Skip to content
312 Eats
Edgewater · Japanese · $$

KOHOKU-KU RAMEN CHICAGO

4.6363 reviews ·Opentil 9:30 tonight
They'll love the place for its authenticity and friendly service
Patrick CameronPatrick Cameron · 163 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

KOHOKU-KU RAMEN CHICAGO — top-tier japanese in Edgewater. Order the Ramen. The menu goes beyond what you'd expect. DanialJames Peterson: "The Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen was everything I hoped for: creamy, rich" [$$]

What 363 diners keep saying

Huge portionsFast serviceCozyQuick bite
Plan your visit
1136 W Thorndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Edgewater
Today11:30AM-9:30PM
Sun–Tue11:30AM-9:30PM
WedClosed
Thu11:30AM-9:30PM
Fri–Sat11:30AM-10PM
Own KOHOKU-KU RAMEN CHICAGO? Claim this page · Spot an error? Suggest an edit

What 363 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Erick Dominguez
Jul 2026

Amazing atmosphere with beautiful decoration. Food was amazing try the spiced chicken katsu. Staff is friendly and service is fast.

Erick Dominguez

Erick Dominguez

Review photo by Toan Nguyen
Jun 2026

Honestly so glad we finally stumbled into this place. It’s tucked away right by the Thorndale stop and has the best vibe, very low-key, intimate, and has great private booth seating. The service was great, and the staff made us feel welcome the second we walked in. As for the food, everything hit the mark. We started with the agedashi tofu, which was beautifully prepared, and followed it up with a beef gyudon bowl and a bento box packed with savory beef and crispy chicken karaage. For dessert, they have a fish-shaped pastry with a pandan leaf custard filling that is a must-try. It’s easily one of the best spots for Japanese comfort food in Edgewater. We didn't get a chance to try the ramen this time around, but we are absolutely coming back for it.

Toan Nguyen

Toan Nguyen

33 reviews on Google

Review photo by Mark Collado
Jun 2026

Kohoku-ku Ramen is a great find in the Thorndale area of Edgewater! The restaurant is quaint, cute, and gives a perfect little cozy izakaya moment with private-feeling booths. The service was fantastic. Nathalia was super friendly, kind, and accommodating. Everything we ate was completely spot on. The agedashi tofu was perfectly fried and flavorful, and the beef gyudon was a comforting, tender beef bowl. The bento box was a good portion with flavorful beef, crispy chicken karaage, and a soft-boiled egg. For dessert, we had the fish-shaped taiyaki pastry with an amazing pandan leaf custard filling. Definitely a go-to spot for great Japanese food in the neighborhood. We’re already planning to go back and try their ramen next!

Mark Collado

Mark Collado

110 reviews on Google

Review photo by Susan S
Apr 2026

I’m back again for Spicy Tonkotsu. Always love it. I ordered my ramen to-go. At first, I thought it might not feel as fresh as eating in the restaurant. But as soon as I opened the bag, I found the instructions they attached on how to enjoy ramen at home. I followed them, and it turned out just like eating at the restaurant! They handled the noodles really well, and the portion was definitely worth it. Highly recommended!

Susan S

Susan S

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by Carol R
Apr 2026

This is my fourth time at this ramen restaurant, and honestly, it makes me feel I'm back in Japan. The food and the vibe are just chef’s kiss. The spicy tonkotsu is definitely the best, but today I tried the Hot Miso Ramen--and it was actually really good too, which made my decision for next time even harder. 🤣🤣

Carol R

Carol R

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by Lorena Buni
Mar 2026

Went for the first time and it had such a great vibe. Had the takoyaki with the tonkatsu ramen, then the red bean taiyaki with lavender and mint tea. The takoyaki was super flavorful, ramen was warm and light, the desert wasn't too sweet and paired perfectly with the tea... which was amazing considering how fast the food came! The service was chill and the decor was so fun! Would def recommend!

Lorena Buni

Lorena Buni

14 reviews on Google

Review photo by Laura Castelline
Mar 2026

Incredibly good little ramen shop.

Laura Castelline

Laura Castelline

35 reviews on Google

Review photo by Yasmeen Ragab
Feb 2026

We had the chicken curry ramen and the gyu ramen. Both were incredible! The strawberry milk is also delicious. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, checking in at the right times and answering our questions gracefully.

Yasmeen Ragab

Yasmeen Ragab

44 reviews on Google

Review photo by Brian Parker
Jan 2026

Delicious! We sat with no wait at a cute table. Food was fast and very flavorful. Portion size was perfect. Thank you!

Brian Parker

Brian Parker

138 reviews on Google

Review photo by Magnolia Scent
Oct 2025

Authentic Shoyu Ramen — Perfect for a Cold Day! I absolutely love the shoyu ramen here. Having it on a chilly day is pure comfort — the warm, savory broth just hits differently. I’ve been here before when the weather was warmer, and the soup felt rich and refreshing then, but in the cold it’s cozy and soul-warming. The atmosphere really gives off Japanese vibes — it reminds me so much of Osaka. I’ve been there before, and I can confidently say the flavor here is truly authentic. I also ordered karaage and takoyaki to take home — both were amazing! The takoyaki here is so good you don’t even need to fly to Osaka for it. I’m really impressed with this place overall.

Magnolia Scent

Magnolia Scent

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by DanialJames Peterson
Oct 2025

I discovered the most cozy little ramen spot today — and wow, did it deliver. The Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen was everything I hoped for: creamy, rich, and perfectly spicy without overpowering the flavors. The noodles had great bite, and every spoonful hit just right. But here’s the surprising twist — the desserts are equally impressive and truly deserve your attention. The space is small and warm, with a friendly service. I’ll absolutely be back — and you should go too. This place is a hidden gem for ramen lovers. 🍜

DanialJames Peterson

DanialJames Peterson

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by David Morita
Aug 2025

Went here a little after they opened at 11:30 for lunch. Small little ramen shop that reminded me of when I visited Japan. The menus are on a QR code at the table. The server was friendly and quick. The ramen was really good. I had the spicy tonkatsu ramen it had some kick to it but not the "my mouth is on fire" type spice. I also ordered the gyoza and they were perfectly cooked. I've made gyoza from scratch before and can't cook it that well... I have gyoza envy. 😀 I also got the green tea ice cream, 3 generous scoops. This shop is the most authentic ramen shop I've eaten at it Chicago. I can't believe it is in my neighborhood. I will definitely be back. It wasn't packed but there were several tables full. They had j-pop music playing.

David Morita

David Morita

88 reviews on Google

Sounds like your kind of place?

Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.

First Bite

One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.

More Japanese in Uptown & North Side

See the ranking →

In the same lane · Japanese, mid-range

If it's packed, walk to…

More good rooms in Edgewater, minutes away.

Keep exploring