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Name: Renga Tei
Address: 3956 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL, 60712
Telephone: (847) 675-5177
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.19

Renga Tei

3956 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL, 60712

(847) 675-5177
Store is closed

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Renga Tei Menu

Hot Appetizers

Yakitori

Chicken Wings

Chicken Teriyaki

Tatsuta Age

Gyoza

Asparagus And Enoki Mushrooms

Yu Dofu

Agedashi Tofu

Asparagus Beef Roll

Beef Teriyaki

Renga Tei Beef

Tempura

Grilled Ika Steak

Fried Oysters

Broiled Eel

Hirame Baiko Age

Soft Shell Crab
Cold Appetizers

Goma Ae

Ohitashi

Edamame

Hiya Yakko

Koh No Mono

Yamakake

Uni & Ika Sashimi

Sashimi

Tuna Tataki
Soup

Miso-shiru
Salads & Sunomono

Renga Tei House Salad

Tofu Salad

Cucumber Sunomono

Seaweed Sunomono

Mix Sunomono

Tuna-avocado Salad

Tako-su

Kani Su
Maki-mono(seaweed Rolls)

Salmon Skin Maki

Spider Roll

Tekka Maki

Spicy

Spicy Tuna Deluxe

Tekkyu Maki

Boston Maki

Umeshiso Maki

Unakyu Maki

Unagi Maki

Unagi Avocado Maki

Spicy Scallop Maki

Ika Shiso Maki

Anakyu Maki

California Roll

Chicago Crazy Roll

Chicago Super Crazy Roll

Ebi Kyu Maki

Futo Maki

French Maki

Kappa Maki

Kampyo Maki

Negi Hamachi Maki

Negi Maguro Maki

Philadelphia Maki

Oshinko Maki
Sushi A La Carte

Ama Ebi

Kani

Ebi

Tamago

Maguro

Hirame

Toro

Sake

Ika

Uni

Hotate Gai (scallops)

Taira Gai (pen Shell)

Tai

Hokki Gai

Smoked Salmon

Inari

Anago

Tako

Ikura

Hamachi

Masago

Wasabi Tobiko

Red Tobiko

Unagi

Saba

Ikura
Donburi Mono

Chicken Teriyaki Don

Ten Don

Katsu Don

Beef Teriyaki Don

Salmon Oyako Don

Una - Ju
Noodles

Yaki Soba

Tanuki Udon Or Soba

Kitsune Udon Or Soba

Okame Udon Or Soba

Ume Oroshi Soba

Zaru Soba

Tempura Udon Or Soba

Sansai Udon Or Soba

Ikura Oroshi Udon Or Soba

Ten Zaru Soba

Nabe Yaki Udon
Main Course

Tempura

Buta Shogayaki

Tonkatsu

Saba Teriyaki Or Shioyaki

Salmon Yu-an Yaki

Sukiyaki

Beef Teriyaki

Beef Steak (renga Tri Style)

Unagi No Kabayaki
Sushi Bar

Sushi A

Sushi B

Sushi C

Chirashi Sushi

Tekka Don

15 Pcs Sashimi Sinner (or 12 Pcs All Tuna Sashimi Dinner)

Omakase Sushi Or Sashimi

Mixed Maki Chef's Chopice

Sushi Sashimi Combination

Healthy Meal suggestions for Renga Tei

Hot Appetizers

Yakitori [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Teriyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tatsuta Age [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gyoza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asparagus And Enoki Mushrooms [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yu Dofu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Agedashi Tofu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asparagus Beef Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Teriyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Renga Tei Beef [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tempura [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Ika Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broiled Eel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hirame Baiko Age [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soft Shell Crab [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Cold Appetizers

Goma Ae [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ohitashi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Edamame [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hiya Yakko [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Koh No Mono [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yamakake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Uni & Ika Sashimi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sashimi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuna Tataki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soup

Miso-shiru [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads & Sunomono

Renga Tei House Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cucumber Sunomono [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seaweed Sunomono [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mix Sunomono [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuna-avocado Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tako-su [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kani Su [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Maki-mono(seaweed Rolls)

Salmon Skin Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spider Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tekka Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Tuna Deluxe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tekkyu Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boston Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Umeshiso Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Unakyu Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Unagi Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Unagi Avocado Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Scallop Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ika Shiso Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Anakyu Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

California Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicago Crazy Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicago Super Crazy Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ebi Kyu Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Futo Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kappa Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kampyo Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Negi Hamachi Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Negi Maguro Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Philadelphia Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Oshinko Maki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sushi A La Carte

Ama Ebi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ebi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tamago [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maguro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hirame [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Toro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ika [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Uni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hotate Gai (scallops) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Taira Gai (pen Shell) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hokki Gai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Inari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Anago [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tako [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ikura [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hamachi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Masago [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wasabi Tobiko [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Tobiko [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Unagi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Saba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ikura [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Donburi Mono

Chicken Teriyaki Don [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ten Don [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Katsu Don [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Teriyaki Don [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Oyako Don [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Una - Ju [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Noodles

Yaki Soba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tanuki Udon Or Soba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kitsune Udon Or Soba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Okame Udon Or Soba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ume Oroshi Soba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zaru Soba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tempura Udon Or Soba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sansai Udon Or Soba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ikura Oroshi Udon Or Soba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ten Zaru Soba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nabe Yaki Udon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Main Course

Tempura [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buta Shogayaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tonkatsu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Saba Teriyaki Or Shioyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Yu-an Yaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sukiyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Teriyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Steak (renga Tri Style) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Unagi No Kabayaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sushi Bar

Sushi A [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sushi B [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sushi C [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chirashi Sushi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tekka Don [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

15 Pcs Sashimi Sinner (or 12 Pcs All Tuna Sashimi Dinner) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Omakase Sushi Or Sashimi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mixed Maki Chef's Chopice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sushi Sashimi Combination [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Meg F.

Every single time we eat here, I ask myself "Why don't I come here more often?" The food is amazingly delicious and the service is always great. I love that they start you off with a hot towel. It can get crowded on weekends - to avoid, arrive either around 5 or after 8. They do take reservations so if you're coming during peak times, call ahead. The restaurant is clean and well-maintained. Decor is dated and the building is non-descript so you might miss it! They've been on Chicago's Best for their sushi so be sure to try it!
(5)
Becky A.

If you are looking for authentic sushi without all the frills and snobbery surrounding some sushi restaurants, no need to look further. The fish is always fresh and delicious at this casual restaurant. I normally go for the maki rolls, but I've tried other items on the menu. Personally, I would stick with the sushi even though other plates are delicious. You will not get a fresher or better spicy tuna roll anywhere else. The staff is also super friendly and accommodating. Love, love, love this place!
(5)
Timmy T.

More sushi, less rice, nice amount of wasabi under the sashimi. 5 Stars, Hisao (owner) is a nice guy who adds more of a family touch to the business. He carefully watch every table from the front of the sushi bar to make sure that all customers are happily eating. Finally, he also sincerely thanks everyone in his native language, which is very uncommon for many restaurants as your rarely even get to meet with their owners. Tip: try eating sushi with your fingers after cleaning them with the hot towel provided.
(5)
Joani O.

One of the best sushi restaurants ever! Authentic Japanese with fresh, quality ingredients and beautiful presentation. They have delicious teriyaki meals (especially the salmon or chicken!), tempura, bento boxes, large sushi rolls, as well as rolls by the piece. Our favorites are the king crab (yum!), yellow tail, tuna/spicy tuna, and the California rolls...which you can add king crab to. It's authentic crab, too, not the imitation stuff that a lot of places serve. The only downside is no fried rice, but there are plenty of other choices. Definitely something for everyone. They prefer reservations so I always try to call, otherwise there's usually a wait for a table. The interior is nice and well kept. Service is always friendly and prompt...and you know the place is good when the sushi bar is always crowded and they're always full with Japanese customers! They're not open on Tuesdays. Nothing bad to say...five stars, easy!
(5)
Rosa J.

As many of you know, I grew up watching dorama (Japanese drama series) and listening to J-pop music. Daddy J. used to take me to different Japanese restaurants back home. What a wonderful childhood memory "Japan" has given to me! Hubby has visited Renga Tei (located on the northeast corner of Crawford and Touhy) before with another friend of his when we first moved to Chicago. He kept raving about this place every time we passed by. Folks, here's a suggestion for you: make a reservation so that you will be guaranteed a table upon arrival. Otherwise, you may have to wait. Fortunately, there was no wait when we came at 1830 hour on a Sunday evening. The decors were authentic, old-school Japanese, but everything was well-maintained. The number of seating wasn't ample, but there was enough space in between tables so that we still had our privacy and pleasure of dining. As a sashimi lover, I went with the "ume" size chirashi sushi. "Ume" is the Japanese size classification for "small." "Ume" means "plum blossom," a type of flower suitable for cold climate. The amount and varieties of sashimi were satisfying. The vinegar rice was also spot-on delicious. Many authentic Japanese dishes often times have mild sweet undertone. In Japanese language, "umei" means "sweet," as well as "good." Hubby stayed with his comfort zone. One of his favorites was tempura. He had the shrimp and veggie tempura meal. The tempura was crispy. The balance of egg-dipping, panko-coating, and the temperature of fry oil were very, very ideal. After that single bite, my tastebuds for tempura have elevated to the next level. The service was quick and attentive. Everyone in the dining room was working in unison and fulfilling all of their tasks and responsibilities like a dream team in the Space Jam movie. I had a great experience this evening in Renga Tei, and with no doubt I will be back soon.
(5)
talktoher a.

Wonderful home cooked Japanese food at reasonable prices! Woo hoo!!!
(4)
Michael C.

During my visit to my relatives in Chicago, they had brought us to this restaurant for early dinner after we landed. I was surprised to hear even at 5:30pm on a Wednesday afternoon we still needed to make a reservation to be sure and when we went in it really was mostly filled with patrons. Parking was a bit more limited I thought as the lot isn't very big but we didn't have problems parking in the back of the lot. My first impression of the place wasn't too good from the outside seeing how it looks just like any other American Japanese restaurant, however once we're inside I started to see how traditional and authentic the place really is. The special menu really highlighted some unique dishes that I haven't seen or heard about. For appitizer we had gotten some Agedashi tofu to share as it seemed to be the local favorites. Certainly was a great choice, the sauce wasn't overly salty and the tofu was very tender and not overly fried. One of the best ones I've had in my entire life for sure I ended up ordering the Bara Chirashi Bento special which turned out to be much more exquisite than the line of menu described. When it arrived I thought I was eat an elaborate Osechi for New Years haha. The food was absolutely delicious, from the sides to the main bowl everything just goes so well together as it was meant to be in a Chirashi bowl. The sashimis were very fresh and tasty even though usually I'm not a sashimi connoisseur I really had a great time here. My only minor complaint would be maybe the ume sugar portion could be reduced a bit as I thought it made the rice a tad little too sweet, but of course too much is always a non-problem compare to too little :) The price is quite a bit higher than what I expected at a suburban restaurant though I thought. This is one of the few times I really think the price is worth the quality and experience of the meal however as this is more of an higher end Japanese restaurant that's serious about traditional and authentic. Definitely will be coming back here on my next visit to Chicago.
(5)
Ada H.

Serious Japanese in suburbia. I am so lucky that my family lives in nearby Morton Grove, it I may never have been introduced to Renga Tei. My family has been coming here for years... Back when everyone employed was Japanese. Now they have some Thai servers, but the chefs are still Japanese as well as the main hostess who really makes the place. She makes me feel like I'm in Japan and not Lincolnwood. I have never had anything here that was mediocre. I do not care for sushi that is overwhelmed with different sauces and you won't find that here. I also am not a fan of teriyaki yet I love the teriyaki here! I've been here for both lunch and dinner and love everything.
(5)
Laurice M.

We've been to this restaurant for many times, both lunch and dinner. It hasn't disappointed us and has been our go to place whenever we crave for Japanese cuisine. For appetizers, we always get the asparagus and enoki mushrooms. Hits the spot every time. We also get the sushi. I'm tired of eating overly fancy sushi in other places but Renga Tei has been consistent in serving fresh, authentic and simple sushi rolls. For main entrees, I recommend the steak with vegetables. It's a bit pricey but I think it's really worth it. I think the sauce is what makes this dish. I could drink it just by itself. Seriously.
(5)
Erick R.

This is a true Japanese-American restaurant. Authentic Japanese cuisine in a restaurant where you are greeted with Irassheimase. Many customers are Japanese and it is common to hear Japanese spoken. The dragon roll is awesome, and they embrace traditional as well as Americanized sushi. They also have a full non-sushi Japanese menu, so while the sushi is great, they are by no means a sushi house. 5 stars!
(5)
Shari B.

The bf and I came here on a weekday evening for dinner. We didn't have reservations, but we were able to get seated immediately. I've been here once before and had a good experience when I had a combination. This time we got hamachi kama, tempura, a few pieces of nigiri, spicy tuna deluxe maki and chicago crazy roll. The hamachi kama was just okay, it didn't seem like the fish was fresh since the meat was more firm than usual. I've definitely had much better. I liked the grated radish that was served on the side. The tempura was fine. The uni nigiri wasn't the best, either. The uni lacked structure and was a little too soft/creamy, maybe it also wasn't that fresh. The spicy tuna had no detectable spice. And the chicago crazy roll was ridiculously huge. It should be called a burrito! There was a ton of filling along with a ton of rice, which I ended up removing. The rolls pretty much tasted the same, nothing really exciting besides the shock factor of it's actual size. I wouldn't go back here for the maki rolls, hamachi kama or the uni. Maybe you'll have better luck just sticking to the basics like terriyaki and tempura. Service was good, but I feel like the menu was a bit overpriced.
(2)
Donald C.

Are you looking for a neighborhood-feel traditional sushi restaurant? Don't let the location dissuade you. Yes, sort of strip-mall'ish, but once you walk in, you'll feel like you are in the Cheers bar (sorry I don't have a better anecdote for you younger Yelpers). I had the edamame and a Chicago roll and loved both. Go. Talk to the others at the sushi bar area, talk to the sushi chef and his assistant, walk out happy.
(5)
Frido F.

Everything was so amazing, delicious, and fresh. My wife and I had our eyes rolling back in our heads with every bite. The feeling and decor of the restaurant is very casual and relaxed. We really enjoyed our evening here.
(5)
Ag C.

I will give 4 stars for food 3 for price 1 for service Average 2 Thou the servers tried to be attentive, it was super unacceptably slow. We were seated right away given that we had a reservation, the server greeted us but took like 15 min to get our tea then our order. Our edamame literally took 40 min to come, n that's the first food that came to the table. By this time it's close to 730, and we got there at 640. 10 or so min after that the rest of the food mainly appetizers all came one after another. Our party of 5 with 3 teenagers are hungry and ate fast, then it was a looong wait for our check, so looong that my husband had to take 2 of them home for homework. Then even after I gave my credit card, it was another wait for them to bring it back. Why o why, it was never like this, n they were not packed full. A weekday family dinner should not last 2 hours. Will we come back, yes. Just hope we won't stay this long this time.
(2)
Bob R.

First of all, if you plan on eating at Renga Tei, expect great food. But, if you are in a hurry, steer clear. Luckily, we were with a group of 10 people who had not seen each other for a while, so the two and a half hours it took to get through dinner was okay. The hostess was very welcoming, but I can't say the same for the server. While she was friendly, she was distant and not very helpful. Many items on the menu were in Japanese and we had trouble getting her to explain. The menu is enormous - so much so that I posted pictures of the whole thing. I did not take a picture of the specials menu, since I presume these change regularly. But, there were about two dozen specials of various types. Unfortunately. many were written in Japanese without explanations of what they were. Similarly, the menu had the same issue. (When I say written in Japanese, I do mean transliterated into English. But, without knowing the cuisine in depth, they might as well have been written in Japanese characters.) The presentation of the food is fabulous. This is what you should expect from a Michelin recommended restaurant. Who would have thought we'd find one in Lincolnwood? Everything we tried was good - We started with simple Green Tea which was free-flowing and outstanding. We shared appetizers across the table, ranging from a variety of Maki rolls to Gyoza to Yakitori and several other items. The dinners come with Miso Soup, which was salty and briny with seaweed and soft tofu chunks. They also come with a salad with a wonderful citrus dressing. For dinner, we all had different things - Tempuras, Chicken and Salmon Terriakis, Sukiaki. I had something off of their special menu - Katsu Curry which was among the best I'd ever had. So, the food was definitely a five star experience. But unfortunately I was not thrilled with the service. Others commented in pricing being high. I have to say that for the amount and quality of food served, I have to disagree. If you do try Renga Tei, try something different. The menu is not what you find in a typical Japanese restaurant around Chicago. Although it might have been slow, it was a great experience.
(4)
Susie C.

My friends and I came here for dinner on a Saturday evening. I've been wanting to come here for awhile since couple of my friends rave about it. I made reservations so we didn't have to wait which was a plus. When we got there we were directed to our table. The staff was very nice. This is a cute, traditional homestyle Japanese restaurant. It is different than most city Japanese restaurants I've been to. It seems very home-ly. I ordered the bara chirashi. It was good! The presentation is very cute as well. It came in a box that you can take apart (2 levels).. and it comes with jellow, edamame, and seaweed salad on top of the chirashi! It was on their specials menu. My husband ordered their tonkatsu (pork cutlet). He felt it was a bit dry. One of my friends ordered their eel dinner which she really enjoyed. Another friend order the katsu-don or something..it's very similar to what my husband ordered (pork cutlet) except it came with an egg on top. His looks very tasty and it tasted really good. Complimentary salad and miso soup with our order as well! My husband and I also shared a spicy scallop maki which was good. My friends shared a spicy tuna which they enjoyed. Overall we had a good time there.. good food and friendly service. Wish they were closer to where we live!
(4)
Lisa K.

Excellent service, very attentive. Sushi was fresh and presented well. What more could you ask for.
(4)
Erica D.

I've never experienced a homey Japanese restaurant, but this place is what I imagine as a place I'd love to be a regular at. The vibes from Renga Tei feel like a neighborhood diner, cozy and comfortable. I loved that they give you hot towels before you eat (reminded me of all the times I used to take Japan Airlines). The miso soup and their salad dressing are superb! I usually don't like the salads that Japanese restaurants serve, but the dressing was amazing. I ordered Combination A, and the beef and chicken were well marinated and full of flavor, and their tempura was exceptional! We also ordered Chicago Super Crazy Roll, and you could really taste the freshness of the fish. BTW, the Chicago Super Crazy roll is huge! I've been to more than a handful of Japanese restaurants, and this place definitely stands out with the atmosphere, authenticity, and freshness of the food. Also, it helps to have a reservation!
(4)
Kim C.

The incredible food and accommodating service makes up for the lackluster ambiance. Friendly avice for the owner(s): dim the lighting and no one will notice the diner furniture, nor every pore in your patrons' faces Nice-to-haves: 1. Sake glassware, not shot glasses--vintage sake glasses are amazeballs 2. Music, turn it up! Then I don't have to listen to all the amateur food critics in the room Hit the ambiance and you'll have a 5 out of 5; regardless, we'll definitely return. P.S. The plants are real!? You should change the label from "Please do not touch" to: 'Yes, I'm real; you don't need to touch me.'
(4)
Mari C.

Being half Japanese, I've had my share of Japanese food so I feel like I'm a pretty good judge. Renga tei , however, raises the bar. There is never a time when I come here and am disappointed. I have my favorites, salmon oyako don, combination A (tempura and chicken and beef teriyaki ) chirashi and my absolute favorite katsu don (tonkatsu with a broth on top of rice). You can't leave without trying the Tokyo cheesecake. I love the atmosphere as all the wait staff is friendly and helpful. Trust me, you'll become a regular like so many of the patrons I've met on my visits here.
(5)
Kathy G.

I've been coming here for years. Most traditional Japanese food around. Not necessarily the best ever, but it is definitely fresh and delicious. Slightly over priced. Service is great.
(4)
Nat T.

Busy place. Try beef teriyaki bento box. You need to call for reservation to have dinner here.
(4)
Jerry M.

This is the best 'home-cooked' Japanese food you'll find outside of Kokubunji! I've been coming here almost weekly for lunch for almost 12 years now. The dishes are always consistent, and the lunch specials rock. You get a lot of food and variety for under $13. You'll notice their maki rolls have generous portions of fish, not just a sliver.
(5)
Lorena C.

I've been here 3 times, and have never been disappointed. My favorite is the soft shell crab and the spicy scallop roll. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
(5)
Amy X.

I LOVE THIS PLACE. How is it possible that everything that I ordered was so good?! I am a huge Japanese food fan. I like going around the city for all kinds of sushi and Japanese cuisine. Honestly, I can say this is one of my favorite Japanese cuisine restaurants. They have this handwritten menu with special dishes that's in season or fresh. It's a good idea to order one or two of those as an appetizer or side dish. I highly recommend the combo/bento box. It has a very wide variety. If you want to try a bit of everything, this is a good idea. They have a very well grilled eel(unagi) bento as well. And their cheesecake. Omg, it was the best cheesecake ever. It is really really light, not too sweet. In conclusion, just come here and give it a try!
(5)
Zhuozhen L.

Fish was fresh and serving size wasn't too bad. Some prices are questionable though (like veg tempura set was wayyy overpriced). It's nice they have warm towels in the beginning for your hands. Kinda wish they had it after too. Authentic since servers and chefs were Japanese
(4)
Michael W.

Perhaps the most authentic place in chicagoland. Top notch food, impeccable service. Totally understated. Don't let the mini mall location dissuade you.
(5)
Alex C.

It was pretty good experience. It is always packed and a reservation on weekends are an expectation here. We got pretty lucky and were able to be seated within 25 min. The food itself is pretty good and may be one of the better sushi restaurants in Chicago. It does get a bit loud and many families frequent the location. If you're looking for a more intimate dinner this may not be it. I would recommend it for the food though!
(4)
A M.

Really lovely place. Service is really nice and attentive. Not overbearing at all. I appreciate the effort, but it gets to be a bit much when waiters are over eager. Not at this place though. Thumbs up! The miso soup was good. The salad was alright. I ordered the Chirashi Sushi (Ume). Very fresh and very filling. I finished all the sashimi and rice. The green tea had a lovely taste to it. Not bitter like some other restaurants. I heard the Bento Box options are delicious. Maybe I'll try them next time I come over. The atmosphere was pleasant and quiet. I didn't have to shout over people, but I do think you need to mind your own volume. Since it's a sushi restaurant, the price is semi-expensive, but the price is worth the food and service you get. Overall, I would come here again on a special occasion.
(4)
Terry N.

Without a doubt, Renga-Tei is THE BEST AUTHENTIC Japanese restaurant in the Chicagoland area. It is Japanese owned and operated, the two primary sushi chefs are Japanese as well. While that might seem to be a minor note, this is a VERY RARE occurance these day. Most "Japanese" restaurants are Korean or other Asian owned. The food is superb. The Tempura is fantastic and the Chirashi is something you won't find at many if any non-Japanese owned places. The bento boxes are great and the combination selections are perfect for first-timers. For lunch, get a donburi bowl (Oyaku, Ten-don or Katsu-don. All this and it's a moderately almost cheap place to find/discover Japanese food. The best part, this is where all the Japanese-Americans eat.
(5)
Eriko K.

Good neighborhood Japanese place has a loyal and regular clientele. Chef-owner makes the sushi behind the counter. Fresh flowers on the tables. Tonkatsu kid-meal is a favorite. The a la carte creations vary by season. We come here for family birthdays. The Tokyo lime mousse cheesecake is quite delectable - not too sweet and beautifully presented with fresh fruit. Coffee jello is nice. Make a reservation to make sure you get a table. Parking is usually tight.
(4)
Gladys G.

No no no. First time ever yelp lead me there and I just walked out. My boyfriend and I came in and after standing at he door for a couple of minutes and no acknowledgment we ask one of the chefs if we seat ourselves and he says yes and nods. So we do, a second later a little lady comes yelling at us all I understood was reservation? We said no the chef told us to seat ourselves and she asked who? And I told her and she started going in circles so we sat down. A second later a man comes in demanding a refund on a to go order they messed up. Decided it's not worth it. Never again.
(1)
Zoey N.

Tried this place last year and thought it was good but pretty expensive. Had the sashimi bowl (pretty fresh), udon (bland and nothing special), futomaki rolls (not bad), tempura (decent), eel rolls (good). I might come back again.
(3)
Honest E.

Fresh flowers. Dirty old sticky tables and seats. Fine authentic cuisine. small portions. Some servers are not trained enough nor strive to provide the service that pairs with the quality of the food. Always rushed. Food is fine but the service and attitude is getting worse every time I go.
(3)
Melina T.

Since Tokyo Marina closed, I have been on the journey to find another authentic Japanese restaurant. This place is amazing! The owner, Hisao, is so kind and polite. Every time I come here, I leave a piece (or two!) of origami~ One word: Oishiiiiiiii!
(5)
Kristina K.

This has been my favorite sushi spot for years! After trying many other sushi bars for over 7 years, Rengatei is still my favorite for sushi! They also have delicious chicken teriyaki and other hot dishes.
(5)
Bing N.

Combo is worth the $$. Sukiyaki is very good but would like to have more vegetable and different noodles.
(4)
Bernardo S.

This place is one of the best places to eat , the sushi is great and you cannot go wrong ordering steak with a unique and flavorful sauce
(5)
Diana M.

I wanted sushi for my birthday, but didn't want to go to any of our usual spots, so upon recommendation of friends, we decided to head to Renga-tei on Touhy (at Crawford) in Lincolnwood. First of all, parking is a cinch since this little restaurant is located in a strip mall. What? Don't let the strip mall location fool you though, it's a great restaurant! Also, don't let the no frills decor fool you either. The food is where the fireworks are at! We were greeted warmly and led to a booth in the front room, in view of the sushi chefs. The waitress was very nice and super accommodating. We got our drinks right away and ordered a few minutes later. Our appetizer of asparagus wrapped in perfectly seasoned beef was amazing. The meat was tender, the asparagus was crunchy, yet cooked and the sauce for dipping was divine. I ordered only sushi, so I was given a bowl of miso soup. It was wonderful and perfect for a sort of dreary, fall-like day. Salty, but not too salty. Just enough tofu and seaweed to make it hearty. Yum. My two sushi rolls were fresh, fresh, fresh! I had the Chicago Crazy Roll (tuna, salmon, crab, cucumber) and a Spicy Tuna Deluxe (spicy tuna, avocado, red leaf lettuce, cucumber) and two pieces of seared tuna. (I'm sensing a tuna theme!) My husband had an Ika roll (squid) and the beef Yakisoba. By all accounts the squid roll was very good (not a fan, myself). I tried a little of the Yakisoba and the beef was very good and there was plenty of it. It wasn't too fatty or too thin either. The noodles and veggies were really good too. But, I definitely know what I'm getting next time! (Hint: same as my husband, a roll and yakisoba!) Getting to Lincolnwood might be a pain for city dwellers or tourists, but if you're in the area (Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Rogers Park, etc.) head west on Touhy and grab yourself a delicious meal. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Frank Y.

I love this place for authentic homestyle Japanese food. Good sushi. Awesome teriyaki. Don't be fooled by the fact that this place is in a strip mall. It is delicious! I have tried many things on the menu over the years, and nothing has disappointed. The food and service is fantastic. I would recommend: Any of the combinations (w/ teriyaki), though my favorite is the beef and chicken teriyaki. The entree comes with delicious, crispy tempura. The meal starts with miso soup and salad. It is a serious amount of food; and it is all good, authentic Japanese food. I have also tried the sukiyaki -- sweet, savory deliciousness. The udon is very yummy. I personally like the kitsune udon. The sushi here is very fresh. You can't go wrong with Renga Tei. Take it from a Sansei, third generation Japanese American, this is the real deal--great homestyle Japanese cooking.
(4)
Irene B.

My all-time favorite restaurant! YUM! I've been coming here for more than ten years now, and food has been consistently good with each visit. They have the best teriyaki sauce, hands down. I always order their oh-so-delicious Combination A (chicken and beef teriyaki with shrimp and vegetable tempura), and my husband loves their mouthwatering Renga-Tei Style Beef with vegetables. We've tried almost everything on their menu and we've never been disappointed. Simple, tasty, delicious food. Service is great, and the only place in Chicago where you will find old Japanese folks coming in to eat with their family. You can't get any more real than that!
(5)
Joy R.

Authentic Japanese food. Here you are greeted by Japanese waitresses. Sushi chef is also Japanese. Kind of unusual for Chicago. Sashimi fish is very fresh and udon is best in town.
(5)
Jean Z.

A traditional sushi restaurant with lots of regular Sunday night diners. We arrived at 5 on a Sunday, and where promptly seated while they turned away about six other couples who came -after- because there was no room, all tables were already reserved. Many came for what looked like they were paying for to go orders but I just don't recall seeing any food leave with them. Odd. We had a delicious crab and enoki mushrooms salad, a couple rolls and pieces, and a beef dinner. Add on the big Perrier bottles, and our dinner was a respectable $88plus tip. Fresh fresh fresh beautiful fish and perfectly sweet and warm sushi(rice)
(5)
Pete B.

not the best Japanese food I've ever had, but for Chicago, you won't be able to find much better! Got the bento box A (~$23). The tempura was pretty good, and the chicken teriyaki was excellent. This place was pretty booked for a Saturday evening at 5:30, so don't forget to make a reservation. Will definitely come back for sure!
(4)
Jeremy R.

The best sushi and sashimi I've found on the north shore. Lovely staff and expert cuts.
(4)
Manda F.

Bento Box Lunch Special!!! Great deal! Okay, now that, that's over with. I have been going here since it has opened, and have never had a bad experience. From the Udon soup, teriyaki chicken, sushi, to even the occasional riceball. I had never had one before, and they were able to make them for me upon request. The miso-ginger soup that comes with one of their dishes is delicious. Or I believe that is what it's called. My mother orders an extra thing of sauce each time. Personally I love their Gomae, and agedashi tofu for starters. Main dish I have loved their tuna avocado salad, and teriyaki chicken. Again I have been going here for years, and they are consistently booked. It is best to get a reservation. I definitely recommend this place to any fan of Japanese food.
(5)
Marya A.

I tried sushi here as takeout for the first time this week, only because the yelp reviews were pretty good and it was closeby. From the outside this place needs a major renovation..doesn't seem inviting at all. But the inside was pretty good (from what I saw waiting for my food). I absolutely loved the shrimp sushi. I will definitely go back again.
(5)
Kristen A.

Renga Tei has been a family favorite for years. I now live in Colorado and insist that we eat here every time I am back in town. The food is always excellent. I usually get a bento box or sushi. Their green tea is delicious. It can get extremely crowded at dinner on the weekends but they do take reservations.
(5)
John B.

C and I having been driving by for a long time and always comment that "we need to try that place." Judging from the exterior, it's very popular. The parking lot is always full. We finally made a reservation to celebrate C's birthday. Food: Better than average. C ordered a bento box. It's really quite large. We thought that an option for a small box would be ideal. Perhaps a box with 3 options. I ordered a dragon and it was very clever/colorful. Atmosphere: Nice, but not at all what we expected. It's brightly lit ... like a diner. (See photo I posted). We had expected something more intimate/romantic, with soothing traditional Japanese music. No music. Bright lights. Forget about romance (unless you are in that early heart-thumping phase of being in love where you are completely unaware of the world around you). Service: Fast, attentive, friendly. Wine: There were only 3 or 4 options on the menu. i.e. Merlot, Chardonay, Plum and perhaps one other. No brand names provided, which is odd. We opted for a small bottle of cold saki, which was quite good.
(4)
Evan L.

Went there last weekend. It was busy, larger parties w/o a reservation were seated first. We were seated 15 to 20 min after our reservation. The waitress was harried and overwhelmed. Kept us waiting to take order about 15 min after she kept saying she would be right back. Got order confused walked away with extra Miso soup I got up before she could disappear with it and had her return it to the table. The table was never bussed and the worst part was when the waitress tried to hand uo a large tray of food with no room on the table. If I had not stacked up our dishes there would have no room on the table. The food was great but so what. I felt bad telling the Sushi Chef the poor quality of service as we left because he was so obviously proud of the food. Was here once before and its fine if not busy.
(2)
Rohan D.

My mother was Japanese so for my birthday, I want authentic Japanese. That's gotten hard to find in Chicago, impossible in Milwaukee where I now live. This is the first Japanese restaurant I've been to in the Midwest in years that actually has Japanese people working in it. Not surprisingly, the night we were here, many of the other customers were Japanese-Americans, most seemed to be regulars. The service and traditional dishes (katsu, sushi, udon) were the best, nothing spectacular, but made and served Japanese style. I'm only half Japanese, so I don't look Japanese, but the waitress and I exchanged the usual greetings and some of my order in Japanese so I was a bit miffed when I got my miso soup with a Chinese spoon in it like my Gaijin companions. I noted that the neighboring tables of Nissei/Sansei families didn't get this treatment, but other than that the service was quite good in the Japanese way, "irrashaimase," and oshibori (haven't experienced that since San Francisco!) . The disappointments were in the non-traditional Japanese dishes, the chef did something odd with the spider roll, it was oversized so my friend, usually adept with hashi, actually had a hard time getting it from the plate into his mouth. If you're looking for authentic Japanese, this is the best area choice since the days of Honda and Hatsuhana, but it's not a fancy place so stick to the standard Japanese sushi-sashimi-noodle choices and you'll be fine. If you're from the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Seattle or Honolulu, you need to dial your expectations down a bit, this would only be a three star place with more Japanese competition.
(4)
Jessica M.

Renga-Tei is not fancy-schmancy. The place has a simple dÃ©cor and is run by Japanese staff workers and chefs. The majority of the patrons are also Japanese. Nothing could go wrong with that combo! We arrived at 7:30pm on a Sunday. Renga-Tei had a full house and we had to wait 15 minutes. For future reference, I would call in to reserve a table. The waiting area by the door can get hectic. Our party of five went the full course, from appetizers to desserts. The potato macaroni salad came in a small plate and everybody was able to get a spoonful. If you like potato and macaroni, you would like this dish. The spider roll is unlike the ones you usually have. It's served in four giant pieces as opposed to a thin, long roll sliced into 7-8 pieces. It was also served traditionally without unagi sauce. The soft shell crab was fresh and crisp! As for entrees, we had vegetarian soba, tonkatsu, nabe yaki udon, and two orders of the combination platter B. The combination platter B came in one huge round plate in what resembled a mini lazy Susan. Above that was a bowl of rice, bowl of dipping sauce, plate of salmon and steak, and five pieces of tempura shrimp and vegetable. The steak is done according to your preferences and ours was perfectly done at medium rare. The tempura pieces were placed on a piece of napkin to soak up the oil. The golden yellow crust was dry and crisp! The tonkatsu was also superb! The dish came with a salad and miso soup. There were two slabs of fried pork chop and each slab was delicately sliced. It was not dripping with oil and each bite followed with a slight crunch. On the side were shredded vegetable, barbecue sauce, and rice. It was more than enough for me so I saved the second slab for lunch the next day. Last but not least, we ordered red bean ice cream, lychee ice cream, and mochi with red bean ice cream. The lychee ice cream was rich and sweet. There were small bits and shreds of lychee hidden inside! If you're not in the mood for sushi and craving for traditional home-cooking, Renga Tei would be the place to go. Despite language barrier, service was attentive and accommodating. By 10pm, we were the only table left in the restaurant but they were in no rush to kick us out.
(5)
Jordan B.

Excellent home style Japanese comfort food. Everything here is really great, food presentation is wonderful, service is great. High quality sushi & other meats & vegetables. very affordable. As a bonus they play old school jazz over the house stereo :)
(5)
Ritsu K.

Great! Authentic Japanese - chirashi sushi is fresh and delicious. Tempura crisp and light.
(5)
O.M. R.

Aweeeeesoooome!!! First time here w my sis, and i had the teriyaki salmon and she had the teriyaki chicken breast. I looooved everything from the miso soup to the salad to the salmon to the lemon mousse cheese cake(which by the way, was a heavenly finish). The rice i was NOT too crazy ab... And my sis had some issues w her dish (the skin wasn't taken off the meat although she requested it, her veggies were coldish... And she had some some dark meat on her plate as well). She didn't sent it back, but the server noticed and packed the same dish to go for her FOR FREE! He was so nice! And the entire staff was all smiles:) Awesome experience!
(5)
Effie N.

Tried it first time and it was fabulous!!! Miso soup superb! Beef teriyaki amazing! California rolls excellent Service excellent
(5)
Jennie T.

Kenny O. took me here, and my sanma shioyaki was delicious!! I was pleasantly surprised when Kenny O. informed me that all of the staff are Japanese. There were also a lot of Asian customers in the restaurant; I took this to be a very good sign. Since my friend recommended the sanma shioyaki, I ordered that. It was funny to me that both our waitress and Kenny O. were worried that I would be put off by how many bones the fish has. Um, dude? I LOVE SEAFOOD, especially fish! I think I've forgotten how much I love seafood since coming to Chicago. Renga Tei helped rekindled my love, and I was very happy about that. I think I had a goofy "I'm in love with my dish" smile on my face the entire time I was picking out the bones and eating my fish. Kenny O. made fun of me for not eating my vegetables... That's how good the fish was--I didn't even want to touch anything else on my plate! I couldn't finish my plate though. Renga Tei gave me two whole fish (fish heads included, so if you're queasy about things like that, don't order this dish) plus grilled veggies (onions, bell peppers, zucchinis), steamed broccoli, mashed daikon, and rice. This was after they had already served me miso soup and salad. I'm hoping that my fish will still taste good tomorrow. I can't wait to go back to try their other items.
(5)
Sarah S.

Last week I had dinner at Renga Tei with some friends as one person insisted it was all sorts of awesome & amazing. I have to say I wasn't impressed nearly as much as I hoped I would be. From the outside Renga Tei looks unimpressive and has a very small parking area. Once you go in, you're happily greeted and the majority of the diners being Japanese which is always a good sign at a Japanese restaurant. My friend ordered a beer and had some issues getting it because of his Australian driver's license. They must not know Asians exist in Australia! =P This put him off a bit but everyone was happy with the steak dishes they ordered. I went with maki rolls even though my friend warned me the sushi here is good but the hot dishes are what's really amazing. I got my usual philly & spicy tuna roll - Holy Spice! The spicy tuna roll was so spicy for my weak tastebuds. I went through 4 glasses of water with it. Both rolls were solid but I wasn't blown away. The prices on both their rolls and hot dishes seemed a bit much to me. With so many fantastic and amazing Japanese options in Chicagoland, I don't see myself going back to Renga Tei.
(3)
Eumi C.

This place is as good as it gets. I have NEVER been disappointed in the numerous times I've been there. Lunch, late lunch, early dinner, dinner, late dinner. SO GOOD. Their sushi is simple, fresh, and amazing. You truly get the flavor of the fish because there are no foofy sauces to hid the quality. We always get spicy tuna, super crazy roll, shrimp tempura, salmon and cucumber. Grilled ika steak is a MUST, as well as any udon. Husband loves any of the pork katsus. Their bento boxes and dinner plates/combos are FANNNTASTIC. Chirashi bowl is YUMMMM too. Sigh. everything is so good. I would be here everyday if I could. The sushi men, head server/manager are Japanses, and I LOVE IT. Calling in and reserving for dinner is smart. They can be very busy even on weeknights.
(5)
Christie W.

Renga Tei is the absolute best Japanese food I have ever had. I never turn down an opportunity to spend an evening here.
(5)
Lisa A.

It really is as good as it gets...good pricing, friendly atmosphere, family owned (I like that) and always a good menu with house specials daily and they are always good choices to choose from. You can't go wrong with the combination dinners on the back of the menu or their bento boxes. The portions are huge and the sushi is always good. My whole family loves it here. There is something for everyone, vegetarian, tofu, soft shell crab, sashimi, many grilled items, too. They like for you to make reservations and rarely have I had to wait when I make one, too. I really like their gomae, agedashi tofu, soft shell crab, sushi combinations, and they serve a good steak teriyaki instead of the traditional thin sliced beef they serve at other Japanese restaurants. Their udon is tasty too. Haven't tried their sukiyaki. Tempura is traditional with no surprises there. They have a full service bar, but my family and I don't drink so can't say much about that. Bottom line we go often and it's always busy weekend or weekdays when we've come. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Tian Y.

We went on a week day night and there was no wait. I like the layout here, lots of booths and dividers give you a lot more privacy. So the misleading thing about this place is that it's really not the type of place you go to have a quick comforting sit down meal any day of the week, because a meal set can easily cost you $30pp for a small amount of food. I guess you trade quantity for variety... So the money adds up. The food isn't perfect, but the usual simple and clean flavors are there. Bf really liked his spread of food in his combination though - salmon, steak teriyaki, tempura, rice, salad, soup. My only complaint was that my sukiyaki was WAY, WAY salty. I guess I won't be getting that again. Yeah. Pretty good food. But not always somewhere to go for a casual meal out, since you're shelling out a bit more money per person for a meal.
(4)
Pam D.

I have been coming to Renga Tei for years now and I guess I just forgot about reviewing them. I love this place, Yes, I do. It would be five stars, but I think some of the items are a tad pricey (Yes, I know sushi is expensive, oh brother do I know). I guess it is like four and a half stars. I was a bit annoyed that they didn't have any hamachi the other night. I substituted something else, but really.... no hamachi? Isn't that like a Cheese Shop with no Cheddar? Anyhow, overall, the food here is great. Apart from the sushi, I love their tempura and Christopher loves their tonkatsu. We always leave happy and yummed out! If you want the real deal, this is one of the best places to come.
(4)
Dave Y.

So far....the BEST sushi in Chicago. And I know my sushi. I was raised eating sushi because my parents own and operate sushi restaurants (in California). They put me through school via money they made selling sushi. And (I'm being super dang serious that) while I was in my mother's womb, the only food she was able to stomach was the highest grade sushi. Thus it goes without saying that it's really really hard to impress me with Sushi. Renga Tei is as good as a Sushi restaurant gets in both presentation and quality of seafood. Most sushi chefs "cover their tracks" by making rolls dosed in tubs of mayo. Ugh. And most sushi restaurants make their spicy tuna with pre-packaged and pre-meshed tuna fish...they get their salmon frozen...and they serve "white tuna," which isn't really tuna, but escolar. Renga Tei serves the freshest fish. I've eaten here three times now. The food is pricey, but well worth your money. I like to sit at the bar and enjoy watching the chef do his magic. Def try the Omakase Sushi - nice little surprise of what the chef will concoct at his own fancy.
(5)
Alli B.

Would recommend to anyone who enjoys sushi. Fantastic execution. Friendly, welcoming staff. Casual. Decently priced. Kid-friendly. Senior-friendly.
(5)
Francie N.

Excellent meal everyone in my party was very pleased. Mixed maki b sushi was fresh and the wasabi was excellent!
(4)
Jackie M.

ALways a pleasant to dine in here with my family. This is a casual authentic Japanese restaurant with mostly cooked food and fresh sashimi (not much seasoning or variety in maki rolls). My favorite would be the bento box dinner that comes with your choice of entree (fish, crab, oysters, and etc) tempura, variety of bitesize appetizers, maki roll, miso soup, salad, and ice cream! My favorite would be the fried oyster, macaroni salad, soft shell crab, Yaki soba (stir fry with nice quality beef), beef teriyaki, pork katsu. Great food and reasonable priced. The owners and the chefs are Japanese!
(5)
Wayne K.

My family has been going to this place for years. The service is always great and the food even better. I read several other reviews and was actually quite surprised at the amount of people complaining about rude service which I have never experienced. The employees are very polite (the sushi chefs make sure to thank you for coming, especially when its not dinner rush hour). I highly highly highly recommend getting the Combination B dinner/lunch which has beef/chicken teriyaki, shrimp tempera and the standard rice, miso soup, and salad. Make sure to get your meat medium because it tastes perfect that way. The sashimi appetizers and dinner is always fresh as well. If you're in the area and looking for great Japanese food, this is the place. If you're planning to go for dinner I would suggest making a reservation. The place gets very busy most nights and fills up very quickly.
(5)
Susan C.

I love this place! Don't come without a reservation because you will be sorely disappointed to be turned away. I love everything here from the combination plates to the breaded pork dish....salad is fresh and the miso soup is delicious. All reasonably priced. Cheery, bright atmosphere too. Don't miss out!
(4)
So D.

Some of the best Japanese cooked food in Chicago. Simple, not overly wrought, consistent. Nice people, clean, simple decor, fairly priced, solid. I go for the cooked food, homemade pickles, grilled squid, steamed clams, cold soba noodles, donburi, excellent agedashi tofu. Good sushi, Chicago is not Tokyo, but better than most in Chicagoland, seems to always have abalone, which is a good thing. Always a lot of Japanese customers if that means anything.
(4)
Todd S.

My first time eating sushi at a sushi place and I picked here. Excellent choice. I had so many varieties of sushi (guided by a knowledgeable friend), I couldn't begin to name them all. One tip, though. Watch out for the wasabi, its a killer!!!
(4)
Andy C.

Will Renga Tei please pay its light bill? Funny story for you - I dined with 4 other people on the evening of Veterans Day (11/11/10) and at the very end of the meal (after payment with the credit card machine, of course), the lights went out. Then they came back on for a few minutes. And then out again. And it'd be one thing if the lights went out on the entire block, but nope - I think it was just the Renga building. Not that it detracts in any way from the dining experience I had there, but it was just something humorous. Review of this revue: Location: 3 out of 5 No offense, Lincolnwood, but you're sort of Chicago's armpit pimple and the North Shore's vomit bucket. Sure, there are nice places to visit when you're in Lincolnwood, but it's not super close if you're in the city, and it's not nice enough to go to on a regular basis unless there's something that brings you back time and time again. Service: 4 out of 5 No problems. We had a nice older Japanese woman who was quick to refill our beverages and just very amiable overall. Another droll thing that happened was that of all people, I got carded for my Kirin Ichiban. I mean, I guess I should take it as a compliment that I'm almost 30 and I still get carded CONSTANTLY, but other people were drinking too and got to skip the interrogation. I kid, I kid. It wasn't that big of a deal, and the lady was really sweet about it. Food: 4.5 out of 5 Everything that we got looked wondrous. I opted for the Sashimi Renga Tei set that's offered on the last page of the menu simply because I liked variety in what I eat; the sets come with little side dishes, soups, tofu - and that's what I like. The actual sashimi itself was generous in cut (depth, width, and length), and quite fresh. Though maybe it's not the best in town, it's certainly one of the better experiences I've had. Cleanliness: 4 out of 5 You know what's weird about going to Asian restaurants in general? It's that they have the weirdest ways of storing toiletries. Case in point: at some of the Chinatown joints, they have these huge rubbermaid standing closets behind the collapsible barriers. If memory serves me correct, this place isn't any different. I wouldn't say that anything is out in the open that shouldn't be out in the open - I'm saying that some of the ways they store cleaning supplies are a little out of place. But...the good news is that overall, the restaurant was very clean and well-maintained, even though it's in an older storefront. Overall: 4 out of 5 Pretty darned good if you don't mind going out to Lincolnwood. Yes, I know that rhymed, I meant for it to. Check out my one picture for the Sashimi Set. Peace out.
(4)
Caroline A.

Renga Tei is the real deal. I was visiting with some childhood friends who had suggested "the Japanese restaurant on the corner." I really wasn't expecting much, and was very pleasantly surprised. What I love most is that Renga Tei is authentically Japanese. The menu is full of classic dishes from katsu and donburi and yakitori and zaru soba, and there is only one roll on the menu with cream cheese in it! They also serve a beautiful milky matcha green tea. I had their hamachi maki and a spicy tuna handroll. Fresh and delicious. I also had some of their vegetable tempura, which was also very good. Their beef yakisoba is great if you're looking for a hearty meal and huge portion sizes. Service was great. No complaints. Overall, this is a hidden gem in Lincolnwood. Go there now. But make a reservation because their tables fill up fast.
(4)
Evelina L.

So glad that this place is close to work! I've been to Japan, so authentic Japanese food is something that I totally crave...but I have to be honest that I expected a lot more. Maybe key to happiness are low expectations and mine were WAY high. Prices definitely reflected the authenticity and the presentation was very nice, but it didn't stand out that much among my sushi cravings. Will go back, but will be just as happy going to Dempster Fish or having something fresh made at the Whole Foods sushi bar.
(4)
Anne W.

This is a great place! Everyone who works there is extremely sweet and the food is delicious. It's very much simply traditional Japanese food. Their tankatsu is really good. I love that you basically get two pork chops when you order the dinner! My mom loves their tempura and their udon noodles. Their beef terriyaki is also pretty fantastic. If you want to have Japanese food but aren't necessarily in the mood for sushi, this is a great place. I've also had their sushi before and it's pretty awesome. I love coming here with my family!
(5)
Jennifer L.

Renga Tei is by far one of the best sushi restaurants in the Chicagoland area. You know that you've stumbled across a good sushi restaurant when you see a Japanese wait staff, Japanese sushi chefs behind the bar and a lot of Asian people eating in the restaurant. Renga Tei's sushi is THE BEST. The sushi is made well, is properly sized and reasonably priced. If you want sushi with fruit sauce or other wacky ingredients, then this place is not for you. Also, the interior of the restaurant is clean and simple - there's nothing really there to wow you. Then again, that's not what you are there for anyway. The staff is attentive and efficient. The pacing of the meal was perfect and the wait for the food was not long at all. I would recommend making a reservation because it can get crowded. Also, the parking lot is tiny, but there's another one a little bit further down from the restaurant which you can park it. Overall, GREAT sushi and worth a try if you are looking for sushi in the Chicagoland area.
(5)
Howard L.

Their take-out chiraschi matsu bowl (large) is just as fresh and good as having it dine-in.
(5)
Kristy F.

Not a bad stop. I ordered the teriyaki bento box. It wasn't mind blowing but it was satisfying and I wouldn't mind trying something else off the menu.
(3)
Minhee K.

Me and my boyfriend lovee sushi so we decided to come here. It was rated just as good as makisu, but I have to be honest the sushi is sooo much more fresher here, I still love makisu for memories but renga-tei is now my new fav for just some real japanese cuisine. I ordered the tekka don except I asked for sake (salmon) instead, it was delicuousss, the boyfriend got tonkatsu, which was so juicy and a very fair portion. Would definitely come here again! Also got lucky with the parking, came after 8pm.
(5)
Kim R.

They greeted me the moment i stepped inside which makes me feel so welcome. I had salmon sashimi and TonKatsu. I would have to say that this place is one of the best sushi place i have ever had in chicago. The TonKatsu is also really except that I wish the sauce could be little more sour. The service was great too.
(4)
Kennen M.

So fresh, so good, so real. Going here makes me never want to go to another pseudo Japanese place again. The food was very good and I enjoyed the servers who seemed amused by us non-Japanese. Also, best hot green tea I have ever had.
(4)
Mark M.

eat here often because the sushi and sashimi is always fresh and tasty, staff is friendly and courteous, just make sure you make a reservation on the weekends or you might be out of luck, everything is top notch and reasonable prices rule, bento boxes are best buy
(5)
Laura C.

I stopped off here when returning to Chicago on a work trip for dinner. It was awesome, and I totally overate. This is a great, cozy little family-owned place with actual Japanese food. I had some sushi and vegetable yakisoba. Total comfort food. Nice staff. Felt at home. I miss you, Renga Tei!
(5)
Daniel M.

Wonderful and fresh dinner as always! Felt like I'm back in Japan :)
(4)
K.S. C.

One of the freshest fish in great Chicago area. The quality of the fish offered here could be comparable to very expensive sushi bar such as Masaki in downtown. Of course, Masaki pays much more attention on details such as freshly grained Wasabi, sushi rice, and homemade soysauce but they charge two to three times more for similar amount of sushi. If you just want quality fish at reasonable price, this is a must to try. Cooked dishes are also more authentic than many other Japanese restaurants in the great Chicago area. Highly recommended.
(5)
Annie L.

Went here for a birthday dinner with a small group of people. The quality of food was good, but it could have been bigger portions for the combination meals. Nothing mind blowing, but I wouldn't mind stopping by again.
(4)
Michelle Y.

I love to order something I have not tried befpre when I go out to eat, but not here. I have to have the combination plate with the teriyaki salmon and beef, which includes perfect rice, crisp steamed broccoli with yummy dipping paste, and assorted tempura. Of course it begins with hot miso soup and the best citris dressed salad. I do like to shake it up with the pre dinner sushi, always done perfect.
(4)
Jane T.

Comprehensive menu, and really tasty sushi. The atmosphere is inviting and cozy, and the prices are reasonable. Definitely my go-to Japanese place when I'm willing to make the trek out to Lincolnwood.
(4)
Tiffany L.

I love this place! For SURE get the Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar) -- it comes either as an appetizer or an entree -- this is the most deliciously seared tender piece of fish you'll ever eat! Also, get the uni/squid/quail egg appetizer. It's amazing. Sashimi is fresh here as well, I've never had anything I didn't like! AND they take reservations. YES!
(5)
Yvonne Y.

Their tonkatsu is freshly cooked topped with eggs and served over very delicious broth. So worth it. You can order tonkatsu for children's meal so you kid can eat real, homemade food at a restaurant!
(4)
Michelle N.

Sooooo yummy!! This place is super authentic with both great sushi and amazing entrÃ©es! It is the total package when it comes to great Japanese food. I love their teriyaki sauce! I grew up getting their chicken teri don and their tempura udon! Now I always get their combo c, which is chicken teriyaki and salmon! I also love their agedashi tofu and french maki! Their sushi is also amazing! The owner of the restaurant is always working at sushi bar and has been there for 20+ years or so. To end the meal you should get their cheesecake! It has always been my favorite dessert! Service is here is friendly and attentive my tea cup was always full and food came out quickly! It gets busy there so be sure to go early or make a reservation!
(5)
Tricia D.

As spectacular and satisfying as the food is, one thing Renga Tei could work on is their hostess service, which has been consistently sluggish and borderline aggravating throughout all of my visits here. Within 2 minutes after I walked in on a Saturday night, a handful of people piled in after me, and all of us stood around amongst the people already sitting in the waiting area, looking for the hostess. Where was she? ...helping 2 waitresses clear a table. Is that really the hostess' job? And does it really make sense to acknowledge and take down the name of a party that's behind me/obviously arrived after me?
(4)
Dan S.

I had the combination B, shrimp and veggie tempura and beef and salmon teriyaki. The food was good, but I feel the cost and small portions did not match the $20+ cost. They do give you miso soup and citrus dressing salad with you dinner order. I'd go back, but I think I would order something different.
(3)
Carolyn K.

I'm of Japanese ancestry and can attest to the food being authentic and absolutely delicious. The servers are polite and efficient. The restaurant is cozy and they are very busy. Best to make a reservation.
(5)
DQ S.

Solid. Traditional. Nicely priced. Excellent service. Bravo! Tempura is just right, not oily at all. The bento boxes are perfect. My only complaint is that when you order "Chef's Choice" on the sushi dinner menu (as apposed to ordering by piece) you get a very dull selection -- my mistake for being lazy. That said, the fish was VERY FRESH and the cuts were beautiful and generous. It's the little traditional touches really set Renga Tei apart from the same-old same-old of the Lincoln Park Japanese hipster sushi joints. The bill for three (with saki), two appetizers, tip: $90
(4)
Ehow C.

I'm slowly going into katsu-induced comatose while writing this review. I'll be quick before I pass out. Service, impeccable. Definitely make a reservation, we were seated as soon as we arrived at the restaurant. My friends and I ordered a variety of appetizers in place of one person's entree, and they were, for the most part, spectacular. The fried squid, fried soft shell crab, and potato coquettes were divine. Their miso soup was solid, and their salad with the citrus dressing was excellent. I ordered a maki roll in addition to all of this, the spicy tuna deluxe. I don't how much crack they laid into the roll, but it was absolutely delicious, and plentiful given the price. My entree was the katsu curry special, and this is to blame for my current lethargic state. The tonkatsu was perfectly breaded. The curry had delicious beef and vegetables with a lovely thickness. The rice was just the right amount of sticky. I want to go back just for that dish alone. Anyway, time for bed. Go to Renga Tei, I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed.
(5)
alohamode o.

I can't believe they maintain such a quality & authentic Japanese food at place like this suburb of Chicago where not so many Japanese people are living. (normally less Japanese customer means less authentic) I live in LA where lots of good Japanese restaurants but I am totally impressed with yummy food at Renga tei. Chef/Owner is Japanese and staff (not all) is Japanese from Japan (like me). So they know what's authentic. I also like the atmosphere. I felt like I am in Japan except I hear English conversation while I eat. I like chirashi and tenpura. (tip: real authentic tenpura comes with Daikon Oroshi or grated Daikon radish like this place. Only real Japanese chef would know. FYI, many self claimed Japanese restaurant owned by other Asian don't have that)
(5)
Michelle C.

Sad. This was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. The waitress acted like she had a total issue with my party it was EMBARRASSING. When my aunt who I don't see often wants to try Japanese food I don't want the waitress, whom was *extremely* rude the entire night, look at her tip and say "Thats it?" loudly in front of other patrons then roll her eyes. SERIOUSLY? Nope. No matter how good the food is, that will stay with me forever. I can take rude waitresses, but not this.
(1)
Steve S.

As i walked into the restaurant I was surprised to see that the inside was larger than expected. Even though it is in the corner of a small plaza. The decor is very clean and welcoming. The waitress was nice and very patient with me when trying to find out what I wanted. I ended up getting the unagi lunchbox because i've been craving it for the longest time. After ordering, the food came out approximately 10 minutes which was good since I had to be back at work. The salad was watery... the california rolls are just california rolls... nothing special about them but the most disappointing part was the unagi... The sauce was their "special" blend but all i tasted was salt salt and more salt. The only way I could get it down was getting a spoonful of rice for every bite. Spending 18 dollars for a lunchbox I was expecting something amazing but I did not. It was a disappointment and will not be going back. They get 3 stars for the experience though.. nice old japanese man working the fish was very entertaining and the waitress was very nice. The decor was pleasant and it seems like a lot of regulars come in and it gives a homey environment.
(3)
Jennie C.

This place was first recommended to me several years ago by a friend's friend, who was Japanese. I've been coming here for Japanese home cooking ever since. Love their hamachi kama set, fried oysters. Actually I think I've ordered the hamachi kama 80% of the time. The various accompaniments in the set change with seasons. Service is always friendly and efficient. It's very popular and gets crowded over the weekends. Reservations are a must!
(4)
Roxanne R.

Renga Tei is my go to place for take out sushi. I think they prices are reasonable and the sushi quality is very good. I always get the Philadelphia roll with avocado instead of scallions and the french maki. The portion sizes of the rolls are pretty big too so I am beyond full with these two rolls. I've also gotten their go mae which is the best I ever. I've dined here once and they're service is good also. I have no complaints. I recommend making reservation for dining in on the weekends because the wait could be hour(s) without one. My japanese friends tell me their food is so authentic so I may have to venture out to the other entrees they offer but for the rolls I've eaten the above listed plus california, spicy tuna, salmon skin, I definitely recommend a visit!
(4)
Jeanus T.

Have been here many times but this is the first time writing a review. This is a causal family style Japanese restaurant that you wouldn't pay too much attention passing by. But this is a diamond in the dirt! Food is excellent here no matter what you order - sushi, bento box, udon, you name it and they have it. Everything is well prepared with very reasonable pricing. This place is for someone who wants the real deal without the gimmicks. When you come here, make sure you order the house green tea. The owner order it from japan and its super good!
(5)
Onur U.

I've read so many great things about this place, I have to think we went on an off night. The place has a very comfortable vibe and the service was very warm and attentive. There are a ton of sushi restaurants in Chicago and so many lack this important quality, opting instead for showy-mayo rolls and faux-techno music. The presentation on the dishes was nice as well, giving the entire experience a homemade feel. Unfortunately, I felt the cuisine fell a little short. We started off with an order of the spinach with bonito flakes. I supposed I shouldn't have been surprised when we were served a pile of boiled spinach sitting on a pool of soy sauce and topped with a generous serving of bonito flakes. I guess I was expecting more seasoning that would pair with the bonito, but really it just tasted like boiled spinach with soy sauce. For an entree I went with the buckwheat noodles with tempura. The tempura was crispy and greaseless but the batter was a little heavier than I prefer, that's more a preference than a quality issue. The noodles were soft but maintained some texture. I would've enjoyed the dish overall if they had served it with a more interesting dipping sauce, but it pretty much tasted just like soy sauce once again. My wife ordered the chirashi, which featured a generous portion and variety of raw fish. The fish ranged in quality with the salmon being a nice highlight, but the urchin and mackerel in particular were lacking in freshness and I think upset my stomach a little. Worse was the caramelized onions, pink powdered sugar pile, and overly sweet sushi rice that really interfered with the flavor of the fish. This was the sweetest chirashi plate I've ever experienced and I have to hope that was the result of a heavy hand in the kitchen rather than a stylistic choice. I can see the appeal and with some small tweaks I would've enjoyed my meal. But for my first trip, I have to say I left pretty disappointed.
(3)
Al D.

Forget Japonais, Kamehachi, Tank, and Matsuya. Renga Tei is the real deal in Japanese food. Authenticity is key here, down to the greetings and farewells in Japanese by the staff. I went here with a friend who lives in the area. I've heard of this place over the years, but never have been able to go, until yesterday. Hot towels, small origami birds to place your chopsticks in, these are are all small touches to complete your dining experience. Prices are great, too. For $14 I got miso soup, salad, beef and chicken teryaki with mustard sauce, veggies, non-greasy tempura veggies and shrimp, with rice and sauce. All was delicious. My mochi dessert was fantastic, too. Nothing I had tasted bland, overly-salty or greasy in any way. Fresh and authentic to the max. Renga Tei has and extensive menu with something to please everyone, not just sushi. Prices are very good as well. I don't need to have techno music in a hot locale with trendy drinks to enjoy Japanese food. Renga Tei is the ideal restaurant with true Japanese hospitality and cuisine.
(5)
Kenny O.

Renga Tei is the first Lincolnwood restaurant (or business, for that matter) I've ever been to during my 5-year stay in Evanston. If the restaurants in the rest of Lincolnwood are this good, then I may as well make it my future home. I don't give out 5s to many restaurants (especially Japanese), so this just underscores my good experience here. The ambiance: Renga Tei is a tiny restaurant that resembles the hole-in-the-wall izakayas in Japan more than the Japanese restaurant establishments you find in Chicago. The waitresses were all Japanese and tried speaking Japanese with me. As a failure of a white-washed Japanese American, I responded to them in English, only to be embarrassed after one of them made fun of me losing my proficiency in the language after childhood. It was all in good jest, and the waitresses reminded me of my mom and aunts. It's actually a luxury to even find Japanese people in Chicagoland, and it's something that's always made eating Japanese feel homey when I lived in California. The food: My party (the two girls in my doctoral cohort and myself) ordered a few bottles of some of their sake. It helped start the night off in a good note. We opted for cold sake since I've had a history of gagging on hot sake (even the 'good' stuff!), so we all figured that we didn't want to celebrate with my vomit. We got their blue bottle (I didn't choose the sake, so I didn't see the name), and it was really good for only being like $12/bottle. We ordered some appetizers including the ika karaage (ika is squid; karaage means breaded/deep fried), some asparagus-stuffed sausages, and uni nigiri (sea urchin 'roe' sushi). They were all pretty good, though small in portion. The prices weren't wallet-breaking by any means, so all's fine. I'm used to just getting larger appetizer portions and had to calibrate my expectations for the portion sizes here; but like I said, for the price we paid, it was probably the same value as some of the finer sushi restaurants in California that I frequented [see my review on 'Ohshima' in Orange, CA]). For my main course, I ordered the Grilled Sanma meal. I grew up eating Sanma (a.k.a. 'mackerel pike') and other really boney sakana as a kid. The Japanese waitress made sure that I knew what this was, and this is how she found out I was Japanese and yatta yatta yatta. The meal came with simple salad and miso, which weren't anything worth writing about. The sanma itself was a hefty portion--surprising really. I was expecting maybe 1 whole grilled fish, but I got 3 entire sanma, served with steamed and stir-fried vegetables and rice. The fish was nicely cooked, slightly crispy skin with really nice juicy flesh. The bones are always a big big nuisance, and I've forgotten how to properly filet sanma from not eating it for so many years, so a good amount of my dinner was spent just deboning fish before digging in. Anyway, after the sake and appetizers hit me (I also ate a small dinner a few hours earlier), I gave up and decided to take the beasts home with me. **TL;DR Seriously, though, the fish [sanma] was good. Real good.** It was also cheap. Extremely filling meal and I got to try a large sample of their menu (and finish off like 3 bottles of sake) and the bill was only like $40/person after tax and tip. The service: Really nice waitresses. Very attentive. They made fun of me a bit, but it made me really feel like I was at home haha! Top notch service. I'll be coming to Renga Tei as much as I can in the next 4.75 years. I really enjoyed my first meal here, and I'll be sure to try out the rest of the menu.
(5)
W. T.

Best authentic Japanese cuisine in town.
(5)
Len L.

When we are in the area and have a taste for Japanese food, this is the first place that comes to mind. This place usually gets very busy during evening hours, I do recommend calling in to reserve seating. They serve traditional Japanese cuisines, not too many of those crazy specialty rolls found in trendier spots. What I like is the many combination of bento boxes they offer. You need to try the grilled fish neck bone, in the appetizer section, it's pretty pricey, but very delicious. The service and ambiance is excellent. The staff is very friendly and courteous. What I like: -Food is very tasty and fresh - prepared well. -Excellent service -Large selection of combination plates. -Parking lot What I dislike: -Too far from my neighborhood.
(4)
Terry T.

I know very little about Japanese food, but I sure know great teriyaki when I have it. Their beef teriyaki is not to be missed.
(5)
Renee M.

The hostess was SO rude I was embarrassed and almost walked out. It was 5pm on a Sunday and there were many empty tables. I told her we did not have any reservations and her disgusted expression and clear exasperation made us feel awful. I am not sure I could stomach it again which is too bad because the food was delicious and the waitress was very nice.
(2)
Dominick C.

Please deport me! Deport me and send me to Japan! Or at least to Renga-Tei in Skokie! Yes. I love this place. They always have the nicest staff (some, quite nice lookers, too, hah) and the food is always delicious. I have to admit, once I have the Combination A - Beef with Chicken Teriyaki and Tempura, I was hooked. The udon and sushi is great too, for this winter nights. Pair it with some hot green tea. (Yes, I should really try something else from the menu, but I love the above so much!) Their Tokyo Lime Cheesecake is awesome, too! The owner only makes a few a night, so once they're gone, they're gone. Mmmm....
(5)
Wedee K.

Love it here. Every time I come here I always get Combination B- Beef Teriyaki, Chicken Teriyaki and Shrimp Tempura. It also comes with rice, miso soup, salad, gomae, and some side cabbage. SOOOO PERFECT. No where else in the Chicagoland can you find a tray like this. I also get the Spicy French maki which is also pretty delicious. The atmosphere is amazing. Japanese Owned, Japanese Run, and just plain awesome. TIP: Try to make a reservation. There's a better chance you will get a table because the place always fills up. Grade: A +
(5)
Adam S.

Renga Tei has good food at a fair price, but the actions of the hostess ruin the experience. There is one older woman who is usually the hostess, and she is *very* unpleasant. If you arrive without a reservation, she will roll her eyes and act like it's a terrible inconvenience to seat you, even if the restaurant is empty. We have made several visits, in the hopes that we just caught her on a bad day, but she is consistently rude, in person and on the phone. I lived in Japan for many years, so I like to visit Renga Tei. I don't want to punish the whole restaurant for the actions of one person. However, this ignorant woman has persuaded us to visit the place less and less. I hope they read this and fire her ASAP.
(3)
Natasha P.

Love at first bite. And then obsessed stalker status after finishing my entire meal. Welcome to the beginning of my love affair with Renga Tei. My boyfriend took me here to eat after we both realized we had some intense sushi cravings. He'd been here many, many times but wanted me to try it for quite some time. I'm not sure I can even find the words to aptly review this restaurant but I'll try my best. Upon walking in, we were greeted and immediately seated. The decor is cozy, the wall was painted blue, a hue of blue that was tranquil and these walls were adorned with Shoji screens. The inside of the restaurant does not at all reflect the outside of it. First we were brought hot towels, iced waters and tea before even ordering. We ended up ordering Combination A: shrimp and vegetable tempura with steak and chicken teriyaki. I was even able to order my chicken without skin and all white meat only without any complaint. In addition, we got Spicy tuna maki, the spider, the unagi and avocado maki and the French maki. Before our food came out we each got bowls of miso soup and salad. Now you can ask anyone this because I'm notorious for giving away my salad when dining in a Japanese restaurant b/c I don't like the dressing, but yesterday I ate the entire bowl. The dressing was still the same usual color and consistency but instead of it being chalky or just downright repulsive it was sweet, tangy and I enjoyed it. The combination A comes out to you on a giant platter that takes up a good portion of the table. No, the tables here aren't small - the plates of food that come to you are just large. My favorite thing on this platter was this gomae mayo that is for the fresh broccoli but I dipped everything in it. Yeah, everything. From the teriyaki chicken and steak to the tempura battered amazingness - this sauce is like finding a twenty dollar bill in your jeans pocket when you've already had a great day that you're not sure is able to get better. The portions are definitely great, not too much but definitely more than what you pay for. The sushi, literally every single roll was really fresh and better than what I had expected before I actually tasted it. Obviously I was too full for dessert, but my boyfriend helped himself to a bowl of red bean ice cream and green tea ice cream which I was told was "the best red bean ice cream" he's ever had. I'd probably disagree because I don't like red bean ice cream, but after a meal like that it wouldn't take much persuasion. With this phenomenal quality of food and service alike, Renga Tei could turn a REAL profit if they opened up a location downtown - but then again, why mess with perfection?
(5)
Keiko S.

Finally, a true Japanese restaurant that's fairly comparable to the 3-star casual places we used to frequent back in Cali. Perhaps I'm being too generous with the stars, but I think it deserves the praise in light of how deceiving the other restaurants in the area tend to be... Here are some highlights: 1) Green tea - it's the real stuff...and of course, FOC 2) Menu - a selection of authentic, comforting dishes; don't miss the daily specials - NONE of those fancy, all-in-one "rolls"! - Sashimi's are fresh and thick, just how I like them; last time I was quite happy with the hamachi and it's not even my favorite fish - Chirashi, "matsu" or ume", is very satisfying and comes with a variety of real toppings (see photos) -- this is my MUST dish - Good tsukemono on the side - Bentos are perfect for those who want a little bit of everything 3) Friendly, Japanese speaking staff 4) Japanese books/magazines at the entrance 5) Small parking lot, but at least they have one 6) SAKE!!!
(4)
Christine K.

I love Renga Tei. The food is meticulously prepared and authentic. The food is simple and beautiful, without unnecessary frills or gimmicks. I would highly recommend the soft shell crab set. It comes with agedashi tofu, pickled veggies, spinach side, and fruit. The soft shell crab is fresh and very lightly breaded. The dipping sauce is a perfect accompaniment. Everything I've had there has been great and it's my go-to restaurant every time I'm in the area. I love the cute Japanese lady that has been greeting me at the entrance for as many years as I've been going there. :)
(4)
Kevin L.

Renga Tei is not wholly unlike that awesome band that you couldn't wait to see in concert because their recorded music is so dope... yet when you experience them live, they can't keep it together. I may or may not be talking about Counting Crows here... After all the hype from my sister about how her Japanese friend always comes here with his family for the most delicious, authentic J-food in the area, I figured it had to be pretty good. However, the best word I can muster to describe my meal here is "filling." I think my failing was in comparing the nabeyaki udon here to the ones I've had in the past elsewhere... and although the offering at Renga Tei is probably more traditional, it did not inspire awe. Yes, the steaming hot bowl came with plenty of udon noodles, a tightly-wrapped wad of greens, a whole soft-poached egg, a slice of fishcake, two chunks of -very- well done chicken, and a side of some juicy shrimp tempura. Nowhere to be found were the fine trappings of mushrooms, scallions, delightfully fatty pork belly, or the like. If not for the fact that at an extremely similar price point (in NYC, during dinner hours, no less) I had a far more impressive meal, I probably would have been more gung ho in my praise of Renga Tei. I did note, however, that the lunch bentos looked quite beautifully arrayed. Mom reportedly didn't think her sashimi was fresh, and the one piece of teriyaki beef I sampled off my sister's plate was tough (likely her error by ordering it well done). But at least the service was spot on...!
(3)
Mike T.

I grew up near this restaurant and still go back to this day. I am confirming what most people have already wrote in their reviews that this place is awesome and one of my favorites. Whether I am ordering Tonkatsu, Katsu Curry, Bento Box, Teriyaki Combination dinners, fried oysters, or chicken wings, I have never been disappointed. If you are in the area or even if you are not, STOP BY!
(5)
DR. S.

My wife and I have been going to this place for few years, and the reason we like this place because of their high quality food. The texture of the sushi rice is exactly same as what we had when we were in Japan. There are a lot of sushi restaurants in Chicago,and they are mostly serving American style Japanese food which put a lot of different sauces in the roll or even in sashimi. How can you really taste the freshness of the fish with all kinds of sauce in it???? But this particular one, they are so much different than the others Japanese restaurants. We enjoyed it.
(4)
Jason P.

This place isn't exactly the ideal spot for me with the limited vegetarian options, but it is pretty good. The service could use some upgrading but that might have had something to do with a language barrier. A nice hole in the wall that is always packed. This is where Japanese people come for Japanese food.
(3)
Veronika R.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed Renga Tei yet...we've been going here since before we moved to the area - I think it was on recommendation of one of my honey's clients, while we still lived in either Andersonville or Lakeview, so we've been coming here for at least 7 years now. Renga Tei is our go-to place when we have a hankering for sushi (which is every couple weeks). The decor is no-frills, the service is excellent and the sushi is delicious. We usually sit at the sushi bar, and for some reason, no matter what night we go, we see the same elderly couple at the sushi bar. EVERY SINGLE TIME. It's really bizarre, but hey, if I had the money and didn't enjoy cooking, I'd be at Renga Tei every night too. Really. Even though we are "sort of" regulars, and the sushi chefs recognize us, we're kind of shy about chatting them up, but from time to time we've gotten recommendations. We're pretty set in our ways, fish-species-wise, and have definite favorites that we always order, and I think they know that! I feel like I've left my sushi-experimentation days behind, when I was young and free and my girlfriends and I were pretty much open to trying any sushi restaurant that we saw, for better or worse. Now that I'm older and more settled down, I prefer quality over quantity and trendiness. A typical order consists of the spicy tuna deluxe maki, negi hamachi maki, tuna, salmon and unagi nigiri. I personally LOVE the eel, my honey can take it or leave it, but he'll humor me and eat it sometimes. Everything is always super fresh tasting, tender and buttery soft. The eel is just crisp on the edges, and the eel sauce isn't too sweet, as it can be sometimes. Occasionally we don't feel like having sushi (WHAAAAT?!?) and we'll order the teriyaki beef or chicken. I prefer the teriyaki chicken (I like chicken more than beef), and it's super moist and tender - it seems to be broiled (?) with the skin on, and is so juicy. It comes with sauteed veggies on the side (broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms) and a dollop of a sauce that I have no idea what it is, but I always dip my veggies in it and it's super-yum! I wish I could get my broccoli steamed to that exact point they do it, and the zucchini is always perfect. We've also had the tempura vegetables and shrimp, and of course, you can't go wrong with a lightly breaded/fried shrimp (they're huge), and veggies. Of course, we don't really eat fried food anymore, so we haven't had the tempura in a couple years, nor have we had the spider roll, but both are absolutely delicious, and if you don't care about eating fried food, I recommend both. The prices are reasonable, and we usually spend around $50 for the 2 of us, for 3 rolls, 4-6 pieces of nigiri, miso soup and a large Sapporo for my honey. I usually just have the hot green tea - it's intensely green and smooth, not at all "dirty" tasting (it's made with powdered green tea), and we leave pleasantly full.
(5)
Chris S.

Amazing Japanese food. I lived in Japan for 3 yrs and could safely say that it's high-quality authentic washoku. Didnt expect that in chicago... Very pleasantly surprised! Highly recommend to any locals or tourists
(5)
Diana N.

I've lived in quite a few areas and have done the sushi thing, Coast, Japonais, House of Sushi, etc etc. Never in my life have I tasted fish this way. The freshest in the city, from the tuna to tako. Very authentic ambience since its run and visited by a truly Japanese crowd. You wont be disappointed, dining in or taking out.
(5)
Dima M.

And we're taking away 3 stars. Actually, if I could take away all 4 stars that I had initially given this place, I would. My friend and I showed up on Monday evening to grab a bite. The hostess looked all distressed and almost treated us like little children. "NO RESERVATION? Oh no, I don't know. How about sitting at the bar?" We did not want to sit at the bar. We could clearly see there were at least 3 open tables and no one else waiting. The hostess had such an attitude, so we tried to be extra nice, and finally she sat us down at one of the empty tables. We ordered as anyone would normally, and we ordered a lot of food. Throughout the whole dinner, the waitress was extra rude to us. She was obviously told we were the bad people who showed up without reservations. The waitress was practically throwing the food in our faces. Like I said, we ordered a lot of food, then we ordered desserts, and some more tea. The waitress brought our bill, while we were still eating our dessert, which we thought was very rude. We paid our bill and sat around to finish our dessert and tea. The waitress came by, picked up the signed receipt, and whispered under her breath, "there are people waiting, so can you ....?" We didn't catch what the end of that sentence was, but we figured out that we had just been asked to leave. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? We could not believe it. We got up, knowing that this was the last time we would be coming to this place. On top of that, as we walked out of the place, and saw there were other empty tables and there was NO ONE waiting to be seated. Obviously, the owners or the people running this place are greedy. If it really mattered that we had no reservations, they could've told us that we had to wait for an hour, and then we would've gone elsewhere or waited, but they were too greedy to lose out on the business. But then to practically kick us out? That was a new low for any place I have ever been to. I think a lot of restaurant owners in this country need to learn that people go out to eat not just to eat, but to socialize. Renga Tei, no matter how good your food is, I am never setting foot in there again, and I will tell people not to go there. What a disappointment and rude treatment! The service is probably the worst I have ever seen. FAIL!
(1)
Kevin T.

I used to hate sushi as a kid (crazy, right?) But ever since my first meal at Renga Tei, I fell in love with sushi. Since then, I had not stopped coming back here. The sushi is superb and is always fresh. My typical meal consists of: Unagi pieces California rolls Spider rolls (my favorite) Spicy tuna rolls Shrimp tempura Tonkatsu meal (of course this is usually shared among a group) My only problem with their sushi is that it is very limited. I am a big fan of the dragon roll and was disappointed that they do not have it on their menu. I can't say much about their main courses because I've never really had anything besides the tonkatsu and some chicken teriyaki. But if I were to base their other meals from those 2 alone, I'd say they are quite delicious. The only reason I'd give this place a 4 star and not a 5 is because of their more limited sushi menu. Otherwise, it would be a 5 in my book.
(4)
Stacey P.

I have been coming to Renga Tei since I was a wee lass. Actually, when I was a little kid, I'm not even sure it had the same name. I know it switched owners at some point in my pre-teendom, but I'm not sure if the name was switched as well? Anyway, I have fond memories of coming to "renga tei" and getting the kids plate, which came on a cute compartment sanrio plate, had tamagoyaki, onigiri, and some kind of teriyaki meat (depending on what I ordered) with a salad. It was my favorite!!! Well, that was when I was 6. 24 years later, I *still* love Renga Tei. My favorite thing to order here (and, uh, pretty much what I order every time) is the Katsudon. Yes, I know, so basic, and there is so much at Renga Tei to love, but it is SOOO good here. When I was in Japan, I went to a katsu place and the katsu don was ALMOST as good as renga tei. (Although the katsu SET was better .. :P ) The katsudon at renga tei is perfectly made and has the egg placed wonderfully on top!! When you break it open, the soup and steam hit your face and the smell is DELICIOUS. Then comes the shoveling of delightful food into your mouth. That's right, shoveling, because at least for me, it's all I can do not to just pick up the bowl, surgically alter my mouth to open wider, and DUMP the whole thing in. Um, but slow down cowboy... It's probably better to savor the deliciousness :) I have tried other things at renga tei, all good. I love it that this restaurant is one of the FEW japanese restaurants actually OWNED by japanese people. Another thing I love? That Renga Tei is not what "japanese food" is to people in Chicago. . . I.E. hip sushi joint with low lighting and smooth beats. Why is that japanese food?!?! nonono. That is an americanized sushi place. If you want JAPANESE FOOD, come to renga tei. Anyway, now I'm craving my lunch set from when I was 6. I wonder if they can whip that one up for me (and if it's not on a cute sanrio plate, don't bother!!!) HA!
(5)
Tom K.

This is our favorite local sushi restaurant. The decor and furniture are cozy to say the least, very old. But the food is great. I love the pork katsu, curries, and fried anything. My wife loves all the rolls, udon, and fish quality. She used to work in sushi restaurants, so her standards for sushi are pretty high. This place has great quality fish and prices that don't scare us away!
(5)
Michelle L.

I heard some great things about Renga Tai, from a friend and Yelp, so I was excited to give it a try, especially since I've driven by so many times. In a word: underwhelming. I ordered a combination with teriyaki chicken and salmon, and tempura. The salmon was very thin, overcooked, and had a very fishy flavor that was unlike salmon (I eat salmon 1 to 2 times per week). The teriyaki sauce that smothered the salmon and chicken was super thick, not a fan. The chicken was actually pretty good though, had a nice char, and the salad it came with had a very tasty dressing. But then....the tempura was so boring!! The shrimp was fine, but it only came with 3 other pieces of very small veggies - 2 pieces of I think purple potato (not good) and 1 piece of a pepper of some sort. Not impressed. And the tempura sauce had no flavor. My companions sushi looked pretty good and he enjoyed it, I wish I had ordered that. Perhaps if I ever go back and get the sushi I can update this review to be more positive, but I doubt I'll be returning.
(2)
Eric V.

I just need to give this place another bump cause I love it so darn much. Whenever I'm in the mood for Japanese comfort food Renga Tei is option one. They certainly do sushi well, but I typically go for their hot entrees. Their teriyaki is my favorite around the city, and I've recently grown an affinity for their Katsu Curry. The Katsu Curry, which is made in limited quantities, is typically on their weekend specials menu. The dish consists of Tonkatsu (panko breaded pork cutlet), a bowl of hearty beef and potato curry, and steamed rice. The curry is hearty and flavorful without being overpowering. Quite the perfect winter dish. The dining area is no frills but it's clean and comfortable. The food is the real star here and the price point is spot on for the food quality and quantity. They do take reservations, which are a pretty good idea during prime time hours on Friday and Saturday.
(5)
Zand S.

Excellent food and appetizers. Their bento boxes are more than enough and good suggestion for those who would like to get familiar with the food. My favorite is the Chirashi matsu (large). Reservation is strongly recommended. The service is so-so due to being overwhelmed , it took them 20 minutes to take orders as the server was forgetful and too busy, I brought it to her attention after 15 minutes and was about to walk out until the hostess finally realized and took over... Well worth and recommended.
(4)
Gerry T.

I've been coming here since the late 90's and even when it changed hands, the food and the staff have remained authentic Japanese. Which of course adds to the ambience and total experience, for example, the sushi chef looks like he trained in Japan, an older fellow who is very meticulous in his movements and technique. His ronin-like stoicism is due to high concentration on the rolls and sashimi. The bento boxes are delicious and reasonably priced. The servers are pretty and kind. It's 5 minutes from my house and Matsuya in Wrigleyville closed so...Renga Tei is currently my favorite Japanese restaurant.
(4)
Jennifer W.

One of the best Japanese restaurants in the area. Great sushi and entrees. I had a yummy combo plate that included salmon, beef and shrimp, and came with soup, salad, veggies and rice. All for under $20. My husband had a delicious curry pork dish. Only downside was slow service, but we hardly noticed since the food was so good.
(5)
Stanley L.

Very warm feeling when you go inside, staff are friendly altho a little bit slow, but the food is great! very traditional yet looking modern, price isn't too expansive for the quality of food you get. It's not really a place to take a first date to, but definitly a place where you can become a regular and have a wonderful japanese meal. I love their Ika and Uni appertizer, age tofu is good too, yummie.
(5)
Amber R.

Lucky me to work so close to this excellent restaurant. I lunch here at least once a month. I've never had to wait for a seat but sometimes finding parking can be difficult. My favorites are the a la cart or lunchbox specials - I usually get the chicken teriyaki or the shrimp and vegetable tempura. It's enough food to overfill you for a reasonable price - and hot green tea is free. The lunch combos are good too but too much food for me. No complaints about the service.
(5)
Max V.

The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because of the usual wait for a table, but that is to be expected with food this good. My grandparents have been coming here since it first opened, and luckily enough my grandmother knows half the waitstaff so we always get very friendly service. Everything on the menu is authentic and the sushi is always fresh. I haven't had anything I have disliked yet (except the uni, but I would hate that anywhere.). The chirashi matsu is my go-to meal just because of the volume and variety of sashimi that you recieve. The food prices are reasonable, with some of the maki rolls stretching a bit to the pricey side. If you are trying Japanese food for the first time, I would recommend the yakisoba. Even though its a traditional Japanese dish, the pickiest of American eaters will be happy with it. Make reservations ahead of time to avoid the wait. If you don't mind sitting at the sushi bar, there is usually always a seat or two open.
(4)
Kenneth C.

The food is good with decent portions. I always get the bento boxes. Service is somewhat slow even when there aren't many diners. After being seated, we didn't get our menus until 5-10 minutes later.
(3)
Leslie G.

If you are looking for authentic Japanese cuisine that is straight forward, this is the place for you. It is not fancy nor elegant but classic in its decor and food preparation and presentation. Good to see a Japanese restaurant owned and operated by Japanese. Staff is Japanese as well as the primary chefs and sushi chefs. This is my monthly go to!
(5)
Jiyoun B.

This place is so Japanese. It doesn't look busy or sometimes open from the outside but once you're inside, it feels like stepping into a busy but quiet restaurant in Japan. When you first go in, they'll ask if you have a reservations. If you say no, they'll say "Oh. I'm sorry" and then turn around while you figure out what just happened. They'll come back in five minutes to ask if you'd like to sit at the sushi bar. It's their way of saying, "Please make reservations next time you dine with us" but I don't mind sitting at the sushi bar so.... Their sushi is pretty fresh given that Chicago is no where near an ocean. But I go to Renga Tei for their authentic Japanese dishes like sukiyaki and grilled unagi. It's a good place to go if you don't mind the Japanese way of hospitality. Tip: Parking is ample. Parking is available on three sides of the building.
(4)
Thuy N.

This is as authentic Japanese as you can get. The sushi is always fresh, the staff friendly and attentive. I love the family atmosphere and the fact that the ladies working here are all Japanese. However, their menu is not as large scale as other restaurants I've been to.
(4)
Shigenobu A.

It feels like home when you come into Renga Tei. When you first walk in your welcomed in Japanese by one of their staff. My family has been going here for years so they usually know all of our favorites. Tables are usually small and comfortable. I would recommend the Saba Teriyaki, the Steak Appetizer, or the Katsudon bowl to everyone. In 2009 we were inside when someone drove into the rear kitchen and were evacuated out. During the time that they were closed we realized how much we missed Renga Tei as no other place could compare. Quick Tips: - Be sure to call in before hand and reserve. -Only use the hot towel (Oshibori) to wipe your hands before the meal, please don't use it on your face.
(5)
Ney N.

You need to make a reservation or you won't get a seat. I've made that mistake once before. The food are great! The service is also very nice too boost. My favorite is the teriyaki beef bento set. I don't know what is the yellow sauce they serve on the side but I could eat broccoli dip in that sauce for a meal! The quality of sushi is very nice too. Their rice flavor is a bit on the mild side but still very delicious!
(4)
Michael R.

A good friend of mine introduced us to this place the other night. I can;t thank him enough for it. From the moment we walked in, I loved it. The staff was very friendly and it had such a traditional Japanese atmosphere. You can tell the place is frequented by regulars. Most of the customers in there seemed like very traditional Asian regulars and that is a good sign because I can imagine they are the toughest critics. The appetizers were great, the sushi was amazing, the food was excellent, the desserts were great and the service we received was excellent. I will definitely return to this place. There were a few groups there and you can tell the restaurant did a great job of keeping them all happy. Also, I noticed everybody was given chopsticks and you had to actually ask for a fork! I loved this! Mainly because it is quite the opposite everywhere you go nowadays. It was nice to see such a traditional place keep holding onto their traditions. Tips - Make reservations. I seen people waiting a bit to eat and the place is small. Also, don;t wipe your face with the hot towel and don't stick your chopsticks in your food and let it sit like that. Both of those acts are disrespectful and makes us look like filthy Americans. If you are looking for very flavorful and traditional Japanese food, then this is the place to try.
(5)
Audrey C.

Your average neighborhood sushi joint with above average prices. To me, the premium added onto the price is justified by the fact that Japanese patrons frequent the restaurant, which indicates authenticity of the food. Afterall, it's heck of a lot cheaper to go to Renga Tei and eat with Japanese folks than to go to Japan and eat with Japanese folks. Flawed logic? Perhaps but works for me. ;)
(3)
Ws's Mama H.

Renga Tei is one of few places in Chicago that has authentic Japanese taste. Maybe it was just me but when I have eaten here three times, they were just ok. It was nothing exciting. Plus I was not fond of an old Japanese wait staff, who was mean to me :( But if I'm in mood for some authentic Japanese food and don't feel like driving to the burbs, I would probably eat here.
(3)
Cecilia T.

Genuine Japanese food in the suburbs? Unheard of...or NOT! Renga tei is what you might call very authentic " hole-in-the-wall yet a sit down" Japanese restaurant with very good prices for the quality & authenticity of the food and the sheer amount of food that comes per dish! My family has been coming here for years so we know what we like =) Don't be taken aback by its worn out looking location in the middle of a tiny strip center. Wait until you try the food and then you'll know you found a secret gem of yumminess! I LOVE THIS: - For appetizers, their Chicken wings are delicately crisped in a tasty ginger garlic soy sauce. Soooo juicy and steaming!! -Also love the Asparagus and Enoka Mushroom appetizer - this is SO tasty and delicately flavored. -Their Combo Sets on the back of the menu are THE best deal! You get so much variety for a good price. I chose the Steak set Medium Rare while my husband got the same set Medium Well. If you're cool with red meat, we both liked the Medium Rare version best - the steak is well peppered and tender. Other standout items that come with this set is the Tofu soup (a lot of it and in a tasty sauce), fruit, and pickled veggies. - My family also orders their Combination Boxes - the sushi . All of their combo boxes have great portions and quality -The Sashimi Bento Boxes are also really good and SO fresh!!! Even the Tamago Egg that comes in some of the bentos is the real deal - looks freshly made and tastes soooo good!. QUITE GOOD: -Their asparagus beef roll is pretty good - lightly flavored with a bit of meat wrapped in the asparagus. - Miso soup can be just miso soup, and then there's miso soup at Renga Tei - it just tastes so good! They add a nice mix of seaweed and tofu to warm the belly.
(4)
Justin B.

Ive lived down the street from this place for so long, and I JUST finally tried this place out and I must say...I wish I went here sooner. Very authentic Japanese food, the sushi is very fresh, menu is full of variety, and my combination A plate was quite filling to say the least. a MUST try, under the appetizers, I believe its called golden nuggets? TRY THIS, it will not disappoint, I could order 2 of those w a side of rice and make it a meal
(5)
Kato t.

A friend of mine is real picky on food, and yet she chose this place as one of her favorites for sushie so it had to be good to satisfy her selective-ness. Well, it was. The food is really great, the people I found to be quite warm and welcoming, but it was also something about the interior design that felt so cozy, quite, and home-y. With great food and a tranquil atmosphere, I really could just pop in here for lunch to just take a breather. They DO have certain hours though, so it's best to check their hours of business. All in all, I DO love the place and I can only recommend it.
(4)
jerry m.

This is the best Japanese restaurant near Chicago. I spent 6 months in Japan, and would have to say this comes the closest to authentic home-cooked Japanese food. Also, the spicy tuna rolls are stuffed with more tuna than rice! I didn't appreciate this until I was at an unnamed sushi place on Belmont near Sheffield which had almost all rice with small sliver of tuna. - happy gaijin
(5)
Malissa L.

Decor - neat and clean Ordered edemame to start Sushi A plate - which included mackeral much to my delight. Overall the sushi was fresh and 5 star! I believe it was tuna, salmon, mackeral, something else, egg and a california roll. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a cali roll made with cucumber and that fake crab. The cali roll I was served did not have the fake crab, which is fine with me because I prefer to order it that way, however I did not, so I was surprised. salad and miso soup accompanied dinner Only had water as I was tea'd off from too much tea all day - total tab for moi was $23 including tip. They get three stars because of the following - I do not like to wait to pay. If i'm sitting there with my credit card out when you present the bill, just take a second to see if I hand it right back. No take out menu. When I asked for one, the women, I believe is probably part owner kept telling me they are too busy to do take out most of the time so they don't do take out but sometime you can get take out, but no take out menu. Which is a real shame. Parking lot probably handles what the restaurant can handle so if you can't find a parking spot, keep driving.
(3)
Tae H.

First of all, please do not be confused on prior reviews stating the wait staff is "easy on the eyes" and "nice lookers" . That is true if you are Stevie Wonder. Now that we have that clarified, lets discuss the food and the service. The food can be described as "authentic", " home made", and "comforting". No fancy decorations or outrageous rolls with fruit sauce. It is very good and you feel like a japanese grandmother made it just for you. We had the combination dinner sets. Steak-salmon teriyaki, chicken-salmon teriyaki. spicy tuna deluxe maki and boston Maki. The sauce is rich and thick, almost honey like. Portions are large. Sushi is outstanding, Proper temperature and rice texture with nice selection of fish not available at other restaurants. Service can be described as efficient, quick, and no nonsense. similar to dealing with the mamasans at an asian massage parlor.
(4)
Lea L.

The whole family love this restaurant. Salmon Teriyaki was very good as well as the shrimp tempura.
(4)
Chris W.

The first hint that this was going to be great food was that Japanese people kept piling in through the door, and that was a thumbs up for me to eat here. The interior of the restaurant isn't much to rave about, they do have a separate sushi bar if you do prefer, but the purpose of eating here I would have to say is really all about their hot dishes. The combination A is basic but absolutely delicious. If you're feeling more adventurous they have a lengthy menu. I've eaten here twice so far and plan on returning but from what I know at the moment, the shrimp is cooked perfectly (and I'm not a big shrimp fan), their tempura is the best I've had in a long time, their chicken and beef are both EXQUISITE and the chicken I have to rave is ULTRA tender. While having dessert (lime cheesecake) I was a little freaked out by the fact that out of what looked like a lemon slice I ended up eating something with the consistency of gelatin...and tasted more like that than an actual lemon. So I'm not quite sure what that was, but I'm still alive weeks later to tell the tale so assumably it's digestible! It's too pricey to go on a regular basis but if you're interested in a big meal out for a nice occasion hit Renga tei. It's really really good.
(4)
Kenny N.

There is a time and a place for expensive trendy sushi joints. I like me some Japonais- BUT there is also a time and place for good-solid Japanese food. I am a Japanese American living in Chicago. This is where my family eats. This is a place where 90% of the time we go to eat here...we see someone else (of Japanese heritage) we know. Yes...this place is full of regulars. So yea, if you want good solid Japanese food...this is the place.
(5)
Mark S.

Had the distinct pleasure of eating lunch here Monday a week ago while in the Windy City for a brief business trip. Arrived a few minutes early before opening time and they unlocked the door to let me sit while the final preparations were being made; domo arigatou gozaimus. Ordered ika sansai and the sanma lunch box; sanma shioyaki, goma-ae, salad, some pickled veggies, etc. Sanma shioyaki on the menu is typically a clear statement that you're in a decent Japanese establishment. Plenty of other traditional Japanese food offerings, wish I was in town longer to try them all! Japanese staff, customers, the works. Topped off my meal with a glass of rei-shu and that definitely was the right choice to finish off a very relaxing meal. Come and get you some ....
(5)
Lena M.

Boy do I miss this place! My hubby and I would eat here at least twice a month. This is true authentic Japanese with lots of Japanese people eating here. That's always a great sign of good food. They have by far, the best teriyaki steak ever! They ask you how you want it cooked, mmmm... Med. rare. It's real steak, not thinly sliced pieces of steak/beef as other Japanese restaurants serve. Their salad is served with this really tasty sesame ginger dressing. The sushi is fresh and well made. The tempura is crispy and light. I've never had a bad meal here. Try the Toyko Lime Cheesecake... It's so good... I want the recipe for it! Good selection of sake and the green tea is the real deal! YUM! I only wish we didn't live so far from Renga Tei anymore. It gets packed around dinner time, arrive early or be prepared to wait.
(5)
David R.

Their maitre'd service leaves much to be desired. They not only had no table ready for us despite our 7 pm reservation, several times we were told that our table would be ready momentarily only to continue to wait. We were finally seated at 7:15. Thankfully everything was uphill from there. The menu was extensive, but my friend and I were jonesing for sushi and made some great choices. The best was the Crazy Chicago Roll, with four different kinds of fish as well as cucumber and masago. That was a large roll in four pieces which cost $9.50 and was worth every penny. We had oshinko and yellowtail/scallion, both very good. Our one misstep was the plum paste/Japanese basil roll. The sweet, potent plum and the pungent basil did not match well in our opinion. We also got some serviceable pork dumplings at the top of the meal. All together, it was $29 for all five items. That's a great deal for above-average sushi in a straightforward but pleasant environment.
(4)
Anna V.

Renga Tei is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants because of the authentic food and atmosphere. I usually get the Combination C, and everything that comes with it is delicious. It starts with a miso soup, which is standard and tasty, and then the salad that comes after has an amazing dressing. It's really simple, but I love how light and refreshing it is, and I believe it might have a touch of miso. For the entree, I usually get salmon and chicken teriyaki, and I think their teriyaki sauce is one of the best I've had (not too thick, not too watery). I even like the dipping sauce for the broccoli, it has a sesame taste to it. Their shrimp and veggie tempura is crispy and tasty. I also appreciate how they have complimentary green tea with refills. If you're not too full, I recommend the lime cheesecake, it's very light and delicious. The service is always friendly and attentive, and I like how you can make reservations ahead of time. I highly recommend Renga Tei!
(5)
Jennifer W.

Love! Love! Love! The food. My favorite is the Bento Box "C" meal. I have nibbled on several appetizers and several of the sushi rolls and everything is simply yummy. Now for the bad news...the hostess is a witch! I came with 2 other friends and she was completely rude to us for not making reservation. SO we made reservation on our 2nd visit and not only were she still rude to us, but she sat walk-ins to tables and made us wait. I really don't know what her problem is, but we were still polite and did not let her ruin our meal. On an up note, even though the hostess is rude the wait staff is completely opposite. Our waitress was very kind and helpful. They don't mind explaining items on the menu or recommending items to eat. Even though it's hard getting a table I would still recommend trying the place out. The food is too good to pass up.
(3)
Gaby C.

Craving sushi so I relied on my local yelpers. Renga tei had decent reviews. Carried out california roll, French roll and shrimp & cucumber roll. Everything was good. Nothing out of the ordinary. I would prob go back to try their food. My only complaint is that the rolls were cut very big. Like eat with a fork & knife big.
(3)
Victoria h.

***Update 10/19**** I lowered the rating to 4 stars because of the service. Went back with my husband. He's not a fan of sushi, so he ordered chicken with noodles. It took us a good 15 minutes to place the order. Then another 20 to get our food. I don't know if they were understaffed, but next time I'll snack before coming here. For my original review, read below. --------------------------------- Wow! That's all I can say! A friend and I went there on a Saturday night. There was a 20 minutes wait because we didn't make reservations. Fine with me. We waited. Once we sat down we ordered a ton of sushi. California Roll (of her), Boston Roll (Tuna and Avocado), Spicy Tuna, Eel, and Smoked Salmon roll. The rolls were full of fish. Probably close to twice the amount of fish you usually get. The fish was fresh and very tasty. One of their specials was live oysters, we weren't balsy enough to try them though. The restaurant serves traditional and common Japanese food, so if you don't like sushi there are plenty of other options. Our final bill was $32. Wow. Great price for great sushi!
(4)
Demetrio P.

Had to mention that my fave thing to order at Renga Tei is their Beef/Steak Teriyaki. It's always cooked perfectly, slightly marbled, and always tender!
(4)
Jon L.

The significant number of elderly Asian diners at Renga Tei might signal that this long established strip mall restaurant is a Japanese cuisine destination. Enticing daily specials are offered on the board in the entryway (where you might spend some time if you did not plan ahead or choose to dine at an off hour) while an encyclopedic menu of cooked and raw favorites await once seated. Although it may be difficult, save room for Eastern takes on dessert, like Tokyo lime "cheesecake" and jello, available in coffee or an intense orange. Service is delivered by a team of competent dowagers who, along with the sushi chefs, yell at you as you depart. Worth a detour.
(5)
L B.

We order carry out from here and it's always delicious. It's a little pricey, but worth it, especially if you have friends or family visiting and you don't want to serve something sub par.
(4)
Michelle G.

Great, authentic Japanese food. The restaurant gets VERY busy, especially on the weekends. I recommend reservations. Every time I have been there, the service was good, but can be slow. The food is great. This is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area. My family, friends, and I frequently dine-in and even carry-out. Reasonably priced.
(5)
Bryan S.

Renga Tei is a great place for really good and authentic Japanese food. The food is fresh, especially the Sushi, always well prepared and most of all it is a clean establishment. Their menu is extensive. Recommend making reservations in advance. NOW FOR THEIR DOWNSIDE - SERVICE: While we enjoy the food, the service is questionable, the SERVERS can be EXTREMELY PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE. We were given SUBSTANDARD SERVICE at our table (not a busy night) and therefore decided to leave an equally deserving tip, 10% of the total bill. No, I am not cheap, for outstanding service, I have given a tip equivelant to the cost of a meal elsewhere. The server returned suggesting that we did not give her enough of a tip. SHE WOULDN'T LEAVE OUR TABLE UNTIL SHE SAW SHE HAD A BIGGER TIP COMING! I was really put-off to say the least, but my wife being the kind person she is, cooperated by taking two dollar bills out of her wallet to add to the tip. I would have probably deducted from the 10% she didn't deserve to begin with. I have never in my fifty years of dining out seen such behavior, whatever happened to manners? My suggestion? Get takeout, the food is good. If you pay that much for the food, don't risk leaving with a bad taste in your mouth as a result of the wait staff.
(2)
Vijay M.

Can I get a 4.5?? So far, out of all the times I've visited, 3 or 4 times I got delayed. Their Bean curd dessert wrapped in bamboo leaf is to die for. Atleast it makes me melt. . . !! Fish, Steak, Chicken all are really good. If you like Sushi, and Authentic(Not the Vegas roll, Arizona amazement, etc)they got lot of traditional stuff. Even if you are not into Sushi Do not worry, they have Steak, Chicken for your taste. Little pricey but worth the experience, and wait. I like the chefs and natural wait staff(meaning, they don't have fake smiles, when they're upset you see it, not in the service but in their face). I like the authenticity of the people too. Their food is amazing, and enjoy wonderful company of the Chef's if you sit in the Bar. Only when I am hungry I get a little impatient thats why I took a star away. NOW !! Where is my red bean paste?? Bring it right away . .(Oh! they're closed on Tuesdays).
(4)
Natassia M.

This is my FAVORITE Japanese restaurant. I first went here for my boyfriend's birthday about 6 years ago and fell in love within the hour (with the restaurant, not the boy). The hostess is an older Japanese woman who I absolutely adore and I hope she stays there forever. She is very enthusiastic, friendly and welcoming. From the amazing appetizers (The Agedashi tofu is amazing, and it dances!) to the freshest and most perfect sushi I've ever eaten. This place is so authentic and I love it. My boyfriend and I have stayed here until we were the last ones at the restaurant (Valentine's 2010! They decorated the restaurant with paper hearts along the walls. Cute!) because we had to have our dessert and the Mr. is the slowest eater in the entire world. Did I mention dessert? Their mango sorbet is heavenly, the green tea ice cream is superb and the mochi is so tasty. The prices are decent and you get the exact quality you pay for. Great service! Great staff! Great food! I seriously think this restaurant is the reason my boyfriend and I have stayed together for so many years. I will never stop going here. I'm definitely going to try their bento lunch boxes soon!
(5)
Martha A.

We have been going here for over 20 years. We are never disappointed with the quality of food or service. It can be quite busy on many days so either make a reservation, come for an early dinner, or be willing to wait. Parking can be tricky as well. Simple wood decor makes this a great place for small groups on a weeknight. Will definitely keep coming to Renga Tei
(4)
Morgan H.

Simple, perfection!
(5)
Pam S.

We came here with my B's family, who had been regular patrons of this place for years. When I asked his cousin, "So, what's good here?" - he responded that everything was good. And, boy was he right! Everything we tried at this place was delicious, from the roasted eggplant appetizer, to the beef steak (renga-tei style with splendid dipping sauce), Sushi B, the chirashi bowl, and all the rolls. The unagi and avocado roll was totally awesome - considering that I'm not a huge fan of eel. All the raw fish were also very fresh and of generous cuts. We had a nervous, hyper waitress who was nearly completely uncomprehendable (one notch up on the traditional scale!), but provided us with great service. Very reasonable prices, and a pleasant atmosphere. If I ever move to Chi-town, I'd probably become a regular patron too!
(5)
April P.

Best kept secret in the northern suburbs. This place is authentic and quaint. Came here to celebrate a birthday, as the bday boy chose this place. I had my doubts, I hadn't even Yelped them before, so I took my chances. Food is phenomenally fresh. I had the sashimi platter with a TON of sides, my favorite being the tofu in broth. When i say tons of sides, i'm talking 5 or 6, and that doesn't include the salad and miso soup they start you off with. Fish was so fresh and cold, while the sides were wonderfully accentuating pieces. Aunt had the grilled calamari. Calamari done very nicely, executed where it did not have a rubbery taste. The lemon spritzed on top highlighted the seafood wonderfully. Another dinner mate had the deep fried soft shell crab. Done fabulously, leaving the crust slightly crunchy and the inside soft. The staff were kind and courteous. The place was decorated in regular Japanese style tea house. I asked to staff how long the restaurant had been open, and they said 15 years! News to me! We plan on visiting this place, many more years to come
(5)
Angela W.

Authentic Japanese restaurant. Have been here twice. The appetizer that we had last night were good but nothing special to talk about. I had the sushi and sashimi combo. The sashimi was fresh, but there may be a bit too much wasabi in the nigiri sushi. My husband had the special of the day chirashi. It's was so pretty and filled with layers of surprise. I couldn't keep my eyes off his entree. And we had the lime mousse cheesecake for dessert, which was so delicious and light. We loved the food and ambiance, will definitely visit again.
(5)
John R.

Although this restaurant has good atmosphere hence the one star, I have never seen sushi sliced razor thin to the point you can see the rice underneath the fish! Way overpriced for what you get. Will not go back.
(1)
Barbara K.

Perfect food. The owner, Yamada-san, sprinkles the dining room with her own ikebana creations. Looking at the flower arrangements in itself makes it worth the worth.
(5)
Kevin Y.

Got take-out from here a couple days ago. Ordered one of the bento boxes. A good deal of food for the price. The fish was fresh and the side dishes were good as well. They were pretty busy when I went to pick up the food, but its well worth the wait. Solid Japanese food at a good price.
(4)
Mike S.

I am a big fan of good Japanese food, and when I'm away at school, it's hard to find any. That's why coming home and going to Renga Tei is always a treat. My family loves this place, and we have been going here for dinner for as long as I can remember. The appetizers are all good, but definitely try the gyoza or the fried tofu dish. As far as main courses go, they have your typical dishes (teriyaki salmon, chicken, beef), but I LOVE the ton katsu - a fried pork cutlet with a ton katsu sauce. This restaurant has served as the location for a lot of my family's important events, and it rarely disappoints! I will continue to come to Renga Tei as long as it is open (which I hope is FOREVER!) Would give 5 stars based on overall food and service quality, but the parking is small and crowded all the time. Still a great place though!
(4)
Paul C.

Every time I come here this place is jumping. Why? I have no idea. All the sushi pieces are killed with wasabi. If the fish is good at all, your nigiri sushi does not need a huge dollop of wasabi. All you end up tasting is wasabi. The last time I visited they were out of salmon. How the hell does a sushi place run out of salmon? That's like going to Burger King to find out they're all out of Whopers. Honestly, I prefer the sushi at Jewel.
(1)
Charlie H.

Sushi is good. Whoever thought of rolling up bits of fish 'n stuff with rice totally had the right idea. Lucky for us, Renga Tei captures this complicated essence of sushi in a straightforward way. Fresh fish, uncomplicated presentation, friendly staff and chefs. I can never give five stars to a sushi place unless it really knocks the socks off my toes. Renga Tei was great, but there's better sushi to be had in Chicago. Go to Renga Tei if you want a hassle-free Japanese dining experience close to home. Treat yourself to a more expensive, luxurious place every once in a while, but Renga Tei can be your sushi go-to if you live close by. The prices are just about right, maybe leaning a little too far into the expensive category, but the food's good enough to justify it. And I ain't even tried the other stuff on the menu -- like your teriyaki stuff. They should just call it teriYAKi because you get tired of hearing people yak on about it. Stick with the sushi and some chilled Saki and you'll be set. While you're there, see if they have any mochi ice cream balls on hand. Get the red bean -- it's eastern-cuisine-tastic.
(4)
Tim H.

I love Renga Tei and I'm so glad it's only about a mile from my home! They were closed for a couple of months late in 2009 for some repair work, but have reopened recently. This place is my favorite for Japanese food for a whole lot of reasons. First, the food is great! While it's not as fancy as some Japanese restaurants, the food here is delicious. I've had almost everything on the menu and have never had a bad meal here. The sushi is wonderful and tonkatsu is my favorite. Second, service is great and seems to come in either of two varieties: older Japanese women who may not have the best English skills, but are friendly and nice; and cute Asian guys in their 20's who have great English and are also friendly and nice. What's not like about that?!? Third, the room is pleasant, with a small waiting area, warm and welcoming sushi bar, and comfortable (if a bit crowded) seating area. There seem to be a good number of Japanese there most nights, which means the food must be pretty good from a native's viewpoint. Prices are fair, although you can certainly drop a bundle there if you order lots of sushi and sake. Japanese food isn't cheap anywhere! Parking can be very tight on busy nights. Sometimes I have to use the public lot just east of Reng Tei's building. In summary, although you can get fancier Japanese food at other places, this place is five stars when you consider food, atmosphere, service, and price. Make reservations for weekend dinners.
(5)
Alexis F.

Agreed, you have to make a reservation. Great fresh authentic sushi. If you are looking for trendy, might not be for you.
(5)
Susie L.

Service goes a long way! I have regularly dined here and usually love it. Staff know mine, and my friends faces, and we too know the regulars as well. This one occasion I take a friend in who's never been there before and hadn't made a reservation in light of the fact that it was during the week and I go there so often. Not sure if the hostess was in a bad mood but she said I'm supposed to make a reservation and eventually seated us - rightly so there were 2 tables I could see with no reservation sign on it. Apart from being rushed to eat, and almost not getting a dessert, our waitress made a point of saying that customers were waiting and when would we leave???!!! I WAS APPALLED! And just to add insult to injury no one was waiting!!! NEVER GOING THERE AGAIN!
(2)
Rits T.

I have been to this place for the pass 5 years. This place never disappointed me. Their food is traditional and phenomenal. Love beef steak and tuna avocado salad. will keep coming back.
(4)
Tressa S.

This place is walking distance from my boyfriend's abode. A pleasant way to spend a summer evening is a walk to Renga Tei for sushi, and maybe some mochi ice cream for desert. While this place can get a bit busy on a weekend night, I think it is worth the wait. It is usually only about 15 min and, if you're like me, you enjoy listening to the many conversations in Japanese. It is definitely a neighborhood joint and I often see the same people dining. Very good sushi at a decent price. The service is excellent. The atmosphere is comfortable. I am a sucker for the way all the employees and even the sushi chefs say goodbye to you in Japanese when you leave the restaurant. It makes me smile. The only thing that sucks is that they are closed on Mondays. But, everyone needs a day off.
(4)
Mrs. E.

My folks live in Glenview and they don't like to venture far when we go to dinner. Renga Tei is about a far as I can persuade them to go, and it's a good thing because Renga Tei is the best Japanese restaurant in the northern suburbs. It is not flashy or trendy, nor does it have crazy maki like most Japanese restaurants in the city. This is just traditional, well-done, fantastic tasting food that makes you want to curl up in a fleece blanket on a cold, snowy winter day. It makes me think of my grandparents so I am a little biased when it comes to this place so please keep that in mind when reading this review. I am a little obsessed with sukiyaki and I have to say that this is one of the best restaurants for sukiyaki in the Chicagoland area. My only disappointment is the fact that the sukiyaki comes with udon noodles, which doesn't seem quite right since it usually comes with glass noodles. But the broth is spot on, the meat is just right, the tofu is silken just the way I grew up eating it and for me this dish is a bowl of happiness. And I like udon noodles in general ... I just don't expect it with sukiyaki. My husband is a huge fan of Japanese food and will be the first to admit that the rolls are not very imaginative, but will also admit that the food is simply amazing. He got one of the bento box combinations and was delighted with the variety as well as the tasty surprises that he kept uncovering throughout the meal. The wait staff was super friendly even though we didn't speak Japanese (we are too Americanized). I love it when you walk into a Japanese restaurant like this and all of the sushi chefs say the traditional Japanese greeting. I also love red bean paste, which they have as a dessert option along with a scoop of green tea ice cream. Yum!
(4)
Bless P.

My most favorite sushi place in Chicago. Inexpensive and delicious. Would have been 5 stars if the hostess was nice. Must reserve earlier on during the day.
(4)
Sarah L.

agree with Paul C. food is fresh BUT for the same price you can have something better. We will not come back.
(2)
Jonah G.

This is GREAT! such simple but amazing food. Never had better Asian food.
(5)
Annie R.

I am in love with this restaurant. A rare find - a Japanese restaurant that's not only about Sushi! My favorite, and the most popular, are definitely the full entrees. Just walking into the restaurant and smelling the food is incredible. We ordered Katsu Don (pork chop with an egg) and Sukiyaki - both were the best, and most authentic, we've had. Ended with Orange Jello, which I doubted at first. After I tasted this homemade jello, I was sold! Highly recommend making reservations, as they are very good about reserving tables for you. If you walk in on a Friday night, your wait can be anywhere from 20-60 minutes! Regardless, it is well-worth the wait for authentic, unforgettably delicious, and wallet-happy Japanese food!
(5)
Sasha R.

I have been coming here for many years and Renga Tei has remained consistently good. As someone else mentioned, it has very authentic food and the service is pleasant. It is Japanese owned and most of the customers are Japanese, which is kind of refreshing considering all of the mediocre Pan Asian places around. Renga Tei has an extensive menu and I recommend most everything on it (sushi, teriyaki, and noodle dishes are all very good).
(4)
Bridget M.

My girlfriends raved about this place, claiming that the trek would be worth it. I always take reviews of Asian food joints from non-Asians with a grain of salt. Now, I'm not Japanese, but somehow the slant of my eyes makes me more qualified than my doe-eyed friends when it comes to judging Asian cuisine. We made reservations and were seated promptly. Looking at the patrons, there were a good number of people with Asian descent - typically an indication of how good a place is. Our servers were very pleasant and attentive. The sushi rolls were fresh and the prices were recession friendly. They keep things fairly traditional on the menu - none of those crazy named rolls that you can find only at that location. I'd have to go back once more before deeming Renga Tei with the highly coveted fifth star, but overall color me impressed.
(4)
Darlene R.

I really like this place. However, i always get the same thing, combo A. actually, my whole family gets it. You get shrimp tempura and beef and chicken teriyaki for 16. the beef teriyaki is not the korean bulgogi, but steak. it's juicy and full of flavor. the chicken teriyaki is good also, not dry. the asparagus beef roll is top notch. plenty of parking and i've never had to wait. service is always competent, though english isn't anyones first language in here.
(4)
Melissa W.

Exactly how I love my food - inexpensive for the amount of food you get, simple but flavorful, delicious, and I never feel guilty eating it. Not all the food is great, but there are some dishes that I love. You can never go wrong with the Bento Boxes ($20 - $28), Combinations, or Dinner Sets. I love their agedashi tofu, kaki fry and French roll. I always get the Bento Box B or the Beef Teriyaki with Teriyaki Salmon combination. Both are very filling dinners. My fiance loves their kaki fry (fried oysters) dinner set. Their tempera is good, crispy, lots of mixed tempera for the combinations and bento boxes. Sushi is always fresh there. This is one restaurant I love going to on a night where I don't want to cook, but I would love some homey Asian food. Tip: Wait can be a bit long, so we always make reservations.
(5)
Suzanne B.

Fresh sushi, traditional atmosphere, meaning, real Japanese staff and customers. You won't get those creative modern delicious rolls that Tank Sushi or Agami will do, but it is family friendly and non-pretentious.
(4)
Bryan W.

A hidden gem in the sometimes barren food lands of Skokie. Went for Jack's Grill which was closed and decided to take a chance on this place. Awesome service and it was one of the few "Japanese Restaurants" that served more than sushi. The special curry was great and the red bean ice cream was a great way to finish the meal.
(5)
Esther L.

Great Service & Great Authentic Japanese Food! Wut can you ask for more? If you r a Asian International student and craving for Japanese taste, this is on of the best in Chicago land!
(4)
Jason C.

When natives speak highly of a restaurant that serves their home country's food, it must mean something. I have had many Japanese friends tell me about Renga Tei and I now can see why this spot is adored by both Japanese and non-Japanese people. I'm not going to say that this was an authentic Japanese dining experience because I have never been to Japan and experienced a meal there. But I do know the food is DELICIOUS. We started with the Grilled Ika (squid) Steak paired with a ginger soy sauce dip. The squid was grilled to perfection, not too chewy or firm and the sauce brought out the succulent flavor of the squid. My entree was the Renga Tei Beef served with their house steak sauce. This dish proved to me that coming here was more about ordering the cooked food rather than getting sushi. You can find good sushi anywhere else, but Renga Tei stands alone in their cooked Japanese Cuisine. The space is small yet intimate and it's this intimacy that makes this restaurant special. For a no-frills, unpretentious, just plain good food and service experience, Renga Tei is the closest I'll get to authentic Japanese dining (until I actually visit Japan).
(5)
Jenn D.

I really like this place. I've only been here a few times but already I'm impressed. It's nice inside but you can get away with jeans, and the food is tasty. My boyfriend is intensely fond of their teriyaki and miso soup, which is better than most places we've been to collectively. I'm particularly fond of their tonkatsu. *mmmmm* I'm pretty sure the whole staff is nice. We've gotten different people each time and they've all been peachy keen. And now that the construction on Touhy is just about done, it's easier to get in an out of the parking lot. I haven't tried their sushi yet, but I've heard good things. Try them out!
(5)
Roxanne A.

Okay, since I've realized that I do depend on Yelp reviews for restaurants and dish recommendations, I decided to go back and provide my take so maybe someone can benefit. Renga Tei, what can I say? It's just great Japanese food. It was also my first meal after traveling for about 24 hrs coming back from the Philippines. Love, love, love the potato croquettes. Okay, so the first time I was here, it was listed as a special of the day (read: not on the regular menu). I was kinda bummed that it wasn't offered when I went for the second time. Fortunately for me, my boyfriend has no shame asking for anything and asked if we could have that and lo, behold, came the croquettes. Our waitress was so nice and accommodating. She had noticed my bf was drinking a lot of water so she brought us a pitcher. Now, when faced with Japanese food, I tend to go for katsu anything. I wasn't up for something that heavy so I went for the yakisoba, my other Japanese obsession. The beef was so tender and I could have eaten it by itself. The noodles were the right consistency and the flavor was great. My boyfriend had the chicken teriyaki don. It may seem a bit pricey, but they definitely give you large portions and are well worth the money. I almost forgot. If you go on a weekend, make a reservation ahead of time. It gets really busy.
(4)
Joseph O.

Thrilled to see them back strong after the accident. I would expect no less, as consistency has been the hallmark for this restaurant from the beginning. The food is excellent, but what I love most about Renga-Tei is the little things they do to make the meal more pleasant. It's the seaweed in the miso soup, the four kinds of lettuce in the salad, the outstanding miso mayonnaise with the broccoli in the combo, the sugar on the lip of the glass in the jello, the Japanese candy that comes with the check. This place would still be good even without those touches; it takes the experience to a whole other level. Combination A, hamachi kama, and katsu curry (on Fridays) are my go to dishes here, but the menu is top notch from top to bottom. Service is outstanding. Water and hot tea are constantly being refilled, and the staff does a great job of having each other's backs. They never fail to greet me when I enter and thank me when I leave, no matter how busy they are. Like I said, it's the little things.
(5)
Rachel K.

Renga Tei was one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the area. Five stars. Great sushi and great cooked dishes. Large portions. Recently, prices have gone up 10-20%, portions have gone down, and the tempura batter is now dry and heavy, not light and crispy. What happened? I used to detour for this place, now, not so much.
(2)
AM C.

Excellent, always crowded with mostly Japanese families and couples on a date, which is a great sign. Very nice and helpful staff. Delicious sushi, an extensive menu, with interesting specials.
(4)
Jinno H.

This place is amazing. This place helped me love Japanese food.
(5)
Andrew L.

At this establishment, you won't find rolls like the "Super Crazy Cream Cheese Firecracker" or "King Kong Monster Godzilla". And, no, they don't serve Thai food here. And no, it's probably not the best place to bring 20 friends looking for a BYOB spot before you hit the clubs. What you will find is a clean, simple, respectable establishment with great fish, and authentic, fresh, tight rolls with flavor. There is a choice of daily specials to choose from, and the basic menu which includes several combinations, including bento box - all at a reasonable price. The dinner combination portions are generous and filling. The teryaki sauce is thick and filled with flavor (not runny liquid like at other places). The slices of sushi/sashimi have excellent texture (I would say "fresh", but since I've never bitten into a fish just caught at sea...). And for a kicker, you can bring a date here if you actually want to be able to have a conversation. there is parking at the front, back and side (although you can only see the few parking spaces from the front). The hostess is very polite (although I can see from other reviews that they prefer reservations - so just call from the parking lot if you have to). The servers are extra polite and attentive. Some patrons may confuse slow service, with being served in courses - so if you're in a hurry and need everything served at once, let them know and see if they can accommodate. I'm a fan.
(5)
Jean C.

There are only a few Japanese restaurants that I truly love, and Renga-Tei is one of them. It was Renga-Tei which introduced me to spider maki, mochi and bento boxes, and of course that makes it my standard for all other restaurants to match. Their tempura is light and crisp, udon and soba are properly cooked, and the edamame is usually warm and always lightly salted. Why not five stars? First because it's usually so crowded that unless you eat late, you'll stand in line forever. Second, because even during the remodeling they didn't replace those tiny, butt-sprung booths, third because some of the maki rolls are just too big to eat easily, and finally because unless you're a regular -- and have been for some time -- the service, though efficient, is quite cool. We've been going there for years and only in the last few has something changed in the attitude towards us. Now we're greeted with warmth, and even occasionally engaged in conversation. Even considering those points, though, I still think it deserves four stars.
(4)
Vin K.

If I was asked what my last meal would be, I would tell them the beef teriyaki don at Renga Tei.......enough said.
(5)
Catherine W.

Excellent Japanese restaurant on the North Side; it beats any of the sushi places in Evanston and is worth the trek to Lincolnwood. The sushi is always fresh and generously portioned. It was crowded even on a Sunday night, and always full of Asians.
(4)
Dana G.

Renga Tei is our family's spot for quality, authentic sushi in the north suburbs. All the food is prepared with care and the consistency is amazing. It does not punch at the level of some of the Chicago sushi/sashimi joints such as Arami or Marai but does other things well to make up for that. We typically order a Sashimi "Set", two chirashi bowls, and a mackerel as a family of four. Good value, high quality... hard to get a seat without reservation on a weekend because a very loyal customer base (we see the same people there all the time!). Solid (suburban) 4 ;)
(4)
rachel p.

the lunch boxes are freakin' HUGE. no one person should ever consume that much food for lunch. mine came with chicken teriyaki, miso, rice, some delicious spinach peanuty thing, a little salad that i could have done without and a spicy tuna roll that i paid a slight upcharge for (it was supposed to come with a cali roll). the sushi options were fairly limited, but they seemed to specialize more in the homestyle japanese foods. the service was spot on. the hostess spotted me dropping a chopstick from across the room and ran over with a new set before i even picked the last one off the ground. seems to stay pretty busy for lunch, but we had no trouble getting seated right away.
(4)
Diana B.

My husband and I are rather new to sushi and we were not disappointed with Renga Tei. I'm so glad we live within walking distance. The food and the service were incredible. But make reservations as they are often very busy.
(5)
Diana M.

I love Renga-Tei! Whenever I go to Chicago, I try to go there for sushi. Lunch specials are the best, but I usually get the dinner bento because you get a lot of variety (and a LOT of food) for about $20. The sushi is always fresh, and the rest of the food is crunchy, hot, and not dry.
(5)
Paul K.

One of the few authentic Japanese restaurants in Chicago. I love Japanese food, but unfortunately most of the restaurants in Chicago are run by Koreans. The sushi men are Japanese, and so is most of their staff. The head sushi chef is as skilled as they come, which makes their fresh fish even tastier. The service is great, and so is the atmosphere. I haven't tried their yakisoba or teriyaki yet, but their fish was great.
(5)
Kevin D.

\A friend of mine recommended the place saying it was good food. So I went with a few friends today and she was right. The food is delicious, but the service killed it for me. It was horrible. The old lady kept walking away while I was trying make the orders for the table. I asked if the drinks were free refill as well and she just kept saying yes. When I was trying to complete my orders, she kept interrupting me. When we were done eating, I asked for a refill, she gave an attitude saying the dessert was on its way and kept mumbling while walking away. I was getting dissatisfied with the service. She was taking our plates which we didn't even finish yet. As we got the receipt, she charged us for the drinks that were suppose to be refillable. I asked why and she got mad and assumed that I wouldn't pay for the food. She even had the nerve to ask for the tip when we were still finishing our desserts. If it wasn't for this rude waitress, I would give this restaurant 5 stars. I would not want to go back here if this is how my friends and me would get treated. I gotten better service at restaurants that are not that expensive like this place.
(1)
ãƒˆãƒ¢ T.

I normally NEVER rate a restaurant that haven't been to for years, but I'm making an exception for Renga Tei. It used to to be one of my favorite cheap Japanese food fix, until one day, the waitress placed a check on our table and said in Japanese, "Please remember that it is a requirement in the U.S. to place at minimum of 15% tip." This hit us as a surprise, because we were putting down more than 15% on all our previous visits. It might be possible that she mistaken us with another Japanese group that didn't leave a tip, but even still, it was quite rude. Well, I guess old grudge never dies as I'm giving it a one star rating years after the event. They sure lost a customer for life.
(1)
Orenji K.

Still 5/5, but fyi don't try to go on Fri or Sat after about 5:30 - 6pm unless you have a reservation or don't mind sitting at the sushi counter. The 2 of us dined here last Saturday night. We walked in at 5:45 and were politely told that there would be no more available open tables that night due to their reservations. This was totally fine since we were able to sit at the then-empty counter, but keep this in mind if you decide to go on the spur of the moment. Congrats to RT on establishing such a strong business.
(5)
Jenny A.

This is uncommon these days -- the place is filled with Japanese speaking people and staff. When they say irasshaimase, they mean it! The food is excellent and well presented. Take your in-laws here and your college pals visiting for the weekend to Sunshine. The Tokyo Key Lime pie is not to be missed and comes with wonderful fruit. It's OK for kids early and they have the boosters and high chairs, but stay away on weekend evenings -- the place gets packed and you'll have a wait. The decor is nice and the bathroom reminds me of my mother's (from Japan) china cabinet which is decorated with somewhat random seeming things that someone thought was nice. Parking seems rough when you pull up, but if you enter from the back, it leads into a good sized parking lot -- never had an issue, even on the busiest of days. Last, a tip from my dad -- authentic Japanese places don't charge for rice and tea -- they know this is as essential to a good meal as your hashi and a napkin. Renga-Tei makes my dad happy.
(5)
Lindley E.

When I lived in Evanston I did go to Renga-Tei on occasion -- cheap, authentic, but the menu is stuck in the '80s (if you ate Japanese in teh 80s you know what I mean - conservative basics of Japanese restauarant food). For some basics, Renga-Tei is still a good bet, but if you are looking for interesting Japanese cuisine, or killer home foods, try another place like Katsu on Peterson in Chicago. I will say that Renga-Tei is a favorite with my Aunt, a Japanese American who lived in the city.
(3)
Sooyon H.

I love dining at authentic Japanese restaurants! I've ordered their spicy tuna, spicy scallion, and unagi rolls. The sushi is pretty fresh here. They do specialize in more home-style Japanese food, so don't come in expecting any of the trendy and huge maki creations here!
(4)
Jack S.

You know it's good when the majority of customers are japanese. Reliable food and service, reasonable prices. This is one of my go-to japanese spots.
(5)
L T.

We went at the spur of the moment based on Yelp reviews, and absolutely loved it. As my husband said, "It's the anti-Tank." Old schoolish, minimal non-trendy decor, lots of regulars. Great, fresh, solid maki and nigiri. No Tropic Thunder or Latin Heat maki here (and don't get me wrong, I love both)... and the price of our meal was quite reasonable too. Our server was quite pleasant, and all the staff was so friendly. We'll definitely go back!
(5)
Isabelle L.

Service is not the most friendly in town but the quality and freshness of sushi here is definetely worth the detour. Nothing fancy on the menu but all the traditional Japanese offerings. All fresh and great tasting. I am now a regular patron and highly recommend this place. A lot of Japanese folks eat here, it can only be a good sign. Only downside, make sure you call ahead and make reservations. The food is great so it can get quite crowded.
(4)
Hans H.

Just went there again a few weeks ago. Still awesome, and after reading the reviews of the Tokyo Lime Pie, I wish I got some. This time I got the bento box combo with the unagi, and I have to say that the way they prepare it is much more desirable than most other places. They don't drench the rice and unagi with the sauce, so you're not dying of thirst (but then again, I prefer my foods to be more bland and less salty than most Americans) and can actually taste the eel. Everything else was fantastic as usual, no complaints.
(5)
Bob O.

This is my family's favorite Japanese restaurant around the Chicagoland area. This is coming from a 100% Japanese family so please keep that in mind; we know good from bad. The Good: Sushi and other Japanese dishes taste GREAT and most importantly, AUTHENTIC Dishes are reasonably priced Good portions Friendly staff The owner loves jazz and VERY GOOD jazz (or sometimes traditional Japanese music) is always playing The Bad: Interior decor is not flashy, but that can also be a good thing Exterior decor is nothing flashy either, so don't miss it when you're driving down Touhy! Recommended Appetizers: Agedashi Tofu (Fried Tofu) Soft Shell Crab (when in season) Ika Maruyaki (Grilled Squid) Recommended Dishes: Chirashi (Sushi on a bed of rice) Renga-Tei Steak (Steak with Japanese style sauce) Combination Dinner A: Chicken and Beef Teriyaki, Assorted Tempura, and many other small dishes Katsu-Don (Katsu over Rice) Ume-oroshi Soba (Pickled Plum and Grated Radish with Soba noodles) Note: I recommend you get a reservation for weekend dinners or even at peak times during the week if you want to sit down right away.
(5)
Candy N.

My food critical Japanese family has been coming here for at least a decade, when the place actually used to be half the size of what it is now. The staff is always very nice and attentive, you rarely have to ask for more water or tea (which is delicious!). If you want simple, traditional Japanese food this is the place to go. My family hardly ever attempts to try anywhere new, just because we always end up comparing it to Renga-Tei.
(5)
Marcel M.

My parents swear by this place. I headed here for a nice quick dinner and the food was filling. Sushi was good (not spectacular), but the portions were great. I had the Bento Box A, which had a lot of fun stuff like sashimi, chef's appetizers, chicken teriyaki, etc. My wife's dish was even better since it was the Combination A. The beef was amazing. I've tried Kobe beef in the past. I think it is overrated. Renga Tei's beef was up to par (of course, not as fatty), but definitely much more bang for your buck. You need to be somewhat assertive when waiting in line. We walked in, looked at six people, and tracked down the host to put our name down on the list. This other couple started complaining that they were there before us. No need to give us the evil eye.
(4)
Bee B.

Holy shnikeys! This is the tastiest sushi place in Chicagoland and it is in a strip mall on Touhy. Who'da thunk it? Make a reservation before you go, because they are a little weird about walk ins. Like, they won't serve you at 6 because someone has a reservation for 7:15. I don't know what the deal is with that, but I learned my lesson and I always call ahead, even if its just 20-30 minutes before I show up. At least I know I won't be rushed. The sushi is all fantastic, though my favorites are spicy yellowtail and salmon avocado rolls. I am going to recommend to you 2 excellent appetizers that I hope you will sample: 1. Miso eggplant - they are usually out of this, but maybe as the weather gets cooler the fantastic dish will reappear. The eggplant is cooked so its super soft, cut in half, and served with a sweet miso sauce. Yum. 2. Tuna - avocado salad - The fresh tuna is served with half an avocado, some greens, and a delicious sauce... I have never eaten at Renga tei and not ordered this salad. So, remember to call ahead, it is so worth it!! Also, I think they are closed on Tuesday.
(5)
Kevin S.

My family has been going here for years. I'm not a huge sushi fan, so I can't really make a judgment on that. I usually get the salmon teriyaki, which is delicious. The gyoza is great too. I can't say much about the other dishes, but I do know that it's a really popular place, my family (which is Japanese, for what it's worth) loves it, and I am always happy to go there.
(4)
Alina V.

I have already been here twice and have yet to be disappointed. The food is fantastic. The teriyaki beef appetizer is amazing. Really good flavor and it's so tender. I always get one of the sushi combinations and it is really good. The prices are also reasonable, being a city girl it is very hard to find a good place and expect to pay less than $20 for a plate. But be warned, the spicy rolls are SPICY. I ordered the spicy scallop roll and the flavor was good, but it definitely had a good kick to it. I love this place, I just wish they would open another location in the city.
(5)
jim h.

I've been going here for many years at least once a month. I never tire of their great food. Top notch sushi, exquisite fried chicken wings, teryaki steak and chicken to die for. I know because i always order only these things! i never deviate. In fact, i'm salivating right now at the thought of how good these 4 things are. There's always a bunch of Japanese folks here eating all kinds of other wonderful looking stuff with chopsticks and that's usually a good sign for a Japanese restaurant. But as enticing as their plates look drifting by me, i can never change my order because these 4 things are so damned good! i'm beginning to think that I'm addicted to them. oh well, who cares. I'll die happily so. Service is good, nice but not fancy facility and clean bathrooms. Beer and wine are served. Plenty of parking all around the place which is right on the northeast corner of Touhy and Crawford (Pulaski?). Friday and Saturday make reservations or wait a long time. I love to sit at their sushi bar and watch the cooks do their magic. if you get there before 530 or after 845 (they're open until 10) any day you'll get quick seating. Closed on Tuesdays (how many times i've gone their seeking a fix on a Tuesday and ended up jonesing until Wenesday!). Top rating in all categories except for no fancy facility but no stars off!
(5)
Liz L.

I have searched for three years for a decent Japanese restaurant near Evanston. My search has now ended. Renga Tei is as authentic as you'll get. The menu includes many varieties of Japanese dishes, not just sushi which most people mistakenly assume is all there is to Japanese cuisine. The food is fresh, you can tell they use good-quality ingredients. And they make the food the way it's supposed to be. The fish is fresh, clean, and just slightly chilled which gives it an excellent flavor (with no bad after taste) and texture (chewy yet melts in your mouth). The rice is not overpowered with sushi seasoning nor is it mushy to the point that it becomes porridge ish. The tempura is perfectly crisp and not drenched in oil. The pork cutlets are just thick enough to give you a satisfying chewing experience, much better than the sheet pork cutlets that most restaurants serve. The bento has a nice combination of foods, not one side dish is something that is crappy and meant to mislead the eater into thinking she's getting more for her money. The service is quite decent, to my surprise. We ordered the chirashi and apparently they left out one type of fish out of 13 ish types. We didn't even notice it missing until our waitress came with it and apologized that they had forgotten it. Obviously, they take pride in their food, always a plus. The one minus point? The price is a little on the high side, unnecessarily, in my opinion. Yes, they are one of the very few (and only in my opinion) authentic Japanese restaurants, but still, let's not overcharge.
(4)
Rico T.

What a great place for Japanese food. Fish is very fresh, the atmosphere is very relaxed and the dishes are delicious. May I suggest trying the tuna tataki. If it was closer to my house, I'd visit Renga Tei more often.
(5)
Diana C.

Freshest sushi I've had in Chicago. The room is completely unassuming, and many Japanese families eat here, which is a great sign. It is definitely crowded on weekend nights, so call ahead and make a reservation.
(4)
Jennie L.

This is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the Chicagoland area... You won't find "Dragon Rolls" or "Godzilla Rolls" here... (We all know that's not what traditional and authentic Japanese Cuisine is about...) What you WILL find though is great service, great udon noodle, and yummy spicy tuna! mmmm..... Give this place a try -- it will not fail you.
(5)
Andrew L.

I ordered single pieces of the salmon sushi and it was the best I've ever tasted, and I've been to many Japanese restaurants. My wife ordered sashimi and all the pieces were superb.
(5)
Emerson C.

One of my most visited sushi places that I often go to. It's pretty close to my place so I go here just to get my sushi fix. Prices are very reasonable and the service is great. You know you're going to get great sushi here when the owner is Japanese. Even most of the servers are japanese. Every entree on the menu is superb. Not mind blowing, but very very well made. Won't give you that .. I wish I went somewhere else feeling. A definite must go to if you live around the area.
(4)
Benjamin S.

A great little Japanese restaurant. It's pretty popular and crowded so make reservations. We had sushi, tempura and steak teriyaki... all excellent. Prices were typically expensive and other than that nothing spectacular.
(3)
Midori G.

I've been here twice now and having only discovered it this year, I am a little said to be leaving Chicagoland and probably won't be back here anytime soon. I had the tempura and the chef's sushi and both were delicious. All my friends that have come here like it a lot as well, I would not recommend coming with more than 4 people during any regular dining time as it is crowded. One thing I didn't expect was that the portions were very large, must be a midwesterner thing. Lastly, the green tea is excellent, and definitely worth buying as it was not free as at most other Japanese restaurants.
(4)
Tim Y.

This place have Asian chefs as opposed to Mexican ones! Great! I will definitely eat here again!
(4)
Alexis A.

I've been here twice in two weeks, and I will be back as often as possible. Unassuming location and interior, but very fresh food at reasonable prices (especially compared to all the hot spots closer to downtown Chicago). The menu has many sushi "staples" but also includes several unique menu items, such as the asparagus and enoki mushroom dish. Everything I've ordered has been delicious!
(5)
Mo S.

One of few honestly authentic Japanese restaurants in (or almost in) Chicago. Reservations necessary on weekends. Beware the grandmotherly hostess (owner?) who is frightening and stern. Everyone else is very friendly. Grilled fish like salmon or shioyaki is well prepared. Good miso soup, tonkatsu, and sushi. Chirashizushi recommended.
(4)
Hanna K.

renga tei has great traditional japanese food. i love the beef teriyaki (the meat is so tender), curry, tonkatsu, and the sweet sauce that comes with your steamed broccoli. you know a place is good when you see a whole bunch of japanese people eating there. i don't really eat the sushi here but the traditional entrees are a must!
(5)
Dre K.

My favorite Japanese resturant. the appetizers are delish, and the maki is my favorite. although i havent, you can sit at the sushi bar and watch them prepare it, it looks fun. from what i hear this place is about as authentic as you can get around here, my bf's japanese teacher highly recommended it and i can see why! the service is no frills, seemingly rude at times, but this might be a cultural diffrence that i dont understand. but they bring out your food quickly, and thats the important part. and everytime we've been there they've bowed to us as we leave. i highly recommend this place. it can get very busy so i would make a reservation.
(5)
Ani L.

I like Renga Tei. It is a good restaurant with good comfort 'kitchen' food (especially the sukiyaki). The wait staff is nice and caters to filling your water and tea on a consistent basis. There's noting really fancy about this place; it's your local Japanese-owned restaurant that caters to all walks of life. The only downfall with this place is the lack of parking spaces.
(3)
Jacob K.

Great reasonably priced authentic Japanese food. Sometimes theres a fluke in the kitchen, but the sushi is always great... especially the chicago crazy roll which is enormous. Unlike most places the service has improved and the food has remained consistent.
(4)
Kitty L.

Can I just say this is my absolute favorite Japanese restaurant in the entire city? I'm a sushi snob and I love this place. Awesome, family style Japanese food with freshness and quality on par with places like Mirai.
(5)
Marc F.

Possibly my favorite Japanese restaurant. My Japanese friend says it is the most authentic Japanese fare he has had in the States. Their entrees are always high quality, decent portions, fresh. Service is usually good, an occasional attitude or what I perceive to be an attitude. Only Japanese sushi chefs however other-than-Japanese individuals prepare the cooked entrees. Their sushi is top notch, and all other entrees very good at the very least. Their beef teriyaki is the best by far, whereas the chicken teriyaki is better at Matsuya, and the salmon teriyaki is better at Akai Hana. Awesome miso, side salad, cuke salad, udon noodle soup and tempura.
(4)
a w.

A very good option for lunch. They have a good selection of food. I don't think they're sushi is the greatest, but its definitely the best option for a quick lunch in this area. The service is good and the restaurant is clean and well kept.
(3)
Patty V.

I have been here several times. It is not my favorite, but it is very good. My best friend is married to a Japanese guy and his family loves this place. .It is good, consistent and always fresh. I have nothing negative to add about this place. I just love Katsu better.
(4)
val B.

I would like to preface by saying that I, generally speaking, do not write reviews, but in this case I felt compelled to do so: Our good friends recommended this restaurant as one of the most authentic traditional neighborhood Japanese restaurants in Chicago area, which they visit frequently. Another good friend and a lover of good sushi - disagreed. The reviews that I had read on this site were very positive, especially pointing to the quality/freshness of sushi/sashimi, mentioning specifically the presence of Japanese sushi chefs. We( six adults and two 10-year olds) decided to give it a try yesterday. Reservations were easy to make on the same day(Saturday!) only 2 hours before our 7 PM seating. Parking was also easily available in the back parking lot. Restaurant's decor was pleasant and unassuming and the place was almost full with people, including a lot of older diners of Japanese descent. We were served by a very pleasant young Japanese man who was very enthusiastic and helpful. On the other hand, the food was often brought to the table without any consideration for the fact that the table was still filled with empty and partially consumed dishes and that no space was available to place the newly arrived food. We ordered to share for the table: fried tofu, hamachi kama(2), grilled squid(2), edamame(2), 6-piece oyster appetizer, miso soups for everybody, followed by a Shrimp tempura/sushi combo, Beef teryaki combo, 10 sushi pieces for the kids, a seaweed salad, a spider roll, a spicy tuna roll, 8 pieces of Uni, and a Chef's special Sushi platter. The above was accompanied by 3 large size beers and 2 bottles(250ml? each) of cold sake. For desert 8 mochis were ordered. The best dishes by far were the fried tofu and the grilled squid which were excellent and had fantastic sauces. Hamachi Kama was excellent, but not outstanding. Beef teryaki and tempura were at best average. Finally, the sushi; Salmon was very fresh and tasty(as most of them are in any sushi place) Rolls were mediocre. Uni was below average. But the biggest disappointment was the Chef's special Sushi platter($42!!!) which consisted of 10-12 pieces of various sushi and a simple tuna/rice roll(!!!!!) that arrived looking somewhat "bland" and tasted about the same - definitely not what you would expect from a "Japanese" chef who is trying to show his best skills and his best ingredients. Total bill: $405, which included already added 18% gratuity. You can draw your own conclusions, but for a neighborhood spot that serves "authentic" Japanese food we felt that we paid about 40% more then you would expect to pay for the type and quality of food and probbably 60% more of what you would pay in Japan(where we vacationed in April). On the other hand, the parking and the server were nice...Oh, yeh, and the Sapporo Reserve was nice and cold. Next time, I'll go to Sunshine cafe(or fly to Japan again).
(2)
M Y.

great neighborhood sushi place. most importantly, i've been to a few nicer, trendier places and their seaweed isn't as fresh. This place has the best seaweed, never ever chewy! They need to work on having a menu for pick up orders. Everytime i have a taste for sushi, it's always Tuesday, never fails, and they are closed!
(4)
Megan S.

always make a reservation, especially on a saturday. the place can get crowded, but its because the food is amazing. you get good service, and the food is delicious! i think its my favorite japanese restaurant :]
(5)
Guiny G.

Really good for the area. I try to go whenever I'm on that side of town.
(4)
A H.

I am not a big fan of sushi but this is my favorite Japanese restaurant for "cooked" rolls and dinners. This seems to be the only place where I can get the Saba Shioyaki (broiled mackerels-lightly salted) dinner entree. I've been to fancy and not so fancy Japanese restaurants in Chicago and New York and could never find a place that serve the mackerel as an entree plate. Usually it's a la cart and a tiny portion. Their combination dinner boxes are good. Overall, prices are good/cheap, food choices are good, and services are okay. If you go on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, do make reservation or it's a long wait for table.
(3)
David B.

We have been going here regularly for six years. We have recommended this place to other people often. The food is not bad. But after today we will never go back. The trigger for this was the service. The elderly Japanese woman who I believe is the owner was very unhelpful, unfriendly, and hostile. Before the meal as is customary the waitress brought oshibori (hand towels) but whisked them away before we could all use them. My wife wanted to wipe my daughter's hands and they would not bring back our towels. There were not enough napkins so we again asked for a towel. The waitress said she could not do that because it was against "their policy." The place was not crowded at all (this happened today, May 6th - 8 PM). Since the waitress would not bring us anything, I asked for the manager (the elderly Japanese woman). She also refused to give us a towel (I even offered to pay) saying it was "not their policy". She told us: "Just take your daughter to the rest room if you want to wash her hands - that is what they are there for." When I told her we had not had a chance to use our oshibori she then tossed a few napkins on our table. I was completely shocked. I have lived in Japan for years (and speak/read/write Japanese). I was never treated like this ever before anywhere. I told her on the way out that we will never return again. I recommend that you avoid this place for the surly service and very inhospitable manner of the owner/manager.
(1)
Kat W.

It has a sketchy look from the outside but the inside is pretty nice and very Japanese. The chefs and servers are "authentic", and it is a very popular place in the middle of nowhere Lincolnwood. The attraction of this establishment is the wider range of items on the menu, with more homey dishes available in addition to sushi, which 98% of all Japanese (and fake Japanese) restaurants in Chicagoland serves-- not well. If you really like Japanese food, I recommend you try this place.
(4)
Nir L.

The food is good, but the decor & atmosphere are lousy. The wait staff is unfriendly & not very accommodating. I would rather go to the new sushi restaurant in Skokie called Makisu Sushi Lounge and Grill at Village Crossings. The food is comparable, but the friendly staff, beautiful decor & food presentation at Makisu beats Renga Tei hands down.
(2)
Milie S.

That's right. There isn't any fancy schmancy sushi rolls here... which is what I love about this place! They have a great selection of 'real' japanese food. Their udons are delicious! Really you should stop by when you're in the lincolnwood area. Be prepared for some great japanese desserts!
(4)
Beebe G.

i am so lucky to only live 15 minutes from this place! actually, i've been going to this place since i was a little girl and the restaurant was half the size. everything on their menu is delicious. their sushi is fresh and i can't say enough how i love renga tei. i could eat there everyday!
(5)
Linda S.

Prices here are kind of higher than most japanese restaurants but they have one of the most generous katsudon dishes I've ever had. I also like their pickled eggplant sushi and the tempura is very tasty. Employees are mostly japanese and they're extremely friendly when it comes to making recommendations.
(4)
ellen a.

I was a devout fan of Renga Tei for many years. The food was the best. I would order many things but particularly loved the cold soba noodles with shrimp tempura along side. This ended when at 5:30pm they were so busy that even dining solo I could not be seated on a few of occasions. The final straw came when the usual hostess looked down at her feet and did not apologize that there was absolutely nowhere to put me. They had many large parties that particular evening. There were 2 spots open at the sushi bar, one at either end but she did not offer to place me there. She did not apologize, she did not offer a more convenient time to return, she said nothing. She just looked at her feet. I do miss the very fresh tekka don; it was the best. I miss other items but what to do? As a long time customer, known by the staff, I did expect a different response those final few times. If she could not fit me in that evening, fine. I would have said "another time, I understand" but to just stand there and say nothing really upset me. I've not been back and I do miss the food. Makisu and Hana Bistro are close by and I 've been treated better at those places as a new customer than the last few times at Renga Tei. Even Akai Hana, treats you better. The parking lot has changed by Renga Tei but it still fills up very fast and the walk gets longer, I'm glad their business picked-up but am very sad that I no longer feel comfortable there.
(1)
Maureen W.

In a word, yummy. I used to go their for lunch when I worked over there and it's very good. The Bento Box is a great value for the money. Consistently good food and good service. I happened by there the other night and had to stop for dinner. Still good and a much better value than the places I've tried near my place in the city.
(4)
Vickie L.

It's not about hip & trendy at Renga Tei, but it's the good food and authenticity that brings me back again & again. This probably the only Jp restaurant in Chicago that has a full Japanese staff. Don't expect any fancy maki like..."firecracker rolls", "viva-las vegas rolls", "arizona sunshine" or "great lake moonshine" (ok i'm making some of these up, but you get my point), everything here is quite traditioinal. Their cooked food is also worth mentioning, especially the Renga Tei steak (with special house sauce). The desserts here are also a must-try - I strongly suggest the Jp lime cheese cake, yum! Best of all, the portion is generous, price is reasonable and staffs are super friendly.
(5)
Anum A.

This is a nice little place to go for lunch. It is a place where you can get soem okay sushi at an okay price. Its a comfortable place and their service is really fast.
(3)
Kristin A.

We go here often with work for lunch breaks. Service is fast, prices are decent, and sushi is good. The selection isn't huge, but you can still find what you want. We've never had problems getting a seat right away at lunch time.
(4)
Ravi B.

Best Japanese food that I've had in Chicago. And the only one I look forward to returning to.
(5)
Boris S.

Absolutely delicious. I ordered the tekka maki and was almost sad to eat the last piece. They consistently serve good teriyaki chicken with this sauce that is simply to die for. I ordered an extra side dish of this suace to find that It is called Gomamayu. Green tea ice cream and bean cake is always great, and I dont particulary enjoy green tea that much. I had only one problem; some asian couple and their kid just skipped my party and attempted to skip another's, with Renga Tei not really minding or sorting out who came first. Other than that, food came relatively quick, with slightly less than usual portions of miso soup and salad with sweet dressing.
(4)
Steve J.

excellent quality sushi; very fresh fish; sushi bar is too small; family atmosphere; good for takeout; closed on Tuesdays
(4)
Stephanie M.

Reasonable prices, pretty good sushi, nice cozy atmosphere. DOn't come here expecting upscale or trendy with wild maki roll creations. This is a nice local Japanese restaurant for a casual evening when you just want to chill and have some sushi!
(3)
Julia B.

I've been here on a lunch with my Company and I did not like the Sushi. Now keep in mind I don't like Sushi period! The service was fast and everyone else I ate with seemed to really like the food. The only thing I liked was the soup they brought out at the beginning of the meal..
(3)
Timmy T.

More sushi, less rice, nice amount of wasabi under the sashimi. 5 Stars, Hisao (owner) is a nice guy who adds more of a family touch to the business. He carefully watch every table from the front of the sushi bar to make sure that all customers are happily eating. Finally, he also sincerely thanks everyone in his native language, which is very uncommon for many restaurants as your rarely even get to meet with their owners. Tip: try eating sushi with your fingers after cleaning them with the hot towel provided.
(5)
Meg F.

Every single time we eat here, I ask myself "Why don't I come here more often?" The food is amazingly delicious and the service is always great. I love that they start you off with a hot towel. It can get crowded on weekends - to avoid, arrive either around 5 or after 8. They do take reservations so if you're coming during peak times, call ahead. The restaurant is clean and well-maintained. Decor is dated and the building is non-descript so you might miss it! They've been on Chicago's Best for their sushi so be sure to try it!
(5)
Becky A.

If you are looking for authentic sushi without all the frills and snobbery surrounding some sushi restaurants, no need to look further. The fish is always fresh and delicious at this casual restaurant. I normally go for the maki rolls, but I've tried other items on the menu. Personally, I would stick with the sushi even though other plates are delicious. You will not get a fresher or better spicy tuna roll anywhere else. The staff is also super friendly and accommodating. Love, love, love this place!
(5)
Joani O.

One of the best sushi restaurants ever! Authentic Japanese with fresh, quality ingredients and beautiful presentation. They have delicious teriyaki meals (especially the salmon or chicken!), tempura, bento boxes, large sushi rolls, as well as rolls by the piece. Our favorites are the king crab (yum!), yellow tail, tuna/spicy tuna, and the California rolls...which you can add king crab to. It's authentic crab, too, not the imitation stuff that a lot of places serve. The only downside is no fried rice, but there are plenty of other choices. Definitely something for everyone. They prefer reservations so I always try to call, otherwise there's usually a wait for a table. The interior is nice and well kept. Service is always friendly and prompt...and you know the place is good when the sushi bar is always crowded and they're always full with Japanese customers! They're not open on Tuesdays. Nothing bad to say...five stars, easy!
(5)
Rosa J.

As many of you know, I grew up watching dorama (Japanese drama series) and listening to J-pop music. Daddy J. used to take me to different Japanese restaurants back home. What a wonderful childhood memory "Japan" has given to me! Hubby has visited Renga Tei (located on the northeast corner of Crawford and Touhy) before with another friend of his when we first moved to Chicago. He kept raving about this place every time we passed by. Folks, here's a suggestion for you: make a reservation so that you will be guaranteed a table upon arrival. Otherwise, you may have to wait. Fortunately, there was no wait when we came at 1830 hour on a Sunday evening. The decors were authentic, old-school Japanese, but everything was well-maintained. The number of seating wasn't ample, but there was enough space in between tables so that we still had our privacy and pleasure of dining. As a sashimi lover, I went with the "ume" size chirashi sushi. "Ume" is the Japanese size classification for "small." "Ume" means "plum blossom," a type of flower suitable for cold climate. The amount and varieties of sashimi were satisfying. The vinegar rice was also spot-on delicious. Many authentic Japanese dishes often times have mild sweet undertone. In Japanese language, "umei" means "sweet," as well as "good." Hubby stayed with his comfort zone. One of his favorites was tempura. He had the shrimp and veggie tempura meal. The tempura was crispy. The balance of egg-dipping, panko-coating, and the temperature of fry oil were very, very ideal. After that single bite, my tastebuds for tempura have elevated to the next level. The service was quick and attentive. Everyone in the dining room was working in unison and fulfilling all of their tasks and responsibilities like a dream team in the Space Jam movie. I had a great experience this evening in Renga Tei, and with no doubt I will be back soon.
(5)
Erick R.

This is a true Japanese-American restaurant. Authentic Japanese cuisine in a restaurant where you are greeted with Irassheimase. Many customers are Japanese and it is common to hear Japanese spoken. The dragon roll is awesome, and they embrace traditional as well as Americanized sushi. They also have a full non-sushi Japanese menu, so while the sushi is great, they are by no means a sushi house. 5 stars!
(5)
Michael C.

During my visit to my relatives in Chicago, they had brought us to this restaurant for early dinner after we landed. I was surprised to hear even at 5:30pm on a Wednesday afternoon we still needed to make a reservation to be sure and when we went in it really was mostly filled with patrons. Parking was a bit more limited I thought as the lot isn't very big but we didn't have problems parking in the back of the lot. My first impression of the place wasn't too good from the outside seeing how it looks just like any other American Japanese restaurant, however once we're inside I started to see how traditional and authentic the place really is. The special menu really highlighted some unique dishes that I haven't seen or heard about. For appitizer we had gotten some Agedashi tofu to share as it seemed to be the local favorites. Certainly was a great choice, the sauce wasn't overly salty and the tofu was very tender and not overly fried. One of the best ones I've had in my entire life for sure I ended up ordering the Bara Chirashi Bento special which turned out to be much more exquisite than the line of menu described. When it arrived I thought I was eat an elaborate Osechi for New Years haha. The food was absolutely delicious, from the sides to the main bowl everything just goes so well together as it was meant to be in a Chirashi bowl. The sashimis were very fresh and tasty even though usually I'm not a sashimi connoisseur I really had a great time here. My only minor complaint would be maybe the ume sugar portion could be reduced a bit as I thought it made the rice a tad little too sweet, but of course too much is always a non-problem compare to too little :) The price is quite a bit higher than what I expected at a suburban restaurant though I thought. This is one of the few times I really think the price is worth the quality and experience of the meal however as this is more of an higher end Japanese restaurant that's serious about traditional and authentic. Definitely will be coming back here on my next visit to Chicago.
(5)
Ada H.

Serious Japanese in suburbia. I am so lucky that my family lives in nearby Morton Grove, it I may never have been introduced to Renga Tei. My family has been coming here for years... Back when everyone employed was Japanese. Now they have some Thai servers, but the chefs are still Japanese as well as the main hostess who really makes the place. She makes me feel like I'm in Japan and not Lincolnwood. I have never had anything here that was mediocre. I do not care for sushi that is overwhelmed with different sauces and you won't find that here. I also am not a fan of teriyaki yet I love the teriyaki here! I've been here for both lunch and dinner and love everything.
(5)
Laurice M.

We've been to this restaurant for many times, both lunch and dinner. It hasn't disappointed us and has been our go to place whenever we crave for Japanese cuisine. For appetizers, we always get the asparagus and enoki mushrooms. Hits the spot every time. We also get the sushi. I'm tired of eating overly fancy sushi in other places but Renga Tei has been consistent in serving fresh, authentic and simple sushi rolls. For main entrees, I recommend the steak with vegetables. It's a bit pricey but I think it's really worth it. I think the sauce is what makes this dish. I could drink it just by itself. Seriously.
(5)
Shari B.

The bf and I came here on a weekday evening for dinner. We didn't have reservations, but we were able to get seated immediately. I've been here once before and had a good experience when I had a combination. This time we got hamachi kama, tempura, a few pieces of nigiri, spicy tuna deluxe maki and chicago crazy roll. The hamachi kama was just okay, it didn't seem like the fish was fresh since the meat was more firm than usual. I've definitely had much better. I liked the grated radish that was served on the side. The tempura was fine. The uni nigiri wasn't the best, either. The uni lacked structure and was a little too soft/creamy, maybe it also wasn't that fresh. The spicy tuna had no detectable spice. And the chicago crazy roll was ridiculously huge. It should be called a burrito! There was a ton of filling along with a ton of rice, which I ended up removing. The rolls pretty much tasted the same, nothing really exciting besides the shock factor of it's actual size. I wouldn't go back here for the maki rolls, hamachi kama or the uni. Maybe you'll have better luck just sticking to the basics like terriyaki and tempura. Service was good, but I feel like the menu was a bit overpriced.
(2)
Donald C.

Are you looking for a neighborhood-feel traditional sushi restaurant? Don't let the location dissuade you. Yes, sort of strip-mall'ish, but once you walk in, you'll feel like you are in the Cheers bar (sorry I don't have a better anecdote for you younger Yelpers). I had the edamame and a Chicago roll and loved both. Go. Talk to the others at the sushi bar area, talk to the sushi chef and his assistant, walk out happy.
(5)
Erica D.

I've never experienced a homey Japanese restaurant, but this place is what I imagine as a place I'd love to be a regular at. The vibes from Renga Tei feel like a neighborhood diner, cozy and comfortable. I loved that they give you hot towels before you eat (reminded me of all the times I used to take Japan Airlines). The miso soup and their salad dressing are superb! I usually don't like the salads that Japanese restaurants serve, but the dressing was amazing. I ordered Combination A, and the beef and chicken were well marinated and full of flavor, and their tempura was exceptional! We also ordered Chicago Super Crazy Roll, and you could really taste the freshness of the fish. BTW, the Chicago Super Crazy roll is huge! I've been to more than a handful of Japanese restaurants, and this place definitely stands out with the atmosphere, authenticity, and freshness of the food. Also, it helps to have a reservation!
(4)
Kim C.

The incredible food and accommodating service makes up for the lackluster ambiance. Friendly avice for the owner(s): dim the lighting and no one will notice the diner furniture, nor every pore in your patrons' faces Nice-to-haves: 1. Sake glassware, not shot glasses--vintage sake glasses are amazeballs 2. Music, turn it up! Then I don't have to listen to all the amateur food critics in the room Hit the ambiance and you'll have a 5 out of 5; regardless, we'll definitely return. P.S. The plants are real!? You should change the label from "Please do not touch" to: 'Yes, I'm real; you don't need to touch me.'
(4)
Bob R.

First of all, if you plan on eating at Renga Tei, expect great food. But, if you are in a hurry, steer clear. Luckily, we were with a group of 10 people who had not seen each other for a while, so the two and a half hours it took to get through dinner was okay. The hostess was very welcoming, but I can't say the same for the server. While she was friendly, she was distant and not very helpful. Many items on the menu were in Japanese and we had trouble getting her to explain. The menu is enormous - so much so that I posted pictures of the whole thing. I did not take a picture of the specials menu, since I presume these change regularly. But, there were about two dozen specials of various types. Unfortunately. many were written in Japanese without explanations of what they were. Similarly, the menu had the same issue. (When I say written in Japanese, I do mean transliterated into English. But, without knowing the cuisine in depth, they might as well have been written in Japanese characters.) The presentation of the food is fabulous. This is what you should expect from a Michelin recommended restaurant. Who would have thought we'd find one in Lincolnwood? Everything we tried was good - We started with simple Green Tea which was free-flowing and outstanding. We shared appetizers across the table, ranging from a variety of Maki rolls to Gyoza to Yakitori and several other items. The dinners come with Miso Soup, which was salty and briny with seaweed and soft tofu chunks. They also come with a salad with a wonderful citrus dressing. For dinner, we all had different things - Tempuras, Chicken and Salmon Terriakis, Sukiaki. I had something off of their special menu - Katsu Curry which was among the best I'd ever had. So, the food was definitely a five star experience. But unfortunately I was not thrilled with the service. Others commented in pricing being high. I have to say that for the amount and quality of food served, I have to disagree. If you do try Renga Tei, try something different. The menu is not what you find in a typical Japanese restaurant around Chicago. Although it might have been slow, it was a great experience.
(4)
Susie C.

My friends and I came here for dinner on a Saturday evening. I've been wanting to come here for awhile since couple of my friends rave about it. I made reservations so we didn't have to wait which was a plus. When we got there we were directed to our table. The staff was very nice. This is a cute, traditional homestyle Japanese restaurant. It is different than most city Japanese restaurants I've been to. It seems very home-ly. I ordered the bara chirashi. It was good! The presentation is very cute as well. It came in a box that you can take apart (2 levels).. and it comes with jellow, edamame, and seaweed salad on top of the chirashi! It was on their specials menu. My husband ordered their tonkatsu (pork cutlet). He felt it was a bit dry. One of my friends ordered their eel dinner which she really enjoyed. Another friend order the katsu-don or something..it's very similar to what my husband ordered (pork cutlet) except it came with an egg on top. His looks very tasty and it tasted really good. Complimentary salad and miso soup with our order as well! My husband and I also shared a spicy scallop maki which was good. My friends shared a spicy tuna which they enjoyed. Overall we had a good time there.. good food and friendly service. Wish they were closer to where we live!
(4)
Lisa K.

Excellent service, very attentive. Sushi was fresh and presented well. What more could you ask for.
(4)
Mari C.

Being half Japanese, I've had my share of Japanese food so I feel like I'm a pretty good judge. Renga tei , however, raises the bar. There is never a time when I come here and am disappointed. I have my favorites, salmon oyako don, combination A (tempura and chicken and beef teriyaki ) chirashi and my absolute favorite katsu don (tonkatsu with a broth on top of rice). You can't leave without trying the Tokyo cheesecake. I love the atmosphere as all the wait staff is friendly and helpful. Trust me, you'll become a regular like so many of the patrons I've met on my visits here.
(5)
Kathy G.

I've been coming here for years. Most traditional Japanese food around. Not necessarily the best ever, but it is definitely fresh and delicious. Slightly over priced. Service is great.
(4)
Nat T.

Busy place. Try beef teriyaki bento box. You need to call for reservation to have dinner here.
(4)
Jerry M.

This is the best 'home-cooked' Japanese food you'll find outside of Kokubunji! I've been coming here almost weekly for lunch for almost 12 years now. The dishes are always consistent, and the lunch specials rock. You get a lot of food and variety for under $13. You'll notice their maki rolls have generous portions of fish, not just a sliver.
(5)
Lorena C.

I've been here 3 times, and have never been disappointed. My favorite is the soft shell crab and the spicy scallop roll. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
(5)
Frido F.

Everything was so amazing, delicious, and fresh. My wife and I had our eyes rolling back in our heads with every bite. The feeling and decor of the restaurant is very casual and relaxed. We really enjoyed our evening here.
(5)
Ag C.

I will give 4 stars for food 3 for price 1 for service Average 2 Thou the servers tried to be attentive, it was super unacceptably slow. We were seated right away given that we had a reservation, the server greeted us but took like 15 min to get our tea then our order. Our edamame literally took 40 min to come, n that's the first food that came to the table. By this time it's close to 730, and we got there at 640. 10 or so min after that the rest of the food mainly appetizers all came one after another. Our party of 5 with 3 teenagers are hungry and ate fast, then it was a looong wait for our check, so looong that my husband had to take 2 of them home for homework. Then even after I gave my credit card, it was another wait for them to bring it back. Why o why, it was never like this, n they were not packed full. A weekday family dinner should not last 2 hours. Will we come back, yes. Just hope we won't stay this long this time.
(2)
Amy X.

I LOVE THIS PLACE. How is it possible that everything that I ordered was so good?! I am a huge Japanese food fan. I like going around the city for all kinds of sushi and Japanese cuisine. Honestly, I can say this is one of my favorite Japanese cuisine restaurants. They have this handwritten menu with special dishes that's in season or fresh. It's a good idea to order one or two of those as an appetizer or side dish. I highly recommend the combo/bento box. It has a very wide variety. If you want to try a bit of everything, this is a good idea. They have a very well grilled eel(unagi) bento as well. And their cheesecake. Omg, it was the best cheesecake ever. It is really really light, not too sweet. In conclusion, just come here and give it a try!
(5)
Zhuozhen L.

Fish was fresh and serving size wasn't too bad. Some prices are questionable though (like veg tempura set was wayyy overpriced). It's nice they have warm towels in the beginning for your hands. Kinda wish they had it after too. Authentic since servers and chefs were Japanese
(4)
Michael W.

Perhaps the most authentic place in chicagoland. Top notch food, impeccable service. Totally understated. Don't let the mini mall location dissuade you.
(5)
Alex C.

It was pretty good experience. It is always packed and a reservation on weekends are an expectation here. We got pretty lucky and were able to be seated within 25 min. The food itself is pretty good and may be one of the better sushi restaurants in Chicago. It does get a bit loud and many families frequent the location. If you're looking for a more intimate dinner this may not be it. I would recommend it for the food though!
(4)
A M.

Really lovely place. Service is really nice and attentive. Not overbearing at all. I appreciate the effort, but it gets to be a bit much when waiters are over eager. Not at this place though. Thumbs up! The miso soup was good. The salad was alright. I ordered the Chirashi Sushi (Ume). Very fresh and very filling. I finished all the sashimi and rice. The green tea had a lovely taste to it. Not bitter like some other restaurants. I heard the Bento Box options are delicious. Maybe I'll try them next time I come over. The atmosphere was pleasant and quiet. I didn't have to shout over people, but I do think you need to mind your own volume. Since it's a sushi restaurant, the price is semi-expensive, but the price is worth the food and service you get. Overall, I would come here again on a special occasion.
(4)
Terry N.

Without a doubt, Renga-Tei is THE BEST AUTHENTIC Japanese restaurant in the Chicagoland area. It is Japanese owned and operated, the two primary sushi chefs are Japanese as well. While that might seem to be a minor note, this is a VERY RARE occurance these day. Most "Japanese" restaurants are Korean or other Asian owned. The food is superb. The Tempura is fantastic and the Chirashi is something you won't find at many if any non-Japanese owned places. The bento boxes are great and the combination selections are perfect for first-timers. For lunch, get a donburi bowl (Oyaku, Ten-don or Katsu-don. All this and it's a moderately almost cheap place to find/discover Japanese food. The best part, this is where all the Japanese-Americans eat.
(5)
Eriko K.

Good neighborhood Japanese place has a loyal and regular clientele. Chef-owner makes the sushi behind the counter. Fresh flowers on the tables. Tonkatsu kid-meal is a favorite. The a la carte creations vary by season. We come here for family birthdays. The Tokyo lime mousse cheesecake is quite delectable - not too sweet and beautifully presented with fresh fruit. Coffee jello is nice. Make a reservation to make sure you get a table. Parking is usually tight.
(4)
Gladys G.

No no no. First time ever yelp lead me there and I just walked out. My boyfriend and I came in and after standing at he door for a couple of minutes and no acknowledgment we ask one of the chefs if we seat ourselves and he says yes and nods. So we do, a second later a little lady comes yelling at us all I understood was reservation? We said no the chef told us to seat ourselves and she asked who? And I told her and she started going in circles so we sat down. A second later a man comes in demanding a refund on a to go order they messed up. Decided it's not worth it. Never again.
(1)
Zoey N.

Tried this place last year and thought it was good but pretty expensive. Had the sashimi bowl (pretty fresh), udon (bland and nothing special), futomaki rolls (not bad), tempura (decent), eel rolls (good). I might come back again.
(3)
Honest E.

Fresh flowers. Dirty old sticky tables and seats. Fine authentic cuisine. small portions. Some servers are not trained enough nor strive to provide the service that pairs with the quality of the food. Always rushed. Food is fine but the service and attitude is getting worse every time I go.
(3)
Melina T.

Since Tokyo Marina closed, I have been on the journey to find another authentic Japanese restaurant. This place is amazing! The owner, Hisao, is so kind and polite. Every time I come here, I leave a piece (or two!) of origami~ One word: Oishiiiiiiii!
(5)
Kristina K.

This has been my favorite sushi spot for years! After trying many other sushi bars for over 7 years, Rengatei is still my favorite for sushi! They also have delicious chicken teriyaki and other hot dishes.
(5)
Bing N.

Combo is worth the $$. Sukiyaki is very good but would like to have more vegetable and different noodles.
(4)
Bernardo S.

This place is one of the best places to eat , the sushi is great and you cannot go wrong ordering steak with a unique and flavorful sauce
(5)
talktoher a.

Wonderful home cooked Japanese food at reasonable prices! Woo hoo!!!
(4)
Diana M.

I wanted sushi for my birthday, but didn't want to go to any of our usual spots, so upon recommendation of friends, we decided to head to Renga-tei on Touhy (at Crawford) in Lincolnwood. First of all, parking is a cinch since this little restaurant is located in a strip mall. What? Don't let the strip mall location fool you though, it's a great restaurant! Also, don't let the no frills decor fool you either. The food is where the fireworks are at! We were greeted warmly and led to a booth in the front room, in view of the sushi chefs. The waitress was very nice and super accommodating. We got our drinks right away and ordered a few minutes later. Our appetizer of asparagus wrapped in perfectly seasoned beef was amazing. The meat was tender, the asparagus was crunchy, yet cooked and the sauce for dipping was divine. I ordered only sushi, so I was given a bowl of miso soup. It was wonderful and perfect for a sort of dreary, fall-like day. Salty, but not too salty. Just enough tofu and seaweed to make it hearty. Yum. My two sushi rolls were fresh, fresh, fresh! I had the Chicago Crazy Roll (tuna, salmon, crab, cucumber) and a Spicy Tuna Deluxe (spicy tuna, avocado, red leaf lettuce, cucumber) and two pieces of seared tuna. (I'm sensing a tuna theme!) My husband had an Ika roll (squid) and the beef Yakisoba. By all accounts the squid roll was very good (not a fan, myself). I tried a little of the Yakisoba and the beef was very good and there was plenty of it. It wasn't too fatty or too thin either. The noodles and veggies were really good too. But, I definitely know what I'm getting next time! (Hint: same as my husband, a roll and yakisoba!) Getting to Lincolnwood might be a pain for city dwellers or tourists, but if you're in the area (Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Rogers Park, etc.) head west on Touhy and grab yourself a delicious meal. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Frank Y.

I love this place for authentic homestyle Japanese food. Good sushi. Awesome teriyaki. Don't be fooled by the fact that this place is in a strip mall. It is delicious! I have tried many things on the menu over the years, and nothing has disappointed. The food and service is fantastic. I would recommend: Any of the combinations (w/ teriyaki), though my favorite is the beef and chicken teriyaki. The entree comes with delicious, crispy tempura. The meal starts with miso soup and salad. It is a serious amount of food; and it is all good, authentic Japanese food. I have also tried the sukiyaki -- sweet, savory deliciousness. The udon is very yummy. I personally like the kitsune udon. The sushi here is very fresh. You can't go wrong with Renga Tei. Take it from a Sansei, third generation Japanese American, this is the real deal--great homestyle Japanese cooking.
(4)
Irene B.

My all-time favorite restaurant! YUM! I've been coming here for more than ten years now, and food has been consistently good with each visit. They have the best teriyaki sauce, hands down. I always order their oh-so-delicious Combination A (chicken and beef teriyaki with shrimp and vegetable tempura), and my husband loves their mouthwatering Renga-Tei Style Beef with vegetables. We've tried almost everything on their menu and we've never been disappointed. Simple, tasty, delicious food. Service is great, and the only place in Chicago where you will find old Japanese folks coming in to eat with their family. You can't get any more real than that!
(5)
Joy R.

Authentic Japanese food. Here you are greeted by Japanese waitresses. Sushi chef is also Japanese. Kind of unusual for Chicago. Sashimi fish is very fresh and udon is best in town.
(5)
Jean Z.

A traditional sushi restaurant with lots of regular Sunday night diners. We arrived at 5 on a Sunday, and where promptly seated while they turned away about six other couples who came -after- because there was no room, all tables were already reserved. Many came for what looked like they were paying for to go orders but I just don't recall seeing any food leave with them. Odd. We had a delicious crab and enoki mushrooms salad, a couple rolls and pieces, and a beef dinner. Add on the big Perrier bottles, and our dinner was a respectable $88plus tip. Fresh fresh fresh beautiful fish and perfectly sweet and warm sushi(rice)
(5)
Pete B.

not the best Japanese food I've ever had, but for Chicago, you won't be able to find much better! Got the bento box A (~$23). The tempura was pretty good, and the chicken teriyaki was excellent. This place was pretty booked for a Saturday evening at 5:30, so don't forget to make a reservation. Will definitely come back for sure!
(4)
Jeremy R.

The best sushi and sashimi I've found on the north shore. Lovely staff and expert cuts.
(4)
Manda F.

Bento Box Lunch Special!!! Great deal! Okay, now that, that's over with. I have been going here since it has opened, and have never had a bad experience. From the Udon soup, teriyaki chicken, sushi, to even the occasional riceball. I had never had one before, and they were able to make them for me upon request. The miso-ginger soup that comes with one of their dishes is delicious. Or I believe that is what it's called. My mother orders an extra thing of sauce each time. Personally I love their Gomae, and agedashi tofu for starters. Main dish I have loved their tuna avocado salad, and teriyaki chicken. Again I have been going here for years, and they are consistently booked. It is best to get a reservation. I definitely recommend this place to any fan of Japanese food.
(5)
Marya A.

I tried sushi here as takeout for the first time this week, only because the yelp reviews were pretty good and it was closeby. From the outside this place needs a major renovation..doesn't seem inviting at all. But the inside was pretty good (from what I saw waiting for my food). I absolutely loved the shrimp sushi. I will definitely go back again.
(5)
Kristen A.

Renga Tei has been a family favorite for years. I now live in Colorado and insist that we eat here every time I am back in town. The food is always excellent. I usually get a bento box or sushi. Their green tea is delicious. It can get extremely crowded at dinner on the weekends but they do take reservations.
(5)
John B.

C and I having been driving by for a long time and always comment that "we need to try that place." Judging from the exterior, it's very popular. The parking lot is always full. We finally made a reservation to celebrate C's birthday. Food: Better than average. C ordered a bento box. It's really quite large. We thought that an option for a small box would be ideal. Perhaps a box with 3 options. I ordered a dragon and it was very clever/colorful. Atmosphere: Nice, but not at all what we expected. It's brightly lit ... like a diner. (See photo I posted). We had expected something more intimate/romantic, with soothing traditional Japanese music. No music. Bright lights. Forget about romance (unless you are in that early heart-thumping phase of being in love where you are completely unaware of the world around you). Service: Fast, attentive, friendly. Wine: There were only 3 or 4 options on the menu. i.e. Merlot, Chardonay, Plum and perhaps one other. No brand names provided, which is odd. We opted for a small bottle of cold saki, which was quite good.
(4)
Evan L.

Went there last weekend. It was busy, larger parties w/o a reservation were seated first. We were seated 15 to 20 min after our reservation. The waitress was harried and overwhelmed. Kept us waiting to take order about 15 min after she kept saying she would be right back. Got order confused walked away with extra Miso soup I got up before she could disappear with it and had her return it to the table. The table was never bussed and the worst part was when the waitress tried to hand uo a large tray of food with no room on the table. If I had not stacked up our dishes there would have no room on the table. The food was great but so what. I felt bad telling the Sushi Chef the poor quality of service as we left because he was so obviously proud of the food. Was here once before and its fine if not busy.
(2)
Rohan D.

My mother was Japanese so for my birthday, I want authentic Japanese. That's gotten hard to find in Chicago, impossible in Milwaukee where I now live. This is the first Japanese restaurant I've been to in the Midwest in years that actually has Japanese people working in it. Not surprisingly, the night we were here, many of the other customers were Japanese-Americans, most seemed to be regulars. The service and traditional dishes (katsu, sushi, udon) were the best, nothing spectacular, but made and served Japanese style. I'm only half Japanese, so I don't look Japanese, but the waitress and I exchanged the usual greetings and some of my order in Japanese so I was a bit miffed when I got my miso soup with a Chinese spoon in it like my Gaijin companions. I noted that the neighboring tables of Nissei/Sansei families didn't get this treatment, but other than that the service was quite good in the Japanese way, "irrashaimase," and oshibori (haven't experienced that since San Francisco!) . The disappointments were in the non-traditional Japanese dishes, the chef did something odd with the spider roll, it was oversized so my friend, usually adept with hashi, actually had a hard time getting it from the plate into his mouth. If you're looking for authentic Japanese, this is the best area choice since the days of Honda and Hatsuhana, but it's not a fancy place so stick to the standard Japanese sushi-sashimi-noodle choices and you'll be fine. If you're from the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Seattle or Honolulu, you need to dial your expectations down a bit, this would only be a three star place with more Japanese competition.
(4)
Jessica M.

Renga-Tei is not fancy-schmancy. The place has a simple dÃ©cor and is run by Japanese staff workers and chefs. The majority of the patrons are also Japanese. Nothing could go wrong with that combo! We arrived at 7:30pm on a Sunday. Renga-Tei had a full house and we had to wait 15 minutes. For future reference, I would call in to reserve a table. The waiting area by the door can get hectic. Our party of five went the full course, from appetizers to desserts. The potato macaroni salad came in a small plate and everybody was able to get a spoonful. If you like potato and macaroni, you would like this dish. The spider roll is unlike the ones you usually have. It's served in four giant pieces as opposed to a thin, long roll sliced into 7-8 pieces. It was also served traditionally without unagi sauce. The soft shell crab was fresh and crisp! As for entrees, we had vegetarian soba, tonkatsu, nabe yaki udon, and two orders of the combination platter B. The combination platter B came in one huge round plate in what resembled a mini lazy Susan. Above that was a bowl of rice, bowl of dipping sauce, plate of salmon and steak, and five pieces of tempura shrimp and vegetable. The steak is done according to your preferences and ours was perfectly done at medium rare. The tempura pieces were placed on a piece of napkin to soak up the oil. The golden yellow crust was dry and crisp! The tonkatsu was also superb! The dish came with a salad and miso soup. There were two slabs of fried pork chop and each slab was delicately sliced. It was not dripping with oil and each bite followed with a slight crunch. On the side were shredded vegetable, barbecue sauce, and rice. It was more than enough for me so I saved the second slab for lunch the next day. Last but not least, we ordered red bean ice cream, lychee ice cream, and mochi with red bean ice cream. The lychee ice cream was rich and sweet. There were small bits and shreds of lychee hidden inside! If you're not in the mood for sushi and craving for traditional home-cooking, Renga Tei would be the place to go. Despite language barrier, service was attentive and accommodating. By 10pm, we were the only table left in the restaurant but they were in no rush to kick us out.
(5)
Jordan B.

Excellent home style Japanese comfort food. Everything here is really great, food presentation is wonderful, service is great. High quality sushi & other meats & vegetables. very affordable. As a bonus they play old school jazz over the house stereo :)
(5)
Ritsu K.

Great! Authentic Japanese - chirashi sushi is fresh and delicious. Tempura crisp and light.
(5)
O.M. R.

Aweeeeesoooome!!! First time here w my sis, and i had the teriyaki salmon and she had the teriyaki chicken breast. I looooved everything from the miso soup to the salad to the salmon to the lemon mousse cheese cake(which by the way, was a heavenly finish). The rice i was NOT too crazy ab... And my sis had some issues w her dish (the skin wasn't taken off the meat although she requested it, her veggies were coldish... And she had some some dark meat on her plate as well). She didn't sent it back, but the server noticed and packed the same dish to go for her FOR FREE! He was so nice! And the entire staff was all smiles:) Awesome experience!
(5)
Effie N.

Tried it first time and it was fabulous!!! Miso soup superb! Beef teriyaki amazing! California rolls excellent Service excellent
(5)
Jennie T.

Kenny O. took me here, and my sanma shioyaki was delicious!! I was pleasantly surprised when Kenny O. informed me that all of the staff are Japanese. There were also a lot of Asian customers in the restaurant; I took this to be a very good sign. Since my friend recommended the sanma shioyaki, I ordered that. It was funny to me that both our waitress and Kenny O. were worried that I would be put off by how many bones the fish has. Um, dude? I LOVE SEAFOOD, especially fish! I think I've forgotten how much I love seafood since coming to Chicago. Renga Tei helped rekindled my love, and I was very happy about that. I think I had a goofy "I'm in love with my dish" smile on my face the entire time I was picking out the bones and eating my fish. Kenny O. made fun of me for not eating my vegetables... That's how good the fish was--I didn't even want to touch anything else on my plate! I couldn't finish my plate though. Renga Tei gave me two whole fish (fish heads included, so if you're queasy about things like that, don't order this dish) plus grilled veggies (onions, bell peppers, zucchinis), steamed broccoli, mashed daikon, and rice. This was after they had already served me miso soup and salad. I'm hoping that my fish will still taste good tomorrow. I can't wait to go back to try their other items.
(5)
Sarah S.

Last week I had dinner at Renga Tei with some friends as one person insisted it was all sorts of awesome & amazing. I have to say I wasn't impressed nearly as much as I hoped I would be. From the outside Renga Tei looks unimpressive and has a very small parking area. Once you go in, you're happily greeted and the majority of the diners being Japanese which is always a good sign at a Japanese restaurant. My friend ordered a beer and had some issues getting it because of his Australian driver's license. They must not know Asians exist in Australia! =P This put him off a bit but everyone was happy with the steak dishes they ordered. I went with maki rolls even though my friend warned me the sushi here is good but the hot dishes are what's really amazing. I got my usual philly & spicy tuna roll - Holy Spice! The spicy tuna roll was so spicy for my weak tastebuds. I went through 4 glasses of water with it. Both rolls were solid but I wasn't blown away. The prices on both their rolls and hot dishes seemed a bit much to me. With so many fantastic and amazing Japanese options in Chicagoland, I don't see myself going back to Renga Tei.
(3)
Eumi C.

This place is as good as it gets. I have NEVER been disappointed in the numerous times I've been there. Lunch, late lunch, early dinner, dinner, late dinner. SO GOOD. Their sushi is simple, fresh, and amazing. You truly get the flavor of the fish because there are no foofy sauces to hid the quality. We always get spicy tuna, super crazy roll, shrimp tempura, salmon and cucumber. Grilled ika steak is a MUST, as well as any udon. Husband loves any of the pork katsus. Their bento boxes and dinner plates/combos are FANNNTASTIC. Chirashi bowl is YUMMMM too. Sigh. everything is so good. I would be here everyday if I could. The sushi men, head server/manager are Japanses, and I LOVE IT. Calling in and reserving for dinner is smart. They can be very busy even on weeknights.
(5)
Christie W.

Renga Tei is the absolute best Japanese food I have ever had. I never turn down an opportunity to spend an evening here.
(5)
Lisa A.

It really is as good as it gets...good pricing, friendly atmosphere, family owned (I like that) and always a good menu with house specials daily and they are always good choices to choose from. You can't go wrong with the combination dinners on the back of the menu or their bento boxes. The portions are huge and the sushi is always good. My whole family loves it here. There is something for everyone, vegetarian, tofu, soft shell crab, sashimi, many grilled items, too. They like for you to make reservations and rarely have I had to wait when I make one, too. I really like their gomae, agedashi tofu, soft shell crab, sushi combinations, and they serve a good steak teriyaki instead of the traditional thin sliced beef they serve at other Japanese restaurants. Their udon is tasty too. Haven't tried their sukiyaki. Tempura is traditional with no surprises there. They have a full service bar, but my family and I don't drink so can't say much about that. Bottom line we go often and it's always busy weekend or weekdays when we've come. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Tian Y.

We went on a week day night and there was no wait. I like the layout here, lots of booths and dividers give you a lot more privacy. So the misleading thing about this place is that it's really not the type of place you go to have a quick comforting sit down meal any day of the week, because a meal set can easily cost you $30pp for a small amount of food. I guess you trade quantity for variety... So the money adds up. The food isn't perfect, but the usual simple and clean flavors are there. Bf really liked his spread of food in his combination though - salmon, steak teriyaki, tempura, rice, salad, soup. My only complaint was that my sukiyaki was WAY, WAY salty. I guess I won't be getting that again. Yeah. Pretty good food. But not always somewhere to go for a casual meal out, since you're shelling out a bit more money per person for a meal.
(4)
Pam D.

I have been coming to Renga Tei for years now and I guess I just forgot about reviewing them. I love this place, Yes, I do. It would be five stars, but I think some of the items are a tad pricey (Yes, I know sushi is expensive, oh brother do I know). I guess it is like four and a half stars. I was a bit annoyed that they didn't have any hamachi the other night. I substituted something else, but really.... no hamachi? Isn't that like a Cheese Shop with no Cheddar? Anyhow, overall, the food here is great. Apart from the sushi, I love their tempura and Christopher loves their tonkatsu. We always leave happy and yummed out! If you want the real deal, this is one of the best places to come.
(4)
Dave Y.

So far....the BEST sushi in Chicago. And I know my sushi. I was raised eating sushi because my parents own and operate sushi restaurants (in California). They put me through school via money they made selling sushi. And (I'm being super dang serious that) while I was in my mother's womb, the only food she was able to stomach was the highest grade sushi. Thus it goes without saying that it's really really hard to impress me with Sushi. Renga Tei is as good as a Sushi restaurant gets in both presentation and quality of seafood. Most sushi chefs "cover their tracks" by making rolls dosed in tubs of mayo. Ugh. And most sushi restaurants make their spicy tuna with pre-packaged and pre-meshed tuna fish...they get their salmon frozen...and they serve "white tuna," which isn't really tuna, but escolar. Renga Tei serves the freshest fish. I've eaten here three times now. The food is pricey, but well worth your money. I like to sit at the bar and enjoy watching the chef do his magic. Def try the Omakase Sushi - nice little surprise of what the chef will concoct at his own fancy.
(5)
Alli B.

Would recommend to anyone who enjoys sushi. Fantastic execution. Friendly, welcoming staff. Casual. Decently priced. Kid-friendly. Senior-friendly.
(5)
Francie N.

Excellent meal everyone in my party was very pleased. Mixed maki b sushi was fresh and the wasabi was excellent!
(4)
Jackie M.

ALways a pleasant to dine in here with my family. This is a casual authentic Japanese restaurant with mostly cooked food and fresh sashimi (not much seasoning or variety in maki rolls). My favorite would be the bento box dinner that comes with your choice of entree (fish, crab, oysters, and etc) tempura, variety of bitesize appetizers, maki roll, miso soup, salad, and ice cream! My favorite would be the fried oyster, macaroni salad, soft shell crab, Yaki soba (stir fry with nice quality beef), beef teriyaki, pork katsu. Great food and reasonable priced. The owners and the chefs are Japanese!
(5)
Wayne K.

My family has been going to this place for years. The service is always great and the food even better. I read several other reviews and was actually quite surprised at the amount of people complaining about rude service which I have never experienced. The employees are very polite (the sushi chefs make sure to thank you for coming, especially when its not dinner rush hour). I highly highly highly recommend getting the Combination B dinner/lunch which has beef/chicken teriyaki, shrimp tempera and the standard rice, miso soup, and salad. Make sure to get your meat medium because it tastes perfect that way. The sashimi appetizers and dinner is always fresh as well. If you're in the area and looking for great Japanese food, this is the place. If you're planning to go for dinner I would suggest making a reservation. The place gets very busy most nights and fills up very quickly.
(5)
Susan C.

I love this place! Don't come without a reservation because you will be sorely disappointed to be turned away. I love everything here from the combination plates to the breaded pork dish....salad is fresh and the miso soup is delicious. All reasonably priced. Cheery, bright atmosphere too. Don't miss out!
(4)
So D.

Some of the best Japanese cooked food in Chicago. Simple, not overly wrought, consistent. Nice people, clean, simple decor, fairly priced, solid. I go for the cooked food, homemade pickles, grilled squid, steamed clams, cold soba noodles, donburi, excellent agedashi tofu. Good sushi, Chicago is not Tokyo, but better than most in Chicagoland, seems to always have abalone, which is a good thing. Always a lot of Japanese customers if that means anything.
(4)
Todd S.

My first time eating sushi at a sushi place and I picked here. Excellent choice. I had so many varieties of sushi (guided by a knowledgeable friend), I couldn't begin to name them all. One tip, though. Watch out for the wasabi, its a killer!!!
(4)
Andy C.

Will Renga Tei please pay its light bill? Funny story for you - I dined with 4 other people on the evening of Veterans Day (11/11/10) and at the very end of the meal (after payment with the credit card machine, of course), the lights went out. Then they came back on for a few minutes. And then out again. And it'd be one thing if the lights went out on the entire block, but nope - I think it was just the Renga building. Not that it detracts in any way from the dining experience I had there, but it was just something humorous. Review of this revue: Location: 3 out of 5 No offense, Lincolnwood, but you're sort of Chicago's armpit pimple and the North Shore's vomit bucket. Sure, there are nice places to visit when you're in Lincolnwood, but it's not super close if you're in the city, and it's not nice enough to go to on a regular basis unless there's something that brings you back time and time again. Service: 4 out of 5 No problems. We had a nice older Japanese woman who was quick to refill our beverages and just very amiable overall. Another droll thing that happened was that of all people, I got carded for my Kirin Ichiban. I mean, I guess I should take it as a compliment that I'm almost 30 and I still get carded CONSTANTLY, but other people were drinking too and got to skip the interrogation. I kid, I kid. It wasn't that big of a deal, and the lady was really sweet about it. Food: 4.5 out of 5 Everything that we got looked wondrous. I opted for the Sashimi Renga Tei set that's offered on the last page of the menu simply because I liked variety in what I eat; the sets come with little side dishes, soups, tofu - and that's what I like. The actual sashimi itself was generous in cut (depth, width, and length), and quite fresh. Though maybe it's not the best in town, it's certainly one of the better experiences I've had. Cleanliness: 4 out of 5 You know what's weird about going to Asian restaurants in general? It's that they have the weirdest ways of storing toiletries. Case in point: at some of the Chinatown joints, they have these huge rubbermaid standing closets behind the collapsible barriers. If memory serves me correct, this place isn't any different. I wouldn't say that anything is out in the open that shouldn't be out in the open - I'm saying that some of the ways they store cleaning supplies are a little out of place. But...the good news is that overall, the restaurant was very clean and well-maintained, even though it's in an older storefront. Overall: 4 out of 5 Pretty darned good if you don't mind going out to Lincolnwood. Yes, I know that rhymed, I meant for it to. Check out my one picture for the Sashimi Set. Peace out.
(4)
Caroline A.

Renga Tei is the real deal. I was visiting with some childhood friends who had suggested "the Japanese restaurant on the corner." I really wasn't expecting much, and was very pleasantly surprised. What I love most is that Renga Tei is authentically Japanese. The menu is full of classic dishes from katsu and donburi and yakitori and zaru soba, and there is only one roll on the menu with cream cheese in it! They also serve a beautiful milky matcha green tea. I had their hamachi maki and a spicy tuna handroll. Fresh and delicious. I also had some of their vegetable tempura, which was also very good. Their beef yakisoba is great if you're looking for a hearty meal and huge portion sizes. Service was great. No complaints. Overall, this is a hidden gem in Lincolnwood. Go there now. But make a reservation because their tables fill up fast.
(4)
Evelina L.

So glad that this place is close to work! I've been to Japan, so authentic Japanese food is something that I totally crave...but I have to be honest that I expected a lot more. Maybe key to happiness are low expectations and mine were WAY high. Prices definitely reflected the authenticity and the presentation was very nice, but it didn't stand out that much among my sushi cravings. Will go back, but will be just as happy going to Dempster Fish or having something fresh made at the Whole Foods sushi bar.
(4)
Anne W.

This is a great place! Everyone who works there is extremely sweet and the food is delicious. It's very much simply traditional Japanese food. Their tankatsu is really good. I love that you basically get two pork chops when you order the dinner! My mom loves their tempura and their udon noodles. Their beef terriyaki is also pretty fantastic. If you want to have Japanese food but aren't necessarily in the mood for sushi, this is a great place. I've also had their sushi before and it's pretty awesome. I love coming here with my family!
(5)
Jennifer L.

Renga Tei is by far one of the best sushi restaurants in the Chicagoland area. You know that you've stumbled across a good sushi restaurant when you see a Japanese wait staff, Japanese sushi chefs behind the bar and a lot of Asian people eating in the restaurant. Renga Tei's sushi is THE BEST. The sushi is made well, is properly sized and reasonably priced. If you want sushi with fruit sauce or other wacky ingredients, then this place is not for you. Also, the interior of the restaurant is clean and simple - there's nothing really there to wow you. Then again, that's not what you are there for anyway. The staff is attentive and efficient. The pacing of the meal was perfect and the wait for the food was not long at all. I would recommend making a reservation because it can get crowded. Also, the parking lot is tiny, but there's another one a little bit further down from the restaurant which you can park it. Overall, GREAT sushi and worth a try if you are looking for sushi in the Chicagoland area.
(5)
Howard L.

Their take-out chiraschi matsu bowl (large) is just as fresh and good as having it dine-in.
(5)
Kristy F.

Not a bad stop. I ordered the teriyaki bento box. It wasn't mind blowing but it was satisfying and I wouldn't mind trying something else off the menu.
(3)
Minhee K.

Me and my boyfriend lovee sushi so we decided to come here. It was rated just as good as makisu, but I have to be honest the sushi is sooo much more fresher here, I still love makisu for memories but renga-tei is now my new fav for just some real japanese cuisine. I ordered the tekka don except I asked for sake (salmon) instead, it was delicuousss, the boyfriend got tonkatsu, which was so juicy and a very fair portion. Would definitely come here again! Also got lucky with the parking, came after 8pm.
(5)
Kim R.

They greeted me the moment i stepped inside which makes me feel so welcome. I had salmon sashimi and TonKatsu. I would have to say that this place is one of the best sushi place i have ever had in chicago. The TonKatsu is also really except that I wish the sauce could be little more sour. The service was great too.
(4)
Kennen M.

So fresh, so good, so real. Going here makes me never want to go to another pseudo Japanese place again. The food was very good and I enjoyed the servers who seemed amused by us non-Japanese. Also, best hot green tea I have ever had.
(4)
Mark M.

eat here often because the sushi and sashimi is always fresh and tasty, staff is friendly and courteous, just make sure you make a reservation on the weekends or you might be out of luck, everything is top notch and reasonable prices rule, bento boxes are best buy
(5)
Laura C.

I stopped off here when returning to Chicago on a work trip for dinner. It was awesome, and I totally overate. This is a great, cozy little family-owned place with actual Japanese food. I had some sushi and vegetable yakisoba. Total comfort food. Nice staff. Felt at home. I miss you, Renga Tei!
(5)
Daniel M.

Wonderful and fresh dinner as always! Felt like I'm back in Japan :)
(4)
K.S. C.

One of the freshest fish in great Chicago area. The quality of the fish offered here could be comparable to very expensive sushi bar such as Masaki in downtown. Of course, Masaki pays much more attention on details such as freshly grained Wasabi, sushi rice, and homemade soysauce but they charge two to three times more for similar amount of sushi. If you just want quality fish at reasonable price, this is a must to try. Cooked dishes are also more authentic than many other Japanese restaurants in the great Chicago area. Highly recommended.
(5)
Annie L.

Went here for a birthday dinner with a small group of people. The quality of food was good, but it could have been bigger portions for the combination meals. Nothing mind blowing, but I wouldn't mind stopping by again.
(4)
Michelle Y.

I love to order something I have not tried befpre when I go out to eat, but not here. I have to have the combination plate with the teriyaki salmon and beef, which includes perfect rice, crisp steamed broccoli with yummy dipping paste, and assorted tempura. Of course it begins with hot miso soup and the best citris dressed salad. I do like to shake it up with the pre dinner sushi, always done perfect.
(4)
Jane T.

Comprehensive menu, and really tasty sushi. The atmosphere is inviting and cozy, and the prices are reasonable. Definitely my go-to Japanese place when I'm willing to make the trek out to Lincolnwood.
(4)
Tiffany L.

I love this place! For SURE get the Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar) -- it comes either as an appetizer or an entree -- this is the most deliciously seared tender piece of fish you'll ever eat! Also, get the uni/squid/quail egg appetizer. It's amazing. Sashimi is fresh here as well, I've never had anything I didn't like! AND they take reservations. YES!
(5)
Yvonne Y.

Their tonkatsu is freshly cooked topped with eggs and served over very delicious broth. So worth it. You can order tonkatsu for children's meal so you kid can eat real, homemade food at a restaurant!
(4)
Michelle N.

Sooooo yummy!! This place is super authentic with both great sushi and amazing entrÃ©es! It is the total package when it comes to great Japanese food. I love their teriyaki sauce! I grew up getting their chicken teri don and their tempura udon! Now I always get their combo c, which is chicken teriyaki and salmon! I also love their agedashi tofu and french maki! Their sushi is also amazing! The owner of the restaurant is always working at sushi bar and has been there for 20+ years or so. To end the meal you should get their cheesecake! It has always been my favorite dessert! Service is here is friendly and attentive my tea cup was always full and food came out quickly! It gets busy there so be sure to go early or make a reservation!
(5)
Tricia D.

As spectacular and satisfying as the food is, one thing Renga Tei could work on is their hostess service, which has been consistently sluggish and borderline aggravating throughout all of my visits here. Within 2 minutes after I walked in on a Saturday night, a handful of people piled in after me, and all of us stood around amongst the people already sitting in the waiting area, looking for the hostess. Where was she? ...helping 2 waitresses clear a table. Is that really the hostess' job? And does it really make sense to acknowledge and take down the name of a party that's behind me/obviously arrived after me?
(4)
Dan S.

I had the combination B, shrimp and veggie tempura and beef and salmon teriyaki. The food was good, but I feel the cost and small portions did not match the $20+ cost. They do give you miso soup and citrus dressing salad with you dinner order. I'd go back, but I think I would order something different.
(3)
Carolyn K.

I'm of Japanese ancestry and can attest to the food being authentic and absolutely delicious. The servers are polite and efficient. The restaurant is cozy and they are very busy. Best to make a reservation.
(5)
DQ S.

Solid. Traditional. Nicely priced. Excellent service. Bravo! Tempura is just right, not oily at all. The bento boxes are perfect. My only complaint is that when you order "Chef's Choice" on the sushi dinner menu (as apposed to ordering by piece) you get a very dull selection -- my mistake for being lazy. That said, the fish was VERY FRESH and the cuts were beautiful and generous. It's the little traditional touches really set Renga Tei apart from the same-old same-old of the Lincoln Park Japanese hipster sushi joints. The bill for three (with saki), two appetizers, tip: $90
(4)
Ehow C.

I'm slowly going into katsu-induced comatose while writing this review. I'll be quick before I pass out. Service, impeccable. Definitely make a reservation, we were seated as soon as we arrived at the restaurant. My friends and I ordered a variety of appetizers in place of one person's entree, and they were, for the most part, spectacular. The fried squid, fried soft shell crab, and potato coquettes were divine. Their miso soup was solid, and their salad with the citrus dressing was excellent. I ordered a maki roll in addition to all of this, the spicy tuna deluxe. I don't how much crack they laid into the roll, but it was absolutely delicious, and plentiful given the price. My entree was the katsu curry special, and this is to blame for my current lethargic state. The tonkatsu was perfectly breaded. The curry had delicious beef and vegetables with a lovely thickness. The rice was just the right amount of sticky. I want to go back just for that dish alone. Anyway, time for bed. Go to Renga Tei, I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed.
(5)
alohamode o.

I can't believe they maintain such a quality & authentic Japanese food at place like this suburb of Chicago where not so many Japanese people are living. (normally less Japanese customer means less authentic) I live in LA where lots of good Japanese restaurants but I am totally impressed with yummy food at Renga tei. Chef/Owner is Japanese and staff (not all) is Japanese from Japan (like me). So they know what's authentic. I also like the atmosphere. I felt like I am in Japan except I hear English conversation while I eat. I like chirashi and tenpura. (tip: real authentic tenpura comes with Daikon Oroshi or grated Daikon radish like this place. Only real Japanese chef would know. FYI, many self claimed Japanese restaurant owned by other Asian don't have that)
(5)
Michelle C.

Sad. This was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. The waitress acted like she had a total issue with my party it was EMBARRASSING. When my aunt who I don't see often wants to try Japanese food I don't want the waitress, whom was *extremely* rude the entire night, look at her tip and say "Thats it?" loudly in front of other patrons then roll her eyes. SERIOUSLY? Nope. No matter how good the food is, that will stay with me forever. I can take rude waitresses, but not this.
(1)
Steve S.

As i walked into the restaurant I was surprised to see that the inside was larger than expected. Even though it is in the corner of a small plaza. The decor is very clean and welcoming. The waitress was nice and very patient with me when trying to find out what I wanted. I ended up getting the unagi lunchbox because i've been craving it for the longest time. After ordering, the food came out approximately 10 minutes which was good since I had to be back at work. The salad was watery... the california rolls are just california rolls... nothing special about them but the most disappointing part was the unagi... The sauce was their "special" blend but all i tasted was salt salt and more salt. The only way I could get it down was getting a spoonful of rice for every bite. Spending 18 dollars for a lunchbox I was expecting something amazing but I did not. It was a disappointment and will not be going back. They get 3 stars for the experience though.. nice old japanese man working the fish was very entertaining and the waitress was very nice. The decor was pleasant and it seems like a lot of regulars come in and it gives a homey environment.
(3)
Jennie C.

This place was first recommended to me several years ago by a friend's friend, who was Japanese. I've been coming here for Japanese home cooking ever since. Love their hamachi kama set, fried oysters. Actually I think I've ordered the hamachi kama 80% of the time. The various accompaniments in the set change with seasons. Service is always friendly and efficient. It's very popular and gets crowded over the weekends. Reservations are a must!
(4)
Roxanne R.

Renga Tei is my go to place for take out sushi. I think they prices are reasonable and the sushi quality is very good. I always get the Philadelphia roll with avocado instead of scallions and the french maki. The portion sizes of the rolls are pretty big too so I am beyond full with these two rolls. I've also gotten their go mae which is the best I ever. I've dined here once and they're service is good also. I have no complaints. I recommend making reservation for dining in on the weekends because the wait could be hour(s) without one. My japanese friends tell me their food is so authentic so I may have to venture out to the other entrees they offer but for the rolls I've eaten the above listed plus california, spicy tuna, salmon skin, I definitely recommend a visit!
(4)
Jeanus T.

Have been here many times but this is the first time writing a review. This is a causal family style Japanese restaurant that you wouldn't pay too much attention passing by. But this is a diamond in the dirt! Food is excellent here no matter what you order - sushi, bento box, udon, you name it and they have it. Everything is well prepared with very reasonable pricing. This place is for someone who wants the real deal without the gimmicks. When you come here, make sure you order the house green tea. The owner order it from japan and its super good!
(5)
Onur U.

I've read so many great things about this place, I have to think we went on an off night. The place has a very comfortable vibe and the service was very warm and attentive. There are a ton of sushi restaurants in Chicago and so many lack this important quality, opting instead for showy-mayo rolls and faux-techno music. The presentation on the dishes was nice as well, giving the entire experience a homemade feel. Unfortunately, I felt the cuisine fell a little short. We started off with an order of the spinach with bonito flakes. I supposed I shouldn't have been surprised when we were served a pile of boiled spinach sitting on a pool of soy sauce and topped with a generous serving of bonito flakes. I guess I was expecting more seasoning that would pair with the bonito, but really it just tasted like boiled spinach with soy sauce. For an entree I went with the buckwheat noodles with tempura. The tempura was crispy and greaseless but the batter was a little heavier than I prefer, that's more a preference than a quality issue. The noodles were soft but maintained some texture. I would've enjoyed the dish overall if they had served it with a more interesting dipping sauce, but it pretty much tasted just like soy sauce once again. My wife ordered the chirashi, which featured a generous portion and variety of raw fish. The fish ranged in quality with the salmon being a nice highlight, but the urchin and mackerel in particular were lacking in freshness and I think upset my stomach a little. Worse was the caramelized onions, pink powdered sugar pile, and overly sweet sushi rice that really interfered with the flavor of the fish. This was the sweetest chirashi plate I've ever experienced and I have to hope that was the result of a heavy hand in the kitchen rather than a stylistic choice. I can see the appeal and with some small tweaks I would've enjoyed my meal. But for my first trip, I have to say I left pretty disappointed.
(3)
Al D.

Forget Japonais, Kamehachi, Tank, and Matsuya. Renga Tei is the real deal in Japanese food. Authenticity is key here, down to the greetings and farewells in Japanese by the staff. I went here with a friend who lives in the area. I've heard of this place over the years, but never have been able to go, until yesterday. Hot towels, small origami birds to place your chopsticks in, these are are all small touches to complete your dining experience. Prices are great, too. For $14 I got miso soup, salad, beef and chicken teryaki with mustard sauce, veggies, non-greasy tempura veggies and shrimp, with rice and sauce. All was delicious. My mochi dessert was fantastic, too. Nothing I had tasted bland, overly-salty or greasy in any way. Fresh and authentic to the max. Renga Tei has and extensive menu with something to please everyone, not just sushi. Prices are very good as well. I don't need to have techno music in a hot locale with trendy drinks to enjoy Japanese food. Renga Tei is the ideal restaurant with true Japanese hospitality and cuisine.
(5)
Kenny O.

Renga Tei is the first Lincolnwood restaurant (or business, for that matter) I've ever been to during my 5-year stay in Evanston. If the restaurants in the rest of Lincolnwood are this good, then I may as well make it my future home. I don't give out 5s to many restaurants (especially Japanese), so this just underscores my good experience here. The ambiance: Renga Tei is a tiny restaurant that resembles the hole-in-the-wall izakayas in Japan more than the Japanese restaurant establishments you find in Chicago. The waitresses were all Japanese and tried speaking Japanese with me. As a failure of a white-washed Japanese American, I responded to them in English, only to be embarrassed after one of them made fun of me losing my proficiency in the language after childhood. It was all in good jest, and the waitresses reminded me of my mom and aunts. It's actually a luxury to even find Japanese people in Chicagoland, and it's something that's always made eating Japanese feel homey when I lived in California. The food: My party (the two girls in my doctoral cohort and myself) ordered a few bottles of some of their sake. It helped start the night off in a good note. We opted for cold sake since I've had a history of gagging on hot sake (even the 'good' stuff!), so we all figured that we didn't want to celebrate with my vomit. We got their blue bottle (I didn't choose the sake, so I didn't see the name), and it was really good for only being like $12/bottle. We ordered some appetizers including the ika karaage (ika is squid; karaage means breaded/deep fried), some asparagus-stuffed sausages, and uni nigiri (sea urchin 'roe' sushi). They were all pretty good, though small in portion. The prices weren't wallet-breaking by any means, so all's fine. I'm used to just getting larger appetizer portions and had to calibrate my expectations for the portion sizes here; but like I said, for the price we paid, it was probably the same value as some of the finer sushi restaurants in California that I frequented [see my review on 'Ohshima' in Orange, CA]). For my main course, I ordered the Grilled Sanma meal. I grew up eating Sanma (a.k.a. 'mackerel pike') and other really boney sakana as a kid. The Japanese waitress made sure that I knew what this was, and this is how she found out I was Japanese and yatta yatta yatta. The meal came with simple salad and miso, which weren't anything worth writing about. The sanma itself was a hefty portion--surprising really. I was expecting maybe 1 whole grilled fish, but I got 3 entire sanma, served with steamed and stir-fried vegetables and rice. The fish was nicely cooked, slightly crispy skin with really nice juicy flesh. The bones are always a big big nuisance, and I've forgotten how to properly filet sanma from not eating it for so many years, so a good amount of my dinner was spent just deboning fish before digging in. Anyway, after the sake and appetizers hit me (I also ate a small dinner a few hours earlier), I gave up and decided to take the beasts home with me. **TL;DR Seriously, though, the fish [sanma] was good. Real good.** It was also cheap. Extremely filling meal and I got to try a large sample of their menu (and finish off like 3 bottles of sake) and the bill was only like $40/person after tax and tip. The service: Really nice waitresses. Very attentive. They made fun of me a bit, but it made me really feel like I was at home haha! Top notch service. I'll be coming to Renga Tei as much as I can in the next 4.75 years. I really enjoyed my first meal here, and I'll be sure to try out the rest of the menu.
(5)
W. T.

Best authentic Japanese cuisine in town.
(5)
Len L.

When we are in the area and have a taste for Japanese food, this is the first place that comes to mind. This place usually gets very busy during evening hours, I do recommend calling in to reserve seating. They serve traditional Japanese cuisines, not too many of those crazy specialty rolls found in trendier spots. What I like is the many combination of bento boxes they offer. You need to try the grilled fish neck bone, in the appetizer section, it's pretty pricey, but very delicious. The service and ambiance is excellent. The staff is very friendly and courteous. What I like: -Food is very tasty and fresh - prepared well. -Excellent service -Large selection of combination plates. -Parking lot What I dislike: -Too far from my neighborhood.
(4)
Terry T.

I know very little about Japanese food, but I sure know great teriyaki when I have it. Their beef teriyaki is not to be missed.
(5)
Renee M.

The hostess was SO rude I was embarrassed and almost walked out. It was 5pm on a Sunday and there were many empty tables. I told her we did not have any reservations and her disgusted expression and clear exasperation made us feel awful. I am not sure I could stomach it again which is too bad because the food was delicious and the waitress was very nice.
(2)
Dominick C.

Please deport me! Deport me and send me to Japan! Or at least to Renga-Tei in Skokie! Yes. I love this place. They always have the nicest staff (some, quite nice lookers, too, hah) and the food is always delicious. I have to admit, once I have the Combination A - Beef with Chicken Teriyaki and Tempura, I was hooked. The udon and sushi is great too, for this winter nights. Pair it with some hot green tea. (Yes, I should really try something else from the menu, but I love the above so much!) Their Tokyo Lime Cheesecake is awesome, too! The owner only makes a few a night, so once they're gone, they're gone. Mmmm....
(5)
Wedee K.

Love it here. Every time I come here I always get Combination B- Beef Teriyaki, Chicken Teriyaki and Shrimp Tempura. It also comes with rice, miso soup, salad, gomae, and some side cabbage. SOOOO PERFECT. No where else in the Chicagoland can you find a tray like this. I also get the Spicy French maki which is also pretty delicious. The atmosphere is amazing. Japanese Owned, Japanese Run, and just plain awesome. TIP: Try to make a reservation. There's a better chance you will get a table because the place always fills up. Grade: A +
(5)
Adam S.

Renga Tei has good food at a fair price, but the actions of the hostess ruin the experience. There is one older woman who is usually the hostess, and she is *very* unpleasant. If you arrive without a reservation, she will roll her eyes and act like it's a terrible inconvenience to seat you, even if the restaurant is empty. We have made several visits, in the hopes that we just caught her on a bad day, but she is consistently rude, in person and on the phone. I lived in Japan for many years, so I like to visit Renga Tei. I don't want to punish the whole restaurant for the actions of one person. However, this ignorant woman has persuaded us to visit the place less and less. I hope they read this and fire her ASAP.
(3)
Natasha P.

Love at first bite. And then obsessed stalker status after finishing my entire meal. Welcome to the beginning of my love affair with Renga Tei. My boyfriend took me here to eat after we both realized we had some intense sushi cravings. He'd been here many, many times but wanted me to try it for quite some time. I'm not sure I can even find the words to aptly review this restaurant but I'll try my best. Upon walking in, we were greeted and immediately seated. The decor is cozy, the wall was painted blue, a hue of blue that was tranquil and these walls were adorned with Shoji screens. The inside of the restaurant does not at all reflect the outside of it. First we were brought hot towels, iced waters and tea before even ordering. We ended up ordering Combination A: shrimp and vegetable tempura with steak and chicken teriyaki. I was even able to order my chicken without skin and all white meat only without any complaint. In addition, we got Spicy tuna maki, the spider, the unagi and avocado maki and the French maki. Before our food came out we each got bowls of miso soup and salad. Now you can ask anyone this because I'm notorious for giving away my salad when dining in a Japanese restaurant b/c I don't like the dressing, but yesterday I ate the entire bowl. The dressing was still the same usual color and consistency but instead of it being chalky or just downright repulsive it was sweet, tangy and I enjoyed it. The combination A comes out to you on a giant platter that takes up a good portion of the table. No, the tables here aren't small - the plates of food that come to you are just large. My favorite thing on this platter was this gomae mayo that is for the fresh broccoli but I dipped everything in it. Yeah, everything. From the teriyaki chicken and steak to the tempura battered amazingness - this sauce is like finding a twenty dollar bill in your jeans pocket when you've already had a great day that you're not sure is able to get better. The portions are definitely great, not too much but definitely more than what you pay for. The sushi, literally every single roll was really fresh and better than what I had expected before I actually tasted it. Obviously I was too full for dessert, but my boyfriend helped himself to a bowl of red bean ice cream and green tea ice cream which I was told was "the best red bean ice cream" he's ever had. I'd probably disagree because I don't like red bean ice cream, but after a meal like that it wouldn't take much persuasion. With this phenomenal quality of food and service alike, Renga Tei could turn a REAL profit if they opened up a location downtown - but then again, why mess with perfection?
(5)
Keiko S.

Finally, a true Japanese restaurant that's fairly comparable to the 3-star casual places we used to frequent back in Cali. Perhaps I'm being too generous with the stars, but I think it deserves the praise in light of how deceiving the other restaurants in the area tend to be... Here are some highlights: 1) Green tea - it's the real stuff...and of course, FOC 2) Menu - a selection of authentic, comforting dishes; don't miss the daily specials - NONE of those fancy, all-in-one "rolls"! - Sashimi's are fresh and thick, just how I like them; last time I was quite happy with the hamachi and it's not even my favorite fish - Chirashi, "matsu" or ume", is very satisfying and comes with a variety of real toppings (see photos) -- this is my MUST dish - Good tsukemono on the side - Bentos are perfect for those who want a little bit of everything 3) Friendly, Japanese speaking staff 4) Japanese books/magazines at the entrance 5) Small parking lot, but at least they have one 6) SAKE!!!
(4)
Christine K.

I love Renga Tei. The food is meticulously prepared and authentic. The food is simple and beautiful, without unnecessary frills or gimmicks. I would highly recommend the soft shell crab set. It comes with agedashi tofu, pickled veggies, spinach side, and fruit. The soft shell crab is fresh and very lightly breaded. The dipping sauce is a perfect accompaniment. Everything I've had there has been great and it's my go-to restaurant every time I'm in the area. I love the cute Japanese lady that has been greeting me at the entrance for as many years as I've been going there. :)
(4)
Kevin L.

Renga Tei is not wholly unlike that awesome band that you couldn't wait to see in concert because their recorded music is so dope... yet when you experience them live, they can't keep it together. I may or may not be talking about Counting Crows here... After all the hype from my sister about how her Japanese friend always comes here with his family for the most delicious, authentic J-food in the area, I figured it had to be pretty good. However, the best word I can muster to describe my meal here is "filling." I think my failing was in comparing the nabeyaki udon here to the ones I've had in the past elsewhere... and although the offering at Renga Tei is probably more traditional, it did not inspire awe. Yes, the steaming hot bowl came with plenty of udon noodles, a tightly-wrapped wad of greens, a whole soft-poached egg, a slice of fishcake, two chunks of -very- well done chicken, and a side of some juicy shrimp tempura. Nowhere to be found were the fine trappings of mushrooms, scallions, delightfully fatty pork belly, or the like. If not for the fact that at an extremely similar price point (in NYC, during dinner hours, no less) I had a far more impressive meal, I probably would have been more gung ho in my praise of Renga Tei. I did note, however, that the lunch bentos looked quite beautifully arrayed. Mom reportedly didn't think her sashimi was fresh, and the one piece of teriyaki beef I sampled off my sister's plate was tough (likely her error by ordering it well done). But at least the service was spot on...!
(3)
Mike T.

I grew up near this restaurant and still go back to this day. I am confirming what most people have already wrote in their reviews that this place is awesome and one of my favorites. Whether I am ordering Tonkatsu, Katsu Curry, Bento Box, Teriyaki Combination dinners, fried oysters, or chicken wings, I have never been disappointed. If you are in the area or even if you are not, STOP BY!
(5)
DR. S.

My wife and I have been going to this place for few years, and the reason we like this place because of their high quality food. The texture of the sushi rice is exactly same as what we had when we were in Japan. There are a lot of sushi restaurants in Chicago,and they are mostly serving American style Japanese food which put a lot of different sauces in the roll or even in sashimi. How can you really taste the freshness of the fish with all kinds of sauce in it???? But this particular one, they are so much different than the others Japanese restaurants. We enjoyed it.
(4)
Jason P.

This place isn't exactly the ideal spot for me with the limited vegetarian options, but it is pretty good. The service could use some upgrading but that might have had something to do with a language barrier. A nice hole in the wall that is always packed. This is where Japanese people come for Japanese food.
(3)
Veronika R.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed Renga Tei yet...we've been going here since before we moved to the area - I think it was on recommendation of one of my honey's clients, while we still lived in either Andersonville or Lakeview, so we've been coming here for at least 7 years now. Renga Tei is our go-to place when we have a hankering for sushi (which is every couple weeks). The decor is no-frills, the service is excellent and the sushi is delicious. We usually sit at the sushi bar, and for some reason, no matter what night we go, we see the same elderly couple at the sushi bar. EVERY SINGLE TIME. It's really bizarre, but hey, if I had the money and didn't enjoy cooking, I'd be at Renga Tei every night too. Really. Even though we are "sort of" regulars, and the sushi chefs recognize us, we're kind of shy about chatting them up, but from time to time we've gotten recommendations. We're pretty set in our ways, fish-species-wise, and have definite favorites that we always order, and I think they know that! I feel like I've left my sushi-experimentation days behind, when I was young and free and my girlfriends and I were pretty much open to trying any sushi restaurant that we saw, for better or worse. Now that I'm older and more settled down, I prefer quality over quantity and trendiness. A typical order consists of the spicy tuna deluxe maki, negi hamachi maki, tuna, salmon and unagi nigiri. I personally LOVE the eel, my honey can take it or leave it, but he'll humor me and eat it sometimes. Everything is always super fresh tasting, tender and buttery soft. The eel is just crisp on the edges, and the eel sauce isn't too sweet, as it can be sometimes. Occasionally we don't feel like having sushi (WHAAAAT?!?) and we'll order the teriyaki beef or chicken. I prefer the teriyaki chicken (I like chicken more than beef), and it's super moist and tender - it seems to be broiled (?) with the skin on, and is so juicy. It comes with sauteed veggies on the side (broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms) and a dollop of a sauce that I have no idea what it is, but I always dip my veggies in it and it's super-yum! I wish I could get my broccoli steamed to that exact point they do it, and the zucchini is always perfect. We've also had the tempura vegetables and shrimp, and of course, you can't go wrong with a lightly breaded/fried shrimp (they're huge), and veggies. Of course, we don't really eat fried food anymore, so we haven't had the tempura in a couple years, nor have we had the spider roll, but both are absolutely delicious, and if you don't care about eating fried food, I recommend both. The prices are reasonable, and we usually spend around $50 for the 2 of us, for 3 rolls, 4-6 pieces of nigiri, miso soup and a large Sapporo for my honey. I usually just have the hot green tea - it's intensely green and smooth, not at all "dirty" tasting (it's made with powdered green tea), and we leave pleasantly full.
(5)
Chris S.

Amazing Japanese food. I lived in Japan for 3 yrs and could safely say that it's high-quality authentic washoku. Didnt expect that in chicago... Very pleasantly surprised! Highly recommend to any locals or tourists
(5)
Diana N.

I've lived in quite a few areas and have done the sushi thing, Coast, Japonais, House of Sushi, etc etc. Never in my life have I tasted fish this way. The freshest in the city, from the tuna to tako. Very authentic ambience since its run and visited by a truly Japanese crowd. You wont be disappointed, dining in or taking out.
(5)
Dima M.

And we're taking away 3 stars. Actually, if I could take away all 4 stars that I had initially given this place, I would. My friend and I showed up on Monday evening to grab a bite. The hostess looked all distressed and almost treated us like little children. "NO RESERVATION? Oh no, I don't know. How about sitting at the bar?" We did not want to sit at the bar. We could clearly see there were at least 3 open tables and no one else waiting. The hostess had such an attitude, so we tried to be extra nice, and finally she sat us down at one of the empty tables. We ordered as anyone would normally, and we ordered a lot of food. Throughout the whole dinner, the waitress was extra rude to us. She was obviously told we were the bad people who showed up without reservations. The waitress was practically throwing the food in our faces. Like I said, we ordered a lot of food, then we ordered desserts, and some more tea. The waitress brought our bill, while we were still eating our dessert, which we thought was very rude. We paid our bill and sat around to finish our dessert and tea. The waitress came by, picked up the signed receipt, and whispered under her breath, "there are people waiting, so can you ....?" We didn't catch what the end of that sentence was, but we figured out that we had just been asked to leave. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? We could not believe it. We got up, knowing that this was the last time we would be coming to this place. On top of that, as we walked out of the place, and saw there were other empty tables and there was NO ONE waiting to be seated. Obviously, the owners or the people running this place are greedy. If it really mattered that we had no reservations, they could've told us that we had to wait for an hour, and then we would've gone elsewhere or waited, but they were too greedy to lose out on the business. But then to practically kick us out? That was a new low for any place I have ever been to. I think a lot of restaurant owners in this country need to learn that people go out to eat not just to eat, but to socialize. Renga Tei, no matter how good your food is, I am never setting foot in there again, and I will tell people not to go there. What a disappointment and rude treatment! The service is probably the worst I have ever seen. FAIL!
(1)
Kevin T.

I used to hate sushi as a kid (crazy, right?) But ever since my first meal at Renga Tei, I fell in love with sushi. Since then, I had not stopped coming back here. The sushi is superb and is always fresh. My typical meal consists of: Unagi pieces California rolls Spider rolls (my favorite) Spicy tuna rolls Shrimp tempura Tonkatsu meal (of course this is usually shared among a group) My only problem with their sushi is that it is very limited. I am a big fan of the dragon roll and was disappointed that they do not have it on their menu. I can't say much about their main courses because I've never really had anything besides the tonkatsu and some chicken teriyaki. But if I were to base their other meals from those 2 alone, I'd say they are quite delicious. The only reason I'd give this place a 4 star and not a 5 is because of their more limited sushi menu. Otherwise, it would be a 5 in my book.
(4)
Stacey P.

I have been coming to Renga Tei since I was a wee lass. Actually, when I was a little kid, I'm not even sure it had the same name. I know it switched owners at some point in my pre-teendom, but I'm not sure if the name was switched as well? Anyway, I have fond memories of coming to "renga tei" and getting the kids plate, which came on a cute compartment sanrio plate, had tamagoyaki, onigiri, and some kind of teriyaki meat (depending on what I ordered) with a salad. It was my favorite!!! Well, that was when I was 6. 24 years later, I *still* love Renga Tei. My favorite thing to order here (and, uh, pretty much what I order every time) is the Katsudon. Yes, I know, so basic, and there is so much at Renga Tei to love, but it is SOOO good here. When I was in Japan, I went to a katsu place and the katsu don was ALMOST as good as renga tei. (Although the katsu SET was better .. :P ) The katsudon at renga tei is perfectly made and has the egg placed wonderfully on top!! When you break it open, the soup and steam hit your face and the smell is DELICIOUS. Then comes the shoveling of delightful food into your mouth. That's right, shoveling, because at least for me, it's all I can do not to just pick up the bowl, surgically alter my mouth to open wider, and DUMP the whole thing in. Um, but slow down cowboy... It's probably better to savor the deliciousness :) I have tried other things at renga tei, all good. I love it that this restaurant is one of the FEW japanese restaurants actually OWNED by japanese people. Another thing I love? That Renga Tei is not what "japanese food" is to people in Chicago. . . I.E. hip sushi joint with low lighting and smooth beats. Why is that japanese food?!?! nonono. That is an americanized sushi place. If you want JAPANESE FOOD, come to renga tei. Anyway, now I'm craving my lunch set from when I was 6. I wonder if they can whip that one up for me (and if it's not on a cute sanrio plate, don't bother!!!) HA!
(5)
Tom K.

This is our favorite local sushi restaurant. The decor and furniture are cozy to say the least, very old. But the food is great. I love the pork katsu, curries, and fried anything. My wife loves all the rolls, udon, and fish quality. She used to work in sushi restaurants, so her standards for sushi are pretty high. This place has great quality fish and prices that don't scare us away!
(5)
Michelle L.

I heard some great things about Renga Tai, from a friend and Yelp, so I was excited to give it a try, especially since I've driven by so many times. In a word: underwhelming. I ordered a combination with teriyaki chicken and salmon, and tempura. The salmon was very thin, overcooked, and had a very fishy flavor that was unlike salmon (I eat salmon 1 to 2 times per week). The teriyaki sauce that smothered the salmon and chicken was super thick, not a fan. The chicken was actually pretty good though, had a nice char, and the salad it came with had a very tasty dressing. But then....the tempura was so boring!! The shrimp was fine, but it only came with 3 other pieces of very small veggies - 2 pieces of I think purple potato (not good) and 1 piece of a pepper of some sort. Not impressed. And the tempura sauce had no flavor. My companions sushi looked pretty good and he enjoyed it, I wish I had ordered that. Perhaps if I ever go back and get the sushi I can update this review to be more positive, but I doubt I'll be returning.
(2)
Eric V.

I just need to give this place another bump cause I love it so darn much. Whenever I'm in the mood for Japanese comfort food Renga Tei is option one. They certainly do sushi well, but I typically go for their hot entrees. Their teriyaki is my favorite around the city, and I've recently grown an affinity for their Katsu Curry. The Katsu Curry, which is made in limited quantities, is typically on their weekend specials menu. The dish consists of Tonkatsu (panko breaded pork cutlet), a bowl of hearty beef and potato curry, and steamed rice. The curry is hearty and flavorful without being overpowering. Quite the perfect winter dish. The dining area is no frills but it's clean and comfortable. The food is the real star here and the price point is spot on for the food quality and quantity. They do take reservations, which are a pretty good idea during prime time hours on Friday and Saturday.
(5)
Zand S.

Excellent food and appetizers. Their bento boxes are more than enough and good suggestion for those who would like to get familiar with the food. My favorite is the Chirashi matsu (large). Reservation is strongly recommended. The service is so-so due to being overwhelmed , it took them 20 minutes to take orders as the server was forgetful and too busy, I brought it to her attention after 15 minutes and was about to walk out until the hostess finally realized and took over... Well worth and recommended.
(4)
Gerry T.

I've been coming here since the late 90's and even when it changed hands, the food and the staff have remained authentic Japanese. Which of course adds to the ambience and total experience, for example, the sushi chef looks like he trained in Japan, an older fellow who is very meticulous in his movements and technique. His ronin-like stoicism is due to high concentration on the rolls and sashimi. The bento boxes are delicious and reasonably priced. The servers are pretty and kind. It's 5 minutes from my house and Matsuya in Wrigleyville closed so...Renga Tei is currently my favorite Japanese restaurant.
(4)
Jennifer W.

One of the best Japanese restaurants in the area. Great sushi and entrees. I had a yummy combo plate that included salmon, beef and shrimp, and came with soup, salad, veggies and rice. All for under $20. My husband had a delicious curry pork dish. Only downside was slow service, but we hardly noticed since the food was so good.
(5)
Stanley L.

Very warm feeling when you go inside, staff are friendly altho a little bit slow, but the food is great! very traditional yet looking modern, price isn't too expansive for the quality of food you get. It's not really a place to take a first date to, but definitly a place where you can become a regular and have a wonderful japanese meal. I love their Ika and Uni appertizer, age tofu is good too, yummie.
(5)
Amber R.

Lucky me to work so close to this excellent restaurant. I lunch here at least once a month. I've never had to wait for a seat but sometimes finding parking can be difficult. My favorites are the a la cart or lunchbox specials - I usually get the chicken teriyaki or the shrimp and vegetable tempura. It's enough food to overfill you for a reasonable price - and hot green tea is free. The lunch combos are good too but too much food for me. No complaints about the service.
(5)
Max V.

The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because of the usual wait for a table, but that is to be expected with food this good. My grandparents have been coming here since it first opened, and luckily enough my grandmother knows half the waitstaff so we always get very friendly service. Everything on the menu is authentic and the sushi is always fresh. I haven't had anything I have disliked yet (except the uni, but I would hate that anywhere.). The chirashi matsu is my go-to meal just because of the volume and variety of sashimi that you recieve. The food prices are reasonable, with some of the maki rolls stretching a bit to the pricey side. If you are trying Japanese food for the first time, I would recommend the yakisoba. Even though its a traditional Japanese dish, the pickiest of American eaters will be happy with it. Make reservations ahead of time to avoid the wait. If you don't mind sitting at the sushi bar, there is usually always a seat or two open.
(4)
Kenneth C.

The food is good with decent portions. I always get the bento boxes. Service is somewhat slow even when there aren't many diners. After being seated, we didn't get our menus until 5-10 minutes later.
(3)
Leslie G.

If you are looking for authentic Japanese cuisine that is straight forward, this is the place for you. It is not fancy nor elegant but classic in its decor and food preparation and presentation. Good to see a Japanese restaurant owned and operated by Japanese. Staff is Japanese as well as the primary chefs and sushi chefs. This is my monthly go to!
(5)
Jiyoun B.

This place is so Japanese. It doesn't look busy or sometimes open from the outside but once you're inside, it feels like stepping into a busy but quiet restaurant in Japan. When you first go in, they'll ask if you have a reservations. If you say no, they'll say "Oh. I'm sorry" and then turn around while you figure out what just happened. They'll come back in five minutes to ask if you'd like to sit at the sushi bar. It's their way of saying, "Please make reservations next time you dine with us" but I don't mind sitting at the sushi bar so.... Their sushi is pretty fresh given that Chicago is no where near an ocean. But I go to Renga Tei for their authentic Japanese dishes like sukiyaki and grilled unagi. It's a good place to go if you don't mind the Japanese way of hospitality. Tip: Parking is ample. Parking is available on three sides of the building.
(4)
Thuy N.

This is as authentic Japanese as you can get. The sushi is always fresh, the staff friendly and attentive. I love the family atmosphere and the fact that the ladies working here are all Japanese. However, their menu is not as large scale as other restaurants I've been to.
(4)
Shigenobu A.

It feels like home when you come into Renga Tei. When you first walk in your welcomed in Japanese by one of their staff. My family has been going here for years so they usually know all of our favorites. Tables are usually small and comfortable. I would recommend the Saba Teriyaki, the Steak Appetizer, or the Katsudon bowl to everyone. In 2009 we were inside when someone drove into the rear kitchen and were evacuated out. During the time that they were closed we realized how much we missed Renga Tei as no other place could compare. Quick Tips: - Be sure to call in before hand and reserve. -Only use the hot towel (Oshibori) to wipe your hands before the meal, please don't use it on your face.
(5)
Ney N.

You need to make a reservation or you won't get a seat. I've made that mistake once before. The food are great! The service is also very nice too boost. My favorite is the teriyaki beef bento set. I don't know what is the yellow sauce they serve on the side but I could eat broccoli dip in that sauce for a meal! The quality of sushi is very nice too. Their rice flavor is a bit on the mild side but still very delicious!
(4)
Michael R.

A good friend of mine introduced us to this place the other night. I can;t thank him enough for it. From the moment we walked in, I loved it. The staff was very friendly and it had such a traditional Japanese atmosphere. You can tell the place is frequented by regulars. Most of the customers in there seemed like very traditional Asian regulars and that is a good sign because I can imagine they are the toughest critics. The appetizers were great, the sushi was amazing, the food was excellent, the desserts were great and the service we received was excellent. I will definitely return to this place. There were a few groups there and you can tell the restaurant did a great job of keeping them all happy. Also, I noticed everybody was given chopsticks and you had to actually ask for a fork! I loved this! Mainly because it is quite the opposite everywhere you go nowadays. It was nice to see such a traditional place keep holding onto their traditions. Tips - Make reservations. I seen people waiting a bit to eat and the place is small. Also, don;t wipe your face with the hot towel and don't stick your chopsticks in your food and let it sit like that. Both of those acts are disrespectful and makes us look like filthy Americans. If you are looking for very flavorful and traditional Japanese food, then this is the place to try.
(5)
Audrey C.

Your average neighborhood sushi joint with above average prices. To me, the premium added onto the price is justified by the fact that Japanese patrons frequent the restaurant, which indicates authenticity of the food. Afterall, it's heck of a lot cheaper to go to Renga Tei and eat with Japanese folks than to go to Japan and eat with Japanese folks. Flawed logic? Perhaps but works for me. ;)
(3)
Ws's Mama H.

Renga Tei is one of few places in Chicago that has authentic Japanese taste. Maybe it was just me but when I have eaten here three times, they were just ok. It was nothing exciting. Plus I was not fond of an old Japanese wait staff, who was mean to me :( But if I'm in mood for some authentic Japanese food and don't feel like driving to the burbs, I would probably eat here.
(3)
Cecilia T.

Genuine Japanese food in the suburbs? Unheard of...or NOT! Renga tei is what you might call very authentic " hole-in-the-wall yet a sit down" Japanese restaurant with very good prices for the quality & authenticity of the food and the sheer amount of food that comes per dish! My family has been coming here for years so we know what we like =) Don't be taken aback by its worn out looking location in the middle of a tiny strip center. Wait until you try the food and then you'll know you found a secret gem of yumminess! I LOVE THIS: - For appetizers, their Chicken wings are delicately crisped in a tasty ginger garlic soy sauce. Soooo juicy and steaming!! -Also love the Asparagus and Enoka Mushroom appetizer - this is SO tasty and delicately flavored. -Their Combo Sets on the back of the menu are THE best deal! You get so much variety for a good price. I chose the Steak set Medium Rare while my husband got the same set Medium Well. If you're cool with red meat, we both liked the Medium Rare version best - the steak is well peppered and tender. Other standout items that come with this set is the Tofu soup (a lot of it and in a tasty sauce), fruit, and pickled veggies. - My family also orders their Combination Boxes - the sushi . All of their combo boxes have great portions and quality -The Sashimi Bento Boxes are also really good and SO fresh!!! Even the Tamago Egg that comes in some of the bentos is the real deal - looks freshly made and tastes soooo good!. QUITE GOOD: -Their asparagus beef roll is pretty good - lightly flavored with a bit of meat wrapped in the asparagus. - Miso soup can be just miso soup, and then there's miso soup at Renga Tei - it just tastes so good! They add a nice mix of seaweed and tofu to warm the belly.
(4)
Justin B.

Ive lived down the street from this place for so long, and I JUST finally tried this place out and I must say...I wish I went here sooner. Very authentic Japanese food, the sushi is very fresh, menu is full of variety, and my combination A plate was quite filling to say the least. a MUST try, under the appetizers, I believe its called golden nuggets? TRY THIS, it will not disappoint, I could order 2 of those w a side of rice and make it a meal
(5)
Kato t.

A friend of mine is real picky on food, and yet she chose this place as one of her favorites for sushie so it had to be good to satisfy her selective-ness. Well, it was. The food is really great, the people I found to be quite warm and welcoming, but it was also something about the interior design that felt so cozy, quite, and home-y. With great food and a tranquil atmosphere, I really could just pop in here for lunch to just take a breather. They DO have certain hours though, so it's best to check their hours of business. All in all, I DO love the place and I can only recommend it.
(4)
jerry m.

This is the best Japanese restaurant near Chicago. I spent 6 months in Japan, and would have to say this comes the closest to authentic home-cooked Japanese food. Also, the spicy tuna rolls are stuffed with more tuna than rice! I didn't appreciate this until I was at an unnamed sushi place on Belmont near Sheffield which had almost all rice with small sliver of tuna. - happy gaijin
(5)
Tae H.

First of all, please do not be confused on prior reviews stating the wait staff is "easy on the eyes" and "nice lookers" . That is true if you are Stevie Wonder. Now that we have that clarified, lets discuss the food and the service. The food can be described as "authentic", " home made", and "comforting". No fancy decorations or outrageous rolls with fruit sauce. It is very good and you feel like a japanese grandmother made it just for you. We had the combination dinner sets. Steak-salmon teriyaki, chicken-salmon teriyaki. spicy tuna deluxe maki and boston Maki. The sauce is rich and thick, almost honey like. Portions are large. Sushi is outstanding, Proper temperature and rice texture with nice selection of fish not available at other restaurants. Service can be described as efficient, quick, and no nonsense. similar to dealing with the mamasans at an asian massage parlor.
(4)
Lea L.

The whole family love this restaurant. Salmon Teriyaki was very good as well as the shrimp tempura.
(4)
Kenny N.

There is a time and a place for expensive trendy sushi joints. I like me some Japonais- BUT there is also a time and place for good-solid Japanese food. I am a Japanese American living in Chicago. This is where my family eats. This is a place where 90% of the time we go to eat here...we see someone else (of Japanese heritage) we know. Yes...this place is full of regulars. So yea, if you want good solid Japanese food...this is the place.
(5)
Mark S.

Had the distinct pleasure of eating lunch here Monday a week ago while in the Windy City for a brief business trip. Arrived a few minutes early before opening time and they unlocked the door to let me sit while the final preparations were being made; domo arigatou gozaimus. Ordered ika sansai and the sanma lunch box; sanma shioyaki, goma-ae, salad, some pickled veggies, etc. Sanma shioyaki on the menu is typically a clear statement that you're in a decent Japanese establishment. Plenty of other traditional Japanese food offerings, wish I was in town longer to try them all! Japanese staff, customers, the works. Topped off my meal with a glass of rei-shu and that definitely was the right choice to finish off a very relaxing meal. Come and get you some ....
(5)
David R.

Their maitre'd service leaves much to be desired. They not only had no table ready for us despite our 7 pm reservation, several times we were told that our table would be ready momentarily only to continue to wait. We were finally seated at 7:15. Thankfully everything was uphill from there. The menu was extensive, but my friend and I were jonesing for sushi and made some great choices. The best was the Crazy Chicago Roll, with four different kinds of fish as well as cucumber and masago. That was a large roll in four pieces which cost $9.50 and was worth every penny. We had oshinko and yellowtail/scallion, both very good. Our one misstep was the plum paste/Japanese basil roll. The sweet, potent plum and the pungent basil did not match well in our opinion. We also got some serviceable pork dumplings at the top of the meal. All together, it was $29 for all five items. That's a great deal for above-average sushi in a straightforward but pleasant environment.
(4)
Anna V.

Renga Tei is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants because of the authentic food and atmosphere. I usually get the Combination C, and everything that comes with it is delicious. It starts with a miso soup, which is standard and tasty, and then the salad that comes after has an amazing dressing. It's really simple, but I love how light and refreshing it is, and I believe it might have a touch of miso. For the entree, I usually get salmon and chicken teriyaki, and I think their teriyaki sauce is one of the best I've had (not too thick, not too watery). I even like the dipping sauce for the broccoli, it has a sesame taste to it. Their shrimp and veggie tempura is crispy and tasty. I also appreciate how they have complimentary green tea with refills. If you're not too full, I recommend the lime cheesecake, it's very light and delicious. The service is always friendly and attentive, and I like how you can make reservations ahead of time. I highly recommend Renga Tei!
(5)
Gaby C.

Craving sushi so I relied on my local yelpers. Renga tei had decent reviews. Carried out california roll, French roll and shrimp & cucumber roll. Everything was good. Nothing out of the ordinary. I would prob go back to try their food. My only complaint is that the rolls were cut very big. Like eat with a fork & knife big.
(3)
Demetrio P.

Had to mention that my fave thing to order at Renga Tei is their Beef/Steak Teriyaki. It's always cooked perfectly, slightly marbled, and always tender!
(4)
L B.

We order carry out from here and it's always delicious. It's a little pricey, but worth it, especially if you have friends or family visiting and you don't want to serve something sub par.
(4)
Michelle G.

Great, authentic Japanese food. The restaurant gets VERY busy, especially on the weekends. I recommend reservations. Every time I have been there, the service was good, but can be slow. The food is great. This is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area. My family, friends, and I frequently dine-in and even carry-out. Reasonably priced.
(5)
Bryan S.

Renga Tei is a great place for really good and authentic Japanese food. The food is fresh, especially the Sushi, always well prepared and most of all it is a clean establishment. Their menu is extensive. Recommend making reservations in advance. NOW FOR THEIR DOWNSIDE - SERVICE: While we enjoy the food, the service is questionable, the SERVERS can be EXTREMELY PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE. We were given SUBSTANDARD SERVICE at our table (not a busy night) and therefore decided to leave an equally deserving tip, 10% of the total bill. No, I am not cheap, for outstanding service, I have given a tip equivelant to the cost of a meal elsewhere. The server returned suggesting that we did not give her enough of a tip. SHE WOULDN'T LEAVE OUR TABLE UNTIL SHE SAW SHE HAD A BIGGER TIP COMING! I was really put-off to say the least, but my wife being the kind person she is, cooperated by taking two dollar bills out of her wallet to add to the tip. I would have probably deducted from the 10% she didn't deserve to begin with. I have never in my fifty years of dining out seen such behavior, whatever happened to manners? My suggestion? Get takeout, the food is good. If you pay that much for the food, don't risk leaving with a bad taste in your mouth as a result of the wait staff.
(2)
Natassia M.

This is my FAVORITE Japanese restaurant. I first went here for my boyfriend's birthday about 6 years ago and fell in love within the hour (with the restaurant, not the boy). The hostess is an older Japanese woman who I absolutely adore and I hope she stays there forever. She is very enthusiastic, friendly and welcoming. From the amazing appetizers (The Agedashi tofu is amazing, and it dances!) to the freshest and most perfect sushi I've ever eaten. This place is so authentic and I love it. My boyfriend and I have stayed here until we were the last ones at the restaurant (Valentine's 2010! They decorated the restaurant with paper hearts along the walls. Cute!) because we had to have our dessert and the Mr. is the slowest eater in the entire world. Did I mention dessert? Their mango sorbet is heavenly, the green tea ice cream is superb and the mochi is so tasty. The prices are decent and you get the exact quality you pay for. Great service! Great staff! Great food! I seriously think this restaurant is the reason my boyfriend and I have stayed together for so many years. I will never stop going here. I'm definitely going to try their bento lunch boxes soon!
(5)
Martha A.

We have been going here for over 20 years. We are never disappointed with the quality of food or service. It can be quite busy on many days so either make a reservation, come for an early dinner, or be willing to wait. Parking can be tricky as well. Simple wood decor makes this a great place for small groups on a weeknight. Will definitely keep coming to Renga Tei
(4)
Morgan H.

Simple, perfection!
(5)
April P.

Best kept secret in the northern suburbs. This place is authentic and quaint. Came here to celebrate a birthday, as the bday boy chose this place. I had my doubts, I hadn't even Yelped them before, so I took my chances. Food is phenomenally fresh. I had the sashimi platter with a TON of sides, my favorite being the tofu in broth. When i say tons of sides, i'm talking 5 or 6, and that doesn't include the salad and miso soup they start you off with. Fish was so fresh and cold, while the sides were wonderfully accentuating pieces. Aunt had the grilled calamari. Calamari done very nicely, executed where it did not have a rubbery taste. The lemon spritzed on top highlighted the seafood wonderfully. Another dinner mate had the deep fried soft shell crab. Done fabulously, leaving the crust slightly crunchy and the inside soft. The staff were kind and courteous. The place was decorated in regular Japanese style tea house. I asked to staff how long the restaurant had been open, and they said 15 years! News to me! We plan on visiting this place, many more years to come
(5)
John R.

Although this restaurant has good atmosphere hence the one star, I have never seen sushi sliced razor thin to the point you can see the rice underneath the fish! Way overpriced for what you get. Will not go back.
(1)
Barbara K.

Perfect food. The owner, Yamada-san, sprinkles the dining room with her own ikebana creations. Looking at the flower arrangements in itself makes it worth the worth.
(5)
Mike S.

I am a big fan of good Japanese food, and when I'm away at school, it's hard to find any. That's why coming home and going to Renga Tei is always a treat. My family loves this place, and we have been going here for dinner for as long as I can remember. The appetizers are all good, but definitely try the gyoza or the fried tofu dish. As far as main courses go, they have your typical dishes (teriyaki salmon, chicken, beef), but I LOVE the ton katsu - a fried pork cutlet with a ton katsu sauce. This restaurant has served as the location for a lot of my family's important events, and it rarely disappoints! I will continue to come to Renga Tei as long as it is open (which I hope is FOREVER!) Would give 5 stars based on overall food and service quality, but the parking is small and crowded all the time. Still a great place though!
(4)
Paul C.

Every time I come here this place is jumping. Why? I have no idea. All the sushi pieces are killed with wasabi. If the fish is good at all, your nigiri sushi does not need a huge dollop of wasabi. All you end up tasting is wasabi. The last time I visited they were out of salmon. How the hell does a sushi place run out of salmon? That's like going to Burger King to find out they're all out of Whopers. Honestly, I prefer the sushi at Jewel.
(1)
Tim H.

I love Renga Tei and I'm so glad it's only about a mile from my home! They were closed for a couple of months late in 2009 for some repair work, but have reopened recently. This place is my favorite for Japanese food for a whole lot of reasons. First, the food is great! While it's not as fancy as some Japanese restaurants, the food here is delicious. I've had almost everything on the menu and have never had a bad meal here. The sushi is wonderful and tonkatsu is my favorite. Second, service is great and seems to come in either of two varieties: older Japanese women who may not have the best English skills, but are friendly and nice; and cute Asian guys in their 20's who have great English and are also friendly and nice. What's not like about that?!? Third, the room is pleasant, with a small waiting area, warm and welcoming sushi bar, and comfortable (if a bit crowded) seating area. There seem to be a good number of Japanese there most nights, which means the food must be pretty good from a native's viewpoint. Prices are fair, although you can certainly drop a bundle there if you order lots of sushi and sake. Japanese food isn't cheap anywhere! Parking can be very tight on busy nights. Sometimes I have to use the public lot just east of Reng Tei's building. In summary, although you can get fancier Japanese food at other places, this place is five stars when you consider food, atmosphere, service, and price. Make reservations for weekend dinners.
(5)
Alexis F.

Agreed, you have to make a reservation. Great fresh authentic sushi. If you are looking for trendy, might not be for you.
(5)
Rits T.

I have been to this place for the pass 5 years. This place never disappointed me. Their food is traditional and phenomenal. Love beef steak and tuna avocado salad. will keep coming back.
(4)
Mrs. E.

My folks live in Glenview and they don't like to venture far when we go to dinner. Renga Tei is about a far as I can persuade them to go, and it's a good thing because Renga Tei is the best Japanese restaurant in the northern suburbs. It is not flashy or trendy, nor does it have crazy maki like most Japanese restaurants in the city. This is just traditional, well-done, fantastic tasting food that makes you want to curl up in a fleece blanket on a cold, snowy winter day. It makes me think of my grandparents so I am a little biased when it comes to this place so please keep that in mind when reading this review. I am a little obsessed with sukiyaki and I have to say that this is one of the best restaurants for sukiyaki in the Chicagoland area. My only disappointment is the fact that the sukiyaki comes with udon noodles, which doesn't seem quite right since it usually comes with glass noodles. But the broth is spot on, the meat is just right, the tofu is silken just the way I grew up eating it and for me this dish is a bowl of happiness. And I like udon noodles in general ... I just don't expect it with sukiyaki. My husband is a huge fan of Japanese food and will be the first to admit that the rolls are not very imaginative, but will also admit that the food is simply amazing. He got one of the bento box combinations and was delighted with the variety as well as the tasty surprises that he kept uncovering throughout the meal. The wait staff was super friendly even though we didn't speak Japanese (we are too Americanized). I love it when you walk into a Japanese restaurant like this and all of the sushi chefs say the traditional Japanese greeting. I also love red bean paste, which they have as a dessert option along with a scoop of green tea ice cream. Yum!
(4)
Bless P.

My most favorite sushi place in Chicago. Inexpensive and delicious. Would have been 5 stars if the hostess was nice. Must reserve earlier on during the day.
(4)
Jonah G.

This is GREAT! such simple but amazing food. Never had better Asian food.
(5)
Annie R.

I am in love with this restaurant. A rare find - a Japanese restaurant that's not only about Sushi! My favorite, and the most popular, are definitely the full entrees. Just walking into the restaurant and smelling the food is incredible. We ordered Katsu Don (pork chop with an egg) and Sukiyaki - both were the best, and most authentic, we've had. Ended with Orange Jello, which I doubted at first. After I tasted this homemade jello, I was sold! Highly recommend making reservations, as they are very good about reserving tables for you. If you walk in on a Friday night, your wait can be anywhere from 20-60 minutes! Regardless, it is well-worth the wait for authentic, unforgettably delicious, and wallet-happy Japanese food!
(5)
Bridget M.

My girlfriends raved about this place, claiming that the trek would be worth it. I always take reviews of Asian food joints from non-Asians with a grain of salt. Now, I'm not Japanese, but somehow the slant of my eyes makes me more qualified than my doe-eyed friends when it comes to judging Asian cuisine. We made reservations and were seated promptly. Looking at the patrons, there were a good number of people with Asian descent - typically an indication of how good a place is. Our servers were very pleasant and attentive. The sushi rolls were fresh and the prices were recession friendly. They keep things fairly traditional on the menu - none of those crazy named rolls that you can find only at that location. I'd have to go back once more before deeming Renga Tei with the highly coveted fifth star, but overall color me impressed.
(4)
Melissa W.

Exactly how I love my food - inexpensive for the amount of food you get, simple but flavorful, delicious, and I never feel guilty eating it. Not all the food is great, but there are some dishes that I love. You can never go wrong with the Bento Boxes ($20 - $28), Combinations, or Dinner Sets. I love their agedashi tofu, kaki fry and French roll. I always get the Bento Box B or the Beef Teriyaki with Teriyaki Salmon combination. Both are very filling dinners. My fiance loves their kaki fry (fried oysters) dinner set. Their tempera is good, crispy, lots of mixed tempera for the combinations and bento boxes. Sushi is always fresh there. This is one restaurant I love going to on a night where I don't want to cook, but I would love some homey Asian food. Tip: Wait can be a bit long, so we always make reservations.
(5)
Suzanne B.

Fresh sushi, traditional atmosphere, meaning, real Japanese staff and customers. You won't get those creative modern delicious rolls that Tank Sushi or Agami will do, but it is family friendly and non-pretentious.
(4)
Esther L.

Great Service & Great Authentic Japanese Food! Wut can you ask for more? If you r a Asian International student and craving for Japanese taste, this is on of the best in Chicago land!
(4)
Jason C.

When natives speak highly of a restaurant that serves their home country's food, it must mean something. I have had many Japanese friends tell me about Renga Tei and I now can see why this spot is adored by both Japanese and non-Japanese people. I'm not going to say that this was an authentic Japanese dining experience because I have never been to Japan and experienced a meal there. But I do know the food is DELICIOUS. We started with the Grilled Ika (squid) Steak paired with a ginger soy sauce dip. The squid was grilled to perfection, not too chewy or firm and the sauce brought out the succulent flavor of the squid. My entree was the Renga Tei Beef served with their house steak sauce. This dish proved to me that coming here was more about ordering the cooked food rather than getting sushi. You can find good sushi anywhere else, but Renga Tei stands alone in their cooked Japanese Cuisine. The space is small yet intimate and it's this intimacy that makes this restaurant special. For a no-frills, unpretentious, just plain good food and service experience, Renga Tei is the closest I'll get to authentic Japanese dining (until I actually visit Japan).
(5)
Roxanne A.

Okay, since I've realized that I do depend on Yelp reviews for restaurants and dish recommendations, I decided to go back and provide my take so maybe someone can benefit. Renga Tei, what can I say? It's just great Japanese food. It was also my first meal after traveling for about 24 hrs coming back from the Philippines. Love, love, love the potato croquettes. Okay, so the first time I was here, it was listed as a special of the day (read: not on the regular menu). I was kinda bummed that it wasn't offered when I went for the second time. Fortunately for me, my boyfriend has no shame asking for anything and asked if we could have that and lo, behold, came the croquettes. Our waitress was so nice and accommodating. She had noticed my bf was drinking a lot of water so she brought us a pitcher. Now, when faced with Japanese food, I tend to go for katsu anything. I wasn't up for something that heavy so I went for the yakisoba, my other Japanese obsession. The beef was so tender and I could have eaten it by itself. The noodles were the right consistency and the flavor was great. My boyfriend had the chicken teriyaki don. It may seem a bit pricey, but they definitely give you large portions and are well worth the money. I almost forgot. If you go on a weekend, make a reservation ahead of time. It gets really busy.
(4)
Rachel K.

Renga Tei was one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the area. Five stars. Great sushi and great cooked dishes. Large portions. Recently, prices have gone up 10-20%, portions have gone down, and the tempura batter is now dry and heavy, not light and crispy. What happened? I used to detour for this place, now, not so much.
(2)
AM C.

Excellent, always crowded with mostly Japanese families and couples on a date, which is a great sign. Very nice and helpful staff. Delicious sushi, an extensive menu, with interesting specials.
(4)
Andrew L.

At this establishment, you won't find rolls like the "Super Crazy Cream Cheese Firecracker" or "King Kong Monster Godzilla". And, no, they don't serve Thai food here. And no, it's probably not the best place to bring 20 friends looking for a BYOB spot before you hit the clubs. What you will find is a clean, simple, respectable establishment with great fish, and authentic, fresh, tight rolls with flavor. There is a choice of daily specials to choose from, and the basic menu which includes several combinations, including bento box - all at a reasonable price. The dinner combination portions are generous and filling. The teryaki sauce is thick and filled with flavor (not runny liquid like at other places). The slices of sushi/sashimi have excellent texture (I would say "fresh", but since I've never bitten into a fish just caught at sea...). And for a kicker, you can bring a date here if you actually want to be able to have a conversation. there is parking at the front, back and side (although you can only see the few parking spaces from the front). The hostess is very polite (although I can see from other reviews that they prefer reservations - so just call from the parking lot if you have to). The servers are extra polite and attentive. Some patrons may confuse slow service, with being served in courses - so if you're in a hurry and need everything served at once, let them know and see if they can accommodate. I'm a fan.
(5)
Jean C.

There are only a few Japanese restaurants that I truly love, and Renga-Tei is one of them. It was Renga-Tei which introduced me to spider maki, mochi and bento boxes, and of course that makes it my standard for all other restaurants to match. Their tempura is light and crisp, udon and soba are properly cooked, and the edamame is usually warm and always lightly salted. Why not five stars? First because it's usually so crowded that unless you eat late, you'll stand in line forever. Second, because even during the remodeling they didn't replace those tiny, butt-sprung booths, third because some of the maki rolls are just too big to eat easily, and finally because unless you're a regular -- and have been for some time -- the service, though efficient, is quite cool. We've been going there for years and only in the last few has something changed in the attitude towards us. Now we're greeted with warmth, and even occasionally engaged in conversation. Even considering those points, though, I still think it deserves four stars.
(4)
Catherine W.

Excellent Japanese restaurant on the North Side; it beats any of the sushi places in Evanston and is worth the trek to Lincolnwood. The sushi is always fresh and generously portioned. It was crowded even on a Sunday night, and always full of Asians.
(4)
Dana G.

Renga Tei is our family's spot for quality, authentic sushi in the north suburbs. All the food is prepared with care and the consistency is amazing. It does not punch at the level of some of the Chicago sushi/sashimi joints such as Arami or Marai but does other things well to make up for that. We typically order a Sashimi "Set", two chirashi bowls, and a mackerel as a family of four. Good value, high quality... hard to get a seat without reservation on a weekend because a very loyal customer base (we see the same people there all the time!). Solid (suburban) 4 ;)
(4)
Diana B.

My husband and I are rather new to sushi and we were not disappointed with Renga Tei. I'm so glad we live within walking distance. The food and the service were incredible. But make reservations as they are often very busy.
(5)
Paul K.

One of the few authentic Japanese restaurants in Chicago. I love Japanese food, but unfortunately most of the restaurants in Chicago are run by Koreans. The sushi men are Japanese, and so is most of their staff. The head sushi chef is as skilled as they come, which makes their fresh fish even tastier. The service is great, and so is the atmosphere. I haven't tried their yakisoba or teriyaki yet, but their fish was great.
(5)
ãƒˆãƒ¢ T.

I normally NEVER rate a restaurant that haven't been to for years, but I'm making an exception for Renga Tei. It used to to be one of my favorite cheap Japanese food fix, until one day, the waitress placed a check on our table and said in Japanese, "Please remember that it is a requirement in the U.S. to place at minimum of 15% tip." This hit us as a surprise, because we were putting down more than 15% on all our previous visits. It might be possible that she mistaken us with another Japanese group that didn't leave a tip, but even still, it was quite rude. Well, I guess old grudge never dies as I'm giving it a one star rating years after the event. They sure lost a customer for life.
(1)
Malissa L.

Decor - neat and clean Ordered edemame to start Sushi A plate - which included mackeral much to my delight. Overall the sushi was fresh and 5 star! I believe it was tuna, salmon, mackeral, something else, egg and a california roll. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a cali roll made with cucumber and that fake crab. The cali roll I was served did not have the fake crab, which is fine with me because I prefer to order it that way, however I did not, so I was surprised. salad and miso soup accompanied dinner Only had water as I was tea'd off from too much tea all day - total tab for moi was $23 including tip. They get three stars because of the following - I do not like to wait to pay. If i'm sitting there with my credit card out when you present the bill, just take a second to see if I hand it right back. No take out menu. When I asked for one, the women, I believe is probably part owner kept telling me they are too busy to do take out most of the time so they don't do take out but sometime you can get take out, but no take out menu. Which is a real shame. Parking lot probably handles what the restaurant can handle so if you can't find a parking spot, keep driving.
(3)
Chris W.

The first hint that this was going to be great food was that Japanese people kept piling in through the door, and that was a thumbs up for me to eat here. The interior of the restaurant isn't much to rave about, they do have a separate sushi bar if you do prefer, but the purpose of eating here I would have to say is really all about their hot dishes. The combination A is basic but absolutely delicious. If you're feeling more adventurous they have a lengthy menu. I've eaten here twice so far and plan on returning but from what I know at the moment, the shrimp is cooked perfectly (and I'm not a big shrimp fan), their tempura is the best I've had in a long time, their chicken and beef are both EXQUISITE and the chicken I have to rave is ULTRA tender. While having dessert (lime cheesecake) I was a little freaked out by the fact that out of what looked like a lemon slice I ended up eating something with the consistency of gelatin...and tasted more like that than an actual lemon. So I'm not quite sure what that was, but I'm still alive weeks later to tell the tale so assumably it's digestible! It's too pricey to go on a regular basis but if you're interested in a big meal out for a nice occasion hit Renga tei. It's really really good.
(4)
Lena M.

Boy do I miss this place! My hubby and I would eat here at least twice a month. This is true authentic Japanese with lots of Japanese people eating here. That's always a great sign of good food. They have by far, the best teriyaki steak ever! They ask you how you want it cooked, mmmm... Med. rare. It's real steak, not thinly sliced pieces of steak/beef as other Japanese restaurants serve. Their salad is served with this really tasty sesame ginger dressing. The sushi is fresh and well made. The tempura is crispy and light. I've never had a bad meal here. Try the Toyko Lime Cheesecake... It's so good... I want the recipe for it! Good selection of sake and the green tea is the real deal! YUM! I only wish we didn't live so far from Renga Tei anymore. It gets packed around dinner time, arrive early or be prepared to wait.
(5)
Jennifer W.

Love! Love! Love! The food. My favorite is the Bento Box "C" meal. I have nibbled on several appetizers and several of the sushi rolls and everything is simply yummy. Now for the bad news...the hostess is a witch! I came with 2 other friends and she was completely rude to us for not making reservation. SO we made reservation on our 2nd visit and not only were she still rude to us, but she sat walk-ins to tables and made us wait. I really don't know what her problem is, but we were still polite and did not let her ruin our meal. On an up note, even though the hostess is rude the wait staff is completely opposite. Our waitress was very kind and helpful. They don't mind explaining items on the menu or recommending items to eat. Even though it's hard getting a table I would still recommend trying the place out. The food is too good to pass up.
(3)
Victoria h.

***Update 10/19**** I lowered the rating to 4 stars because of the service. Went back with my husband. He's not a fan of sushi, so he ordered chicken with noodles. It took us a good 15 minutes to place the order. Then another 20 to get our food. I don't know if they were understaffed, but next time I'll snack before coming here. For my original review, read below. --------------------------------- Wow! That's all I can say! A friend and I went there on a Saturday night. There was a 20 minutes wait because we didn't make reservations. Fine with me. We waited. Once we sat down we ordered a ton of sushi. California Roll (of her), Boston Roll (Tuna and Avocado), Spicy Tuna, Eel, and Smoked Salmon roll. The rolls were full of fish. Probably close to twice the amount of fish you usually get. The fish was fresh and very tasty. One of their specials was live oysters, we weren't balsy enough to try them though. The restaurant serves traditional and common Japanese food, so if you don't like sushi there are plenty of other options. Our final bill was $32. Wow. Great price for great sushi!
(4)
Jon L.

The significant number of elderly Asian diners at Renga Tei might signal that this long established strip mall restaurant is a Japanese cuisine destination. Enticing daily specials are offered on the board in the entryway (where you might spend some time if you did not plan ahead or choose to dine at an off hour) while an encyclopedic menu of cooked and raw favorites await once seated. Although it may be difficult, save room for Eastern takes on dessert, like Tokyo lime "cheesecake" and jello, available in coffee or an intense orange. Service is delivered by a team of competent dowagers who, along with the sushi chefs, yell at you as you depart. Worth a detour.
(5)
Vijay M.

Can I get a 4.5?? So far, out of all the times I've visited, 3 or 4 times I got delayed. Their Bean curd dessert wrapped in bamboo leaf is to die for. Atleast it makes me melt. . . !! Fish, Steak, Chicken all are really good. If you like Sushi, and Authentic(Not the Vegas roll, Arizona amazement, etc)they got lot of traditional stuff. Even if you are not into Sushi Do not worry, they have Steak, Chicken for your taste. Little pricey but worth the experience, and wait. I like the chefs and natural wait staff(meaning, they don't have fake smiles, when they're upset you see it, not in the service but in their face). I like the authenticity of the people too. Their food is amazing, and enjoy wonderful company of the Chef's if you sit in the Bar. Only when I am hungry I get a little impatient thats why I took a star away. NOW !! Where is my red bean paste?? Bring it right away . .(Oh! they're closed on Tuesdays).
(4)
Pam S.

We came here with my B's family, who had been regular patrons of this place for years. When I asked his cousin, "So, what's good here?" - he responded that everything was good. And, boy was he right! Everything we tried at this place was delicious, from the roasted eggplant appetizer, to the beef steak (renga-tei style with splendid dipping sauce), Sushi B, the chirashi bowl, and all the rolls. The unagi and avocado roll was totally awesome - considering that I'm not a huge fan of eel. All the raw fish were also very fresh and of generous cuts. We had a nervous, hyper waitress who was nearly completely uncomprehendable (one notch up on the traditional scale!), but provided us with great service. Very reasonable prices, and a pleasant atmosphere. If I ever move to Chi-town, I'd probably become a regular patron too!
(5)
Angela W.

Authentic Japanese restaurant. Have been here twice. The appetizer that we had last night were good but nothing special to talk about. I had the sushi and sashimi combo. The sashimi was fresh, but there may be a bit too much wasabi in the nigiri sushi. My husband had the special of the day chirashi. It's was so pretty and filled with layers of surprise. I couldn't keep my eyes off his entree. And we had the lime mousse cheesecake for dessert, which was so delicious and light. We loved the food and ambiance, will definitely visit again.
(5)
Kevin Y.

Got take-out from here a couple days ago. Ordered one of the bento boxes. A good deal of food for the price. The fish was fresh and the side dishes were good as well. They were pretty busy when I went to pick up the food, but its well worth the wait. Solid Japanese food at a good price.
(4)
Charlie H.

Sushi is good. Whoever thought of rolling up bits of fish 'n stuff with rice totally had the right idea. Lucky for us, Renga Tei captures this complicated essence of sushi in a straightforward way. Fresh fish, uncomplicated presentation, friendly staff and chefs. I can never give five stars to a sushi place unless it really knocks the socks off my toes. Renga Tei was great, but there's better sushi to be had in Chicago. Go to Renga Tei if you want a hassle-free Japanese dining experience close to home. Treat yourself to a more expensive, luxurious place every once in a while, but Renga Tei can be your sushi go-to if you live close by. The prices are just about right, maybe leaning a little too far into the expensive category, but the food's good enough to justify it. And I ain't even tried the other stuff on the menu -- like your teriyaki stuff. They should just call it teriYAKi because you get tired of hearing people yak on about it. Stick with the sushi and some chilled Saki and you'll be set. While you're there, see if they have any mochi ice cream balls on hand. Get the red bean -- it's eastern-cuisine-tastic.
(4)
Susie L.

Service goes a long way! I have regularly dined here and usually love it. Staff know mine, and my friends faces, and we too know the regulars as well. This one occasion I take a friend in who's never been there before and hadn't made a reservation in light of the fact that it was during the week and I go there so often. Not sure if the hostess was in a bad mood but she said I'm supposed to make a reservation and eventually seated us - rightly so there were 2 tables I could see with no reservation sign on it. Apart from being rushed to eat, and almost not getting a dessert, our waitress made a point of saying that customers were waiting and when would we leave???!!! I WAS APPALLED! And just to add insult to injury no one was waiting!!! NEVER GOING THERE AGAIN!
(2)
Tressa S.

This place is walking distance from my boyfriend's abode. A pleasant way to spend a summer evening is a walk to Renga Tei for sushi, and maybe some mochi ice cream for desert. While this place can get a bit busy on a weekend night, I think it is worth the wait. It is usually only about 15 min and, if you're like me, you enjoy listening to the many conversations in Japanese. It is definitely a neighborhood joint and I often see the same people dining. Very good sushi at a decent price. The service is excellent. The atmosphere is comfortable. I am a sucker for the way all the employees and even the sushi chefs say goodbye to you in Japanese when you leave the restaurant. It makes me smile. The only thing that sucks is that they are closed on Mondays. But, everyone needs a day off.
(4)
Sarah L.

agree with Paul C. food is fresh BUT for the same price you can have something better. We will not come back.
(2)
Sasha R.

I have been coming here for many years and Renga Tei has remained consistently good. As someone else mentioned, it has very authentic food and the service is pleasant. It is Japanese owned and most of the customers are Japanese, which is kind of refreshing considering all of the mediocre Pan Asian places around. Renga Tei has an extensive menu and I recommend most everything on it (sushi, teriyaki, and noodle dishes are all very good).
(4)
Darlene R.

I really like this place. However, i always get the same thing, combo A. actually, my whole family gets it. You get shrimp tempura and beef and chicken teriyaki for 16. the beef teriyaki is not the korean bulgogi, but steak. it's juicy and full of flavor. the chicken teriyaki is good also, not dry. the asparagus beef roll is top notch. plenty of parking and i've never had to wait. service is always competent, though english isn't anyones first language in here.
(4)
Bryan W.

A hidden gem in the sometimes barren food lands of Skokie. Went for Jack's Grill which was closed and decided to take a chance on this place. Awesome service and it was one of the few "Japanese Restaurants" that served more than sushi. The special curry was great and the red bean ice cream was a great way to finish the meal.
(5)
Jenn D.

I really like this place. I've only been here a few times but already I'm impressed. It's nice inside but you can get away with jeans, and the food is tasty. My boyfriend is intensely fond of their teriyaki and miso soup, which is better than most places we've been to collectively. I'm particularly fond of their tonkatsu. *mmmmm* I'm pretty sure the whole staff is nice. We've gotten different people each time and they've all been peachy keen. And now that the construction on Touhy is just about done, it's easier to get in an out of the parking lot. I haven't tried their sushi yet, but I've heard good things. Try them out!
(5)
Joseph O.

Thrilled to see them back strong after the accident. I would expect no less, as consistency has been the hallmark for this restaurant from the beginning. The food is excellent, but what I love most about Renga-Tei is the little things they do to make the meal more pleasant. It's the seaweed in the miso soup, the four kinds of lettuce in the salad, the outstanding miso mayonnaise with the broccoli in the combo, the sugar on the lip of the glass in the jello, the Japanese candy that comes with the check. This place would still be good even without those touches; it takes the experience to a whole other level. Combination A, hamachi kama, and katsu curry (on Fridays) are my go to dishes here, but the menu is top notch from top to bottom. Service is outstanding. Water and hot tea are constantly being refilled, and the staff does a great job of having each other's backs. They never fail to greet me when I enter and thank me when I leave, no matter how busy they are. Like I said, it's the little things.
(5)
Jinno H.

This place is amazing. This place helped me love Japanese food.
(5)
Vin K.

If I was asked what my last meal would be, I would tell them the beef teriyaki don at Renga Tei.......enough said.
(5)
rachel p.

the lunch boxes are freakin' HUGE. no one person should ever consume that much food for lunch. mine came with chicken teriyaki, miso, rice, some delicious spinach peanuty thing, a little salad that i could have done without and a spicy tuna roll that i paid a slight upcharge for (it was supposed to come with a cali roll). the sushi options were fairly limited, but they seemed to specialize more in the homestyle japanese foods. the service was spot on. the hostess spotted me dropping a chopstick from across the room and ran over with a new set before i even picked the last one off the ground. seems to stay pretty busy for lunch, but we had no trouble getting seated right away.
(4)
Diana M.

I love Renga-Tei! Whenever I go to Chicago, I try to go there for sushi. Lunch specials are the best, but I usually get the dinner bento because you get a lot of variety (and a LOT of food) for about $20. The sushi is always fresh, and the rest of the food is crunchy, hot, and not dry.
(5)
Kevin D.

\A friend of mine recommended the place saying it was good food. So I went with a few friends today and she was right. The food is delicious, but the service killed it for me. It was horrible. The old lady kept walking away while I was trying make the orders for the table. I asked if the drinks were free refill as well and she just kept saying yes. When I was trying to complete my orders, she kept interrupting me. When we were done eating, I asked for a refill, she gave an attitude saying the dessert was on its way and kept mumbling while walking away. I was getting dissatisfied with the service. She was taking our plates which we didn't even finish yet. As we got the receipt, she charged us for the drinks that were suppose to be refillable. I asked why and she got mad and assumed that I wouldn't pay for the food. She even had the nerve to ask for the tip when we were still finishing our desserts. If it wasn't for this rude waitress, I would give this restaurant 5 stars. I would not want to go back here if this is how my friends and me would get treated. I gotten better service at restaurants that are not that expensive like this place.
(1)
Orenji K.

Still 5/5, but fyi don't try to go on Fri or Sat after about 5:30 - 6pm unless you have a reservation or don't mind sitting at the sushi counter. The 2 of us dined here last Saturday night. We walked in at 5:45 and were politely told that there would be no more available open tables that night due to their reservations. This was totally fine since we were able to sit at the then-empty counter, but keep this in mind if you decide to go on the spur of the moment. Congrats to RT on establishing such a strong business.
(5)
Jenny A.

This is uncommon these days -- the place is filled with Japanese speaking people and staff. When they say irasshaimase, they mean it! The food is excellent and well presented. Take your in-laws here and your college pals visiting for the weekend to Sunshine. The Tokyo Key Lime pie is not to be missed and comes with wonderful fruit. It's OK for kids early and they have the boosters and high chairs, but stay away on weekend evenings -- the place gets packed and you'll have a wait. The decor is nice and the bathroom reminds me of my mother's (from Japan) china cabinet which is decorated with somewhat random seeming things that someone thought was nice. Parking seems rough when you pull up, but if you enter from the back, it leads into a good sized parking lot -- never had an issue, even on the busiest of days. Last, a tip from my dad -- authentic Japanese places don't charge for rice and tea -- they know this is as essential to a good meal as your hashi and a napkin. Renga-Tei makes my dad happy.
(5)
Lindley E.

When I lived in Evanston I did go to Renga-Tei on occasion -- cheap, authentic, but the menu is stuck in the '80s (if you ate Japanese in teh 80s you know what I mean - conservative basics of Japanese restauarant food). For some basics, Renga-Tei is still a good bet, but if you are looking for interesting Japanese cuisine, or killer home foods, try another place like Katsu on Peterson in Chicago. I will say that Renga-Tei is a favorite with my Aunt, a Japanese American who lived in the city.
(3)
Sooyon H.

I love dining at authentic Japanese restaurants! I've ordered their spicy tuna, spicy scallion, and unagi rolls. The sushi is pretty fresh here. They do specialize in more home-style Japanese food, so don't come in expecting any of the trendy and huge maki creations here!
(4)
Jack S.

You know it's good when the majority of customers are japanese. Reliable food and service, reasonable prices. This is one of my go-to japanese spots.
(5)
L T.

We went at the spur of the moment based on Yelp reviews, and absolutely loved it. As my husband said, "It's the anti-Tank." Old schoolish, minimal non-trendy decor, lots of regulars. Great, fresh, solid maki and nigiri. No Tropic Thunder or Latin Heat maki here (and don't get me wrong, I love both)... and the price of our meal was quite reasonable too. Our server was quite pleasant, and all the staff was so friendly. We'll definitely go back!
(5)
Isabelle L.

Service is not the most friendly in town but the quality and freshness of sushi here is definetely worth the detour. Nothing fancy on the menu but all the traditional Japanese offerings. All fresh and great tasting. I am now a regular patron and highly recommend this place. A lot of Japanese folks eat here, it can only be a good sign. Only downside, make sure you call ahead and make reservations. The food is great so it can get quite crowded.
(4)
Hans H.

Just went there again a few weeks ago. Still awesome, and after reading the reviews of the Tokyo Lime Pie, I wish I got some. This time I got the bento box combo with the unagi, and I have to say that the way they prepare it is much more desirable than most other places. They don't drench the rice and unagi with the sauce, so you're not dying of thirst (but then again, I prefer my foods to be more bland and less salty than most Americans) and can actually taste the eel. Everything else was fantastic as usual, no complaints.
(5)
Bob O.

This is my family's favorite Japanese restaurant around the Chicagoland area. This is coming from a 100% Japanese family so please keep that in mind; we know good from bad. The Good: Sushi and other Japanese dishes taste GREAT and most importantly, AUTHENTIC Dishes are reasonably priced Good portions Friendly staff The owner loves jazz and VERY GOOD jazz (or sometimes traditional Japanese music) is always playing The Bad: Interior decor is not flashy, but that can also be a good thing Exterior decor is nothing flashy either, so don't miss it when you're driving down Touhy! Recommended Appetizers: Agedashi Tofu (Fried Tofu) Soft Shell Crab (when in season) Ika Maruyaki (Grilled Squid) Recommended Dishes: Chirashi (Sushi on a bed of rice) Renga-Tei Steak (Steak with Japanese style sauce) Combination Dinner A: Chicken and Beef Teriyaki, Assorted Tempura, and many other small dishes Katsu-Don (Katsu over Rice) Ume-oroshi Soba (Pickled Plum and Grated Radish with Soba noodles) Note: I recommend you get a reservation for weekend dinners or even at peak times during the week if you want to sit down right away.
(5)
Candy N.

My food critical Japanese family has been coming here for at least a decade, when the place actually used to be half the size of what it is now. The staff is always very nice and attentive, you rarely have to ask for more water or tea (which is delicious!). If you want simple, traditional Japanese food this is the place to go. My family hardly ever attempts to try anywhere new, just because we always end up comparing it to Renga-Tei.
(5)
Marcel M.

My parents swear by this place. I headed here for a nice quick dinner and the food was filling. Sushi was good (not spectacular), but the portions were great. I had the Bento Box A, which had a lot of fun stuff like sashimi, chef's appetizers, chicken teriyaki, etc. My wife's dish was even better since it was the Combination A. The beef was amazing. I've tried Kobe beef in the past. I think it is overrated. Renga Tei's beef was up to par (of course, not as fatty), but definitely much more bang for your buck. You need to be somewhat assertive when waiting in line. We walked in, looked at six people, and tracked down the host to put our name down on the list. This other couple started complaining that they were there before us. No need to give us the evil eye.
(4)
Bee B.

Holy shnikeys! This is the tastiest sushi place in Chicagoland and it is in a strip mall on Touhy. Who'da thunk it? Make a reservation before you go, because they are a little weird about walk ins. Like, they won't serve you at 6 because someone has a reservation for 7:15. I don't know what the deal is with that, but I learned my lesson and I always call ahead, even if its just 20-30 minutes before I show up. At least I know I won't be rushed. The sushi is all fantastic, though my favorites are spicy yellowtail and salmon avocado rolls. I am going to recommend to you 2 excellent appetizers that I hope you will sample: 1. Miso eggplant - they are usually out of this, but maybe as the weather gets cooler the fantastic dish will reappear. The eggplant is cooked so its super soft, cut in half, and served with a sweet miso sauce. Yum. 2. Tuna - avocado salad - The fresh tuna is served with half an avocado, some greens, and a delicious sauce... I have never eaten at Renga tei and not ordered this salad. So, remember to call ahead, it is so worth it!! Also, I think they are closed on Tuesday.
(5)
Kevin S.

My family has been going here for years. I'm not a huge sushi fan, so I can't really make a judgment on that. I usually get the salmon teriyaki, which is delicious. The gyoza is great too. I can't say much about the other dishes, but I do know that it's a really popular place, my family (which is Japanese, for what it's worth) loves it, and I am always happy to go there.
(4)
Alina V.

I have already been here twice and have yet to be disappointed. The food is fantastic. The teriyaki beef appetizer is amazing. Really good flavor and it's so tender. I always get one of the sushi combinations and it is really good. The prices are also reasonable, being a city girl it is very hard to find a good place and expect to pay less than $20 for a plate. But be warned, the spicy rolls are SPICY. I ordered the spicy scallop roll and the flavor was good, but it definitely had a good kick to it. I love this place, I just wish they would open another location in the city.
(5)
jim h.

I've been going here for many years at least once a month. I never tire of their great food. Top notch sushi, exquisite fried chicken wings, teryaki steak and chicken to die for. I know because i always order only these things! i never deviate. In fact, i'm salivating right now at the thought of how good these 4 things are. There's always a bunch of Japanese folks here eating all kinds of other wonderful looking stuff with chopsticks and that's usually a good sign for a Japanese restaurant. But as enticing as their plates look drifting by me, i can never change my order because these 4 things are so damned good! i'm beginning to think that I'm addicted to them. oh well, who cares. I'll die happily so. Service is good, nice but not fancy facility and clean bathrooms. Beer and wine are served. Plenty of parking all around the place which is right on the northeast corner of Touhy and Crawford (Pulaski?). Friday and Saturday make reservations or wait a long time. I love to sit at their sushi bar and watch the cooks do their magic. if you get there before 530 or after 845 (they're open until 10) any day you'll get quick seating. Closed on Tuesdays (how many times i've gone their seeking a fix on a Tuesday and ended up jonesing until Wenesday!). Top rating in all categories except for no fancy facility but no stars off!
(5)
Liz L.

I have searched for three years for a decent Japanese restaurant near Evanston. My search has now ended. Renga Tei is as authentic as you'll get. The menu includes many varieties of Japanese dishes, not just sushi which most people mistakenly assume is all there is to Japanese cuisine. The food is fresh, you can tell they use good-quality ingredients. And they make the food the way it's supposed to be. The fish is fresh, clean, and just slightly chilled which gives it an excellent flavor (with no bad after taste) and texture (chewy yet melts in your mouth). The rice is not overpowered with sushi seasoning nor is it mushy to the point that it becomes porridge ish. The tempura is perfectly crisp and not drenched in oil. The pork cutlets are just thick enough to give you a satisfying chewing experience, much better than the sheet pork cutlets that most restaurants serve. The bento has a nice combination of foods, not one side dish is something that is crappy and meant to mislead the eater into thinking she's getting more for her money. The service is quite decent, to my surprise. We ordered the chirashi and apparently they left out one type of fish out of 13 ish types. We didn't even notice it missing until our waitress came with it and apologized that they had forgotten it. Obviously, they take pride in their food, always a plus. The one minus point? The price is a little on the high side, unnecessarily, in my opinion. Yes, they are one of the very few (and only in my opinion) authentic Japanese restaurants, but still, let's not overcharge.
(4)
Rico T.

What a great place for Japanese food. Fish is very fresh, the atmosphere is very relaxed and the dishes are delicious. May I suggest trying the tuna tataki. If it was closer to my house, I'd visit Renga Tei more often.
(5)
Diana C.

Freshest sushi I've had in Chicago. The room is completely unassuming, and many Japanese families eat here, which is a great sign. It is definitely crowded on weekend nights, so call ahead and make a reservation.
(4)
Jennie L.

This is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the Chicagoland area... You won't find "Dragon Rolls" or "Godzilla Rolls" here... (We all know that's not what traditional and authentic Japanese Cuisine is about...) What you WILL find though is great service, great udon noodle, and yummy spicy tuna! mmmm..... Give this place a try -- it will not fail you.
(5)
Andrew L.

I ordered single pieces of the salmon sushi and it was the best I've ever tasted, and I've been to many Japanese restaurants. My wife ordered sashimi and all the pieces were superb.
(5)
Emerson C.

One of my most visited sushi places that I often go to. It's pretty close to my place so I go here just to get my sushi fix. Prices are very reasonable and the service is great. You know you're going to get great sushi here when the owner is Japanese. Even most of the servers are japanese. Every entree on the menu is superb. Not mind blowing, but very very well made. Won't give you that .. I wish I went somewhere else feeling. A definite must go to if you live around the area.
(4)
Benjamin S.

A great little Japanese restaurant. It's pretty popular and crowded so make reservations. We had sushi, tempura and steak teriyaki... all excellent. Prices were typically expensive and other than that nothing spectacular.
(3)
Midori G.

I've been here twice now and having only discovered it this year, I am a little said to be leaving Chicagoland and probably won't be back here anytime soon. I had the tempura and the chef's sushi and both were delicious. All my friends that have come here like it a lot as well, I would not recommend coming with more than 4 people during any regular dining time as it is crowded. One thing I didn't expect was that the portions were very large, must be a midwesterner thing. Lastly, the green tea is excellent, and definitely worth buying as it was not free as at most other Japanese restaurants.
(4)
Tim Y.

This place have Asian chefs as opposed to Mexican ones! Great! I will definitely eat here again!
(4)
Alexis A.

I've been here twice in two weeks, and I will be back as often as possible. Unassuming location and interior, but very fresh food at reasonable prices (especially compared to all the hot spots closer to downtown Chicago). The menu has many sushi "staples" but also includes several unique menu items, such as the asparagus and enoki mushroom dish. Everything I've ordered has been delicious!
(5)
Mo S.

One of few honestly authentic Japanese restaurants in (or almost in) Chicago. Reservations necessary on weekends. Beware the grandmotherly hostess (owner?) who is frightening and stern. Everyone else is very friendly. Grilled fish like salmon or shioyaki is well prepared. Good miso soup, tonkatsu, and sushi. Chirashizushi recommended.
(4)
Hanna K.

renga tei has great traditional japanese food. i love the beef teriyaki (the meat is so tender), curry, tonkatsu, and the sweet sauce that comes with your steamed broccoli. you know a place is good when you see a whole bunch of japanese people eating there. i don't really eat the sushi here but the traditional entrees are a must!
(5)
Dre K.

My favorite Japanese resturant. the appetizers are delish, and the maki is my favorite. although i havent, you can sit at the sushi bar and watch them prepare it, it looks fun. from what i hear this place is about as authentic as you can get around here, my bf's japanese teacher highly recommended it and i can see why! the service is no frills, seemingly rude at times, but this might be a cultural diffrence that i dont understand. but they bring out your food quickly, and thats the important part. and everytime we've been there they've bowed to us as we leave. i highly recommend this place. it can get very busy so i would make a reservation.
(5)
Ani L.

I like Renga Tei. It is a good restaurant with good comfort 'kitchen' food (especially the sukiyaki). The wait staff is nice and caters to filling your water and tea on a consistent basis. There's noting really fancy about this place; it's your local Japanese-owned restaurant that caters to all walks of life. The only downfall with this place is the lack of parking spaces.
(3)
Jacob K.

Great reasonably priced authentic Japanese food. Sometimes theres a fluke in the kitchen, but the sushi is always great... especially the chicago crazy roll which is enormous. Unlike most places the service has improved and the food has remained consistent.
(4)
Kitty L.

Can I just say this is my absolute favorite Japanese restaurant in the entire city? I'm a sushi snob and I love this place. Awesome, family style Japanese food with freshness and quality on par with places like Mirai.
(5)
Marc F.

Possibly my favorite Japanese restaurant. My Japanese friend says it is the most authentic Japanese fare he has had in the States. Their entrees are always high quality, decent portions, fresh. Service is usually good, an occasional attitude or what I perceive to be an attitude. Only Japanese sushi chefs however other-than-Japanese individuals prepare the cooked entrees. Their sushi is top notch, and all other entrees very good at the very least. Their beef teriyaki is the best by far, whereas the chicken teriyaki is better at Matsuya, and the salmon teriyaki is better at Akai Hana. Awesome miso, side salad, cuke salad, udon noodle soup and tempura.
(4)
a w.

A very good option for lunch. They have a good selection of food. I don't think they're sushi is the greatest, but its definitely the best option for a quick lunch in this area. The service is good and the restaurant is clean and well kept.
(3)
Patty V.

I have been here several times. It is not my favorite, but it is very good. My best friend is married to a Japanese guy and his family loves this place. .It is good, consistent and always fresh. I have nothing negative to add about this place. I just love Katsu better.
(4)
val B.

I would like to preface by saying that I, generally speaking, do not write reviews, but in this case I felt compelled to do so: Our good friends recommended this restaurant as one of the most authentic traditional neighborhood Japanese restaurants in Chicago area, which they visit frequently. Another good friend and a lover of good sushi - disagreed. The reviews that I had read on this site were very positive, especially pointing to the quality/freshness of sushi/sashimi, mentioning specifically the presence of Japanese sushi chefs. We( six adults and two 10-year olds) decided to give it a try yesterday. Reservations were easy to make on the same day(Saturday!) only 2 hours before our 7 PM seating. Parking was also easily available in the back parking lot. Restaurant's decor was pleasant and unassuming and the place was almost full with people, including a lot of older diners of Japanese descent. We were served by a very pleasant young Japanese man who was very enthusiastic and helpful. On the other hand, the food was often brought to the table without any consideration for the fact that the table was still filled with empty and partially consumed dishes and that no space was available to place the newly arrived food. We ordered to share for the table: fried tofu, hamachi kama(2), grilled squid(2), edamame(2), 6-piece oyster appetizer, miso soups for everybody, followed by a Shrimp tempura/sushi combo, Beef teryaki combo, 10 sushi pieces for the kids, a seaweed salad, a spider roll, a spicy tuna roll, 8 pieces of Uni, and a Chef's special Sushi platter. The above was accompanied by 3 large size beers and 2 bottles(250ml? each) of cold sake. For desert 8 mochis were ordered. The best dishes by far were the fried tofu and the grilled squid which were excellent and had fantastic sauces. Hamachi Kama was excellent, but not outstanding. Beef teryaki and tempura were at best average. Finally, the sushi; Salmon was very fresh and tasty(as most of them are in any sushi place) Rolls were mediocre. Uni was below average. But the biggest disappointment was the Chef's special Sushi platter($42!!!) which consisted of 10-12 pieces of various sushi and a simple tuna/rice roll(!!!!!) that arrived looking somewhat "bland" and tasted about the same - definitely not what you would expect from a "Japanese" chef who is trying to show his best skills and his best ingredients. Total bill: $405, which included already added 18% gratuity. You can draw your own conclusions, but for a neighborhood spot that serves "authentic" Japanese food we felt that we paid about 40% more then you would expect to pay for the type and quality of food and probbably 60% more of what you would pay in Japan(where we vacationed in April). On the other hand, the parking and the server were nice...Oh, yeh, and the Sapporo Reserve was nice and cold. Next time, I'll go to Sunshine cafe(or fly to Japan again).
(2)
M Y.

great neighborhood sushi place. most importantly, i've been to a few nicer, trendier places and their seaweed isn't as fresh. This place has the best seaweed, never ever chewy! They need to work on having a menu for pick up orders. Everytime i have a taste for sushi, it's always Tuesday, never fails, and they are closed!
(4)
Megan S.

always make a reservation, especially on a saturday. the place can get crowded, but its because the food is amazing. you get good service, and the food is delicious! i think its my favorite japanese restaurant :]
(5)
Guiny G.

Really good for the area. I try to go whenever I'm on that side of town.
(4)
A H.

I am not a big fan of sushi but this is my favorite Japanese restaurant for "cooked" rolls and dinners. This seems to be the only place where I can get the Saba Shioyaki (broiled mackerels-lightly salted) dinner entree. I've been to fancy and not so fancy Japanese restaurants in Chicago and New York and could never find a place that serve the mackerel as an entree plate. Usually it's a la cart and a tiny portion. Their combination dinner boxes are good. Overall, prices are good/cheap, food choices are good, and services are okay. If you go on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, do make reservation or it's a long wait for table.
(3)
David B.

We have been going here regularly for six years. We have recommended this place to other people often. The food is not bad. But after today we will never go back. The trigger for this was the service. The elderly Japanese woman who I believe is the owner was very unhelpful, unfriendly, and hostile. Before the meal as is customary the waitress brought oshibori (hand towels) but whisked them away before we could all use them. My wife wanted to wipe my daughter's hands and they would not bring back our towels. There were not enough napkins so we again asked for a towel. The waitress said she could not do that because it was against "their policy." The place was not crowded at all (this happened today, May 6th - 8 PM). Since the waitress would not bring us anything, I asked for the manager (the elderly Japanese woman). She also refused to give us a towel (I even offered to pay) saying it was "not their policy". She told us: "Just take your daughter to the rest room if you want to wash her hands - that is what they are there for." When I told her we had not had a chance to use our oshibori she then tossed a few napkins on our table. I was completely shocked. I have lived in Japan for years (and speak/read/write Japanese). I was never treated like this ever before anywhere. I told her on the way out that we will never return again. I recommend that you avoid this place for the surly service and very inhospitable manner of the owner/manager.
(1)
Kat W.

It has a sketchy look from the outside but the inside is pretty nice and very Japanese. The chefs and servers are "authentic", and it is a very popular place in the middle of nowhere Lincolnwood. The attraction of this establishment is the wider range of items on the menu, with more homey dishes available in addition to sushi, which 98% of all Japanese (and fake Japanese) restaurants in Chicagoland serves-- not well. If you really like Japanese food, I recommend you try this place.
(4)
Nir L.

The food is good, but the decor & atmosphere are lousy. The wait staff is unfriendly & not very accommodating. I would rather go to the new sushi restaurant in Skokie called Makisu Sushi Lounge and Grill at Village Crossings. The food is comparable, but the friendly staff, beautiful decor & food presentation at Makisu beats Renga Tei hands down.
(2)
Milie S.

That's right. There isn't any fancy schmancy sushi rolls here... which is what I love about this place! They have a great selection of 'real' japanese food. Their udons are delicious! Really you should stop by when you're in the lincolnwood area. Be prepared for some great japanese desserts!
(4)
Beebe G.

i am so lucky to only live 15 minutes from this place! actually, i've been going to this place since i was a little girl and the restaurant was half the size. everything on their menu is delicious. their sushi is fresh and i can't say enough how i love renga tei. i could eat there everyday!
(5)
Linda S.

Prices here are kind of higher than most japanese restaurants but they have one of the most generous katsudon dishes I've ever had. I also like their pickled eggplant sushi and the tempura is very tasty. Employees are mostly japanese and they're extremely friendly when it comes to making recommendations.
(4)
ellen a.

I was a devout fan of Renga Tei for many years. The food was the best. I would order many things but particularly loved the cold soba noodles with shrimp tempura along side. This ended when at 5:30pm they were so busy that even dining solo I could not be seated on a few of occasions. The final straw came when the usual hostess looked down at her feet and did not apologize that there was absolutely nowhere to put me. They had many large parties that particular evening. There were 2 spots open at the sushi bar, one at either end but she did not offer to place me there. She did not apologize, she did not offer a more convenient time to return, she said nothing. She just looked at her feet. I do miss the very fresh tekka don; it was the best. I miss other items but what to do? As a long time customer, known by the staff, I did expect a different response those final few times. If she could not fit me in that evening, fine. I would have said "another time, I understand" but to just stand there and say nothing really upset me. I've not been back and I do miss the food. Makisu and Hana Bistro are close by and I 've been treated better at those places as a new customer than the last few times at Renga Tei. Even Akai Hana, treats you better. The parking lot has changed by Renga Tei but it still fills up very fast and the walk gets longer, I'm glad their business picked-up but am very sad that I no longer feel comfortable there.
(1)
Maureen W.

In a word, yummy. I used to go their for lunch when I worked over there and it's very good. The Bento Box is a great value for the money. Consistently good food and good service. I happened by there the other night and had to stop for dinner. Still good and a much better value than the places I've tried near my place in the city.
(4)
Vickie L.

It's not about hip & trendy at Renga Tei, but it's the good food and authenticity that brings me back again & again. This probably the only Jp restaurant in Chicago that has a full Japanese staff. Don't expect any fancy maki like..."firecracker rolls", "viva-las vegas rolls", "arizona sunshine" or "great lake moonshine" (ok i'm making some of these up, but you get my point), everything here is quite traditioinal. Their cooked food is also worth mentioning, especially the Renga Tei steak (with special house sauce). The desserts here are also a must-try - I strongly suggest the Jp lime cheese cake, yum! Best of all, the portion is generous, price is reasonable and staffs are super friendly.
(5)
Anum A.

This is a nice little place to go for lunch. It is a place where you can get soem okay sushi at an okay price. Its a comfortable place and their service is really fast.
(3)
Kristin A.

We go here often with work for lunch breaks. Service is fast, prices are decent, and sushi is good. The selection isn't huge, but you can still find what you want. We've never had problems getting a seat right away at lunch time.
(4)
Ravi B.

Best Japanese food that I've had in Chicago. And the only one I look forward to returning to.
(5)
Boris S.

Absolutely delicious. I ordered the tekka maki and was almost sad to eat the last piece. They consistently serve good teriyaki chicken with this sauce that is simply to die for. I ordered an extra side dish of this suace to find that It is called Gomamayu. Green tea ice cream and bean cake is always great, and I dont particulary enjoy green tea that much. I had only one problem; some asian couple and their kid just skipped my party and attempted to skip another's, with Renga Tei not really minding or sorting out who came first. Other than that, food came relatively quick, with slightly less than usual portions of miso soup and salad with sweet dressing.
(4)
Steve J.

excellent quality sushi; very fresh fish; sushi bar is too small; family atmosphere; good for takeout; closed on Tuesdays
(4)
Stephanie M.

Reasonable prices, pretty good sushi, nice cozy atmosphere. DOn't come here expecting upscale or trendy with wild maki roll creations. This is a nice local Japanese restaurant for a casual evening when you just want to chill and have some sushi!
(3)
Julia B.

I've been here on a lunch with my Company and I did not like the Sushi. Now keep in mind I don't like Sushi period! The service was fast and everyone else I ate with seemed to really like the food. The only thing I liked was the soup they brought out at the beginning of the meal..
(3)

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Address : 3956 W Touhy Ave
Lincolnwood, IL, 60712
Phone (847) 675-5177
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Renga Tei

3956 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL, 60712

Renga Tei Menu

Hot Appetizers

Cold Appetizers

Soup

Salads & Sunomono

Maki-mono(seaweed Rolls)

Sushi A La Carte

Donburi Mono

Noodles

Main Course

Sushi Bar

Healthy Meal suggestions for Renga Tei

Hot Appetizers

Cold Appetizers

Soup

Salads & Sunomono

Maki-mono(seaweed Rolls)

Sushi A La Carte

Donburi Mono

Noodles

Main Course

Sushi Bar

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