Shinsen
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" [$$, patio]
What 325 diners keep saying
What 325 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“The only thing I didn’t like about this place is that I haven’t been here sooner. Everything from the food, the service and the outdoor seating was phenomenal. We tried a little bit of everything and everything was delicious. Going back very soon.”
“Incredible food, a wonderful staff, and a nice quiet place to eat. Shinsen was really great, and we’ll be back. We took the short train ride up because we’d driven by it so many times, and it was incredible. The sausage robata was so flavorful and just a hint of spicy, the beef fried rice was the best I’d ever tasted, and the shoyu ramen was fantastic. The staff were all very attentive and helped when I mentioned my allergies. We’ll definitely be back’”
“Good food, little pricey, but probably normal for the area.”
“By far the best Japanese food my wife and I have ever had. We had the strip steak bento and salmon bento along with California roll sushi and tempura sushi. The atmosphere, the service and the exceptional food surpasses anything we’ve ever had. It’s affordable considering its high quality, and yes it can run $100 or more for two people if you had bento and sushi along with drinks. But, it’s the best $100 we’ve ever spent on a meal. We are going back for my wife’s birthday and our 7year wedding anniversary. It’s just that good.”
“I really enjoyed my dinner at Shinsen. The Ramen was delicious and the service was excellent.”
“I didn’t expect the food to be this good!!!!!!! The sauce for the salad 👍, The Black Widow roll 👍, miso soup 👍, the steak bento box 👍. Everything was sooooo good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🤤🤩”
“Shinsen was very delicious and reasonably priced for the quantity and quality of the food they provided. The staff were very polite and attentive and I highly recommend this for a nice date spot.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“Always an amazing experience. The freshest ingredients, prepared meticulously and tastefully. Never disappoints!”
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