Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Lombard

Pretty authentic Japanese ramen. Been here at least three times. All the different ramen I tried were good. However a bit on the salty side. The spicy one is actually spicy. Also, most of the time the meat slices in the ramen are melt in your mouth tender and super tasty. However, there was one time the meat was tough, chewy, and lukewarm. Duno what happened with that. The dish with the meat slices on top of rice was not as good as when the meat is on the ramen. The meat was even saltier and a little over charred. The chicken kara age is delicious. Super tender and juicy on inside and crispy outside.

Friend recommended this restaurant. Rice bowls were delicious with generous portions. Ramen had a really nice texture and broth.

Easily the best and most authentic ramen spot in the western burbs. Both times we’ve eaten in, service felt a little shaky, but we still plan to come back. Pro tip: get the spicy miso on the side, instead of in the bowl. It’s hot.

great portion sizes for the price great food umakara tan tan on top

Had a late lunch on a weekday and the store was almost empty. Service was brisk and friendly. However ramen broth was extremely salty and plainly one dimensional. Couldn’t really taste much of the deeper flavour because it was overshadowed by the soy sauce. Kind of disappointed since this chain is from Japan.

Very good food and service

This place is amazing!! The food is delicious, tasty, and made fresh. The service is professional and efficient, but the real difference maker is the manager, Shay, is absolutely incredible. Shay makes the resturant run and all the employees that much better!!

Honestly this review is slightly incomplete since I've only been there once recently, and I haven't tried a vast amount of the menu from the Karage to other Ramens to their BBQ. I can at least focus on the base ramen and give my thoughts. Overall it's good, but not the best. My biggest issue were the noodles and how bland they were. They looked bleach white which you normally never see, and seem to be lacking any flavor. They were also more soft and not chewy. Normally you get a little hint of salt and wheat, and the Kansuai gives it a yellow color and chewiness. It seems like the noodles were lacking on all fronts. The rest of the soup was good. I liked the base pork broth which is lighter than some other places, but still flavorful and tasty. The pork was delicious, and they gave you a good amount as well. The green onion, bamboo shoots, and egg were all nice additions as well. Sadly the noodles, which to me is as important as the broth, fell way below par. I will probably try the place again since I am curious to try out their miso and spicy ramens, but hopefully the noodles were just a bad day and not the norm.

Fantastic ramen (strong recommend to add the egg, regardless what ramen you order), some of the best I've had in Chicago and burbs. Had bun appetizer, which was very good, though the ramen portion is large so may not need an appetizer. Service was fast and friendly.