Little Tokyo
300 N Main St, Galena, IL, 61036
Little Tokyo Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Galena for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Galena for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
300 N Main St
Galena, IL, 61036 - Phone (815) 777-8883
- Website https://www.littletokyogalena.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
R B.
Delicious! We have eaten at almost every restaurant in Galena and this is honestly the best food you will find there! This past weekend we ordered some rolls and their hibachi fried rice along with some appetizers! There wasn't a single thing on the table that was mediocre ! Every dish was delicious! I run a food blog in Chicago and have eaten at thousands of places and this was SO impressive ! I will be going back every time I am in Galena! The service was excellent as well! We celebrated a birthday dinner here and the servers were amazing as they brought out some dessert with a candle on it ! I absolutely love restaurants like these that are amazing with their customers! Would rate this restaurant more than 5 stars if I could!
(5)Emily O.
Their sushi was really good. Had to demote their star count due to the bento boxes. I've never had a bento box so maybe it is suppose to be flavorless? I had the chicken bento box and was given a very thin piece of chicken that was heavy breaded and deep fried with no sauce. The rice, california rolls, and dumplings that came with the box were good. I highly recommend getting their sushi. We sampled 3 of their rolls and they were all delicious: dynamite, snow crab, and one of their daily specials.
(3)Bret M.
Stopped in on a rainy Thursday afternoon for a late lunch. We were the only table inside for a short while, so it was fairly slow when we visited. But it was also past lunch time. The food was great and our server was friendly, attentive and always nearby. The inside is a cool, laid back atmosphere, and the place seemed very clean and cared for. Check this place out if you want something other than a burger or pizza in downtown Galena.
(5)Hasan H.
The food was very good,, all over, sushi, rice and noodles. The service was a bit slow but we were not in a rush :) price wise it very fair for the quality.
(4)Eric L.
Defiantly the best sushi in the tri state area! I have eaten here more than a half a dozen times and yet to be disappointed. Not a huge selection of rolls but their attention to detail and fresh sushi keeps me coming back! Highly recommended!!!
(5)Kate T.
This place was pretty good. I had lunch here twice over the weekend and both times I only had sushi. It was decent, but not the best quality fish I've ever had. Overall though, it's a nice alternative to the other food choices and I'd definitely eat here again.
(4)Gina S.
Better than expected for sushi in small town, IL! My fiance and I split some rolls, which were reasonably priced and fresh tasting. The ambiance was dark but cozy - a good place for our Christmas Eve date! It was a weird crowd and probably more empty than usual because of the date, but I appreciated the environment all the same. Extra points for the authenticity of having a Japanese sushi chef.
(4)Charles W.
Little Tokyo is an excellent Sushi Bar, wife and myself love to go there on a regular basis. THe food is GREAT and the staff is friendly and helpful.
(5)Joel O.
A cute little place in Galena. There are two rooms, one with the sushi bar and one with an actual bar. A very nice place in a cool old building. I thought the bathroom signs were great (a geisha face for ladies and a demon mask for the guys). I had the dumpling soup and the Philli roll. The soup was great, and the roll was good. I sampled a few pieces of sushi from others in my party, and it was all high quality. Everyone else in my party enjoyed their food as well. I guess all in all a good sushi place, but not the best I have ever had.
(4)David A.
Great place for Sushi in Galena, price was a bit high for the area, but still a great way to end our trip! Service was genuine and sushi and sushi rolls were fresh, large and different than your standard Chicago sushi restaurant. I would like to try this place out for dinner since we had only gone here for lunch. Miso soup was authentic, service was great, but then again, we were one of 3 table being serviced on New Years Day
(4)James C.
Good service and good food goes hand and hand at this restaurant. I got evenings Bento box, It's a lunch box that you get Two choice of meat and it was really excellent .
(5)Rebecca H.
Wow, surprised to find such delicious Japanese food in Galena. I tried a bit of several things... Fried tofu- Ok, not my favorite fried tofu, not much taste Sushi- Very good, fresh Pineapple fried rice- So yummy! Loved it The service was very good, if we ever visit again we will try more!
(4)Cheryl B.
We were in Galena for a girls weekend, and had dinner at Little Tokyo. Most of us enjoy sushi, but we had a couple who ordered the hibachi steak, which was excellent! The sushi was fabulous! Atmosphere was nice, it is small, cozy and welcoming. Service was excellent, and I especially liked that the chef came out to our table to ask how everything was. I would definitely return here!
(5)Bob L.
This little gem has the best sushi in the entire mid-west!
(5)Regina S.
You wouldn't think you could find such fresh fish so far from the oceans in the far corner of Illinois, but Little Tokyo managed to deliver. I like the fact too that the restaurant maintained the overall feeling of Galena, keeping the historical details and character of the building. Service was swift but not pushy. The salmon sashimi melted in my mouth and the pork dumplings were small but tender and flavorful. Presentation was immaculate, very clean but with subtle touches that made the plates come alive. Next time I'm in town, I would love to sample more of their menu. This was just a "quick bite" stop, so only a few items were sampled. I hope the locals can keep this one going in between the tourist seasons. We were the only patrons for lunch on a Friday afternoon.
(4)Faith C.
Really really great sushi! Good service. The place was packed Saturday night in the winter. We were in town on a ski trip. Had been waiting at another restaurant but we were too hungry and decided to check this place out. I am sooooooo happy we did. We both agree it was the best sushi we ever had. The drinks were good too not over priced. The atmosphere was trendy but still welcoming. Oh the floors were on a slant so the drinks almost slid off the table but it somehow made it more fun.
(5)Vicky G.
Last week, I had lunch at Little Tokyo for the first time. I have to say, the food is excellent. I had sushi, while my friend enjoyed a bento box. We both enjoyed what we ordered very much. My fish was incredible fresh and delicious. My big issue with Little Tokyo was its service. Our waitress never checked in on our table. We had to constantly call her over if we needed anything. My friend never received any utensils (chopsticks or a fork and knife) for her meal. I never got a refill on my beverage. It was ridiculous. Little Tokyo is a very cute, quant sushi house. I may go back because I enjoyed the food very much, but I hope the service improves quite a bit.
(3)Dave S.
Great sushi. Cool town. Great weather (ok they didn't have a hand in that) Rode out to galena today. Perfect spot for lunch. Highly recommend. I had the spicy girl with edamame. What can I say but yum.
(5)Alexie C.
My boyfriend and I ate here not once, but twice and would have ate there more if it wasn't for our limited time in Galena this past weekend. The last time we were there was a few years ago when this place first opened and we were pretty excited that Galena had a sushi place and took a break from the typical burger joints and steakhouses. Since I'm a vegetarian having healthy food in the Midwest (let alone in a small town like Galena) is CHALLENGING. I love traveling but sometimes I get sick of having just salads, know what I mean? So my expectations for this place was pretty high and they DID NOT disappoint. When you first walk in if you go left is the restaurant side and if you go right is the bar side. We sat on the left side both times since the window area was kinda cozy. I noticed as another yelper mentioned, the restaurant is kind of on a hill but you barely notice and don't have to worry about things sliding down or what not. Our waiter was fantastic and greeted us like old friends and was very helpful in recommendations and special sauces. (FYI ask for the spicy mayo and the garlic / ginger salad dressing on the side and use it in conjuction with the soy sauce to dip your sushi SO GOOD). I ordered the avocado and cucumber rolls with miso soup and my bf had the pork teriyaki one time and the chicken teriyaki another time, both came with rice and salad. He also had sushi and neither of us were disappointed. The food was delicious and very very fresh which is important to both of us. The presentation of the food and the seasoning was on point. We left full but a nice full, that a walk around the hills of Galena burned off soon enough. If you want a break from the burger food and want something more on the healthy side in Galena, check this place out. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Christine B.
My husband and I went here on a weekend trip to Galena. They have tons of options and everything we tried was delicious! They offered great service with a traditional pub decor. My favorite part was that the bar was in a separate dining area, so the dining room could be more quiet. Highly recommended!
(5)Arnoush J.
This place is delicious! The fish is extremely fresh and there are many good maki options. The edamame and miso soup were really good too. Charming ambience and friendly staff too!
(5)Julie M.
Top pick for the weekend out of all the restaurants we tried in Galena. Great service and atmosphere. We had the Rock n Roll Sushi which was fabulous and the pineapple fried rice with beef rolls for an appetizer. My husband is not a sushi fan and he was even raving about it. It is reasonably priced and top quality food. Highly recommend!
(5)Susie A.
Great sunny space, super friendly owner, amazing sushi! Pretty and delicious Downtown roll. Husbo had the spicy tuna roll and spicy salmon roll, also delicious. Care is taken here that you get the best! Skip the many other mediocre places in town and have an amazing experience here!
(5)Duane A.
For Midwestern sushi, Little Tokyo is pretty darned good. It's become a regular stop when I feel like having someone else do the cooking. I.e. when a week of working on the bluffs has kicked my ass. So of course I have to walk down the bluff to get here. What's wrong with me? Anyways, you want to read about the food, not my abusive relationship with nature. Aside from a wide assortment of sushi and sashimi et al., they typically have a few specials, so ask the server or check the board by the bar. I've not had anything here that seems to be pre-made; everthing is prepared and rolled on premesis. And it's one of a couple of places in Galena that understands flavor and spices. The fish has always tasted fresh. How they get it to Galena still tasting fresh, I don't know. They know how to procure seafood would be my guess. I'll also add that if you are a vegetarian, this is one of the few places in town you'll find multiple options. Hell, it's probably the only place you have more than french fries as your option. Little Tokyo is a family owned place and they are top-notch hosts. One of my three go-to places in Galena for dining out.
(3)Brandi R.
We went here with a few friends when we are in Galena. It's a quaint little place on the corner and the inside was bigger than expected. There are two sides to the restaurant and a small patio outdoors. The sushi was good, but not out of this world. We were impressed with the salad dressing which was a different spin on the traditional ginger dressing and made in house. The soup had a different spin on it as well. The prices were higher and portions smaller than in Dubuque. The selection of sushi rolls was fewer as well, and no actual hibachi grill that you could see though one could order a hibachi meal. However, service was great and the waitress was knowledgeable. It's a good place to go with friends or a quick bite to eat.
(3)Samantha C.
Knowing full well how my experience was last time, I continued with caution. I ordered to go and left immediately to pick it up. Only half my order was ready, so I ordered sake in the meantime. The sake was ...GOOD. I had the seaweed salad and it was... Really good. I am impressed by the change in quality of food. The service lacks though. 5 stars to the chef, 2 stars to the server who had only one other table and was oddly consumed by something.
(3)Jenny H.
For such a sleepy town in IL, Little Tokyo is THE place and probably the ONLY decent place to get your sushi fix. We were both pleasantly surprised to find some great offerings. TUNA & AVOCADO AGEDASHI TOFU GALENA NARUTO DRAGON ROLL Our tuna tartare-esque dish came with half an avocado in a sea of ponzu-soysauce. Less is more. I thought the tuna was overly dressed in the sauce and made it awkward to eat. The agedashi was decent and both sushi rolls ordered made the cut. For asian food in the area, it's slim pickings. Between the curious billowy grease trap at Beijing Buffet, Little Tokyo is a definite step up for asian cuisine in Galena.
(4)Simian S.
We ate there last night after having a few less than stellar food experiences in Galena and were pleasantly surprised. We were seated right away (no reservation), our server was very friendly and attentive, and service was fast. We had calamari as an appetizer and it was decent- a little rubbery and there was a little too much batter, but they seemed to be freshly made and cooked to order (as opposed to pre-made and frozen). We had the Fantastic Roll (which was indeed fantastic!), a Spicy Tuna Roll, and the Salmon and Avocado Roll and they were all delicious. We would definitely eat here again next time we are in town!
(4)Jeff L.
Delicious sushi. We had four rolls and highly recommend the super fun roll. That was the name of it. The best part was the crunch tempora in the middle.
(4)Julie G.
Thoroughly impressed with the food but not so much with our waitress, who had no idea about the type of fish we were served from our sushi/sashimi platter. Learn the menu, dear.
(4)Salma F.
Best food I've had in Galena! Their amazing roll is literally amazing and I love their pineapple fried rice. Def. try this place out if you're looking for a great meal in the area.
(4)Holly L.
We were told this was the best place to eat in Galena. Best sushi I've ever eaten! The Romeo & Juliet roll was Amazeballs!!!!!!!!!!
(5)William M.
Who knew galena had sushi? Good quality too. Only drawback is the inside needs an upgrade. Silverware and plates kind of old... But a solid food option
(3)Chrystina Z.
Yeah for sushi in small towns! Charming building with Victorian details: the perfect setting for sushi. We came for lunch and sat at the sushi bar. We ordered the chicken and steak bento boxes. Had the red mochi ice cream for dessert. Service is effective, but no smiles.
(4)Cathy D.
The chef here makes custom sushi that has such great medley of flavored like avocado mango rice wrappers etc. great location.
(5)Shish M.
I wish I could give a zero for the service. We waited for one and half hours to get our sushi. They ruined our valentines day.
(1)Michael S.
Big surprise in Little Tokyo. The specialty rolls are all amazing and fresh. I suggest the romeo and Juliette
(5)James R.
While in Galena with some friends they spotted Little Tokyo and wanted to try it. We all like sushi and thought, sure why not! It's a nice restaurant divided into different sections. When you walk in the bar is to your right, the main dining area to your left. It's not huge, but nice enough. In the dining area they have a small sushi bar. We all ordered and shared various rolls. I can't remember which ones we all ordered, but none of them were bad. We each had our favorite ones that we liked above the others. I wouldn't say it's the best sushi I've had, but it was good. The service was good. Our waitress was prompt and kept our glasses filled. We never had an issue. Overall the restaurant is clean, if a little small. I will warn you that the bathrooms are one person at a time so if there is a line you could be waiting for a while like I did. I'd definitely go back the next time I'm in town.
(4)Alice M.
As a Galena resident, this is one of my favorite spots in town. I have to admit sushi is not my favorite option for Asian food, but there are a few rolls on the menu here that I do adore - top is the Romeo and Juliet! Fresh is the key word here - and great fun to watch the sushi chef make his art. There are lots of other options on the menu besides sushi and the Bento Box offers a nice variety on one plate at a real value price. The ambiance at Little Tokyo is clean, warm and inviting, the owners are hard working and gracious and always greet us with a smile and friendly conversation. Service is always first rate and the bar area is quiet and separate from the clatter of the dining room, a nice place to gather before your meal, or to unwind and relax afterwards.
(5)Frank M.
I have been going to Little Tokyo since it opened in July and it pretty much introduced me to Japanese food. I didn't know gari from wasabi at first. I appreciate the sushi but have gravitated to the more westernized dishes. like teriyaki chicken. What I like most about Little Tokyo is the freshness of the food, mainly the vegetables and fish, and the presentation - details like the little people origami folded napkins and the chopsticks as default utensils (it's easy to ask for a fork, I know from experience). What I find most interesting about Little Tokyo is the reaction of the town to the restaurant and of the family owned restaurant adapting to the town.
(5)Krystsina D.
Let me start by saying that we eat Sushi a lot in Chicago, so... Considering where this place is, I thought it was excellent. We had Tiger roll, which was quite good, and a bento box, which was great. The soup that came with it was some kind of noodle rather than miso, and was amazing. Salad was pretty good as well. The best thing about the bento box, that you choose any two meats that come with it (salmon and sashimi) in our case. Hot Sake was not bad as well. Not cheap, was about 50$ for 2, but overall very good. P.S. Service cool, not pretentious, not bad either... :)
(5)G T.
You wouldn't expect a quality Japanese restaurant in Galena. But, be prepared to be surprised. Very fresh seafood excellent menu.
(4)Jeremy P.
Great! The Vegetable tempura is really good.
(4)catherine k.
I have eaten sushi all over the United States, and right here in Galena, IL, we finally got our own Japanese restaurant that can compete with the best. Excellent environment and service. Typical higher price on sushi items but very reasonable on the rest of the menu. Generally, they are open later than the other restaurants on Main St. Open to 11pm on weekends.
(5)Alyssa S.
Went to galena for the weekend and decided to try this place for dinner on the Sunday night before memorial day. I can only echo what others have posted about this place. Food. Excellent. The naku yubi udan was delicious. The tempura chicken was also great. We had a shrimp tempura roll for an appetizer and it was delicious. The service was excellent. Fast and courteous. The server was very nice. We sat outside and it was a great dinner with delicious authentic food.
(5)Frank V.
Who'd a thought you would find excellent Sushi in a quaint little 1800's town? We eat sushi very frequently and have had the best, which you'll find here, to the worst. This little sushi restaurant will easily satisfy your craving. Owners Amy and Michael will not dissapoint you with their friendly service and welcoming atmosphere. Get there early or expect to wait. This place is very popular and very small.
(5)Summer L.
I'm kind of a sushi fiend and have gotten increasingly spoiled as competition has driven quality up at home in Minneapolis. So, there was a bit of trepidation when we went to Little Tokyo. Knowing of only one other sushi place in the area (over in Dubuque), I wasn't sure if I was asking for trouble. But considering all the tourism business Galena does, I really shouldn't have worried too much. Little Tokyo, indeed, has some delicious fish. Even though they're short on variety and their combinations are a bit odd compared to what I'm used to seeing, they do great things. They do some lovely cucumber-wrapped rolls that are exquisite. We've had good service and so-so service at Little Tokyo; it really seems to be a crap shoot. Still, that hasn't terribly deterred from a great foodie experience. With so many choices in Galena, it's rare that we repeat a restaurant, but Little Tokyo is one of those places we both visit and recommend.
(4)Bob M.
FYI, the entrance is NOT at the corner. Look to the right , there is a door there that is the entrance. Unless you catch somebodies eye, you can go left or right. We went left because the area to the right had the bar. We didn't want to be by the bar. We found out that they also have some outside seating. The single waitress was very busy but very knowledgeable regarding the menu. She told us she had called in for help but they were stretched thin. Once she attended to us she was awesome. The food was fantastic. The Sashi Appetizer was a work of art. I even forgot to take a picture!. It was very tasty. We had the Bento chicken lunch and the Bento Teriyaki lunch. both dishes were excellent. I would go back to eat here and recommend it with an * for the over worked wait staff.
(4)Nick D.
This will be the most versatile place to eat for people with varying dietary needs. Vegans can get veggie rolls or tempura vegetable. Meat eaters can find something. There's wine and beer. This place was by far the most accommodating in Galena. We ended up eating here both nights of our stay. The first night our waitress seemed stressed out and dismissive. The second night we had a different waitress and she was very tentative and engaged. She totally made up for the previous night. We'll be going to Galena again and this will be a definite choice for us next visit.
(4)Ajay R.
So, who would have thought that lil ol' Galena would have such amazing sushi/sashimi to offer? In our two years in Dubuque we went to this restaurant more than any other combined! And, mind you, we ate out all the time - only thing to do in Dubuque (no offense to you Dubuquans). Our favorite appetizer, without doubt, is the Spicy Tuna Tartar. That dish is a great way to start your great meal. The tuna tartar is encased in an avocado slice wrap which sits on top of some sauce (possibly soy sauce). It is also topped with a colorful wheel of roe and caviar. Not only is the dish delicious, it is very appealing to the eyes. :) As for drinks - my wife loved the plum wine and swore she wouldn't dare order anything else. They also have a good selection of martinis, beers and other alcoholic beverages. Little Tokyo has a beautiful bar and great bar tenders who will take great care of you and your alcohol needs. Chef Michael does a great job with all the rolls, but our favorites are the Downtown Roll and Main Street Roll. If you are in the mood for Sashimi instead, I would recommend the Chirashi - lots of different kinds of sashimi and sticky Japanese rice on the side. Chef Michael and his wife Amy took great care of my wife on her birthday. They made this great fried ice cream for her and I doubt she had more than one bite because I ate it all. :) Once again, these guys do a great job and run a great little restaurant. It's a pity (not really) we moved out of Dubuque and can't visit Little Tokyo anymore! Have fun tearing up the food here. Bon Appetit!
(5)Matt D.
I never would have guessed that we would find great sushi in Galena but Little Tokyo was a delightful surprise. In addition to sushi, they have wonderfully authentic noodle bowls and Japanese entrees.
(4)Julie R.
This. Place. Is. AWESOME. Little Tokyo could easily take on any sushi establishment in downtown Chicago and win with ninja-like ease. Went here on a Saturday afternoon with a party of 8 around 3 pm and had no problem pushing together a few tables to accommodate our large-ish party. It IS a somewhat quaint establishment with limited seating. We ordered almost everything it seems- and everything was scrumptious. There was one roll... wrapped in cucumber that I could have passed on BUT lot's of the hippies at the table loved it because it felt "healthy." Whatever. We ordered based on recommendations from Yelp and our waitresses experience. This IS a recipe for success. When the bill came they were also pleasant about splitting the tab EIGHT WAYS. Ugh- I was annoyed for her! AND she was gracious dealing with a bunch of Hawkeye fans after a win- she gets an A+! We honestly ordered so many rolls it is difficult for me to recount which ones stand out in particular. I'm thinking Main street was one that was especially delish... I tried to take pictures of each platter of sushi that rolled out. My only concern is for those patrons that become dizzy/disoriented easily. The floor of this restaurant has a dramatic incline- you have to lean up hill the entire time you're dining. Positive is I worked-out half of my abs the entire time I was devouring these special sushi bites!
(5)Ann Marie H.
I really haven't had sushi since we moved to the Midwest from NYC. I think I tried supermarket sushi to fill a craving, but that just made everything worse. So after checking out the reviews here, and elsewhere (in the paper), we decided to have lunch there. My daughter had the sushi roll lunch, and I had the sushi combo lunch. It was SUBLIME. Well presented, attention to detail in both looks and flavor. Not just fish and rice slapped together -- a bit of roe here, a smidge of wasabi there, a sauce on another piece, nothing overwhelming. No need to do that DROWN YOUR SUSHI IN SOY SAUCE dance that so many people do. The freshness of the fish was outstanding. The right texture and flavor, and the rice was perfect, too. Then we took their recommendation for the mochi ice cream and I think our eyes were rolling to the back of our heads by time we left. I've gone to a lot of restaurants in Galena and Dubuque, and some were great but there was always one thing that was just 'ok'. This was, from salad to mochi, absolutely brilliant. In taste and presentation. Portions, too. Ate well but didn't gorge and get overwhelmed. It was a PERFECTLY balanced meal. It wasn't just 'good for the area', which is what I was hoping for. It was GOOD SUSHI, some place I'd make an effort to go to even back in NYC. A place worth going back to, again and again.
(5)John P.
before we came here and saw the straight 5 star reviews, i wasn't sure if it was going to be legit....being from the west coast and all. but wow, what an amazing place, located on the corner of Franklin & Main. upon walking in, there was just a quaint ambiance about the whole place...the stairs up (which you don't have to take) seemed like an illusion. the interiors has a red & dark surfaces with just a touch of asian (but not tacky...except for the chopsticks font on the storefront). our service was excellent. the sake came out right away, and one by one our dishes came out, awing us each time. the fish was amazingly fresh (at least the freshest we've had in a long time). the salmon was so soft and silky, just like it should be. we had the sushi delux, Jalapeno Yellowtail and Spicy Scallop Roll. we also tried the Galena roll, which isn't the cheapest, but oh-so-worth it. this side of the mississippi, the only place comparable is Nobu. but for the value, you can't beat that. i can't imagine ever coming back to Galena without yearning to come back.
(5)Dan S.
I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant in Galena. We had a table for six for dinner. We had sashimi, sushi, chirashi, rolls, calamari, and salmon teriyaki. The fish was incredibly fresh and the sushi chef knew what he was doing. The service was excellent. I'm visiting from San Francisco and my wife and I thought this place was better than some sushi places there. Worth the price on Main St in Galena.
(5)Leanne M.
Best place in Galena, hands down. And don't think that has anything to do with my eyes. (You know what I mean.) ;) Our server was the gosh darn nicest but not in a- stop talking to us I'm here to spend time with my date not with you- way. In a- wow, he's so genuinely kind and thoughtful and gives us space too- way. Predicted our every move, super laid back, and really fun too. Fantastic. The sweet potato tempura rolls (our always favorite) is superb here. The atmosphere is delightful. A+. And you heard it from a girl who eats Japanese once a week.
(5)o o.
Their sushi is delectable. The chef and his wife run this quaint, yet busy place in downtown Galena. I'm pretty picky when it comes to sushi, and I would put this place at 4.5. Best crunchy rolls ever! Specials are always a treat. When I'm in Galena visiting family, we make it a point to go to Little Tokyo. I just wish I lived closer or they would open a location closer to Chicago!
(5)Liz F.
Little Tokyo is a fantastic restaurant! It is my new favorite place to eat in Galena. The sushi is wonderful and they were so accommodating to my mom who is diabetic. The atmosphere is very family-friendly and everyone who works there is so nice. I really can't say enough good things about Little Tokyo!
(5)steve d.
We stopped by Little Tokyo on a Sunday afternoon for some sushi and tempura. Both were very good. The service was just OK and the timing of our food could have been better. However, for good food at a good price this place is hard to beat.
(4)Ravi -.
Great place to eat quality sushi and with unique atmosphere, the service is usually exceptional and you wont be disappointed with the entire experience.
(4)Megan D.
Great place for experienced sushi eaters and those trying it for their first time! Yum! We'll never miss this spot when we're in Galena.
(5)Neelam V.
a true family business, food is as good as her literal sister in Dubuque; Ichiban without the drive; the place has apartment upstairs they should rent; and a lovely courtyard in summer to sit out in and have tea, The owners are the most charming couple in Galena.
(5)Livia N.
We come to Galena once a year for vacation and always stop by Little Tokyo. We avoid crowds at all costs and have never visited this place on a Friday or Weekend. With that said, the service has always been excellent and the food exquisite. The sushi chef is amazing and creative and the food has been consistently great. During this past time that we were there we ordered the vegetable tempura for appetizer, crazy sushi roll (party of flavors in my mouth), and chicken katsu (very generous portion). My husband and I absolutely love this place. We have visited this restaurant with our 1 1/2 year old for lunch and without for a more romantic dinner in the evening. I just can't say enough good things about this place. The food is authentic (I'm Japanese), made to perfection, the service is good, and the ambiance is lovely.
(5)Anya S.
Phenomenal! Reasonably priced, and better than my wildest dreams for Midwest sushi. Totally addicted to the dynamite roll...now that I'm back in the OC am totally craving it! Only problem I see is parking, which is on the street and if it's busy...yeah good luck. Once inside though, you're in for a treat!!
(5)Jeff W.
Very nice Sushi restaurant. Friendly owners and wonderful food. I had their Tokyo Roll and it was so good I ordered a second one. My wife was very happy with the food she ordered and the prices were very reasonable.
(4)Weisun C.
Set on the corner of Main and Franklin Streets at the far upper end of the "Main drag" in Galena is a recent arrival to this historic promenade. Little Tokyo adds a touch of authentic Asian cuisine to the more common eateries that dot this avenue of tourist shopping. It's also Galena's first ever sushi restaurant. The location is divided into two: the restaurant up front plus a spacious and popular bar on the other side of the wall where, in the restaurant, the sushi chef holds court. About a half-dozen tables line the perimeter of the main room and beyond an open partition wall is another smaller space with additional tables. All tables have a nice view out to the street through the large front windows. In warm weather, the tables extend out to a hidden patio too. The interior is painted in a deep red reminiscent of Chinese lacquered furniture and has lighting that compliments skin tones. A very pleasant place to dine! The large menu combines dinner and lunch offerings, starting with more than a dozen tantalizing choices for appetizers. There are noodle dishes, traditional Japanese favorites (tempuras and teriyakis), and dinner combinations, including bento boxes. Separate menus offer what is fresh at the sushi bar and selections of wines. That sushi bar menu is quite dazzling: a'la carte sushi and sashimi, over 2 dozen rolls (veggie, cooked, or raw), and another dozen or so "Chef's Special Rolls." This one-sheet menu is much like those you are given to order dim sum at your table in a Chinese teahouse. Tourists will like that it's all in English (even the Japanese names.) My dining partner, who had eaten here previously, chose the chicken teriyaki dinner, which is a showy presentation when they whisk it out of the kitchen, still sizzling and steaming from their grill. It arrived as a half breast of chicken, nicely seared with a golden color, sitting on a bed of cooked slivers of yellow onion, and topped with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Steamed white rice on the side. We both opted for cold bottles of Sapporo beer to accompany our meals. This being my first time at Little Tokyo, I thought a bento box dinner would afford me the best variety to sample their range. I was told this is slightly larger than the bento box for lunch, about 14-inches by 10-inches. You are given two options for the "main courses" in the box. I chose chicken teriyaki and the sashimi sampler. The chicken was about a third of the portion that my fellow diner had in the full dinner. The sashimi was a nice selection of raw tastings: a large butterflied shrimp and generous slices of tuna, white tuna, and salmon with a garnish of shaved daikon (radish). In the other compartments of the box were the gari (pickled ginger) and wasabi to accompany the sashimi, six pieces of the California roll, and steamed white rice to accompany the teriyaki. At another table, I was able to hear their waitress offer to them a number of tempting items for dessert, some which I was not familiar with. So it was a bit disappointing that our wait person, Xi Xi, gave us our check without offering those same desserts. It was close to 10 PM then, so maybe they wanted to close up? In a great location for the adventurous tourist, with lots of parking nearby, it's elegant dining for minds towards healthy eating. I'll definitely be back to try them for lunch (slightly lower prices) and to sample more from that extensive sushi menu. Maybe the next time, I'll also try their black bean ice cream!
(4)Leslie A.
We had a great time and good food here! The food was fresh and delicious. We had edamame to start, it was fine. I had crab wrapped in cucumber and they made a veggie one for my husband. He had udon which had lots of veggies. He loved the tempura tofu. I loved the fantastic roll. The waitress was cute and funny.
(5)Joy E.
I love this place! The sushi is consistently fresh and beautiful and the atmosphere relaxing and friendly. Each roll is a work of art and the cooked dishes are equally as good. Amy and Michael are the owners and primary workers in the restaurant and they are amazingly inviting and friendly!
(5)Dejan B.
We did do our second trip to Galena and Little Tokyo back in July and we were underwhelmed...The service was nothing to write home about (I am not sure who the server was - I did not remember her from before - but she was not very nice) and worst of all the food was plain and just blah...I do not know what happened. Maybe it was a one time thing. If we are in the area we will probably try them again but I am a bit disappointed in the restaurant as you can tell...
(3)Usman H.
The sushi was good but the service was really slow and the servers weren't efficient at all. Everything took too long for our liking.
(3)Jennifer L.
This was a pleasant surprise (especially since I had to get past my S.O.'s eye-rolling at the suggestion of sushi in Galena). The prices were very reasonable and the rolls and sushi was tasty and not ungenerous. We got the dragon roll, the rainbow roll, crunchy roll, and spicy tuna roll plus various pieces. One companion who doesn't do sushi got the vegetable Hibachi vegetables which were varied, crisp and fresh. Our kids loved the gyoza, shumai and edamame. The waitress was friendly enough but on a Thursday she was it for the whole place and a little stretched (there were probably 7 tables when we got there at 6). She offered to have us sit at a table in the bar area by ourselves when she saw our 2 little ones and we were grateful rather than offended (even though our guys are pretty used to restaurants and can be usually trusted not to make a scene; as long as the food is good)--okay maybe a teeny bit offended but we understand. I would definitely go back! Update: Someone who is familiar with the restaurant and the family that runs it says that the bar is where they put big groups (which we were). That is totally plausible, so I take back the part about being slightly offended. I still think it is a good idea for the kids too . . .
(5)Shannon S.
We came to Galena on our honeymoon and are big sushi lovers and decided to try Little Tokyo....It was absolutely amazing from start to finish. The sushi beat our favorite sushi place back at home which is pretty hard to beat. I highly recommend trying the tempura cheesecake for dessert...Yum yum!
(5)Chris H.
Not especially wonderful about this Japanese place, but nothing terrible. I'd say the menu is a touch on the limited side, but nothing bad. Service was good and the prices were reasonable. If I was in Galena again, I could imagine going back, but wouldn't be dying to do so.
(3)Sabrina J.
The sushi here was just okay. We ordered 5 rolls - The fish seemed mushy in all of the rolls. Also, the spicy salmon and spicy tuna were almost impossible to tell the difference. One of them (I think the spicy salmon) had a weird oniony taste to it. I would not go back to this restaurant if I was in Galena again.
(2)Jay S.
Surprisingly good sushi in a place where you wouldn't expect it. I wouldn't eat there on your first night in Galena, but it's something nice to break up the monotony.
(4)Dr. D.
I read the reviews and took my family there during recent long weekend at Chestnut. The sushi was OK, but nothing out of the ordinary. The place was almost completely empty on a Saturday nite. The only memorable part was the food poisoning I got from there. Ruined the next two days! Stay away!
(1)Jessica S.
Having seen the positive reviews I was looking forward to a decent lunch, and was really disappointed. I couldn't decide between sushi and a hot dish, so ordered the lunch bento because it had both. Every item was just so-so. There were two lukewarm wontons, sticky rice, and a mediocre california roll. The most disappointing was the teryaki chicken, which was incredibly dry, and smothered with a sweet sticky teriyaki sauce. It might be a fun place to go for a change of pace during a visit to Galena, or to enjoy the patio, but I disagree that this is a representation of good Japanese food.
(2)Daniel H.
I don't understand how this place can get such a high aggregate rating, maybe folks just don't know their sushi. The maki were just mediocre: white-bread America options, average fish, and they were beginning to unroll at the table, a big no no. The other dishes were pretty substandard. My companion ordered a salad that didn't come with half the ingredients listed on the menu, though to be fair, the dressing was bangin. When we asked about our missing ingredients we were told glibly that they were out of them; isn't that something a patron should be told upfront and not after a half finished dish arrives at your table? The server, though not directly rude, was a bit bizarre. She actually came to our table while she was on the phone with someone else. I get it that she might be the one handling the serving and the phones, but finish the call or tell them to hold, don't screw up both interactions no?
(2)