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Ryota
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Ryota
7.9
Ryota is a moody West Loop spot balancing Tokyo-style ramen with a serious sushi program, from nigiri flights to elaborate house rolls and chirashi. Early reviews highlight very fresh fish and carefully built rice bowls alongside comforting noodle bowls that make it work for both sushi nights and mixed groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Ryota Premium Set, Kashi Shrimp roll
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Newer West Loop ramen-and-sushi house where chef’s sets, chirashi, and specialty maki share the menu with hearty noodle bowls.
Who should go: Mixed groups splitting sushi, ramen, and a couple shared rolls.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before peak dinner rush.
What to order: Chirashi bowl, Ryota Premium Set, Kashi Shrimp roll.
Insider tip: Order one of the chef’s selection sets plus a specialty roll or two to taste both the classic nigiri and playful maki side of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the West Loop can be limited, especially evenings; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners dress slightly elevated.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at most tables, but peak dinner hours get livelier.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable rolls, salads, and some appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few veggie rolls and sides may qualify, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some sushi and sashimi options work, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten — ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed and stylish without being formal, and the menu makes sharing easy, which helps the conversation flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights or earlier seatings, but expect a wait during busy weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? It can work for older kids or teens who enjoy sushi or ramen, but the atmosphere leans more adult than family-restaurant casual.
Best For
Better for: Mixed groups where some want sushi and others want ramen, plus diners who appreciate fresh fish without fine-dining formality.
Skip if: You’re seeking ultra-traditional omakase, white-tablecloth service, or the absolute quietest dining environment.
Ryota
7.8
Ryota is a newer West Loop spot balancing Tokyo-style ramen with a focused sushi and maki menu in a moody, compact room. Early visitors highlight rich broth, well-built rolls, and a flexible setup that works for solo bowls or shared plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu Ramen, Kashi Shrimp roll, Maguro Trio
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Ramen-first Japanese spot that also runs a serious sushi program under one roof.
Who should go: Mixed groups wanting both ramen and sushi without leaving the neighborhood.
When to visit: Weeknights or earlier weekend slots before the small room fills.
What to order: Shoyu Ramen, Kashi Shrimp roll, Maguro Trio
Insider tip: Start with ramen, then split one or two specialty rolls to keep the bill and portions in check.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the West Loop — can be limited at peak dinner times; paid garages nearby
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine
Noise level: Moderate — generally conversational but can get livelier at peak dinner hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls and ramen variations can be customized
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based sushi and sides but ramen options are more restricted
Gluten-free options: Some options — sashimi and certain rolls; ramen may be harder to accommodate
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed, cozy, and not overly formal, making it a low-pressure first-date pick.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — especially on weeknights or earlier in the evening, though peak weekends may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens who enjoy noodles or sushi will do fine, but it’s more of an adult-leaning atmosphere than a family restaurant.
Best For
Better for: Groups who want both comforting ramen and solid sushi in one stop without committing to a full omakase experience.
Skip if: You’re after luxury-level sushi, lengthy tasting menus, or a very quiet special-occasion setting.
Ryota
8.2
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Ryota brings Tokyo-style ramen and a focused sushi program together in a moody West Loop room with individual table lamps and modern touches. The maki list leans tight but thoughtful, with house rolls and sets that pair well with bowls of long-simmered broth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ryota Maki, Yazai Maki, Shima Unagi
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.3
What makes it special: Modern ramen-and-sushi spot where thoughtful maki backs a serious broth program.
Who should go: West Loop diners wanting ramen plus higher-quality maki.
When to visit: Weeknights or early evenings before the dinner rush builds.
What to order: Ryota Maki, Yazai Maki, Shima Unagi roll.
Insider tip: Pair one specialty maki with a ramen instead of over-ordering rolls so you can actually finish dessert or a second drink.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited during peak dinner hours; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly polished.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation without raising your voice, though it gets livelier at peak times.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on time and weather.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls and ramen options can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few rolls and sides may qualify, but confirm ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-aware (e.g., tamari instead of soy sauce), but there isn’t a fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting and modern design create a relaxed-but-stylish setting where conversation still feels easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights or earlier seatings, but expect waits on weekends if you walk in.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens should be fine, but the atmosphere skews adult and quiet — there’s no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Balancing ramen and sushi in one polished setting — ideal when your group wants both without compromising quality.
Skip if: You’re looking strictly for high-end omakase or an ultra-quiet, fine-dining experience.