Discover the Authentic Flavors of Takumi Ramen in Chicago, Illinois

Takumi Ramen Introduce

In the bustling culinary landscape of Illinois, Chicago stands as a beacon for food lovers, offering everything from classic deep-dish pizza to a diverse array of international cuisines. For those with a craving for the rich, complex flavors of Japanese comfort food, the search for the perfect bowl of ramen is a journey worth taking. Located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, Takumi Ramen has quickly established itself as a go-to spot for an authentic and satisfying ramen experience. This article explores why Takumi Ramen is a standout destination, known for its incredible food, seamless service, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It's a place that has captured the attention of locals who appreciate its quality and value.

Takumi Ramen is celebrated for its commitment to serving high-quality, authentic Japanese cuisine that goes beyond just ramen. The restaurant’s menu is a testament to its dedication to variety and flavor, featuring a wide range of dishes that cater to all tastes. From their signature Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen, praised for its rich and savory broth, to their inventive Spicy Tomato Ramen, there is a bowl for every palate. The restaurant’s philosophy is to provide delicious food that is also genuinely affordable, making it accessible to a wide audience. As one customer noted, the food is "absolutely delicious" and the prices are "very affordable." The commitment to flavor and quality is evident in every dish, with seasonings that are "spot on" and ingredients that are cooked to perfection. The friendly and professional tone of the staff, combined with the excellent food, creates a memorable and highly recommended dining experience.

Takumi Ramen is situated at 1239 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA, in the lively and culturally rich Pilsen neighborhood. This location is easily accessible for both locals and visitors exploring the area's art scene, shops, and other restaurants. The restaurant is thoughtfully designed for convenience and comfort, with wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating, ensuring that all guests can dine with ease. For those arriving by car, parking is available, including free street parking and a paid parking lot nearby. This accessibility, combined with the restaurant's prime location in a dynamic neighborhood, makes it a convenient and practical choice for a delicious meal, whether it's a planned outing or a spontaneous stop.

Takumi Ramen offers a variety of services to meet the needs of its diverse clientele, from in-person dining to convenient at-home options.

Dine-in Service: Enjoy your meal in the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant, where table service is provided. The efficient and attentive staff ensure that everything runs smoothly, from the moment you are seated to the final check-out.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to eat at home, Takumi Ramen offers both takeout and delivery services. Customers have noted how convenient it is to order online and have their food delivered quickly, making it a great option for a busy day or a relaxing night in.
Online Ordering: The restaurant uses a modern ordering system where you can scan a QR code at your table to view the menu and place your order. This allows for a seamless and quick dining experience, and even lets multiple people add items to the same check, which is a great convenience for groups.
BYOB: A notable and customer-favorite feature is the restaurant's BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) policy, which allows patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy with their meal, adding a personalized touch to the dining experience.

What truly makes Takumi Ramen a gem in the Illinois dining scene are its exceptional features and highlights.

Extensive and Diverse Menu: The full menu is packed with a wide range of options, from a variety of ramen bowls like the spicy Miso Ramen and flavorful Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen, to other Japanese classics. The menu includes Appetizers like Chicken Kara-Age and Gyoza, as well as Yakitori, Donburi (rice bowls), and even Stir Fry Ramen. This variety ensures that every diner, regardless of their preference, can find something to love.
Authentic and High-Quality Ingredients: Customers rave about the food, with one review highlighting that the spicy chili sauce was "actually spicy" and that the chicken fried rice was "packed with flavor and cooked to perfection." The attention to detail in the preparation and the quality of the ingredients, such as the freshly made lemonade, contribute to a genuinely delicious meal.
Fast and Efficient Service: The service at Takumi Ramen is consistently praised as "top-notch." Customers are impressed by how quickly their food comes out and how attentive the servers are. This efficiency is a major plus, especially for those with limited time for lunch or dinner.
Kid-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is good for kids and provides amenities like high chairs and a changing table, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for families dining out.
Modern and Convenient Amenities: Takumi Ramen offers free Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom, creating a modern and inclusive environment for all guests.

To experience the delicious food and excellent service at Takumi Ramen, you can visit their location at 1239 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA. For takeout orders or general inquiries, you can contact them directly by phone at (312) 763-3098, or mobile phone at +1 312-763-3098. The convenience of their online ordering system also makes it easy to place an order from anywhere.

Takumi Ramen is worth choosing for a multitude of reasons that extend beyond just the food. It is a place that delivers a consistently great experience, from the moment you walk in the door to the last bite of your meal. The combination of an extensive and delicious menu, affordable prices, and genuinely top-notch service makes it a standout in Chicago's competitive dining scene. The option to dine in and enjoy the cozy atmosphere or order takeout for a quick and easy meal provides great flexibility. The fact that the restaurant is praised by even "tough critics" for its perfectly seasoned food and efficient service speaks volumes about its quality. Whether you're looking for a hearty bowl of ramen to warm up on a cold day, a quick and tasty lunch, or a full dinner with appetizers and dessert, Takumi Ramen is an excellent choice. It’s a place where you can be assured of a flavorful meal and a smooth, enjoyable dining experience, solidifying its place as a must-visit spot in the Illinois region.

Takumi Ramen Food & drink

Full Menu - Appetizers
Edamame $4.99
Fresh Soybeans with black pepper and sea salt
Seaweed Salad $4.99
Chilled Japanese seaweed salad with sesame seeds
Age Tofu $5.49
Lightly battered and deep-fried tofu served with our house-made classic Japanese skewer sauce. Garnished with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Crispy on the outside, silky on the inside
Calamari Salad $5.99
Squid, bamboo shoot, wood ear mushroom, green onion, and sesame seeds
Chicken Kara-Age $7.99
Deep Fried Japanese Style, Marinated Chicken Thigh with Salt pepper sauce
Pork Bun(1Pc) $3.99
Steamed Bun, Mix Greens, Roasted Pork Belly, House Made Sauce
Breaded Crab Claw(3Pc) $7.99
Deep-fried imitation crab balls with real crab claw, coated in crispy breadcrumbs.Surimi (imitation crab), real crab claw, breadcrumbs, seasoning.
Shrimp Tempura (5Pc) $8.99
Japanese style fried battered shrimp,served with house made sauce
Fried Oyster(5Pc) $9.99
Deep Fried Oyster with House Special Sauce
Fried Potato Shrimp(5Pc) $9.99
Deep Fried Potato Shrimp with House Special Sauce
Ika Geso Age $9.99
Deep Fried Squid tentacles with House Special Sauce
Takoyaki (6) $7.99
Octopus & cabbage filled batter balls, seasoned with mayo sauce, takoyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and green onion
Purple Sweet Potato Fries $6.99
Crispy fried purple sweet potato, golden outside, soft and sweet inside.
Gyoza (6) $7.99
Pan-fried pot stickers, served with house made gyoza sauce *** Chicken, beef，seafood ***
Fried Gyoza (6) $8.99
Seafood Okonomiyaki $13.99
Traditional Japanese pancake with vegetable mix (cabbage, onion, carrot, green onion) and seafood mix (squid, shrimp, crab meat stick, scallop), dressed with house made sauce, bonito flakes, nori flakes, and sesame seeds
Tonkatsu(1Pc) $5.99
deep Fried janpanese style tonkatsu
Harumaki(3Pc) $3.99
Deep fried veggie stuffing with sweet chili sauce
Breaded Shrimp(3Pc) $9.99
Deep-fried Crispy skewered shrimp coated in golden breadcrumbs.Whiteleg shrimp, breadcrumbs, wheat flour, garlic, onion, spices.
Tako Wasabi $6.99
Chilled, raw baby octopus marinated in a wasabi-infused sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds. A refreshing and savory cold appetizer with a clean ocean flavor and a wasabi kick. ⚠️ Contains raw seafood. Consuming raw or undercooked seafood may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
Ebi Katsu $7.99
Golden-breaded shrimp croquette
Fried Scallops $7.99
Premium scallops from Aomori, Japan, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. Juicy, sweet
Fried Soft Crab(1Pc) $5.99
Crispy soft-shell crab garnished with arugula, drizzled with a savory sauce, and served with a lemon wedge.
Shrimp Shumai(4Pc) $5.99
Crystal Shrimp Bites, a delightful take on classic dim sum. Each meticulously steamed dumpling features a translucent wrapper generously filled with succulent, sweet shrimp
Monkfish Liver $5.99
A delicate and rich appetizer featuring Ankimo, or steamed monkfish liver, often referred to as the 'foie gras of the sea.
Sweet Soy Marinated Baby Octopus $5.99
Tender marinated baby octopus on fresh greens, topped with sesame seeds. Savory and slightly sweet in flavor.
Pork $7.99

Full Menu - Yakitori
Harami(2Pc) $5.99
Beef Skirt skewers seasoned with house made Japanese grilling sauce
Butabara(2Pc) $4.99
Soy marinated Pork Belly with house made Japanese grilling sauce
Grilled Chicken Wings(2Pc) $4.99
Grilled Chicken Wings with house made Japanese grilling sauce
Negima(2Pc) $4.99
chicken thigh with leek skewers seasoned with house made Japanese grilling sauce
Grilled Shrimp (3Pc) $4.99
Grilled jumbo shrimp (shell on) with house made Japanese grilling sauce
Zucchini(2Pc) $3.99
Grilled zucchini with house made Japanese grilling sauce
Shishito Pepper(2Pc) $6.99
Blistered shishito peppers grilled on a skewer with house made Japanese grilling sauce
Kurobuta Sausage(4Pc) $6.99
Grilled Berkshire pork sausage with house made Japanese grilling sauce
Garlic Scallops With Vermicelli $7.99
Grilled scallops with garlic and glass noodles. tender, and umami-rich.

Full Menu - Ramen
Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen $14.99
Grilled Chashu Pork, Half Marinated Egg, Black Fungus, Scallions, Bamboo Shoots, & Garlic Oil in Tonkotsu Broth Base
Spicy Miso Ramen $14.99
Grilled Chashu Pork, Half Marinated Egg, Black Fungus, Scallions, Bamboo Shoots, & Black Garlic Oil in Spicy Tonkotsu Broth Base
Noukou Seafood Ramen $15.99
Shrimp, Mussel, Fish Cake,Surf Clam,Half Marinated Egg, Black Fungus, Scallions, Bamboo Shoots, & Garlic Oil in Tonkotsu Broth Base
Kimchi Ramen $14.99
Grilled Chashu Pork, Kimchi, Half Marinated Egg, Black Fungus, Scallions, Bamboo Shoots, & Garlic Oil in Tonkotsu Broth Base
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen $14.99
Grilled Chashu Pork, Half Marinated Egg, Black Fungus, Scallions, Bamboo Shoots, & Garlic Oil in Tonkotsu Broth Base
Chicken Ramen $14.99
Grilled Chicken, Half Marinated Egg, Black Fungus, Scallions, Bamboo Shoots, & Garlic Oil in Chicken Broth Base
Vegetable Ramen $14.99
Carrots, Choy Sum, Dried Tofu, Corn, Black Fungus, Scallions, Bamboo Shoots, in Vegetable Broth
Curry Ramen $14.99
With Chef’s Special Curry Sauce, Grilled Chashu Pork, Half Marinated Egg, Black Fungus, Scallions, Bamboo Shoots, & Garlic Oil in Tonkotsu Broth Base
Tokyo Shoyu Ramen $14.99
Grilled Chashu Pork, Half marinated egg, Black Fungus, Scallions, & Bamboo Shoots in Soy Sauce Flavored Tonkotsu Broth With Black Garlic Oil.
Spicy Tomato Ramen $14.99
Grilled Chashu Pork, Half Marinated Egg, Black Fungus, Scallions, Tomato, Bamboo Shoots, & Oil in Spicy Tonkotsu Broth Base
Chashu Mazesoba $14.99
Minced Chashu Pork Mixed With Our House Soy-Based Sauce, Served Over Hot Ramen Noodles. Topped With Half Soft-Boiled Egg, Scallions, Bamboo Shoots, Carrots,topped with rice seasoning.
Gyuniku Ramen $14.99
Thinly Sliced Beef, Scallions, Bamboo Shoots, and Half a Marinated Egg,Black Fungus& Garlic Oil in Tonkotsu Broth Base

Full Menu - Donburi
Unagi Don $16.99
Grilled eel over steamed white rice, topped with cucumber, half a marinated egg, and rice seasoning. Includes miso soup, fried tofu, seaweed salad, and edamame.
Gyudon $15.99
Sliced beef and onion simmered in chef’s special sauce, served over steamed white rice. Topped with cucumber, half a marinated egg, and rice seasoning. Includes miso soup, fried tofu, seaweed salad, and edamame.
Oyako Don $15.99
Grilled chicken in chef’s special sauce over steamed white rice. Topped with cucumber, half a marinated egg, and rice seasoning. Includes miso soup, fried tofu, seaweed salad, and edamame.
Tonkatsu Don $15.99
Crispy pork cutlet over steamed white rice, topped with cucumber, half a marinated egg, and rice seasoning. Includes miso soup, fried tofu, seaweed salad, and edamame.
Chashu Don $15.99
Grilled chashu pork over steamed white rice, topped with cucumber, half a marinated egg, and rice seasoning. Includes miso soup, fried tofu, seaweed salad, and edamame.

Full Menu - Dessert
Vanilla Mille Crêpe Cake $7.99
Layered vanilla crêpe cake with light pastry cream. Soft, creamy, and smooth.
Milk Pudding $4.99
Creamy double-skin milk pudding topped with osmanthus. No eggs used.
Matcha Cheesecake $7.99
Smooth and rich Japanese-style cheesecake with a hint of earthy matcha green tea flavor.
Matcha Snow Pudding $5.99
Silky matcha pudding with rich green tea aroma, served with a side of fresh cream. Delicately sweet and elegantly smooth.
Japanese Caramel Pudding $7.99
Caramel Pudding with sugary top

Full Menu - Stir fry ramen
Beef Stir Fry Ramen $13.95
Sliced beef, bean sprouts, carrots, and onions stir-fried with boiled ramen. Topped with rice seasoning.
Chicken Stir Fry Ramen $13.95
Sliced chicken, bean sprouts, carrots, and onions stir-fried with boiled ramen. Topped with rice seasoning.
Seafood Stir Fry Ramen $14.95
Shrimp, crab meat, squid, and fish cake stir-fried with bean sprouts, carrots, and onions, then mixed with boiled ramen. Topped with rice seasoning.
Shredded Cha Shu Stir Fry Ramen $13.95
Shredded chashu pork, bean sprouts, carrots, and onions stir-fried with boiled ramen. Topped with rice seasoning.
Vegetable Fry Ramen $13.95
Cabbage, onion, bean sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers stir-fried with boiled ramen. Topped with rice seasoning.

Full Menu - Ramune
Peach Ramune $3.99
Naturally flavored carbonated soft drink with a sweet peach taste, made with real sugar.
Original Ramune $3.99
Carbonated soft drink with a unique bottle design, featuring a light, sweet flavor made with real sugar.
Strwaberry Ramune $3.99
Premium carbonated drink with natural strawberry flavor, made with real sugar.
Orange Ramune $3.99
Carbonated soft drink with a natural orange flavor, made with real sugar.
Lychee Ramune $3.99
Lightly carbonated Japanese soda with a sweet lychee flavor.
Watermelon Ramune $3.99
Carbonated soft drink with a refreshing watermelon flavor, featuring a unique marble seal.

Full Menu - Side
Extra Noodle $4.99
Springy noodles garnished with fresh green onions.
Chashu Pork(2Pc) $2.99
Tender slices of braised pork belly, seasoned and seared to perfection.
Corn $1.50
Sweet corn kernels, lightly seasoned for a simple and satisfying side dish.
Half Marinated Egg $1.50
Marinated egg half garnished with sliced green onions.
Kimchi $1.50
Fermented cabbage and vegetables with a spicy, tangy seasoning, garnished with sesame seeds.
White Rice $2.00
Steamed white rice, a simple and essential side dish for any meal.
Spicy On The Side $1.50
Rich, spicy condiment with a bold, umami flavor, perfect for adding a kick to your meal.
Extra Broth $4.99
Pork bone broth. Rich and savory.
Black Fungus $1.50
Crispy black fungus with a delicate, earthy flavor, served with a light seasoning.

Full Menu - Drinks
Coke $2.50
Classic carbonated cola beverage.
Diet Coke $2.50
No-calorie cola with a crisp, refreshing taste.
Sprite $2.50
Lemon-lime soda with a crisp, refreshing taste.
Fiji Water $3.99
Natural artesian water, sourced directly from the Fiji Islands.
Unsweetened Green Tea $3.50
Real brewed green tea with no added sugar, offering a pure and natural taste.
Matcha Latte $4.99
Vibrant matcha and silky milk come together for a refreshing, feel-good classic
Cheese Foam Grape Yakult $4.99
A refreshing blend of grape Yakult topped with smooth, lightly salted cheese foam Sip the top first

Takumi Ramen Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Dining options
Seating

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid parking lot

Takumi Ramen Photos

Takumi Ramen Location

Takumi Ramen

Illinois Cook County Chicago Lower West Side West 18th Street

1239 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA

Takumi Ramen Reviews

The service and efficiency here are truly top-notch. From the moment you walk in to the time you check out, everything runs smoothly and seamlessly. As someone who’s a tough critic when it comes to food, I was genuinely impressed. The food is absolutely delicious — especially their freshly made lemonade, which I highly recommend. The seasoning on everything was spot on. I tried their fried rice with chicken and wow — it was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. On top of that, the prices are very affordable. I’ll definitely be coming back!
July 31 · Anthony Lopez
BYOB. I love that you can order from your table by scanning the QR code and even the people you are dining with can add items to the same check. Everything came out fast, the servers were attentive, and the food was better than I expected. I am so happy that the spicy chili sauce was actually spicy. I have ordered take out a couple times from this place but it's definitely worth going in and sitting down to eat there.
July 21 · Cecilia Labariega
Great food and service. The ramen was excellent, and all the food ordered was cooked perfectly. Appreciate the authentic taste and preparation!
July 10 · Local GDR
This is the best ramen I have ever eaten. You will love it after eating it once. I will come again next time.
July 27 · Z Milly
Blown away by this ramen! I got the calamari salad and a side of kimchi as well. Thai iced tea to wash it all down. It left my belly warm and toasty like a summer nap. I can’t wait to come back!
July 07 · Joseph Wendt