Last night was my first dinner at Renga-Tei in a very long time and I'd agree that it's holding up very well over the years. I stuck with nigiri and a bowl of miso soup. The soup was delicious. The nigiri was mostly impressive too. My lone complaint is that I was not particularly impressed with their anago. But otherwise, tasty fish, deft seasoning and handling of the rice and a very enjoyable meal. I particularly enjoyed the fried shrimp head served with the sweet shrimp (if not offered, make sure to request). Renga-tei may not be a place that's ever going to knock my socks off, but that's just fine. It certainly has never let me down. Now I need to return soon for some of the hot items.

I've been living near Renga Tei for the past year during a house remodel so I've been in with some frequency. This place reminds me of the many mom and pop Japanese restaurants in Lakeview when I was growing up. They were usually family run and sushi was not often eaten by non-asians, who tended to go the tempura, katsu, stew route. Renga Tei has the same vibe complete with families from grandma to kiddies all enjoying.

The mackerel collar is wonderful when they have it, the tempura is a reason to eat fried food and their nigiri is very respectable. I always check their specials board to see what they're doing and I'm never disappointed. They're not on Katsu's level, but they cover all the basics. If you don't want mayo rolls and "tinis" this is your place.

mbh wrote:This place reminds me of the many mom and pop Japanese restaurants in Lakeview when I was growing up.....If you don't want mayo rolls and "tinis" this is your place.

In the mid 1960's my mom would take me to Naniwa, which was on Belmont close to the old Toguri's. We'd have mackerel nizakana because my West Side Irish dad would gag for three days if mom made that in the house.

I too hate mayo, even if it's Kewpie, on my raw fish and seafood.

mbh wrote:They're not on Katsu's level, but they cover all the basics. If you don't want mayo rolls and "tinis" this is your place..

While I agree not Kastu level, Ellen and I have been Renga-Tei regulars once every month or two for 20-years. Sushi/sashimi is levels above most Chicagoland offerings, cooked foods terrific and they have a deft hand with a fryer.

Renga-Tei, count me a fan!

We go once a month or so on Monday to Renga-Tei, tonight was particularly delicious. Started off with Abe-Mochi, puffy deep fried rice cake topped with grated daikon mixed with bonito flake and slivered nori. Chewy starch encased in crisp, right in my wheelhouse.

Abe-Mochi



Entree I had Yellowtail collar, meaty, rich, moist, little nooks and crannies of pure deliciousness.

Hamachi kama



The bride had Negi Hamachi rolls and shrimp tempura, two of her favorites and, along with endless green tea, we were bought out crisp candied sweet potato strips with sesame seeds for dessert, which had us thinking where have you been all my life.

Gratis Candied Sweet Potato



Renga-Tei, count me a fan!

So delicious...

.

The tuna tataki...



And the wonderful Salmon collar...



And our pre-reserved Uni (last time they were out)

For all my times at Renga-Tei--and I've been dining there since 1980 when it was Koto--I have never sat at the sushi bar. I know, I could have the same items that boudreau ordered at the table, but it sure looks better up there at the bar. Nice pics!

This place is soooo friggin' boring!

























I mean, yeah, there are some daily specials, but otherwise nothing ever changes. Like me, you probably agree that's a good thing.

Sorry, haven't been here in forever. Dumb Question; is Renga-Tei in L'wood still open?
It looks like it, but I thought they closed a long time ago. Hallucinating?

The closure a few years back was only temporary, due to structural damage to the building. They have been back to business as usual for a while now.

No particular reason but it had been a couple of years since we’d been here. Nothing has changed and that’s a good thing. We had a really solid meal. It was a bit quiet, probably due to weather. Our 7-year-old started with a California roll (didn’t share even 1 piece,) followed by a kid’s Tonkatsu meal. It came with miso soup, 3 cucumber rolls and fresh fruit. She’s also recently discovered Ramune soda (at Miku in Lincoln Square,) and was thrilled to have one here. Husband had the beef teriyaki and I had the Bento C. Absolutely delicious eel. I always feel so comfortable in this space - mentally and physically. It was a good reminder that we should go more often.

Renga Tei busy as a bead salesman during Mardi Gras 1pm Monday lunch. Might have been the holiday, either way wasn't expecting a 20-minute wait. Well worth the short wait, service didn't falter, fresh, delicious, mixed tempura lunch-box set for both of us, negi hamachi maki for the bride, couple of saba nigiri for me as starter.

Miso soup particularly tasty and tempura hit the spot, light and crisp. I was in the mood for Evanston Chicken Shack but, rightly, didn't think the wife would go for fried chicken.

Renga Tei, count me a Fan!

G Wiv wrote: mixed tempura lunch-box set for both of us

What's in the upper-right corner? With the sesame seeds I'm guessing goma ae?

JoelF wrote:What's in the upper-right corner? With the sesame seeds I'm guessing goma ae?

Si. That's Spanish for yes.

Renga-Tei is offering carry-out/curbside service as well as limited delivery. They've posted their menu on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/RengateiJapanese/menu/