Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Lombard — Restaurant in Lombard

We loved going to Kitakata in Hoffman Estates because the food is great and service is amazing so when we moved down to the Lombard area, we were excited see this location was going to open. This location however, total contrast!

The entire dining experience was terrible but here are some highlights: We had 3 toddlers with us. Server named Kayli/Lili never asked if we needed highchair. Not anticipating needs ✔️ it's fine maybe she just forgot. I asked for the booster chair and Kayli/Lili then proceeded to ask the cook "can we use the booster seat?" He said "yah, we can." So i asked, why not? Is it not safe?" Kayli then said "it has an instruction on how to properly tie it but I dont know how.." she then tried for a minute, gave up then told me "you can just tie it however you want" then left. Never once we got a refill of our water or asked how our food was. Noodles were soggy and overcooked. Toppings were large like it was not cut properly and was just thrown in the bowl on top of the noodles. Carrots were peeled cut, not julienned. Karaage sauce was burned so it was dark brown and bitter. Bannai pork bowl was very salty. When we asked for water refill, she gave me the pitcher and said "here... you can just do it yourself!" So I said, uhm okay? She proceeded to talk to her coworkers in the kitchen which were not 10ft away from us so they were within earshot.. she said "it's not like we're fine dining. We're not that casual but we're casual like they can just do it.." 2 guys in the kitchen agreed with her. Lili/Kayli handed our check. Not once asked if we need anything else or how everything was. She probably knows it wasn't good. When I paid she handed me their POS machine and left it on our table until we left. She was talking to someone and I overheard her say, "yah, we were trained to be fast and they want us to be fast.. but I dont know..."

Incredibly rude! I am just appalled and in disbelief of what had happened. I have never in my entire life experience this kind of service. I'm in the hospitality industry myself, I get that customers can be frustrating at times. But we were nothing but pleasant despite her fantastic attitude (sarcasm. In case you dont recognize it) even tipped her which I absolutely regret but we ordered food to go and with their kind of attitude I don't put past them to put something on our food. I would ask for a manager but I don't think there's anybody onsite. If she is the manager, good lord, please do better!!! You're ruining the reputation of an otherwise good brand.

Zero stars for an extremely aggravating and...

Perfect meal. Entering the restaurant I was greeted with a smile and a Japanese Hello. I was seated immediately and given water. Menus are the the table. I knew what I wanted from looking online prior. It was just me eating, so for one person you can sit at the "bar"; a long table that faces the wall with single chairs or you can sit at a table. I sat at a table because i didnt want to face a wall. I ordered Spicy Miso Ramen size regular with 2 orders of Seasoned Eggs (soft boiled to perfection). Ramen is all about the (broth) soup first, then noodles, then toppings. The Broth was made to perfection, very clean. No after taste and boasting with flavor through out each drop. Very crisp. The noodles are hand made with a perfect chew and most of all not over cooked. The pork was literally to live for; buttery and melt in your mouth. Not because it was covered by broth, but because the Chefs know how to bring love, passion and home, to the table. Perfectly seasoned on its own, then added to the Ramen was unbelievable. The Chili oil was clean, not burnt and a great taste of fried garlic. Robust flavor sprinkled over fresh spinach leaves and perfectly shaved fresh carrots. The cabbage in the soup was crispy and cooked perfectly; soft still with a bite. Not over cooked. Baby this was a sexy meal! As a finished the Host and Chefs greeted me out. Honestly you can feel the warmth of the restaurant, the ambiance is perfectly cooked food the surrounds the inside. You can feel the Chefs and workers...

I have to start this review by stating that I am not a ramen aficionado – its good food, and I enjoy it, but my son absolutely LOVES Ramen. Ergo, we have been to several Ramen restaurants around the USA as we have traveled, seeking ‘Ramen Nirvana’, … and while we’ve had some really good ramen, we haven’t yet found it. With Kitakata Ramen, I believe we have come about as close as we will without flying to Japan though.

As we ate our meal, I noticed that the restaurant was bustling with a large Japanese clientele (always a good sign for authenticity). The staff had greeted us with a welcome in Japanese (which my son understood). Not a fork in sight (get good with chopsticks or go hungry! – only kidding, you have spoons for the cheaters, like me). Then came my sons reaction: “I’d come back for a second meal”. Now before you, dear reader, dismiss this as a ‘meh’, you have to understand something – he has NEVER said this before. NEVER. That statement should be taken as “this is a Michelin 5 star restaurant to me”. Add to this that he is a huge Studio Ghibli fan (there is a Studio Ghibli sticker on the back of his car) and the MUZAK was from Studio Ghibli … we have determined that Kitakata Ramen was about as close to being in Tokoyo as we were going to get without a 14 hour flight. My take? Delicious. Priced right. (I left full). Authentic. The staff was very attentive. I had the Spicy Miso and it had just the right amount of everything. I WILL be going back again (there is more I...