our story

Kumiko opens its doors in Chicago's West Loop, welcoming its first guests on New Year's Eve.

Kikkō opens beneath Kumiko, introducing an intimate tasting menu experience.

Named one of America's Best New Restaurants.

Recognized as one of The World's Greatest Places.
"Momose designed a companion menu of spirit-free drinks with equal care, in part because her parents don’t drink alcohol. The beverages span the spectrum from bitter aperitifs to fresh, tropical flavors". —Merrill Fabry

Named Best New Bar.

When dining rooms closed, Café Kumiko was born. Guests ordered through a small service window and gathered beneath the elevated tracks, where coffee, breakfast, lunch, and moments of connection continued despite uncertainty.

At the start of the shutdown, Julia Momosé founded “Cocktails for Hope”, a grassroots initiative that advocated for the passage of HB 2682, legalizing cocktails to-go in Illinois. Kumiko expanded its offerings with bottled cocktails, meal kits, and at-home experiences, continuing to welcome guests beyond the dining room.

Kumiko reopened with an expanded culinary vision, introducing the seasonal tasting menu alongside many of the dishes and experiences that define the restaurant today.

Julia Momosé publishes The Way of the Cocktail: Japanese Traditions, Techniques, and Recipes.

Ranked No. 61 on the 51–100 Extended List, marking Kumiko's first appearance on the global ranking.

Ranked No. 5 and named Best Bar in the Midwest in the inaugural North America's 50 Best Bars list.

Recipient of the inaugural Exceptional Cocktails Award.

The Way of the Cocktail receives the James Beard Book Award in the Beverage with Recipes category.

Ranked No. 25.

Kumiko opens its dedicated Whisky Bar, celebrating Japanese whisky and shōchū through a focused collection and intimate counter experience.

Ranked No. 8 and named Best Bar in the Midwest.

Ranked No. 82 on the 51–100 Extended List.

Ranked No. 19 and named Best Bar in the Midwest.

Josh Mummert named recipient of the 2024 Michelin Guide Chicago Young Chef Award.

Julia Momosé steps into the role of Executive Chef, bringing Kumiko's culinary and beverage programs together under one creative vision.

Ranked No. 10 and named Best Bar in Midwest.

Recipient of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar.

Recipient of World's Best Bar and Best U.S. Restaurant Bar.

Ranked No. 97 on the 1–100 Extended List.

Julia Momosé is recognized in Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40, honoring her leadership and contributions to Chicago's hospitality community.

Ranked No. 11, recipient of the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award, and named Best Bar in Midwest USA.

Awarded Three Pins, recognizing extraordinary hospitality and excellence.

Awarded three and a half stars, excellent to outstanding.

"Kumiko, the award-winning Japanese dining bar in Chicago’s West Loop, reclaims its culture with comfort and conviction under chef Julia Momosé".

Named Critics' Choice: Restaurant of the Year.

"Since opening in winter 2018, West Loop’s Kumiko has grown into an internationally acclaimed Japanese dining bar, known for its meticulous craft and refined approach to hospitality".

Awarded Best Bar Experience

What began as a service window beneath the elevated tracks during the pandemic returns as a permanent part of Kumiko. Café Kumiko opens indoors, serving Japanese breakfast, humble lunch, kissaten-inspired fare, and everyday hospitality.