Umaka Ramen Skokie IL: A Convenient Spot for Japanese Comfort Food

Umaka Ramen Introduce

For residents of Illinois, especially those in the northern suburbs of Chicago, finding a reliable and convenient spot for Japanese comfort food is a welcome discovery. Umaka Ramen, nestled within the popular Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, offers a compelling option for those craving a warm bowl of ramen or other Japanese delights. While opinions may vary on certain aspects of its menu, many agree it provides a quick, affordable, and generally satisfying meal, making it a handy stop during a busy day of shopping or a casual weeknight dinner.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Umaka Ramen, helping you, the local Illinois user, learn more about what this establishment brings to the Skokie dining scene. We’ll delve into its prime location, the services it offers, its menu highlights, and what makes it a suitable choice for a quick, Japanese-inspired meal.

Location and Accessibility

Umaka Ramen is ideally situated at 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr F10, Skokie, IL 60077, USA. This location within the bustling Westfield Old Orchard shopping center is a major advantage, offering unparalleled accessibility for shoppers, mall employees, and residents of Skokie and surrounding communities. Old Orchard Road is a key artery in the North Shore, ensuring straightforward navigation for those traveling by car. Ample parking is readily available throughout the shopping center, eliminating the typical urban hassle of finding a spot.

The placement within a large retail complex means Umaka Ramen is not just a destination in itself, but also a convenient dining option before or after a shopping spree, a movie, or other activities at the mall. This ease of access makes it a practical choice for a spontaneous lunch or dinner, seamlessly integrating into your day's plans.

Services Offered

Umaka Ramen focuses on providing a streamlined and efficient dining experience, catering to the needs of its patrons within a busy shopping center environment. The services typically offered include:

Dine-In:
Takeout:
Delivery:
Online Ordering:
Lunch & Dinner Service:

Features / Highlights

Umaka Ramen offers a menu that extends beyond just ramen, aiming to provide a comprehensive Japanese comfort food experience. Here are some of its key features and highlights:

Diverse Ramen Selection:
Tonkotsu Ramen:
Kara-Age Shoyu Ramen:
Vegetable Miso Ramen:
Spicy Options:
Specialty Ramen:

Appetizers and Sides:

Shrimp Tempura:

Veggie Tempura:

Miso Soup:

House Salad:

Other options like Edamame, Gyoza (fried chicken dumplings), Takoyaki (octopus balls), and Crab Rangoon.

Rice Bowls (Donburi):

Unagi Don:

Yakiniku Rice Bowl:

Chicken Katsu Curry Rice:

Fried Rice:

Reasonable Prices:

Attentive Staff:

Promotions or Special Offers

Umaka Ramen, especially given its presence in a large shopping center, may offer various promotions to attract and retain customers. While specific ongoing deals for the Skokie location might vary, here are common types of offers to look out for:

Lunch Specials:
App/Online Order Discounts:
Seasonal Promotions:
Loyalty Programs:

It's always advisable to check their official website, social media, or inquire directly at the restaurant for the most current promotions applicable to the Skokie location within the Old Orchard Shopping Center.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, place an order, or make any inquiries, you can reach Umaka Ramen at their Skokie location using the following details:

Address: 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr F10, Skokie, IL 60077, USA
Phone: (773) 416-3942

Their operating hours are generally Monday to Thursday: 11 AM - 8:00 PM, and Friday/Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. However, it's always a good idea to confirm hours, especially on holidays, as mall hours can sometimes influence restaurant operations.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Illinois, particularly those in Skokie and the surrounding North Shore suburbs, Umaka Ramen at Old Orchard Shopping Center offers a highly suitable and convenient option for Japanese comfort food. Its prime location within a major retail hub makes it exceptionally accessible, whether you're combining a meal with a shopping trip or simply seeking a quick and satisfying dinner close to home. The restaurant's commitment to reasonable prices and attentive staff further enhances its appeal as a friendly and practical dining choice for the local community.

While some discerning ramen enthusiasts might seek greater depth in their noodle and broth experience, Umaka Ramen consistently delivers on other key fronts. The tenderness of their grilled meats, the perfection of their rice, and the quality of their appetizers like the "crunchy and tender" shrimp tempura are frequently praised. The diverse menu, offering not only various ramen styles but also popular rice bowls like the "delicious and tender" Yakiniku and classic Unagi Don, ensures there's something to satisfy different cravings. For a quick, affordable, and generally delicious Japanese meal in a convenient setting, Umaka Ramen stands as a reliable and welcoming spot for any Illinois local.

Umaka Ramen Photos

Umaka Ramen Location

Umaka Ramen

Illinois Cook County Skokie Old Orchard Shopping Center

4999 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr F10, Skokie, IL 60077, USA

Umaka Ramen Reviews

Rating: 3.5 starsI really wanted to give this place 4 stars, but it just falls short at 3.5. The location is convenient, the staff is attentive, and the prices are very reasonable. The food, however, could use some improvement. The ramen noodles lacked that satisfying bounce you’d expect, and while the broth was decent, it could use a bit more depth of flavor. The house salad was good, the miso soup was tasty, and the veggie tempura was nicely done—crispy and flavorful. The chicken katsudon was just okay; my daughter even said my husband’s homemade version is better. Would I come here specifically for ramen? Probably not. But for a quick, affordable meal, it’s a good option.
Apr 13, 2025 · Kim Possible
Stopped here for lunch. We started with the 3 peice shrimp tempura, and they were crunchy and tender. I had the Unagi Don (Japanese grilled eel). It was similar to eel I had elsewhere. My friends had the Yakiniku Rice Bowl (Japanese grilled beef) and shrimp fried rice. I tried the Japanese grilled beef, and it was delicious and tender. My friend thought the shrimp in the fried rice were huge and well worth it! The waitstaff checked in on us a couple of times. The only issue we had was that the interior of the restaurant was very warm. It was probably the change of seasons, it being one of the first warm-ish days of the spring.
Mar 31, 2025 · Matt Zurek
Refreshing to see a solid Ramen spot at Old Orchard Mall. I’ve come here a handful of times since I started working at the mall and I’m always pleased with the service. Very quick and efficient for my lunch breaks.Even though it’s a Ramen place, their chicken katsu with curry is great! Would definitely recommend them to anyone interested in Japanese food.
Feb 18, 2025 · Nathan A. Pinsky
This place located in Old Orchard Mall is an excellent addition to the wide array of food options at the mall. The flavor of each ramen was excellent and the curry that accompanied donktsu was one of the best Japanese curry in the area. Highly recommended as a nice break from shopping.
Feb 06, 2025 · Kiljoong Kim
Overall, Umaka Ramen was excellent. My girlfriend and I dined here for lunch, and the atmosphere was very nice and cultural. The service was excellent and the staff was super friendly. I highly recommend the #5 ramen, it tasted sooo good.
Jan 06, 2025 · Devin Singh