Daruma Restaurant

"Very good authentic Japanese food, staff is japanese American and Japanese, japanese paraphernalia and environment, excellent service, will definitely be back. According to my japanese friend/coworker who mostly eats Japanese food while in the US, Daruma is his favorite."

"The restaurant atmosphere was welcoming and the overall service was good. The servers were attentive and food came through relatively quickly despite the restaurant being quite packed. A quick rundown of what we ordered: Spicy Geso Karage (6/10) - the spicy mayo is BARELY able to cover the oil-soaked taste on the squid tentacles. Even taking a bite out of the lemon, the oil tasting still lingers. Yakitori (10/10) - grilled to perfection with a well balanced sauce. Sashimi (10/10) - also a 10/10. It was very fresh and perfectly sliced. Can't ask for more for sashimi. Black Tonkotsu Ramen (10/10) - This is prob one of the best Tonkotsu Ramen I had in the Chicago area. The broth was ON POINT and the right amount of burnt garlic oil elevated the entire ramen experience. The noodle was also very well done and maintained the right texture. Macha Tiramisu (0/10) - Saw on the menue it was a HOMEMADE green tea-flavored mascarpone cheese cake, and immediately went for it. As you guessed it, it was a huge letdown. The tiramisu was a mushed-together green Jell-O without the green tea flavor and the between layer was so saggy to the point that jell-o on top was heavy enough to start compressing the layer!! And the fact you can't taste any green tea flavoring (not even a hint) was shocking."

"I have been a patron of Daruma since they opened in 1986. It is one of the better Japanese restaurants I have visited in the US, and that would include Hawaii and San Francisco. This is saying something, given the fact that there is not an ocean nearby. The sushi is always exceptionally fresh and of the highest grade and quality. The Japanese sushi chef/owner/operator is very particular about what selections of fish he will serve. Daruma caters to Japanese business professionals that either work at or come in from Japan to do business with various Japanese organizations in the Schaumburg area. I highly recommend it if you want an authentic Japanese food experience. The atmosphere is also authentic, and much of the wait staff speaks Japanese. Tatami rooms are also available. Delicious!"

"We had been coming here for over 5 years and the food is always tasty, served hot and reasonable. We always get the lunch specials. Our favorite are grilled Chicken teriyaki bento box, fried oysters and curry chicken plate with rice. The grilled chicken is juicy and yet crispy on one side. The staff is always friendly and prompt. Even on super busy days the staffs were still very polite."

"Update: 12/15/23. I wanted to add 3 additional items that are worth ordering. Beef tataki, soft shell crab, and tonkatsu dinner. Tokatsu dinner you get a nice big piece of pork loin. It’s crunchy and moist. 5/5. Soft shell crab is not overly fried it’s just right. Tastes great with that ponzu sauce. 5/5. Beef tataki has great quality NY strip meat. Make sure you eat it with the garlic, green onions, and ponzu sauce. Those components will amplify the taste I love the design of the restaurant. When you first walk in, it’s like you’re transported to Japan. Service was great. They have a today’s special menu but unfortunately they may not have all of them available. I wasn’t able to get my first or second choice. Prices are typical. Ample parking. -Dashimaki tamago (egg omelet with baby silver fish and green onions) 4/5 -Kani cream croquette (deep fried snow crab meat) 5/5 -Black tonkatsu ramen 5/5 -Beef teriyaki combo 4/5"