The Izakaya at Momotaro

The Izakaya at Momotaro reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. S

   Shon VIP

   Chicago11 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   This was my second time at Izakaya at Momotaro -- a cozy, hidden gem tucked underneath the main restaurant. The space has a low-key, intimate Japanese vibe that's perfect for drinks and catching up with friends. Now let's talk about the star of the show: the Momo Royale burger. If you're coming here, you have to try it. It's hands down one of my top 5 burgers in Chicago. The bao bun is pillowy, the patty is rich and flavorful, and it all just comes together beautifully. It's served with sweet potato fries -- and listen, I'm not usually into sweet potato fries, but these were genuinely so good, especially with their dipping sauce. We also tried the hand roll, tuna tartare, and gyoza. Those were fine -- nothing bad, but nothing that stood out either. The burger definitely stole the spotlight. They've got a solid selection of sake, and while the prices lean a bit high (especially if you're drinking), the overall experience makes it worth it. This place is great for a chill pregame spot or a wind-down hang with friends.
   

   The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded 3 days ago

   Shon, you’re officially part of the inner circle now — and honestly, we’re honored. Thank you for the amazing review! You nailed the vibe: cozy, a little hidden, and full of flavor bombs like the Momo Royale (our not-so-secret weapon). We're also taking a victory lap for winning you over with those sweet potato fries — welcome to the good side. Can’t wait to have you back for more late-night snacks, sake splashes, and all the low-key magic. Kanpai, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya
   

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2. H

   Heriberto VIP

   Los Angeles14 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Lugar único, menú variado con opciones muy especiales. Nos encantó
   

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3. A

   Aleks VIP

   Chicago12 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   truly lovely - great staff food and vibes no notes
   

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   The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on April 18, 2025

   Hi Aleks, You just made our day — “no notes” might be our new favorite compliment. We're so glad the vibes, food, and team all hit the mark for you. Come back anytime — we’ll be here, keeping it lovely. Kanpai, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya
   

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4. L

   Luis

   Unspecified1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 14, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Extremely good food with amazing vibes all around! Perfect for a dinner date or a kickback spot!
   

   The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on April 15, 2025

   Thank you for the awesome review Luis! We're so pumped to hear you loved the food and the vibes—sounds like the perfect mix for a dinner date or just kicking back with friends. We aim to bring the best of both worlds! Can’t wait to see you again for another fun, flavorful night. 🍶✨ Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya
   

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5. A

   Alex

   Chicago5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great vibe. Server was attentive. Burger was very good, the gyoza was on point. Last round of drinks took a little too long but it was busy so we were patient. All in all a great experience.
   

   The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on April 15, 2025

   Thank you for the great feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed the burger, gyoza, and the vibe. We truly appreciate your patience during the busy moments—your understanding means a lot to us Alex. Can’t wait to have you back for another fantastic experience soon! 🍔🍸✨ Cheers, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   Chicago1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 9, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent staff recommendations and the food was wonderful. We ended up sitting at the bar instead of waiting for our reservation and it was lovely.
   

   The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on April 11, 2025

   Love to hear this! Our bar team is truly something special, and we’re so glad you decided to cozy up there instead—sometimes those spontaneous seat swaps make for the best nights. Big cheers to great recs and even better bites. Hope we get to welcome you back again soon! 🥂🍱 Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya
   

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7. j

   jonathan

   Cincinnati2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on April 7, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 5

   I want to start with that the food was absolutely incredible. However our server was so bad it totally overshadowed the delicious food and kitchens hard work. We were sat at a table that had a very noticeable wobble, which is no big deal let’s just throw a linen down and keep the party going. We are greeted by the server where we make him aware of the issue and he says he will bring us something to help out with our drinks. Drinks arrive and he didn’t bring anything to fix the table or address the table issue. We put in a food order with him and told him I’d like to order a bottle of wine to go with the food as I was looking over the list. Asked for another linen because I used mine to fix the table wobble. Our server then proceeded to ignore us for pretty much the rest of our time there. As soon as the first course came out I began trying to get our servers attention to order the wine and he just completely ignored me. Would be at a table right next to us checking on an other table and then turn around and avoid eye contact with us while trying to get his attention. Another few course come out and still nothing. The food is so incredible that it’s making up for the fact that our server simply couldn’t care less about us. By the time he gets back to us we are mostly through our final course so no point in getting a bottle now because we felt rushed throughout the dinner. At this point the amazing host who had texted us our table was ready early, came over and took a fun Polaroid picture to mark the occasion of celebrating my Birthday. We order dessert, which again was incredible and delicious. Restaurants are hard work and take a team effort to execute so when one person ruins the whole experience it’s so disappointing. I hope this helps because there is no way food that good should be accompanied by such bad service.
   

   The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on April 8, 2025

   Thank you for sharing your experience—and happy birthday. I’m truly sorry the service fell short and overshadowed such a special evening. While I’m thrilled the food stood out, it’s unacceptable that you felt ignored and rushed. That’s not the standard we hold ourselves to, and I appreciate you calling it out. We’re addressing this with our team and would love the chance to welcome you back for the experience you deserved. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to make it right. Thank You, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya
   

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8. R

   Rashida

   Chicago6 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 5, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Visited for my birthday dinner, which the hosts made amazing from check-in until the end. I don’t want to give too much away for first-timers but let’s say the little birthday surprises were unexpected and incredibly thoughtful. The food was an explosion of flavors. I can’t wait to return.
   

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   The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on April 11, 2025

   What an absolute joy to read your review Rashida—thank you so much for celebrating your birthday with us! We’re so thrilled to hear the evening felt special from the very start and that our little surprises hit the mark (shhh, we’ll keep the details top secret for the next lucky birthday guest 😉). And those flavor explosions? Music to our ears! We can’t wait to welcome you back for round two. You bring the good vibes, and we’ll bring the magic. 💫🍣 Kanpai! Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya
   

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9. P

   Pedro VIP

   Chicago32 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on March 30, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   I went there specifically to try the Momotaro Royale burger and it did not disappoint. Additionally the tuna tostada was amazing. I wish there were more options for dessert but nonetheless I highly recommend The Izakaya at Momotaro!
   

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   The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on April 2, 2025

   Thank you so much for your thoughtful review Pedro! We’re thrilled to hear that the Momotaro Royale burger and tuna tostada hit the mark for you! 🍔🥂 We’re always striving to create memorable dishes, and it’s great to know you loved them. We appreciate your feedback on the dessert options and will certainly keep that in mind as we continue to evolve our menu. Thank you again for recommending The Izakaya at Momotaro—we can’t wait to have you back for another amazing experience! 😊🍣 Kanpai, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya
   

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10. F

    Frank VIP

    Chicago39 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    We love trying different places and this is one we would go back to. The service was great and food and drink fantastic.
    

    The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on March 29, 2025

    Love to hear that Frank! 🍻 We're all about great service, delicious food, and fantastic drinks, so it means a lot that you'd come back for more. Can’t wait to have you back at the Izakaya for another round of good times! Cheers! 🍢✨ Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya
    

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