The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Breaking News

Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

Good Eats
Home›Good Eats›Good Eats at Momotaro: The Boka Restaurant Group takes authentic, contemporary Japanese dining to another level

Good Eats at Momotaro: The Boka Restaurant Group takes authentic, contemporary Japanese dining to another level

By TheRealChicagoOnline
November 15, 2018
1915
0
Share:

Photo by Galdones Photography

By Dante Vaisbort

Where it’s at: 820 W. Lake Street in the West Loop. MomotaroChicago.com

The scene: Momotaro’s massive state-of-the-art complex is a brisk walk from the city center and urban nightlife. The award-winning restaurant is divided into two sections: the main restaurant on floors one and two, which features multiple sushi bars and robata (charcoal grills). Beneath the restaurant lies the subterranean Izakaya, featuring a 30-seat bar with decor inspired by the Tokyo street scene.

Food and drink: I began my meal with a Japanese staple: miso soup topped elegantly with fried tofu wedges and mushroom caps. Momotaro’s take on standard hors d’oeuvres are demonstrably high-class. After whetting my appetite with miso, I proceeded to devour a juicy, traditional robata-cooked wagyu steak skewer. The flavors of the skewer were robust, and mingled well with the other dishes.

Even Momotaro’s more conceptual dishes are understandable and approachable, yet still indicative of artisanal craft — and delicious.

For my main course, I ordered the chahan, a curious take on beef fried rice. It was brought to me in a hot stone bowl, with a whole fried egg sitting uncracked in the center. I cracked the egg and eagerly mixed it in, and although it was quite good, it paled in comparison to the outstanding nature of the wagyu skewers.

My friend ordered the curry udon with pork and, impressed with the balance achieved between flavor and spiciness, slurped it up with surprising speed, complimenting the proportion of noodles to meat despite being thrown off a bit by the texture.

Sushi, a staple at most any Japanese restaurant, also carries a strong presence at Momotaro. However, while Momotaro offers a solid selection of quality sushi, the restaurant should not be confused with a traditional sushi bar. The fish we ordered was impeccably fresh, and the rolls were thoughtfully constructed, though the sushi is not a standout when compared to some of the restaurant’s other sumptuous offerings.

What caught our eye: Staff members encourage you to share a broad assortment of dishes, using a medley of orders to construct a well-rounded meal. Momotaro is thus an attractive choice for groups of adventurous eaters seeking a formal night out. The restaurant itself is softly lit and beautiful, and waitstaff patient and knowledgeable.

We’ll be back because: Momotaro marries traditional Japanese cuisine and contemporary culinary techniques quite well. The restaurant has certainly earned its reputation as a fine-dining sensation, while still embracing some of the more welcome elements of commercial eating. Even Momotaro’s more conceptual dishes are understandable and approachable, yet still indicative of artisanal craft — and delicious. The restaurant is a well-oiled machine, as the service, timing of dish delivery, and atmosphere made for an excellent experience.

TagsBoka Restaurant GroupChicago RestaurantsMomotaroThe Real ChicagoWest Loop
Previous Article

Brunch delights: Bunny & Brandy’s Brunchtime Blog’s ...

Next Article

The Big City Blog: From Christkindlmarket to ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • General Features

    Chicago’s craft beer explosion: Quality breweries are suddenly the norm on the north side

    October 26, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: “Van Gogh’s Bedrooms” at the Art Institute is a touching tribute to a beloved artist’s search for ...

    March 25, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    Craft beer favorites: We snagged local opinions on where to satisfy your cravings for good brew

    November 20, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: “Specimens: Unlocking the Secrets of Life” exhibit at the Field Museum

    March 25, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: “Tootsie,” the beloved hit movie, returns as a comedy musical at the Cadillac Palace Theatre

    September 16, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Second City’s “Legendary Laughs” uses imaginative audience participation to create a hilarious night out

    March 23, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Funny people: Five spots to enjoy some classic Chicago comedy

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Bucktown boutiques: This trendy neighborhood has become a shopping destination

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    The best of Broadway: Plenty of diverse food options call this lively street home

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login