Kumiko (bar)
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| Kumiko | |
|---|---|
 Interactive map of Kumiko | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 2018 |
| Chef | Julia Momosé |
| Food type | Japanese |
| Location | 630 West Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60661, United States |
| Website | Official website |
Kumiko is a Japanese dining bar (ダイニングバー) in the West Loop, Chicago.[1]
In 2024, Kumiko was ranked tenth among North America's 50 Best Bars.[2][3]
It won the award for Outstanding Bar at the 2025 James Beard Awards.[4][5][6][7]
Kumiko has consistently been mentioned in the Michelin Guide as a Best Japanese Restaurant in Chicago [8]
Kumiko is located at 630 West Lake Street in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood.[9]
History
Kumiko opened in 2018 under the direction of bartender and restaurateur Julia Momosé. The establishment is named after kumiko, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique involving intricate latticework assembled without nails, which also inspired the bar's interior design.[10]
Originally focused primarily on cocktails, Kumiko expanded its culinary program over time, evolving into a dining bar emphasizing the pairing of food and beverages. In the mid-2020s, Momosé assumed the role of executive chef, further incorporating Japanese culinary traditions into the menu.[11]