Ramen House Shinchan Glenview — Restaurant in Northfield Township

This small Japanese eatery has been open for just two years and its location may have an impact on its business. It's tucked inside a shopping center called JB Plaza on Milwaukee Avenue at Central Street in Glenview. This complex is opposite a colorfully named shop, "Vilin's Food and Liquor."

Inside this modest space are five tables for two, one table for four and seven seats at the counter. Not much atmosphere, but the food is fresh and tasty and authentic, so let's get to it.

Even though the "caramari special" was sold out, we were able to find two delicious dishes of ramen: Meredith ordered tonkotsu, tender pork cutlet swimming in a miso broth with noodles and a boiled egg with a runny yolk. The broth was not too salty and had a delicious ginger accent.

I ordered the "best condition" ramen and was rewarded with a bowl filled with fresh bean sprouts, chopped cabbage mounded atop ramen noodles in a chicken broth. The best element of this vegetarian dish was the sauteed cloves of garlic. Great rich taste and a great way to ward off colds and to keep the immune system robust.

Although the ramen cost about $15 per bowl, we couldn't finish our dishes, so we took home the remainders to enjoy for lunch the next day.

Speaking of the next day, when we visit Ramen House again, we may have to order the tonkotsu curry rice. The diners on either side of our table each ordered this one, and three of the four finished theirs (one took home some leftovers).

The service was impeccable and the dining room was clean, though lacking any kind of decoration and ambience. The menu is written in English and Japanese, possibly attesting to its authenticity and clientele. All of the tables were occupied at 7p on a recent Friday night.

This is a place to go for fresh, authentic Japanese ramen and...

Context: I went after the lunch rush, it’s was around 2/3 pm and was craving some Japanese food. I lived in Japan for 2+ years and fell in love with their food and culture. I really enjoy a good Ramen and/or Japanese Curry with their Pork Katsu. I read some of the reviews and decided to give this spot a try. Let me say, it did NOT disappoint.

As soon as I walked in, it reminded me a lot of your stereotypical hole in the wall spot throughout Japan. Family owned and ran, but so delicious and rich in customer service and authenticity. I was immediately sat down and of course ordered the Gyoza and Japanese Curry w/Katsu. I love the open kitchen concept where you can see how they prep your food and the smells were to die for.

The gyoza came and let me say, I’m used and expected the Americanized take on Gyoza where the sides are crunchy and you can tell they were quickly reheated, but this gyoza? Absolutely delicious. So soft and juicy. So delicious. Mouth watering.

When the curry came, the smells took me down memory lane. The last time I had this good and authentic Japanese Curry was at CoCos in Okinawa. I truly missed it. While it wasn’t a knock out of the park, as in the rice was decently good but not fluffy like they do in Japan, the curry and Katsu was beyond perfect. The only thing I’d like is if they offered spice levels where I can reminisce the good ol days of taking on spice challenges.

Either way, for a spot in the suburbs of Chicago, it’s as authentic as it gets…highly recommend this spot. Beyond delicious and I...

This restaurant was a complete disappointment.

The service was terrible and the food was lackluster.

Service: they served the entrees with the appetizer, making us feel rushed and having less than fresh entrees. When brought to their attention, we received blank stares.

Food: each dish we ordered was exceptionally poor. Presentation was fine, and it ended there. The karaage was served with store bought mayo, the ramen was served with store bought noodles and bland/sad broth lacking flavor, along with microwaved pork. The curry was cold when we got to it because our 3rd course was served with the appetizer. Despite it being cold, the cutlet was dry, chewy, and not appetizing and the curry sauce was lacking depth.

For a restaurant that is asking for high end sit down prices, they really missed the mark on service and food. I have no issue paying a premium for good food, but not when it seems store bought and microwaved.

I will not return and I would highly recommend others to...