Torraku Ramen - Lombard

This place is super easy to miss in the daytime since it's set back from the street, but it's worth finding. You walk into a long bar with restaurant seating for maybe 20-30 people--very chill, laid-back vibe. There was one guy running the whole show--bartender, server, runner, everything--and he held it down. You order and pay (a little pricey, gratuity included also) from a QR code at the table, then he brings your food out. I got the tonkotsu with pork belly and it hit the spot. The broth was silky and full of flavor, hearty, and satisfying. After we finished, they surprised us with some homemade strawberry ice cream, which was such a nice little touch. Overall, just a really comfortable, no-frills neighborhood spot. I'll definitely be back.

Highly recommend this place! The atmosphere is very quiet and comfortable, and the food was amazing. We ordered the chicken wings and they were fried perfectly, very crispy, not oily or greasy at all, and the sauce was delicious. The katsudon was good, and I really liked the beef yakisoba as well. The service was very good, and the food quality for the price is surprisingly high. I will definitely come back to try the ramen.

I won’t say it’s the best ramen I’ve had, but the experience was cool. You pay upfront… tip included. Greeting was awesome. Service was great. Could have used a little more flavor in the broth. Gyoza was delicious. Don’t really know if it’s made there, as advertised. Overall, grab a Sapporo draft, get some gyoza, and enjoy this paint spot. I’ll be back!

The chicken karaage was perfectly crispy and juicy, but adding the lime and spicy sauce really took it to a whole new level! 🍗🔥 As for the ramen, the Super Paitan was incredibly well-balanced and just amazing—exactly what you need for a comforting, soul-warming meal. While the miso was also great, it just couldn't top the Paitan for me. Highly recommend!" ------------------------------ Quick Flavor Breakdown: * Paitan Ramen: Known for its rich, creamy, and opaque broth (often chicken-based), offering a deeply savory "umami" profile that stays smooth and balanced. * Miso Ramen: Typically features a bolder, heartier taste due to the fermented soybean paste, which can sometimes be more assertive than the silky Paitan. The food is 4.5 , I would make it 5 after trying few more times for consistency across food n flavors

Staff was friendly and attentive. Ordering is via scanning QR code and payment is via the website. Tonkotsu ramen was average, soup base was a bit blend. Noodles were springy. Tamago is too salty. Chicken karaage was good, chrispy on the outside and tender on the inside.