Shinsen

Name: Shinsen
Address: 1322 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, Evanston, IL, 60201.0, US
Telephone: +1 847-425-0077
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.6

Essential

Japanese·Thai·American

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About

Shinsen — high-caliber japanese in Evanston. It has that lived-in, been-here-forever warmth. The menu takes creative swings, and lands them, and BYOB. Ariyaporn Nunthi: "The Spicy Creamy Tom Yum Noodle broth was rich, tangy, and had just the right amount of heat"

Experience Breakdown

🍴Food

5.0

👥Service

5.0

✨Ambiance

5.0

💬Sentiment

4.8

Fabio Sorano

420 reviews

Highlights

RomanticCozyOld SchoolOutdoor DiningQuick BiteHidden GemByobDate NightNeighborhood InstitutionFamily Run

What Diners Are Saying

Diners loved

Beautiful presentationBYOB friendlyCreative/unique menuWarm, welcoming staff

Some noted

I love elephants, so I always wanted to try Shinsen. I stopped there on Saturday at 3:42 PM.
— Veronica Hoyos

Besides the veggie options I ordered the Karaage chicken. Crust was the only part that had any seasoning.

Location

1322 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

What 304+ diners say about Shinsen

“We had a killer dinner at shinsen tonight.”

We had a killer dinner at shinsen tonight. The place was completely moved and I couldn't understand why. It was my first time here. The food was just fantastic. It took a while because it was busy, but we were warned and waited patiently. I had the thin tamarind noodles. They came with some shrimp 🦐 cooked in the shell. Which gives the dish the next level of aroma. Intensely flavorful and the right amount of spice. Also had the black widow roll with soft shell crab. Spectacular presentation and texture. Our server was super busy but very friendly and kind. Looks like they have sidewalk cafe in the summer too.

Fabio Sorano

Nov 2025

“5 stars! I just had an amazing experience at this Japanese restaurant. The new Asian twist on...”

5 stars! I just had an amazing experience at this Japanese restaurant. The new Asian twist on classic dishes blew me away. The flavors were recognizable but with a fresh spin. The presentation was stunning and the cooking technique was on point. And the wine selection? Impressive! One of the best I've seen in a small restaurant. Can't wait to go back and try more!

SPICY

Aug 2025

“The best place to eat in Evanston.”

The best place to eat in Evanston. We always take our friends from out of town here and they are impressed. Some from LA saying this is the best sushi they’ve ever had! What to order: ALL of the black rice rolls (Black Widow, Black Dragon, Black Hornet) are absolute perfection— even someone who doesn’t love sushi will be impressed. We love the creamy tom yum ramen and the fried rice (wagyu and shrimp are our favorites). All of the mocktails are also excellent. We’ve been coming here for over four years and the service is always extremely kind and attentive. Presentation is stunning.

Rumsha

Aug 2025

“Always an amazing experience.”

Always an amazing experience. The freshest ingredients, prepared meticulously and tastefully. Never disappoints!

Rhonda Wong-Calace

Aug 2025

“"Wow this is really good" is what you're going to say when you try their sushi for the first time.”

"Wow this is really good" is what you're going to say when you try their sushi for the first time. Ive never had sushi rolled with black rice before but I really like it. Also, their spicy tuna roll is one of the best ive ever had.

Bryan Lightner

Aug 2025

“An exquisite culinary experience from start to finish.”

An exquisite culinary experience from start to finish. The selection of appetizers was both diverse and thoughtfully curated, offering a delightful prelude to the meal. Each main course—be it the perfectly grilled steak, elegantly crafted sushi, fragrant rice dishes, or comforting ramen—was executed with remarkable excellence and attention to detail. The dessert provided a soft, refined finish that beautifully balanced the richness of the mains. Service was warm, attentive, and effortlessly professional, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Witt L.

Jul 2025

“The food was delicious!!”

The food was delicious!!! Ate our entrees too fast before I could take a photo. Will definitely be back for date nights in the future

Deb Jezuit

Jul 2025

“As an Asian, this restaurant is super goooood.”

As an Asian, this restaurant is super goooood. The don with pork belly is so good.

Noey

Jul 2025

“my favorite spot in Evanston, everything I've tried here is AMAZING.”

my favorite spot in Evanston, everything I've tried here is AMAZING. the place is SLIGHTLY classy, but no dress code so anyone can go, even if you look like a mess (like I always do!) sushi is also so fresh and delicious, noodles are always on point. maybe SLIGHTLY too much Chinese broccoli in the pad see eiw?

Isaiah Tong

Jun 2025

“What an incredible experience I had.”

What an incredible experience I had. Staffs and services are so kind and amazing. I have to stop here every time I am nearby Evanston. Japanese A5 Wagyu Fried Rice and the shrimp Pad Thai were ones of the best dishes I’ve ever had outside Thailand and in the U.S. Other dishes are so very delicious, fresh, and you can definitely tell they made it with care and great quality. Highly recommend for anyone. Thank you, Shinsen!

P R

Jun 2025

“We had a wonderful meal at this restaurant.”

We had a wonderful meal at this restaurant! I ordered the shoyu ramen, and the portion was generous enough that I had some left to take home. The pad see ew was absolutely delicious—my daughter said it was the best she’s ever had! My husband went for the tantanmen ramen, which was quite spicy, but the staff had warned us ahead of time and even offered modifications. He decided to stick with the spice level and still loved it. Beyond the great food, it was the small touches that made our experience special. We enjoyed a lovely pot of tea, and the waitress kindly brought us tiny cookies to share. These thoughtful details, combined with the delicious meal, truly made a difference. We’ll definitely be back!