Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant

“Kurumaya is a very unique place to enjoy authentic Japanese food.”

Kurumaya is a very unique place to enjoy authentic Japanese food. It is not fancy at all, which honestly adds to its charm. The focus here is clearly on authenticity, quality and flavor. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. On Saturdays, there is usually a wait time of about 20 to 30 minutes, particularly before 1 pm. Make sure to add your name to the waitlist located at the entrance when you arrive! Service is fast overall, although sushi orders can take a bit longer. The food quality is excellent. I cannot recommend the udon soup enough. Even though it is very simple and comes without fancy toppings, the flavor is deep, comforting, and very fulfilling. It is especially perfect during winter. The gyozas are also really tasty and always a good choice. We usually order the katsu curry, served with miso soup, rice, pickled onions, and salad. The portion is large and can easily be shared between two people. That said, if you have a big appetite, it can absolutely be enjoyed by one person. Most importantly, it is truly delicious. Overall, Kurumaya is a wonderful spot for authentic Japanese food, and we always enjoy coming back.

Yessie Herrera

Jan 2026

“This is an excellent, inexpensive Japanese restaurant in a nondescript strip mall.”

This is an excellent, inexpensive Japanese restaurant in a nondescript strip mall. When I came on a weekend, there were two $13 lunch specials offered. I also came one time for dinner for sushi, pork katsu, and grilled squid.

Eileen W

Jan 2026

“This is real Japanese home cooking in the heartland of America.”

This is real Japanese home cooking in the heartland of America. Don’t be misled by the humble location and simple interior—this is an authentic Japanese establishment run by a Japanese family who truly honors traditional home-style cooking. Don’t just come for sushi or sashimi. Be sure to try their homemade udon, comforting Japanese curry, and small plates like tender Japanese eggplant and perfectly prepared beef tongue. Everything tastes like it came straight from a Japanese home kitchen.

Kenn

Dec 2025

“Update from 2025.”

Update from 2025. We tried the Kurumaya Bento and everything's so delicious! This is old - I had the Wafu Steak. The steaks tender and the Japanese sauce on it was delicious. This is my favorite! I have to try other dish, too, next time. My daughter had the katsu curry and that was great, too! The staff - very polite, attentive and always checking on customers. I highly recommend this place.

Ellen Ramos

Jul 2025

“I visited Japan four times, and I missed their food so much.”

I visited Japan four times, and I missed their food so much. and finally I found one that is pretty authentic. i like their special daily menu that changes every day. lunch box (bento) is pretty popular here. highly recommend!!!!

Choono

Jul 2025

“Japanese Kitchen Kurumaya – Hidden Gem with Amazing Hospitality Don’t be fooled by the modest shop...”

Japanese Kitchen Kurumaya – Hidden Gem with Amazing Hospitality Don’t be fooled by the modest shop sign - this place is a hidden gem offering authentic flavors, and a warm dining experience. The ambiance is cozy yet refined, with gentle lighting and a neat, welcoming setup that sets the mood for a relaxed meal. We started with the Teba Saki (crispy chicken wings)—crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. A good appetizer to kick off the meal. The staff were very helpful, guiding us through the menu, and good knowledge of the dishes. The Bento box was the highlight—a well-balanced variety that included fresh sashimi, tender grilled steak, a flavorful dried veggie soup, and more. Every component was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. As a courtesy, we were served hot green tea, which added a comforting touch to the meal. The sake shot glasses and green tea cups elevated the dining experience. This place features house specials and a rotating lunch menu, making it worth revisiting to try something new. The entrance faces north, and the restaurant is clean and well-maintained throughout. Restrooms were clean. I genuinely recommend this place. I’ll definitely be coming back for more!

Naveen Devaraj

Jun 2025

“Kurumaya Japanese Kitchen is a hidden gem just 20 minutes from ORD, perfect for a comforting, authentic Japanese meal.”

Kurumaya Japanese Kitchen is a hidden gem just 20 minutes from ORD, perfect for a comforting, authentic Japanese meal. The moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm, attentive service that made us feel right at home. The Chicken Katsu Curry was perfectly crispy yet light, with a rich, savory curry that didn’t overwhelm the senses. The cold Soba noodles were refreshingly simple and spot-on, just the way you'd get them in Tokyo. Portions were generous but well-balanced—enough to satisfy without overdoing it. What stood out most was how clean and delicate the flavors were; you could enjoy a hearty meal and still feel great after. The fried dishes had that airy, golden crunch that’s so hard to get right. Dining here genuinely brought me back to memories of small Tokyo eateries—humble, flavorful, and full of care. If you're near O’Hare and craving Japanese cuisine that’s both authentic and comforting, Kurumaya is a must-visit.

Joshua Benavides

Jun 2025

“One of my favorite spot for lunch whenever I am craving Japanese homemade meal.”

One of my favorite spot for lunch whenever I am craving Japanese homemade meal. Great price for its quality. Can’t wait to see what will be the next, ‘Today’s special menu’ 😊

Grace Kim

May 2025

“5/10/25 update: I decided to revisit this place except try their dinner menu this time.”

5/10/25 update: I decided to revisit this place except try their dinner menu this time. We came on a Saturday evening after going to Mitsuwa. This place is good for great authentic Japanese food, away from all of the tourists/Japanese fever crowds at Mitsuwa. It was busy yet plenty of places to sit. I ordered the Kurumaya gozen at $29 with salmon teriyaki. The portion size was very ample for the price. You get two trays with your order. It’s a well balanced meal and everything was delicious. I took pictures of the menu since it’s hard to find recent ones online. Service was friendly and attentive. ————————————————————- I’ve only been here once but the chirashi was very good quality. Service was great. We went during lunch time on a week day, so it wasn’t packed. Plenty of parking. Prices were very affordable and you get good size portion. I would have to come back here to try more items.

Nicholas P

May 2025

“The best place around where you can get high-quality authentic Japanese dishes.”

The best place around where you can get high-quality authentic Japanese dishes. You can enjoy so many kind of side dishes for your drinks at dinner time. My recommendation is Chirashi Sushi at lunch time with full of different kind of sashimi for $15-16. It's a real bargain. Their Katsu Curry is also good. At dinner time, you may want to try these for your beer and sake - - Goya Champuru (Bitter Melon with Tofu and Pork) Goya (= Bitter Melon) is really bitter. Don't give it to your kids ! - Dashimaki Tamago (Japanese Omelet with Broth) - Gyoza (Pork Pot Stickers) - Agedashi Tofu (Tofu Tempura in Soy Sauce Broth) You will like them.

Mick Koike

Apr 2025

“Kurumaya is a delicious Japanese restaurant.”

Kurumaya is a delicious Japanese restaurant. The food is authentic, the service great, and the atmosphere is lively with many other customers enjoying their meal. I would highly recommend coming to try their tonkatsu and tonkatsu curry.

Alexander Canon

Mar 2025

“You know the place is authentic when there’s a Japanese man behind the counter making the sushi.”

You know the place is authentic when there’s a Japanese man behind the counter making the sushi. Had the best Salmon Don in my life here.

Siu Huang

Mar 2025