Best Japanese Restaurants in Chinatown & Bridgeport (60616)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Strings Ramen Shop
Flagship Chinatown ramen shop with house-made noodles and deep broth variety.
Essential Picks
9.0
Opened in 2014 in the heart of Chinatown, Strings Ramen Shop specializes in house-made noodles and a broad lineup of tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso ramen bowls. With thousands of multi-platform reviews and late hours, it’s the go-to Japanese noodle shop in 60616 for everything from Hell Ramen challenges to comforting bowls after a long day.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hell Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen Super Premium, Kuro Buta Sausage
What makes it special: Flagship Chinatown ramen shop with house-made noodles and deep broth variety.
Notable Picks
8.8
Tucked on the second floor of 88 Marketplace in East Pilsen, 312 Fish Market is a sushi counter known for tuna flights, pristine nigiri, and a 17-course omakase that punches above its food-court surroundings. Opened in 2020 by Jackson Chiu and chef Joe Fung, it’s become one of the city’s most talked-about spots for higher-end fish without full fine-dining formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Flight, Chirashi Bowl, Spicy Octopus Hand Roll
What makes it special: Market-side sushi bar delivering near-omakase-quality flights inside 88 Marketplace.
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Daifuku Ramen sits on China Place serving a focused menu of tonkotsu, miso, shoyu, and specialty bowls built on rich broths and generous toppings. With strong recent reviews and a cozy dining room, it’s a reliable option when Strings is slammed but you still want a satisfying Japanese-style ramen experience in Chinatown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, Daifuku Spicy Garlic Ramen, Sapporo Miso Ramen
What makes it special: Cozy Chinatown ramen shop with a wide roster of classic broths.
#4
Kajiken
8.1
Kajiken introduces abura soba—soupless ramen—to Chinatown, with chewy noodles tossed in garlicky house sauce and topped with chashu, egg, or keema curry. Part of a small Japanese chain, the Chicago outpost leans casual and affordable, making it a distinctive alternative to broth-heavy ramen shops nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Abura Soba, Keema Curry Abura Soba, Takoyaki
What makes it special: Soupless abura soba noodles bring a lesser-seen Japanese style to Chinatown.
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
On Archer Avenue, Sushi Plus runs a conveyor-belt sushi bar where nigiri, maki, and small plates circulate past booths and counter seats at approachable per-plate pricing. With hundreds of reviews and multiple local locations, it’s a fun, high-throughput option for casual sushi cravings in Chinatown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Godzilla Maki, Fiesta Roll, Homemade Mango Pudding
What makes it special: Conveyor-belt sushi with broad roll selection and easy pricing control.
Worthy Picks
#6
Koto Hibachi
7.6
South of Chinatown in the Bronzeville corridor, Koto Hibachi combines griddled hibachi entrées with sushi rolls and rice bowls in a compact neighborhood space. Portions are generous and takeout-friendly, making it a workable option when you want Japanese-style hibachi without heading downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hibachi Chicken, Koto Combo, Salmon Bowl
What makes it special: Neighborhood hibachi and sushi spot offering sizable platters and combo dinners.