Fab Happenings: Top 5 Places to Eat at Mitsuwa

Mitsuwa Marketplace is a large Japanese grocery store in Arlington Heights that also features a food court with various restaurants. If you have never been to Mitsuwa before, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out what you want to eat. From ramen to tempura to matcha ice cream, there are many options in the food court.

Here are my “Top 5 Places to Eat at Mitsuwa” so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed.

5. Sanuki Seimen Mugimaru

Sanuki Seimen Mugimaru is perfect for when you’re in the mood for udon noodles as they offer many different types. Their noodles are made fresh daily. You can choose from various hot udon noodles served with soup or chilled noodles. Then you can add as many self-serve toppings as you want. My favorite is the chilled Bukkake Udon served with special sauce. I like to top my udon noodles with tempura shrimp and assorted veggies.

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}

4. Re Leaf

A trip to Mitsuwa is not complete without dessert. I’ve tried many of the desserts at Re Leaf and none of them disappoint. You have probably seen many pictures on Instagram of the vanilla/matcha swirl soft serve ice cream, but they also serve parfaits (strawberry, chocolate, or matcha), mochi ice cream, shaved ice, coffee, and more. My fave is the Matcha Parfait with sponge cake, matcha/vanilla soft serve, whipped cream, and mochi.

Their shaved ice is also delicious. You can choose between melon, strawberry, and matcha flavors to name a few. I usually always get a dessert with matcha ice cream, but decided to try the Strawberry Shaved Ice. I regret not trying this dessert sooner. It is simpler than other shaved ice desserts I’ve had before, but I think that’s what makes it better. While it does have a strong lychee flavor, it is not overly sweet.

FAB TIP: You can also add a scoop of ice cream to any shaved ice.

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

3. Sutadonya

Sutadonya specializes in a variety of rice bowls including fried chicken, teriyaki, and pork. However, the curry plates cannot be overlooked. The Garlic Pork Curry is probably one of the least photogenic dishes, but it is absolutely delicious. The slow-cooked curry is served over rice with sliced pork, onions, and shoyu sauce. It is topped with the same ingredients as their signature Garlic Pork Bowl dish. I am also a fan of their Katsu Pork Curry. Both are very flavorful and filling.

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

2. Santouka

Santouka is popular for its ramen. You can choose from salt, soy sauce, miso, or spicy miso for the broth and then regular, char-shu (extra pork), or toroniku (special pork). My usual order is the regular Miso Ramen with roasted pork, green onions, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, fish cake, and sesame seeds. The pork is tender and the broth flavorful.

The also offer sides of rice bowls. My favorite is the  Salmon Roe Bowl served with grilled salmon. You can make this a combo and add it to a small bowl of ramen.

FAB TIP: Cash only.

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

1. Hannosuke

Hannosuke focuses on tendon tempura. I always get the Edomae Tendon Tempura with eel, shrimp, seaweed, green pepper, a soft-boiled egg, and, mixed veggie tempura. You can order this dish either served over rice and topped with tempura or served with a side of tempura, rice, and dipping sauce. It also comes with a side of miso soup. This is a great dish as the tempura is perfectly crispy, yet still light.

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

{Location}
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Arlington Heights || 100 E Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL || P: (847) 956-6699

What are your favorite foods to eat at Mitsuwa? Share below.

Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette

Note: These items were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.