Akahoshi Ramen

“After making a reservation for the wrong night, we walked in thinking we had a table and realized my error..”

After making a reservation for the wrong night, we walked in thinking we had a table and realized my error... The staff said they could get us in anyway in 20 mins, which they did! The food was amazing, and perfect for a cold Chicago night! We got both of the rice bowls to share, the Ikura bowl with salmon roe was a thing I would eat all the time if I could! The Chashu bowl was also delicious, the chashu was tender and perfectly seasoned. We then all got the miso ramen, which was just delightful. The broth was complex and full of umami, and the noodles were perfectly chewy! It's definitely worth adding the egg into your ramen. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for really high quality ingredients and homemade soup and noodles in their ramen!

Alexis Chernow

Dec 2025

“Excellent food. Reminded me of Tokyo more than any other place I’ve been to in a while. Cowboy...”

Excellent food. Reminded me of Tokyo more than any other place I’ve been to in a while. Cowboy sake. Red rice ale. Alahoshi miso. And the 2 year wagyu special! Delicious. If I lived nearby I would eat here several times a week.

Ryan Gavlas

Nov 2025

“Best ramen in town.”

Best ramen in town. This is my second year coming in the winter season and there’s nothing of the menu that I don’t like. The Akahoshi Miso ramen is excellent, rich broth, tender meat and simply great! I tried this time the November Special, and really loved it, how also rich but lighter broth it was and perfect cooked noodles, I asked for 2 eggs because they are amazing!

Mariana “Nana” R L

Nov 2025

“One of the best ramen restaurants in the country.”

One of the best ramen restaurants in the country. Rich broth, tender pork shoulder and homemade noodles for a perfect bowl of ramen. The service was very attentive and friendly.

Alfonso Vergara

Nov 2025

“Akahoshi serves exceptional ramen with meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every bowl - the...”

Akahoshi serves exceptional ramen with meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every bowl - the Akahoshi Miso has a rich yet balanced broth, complemented by chewy in-house noodles and well torched chashu. For soupless options, the Aburasoba and Tantanman offer more intense flavors and thicker noodles for a richer experience. Their rotating monthly specials that highlight regional ramen flavors with unique twists are also fun additions that keep things exciting. We have tried the Mururan Curry, Toyama Black, Lekei, Tsukemen, Blackened Garlic Tonkotsu, Yuzu Shio, Hachiya, all were super phenomenal. Easily one of Chicago’s top ramen spots, with a focused menu that highlights quality in every bowl. I can’t wait to return and slurp my way through many more bowls.

Bill

Nov 2025

“I come here whenever I’m in town and so far have tried the Midwest shoyu (my least favorite), miso,...”

I come here whenever I’m in town and so far have tried the Midwest shoyu (my least favorite), miso, and a few of the monthly specials (always bangers). The portion size of the ramen is spot-on once you add the requisite egg. I recommend adding the in-house chili powder as well especially if you order the miso. A stop for ice cream at Pretty Cool is a must after your bowl.

S N

Sep 2025

“Akahoshi is often said to be one of the best ramen places in Chicago, and after waiting to try this...”

Akahoshi is often said to be one of the best ramen places in Chicago, and after waiting to try this place for months, my boyfriend and I were finally able to go! And, we were not disappointed. Akahoshi’s menu is small; they don’t serve much else besides ramen, but their ramen itself is to die for. My boyfriend ordered the Aburasoba, and I got the September monthly special, the Matador with an egg. The Aburasoba was delicious - salty and umami with a wonderful, crunchy texture that we loved. As for the Matador, it was a clear beef noodle soup that happened to be both filling but also not super heavy. Do NOT skip the egg! The ramen doesn’t come with it, but coming from someone who feels meh about eggs to begin with, it’s so delicious. Though it took us a few minutes to be tended to after we sat down, our waitress was very nice and attentive, and we had a nice chat with her about the owner at the end of our meal. She also helped us decide what to eat as I was between the Miso and special. I also appreciate the little details - the bathroom was very nice and had nice toilet paper and paper towels for the hands. Overall, a wonderful experience! Will definitely be back and keep an eye on the monthly specials. We were so sad that we missed out on the Triple Garlic Tonkotsu in July and really hope it comes back on the menu :(

didobrov

Sep 2025

“There’s a reason he’s called the Ramen Lord!”

There’s a reason he’s called the Ramen Lord!! His broth is out of this world, unlike anything I’ve ever had anywhere else. Also be sure to try his monthly specials! I’ve had probably 3 different ones now and everyone has been unique and amazing.

John Sorci

Sep 2025

“This place immediately became popular after opening because of the name attached to the owner.”

This place immediately became popular after opening because of the name attached to the owner. For 10 plus years, he posted all of his work recipes and challenges on the ramen subreddit. Because of his willingness to share what he learned I too was able to hand make ramen noodles and broth from scratch. I was in Chicago for a concert and this was the first place that I knew I had to eat at. As the owners personal love is miso Ramen, that is what I ordered. Also adding an egg to the bowl. The broth had a delicate mouth feel that was thicker than water but not overly fat. Plenty of miso in there to add flavor. I swear I could feel the miso while drinking the broth. The noodles were curly and bouncy. The broth clung to it with every slurp. I appreciated the subtle toppings that were chosen. While they were typical miso round and toppings. They were not overly done and not too many of them. It allowed the broth and the noodles a chance to shine A special call out to the egg which has to be the most perfect marinated soft boiled egg I have ever consumed. I know he posts a recipe online about making the purple egg. I'll have to try it again. If you are interested in the ramen scene, this is definitely a place you should check out if you're in Chicago.

Nathan Powers

Aug 2025

“During a layover, I discovered this Japanese noodle restaurant and decided to give it a try.”

During a layover, I discovered this Japanese noodle restaurant and decided to give it a try. I really liked the atmosphere—it was simple, clean, and comfortable. The staff were very kind and welcoming, which made the experience even better. I ordered the tsukemen, which I had never tried before. It was a completely new experience for me. The soup was thick and full of strong chicken flavor. It was different from regular ramen, but I really enjoyed it. Overall, it was a good meal and a nice surprise during my trip. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for tasty and comforting noodles.

Jerry

Jun 2025

“Literally eating as I type this..”

Literally eating as I type this... We got here at about 16:50 and waited In line and got seated immediately when they open at 17:00. The space is modern, simple and cozy with many seats. Service is great and quick. The menu is simple and straightforward and I love that! Food is excellent and the barley tea is so nice and we are already looking forward to coming back to other items.

Tigui Tigui

Apr 2025

“After months of attempting to get a reservation at Akahoshi we randomly stumbled upon one right before it closed.”

After months of attempting to get a reservation at Akahoshi we randomly stumbled upon one right before it closed. This unassuming storefront offers some of the best ramen in the city. The charred pork, broth, and egg all pack a mean punch and is washed down smoothly with any of the delicious junmai sake they offer up.

Kevin Britt

Apr 2025