For instance, in the past, they participated in "AAPI Restaurants Week" offering a free Hamachi Carpaccio to guests.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current promotions, special menus, or specific offerings, it is always recommended to contact Ringo ~ by Hemmi directly via phone or visit their official website. This ensures you receive the most current details before your visit.

To experience the authentic Japanese flavors and warm hospitality of Ringo ~ by Hemmi, here's how to get in touch:

• Address: 1441 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
• Phone: (773) 697-8733

You can call them to inquire about their menu, hours, or to make a reservation, especially if you're planning a visit for a special occasion or with a larger party.

For residents across Illinois, and particularly those residing in Chicago and its vibrant neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Ringo ~ by Hemmi stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended Japanese dining destination. Its appeal to the local community is rooted in several key aspects that transcend a typical restaurant experience.

Firstly, its central location on Fullerton Avenue in Lincoln Park offers convenient accessibility. Whether you're commuting via public transit or driving, finding Ringo ~ by Hemmi is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for a casual meal or a planned celebration without the stress of navigating unfamiliar routes. This ease of access encourages repeat visits and establishes it as a true neighborhood favorite.

Secondly, the undeniable authenticity of Ringo ~ by Hemmi is a major draw. Operated by a Japanese head chef and staff, the restaurant delivers a genuine culinary experience that transports diners, as one review noted, to "a restaurant in Japan." This commitment to traditional methods and flavors, from the quality of their "melt-in-your-mouth" sashimi to the unique umami of their Inaniwa Ume Udon, ensures a truly immersive and satisfying Japanese meal that goes beyond standard offerings. Locals who appreciate true cultural representation in their dining choices will find this aspect particularly compelling.

Beyond the food, the exceptional service and warm hospitality are what truly solidify Ringo ~ by Hemmi's place in the hearts of its patrons. The staff's attentiveness, sweetness, and willingness to go the extra mile – even singing "Happy Birthday" – create a welcoming and caring environment. This personalized touch transforms a meal into a cherished memory, fostering loyalty and a desire to return. For locals seeking not just delicious food, but also a place where they feel genuinely valued and cared for, Ringo ~ by Hemmi is an unparalleled choice in the Chicago dining scene. It's a place where quality, authenticity, and heartfelt service converge to create an unforgettable experience right in their backyard.

Ringo ~ by Hemmi

1441 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA