Kakashi Hibachi, Sushi & Ramen Express is indeed a hidden gem nestled on E Edwardsville Rd in Wood River, IL. Reviewers consistently rave about the restaurant's authentic cuisine and charming atmosphere. Customer Aj Zielinski exclaims it's the best food he's had in years, while Lexsie Mustard praises the delightful decor and her favorite chicken fried rice, which she happily recommends for takeout.
The highlights of the menu include standout dishes like the crab rangoons, considered by Angelle Henson as some of the finest she's tasted, and the bento box, which Kevin Tang describes as the best he's ever had. The sushi offerings, particularly the cucumber roll, have also left an impression, with flavors that resonate wonderfully with diners.
Moreover, the atmosphere reflects a fusion of anime themes that create a lively and inviting space. With quick service and friendly staff, customer experiences are rarely anything short of exceptional. Many agree that Kakashi possesses big character, delicious food, and a level of service that makes each visit enjoyable. For anyone seeking a memorable dining experience, this restaurant is highly recommended.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with university students
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Kakashi Hibachi, Sushi & Ramen Express
Aj Zielinski
Jun 16,2025
Quaint little place with big character and amazing food. Hands down the best ive had in a long time. If i could give them 10 stars i absolutely would!
Lexsie Mustard
Jun 6,2025
What a charming establishment! I adore the decor. The food is wonderfully authentic and delicious. I could happily eat their chicken fried rice repeatedly; it's my absolute favorite restaurant, and I'm so pleased they offer takeout. Everyone is also incredibly kind.
Angelle Henson
May 11,2025
This was our first time here and we will definitely be back! Everything we had was really good. The crab rangoons were some of the best I’ve had! We had most of our food within 5-10 minutes of ordering. The price was reasonable too! Highly recommend if you haven’t stopped!
BigNzfishN
May 5,2025
This place was amazing!!!! Great easy going environment. Customer service was top notch very friendly perfect timing when checkin in with you fast to professional service. The food tho!!! Wow!!! It’s outstanding!!!! And a real experience to enjoy choosing from. There wasn’t a plate I didn’t clean off. I can’t wait to come back just to keep trying more. The food presentation was amazing as well went beyond expectations. Bravo
Kevin Tang
Apr 21,2025
If you're looking for a spot that has a bit of everything, this all-in-one restaurant definitely delivers. The food is pretty decent overall, with a few highlights and a couple of things that could use some tweaking. First off, the boba is okay, though one thing to note is that the tapioca pearls tend to get a little slimy if not stirred frequently, so keep that in mind. The seafood ramen was a cool dish, but the noodles could have been cooked a bit more to elevate the texture. The sushi was definitely a standout—filling and tasty. The cucumber roll was spot-on, but the salmon roll didn’t quite match what I expected. It wasn't bad, just different in a way that threw me off a little. The vibe, though, is where this place really shines. If you're into anime, you'll definitely feel at home with the themed decor and atmosphere. It gives off a fun and lively energy, even if the restaurant still carries some of its IHOP roots in its outdated interior. Honestly, the old IHOP design is a bit noticeable, but it somehow adds to the charm and doesn’t detract from the overall experience. What really stood out, though, was the customer service. The staff was wonderful—friendly, welcoming, and personal, making the entire dining experience feel much more special. They were attentive and made sure you felt taken care of throughout your visit. Overall, I’d give it a solid 4.5/5. Not perfect, but definitely a great spot, especially for the Alton area. It has a lot of potential and is a fun place to check out, especially if you’re a fan of anime or looking for a unique dining experience. EDIT: Just finished the Bento Box Chicken Teriyaki, and honestly, it was the best bento box I've ever had! The chicken was cooked perfectly, with just the right balance of flavors and a generous amount of teriyaki glaze. The rice was on point, cooked to perfection—fluffy and full of flavor. And the sushi? Super delicious! It paired so well with everything, making the whole meal a delightful experience. Highly recommend this bento box if you're looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal! Updated rating: 4.7/5
Umar Lee
Mar 19,2025
Very good food, large portions, and friendly service. A family-friendly setting as well. The fried rice and ramen were delicious. Mantap.
Benjamin Ayers
Mar 9,2025
Bottom line: Please eat here. This is the absolute best place in the area for Hibachi/Japanese cuisine. The atmosphere is wonderful, the staff is so friendly, and EVERYTHING tastes and looks so delicious. It is my absolute favorite restaurant in Madison County. Been there twice, wish I could go more frequently. I was excited that Wood River got this restaurant, but I was not prepared for how amazing the entire experience was. Really great place, want to make this my go-to. Also, a huge win: Kasabi has takoyaki. And it was heavenly. I will order it every time from here on. Mochi was super good too!! Everything was so good!
Brianah Voss
Mar 7,2025
Literally just left here with my boyfriend and let me tell you lads, this place is the spot to get your sushi and hibachi needs filled. I've been here twice and both times the food was fresh and seasoned spectacularly! I got the hibachi steak, medium rare, and the steak was cooked perfectly. The veggies and rice that comes with it is delicious and they give you yum-yum sauce with it and let me tell you. Taste buds blessed. We also happened to get Crab Rangoon and it was so crunchy and yummy, the sauce with it being phenomenal. The service was great, we were greeted at the door and the server we had was so polite and attentive. He truly made it a wonderful experience. Food came out extremely fast despite being busy. Did I mention how freshly everything was made? The atmosphere of the restaurant is so calm and warm, definitely a welcoming area. Overall my experience was great and if you're hungry and looking for a good meal, this is your place! Also for sushi lovers: I HIGHLY recommend the caterpillar roll. It was so good and the plating was adorable, making it look like an actual caterpillar.
Reviews For Kakashi Hibachi, Sushi & Ramen Express