Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya Awards

Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: Friendly servers greet diners in Japanese from the minute they enter this ramen outpost and izakaya. The customers are likely to be locals from the neighborhood --- people wandering in after a movie or shopping trip, or visitors who have been to the other location in Wicker Park. Blond wood tables for two or four face an open kitchen, while light streams in from floor-to-ceiling windows. The view is the courtyard in the center of the complex, nothing extraordinary.

Likes: Fast service.
Dislikes: Additional ingredients (such as bean sprouts or shrimp tempura) on ramen cost $1.75-$2 per item.

Food & Drinks: Steaming, subtle bowls of ramen are signatures of this national chain. The popular shoyu boasts a sweet soy flavor throughout the broth and non-fatty pork slices. For a light version, try the chicken shoyu with clear broth, which is perfectly salted and laced with bok choy. Izakaya selections make for strong appetizers, including chicken karaage (deep fried with spicy mayo) and Japanese pork bun stuffed with pork belly. A smattering of rice dishes such as ten don (assorted shrimp and vegetable tempura) and karaage don extends the options beyond noodles. Mochi ice cream is a light complement to the delicate meal. Sip on saké, Japanese beer (Kirin or Sapporo on draft) or wine.