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312 Eats
Skokie · Japanese · $$

Tenjin Japanese Restaurant

4.6668 reviews ·Opens at 11:30AM tomorrow
Their menu covers sushi, teriyaki, tempura, and the flavors are delicious
Elysia AufmuthElysia Aufmuth · 219 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Tenjin Japanese Restaurant — high-caliber japanese in Skokie. Nothing about this place is trying to impress you, and that's the point. Technique and tradition show up on every plate. "The pork cutlet was on a bed of caramelized onions that added to the flavor" — George Hengels [$$]

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

What 668 diners keep saying

CozyOld schoolFamily friendly
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3956 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Skokie
TodayClosed
Sun4-8PM
Mon11:30AM-2PM, 4-8:30PM
TueClosed
Wed–Thu11:30AM-2PM, 4-8:30PM
Fri11:30AM-2PM, 4-9PM
Sat4-9PM
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What 668 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Michael Luebcke
Jun 2026

This was a fun little gem to find while in the area on a work trip. The staff was polite and quick. The food was so fresh and delicious. I had the edamame to start followed by their nigiri sushi options. 100% would recommend to anyone. The fish was so fresh and clean tasting, and the bottle of saki I had paired perfectly. Don't let the strip mall exterior fool you this is a top place for sushi and Japanese cuisine.

Michael Luebcke

Michael Luebcke

28 reviews on Google

Review photo by Carl Perera
Apr 2026

First time visit. Made a last-minute reservation on Toast and was seated immediately. Sushi was excellent and you can taste fresh ingredients and fresh fish. Smaller roll and portion sizes. Food is slightly expensive but worth the handmade quality and service you get. Will come earlier next time since the kitchen closed before we could order more! Slightly limited parking in back.

Carl Perera

Carl Perera

17 reviews on Google

Review photo by Joroel Terrence Melendrez
Apr 2026

The food and service was excellent!

Joroel Terrence Melendrez

Joroel Terrence Melendrez

3 reviews on Google

Review photo by Kiljoong Kim
Feb 2026

When I was a child, I always thought Renga-Tei is where rich folks went out to eat Japanese food. This place hasn’t changed in decades, and in many ways, that is why it is still popular. They still take reservations only by phone and are written in a notebook. Their dishes from bento boxes to sake probably have been prepared the same way since I was a child. It’s not trendy, nor is it flashy or fancy. Just solidly good food with excellent service. Update: first time visiting since the name change. The old Renga-Tei was quite good. But the new Tenjin modernized the old and continues the excellent tradition. If it’s on the special menu, it’s worth getting. Even miso udon had unforgettable broth with perfectly cooked egg and tofu skin. Service is as good as ever. So glad to see this transformation. Update: Its special A5 Wagu hotpot was one of the best dishes ever.

Kiljoong Kim

Kiljoong Kim

371 reviews on Google

Review photo by Abby L
Jan 2026

Bring this back

Abby L

Abby L

9 reviews on Google

Review photo by Zerah K
Dec 2025

I like to come here after work or even with my friends and family on the weekend. Everything is always delicious. Can’t wait to try more on the menu. いつもありがとうございました!

Zerah K

Zerah K

16 reviews on Google

Review photo by Meghan McCarthy
Sep 2025

Favorite sushi restaurant on the North side! The quality of their fish cannot be matched. Always fresh and delicious. I have a sesame allergy that they go above and beyond to accommodate. The wine list is great too with monthly features and happy hour options!

Meghan McCarthy

Meghan McCarthy

16 reviews on Google

Review photo by Kristine Carla
Sep 2025

Everything we ordered was delicious, and I really enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant. So far, this is the best Japanese restaurant I’ve ever been to in the area. The nigiri was incredibly fresh!

Kristine Carla

Kristine Carla

10 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jennifer Walleck
Sep 2025

This place amazing! Great service, fresh sushi and good prices. I went with a patient of mine in a wheelchair and they were more than happy to accommodate his needs. I wish I took a picture of the Dragon roll and bento 🍱 I assure you won't be disappointed!

Jennifer Walleck

Jennifer Walleck

68 reviews on Google

Review photo by Edward Vizcaino
Jun 2025

Great portion sizes and great tasting food. Pork katsu, chicken katsu, gyoza, shishito peppers, and coffee jelly.

Edward Vizcaino

Edward Vizcaino

99 reviews on Google

Review photo by Dmytro Savkiv
Jun 2025

My fav Japanese restaurant

Dmytro Savkiv

Dmytro Savkiv

15 reviews on Google

Review photo by Nicole H
May 2025

Their food definitely reminded us of Japan. We went there last year and their food matched the same taste and quality that you would get in Japan. Not too salty either. I always go for their sushi and miso soup. The only thing I wished they had better of, was their hojicha tea - wished it was stronger like it is in Japan. Other than that, I’ll come back to try some more stuff on the menu :)

Nicole H

Nicole H

92 reviews on Google

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