Kumiko: A Japanese Dining Bar in Chicago

Kumiko is a Japanese Dining Bar (ダイニングバー)* in Chicago, led by chef, creative director, and beverage visionary Julia Momosé. At Kumiko, food and drink are treated with equal reverence, each crafted with deep intentionality and care.

Guests can enjoy an à la carte menu of refined, ingredient-driven dishes alongside a distinctive seasonal tasting menu, which features four thoughtful pairing options: light cocktails, stirred cocktails, spiritfree, and Japanese sake.

Through Kumiko, Momosé hopes to expand the understanding of Japanese cuisine—showcasing its soulful breadth, from the elegant and delicate to the comforting and fried. It is cuisine that is both artful and everyday, reserved and expressive.

Whether you join us to savor some cocktails, or walk in for a lovely dinner with friends, Kumiko welcomes you with warmth and gratitude.

The dining room is currently open to guests 18 and older. Reservations are required for the tasting menu, and are strongly recommended for à la carte dining. We look forward to welcoming you with warmth and gratitude.

* pronounced dainingu bā

 

Tasting Menu

 

Our seasonal tasting menu reflects the heart and heritage of Julia Momosé, rooted in Japanese ingredients and techniques. We embrace the best of the season to share the depth and diversity of Japanese cuisine through the lens of mixed-heritage, honoring both tradition and the present moment.

Optional pairings of Japanese saké, cocktails, or spiritfrees are available to enhance your experience.

Please note.

We are currently serving our Spring tasting menu.

Gluten Free and Pescatarian menus are available, but due to our cuisine and the dining experience, we are unable to accommodate a vegetarian or vegan diet, or omit shellfish or raw seafood from our menu.

We kindly ask for more than 24 hours notice for reservations, and any dietary restrictions or requests to make accommodations.

Please plan for up to three hours for this experience.

Reservations are non-refundable.

Pricing.

Our menu starts at $180 per person, exclusive of beverages, 20% service charge, or sales tax.

Pairings.

Julia has curated four optional beverage pairings:

Japanese Saké
Spiritfree
Cocktails “Shaken”
lighter and brighter profiles
Cocktails “Stirred”
a touch more spirit-forward

Pairings may be added at the time of booking, or after a conversation with the team at Kumiko upon arrival. Pre-paid pairings are non-refundable.

Service Charge.

We apply a 20% service charge which is distributed equitably amongst the Kumiko staff for living wages and benefits. We keep the tip option for anyone who would like to leave something extra. Anything additional goes straight to the service team. This is not expected or necessary, but is greatly appreciated. Thank you.