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312 Eats
South Loop · Japanese · $$

MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN

4.5338 reviews ·Opentil 9 tonight
The food was excellent, though I do wish they had more vegetarian options, there’s only one vegetarian ramen on the menu, but it was absolutely delicious
Shruti DagaShruti Daga · 216 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN — among the best japanese in South Loop. Expect noise, energy, and a full house. Strong pours and a bartender who takes pride in the work. "Their ramen is hands down the best I've had in the city—rich, flavorful broth with perfectly cooked noodles" — Chih-Hao Yang [$$]

🌱Vegan & vegetarian friendly — real options, not one sad pasta.

What 338 diners keep saying

RomanticLivelyCozyTrendyFamily friendlyGreat cocktails
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1400 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
South Loop
Today11AM-9PM
Sun–Thu11AM-9PM
Fri–Sat11AM-10PM
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What 338 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by M.T. W
Jul 2026

This is one of the fancier ramen places I've been to. I ate before I found out about this place so I ate light here, no appetizers or desserts. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen, nothing extra. It was decent. I liked that there was a section of ground pork in the ramen. It took someone in my party by surprise, she didn't like it. There WAS something lacking, I don't know what. One of the person I was with ordered it with the spicy oil. She couldn't finish it so I had some of her broth. That was what was missing. It made it a lot more rich, and tastes a bit more thick, in a good way. It could've been spicier with the geki fire oil if you're into that. There were kids in our party, and they accomodated them well, basically just ramen and broth... The atmosphere was very modern, not like the ramen places I've been to. If I lived near here, I would try it again with more food. It was more pricey than I anticipated. Matched the atmosphere, I guess?

M.T. W

M.T. W

95 reviews on Google

Review photo by Le-an Ho
Jul 2026

It is a nice place to hangout. Will come back for the curry katsu.

Le-an Ho

Le-an Ho

5 reviews on Google

Review photo by Justin Pinchback
Jul 2026

Great skewers! Looking for something new in the south loop then you should be all set here. The skewers are great and pair it up with your favorite sake from the bar. Muah!

Justin Pinchback

Justin Pinchback

312 reviews on Google

Review photo by Julia Frusciante
Jun 2026

I’m not sure why this place only has a 4.5/5 rating. We went for happy hour with 5 people on a Wednesday and got sat immediately. And when I tell you the food and drinks were 10/10 I mean it!!! It was an amazing experience. The drinks came out super fast and they were super high quality. They aren’t cutting corners or anything for their happy hour. We watched the bar tender make each drink, was happy to see so many cocktails on the menu and they were made to order! The food was SO AMAZING!! And the portion sizes for the price you can’t beat. We even ordered a few things off the regular menu and their prices were just as good as a happy hour. This felt like a luxury happy hour for actual happy hour prices. Would definitely come back. Also, our vegetarian friend was able to find many options on the main menu for happy hour pricing! Also the staff was so kind and friendly. You can tell the food is authentic.

Julia Frusciante

Julia Frusciante

15 reviews on Google

Review photo by Steven Ly
Jun 2026

Since its a restaurant. Food! Its amazing. I ordered the crispy softshell crab, takoyaki, and lamb chops. All three were delicious. I would say if you want to pick one to skip on, the takoyaki would be the only one. You must try the rest. Apps: Takoyaki and crispy soft shell crab. The takoyaki comes with the usual flakes but the bottom layer has a nice egg yolk like mayo. Very creamy and goes well with the takoyaki. The octopus leg in there is decent with a nice overdid. The crab! Comes with cabbage very sweet cherry tomatoes! Crab was fresh and crispy. It came with a sweetish savory sauce on the side, but i would not rec to overdip. Entree: Lamb chops! Its delicious, texture was chewy but at the same time tender. The sauce gives it a little bit of a kick. It came with fried sweet potato tempura, cabbage with different dressing, and brussel sprouts that are crispy but not burnt! Everything was delicious. I was not expecting it to be that good. Its a must try! Sorry forgot to do photo before munching. It comes with 3 lamb chop.

Steven Ly

Steven Ly

60 reviews on Google

Review photo by waffocopter
Jun 2026

Stopped by for a late lunch on a very busy Saturday (World Cup and Pokemon Go people everywhere!) and was able to get a seat right away. Place is very nice and clean and service was prompt and professional. The food is great and really hit the spot. I had the tonkotsu ramen and the togarashi guava pop.

waffocopter

waffocopter

80 reviews on Google

Review photo by dawblau
May 2026

I had the Miso Salmon and it was one of the best salmon dishes I've ever had! They cooked it medium well for me, which was perfectly crusted on the outside and still juicy on the inside. The waitresses are extremely attentive, I actually felt bad how many times they had to come by and fill my water because I am a very thirsty person lol I would come again!

dawblau

dawblau

49 reviews on Google

Review photo by K Liew
May 2026

I was impressed by the interior design as I walked into this restaurant. They have a lunch special that comes with a side dish and a soup of your choice at the price of $21.95. The tonkotshu ramen was good. The vegetarian ramen comes with vegetable tempura. The batter was light and perfectly crisp. I had fries as the side dish. The fries were just okay, as they were not as flavorful. The vibe and service are great.

K Liew

K Liew

223 reviews on Google

Review photo by Yasmin
May 2026

I got the lunch combo for pickup @1-2pm but I think they forgot to give me the salad. I would double check next time but food was delicious!

Yasmin

Yasmin

16 reviews on Google

Review photo by Kristen S
Apr 2026

absolutely delicious ramen and karaage! the curry katsu and gyoza were also amazing. very friendly service. we will be back!!!

Kristen S

Kristen S

27 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ethan D
Apr 2026

Amazing food and relaxing atmosphere. The staff were friendly and helpful and the gyudon was perfect. Haven't had it since japan so I was very happy with it

Ethan D

Ethan D

14 reviews on Google

Review photo by Zachary Zhu
Apr 2026

As someone who is a fan of thinner noodles and the jammy egg, this ramen was excellent. I feel like the broth was certainly on the creamier side, which isn’t for everyone but I quite enjoyed. I also thought the pork belly was extremely well done - flavor and texture was super good. Would definitely come back for this ramen!

Zachary Zhu

Zachary Zhu

255 reviews on Google

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