Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. West Loop
The Izakaya at Momotaro, Chicago, IL
The Izakaya at Momotaro, Chicago, IL
The Izakaya at Momotaro, Chicago, IL
The Izakaya at Momotaro, Chicago, IL
The Izakaya at Momotaro, Chicago, IL

The Izakaya at Momotaro

4.7
4.7
686 Reviews
$31 to $50
Japanese
Top Tags:
The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro. The Izakaya and its shared-plates pub-inspired menu echoes the Yokocho street scene of Tokyo. Narrow lounge-inspired ‘alleys’ around a central bar bedecked with hand-painted Japanese menus, moody neon lights, and vintage Tokyo street signs set the scene for the Izakaya’s direct nod to Tokyo’s most famous post-war black markets. Dark, energetic, and ripe with expectation, the Izakaya additionally offers a 30-seat bar featuring crafted cocktails, sakes, and a quality selection of Japanese whiskeys.


Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Sushi, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 733-4818
  • Website
    http://www.momotarochicago.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Gene Kato
  • Private party facilities
    The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro
  • Private party contact
    our Event Sales Manager: (312) 773-4818
  • Location
    820 W. Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
  • Neighborhood
    West Loop
  • Cross street
    Green
  • Parking details
    Valet is located on the corner of Lake & Green
  • Public transit
    #8 Halsted Bus at Lake Street. Green & Pink line at Morgan stop.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 686 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Chicago

    Japanese

686 Reviews

  1. shane

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best burgers I’ve had in Chicago. Cute interior. Great cocktails. Service was kind of slow. Able to talk over the music.

    Is this helpful?

  2. LucyY

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    would be nice if the bar were open later than 10pm

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    We went on a busy Friday night and the service was terrible. We waited 30 mins for our first drink after sitting, had to give our food order to a manager (who walked by), and were given shared entrees without any plates to put the shared food on. Additionally, we ordered a bottle of wine because we couldn’t get drinks timely and after another 20 minutes, we were told they didn’t have the bottle selected. But, our server still brought wine glasses even though she had no replacement recommendation.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love Alex and Justin downstairs - service was outstanding and food was just as good same with ambience

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrating my birthday at Izakaya was amazing! My sister and I shared the Momo royale and Chicken Sando and they were INCREDIBLE! One of the best burgers in Chicago! And the chicken was soo crispy and tender!! They made my birthday so special with champagne and a surprise little chocolate covered vanilla cream puff. 10/10 recommend this place! Adalina and the entire staff were super attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    AMAZING service! So attentive and giving! Food came out quick and delicious

    Is this helpful?

  7. MarkK

    Chicago

    65 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent as was the service. Will definitely go back. Kind of expensive for the amount of food you get though.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We really enjoyed the uni noodles! We went for my boyfriend’s birthday and they give you a little free treat. Would definitely go back

    Is this helpful?

  9. Mityboilers

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such an awesome time, dinner and ambiance was wonderful!

    Is this helpful?

  10. MarcusM

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A very pleasant experience with good service, music & ambience

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Bar like setting so expect loud atmosphere and menu to be primarily small dishes. Service was good and efficient. Food was good but not entirely worth the value. Good place for drinks.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Debs

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Took 25 mins to get our table even though we had a reservation, food was alright, music was way to loud, and service was okay but took long at times.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding environment, staff, and food. The food came out in a very timely manner and exceeded expectation.

    Is this helpful?

  14. VladimirP

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Food was excellent. Seemed to be short staffed. About 5 minutes into our arrival, the music shot up to the point to where our party couldn’t hear each other.

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is phenomenal, the hand rolls, the wings, the burger I could go on and on. So many delicious complex flavors and I just can’t get over the desserts last night. Service was top tier as well perfect place for a first date

    Is this helpful?

  16. HelenWangyd

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The burger and lamb chops are beyond perfection! High recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  17. GustavoP

    San Diego

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The izakaya at Momotaro is an outstanding dining experience that transports you straight into the heart of Japan! The menu boasts an impressive selection of authentic and innovative dishes that showcase the chefs' expertise and creativity. From classic yakitori skewers to bold flavors, every dish is a work of art that will delight your senses. The thoughtfully curated drinks menu, including craft cocktails and Japanese craft beers, complements the dishes perfectly. The lively atmosphere and attentive service create an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing for more.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved it, especially the scallop handrolls and uni pasta!

    Is this helpful?

  19. WilliamS

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    wonderful as always! great drinks, great food, great times.

    Is this helpful?

  20. SarahSaav

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We really enjoyed dining here. We were celebrating our anniversary and the service was great. Every single thing we tried was delicious. Especially the Momo Royal burger. They sent us a small glass of champagne and a little dessert on them for our anniversary. It was so sweet. We will definitely be back to try more stuff and would also love to try their restaurant updates Momotaro.

    Is this helpful?

  21. GoodEats

    Chicago

    330 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    330 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Izakaya is a fun space with a terrific burger and good cocktails.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Underground Japanese Whiskey Bar with authentic spirits and cool vibes. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the best experience! Went for a birthday and got champagne and dessert! The food was delicious and our server (helena I believe) was wonderful! Will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  24. Kfunk312

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waitress was in a bad mood the entire time. Didn’t know any questions about the food. Chicken sandwich much better than the burger. Lamb chops were very good as well.

    Is this helpful?

  25. HumboldtPrkFoody

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    First timers here, Humboldt Park residents and were excited to check out this establishment. Made our reservation. Arrived on time and stood at the host booth for 15 minutes with no hello as other employees walked around us also not greeting us. When the hostess arrived, no apology and seemed annoyed they were there working. Arrived at our table. Again waited 10-15 minutes for just water and our server to arrive. Also to note the restaurant was empty, it was only 6PM on a weekday. When he arrived the server Billy came to our table and asked if it was our first time there. We said yes. He said ok, filled our water and walked away. We just had 15 minutes to stare at the menu, he couldn't assume or ask if we were ready to order at least drinks. Another 10 minutes. Walks over and orders drinks. Goes to stand at bar leaning again for another 10 minutes. At this point we were uncomfortable with the rude server and his shortness with us and not making us feel welcome. Looking around we ask the table next to us and they are in agreement, this sucks. We finally order food, which was all great and coursed out nicely. Not once did he come to ask if we needed anything, not once did we get our water refilled, or our bar drinks refilled. We couldn't believe it. Also our plates were stacked on the table, no fresh plates between courses and we just wanted to leave. Billy's attitude was annoyed and not welcoming by any means. We were shocked he is an employee there. As a small business owner my self that has employees, this would be unacceptable. We would have stayed for more drinks, dessert and lounging but were some uncomfortable we had to leave. Never coming back and not recommending this place to anyone. Good work Billy.

    1 person found this helpful

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hands down best burger in the city for meat lovers and hand rolls for the rest!

    Is this helpful?

  27. PaulinaK

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I will start off that we had high expectations as one of us used to live in Tokyo. This is not a traditional Izakaya and didn’t have any menu items we hoped to see. However, the hamachi and tuna was great quality for Chicago - really impressed with that. The service could be better, we didn’t know who our server was and someone kept passing by filling our waters but didn’t interact with us at all so we didn’t know if a server was going to attend us. We got sat, looked at the menus, went to the restroom, came back and still waited for a server. I might be back for some sashimi, but preferably would rather sit at the bar.

    Is this helpful?

  28. EdSa

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great small plates and fantastic sushi with great service. Very noisy and limited tables so plan accordingly.

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 3, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was amaze except for the burger, which was delicious another time I had it. This time it didn’t have the intense flavor. Server seemed disinterested.

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience, will definitely be back again! The food was great! We had the burger, wings, gyoza, and uni pasta and the old fashioned drink. All were great!

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Chris was a great guest bartender! You guys should work to get him back

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was fantastic and all the dishes we had were delicious. Would definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  33. MattS

    Chicago

    92 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    92 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    The Greeter was kind and gracious. From there it all went downhill. The server was pushy. We asked for drinks and rather than filling that order we were pushed over the next 12-15 minutes to order 5! Yes 5 times! The tostada was great. The miso was great. The sushi was not fresh and was horribly prepared! I could have cut the fish myself at home. It was too thick, incorrectly sliced and served slapped on the plate. We ordered fried rice which was flavorful but greasy. I ordered a dish which I thought was the friend rice and I said this isn’t what I wanted. Server insisted it was and then said you want the fried rice? It was not removed from the bill. The bus crews were so anxious to leave 50 mins to 90 mins before posted closing that it became edgy and uncomfortable. This is my second experience with similar results and I am here to say no more. Upstairs may be great but this place is horrendous and overpriced with terrible attitudes.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Every thing we had was amazing! We had 5 things. I feel as though this is a place that everything on the menu is good!! Will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Tallahassee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible atmosphere and food was amazing. Momo burger and wings were fire.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Too loud, and while we accepted the suggestion to sit in the “cherry blossom” room, it turns out we were kind of hidden from view so I felt like we saw our servers less frequently than we might have if we were seated up front. The food was incredible, and when we saw the servers, they were very friendly and great. The music is too loud in that section tho.

    Is this helpful?

  37. NatalieR

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was very slow, drinks were good, food was mediocre

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and drinks were amazing! Sashimi and the sushi hand rolls were extremely fresh and those wings were perfect. I heard about that awesome burger…..definitely will get it next time

    Is this helpful?

  39. jessicav

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Every time I go to the Izakaya it gets better and better. We went to celebrate my boyfriends birthday and they acknowledged our celebration, sent a gift during dinner and brought a candle with dessert. Every dish was phenomenal. One of the last standing culinary gems in Fulton!! Service was great too, from the host stand to the server to the runners. Loved it.

    Is this helpful?

  40. AlexR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Friendly staff and great food makes for a great choice

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Izakaya at Momotaro using the Order Online button. The Izakaya at Momotaro also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 733-4818.

The Izakaya at Momotaro is rated 4.7 stars by 686 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Izakaya at Momotaro

820 W. Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Green
  • Neighborhood
    West Loop
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Sushi, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet is located on the corner of Lake & Green
  • Public transit
    #8 Halsted Bus at Lake Street. Green & Pink line at Morgan stop.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Gene Kato
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.momotarochicago.com/
  • Phone number
    (312) 733-4818
  • Private party facilities
    The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro
  • Private party contact
    our Event Sales Manager: (312) 773-4818
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo