Tokyo Shokudo

For those living in Illinois, especially in the Chicagoland area, seeking a taste of authentic Japanese comfort food, Tokyo Shokudo offers a unique and nostalgic experience. Nestled within the bustling food court of Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights, this Japanese restaurant transports you to a vibrant culinary scene reminiscent of food courts found in Japan. It’s a place where you can discover a wide array of beloved Japanese dishes, from hearty udon bowls to perfectly fried tempura.

Tokyo Shokudo aims to provide a diverse menu that caters to various cravings, embodying the spirit of a traditional "shokudo" – a casual Japanese eatery serving everyday, affordable meals. Whether you're looking for a quick, satisfying lunch or a delightful dinner before grabbing groceries, this spot promises a distinctive dining adventure for all Illinois locals.

Tokyo Shokudo is strategically located at 100 E Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA, within the popular Mitsuwa Marketplace. This placement is a significant advantage for Illinois residents, making it a convenient destination for authentic Japanese cuisine.

The Mitsuwa Marketplace is a well-known Japanese supermarket and cultural center, attracting visitors from across the state. It features a large parking lot, ensuring ample space for those driving to the location. Its accessibility from major roads, including proximity to Interstate 90, means it's a relatively easy drive from various parts of Illinois. For those utilizing public transportation, Pace bus routes serve the Algonquin Road area, with stops close to the marketplace. Visiting Tokyo Shokudo also offers the added benefit of exploring the extensive Japanese grocery store, Browse unique imported goods, and experiencing a slice of Japanese culture right here in Arlington Heights.

Tokyo Shokudo operates within a vibrant food court setting, providing services designed for efficiency and a diverse dining experience. While the specific ordering system might vary, the general services cater to quick and satisfying meals.

• Food Court Dining: Enjoy your meal in the spacious, well-lit food court of Mitsuwa Marketplace. This setting offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of seating, allowing you to dine comfortably right after your food is prepared.
• Diverse Menu of Japanese Comfort Food: Tokyo Shokudo offers a broad selection of classic Japanese dishes, going beyond just one specialty. You can expect to find:
  • Udon/Soba: Various noodle soups like beef udon, often highlighted by customers for being "fantastic."
  • Donburi: Rice bowls topped with different ingredients, such as Gyu-Don (beef bowl), Katsu-Don (pork cutlet bowl), and Karaage-Don (fried chicken bowl).
  • Curry: Japanese curry dishes, often served with katsu (fried cutlets) or beef.
  • Teishoku (Set Meals): Complete meals typically including a main dish (like grilled fish, chicken katsu, or karaage), rice, miso soup, and pickles.
  • Tempura: Assorted tempura, including vegetable and shrimp options, with potato tempura being specifically mentioned by customers.
  • Appetizers & Sides: A selection of smaller dishes to complement your meal, such as gyoza, edamame, and various grilled items like mackerel or salmon.
• Takeout Options: All food court vendors typically offer convenient takeout, allowing customers to grab their orders and enjoy them elsewhere, whether at home or on the go.
• Beverage Availability: While Tokyo Shokudo itself might focus on food, the Mitsuwa Marketplace allows you to bring in drinks purchased from the supermarket, including unique imported carbonated ginger drinks or teas, to pair with your meal.

Tokyo Shokudo stands out for several reasons, making it a compelling choice for Japanese cuisine lovers in Illinois. The customer experiences highlight both its strengths and areas to consider.

• Variety of Authentic Dishes: Unlike some specialized Japanese eateries, Tokyo Shokudo offers a broad spectrum of Japanese comfort foods. This variety allows diners to explore different culinary facets beyond just sushi or ramen, from udon to curry to tempura.
• "Fantastic" Beef Udon: One reviewer specifically praised the "fantastic bowl of beef udon," noting the delicious sauce and crispy, juicy karaage chicken as sides. This indicates a strong offering in their noodle and fried chicken categories.
• Good Portions and Reasonable Prices: Customers generally observe "big portions" at the food shops within Mitsuwa, including Tokyo Shokudo, and mention that prices are "reasonable." This provides good value for diners.
• Nostalgic Food Court Atmosphere: The experience of dining in a "fully operating food court of awesome Japanese dishes" provides a unique ambiance that many find enjoyable, feeling like "a fun trip back in time, but with Japanese food as the focal point." The environment is described as "well lit and comfortable to navigate."
• Potato Tempura: A specific highlight for one customer was the "potato tempura sides," suggesting unique or particularly well-executed tempura offerings beyond the usual shrimp or vegetable.

It's worth noting that while many reviews are positive, some customers have had mixed experiences regarding consistency in taste (e.g., "food is not that tasty," "fish that I ordered was dry") and service speed ("had to wait quite a while for the food"). However, the overall sentiment points to a generally satisfying and authentic experience.

As a Japanese restaurant operating within a larger food court environment like Mitsuwa Marketplace, Tokyo Shokudo may have different promotional strategies compared to standalone restaurants. Specific, regularly advertised promotions directly from Tokyo Shokudo are not widely available in public data.

However, for patrons in Illinois, potential ways to find special offers or value include:

• Mitsuwa Marketplace Announcements: Keep an eye on the Mitsuwa Marketplace's official website or in-store signage for any general food court promotions or events. Sometimes, the marketplace itself might run promotions that benefit all its food vendors.
• Daily/Seasonal Specials: Tokyo Shokudo might offer daily specials or limited-time seasonal dishes that are advertised at their counter. These could be unique menu items or combo deals not permanently listed.
• Loyalty Programs (Possible): While not confirmed, some food court vendors or the marketplace as a whole might have loyalty programs that reward frequent visitors. It's always a good idea to inquire at the counter if they offer any such incentives.

Given the generally reasonable prices and large portions mentioned by customers, the inherent value of the meals often serves as a form of ongoing appeal, attracting diners even without explicit discounts.

For those in Illinois interested in visiting Tokyo Shokudo in Arlington Heights, here’s their contact information:

Address: 100 E Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA

As a stall within a food court, Tokyo Shokudo generally does not have its own dedicated public phone number. For inquiries about store hours or general information about the food court, it is best to refer to the Mitsuwa Marketplace's main contact information, which can typically be found on their official website.

Visiting in person during Mitsuwa's operating hours is the most direct way to experience Tokyo Shokudo and its offerings.

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the Chicago metropolitan area, Tokyo Shokudo at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights offers a unique and accessible gateway to authentic Japanese comfort food. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience that mirrors the vibrant and diverse food culture of Japan itself.

Locals will appreciate the extensive menu, featuring everything from satisfying udon bowls and crispy tempura to hearty donburi and traditional set meals, all at reasonable prices and with generous portions. The bustling, well-lit food court environment creates a pleasant and nostalgic dining atmosphere. This makes Tokyo Shokudo an excellent choice for families, individuals, or groups looking for a quick, delicious, and authentic Japanese meal. Its location within Mitsuwa Marketplace further enhances its suitability, allowing patrons to combine their culinary adventure with a unique shopping trip for Japanese groceries and goods. Despite occasional service variations, the overall positive feedback and the sheer variety of dishes make Tokyo Shokudo a valuable and inviting dining option for anyone in Illinois seeking a genuine taste of Japan.

Tokyo Shokudo

100 E Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA