Momotaro

The story

Momotaro Chicago: Modern Japanese Dining in Fulton Market | Michelin Recommended

Momotaro

In the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market District, Momotaro brings a modern perspective to Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is the work of Chef Partner Gene Kato and Boka Restaurant Group, a team that roots itself in traditional technique while embracing contemporary methods. The result is a menu of sushi, robata, and plated dishes that respect Japan’s cultural heritage yet feel distinctly of the moment.

The space, designed by AvroKO, occupies a remodeled warehouse with high ceilings and an open kitchen. There is counter dining for those who want to watch the sushi chefs at work, and a notable sake list to accompany the meal. The atmosphere is polished but unhurried — the kind of room where service is personal and the cooking is precise.

Momotaro’s kitchen is led by Chef de Cuisine Jeremiah Colcol, with Sushi Director Switt Narkprasert overseeing the raw bar and Pastry Director Aya Fukai crafting desserts. Together they deliver what the restaurant calls “tightly executed cuisine” — a promise that has earned Momotaro a place in the Michelin Guide as a Recommended restaurant for 2026.

Downstairs, the Izakaya offers a separate experience. Modeled after Tokyo’s post-war black markets and the Yokocho street scene, it is a dark, energetic bar with narrow, lounge-inspired alleys, neon lights, and vintage street signs. Here the menu is built around shared plates, with a 30-seat bar pouring crafted cocktails, sakes, and a premium selection of Japanese whiskeys.

Momotaro also serves lunch on Fridays, and offers takeout through DoorDash with a happy hour window from 4:30–6 PM Monday through Thursday. For special events, a private dining room is available for corporate luncheons, cocktail receptions, or dinners. Whether at the main dining room or the Izakaya, the focus remains the same: authentic Japanese flavors, modern execution, and genuine hospitality.