Menya Goku

“This was one of the best places we ate at in Chicago.”

This was one of the best places we ate at in Chicago. The staff are super efficient and overall amazing. Tasty food and superb service. Would definitely recommend and come back on our next trip.

Kristen Potosky

Nov 2025

“A Slice of Authentic Japan in North Center.”

A Slice of Authentic Japan in North Center! As a big fan of Japanese culture and cuisine, especially after visiting Tokyo last year, I can confidently say that Menya Goku nails every detail of an authentic Japanese ramen experience. Let's start with the drinks - they're fantastic! The Japanese-style highballs feature fresh variations like yuzu that transport you straight to an izakaya in Tokyo. The beer selection is impeccable, showcasing Japanese staples like Sapporo and Hitachino. The service deserves special mention: super attentive without being intrusive, always going the extra mile with thoughtful attention to detail that elevates the entire dining experience. Now for the food - it's exceptional, and having Menya Goku in the North Center neighborhood is a true gem. This is easily among the best ramen spots in Chicago, right up there with the absolute best. The appetizers are impressively fresh. The chicken wings are cooked to order, crispy and flavorful. The salad features that distinctive sesame dressing you'd find in Japan, and the karaage is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. But the star of the show is, of course, the ramen. I'm obsessed with their miso tonkotsu broth - rich, deep, and layered with flavor. The noodles are house-made and cooked to perfection, with just the right texture and bite. All the toppings are top-notch: pickled bamboo, jammy egg, tender sliced pork, and mushrooms. Everything on the menu is excellent - you truly can't go wrong. Menya Goku brings a slice of authentic Japan to North Center, and we're so glad they're here!

Dirk Vogel

Oct 2025

“Absolutely delicious ramen and small plates.”

Absolutely delicious ramen and small plates. Very friendly service. My one wish is that they would open for lunch. The Tan Tan Men and Shoyu ramens were both delicious. So much wonderful umami in the Shoyu. I'm excited to go back and try the tonkatsu. Great happy hour specials as well. This is my new favorite ramen spot.

rob fischer

Jun 2025

“Pleasantly surprised with how small & effective the booth size was.”

Pleasantly surprised with how small & effective the booth size was. Little seasoning on the table was delightful. Cute tiny cups. The ramen was phenomenal, flavor bomb. Didn’t use the coat hooks but they’re there.

Justin Eiskamp

May 2025

“This is a fantastic ramen spot.”

This is a fantastic ramen spot. If you're looking for a bowl in Lincoln Square, this is it. I've had the Goku Tonkotsu (pictured) and the Tan Tan Men - both fantastic. The service and atmosphere are top notch, the tables feel private and cozy. The noodles are perfectly cooked, the ingredients taste fresh, good portion sizes, and a very well-curated menu.

Victor Shapiro

Apr 2025

“Refreshing for 2025 ...as this is our go to ramen spot.”

Refreshing for 2025 ...as this is our go to ramen spot. Only have done takeout, but always packaged really well. And that egg is still hitting my soul in the right spot. Original.... Holy smokes this is some tasty ramen. Might be my lead ramen place. As a bonus, the fried chicken buns are glorious. Really tender. Light pillowy buns. Well sauced. The Goku tan tan men broth was rich. Word of caution, the mild was pretty spicy. The Goku tonkatsu broth is very tasty. The pork was so tender. And that egg. I'll come back just for that egg. Got it as takeout and it was well packaged. I look forward to coming back. And getting an egg (or two).

Jeff Gottdownunder

Jan 2025

“Came in looking for a favorite Tan Tan Men most similar to the taste of which we had in Tokyo.”

Came in looking for a favorite Tan Tan Men most similar to the taste of which we had in Tokyo. Menya Goku’s Tan Tan Men taste essentially identical to it and I’m glad to have a local restaurant that replicates the true taste of an amazing Tan Tan Men. Amazing service and environment and will return again.

Adrian Castillo

Nov 2024

“Headed to the northern part of Chicago to visit Menya Goku in search of good Tantanmen and we were not disappointed.”

Headed to the northern part of Chicago to visit Menya Goku in search of good Tantanmen and we were not disappointed. Their spicy tantanmen was hearty, rich and comforting. The thin, firm noodles were perfectly cooked and complemented the thick sesame-rich broth. Special mention - the brusselsprout appetizer was surpringly delicious. Dressed in a zesty, tangy coating, the brusselsprout leaves were crunchy and addicting. Highly recommend this place, we'll be back!!

Miguel Sandejas

Jul 2024

“Really, really good.”

Really, really good! We had the Tan Tan and Goku Tonkatsu ramen. The broths in each bowl were flavorful and luxuriously thick. The noodles had a good bite to them and picked up the flavor of the broth very well. The staff is very polite as well. Overall one of the better ramen places I've been to.

Tim

Jun 2024

“Very chill, casual ramen spot.”

Very chill, casual ramen spot. The service was pretty good. Know that they are a bit small, so I'd recommend getting in there early for dinner! We tried 2 ramen types: the Goku Tonkotsu and Goku Miso. Both were great, but I liked the Miso broth slightly better. I'm looking forward to going back and trying their appetizers as well!

Eduardo Guardia

Feb 2024

“This ramen was DELICIOUS—the pork belly just melts in your mouth and is so flavorful.”

This ramen was DELICIOUS—the pork belly just melts in your mouth and is so flavorful. We were really happy with what we got, including the pork belly buns, which also melt away in your mouth. The space is small, so there may be a waitlist, but it was worth the wait of about 20 minutes when we went. The interior is comfortable and lovely. The service was friendly and relatively quick. Strongly recommend.

Tom Zeien

Jan 2024

“Cute tiny hole in the wall place, can miss it if you don't look closely enough.”

Cute tiny hole in the wall place, can miss it if you don't look closely enough. The best pork buns I've ever had hands down. Some of the tastiest spicy tonkatsu I've had around town as well. Not super spicy, not super salty, with a creamy rich pork broth. The pork dumplings were fire too. Super moist in the middle with a beautiful crisp on the outside.

Marina Boba

Nov 2023