TenGoku Abuirya is a cozy haven in Chicago where fresh, high-quality Japanese cuisine shines, especially the exquisite toro tartare and flavorful shio pork belly.
"Omakase Yume in the West Loop is fantastic (and on this list), but committing to a $225 omakase dinner is, well, a commitment. Luckily, Tengoku Aburiya (their sister restaurant next door) is more casual with similarly great sushi. Individual orders of nigiri, sashimi, and maki are all reasonably priced, and their chef-curated combination platters are perfect if decision-making isn’t a personal strength. Their spacious dining room has plenty of tables, a sleek combination of wooden accents, rock walls, and some cozy soft lighting. It can get packed, but the atmosphere is generally relaxed, and has a sushi bar that's great for dining solo." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
"As izakaya-style dining has taken measured steps toward prominence in Chicago, TenGoku Aburiya is showing locals and visitors comfortable and delicious take on the casual Japanese culinary genre. The menu lavishes special attention on kushiyaki with a plethora of choices, from tskune (meatballs) and unagi to shishito peppers and beef tongue." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam
"The izakaya-style sister spot to Michelin-starred Omakase Yume, Ten Goku is a rare spot in Chicago for cold udon, thick Japanese wheat noodles that hold up beautifully under sauces and broths. The restaurant’s Bukkake Udon comes with crispy vegetable tempura, daikon oroshi, umami-rich tsuyu, and an optional additions like Japanese pickles and onsen eggs. It’s exclusively available at lunch, so interested patrons should plan accordingly." - Naomi Waxman
"This cozy, casual izakaya-style restaurant doesn’t always get the press afforded to its Michelin-starred sister restaurant Omakase Yume, but its menu from chef Sangete Park is a nostalgic wonderland of Japanese hits to accompany beer or cocktails. Standouts include kaki fry, hamburg steak (ground beef, bean sprouts, onion, fried egg, demigras sauce, cabbage), and sea yosenabe, or Japanese seafood hot pot. There are also tons of kushiyaki, plus some nigiri, maki, and sashimi." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff
"Tengoku Aburiya in the West Loop is more casual than its expensive sister restaurant Omakase Yume, but it has similarly great sushi. And while the nigiri, sashimi, and maki are all reasonably priced any day of the year, the four-course $59 Restaurant Week dinner is an excellent deal, too." - adrian kane, veda kilaru
