Tucked away in a little strip mall in Naperville, Yamado Japanese restaurant is not much to look at. That is, until you go inside.

Like something out of a Ghibli movie, the cozy restaurant opens up into a homey atmosphere filled with kind staff and delicious food.

Upon walking in guests are greeted by the head chef from behind the sushi bar lining the back of the restaurant and seated by one of the wait staff. After ordering, the wait is a little longer than most sushi restaurants, which is already a long wait in the first place, but the payoff is worth it.

Once you get a taste of this house-made miso ramen, it will be almost impossible to go back to college style ‘block’ ramen. With not too much salt and an amazing mixture of bean sprouts, pork, seaweed, onion and a halved boiled egg, house miso ramen is perfect to pair with a tall glass of iced water and good friends.

Besides ramen, Yamado offers a variety of other Japanese foods. Hand-rolled sushi from the sushi bar, while a little messily rolled, will banish any thought of eating similarly priced gas station sushi from any customer’s mind.

Magnificent bento boxes, worthy of kings but priced for everyone, blow away any competition. With artfully prepared food in beautifully arranged boxes, it appeals to both the eyes and mouth.

Bottom line, the food tastes amazing and definitely warrants another return. Yamado can suit everything from business lunches to birthday parties, all at a bargain price. Yamado is located at 929 E. Ogden Ave., #103, Naperville. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Wait time 5/10

Atmosphere 10/10

Staff 8/10

Food Presentation 5/5

Food Taste 10/10

Price 10/10

Total- 48/55 or 87%