The Izakaya
The Izakaya at Momotaro has quickly claimed its spot as one of the best meals I’ve had in Chicago. From the unbelievable Momo Royale burger to an array of delicious small plates, this is a must-try Japanese restaurant for any foodie visiting the city.
We kicked off the meal with one of their unique cocktails, the Soba, featuring buckwheat-infused tequila, nori-infused kiyomi rum, and a blend of lime, cucumber, Thai spice bitters, and soy sauce. The drink had the perfect balance of spicy and refreshing flavors, making it a standout.
For our appetizers, we sampled several small plates from the menu, including the Fried Chicken Dumpling, Tuna Tostada, Edamame, and Satsumaimo Fries. Each dish had incredible flavors, but the Fried Chicken Dumpling was the clear favorite with its crispy rice and delicious skewered presentation.
We then moved on to the Gyoza and Nagoya Style Tebaski Wings—both packed with bold, crispy textures and mouthwatering sauces. The wings were particularly memorable with their flavorful glaze.
But the highlight of the evening was, without a doubt, the Momo Royale burger, featuring a double patty and house-made bao bun. The combination of flavors and the texture of the bao bun were simply phenomenal. It’s no wonder this burger has a cult following—it exceeded all expectations!
To finish the meal, we enjoyed the Pirikara Kyu, a rich dish with crispy A5 rib meat, dashi-marinated eggplant, turnip, bamboo, and a spicy pepper glaze served with white rice.
The Izakaya at Momotaro not only lived up to its reputation but surpassed it, offering one of the best dining experiences in Chicago. The speakeasy vibe, incredible service, and top-notch Japanese cuisine make this a restaurant I can’t wait to revisit—especially for that Momo Royale!
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