Located in Lincolnwood, IL, Tenjin Japanese Restaurant stands as a testament to traditional Japanese dining, reflecting its roots from the former Renga-Tei. Customers are consistently impressed by the restaurant's authenticity and consistency, as noted by reviewer Kiljoong Kim, who praises the nostalgic charm and unchanged quality of the dishes, including unforgettable miso udon.
Visitors like Nicole Hok note that the flavors transport diners straight to Japan, with favorites such as sushi and miso soup maintaining a perfect balance of taste. The Monday Bento Night is a highlight, offering generous portions and vibrant presentation, as Kat C enthusiastically describes. The tempura is a standout, remarkably light and crispy, while Rick Oquendo appreciates the fresh nigiri sushi and a delightful dessert like Butter Mochi A La Mode.
The attentive service adds to the warm atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both newcomers to Japanese cuisine and those seeking adventurous dishes. With a cozy ambience decorated with fresh flowers, Tenjin not only offers delectable meals but also a memorable dining experience, solidifying itself as a must-visit in the area.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Tenjin Japanese Restaurant
Kiljoong Kim
Jun 28,2025
When I was a child, I always thought Renga-Tei is where rich folks went out to eat Japanese food. This place hasn’t changed in decades, and in many ways, that is why it is still popular. They still take reservations only by phone and are written in a notebook. Their dishes from bento boxes to sake probably have been prepared the same way since I was a child. It’s not trendy, nor is it flashy or fancy. Just solidly good food with excellent service. Update: first time visiting since the name change. The old Renga-Tei was quite good. But the new Tenjin modernized the old and continues the excellent tradition. If it’s on the special menu, it’s worth getting. Even miso udon had unforgettable broth with perfectly cooked egg and tofu skin. Service is as good as ever. So glad to see this transformation.
Nicole Hok
Jun 12,2025
Their food definitely reminded us of Japan. We went there last year and their food matched the same taste and quality that you would get in Japan. Not too salty either. I always go for their sushi and miso soup. The only thing I wished they had better of, was their hojicha tea - wished it was stronger like it is in Japan. Other than that, I’ll come back to try some more stuff on the menu :)
Kat C
Jun 6,2025
Absolutely Delicious & Great Service – A Must for (Monday’s) All Day Bento! We came on Monday night (Bento Night), and it was absolutely superb! If you visit, Monday is the day to come—they serve Bento Boxes all day, and they do not disappoint. Food: 5/5 Everything we ordered was delicious, well-portioned, and beautifully presented. Tempura (Appetizer or Entree) – A Must-Order! Perfectly crispy, light, and not greasy at all. Hands down, some of the best tempura I’ve had. No complaints! Dinner Combination – Beef & Chicken Teriyaki (5/5 ) Even though it was on the pricier side (36), the portion was huge—my boyfriend and I easily shared it. The teriyaki sauce was light and flavorful, and the tempura stole the show. (Vegetarian) Tempura Bento (5/5 ) The staff was super accommodating in swapping out meat dishes for vegetarian options, and they even had vegetarian tempura sauce—a fantastic surprise! The side of potato/macaroni salad was creamy, eggy, and absolutely delicious. Portions were generous. Sashimi Bento Box (5/5 ) The fish was incredibly fresh, and while it came with six pieces of sashimi, the overall bento box portion was filling. The miso soup and salad complemented the meal perfectly. Service: 5/5 The staff was courteous, pleasant, and very accommodating, especially with our vegetarian requests. They made sure everything was to our liking. Ambiance: 5/5 Monday night was quiet, making for a peaceful dining experience. The restaurant was clean and cozy, perfect for a family dinner or date night. The fresh flowers on each table were such a thoughtful touch, and the tableware was adorable and high-quality. Final Thoughts While prices are on the higher side, the quality, portion sizes, and service absolutely make it worth it. We’ll definitely be coming back—especially on a Monday for Bento Night!
Rick Oquendo
May 12,2025
My family and I have been here several times, even before the name was changed. Everything that we order is always delicious. The nigiri sushi is very fresh. You can't go wrong with the combination dinner plates, but I think the Prix Fixe is great for getting a lot more of a variety of smaller dishes. All of the desserts are really good, but the Butter Mochi A La Mode is to die for
Elysia Aufmuth
Apr 16,2025
Wonderful restaurant for a delicious Japanese meal. Their menu covers sushi, teriyaki, tempura, and the flavors are delicious. This is a great place to take folks new to Japanese cuisine but also offers some flavors for more adventurous eaters too. Staff are knowledgeable, warm, and helpful. Decor is relaxing and lovely. You will feel well taken care of here and you are bound to find something for most everyone on the menu. Highly recommend the panko salmon, the rainbow roll, and the butter mochi for dessert.
Jay Yoon
Apr 4,2025
Local Gem. 9.5/10. Fantastic food, as well as fresh ingredients, attentive service, quiet, nice, and chill atmosphere. I always sit by the sushi bar, sushi chef Buya is the guy you looking for.
Henry Lam
Mar 13,2025
I stopped by Tenjin for lunch. The place is clean and has a calm, welcoming vibe. I ordered Nabayaki udon, it was good and beautifully presented, with great flavors that really stood out. Service was friendly and efficient—perfect for a lunch break. Definitely coming back again!
Anonymous M
Mar 5,2025
Food is delicious. We enjoyed! We ordered the special set which is very good price and have variety of items. We like the teriyaki sauce. Kid menu is good and our kid loves the chicken, tempura and ice cream. We will find time to go try more items, they have so much choices.
Reviews For Tenjin Japanese Restaurant