Koya Japan

5 ( reviews )
508 Old Elm Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035, United States
+1 847-266-0891

Welcome to Koya Japan in Highland Park

Located in the heart of Highland Park at 508 Old Elm Rd, Koya Japan stands as a welcoming destination for those who appreciate the refined artistry of Japanese culinary traditions. Our establishment is built upon a foundation of respect for quality ingredients, balanced flavors, and the timeless practice of preparing food with intention. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast of Japanese cuisine or someone looking to explore new culinary horizons, our space offers a comfortable environment designed to make every guest feel at home. We believe that dining is more than just a meal; it is an opportunity to slow down, connect with others, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a well-prepared dish.

Our approach to the menu is rooted in the belief that simplicity often yields the most profound results. By focusing on the integrity of our components, we strive to create a dining experience that is both consistent and memorable. From the moment you step through our doors, our team is dedicated to providing attentive service that complements the atmosphere of our restaurant. We invite you to join us for a meal that reflects our commitment to hospitality and our passion for the craft of Japanese cooking.

What Defines the Koya Japan Experience

  • Commitment to Quality Ingredients: We prioritize the selection of fresh, high-quality components to ensure that every dish we serve meets our standards for flavor and texture. By sourcing carefully, we aim to highlight the natural characteristics of our ingredients in every preparation.
  • A Welcoming Atmosphere: Our location at 508 Old Elm Rd is designed to be a comfortable retreat from the bustle of daily life. We have cultivated an environment that is suitable for casual lunches, intimate dinners, and gatherings with friends and family, ensuring that our guests can relax and enjoy their time with us.
  • Culinary Craftsmanship: Our kitchen team brings a disciplined approach to the preparation of our menu items. By honoring traditional techniques while maintaining a focus on consistency, we aim to deliver a reliable and enjoyable dining experience for every guest who visits our Highland Park location.
  • Community-Focused Hospitality: We take pride in being a part of the Highland Park community. Our service philosophy is centered on kindness and efficiency, ensuring that each guest feels valued and well-cared for throughout their visit.

A Culinary Destination in Highland Park

At Koya Japan, we understand that the success of a restaurant lies in the details. From the way our space is arranged to the care taken in the kitchen, every element is considered to provide a seamless experience for our patrons. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Highland Park area and look forward to welcoming both new and returning guests to our table. Our goal is to remain a steady presence in the local dining scene, offering a place where quality food and genuine hospitality meet.

We invite you to visit us at 508 Old Elm Rd to experience our offerings firsthand. Whether you are stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a more relaxed meal, our team is ready to provide you with a pleasant and satisfying experience. Thank you for considering Koya Japan as your choice for your next dining occasion; we look forward to the pleasure of serving you soon and contributing to your enjoyment of the vibrant culinary landscape in Illinois.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
    • Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Service options
    • Takeout
    • Dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Fast service
    • Great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Alcohol
    • Beer
    • Comfort food
    • Healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Vegetarian options
    • Wine
  • Dining options
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Seating
    • Table service
  • Amenities
    • Restroom
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cozy
    • Quiet
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • College students
    • Family-friendly
    • Groups
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs
    • Kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Free street parking
    • Usually plenty of parking

Menus

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  • Appetizers
    • Edamame $6.00
    • Gyoza $7.00
    • Shumai $8.00
    • Egg Roll $6.00
    • Golden Shrimp $8.00
    • Tempuras $7.00
    • Agedashi Tofu $7.00
    • Veggie Spring Roll $8.00
    • Kanisu $10.00
    • Sashimi Appetizer $13.00
    • Fire Avocado Ball $10.00
  • Salads
    • Cucumber Salad $6.00
    • Gomae (Spinach Salad) $7.00
    • House Salad $5.00
    • Octopus Salad $10.00
    • Salmon Avocado Salad $12.00
    • Seaweed Salad $8.00
    • Tuna Avocado Salad $14.00
  • Sushi Bar Special
    • All Tuna Sashimi $28.00
    • American Sushi $27.00
    • Chirashi (Jewel Platter) $25.00
    • Koya Combo Sushi $22.00
    • Koya Special $23.00
    • Koya Sushi $22.00
    • Sashimi Deluxe $32.00
    • Sashimi Special $28.00
    • Sushi & Sashimi Combo $29.00
    • Sushi Deluxe $25.00
    • Tekka Don (Tuna Platter) $23.00
  • Sushi
    • Tuna (Maguro) $3.50
    • Salmon (Sake) $3.00
    • Yellow Tail (Hamachi) $3.50
    • Eel (Unagi) $3.00
    • White Tuna $3.00
    • Shrimp (Ebi) $2.50
    • Ikura (Salmon Roe) $4.00
    • Masago (Smelt Roe) $2.50
    • Hirame (Flounder) $3.00
    • Seabass (Suzuki) $3.00
    • Tai (Red Snapper) $2.75
    • Saba (Makerel) $2.50
    • Tako (Octopus) $2.75
    • Ama Ebi (Raw Shrimp) $4.50
    • Smoked Salmon $3.00
    • Tamago (Sweet Egg) $2.00
    • Inari (Soybean Pocket) $2.00
    • Kani (Snow Crab) $5.00
    • Ika (Squid) $2.50
    • Kaki (Oyster) $3.00
    • Hotategai (Scallop) $3.00
    • Kani Kama (Crab Stick) $2.00
    • Hokkigai (Cherry Clam) $3.00
    • Tobiko $3.00
  • Sashimi (2pcs)
    • Tuna (Maguro) $3.50
    • Salmon (Sake) $3.00
    • Yellow Tail (Hamachi) $3.50
    • Eel (Unagi) $3.00
    • White Tuna $3.00
    • Shrimp (Ebi) $2.50
    • Masago (Smelt Roe) $2.50
    • Hirame (Flounder) $3.00
    • Seabass (Suzuki) $3.00
    • Tai (Red Snapper) $2.75
    • Saba (Makerel) $2.50
    • Tako (Octopus) $2.75
    • Ama Ebi (Raw Shrimp) $4.50
    • Smoked Salmon $3.00
    • Tamago (Sweet Egg) $2.00
    • Inari (Soybean Pocket) $2.00
    • Kani (Snow Crab) $5.00
    • Ika (Squid) $2.50
    • Ikura (Salmon Roe) $4.00
    • Kaki (Oyster) $3.00
    • Hotategai (Scallop) $3.00
    • Kani Kama (Crab Stick) $2.00
    • Hokkigai (Cherry Clam) $3.00
    • Tobiko (Flying Fish Roe) $3.00
  • Koya Rolls
    • Avocado Torch Roll $13.50
    • California Crazy Roll $9.00
    • California Deluxe Roll $9.00
    • California Roll $8.00
    • Dynamite Roll $9.00
    • Godzila Roll $19.00
    • Hawaiian Roll $15.50
    • Highland Roll $18.00
    • House Special Roll $11.00
    • Koya Roll $9.00
    • Negi Hamachi Roll $8.00
    • Philadelphia Roll $9.00
    • Rainbow Roll $15.50
    • Rock & Roll Roll $8.00
    • Salmon Skin Roll $7.50
    • Shrimp Tempura Roll $8.50
    • Salmon Roll $7.00
    • Spicy Salmon Roll $7.50
    • Spicy Salmon Delux Roll $8.50
    • Spicy Tuna Roll $7.50
    • Spicy Tuna Delux Roll $8.50
    • Spider Roll $9.50
    • Summer Roll $11.00
    • Sunset Roll $13.00
    • Tataki Crunch Roll $14.50
    • Tuna Roll $7.00
    • Unagi (EEL) Roll $9.00
    • Volcano Roll $12.00
  • Veggie Roll
    • AAC Roll $6.00
    • CYO Veggie Roll $5.00
    • Sweet Potato Roll $8.00
    • Veggie Tempura Roll $8.00
    • Avocado Roll $5.00
    • Cucumber Roll $5.00
    • Shiitake Roll $5.00
    • Oshinko Roll $5.00
  • Dragon Roll
    • Red Dragon Roll $14.00
    • Green Dragon Roll $13.00
    • Fire Dragon Roll $16.00
    • Golden Dragon Roll $14.00
    • White Dragon Roll $11.00
  • Rice & Noodle
    • Fried Rice $12.00
    • Teriyaki Thin Noodle $12.00
    • Teriyaki U-Don Noodle $12.00
    • U-Don Soup Noodle $13.00
  • Dinner Entree
    • Tempura Dinner $15.00
    • Teriyaki Dinner $17.00
    • Tempura & Teriyaki Dinner $20.00
    • Koya Bento Dinner $24.00
    • Kid's Bento $11.00
  • Sauces & Sides
    • White Rice $2.50
    • Sushi Rice $2.50
    • Miso Soup $2.50
    • Mochi $5.00
    • Spicy Mayo $0.75
    • Eel Sauce $0.75
    • Teriyaki Sauce $0.75
    • Ponzu Sauce $0.75
    • Ginger Dressing $0.75
    • Chili Oil $0.75

Reviews Koya Japan

Ron “Ronnie” Kolman
30-05-2026
Most everyone I know who loves Japanese food, loves Koya. I ... am not a fan of Japanese food, raw seafoods, etc. If I recall, they don't offer a Chicken Dish (though I've been told they might have that by now). … More
Aslan Lee
30-05-2026
Amazing! Truly one of the best sushi restaurants in Illinois! The prices are reasonable and the portions are too. The fish is high-quality. The service was great and left with a smile. ;)
Olena McKenzie
30-05-2026
This was the first place in the USA where I had my sushi. And, honestly, I enjoyed every single roll and bite of the food I had there. And, without further thinking, I knew I'd be coming here again. The miso soup for starters is always warm … More
Tyler K
30-05-2026
The portions are a little small and the service left a little to be desired but what will bring me back is the fish. Now most people think that sushi is best when it's fresh. This is a common misconception and the folks at koya are … More
Bill Rafferty
30-05-2026
This is our favorite sushi place. Everyone is friendly, the food is tasty and the price is comparable to other sushi places. We come here so often they know our order before we even get the menu. Highly recommended if you live in the area and like sushi.
Lori S
30-05-2026
Nothing fancy, just good sushi and good service. Good menu variety and friendly staff. Have enjoyed all of the sushi. My husband is not a sushi eater so he ordered the noodles, which were very good. Definitely our go-to sushi place in the area.
Mitch Haycock
30-05-2026
We were “fried”. After our photo shoot, at Sander’s. It was a hit for us, and grandson. We are going to Japan, so was a great warm up! More
Groov Diva
30-05-2026
Great food, good fried rice portions, clean restroom, and large specialty rolls make this place pleasant. The server is very knowledgeable of the drink brands, too. While her service was quick, it was also very slightly pushy.
Skylar Abdulla Wolphe
30-05-2026
Excellent service, our waitress was very nice. We ordered just a 'giant roll' and gyoza, and they brought out miso soup at the beginning and a little half mochi ice cream at the end. The miso and mochi were super good and the roll was pretty tasty too. I'd definitely come back here
John Anagnos
30-05-2026
The food is quality and consistent, owner and staff are warm and welcoming, if you’re looking for your new favorite sushi place Koya may be the place for you! More
fred stamer
30-05-2026
Outstanding, well-prepared selections of both sushi and sashimi. Atmosphere is simple yet elegant. Wait staff is attentive and very pleasant. Highly recommend! More
Roberto G
30-05-2026
Excellent sushi restaurant for the area. Had been here once before many years ago, found it again and continue to remain impressed with the quality. The prices are very reasonable, and they do a great job with takeout as well. Look forward to going back.
Dylan Langer
30-05-2026
I have brought every girlfriend that iv had here for a casual date. Best sushi around. Order type… More
David Polk
30-05-2026
This is my Japanese restaurant of choice when in the area. The food is delicious and there are an assortment of rolls as well as more traditional dishes. The menu is not as large as Sushi Kushi (which I also like) so don't expect as many … More
Joe Dietmeyer
30-05-2026
Amazing sushi, best and freshest on the north shore. Prices are very reasonable for food and drinks. The house cold sake is first rate and priced easy. Love it!!
Paul Munnich
30-05-2026
This is the best Japanese restaurant in this area. Absolutely a pleasure every time. Come here for delicious art you can eat. Anything you try will be a treat. More
Andrew Baehr
30-05-2026
Really is an outstanding sushi spot. Time after time they have met/exceeded our expectations. Ordered delivery tonight and they somehow managed to keep tempura crispy.
Lindsay Weisskopf
30-05-2026
Great sushi and nice, comfortable atmosphere Meal type Dinner… More
Taka Sato
30-05-2026
Phenomenal dinner with complimentary Mochi Ice cream after meal. Miso soup complimentary to start. Combination tempura and Spider Roll amazing. Sashimi delux my wife had was great 👍 Combination fried rice 😋 … More
Zachary Dove
30-05-2026
A neighborhood classic, I would recommend any sushi lovers to try this place out if you’re in Fort Sheridan/Highwood area! More
Dylan Langer
30-05-2026
I have brought every girlfriend that iv had here for a casual date. Best sushi around. Order type Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes Nigiri
Lindsay Weisskopf
30-05-2026
Great sushi and nice, comfortable atmosphere Meal type Dinner Price per person $20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes Koya Sushi, Miso Soup and Sapporo
Shellie Lewis
30-05-2026
Fantastic Japanese homestyle and sushi menu, also appetizers and izakaya. They have a nice lunch menu and bento boxes. The menu included chirashi, donburi, nigiri and makimono. Casual restaurant with top food. Worth travelling to reach. 👘🌸🍤🍱🍣🍥🍙🍜🍡🍵 …
stephanie cruickshank
30-05-2026
The sushi was fresh! We ordered the Koya Sushi, Hawaiian Rolls, Shrimp fried rice. We also received miso soup and egg rolls without charge. Order type Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $50–100 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4 Recommended dishes Miso Soup and Sapporo
Fran Puleo Moyer
30-05-2026
Yummy veggie spring roll; sushi: we had the green dragon, volcano, mushroom asparagus, sweet potato rolls. Service was great and the complimentary mochi and cookies was a nice surprise. Order type Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $20–30 Recommended dishes Koya Sushi, Miso Soup and Sapporo, Green Dragon
Adele Pereira
30-05-2026
A lot of reviews say Koya has reasonable prices but this shrimp tempura roll cost me over $9 and was mostly rice…very disappointed. You can decide if that’s worth it for you but I definitely feel you can get more for your money elsewhere.
Dan Weiss
30-05-2026
Excellent fresh sushi… a much higher level of quality than the other places in the area. We’ve enjoyed everything we’ve ordered and come regularly. Staff is extremely friendly. This is a real neighborhood, local place. Order type Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $30–50
Jonah Gill
30-05-2026
LOVE THE PLACE. True hidden gem in Highwood. The service was so good, so were the waiters, nicest waiters I've ever gotten. The miso soup is great as well, they give it to you right away even if you haven't asked for it. So cozy too, the booths are endless Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Gio
30-05-2026
Amazing food! And great hospitality from the waiter. I would recommend this spot for Amazing sushi Order type Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $10–20
B D
30-05-2026
The sushi overall was just okay. It was nothing to write home about but I could definitely hear again. Order type Dine in Price per person $20–30 Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4 Noise level Quiet, easy to talk
Nader Kardoush
30-05-2026
Tried this place out because of a recommendation from a friend. Sushi was great! Order type Dine in Meal type Dinner
Sarah Miller
30-05-2026
I cannot say enough good things about Koya. I was so happy to find this restaurant. Everything we ordered, tempura, tempura udon soup, kids bento boxes, and sushi was incredibly good. Can't wait to go back! Order type Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes Koya Sushi, Bento Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free parking lot Kid-friendliness The bento box options for the kids were great! My 2 and 5 year olds loved it.
Erik Watson
30-05-2026
Great little (and I do mean little) sushi joint right on the border of Highland Park and Lake Forest. Good fish (good other dishes, too), great service, and a nice dining room. It's not hugely fancy, it's just a nice place. Decent sake … More
Ella White
30-05-2026
Always a 10/10! Have been coming for years and nothing has changed - amazing food and amazing service. Favorite miso soup in the world! Avocado torch, Hawaiian, and spicy tuna rolls are a must. Order type Dine in Price per person $20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Wait time No wait
David Shih
30-05-2026
What a nice gem of a find! Really casual and cozy restaurant that felt family friendly. The sushi was delicious and the size of the rolls was quite generous. The prices were also reasonable. We fed a group of 5 plus had a beer and some sake … More
Yuwei Jiang
30-05-2026
Very tasty food! We ordered beef gyoza and tofu as starters and teriyaki beef rice and noodle and main courses. They are all very delicious! The service is very good as well. We were given free dessert at the end. More
Charles Neville
30-05-2026
This was our first time here and it was suburb! The fried foods are nice and crisp, not soggy like some other places. The rolls are seasoned perfectly. The noodles we not mushy. There is a kids menu for those that need it, but our kids … More
AJR
30-05-2026
I came here this week to try as I’d read very positive things online. We arrived around 6:40 on Friday, the restaurant was moderately busy. We were seated quickly and given water and offered drinks. … More
michael maldarescu
30-05-2026
Terrific Japanese cuisine with a great variety of appetizers and sushi. Try the oyster shooter and the Godzilla sushi roll. They're both fantastic. Delicate tempura and hearty udon noodles also not to be missed. The place is cozy and the service is excellent.
Brian Soble
30-05-2026
Excellent quality food and service, at reasonable prices. We love this place!! Order type… More
Irene Ramirez
30-05-2026
Really, really wonderful food! The salmon teriyaki was perfectly prepared: grilled and the served over a bed of lettuce with rice. Excellent! Phyllis and I were pleasantly surprised with the large amount of salmon. She had a Golden Tiger Roll that was equally delicious. If we lived nearby we would be here a lot. Great service too.
Zhenrun Zhang
30-05-2026
Very good interior design. Reasonable price. Order type Dine in… More
Brian Soble
30-05-2026
Excellent quality food and service, at reasonable prices. We love this place!! Order type Dine in Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Zhenrun Zhang
30-05-2026
Very good interior design. Reasonable price. Order type Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $20–30

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