Oiistar - Chicago

Okay hear me out— I am a pho girl, never ramen. But this place?!? This is the first time I’ve ever devoured a bowl of ramen and enjoyed every last bit. I got th... read more Okay hear me out— I am a pho girl, never ramen. But this place?!? This is the first time I’ve ever devoured a bowl of ramen and enjoyed every last bit. I got the roasted garlic ramen and broth was rich and savory, super flavorful, the pork belly just fell apart. I inhaled this bowl, I can’t believe we’ve been going to the place up the street the whole time. I got the shrimp tempura bun to start off with the sweet Thai chili sauce and pickled fennel — YUM. This will be our go to ramen spot. A bit pricier but very good. We got the bao donut for dessert— bleh, not worth it. Everything else was excellent.

Probably one of the best ramens I’ve tried in Chicago and my Japanese friend concurs. I forget what everyone got (I think I should start keeping track given tha... read more Probably one of the best ramens I’ve tried in Chicago and my Japanese friend concurs. I forget what everyone got (I think I should start keeping track given that I write reviews) but I had the miso garlic coz I’m a sucker for garlic and the broth was so flavorful and rich and the meat was very tender. I think a couple of my friends got the shoyu one and they really liked it too. We came in about an hour before close on a Sunday, and they seemed a bit understaffed and the service wasn’t that great (mostly because it was slow, the people were very nice). Would absolutely recommend though!

The only thing good about this place was the pollo bun which is delicious. I also like the atmosphere of the restaurant, it’s dimly lit and gives a cozy vibe.Th... read more The only thing good about this place was the pollo bun which is delicious. I also like the atmosphere of the restaurant, it’s dimly lit and gives a cozy vibe.The ramen was below average, I didn’t even finish my bowl. The pork in the ramen was full of fat and I ordered the spicy garlic shoyumen ramen and it wasn’t spicy whatsoever it actually was lacking flavor.

Pretty stellar all around: great dark casual vibe, very nice service with good recommendations, and in my top two ramen spots in the city. both the ramen and th... read more Pretty stellar all around: great dark casual vibe, very nice service with good recommendations, and in my top two ramen spots in the city. both the ramen and the buns we got were top notch. i'm looking forward to revisiting and trying some other starters and a few different types of the ramen.

I came here with a friend for lunch after searching for some ramen spots. Once we got to the restaurant, viewing the menu, and noticing that they have the Duck... read more I came here with a friend for lunch after searching for some ramen spots. Once we got to the restaurant, viewing the menu, and noticing that they have the Duck Breast Bun, we decided to get it as an appetizer. Afterward, I then ordered #3) the Paitan Shio with Roasted Garlic Ramen. I've never had duck breast before and I'm glad I was able to try it here for the first time. It was juicy, sweet, light, and refreshing. The Paitann Shio with Roasted Garlic Ramen broth was well flavored and balanced. Furthermore, the noodles were soft with a great portion. Overall, it was delicious and perfect for a cold day. The server was nice and answered any questions we had. Additionally, I enjoyed being able to see chefs cooking!