+1 847-437-2222
Nestled in the heart of Elk Grove Village, Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant delivers an exceptional journey into authentic Japanese cuisine that resonates deeply with both longtime aficionados and curious first-timers. Specializing in traditional Japanese fare with a thoughtful Asian influence, Kurumaya offers a diverse menu that reads like a love letter to Japan’s rich culinary heritage.
The moment you step inside, the cozy yet refined atmosphere immediately sets a comforting tone. Gentle lighting paired with a neat, welcoming setup invites you to sit back and savor the experience. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for a casual evening meal, the ambiance perfectly complements the genuine flavors on your plate.
The menu is a treasure trove of delights. Standout dishes like the Beef Teriyaki Bento Box and the hearty Ton Katsu Curry Rice showcase the comforting richness of Japanese home cooking. The Chirashi Sushi is an absolute must-try—vibrant and fresh, it offers a generous assortment of sashimi layered atop perfectly seasoned sushi rice, making it not just a dish but an experience of textures and tastes that dance on your palate. As highlighted by satisfied diners, this dish is a bargain that doesn't compromise on quality or portion size.
For those drawn to lighter starters, the Sashimi Appetizer and Agedashi Tofu carry delicate flavors that invigorate your senses without overwhelming. The crispy yet juicy Teba Saki chicken wings and the tender Wafu Steak showcase Kurumaya’s skillful balance of bold and subtle flavors. Meanwhile, classics like Shrimp Tempura and the California Roll highlight the kitchen’s finesse, marrying tradition with familiarity to satisfy all cravings.
One cannot ignore the comforting allure of dishes like うな重 (eel over rice) and the silky 茶碗蒸し (steamed egg custard), which evoke a sense of nostalgic warmth and homestyle care that transports you to an intimate Japanese dining setting far beyond the Midwest.
Customer testimonials reflect not just the culinary excellence, but also the attentive hospitality and inviting vibe that Kurumaya epitomizes. From the buzz during a busy Monday lunch service to the relaxed dinner environment ideal for pairing sake and beer with small plates like Goya Champuru, the restaurant effortlessly melds comfort with authenticity.
Whether you are craving the familiar coziness of Japanese comfort food or eager to explore more intricate flavors like the Bulgogi and Kurumaya Gozen, this establishment consistently delivers quality and heart. Kurumaya’s unpretentious exterior masks a kitchen that pours soul into every dish, making it a treasured destination for anyone seeking genuine Japanese cuisine rendered with passion and precision.
In essence, Kurumaya Japanese Restaurant isn’t just about a meal — it’s about savoring the full spectrum of Japanese culinary artistry, hospitality, and culture in a setting that feels like a second home.
The best place around where you can get high-quality authentic Japanese dishes. You can enjoy so many kind of side dishes for your drinks at dinner time. My recommendation is Chirashi Sushi at lunch time with full of different kind of sashimi for $15-16. It's a real bargain. Their Katsu Curry is also good. At dinner time, you may want to try these for your beer and sake - - Goya Champuru (Bitter Melon with Tofu and Pork) Goya (= Bitter Melon) is really bitter. Don't give it to your kids ! - Dashimaki Tamago (Japanese Omelet with Broth) - Gyoza (Pork Pot Stickers) - Agedashi Tofu (Tofu Tempura in Soy Sauce Broth) You will like them.
Wow. I am so glad we tried Kurumaya for lunch. Their lunch deals are fantastic and super filling. I knew it was going to be a great experience pulling up as it was busy on a Monday. Service was quick and efficient. The chirashi lunch and agedashi tofu appetizers are a hit. The katsu curry was enormous and makes me question how they can profit off of that. This restaurant is definitely worth a try!!
Japanese Kitchen Kurumaya – Hidden Gem with Amazing Hospitality Don’t be fooled by the modest shop sign - this place is a hidden gem offering authentic flavors, and a warm dining experience. The ambiance is cozy yet refined, with gentle lighting and a neat, welcoming setup that sets the mood for a relaxed meal. We started with the Teba Saki (crispy chicken wings)—crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. A good appetizer to kick off the meal. The staff were very helpful, guiding us through the menu, and good knowledge of the dishes. The Bento box was the highlight—a well-balanced variety that included fresh sashimi, tender grilled steak, a flavorful dried veggie soup, and more. Every component was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. As a courtesy, we were served hot green tea, which added a comforting touch to the meal. The sake shot glasses and green tea cups elevated the dining experience. This place features house specials and a rotating lunch menu, making it worth revisiting to try something new. The entrance faces north, and the restaurant is clean and well-maintained throughout. Restrooms were clean. I genuinely recommend this place. I’ll definitely be coming back for more!
I visited Japan four times, and I missed their food so much. and finally I found one that is pretty authentic. i like their special daily menu that changes every day. lunch box (bento) is pretty popular here. highly recommend!!!!
This is real Japanese home cooking in the heartland of America. Don’t be misled by the humble location and simple interior—this is an authentic Japanese establishment run by a Japanese family who truly honors traditional home-style cooking. Don’t just come for sushi or sashimi. Be sure to try their homemade udon, comforting Japanese curry, and small plates like tender Japanese eggplant and perfectly prepared beef tongue. Everything tastes like it came straight from a Japanese home kitchen.
Let me start out by saying.. my hubby is half Japanese.. so he likes almost ALL Japanese restaurants! He had the curry pork.. I had the tempura vegetables.. for an appetizer we had the tempura shrimp and vegetable combo. He really liked the curry.. it wasnt spicy and tbey only have white rice.. not as good as his or his Mom's but good... he liked the soup .. he said he'd come back and order it again. Let's go to my plate.. I love tempura.. most of the time.. its onions.. broccoli.. sweet potatoes and carrots.. which i am good with.. first.. the tempura wasn't cooked long enough and it had zucchini (i can't stand zucchini) mushrooms.. I don't eat them and two little slices of sweet potato.. I tried to eat the salad.. but I didn't care for the ginger dressing.. not as bad as some I've had.. and I didn't care for the soup. The water i asked for was tap.. I'm ok with that.. but this water tasted like chemicals.. so.. it's 50/50 here.. hubby enjoyed it.. I did not!! I guess you should go try it.. he would say.. yes go.. I would say.. don't waist ypur time. I will say.. they are a very busy place.. maybe it's just me...
Kurumaya Japanese Kitchen is a hidden gem just 20 minutes from ORD, perfect for a comforting, authentic Japanese meal. The moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm, attentive service that made us feel right at home. The Chicken Katsu Curry was perfectly crispy yet light, with a rich, savory curry that didn’t overwhelm the senses. The cold Soba noodles were refreshingly simple and spot-on, just the way you'd get them in Tokyo. Portions were generous but well-balanced—enough to satisfy without overdoing it. What stood out most was how clean and delicate the flavors were; you could enjoy a hearty meal and still feel great after. The fried dishes had that airy, golden crunch that’s so hard to get right. Dining here genuinely brought me back to memories of small Tokyo eateries—humble, flavorful, and full of care. If you're near O’Hare and craving Japanese cuisine that’s both authentic and comforting, Kurumaya is a must-visit.
Update from 2025. We tried the Kurumaya Bento and everything's so delicious! This is old - I had the Wafu Steak. The steaks tender and the Japanese sauce on it was delicious. This is my favorite! I have to try other dish, too, next time. My daughter had the katsu curry and that was great, too! The staff - very polite, attentive and always checking on customers. I highly recommend this place.