Tenjin Japanese Restaurant

Everything we ordered was delicious, and I really enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant. So far, this is the best Japanese restaurant I’ve ever been to in the area. The nigiri was incredibly fresh!

This was such a great find! I read Whitney Moeller’s review of the restaurant on Substack and her piece assured me I would love it here. The food was excellent— everything was cooked well, had amazing flavor, and was clearly fresh! There is an obvious dedication to authentic cuisine and culture. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable, the service was quick, and parking was super accessible. 10/10 would eat here again!

This place amazing! Great service, fresh sushi and good prices. I went with a patient of mine in a wheelchair and they were more than happy to accommodate his needs. I wish I took a picture of the Dragon roll and bento 🍱 I assure you won't be disappointed!

Favorite sushi restaurant on the North side! The quality of their fish cannot be matched. Always fresh and delicious. I have a sesame allergy that they go above and beyond to accommodate. The wine list is great too with monthly features and happy hour options!

Food is delicious. We enjoyed! We ordered the special set which is very good price and have variety of items. We like the teriyaki sauce. Kid menu is good and our kid loves the chicken, tempura and ice cream. We will find time to go try more items, they have so much choices. 😄

My family and I have been here several times, even before the name was changed. Everything that we order is always delicious. The nigiri sushi is very fresh. You can't go wrong with the combination dinner plates, but I think the Prix Fixe is great for getting a lot more of a variety of smaller dishes. All of the desserts are really good, but the Butter Mochi A La Mode is to die for

This is a true Japanese gem tucked away in the most unassuming spot. Owned by Japanese owners, the moment you walk in you’re greeted by the kindest staff and an immediate sense of nostalgia… like stepping into a classic Japanese restaurant from the 90s. Nothing flashy, just simple, comforting, and authentic. The menu is fairly priced, the space is clean and well cared for, and the service is genuinely friendly. The food is where this place really shines. The bento boxes are thoughtfully put together, featuring authentic Japanese side dishes like gomae and potato salad, while also offering familiar favorites such as chicken teriyaki. Every detail feels intentional. It’s rare to come across Japanese restaurants that are truly Japanese-owned, and this one is a standout. Delicious food, a comforting atmosphere, and a place I’ll absolutely be returning to often.

Went there for a lunch with a friend, was there for the first time ever. Atmosphere is very authentic, service is amazing, the waitress was so sweet and friendly. Shrimp and vegetable tempura was crunchy and delicious. Enjoyed miso soup as well, but it was lukewarm, I prefer soups to be hot. Overall, a nice place to go to if you want Japanese cuisine.

After trying Tejin once, it has quickly catapulted to being my favorite Japanese restaurant in Chicago already. Simple but a memorable interior decor, it reminded me of a japanese owned and operated restaurant in LA. It seemed like reservations are smart unless you come in right when they open. We came on a Sunday at around open at 4. Open for lunch on the weekdays but only dinner service on the weekends. The menu, while diverse, does not deviate from traditional Japanese favorites in katsu, tempura, udon and sushi classics. The Takoyaki was warm and soft when you bit into it. The nigiri specials were the highest fish flown in from Japan I've had in the Chicagoland area. The tonkatsu curry pork was what stole the show for me tonight. Perfectly fried and curry tasted just like Coco in Japan. I will definitely be back very soon to try more of the menu! Tip: Happy Hour is everyday from 4 till 5:30. Some great deals on that menu from $5 Takoyaki to $7 chicken wings. Monday specials are also something I will be back for!

I got the chirashi bowl deluxe and while eating it I found a piece of plastic wrap in my food. It was fortunate that I found it. I mentioned it to the server/owner. I didn't want to make a scene as an aunt from out of the country was taking myself and my parents out. I assumed that they would make it right. They apologized and eventually offered free dessert. However when the bill game they didn't even attempt to discount my meal for their mess up (I could have easily made a scene and demanded OUR entire meal be free. Nope we get the bill and they thought their apology would be enough. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SUSHI RESTAURANT unless you want to eat garbage in your food. Owner clearly does not care about long term customers and service. It's crazy how they wasn't even an effort to comp my food. Dangerous practices done by this restaurant.

First time we went was a couple months ago and we had the tasting menu. We were impressed with all the items, everything was fresh, delicious and the staff were very attentive to us. The coffee jello dessert was unexpectedly delightful. We went again last night and had the gyoza, edamame, a few of their specialty rolls and a dessert. - crunchy tune (so tasty we ordered 2) - Japanese sweet potato roll - Tamago nigiri Everything was delicious as so fresh. We love Asian food, one of our favorite restaurants is Nobu and Arami on Chicago avenue. We are bringing friends in a couple weeks. And have been spreading the word to our other foodie friends. Our bill was about 100.00 and that included a cork fee of 15 dollars which was surprisingly affordable. We are very happy they provide a the cork fee option! Can't wait to try more items on the menu.

We've passed this place 1000's of times and finally stopped in for dinner last night. It recently changed over from over from a previous, similar type restaurant but I think a lot of the same people are here. Good food and service. My wife had sushi and I tried their Sukiyaki. Very good. Ample parking. Also found a really good Japanese beer.

All I can say is we went to Tenjin about 2 weeks ago and have been there another 2x since. The sushi is super fresh with the right balance of fish and rice. The appetizers were simple but done very well. We had the tempura and the chicken wings which were delicious followed by a chicken bento box. Which was also very good. This truly is my favorite Japanese restaurant.

Excellent food - byob (minimal cork fee). Sushi is very fresh. Good service. Highly recommend!

LOVED this place. My husband and I came here on an early Thursday night and it was kind of empty but it's a weekday so kind of expected. Service was great, our waitress kept checking on us and cleared the empty plates quickly so we had room on the table for other dishes we ordered. The food was brought out so quick! It was just the right flow between our appetizers to entrees. We got: Fried oysters - it was fried so well! The sauces it came with were delicious Ika geso - fried calamari leg which was delicious!! Definitely would get this again Acuapulco Roll - for 5 pieces they were huge! I could have done without the lettuce on the inside. But definitely tasted fresh Tonkatsu curry - this was my first time trying this and wow I was amazed. The curry was so flavorful and the pork was so well cooked and crispy. Definitely coming back for more of this and to try different sushi rolls!

We were very frequent patrons at Rengatei. This place is not what it used to be with the new owners. There's something off with their teriyaki sauce. Menu prices have super increased. Service needs work and improvement. Need to bring the music for ambiance - the air is so stale. I'm a bit disappointed with what it currently lacks as this was also our family go to place. Seeing tonight's service (there was a waiting line) the new place will probably be okay.

Food was fantastic. Delicious attractive presentation good value high quality ingredients and knowledgeable service.

Wonderful Japanese place. Everything tastes clean and authentic. But we had green tea soba noodles and shrimp and maybe vegetable tempura. Everything was so crispy! A cosmic experience!

My family has been eating at this location for 23 years. It was a Japanese restaurant called Renga Tei before the new owner took over last year. The new owner has simplified the menu and kept most familiar Japanese dishes. We still consider the restaurant as one of the best Japanese restaurants in the greater Chicago area.

First time visiting since new ownership took over. The inside of the restaurant still looks the same as before. The dinner menu is a condensed version of what it used to be. It's also been redesigned and looks fancy. They don't have many traditional Japanese specials like they used to, but most of the old favorites are there. Not sure if menu is still expanding or not. Prices are up but that's pretty standard nowadays with increased costs in general (did I just pay $8 for a dozen eggs the other day?!). I was pleased to see that the sushi rice is still nicely prepared. Also the vegetable tempura was better than I remember, lightly fried and crispy. Maybe the best change was that their katsu curry is part of the dinner menu now (I recall from before I could only order it as a special on a Friday or Saturday or something like that). Green tea is $1 (didn't it used to be free?) and Hojicha is a whopping $3. Free refilles still though. Service was good and food came out quickly. Glad this long time restaurant is still around, even if it is under new ownership and a bit different from what I remember.

Congratulations Tenjin on the new rebranding! The food was great and atmosphere refreshed. Service was friendly and everything just seems a little updated. 良く出来ました！おめでとう御座います！ We had the tasting menu. Very traditional but innovative.

This place is a hidden gem! The restaurant is small and cosy and the staff is friendly and attentive. I had the Katsu curry and really enjoyed it. It wasn't too salty and liked how the sauce was separate. The parking lot is a bit small so I would recommend going to when they open for dinner.

Thank you Mr. Hisao Yamada. I attach his announcement seen on their Facebook page today. We have enjoyed many delicious meals in his restaurant for 20+ years. Best wishes and good luck for your well-deserved retirement!

Everything about this place was fantastic! The service was amazing, the food was even better. I will definitely continue to go here for some of the best Japanese food in the city.

Our favorite Japanese place in Chicago! It's an authentic Japanese restaurant owned by a old Japanese couple from Japan. We have going for years... My favorite is the tuna avocado salad. Their miso matcha dressing is homemade and to die for. Their fried oysters and fried squid legs are really good as well. My husband likes their chirashi bowl and combination A set. Make sure to go early. I think they close at 8pm.

It's my go to Japanese restaurant by work, it's cozy with great food casual authentic Japanese food, sushi . It no longer called Renga Tei it's Tenjin. Went there during lunch as they open from 11am to 2pm and 4pm to 9pm. Service is a bit slow. Wondering why we were not offered tea but notice that another group came but was offered one? Anyways no harm done. But overall it a great place to go. Sorry no photos. We ordered Sushi and appetizers at

Great fresh food and nice service. Wish there were more variety on menu. Overall, everything was OK.

This was a staple of my Japanese household for years - we grew up in Naperville, but whenever we found ourselves in the North Shore, we stopped by. It was a "special occasion" sort of locale, and my brother was friends with one of the chefs. The hosts/hostesses were Japanese and there was a sense of community at the restaurant, as we sometimes ran into other Japanese families we knew from the local Japanese school. I went back in 2023 and was woefully disappointed that the ownership has changed and it no longer serves the authentic quality of Japanese fare for which Renga-tei was esteemed. The prices had skyrocketed and the portion sizes were small. The sushi slices in my chirashi bowl were thin and not of high quality. I will not be coming back to this establishment again.

Great Service, pleasant atmosphere, a little pricey for noodles and 3 pieces oof fish, but very good.

Are you familiar with Renga Tei, at 3956 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood? We've been going there for 20 years, but it wasn't as good for the past few years. Then, I read that it closed, and reopened under new ownership, but that it remains a Japanese-owned family business. We dined there last night and it was great! I think it's better than ever. Check out Renga Tei again under the new ownership. The maitiaki mushroom tempura was our favorite dish. The squid and fluke tempura was great too. The uni nigiri and maki were cool, fresh, and delicious. The miso soup and house salad were best in class. One of the things that was annoying about Renga Tei before they closed was that the tempura sauce was portioned too small and you had to ask for grated daikon and ginger to add to the sauce. Since the tempura sauce was being served in a vessel more suitable for soy sauce, sometimes we had to ask for more a few times during the restaurant's final couple years, and we felt like we were annoying them. Last night they brought a generous portion of tempura sauce with grated daikon and ginger on the side without us having to ask. The Gomaae was delicious with the spinach cooked to perfection and a sesame sauce that is better than I've had in years. The Japanese potato salad was the best we've had since before Sakura of Woodfield in Rolling Meadows and Sakura in Mount Prospect (with tea rooms and tatami mats) transferred from their original ownership.

For many years it was our favorite Japanese restaurant and wonderful authentic dishes. They have new owners now and the menu is more upscale and prices are much higher. It used to be a family friendly restaurant and affordable for parents and kids. I don't think many families will be coming as much because of the pricing. Gone is the familiar hello from the sushi chefs, all the wonderful wait staff from years ago, the handwritten specials of the day, and the family feel. We will keep coming on occasion as Renga Tei our go-to place for Japanese, but it will be more intentional versus spur of the moment.

Really enjoyed our double date here. Nice relaxed atmosphere with good service. Everyone enjoyed their food and the experience.

I can't believe my last review was 13 years ago! This definitely counts as an update! Renga Tei isn't around the corner, but still worth the drive for fresh sushi, authentic entrees, and real steak teriyaki. Since the pandemic, they have changed their menu a bit. It's slimmed down a little, but all the good stuff is still there. The salad dressing is delicious! Ginger, citrusy, fresh tasting coating a small bowl of cold lettuce and julienne carrots ... so good! The Goma-Ae has fresh spinach and this umami sesame sauce. Steak teriyaki is still served with whole pieces of sliced steak (not sliced beef) prepared the way I like (med rare please). The tempura is always crispy and fresh tasting (translates: No old oil used here). Sushi rolls are not packed with rice as filler and the sashimi pieces are generous. The service isn't rushed but not slow either. The last few times we've eaten here they've been out of the Chef Special Tokyo Lime Cheesecake, which had always been my favorite. I'm so happy they survived the pandemic and I hope Renga-tei continues to serve their delicious food!

Definitely a place you need to go! Everyone that has been there loves it so I didn't have a hard time getting a couple friends to join me. There is everything on the menu from hamachi Kama to tempura and the fully loaded bento box. Reservations are recommended since they were busy and every table was occupied. We sat at the sushi bar and had a nice time. I wish the service was a little better, but I have no complaints. They also close at 8pm even on the weekends and shut things down to discourage you from staying. It's intimate inside, but I didn't feel crowded.

I have been coming here for over 20 years like many of you. Food use to be outstanding and on point. I came here 11 months ago and I gave it a very bad review. I came here last week for dine in. I wanted to give them another shot. Ordered Curry Katsu and Chicken Teriyaki Bento box. Single pork cutlet paired with my curry (no more beef chucks). Small amount of rice, which is unacceptable IMO for a curry dish. Taste was ok, just not the same. The chicken in the bento box did not have the classic char taste, looked like semi grilled chicken with sauce. Not great. The highlight was the California roll (yikes). Service was ok, no waiting for table as we went early. Scaled down menu which is actually nice. Price was fine. I didn't realize there was new ownership. This is why my experience has not been the same. Will I come back, I'm not sure, maybe just to support small business. I'll give it time in hopes things improve. One more shot.

New owner came with new prices. The curashi bowl is gone... how? That's a staple! $50 for 7 slices and a Cali roll for lunch is outrageously expensive. I hope they figure things out quick, I used to like and recommend this place.

The restaurant has undergone a change in ownership, has a new menu, but still has same chef. I am giving this restaurant a 5 so people will try it again. Before on a Sunday night there would be a line waiting. This Sunday there were mostly empty tables at 7:00. Ordered combination 2. Teriyaki beef and chicken, vegetable and shrimp tempura. Came with a small salad and Miso soup. The teriyaki was flavored perfectly. The sauce was thinner but that was better than some that are too thick and boiled down. Tempura was good with thin light coating. One piece was not cooked long enough. I thought it was an orange sweet potato but could have been a carrot. Our other order was Chirashi. Normally we would expect mixed sashimi over sushi rice. They offered only a salmon Chirashi plate. Salmon sashimi, smoked salmon (skin on menu) and salmon roe (ikura). The selection of only salmon was interesting but the combination did not live up to the promise. I am used to a large portion of sushi rice under a layer of sashimi. The rice seemed skimpy and the single fish theme seemed to be over priced. We couldn't figure out what the smoked salmon was at first. It was listed on the menu as smoked salmon skin. The service was attentive. One thing was missing. We were not offered Tea with the meal. Please give this restaurant a try. I want them to succeed since the old style Japanese restaurants like this seem to be disappearing in favor of only sushi restaurants. Leave them comments to help them solidify the menu. Broiled Mackerel was missing from the menu and was missed. Also the old Bento Box combinations which I liked if someone else was buying since they were expensive.

I don't remember what everything was called for I went with the family for my sons bday and I let him do all the ordering. Everything was fantastic and I will be taking my wife over on our date night. Great staff. Great waitress and great food. So glad it's close to home.

Ordered the Pre-fixe meal. My courses didn't arrive at the same time as my party's meals. My main dish was delivered after most of my party had been eating already. Service needs a lot of work. My dessert course never even showed up. Some items we ordered never arrived either, but they neglected to put them on the bill. Glad that happened otherwise there would've been a confrontation. Food was good, but after hearing that my mother got sill after eating here, we won't be back. Def not Renga Tei.

Came here again after maybe three years and we had an awesome dinner! I had to curry tonkatsu and it was perfect! Nice and crispy on the outside and moist inside. We shared the gyoza which was good too. My wife who is very picky with sushi enjoyed all three rolls. We will definitely be returning now!

Update: The menu has been expanded!! Some of the old favorites are back! I dined here a few weeks ago on a Friday and the place was nearly empty, fast forward to yesterday my wife and I were surprised that the parking area was full!! We proceeded to enter to a full house! We were given the menu and I was pleasantly surprised that they have expanded the menu to include our favorites! Food is still delicious. Thank you for listening and bring back some dishes that patrons have been enjoying for years and years!!

Renga-Tei sits in the neighborhood of Skokie & Lincolnwood, a nice Japanese hole in the wall with traditional Japanese dishes along with the freshest sushi you can find around town. The service is always pleasant from the moment you enter, they greet you in Japanese. Parking was easy, a few steps away from the restaurant they have a parking lot where you park you vehicle at. The food overall was of high quality and reasonably priced. Starting off with hot green tea and sipping on miso soup always sets up the palate to eat the tasty sushi they serve. In my case, the California Maki is basic but clear winner for me because it tastes so fresh. I love the gyoza, Japanese crisp dumplings, as an appetizer. For my main meal, you have tons of options but who doesnt love variety? So it led me to order the Chicken Teritaki Bento Box filled with even more California Maki and the fixings. Ended it with a scoop of green tea ice cream. This authentic Japanese restaurant opens only for lunch and dinner. It sits on the corner of Touhy Ave. & Crawford. Make sure to check them out!

Can't believe I've never been here but I've lived in the neighborhood for so long! I'm glad I finally came in and gave it a try. Restaurant was very cute, clean, and inviting. Pricing is on the higher end but you are dining in a nicer place so it is worth it. I have attached photos of the menu because it was hard for me to find the menu and I always love to look at the menu of restaurants before I go there. Definitely recommend Renga Tei and I have only heard did things from other people in the area that also love to come here. It gets pretty busy so call ahead if you are coming during dinner time.

I am a long time customers since 2002. So many fond memories here. However, it's not like it used to be. We were there about 3 months ago. I dont mind the price hike (every restaurant cost more post Covid) but the quality was so bad. It's sad, but I will not be returning again. It was just be a memory of my youth.

I've had so many people recommend this place to me and finally tried it!! Generous portions and amazing quality food. My friend and I had the potato croquettes as an appetizer and they were so crispy and flavorful. The chirashi had big cuts of fresh sashimi over rice, we got a small size and it was still a lot. Katsu don was also really good, tender and perfectly seasoned. I can't wait to go back and try other things on the menu!

Great place for a lunch date! Nicer no-frills traditional Japanese food. We both got a lunch box, which had lots of bites to try. I especially love the steamed spinach with sweet sesame sauce. Going to have to go back for the tuna avocado salad. Another table ordered that and it and it looked fabulous!

Delicious, authentic Japanese food! Consistent and no frills, attentive service. I miss their Oyako Don.

It's not the same place it used to be. The recipes have changed and the menu selection is different and very limited.

The food was extremely mediocre for the price - definitely expected more from a restaurant that cost us over $100 for a 2-person dinner! More importantly, we had terrible service the moment we sat down. The lady server was extremely unfriendly and gave us an attitude throughout the meal for no reason. Maybe just having a bad day? I don't think so...My friend and I observed how she interacted with another White family and she was going above and beyond asking them how they were enjoying the food/topping up their drinks. Probably never coming back to this restaurant, especially if we're going to have to tolerate racism...

New Management? Beware! Prices up, quality down. Radical change points to new management. Another fine eating establishment bites the dust.

I'm a long time patron of Renga Tei. Went in last Friday hoping to get the same sake don that I crave. I knew something was off as soon as I walked in...restaurant was empty and the clientele was not the same. Found out it's under new ownership. Reluctantly, I decided to give it a chance. Big mistake. The menu is extremely limited. And the quality we have come to love and expect was not even close...not only the fish...but the rice, and even the wasabi was a fake green. And crazy overpriced. I wish the new owners changed the name bc I hate to tarnish Renga Tei. To Mr. Yamada...congrats on your retirement and thank you for years of good food that made my soul happy.

What a huge disappointment. I have been going here for 20 years. New owners are nice, but the quality is not the same. Price is increased also and the portions are 1/2 as much. The curry to go came is a smaller soup Styrofoam cup, and it was only 1/2 full. The curry also did not have veggies or beef chunks like before. Curry also had a sweeter flavor. Katsudon only had 5 pieces of Katsu compared to 10 pieces before. Dont waste your money or your time.

Always fresh, delicious and peaceful. Chirashi Bowl as appetizer to share and Bento Boxes. What a treat!

I am relieved that this long-time all-time favorite restaurants is back on track and holding course. What was loved about the original is largely preserved or reprised in variants of familiar dishes. The decor remains as it was though lightly refreshed and the air is no longer bossa nova but a chill vibe grandchild of sound pulses in a similar way. I have visited 3 times to see it gradually find its own voice with the subtle changes in techniques and honestly the saba shioyaki was extremely moist with the crispy skin, the pickles new in character, and the food seemingly consistent as I desired. There is definitely some updates I've yet to try, and some favorites gone, but I am happy to report it is on its way back to a top spot for me if it keeps this up. The service was notably attentive, welcoming and relaxed and the general character is slightly more upscale than the predecessor yet still warm and welcoming.

We have been frequenting Renga Tei for over 20+ years. It's our special occasion restaurant - when our extended family comes in from out of town; birthdays; graduations; celebrations... And we went a couple of weeks ago expecting our regular order, and the owner has retired and so has his menu. Well, in the new establishment, the menu is pared down, the food quality was good and the service was good. However, you will find that the authentic and hard to find dishes are gone. We miss the green rice cakes w/ red bean steamed in bamboo. We miss the octopus; soft shell crab, endive salad; soft bean curd... so much to miss. While I would say that the restaurant is still good, it's not the same which is ok. I'm glad the former owner can retire, but our family is mourning the loss of a truly unique experience.

Not the same Renga-Tei. Our food was good and the service was ok, but not worth the higher prices and smaller portions. You can get the same food somewhere else and cheaper. The original Renga-Tei gave us top notch food and a full belly, every time. It's the opposite now, we left the restaurant sad and still hungry. To make things worse, they gave us a dirty napkin that was reused.

Feeling disappointed and sad... Today was the first time we visited the restaurant since the new owner took over. Prices are up, while food quality, quantity, and presentation are down. We came to this restaurant for the last 15 years and always left with bellies full and hearts happy. Former owner, Mr Yamato, we will miss your attention to detail, artfully arranged and tasty dishes, and the special gem of a restaurant you created. Now, it's just another average overpriced sushi joint.