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Simon Lin's Asian Bistro
Categories: Restaurants Asian Fusion Restaurants Sushi Bars Asian Fusion, Sushi Bars [Edit]
410 N Milwaukee AveLincolnshire, IL 60069
(847) 478-8883
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Sat 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Simon Lin's Asian Bistro
Review Highlights
"I will be back to try the sunday brunch."
(in 5 reviews)
"...were a touch on the salty side, but for the most part..."
(in 3 reviews)
"It's nice, but a bit pricey."
(in 3 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Dave V.
Highland Park, IL
10/21/2011
Staff is great. Owner is awesome. Food is even better.
Never been a fan of eel until i tried their Dragon Tiger roll based on the owners recommendation....probably my favorite roll now. Will be back sometime hopefully soon for lunch and more sushi, if you're in the area or a sushi buff, give it a go. -
Review from Jennifer C.
Buffalo Grove, IL
1/19/2012
The best spicy salmon roll i have had in my life. And i love the miso soup... they put sashimi grade salmon on top and the heat from the soup cooks it. It is really cool and tasty!! A little pricy, but some things aren't so bad, and the expensive things are WORTH IT!!!!
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Review from Mike L.
Cook, IL
7/24/2011
Groupon had a deal for this place....so, I gave it a try.
Ambiance is good.
From start to finish - awesome service!
I had the Salmon Miso soup. A bit fishy side.
Ordered the Simon Lin's special tofu.... Pretty good. A bit on the salty side.
My girlfriend ordered the asian pear soup. They should go easy on the ginger.
She also ordered the Mango medley. This dish was pretty good. Good mix of white chicken meat, beef and large prawns, and mango pieces.
I'd have to say that the food was average, but service was very good!
I will be back to try the sunday brunch...menu items look tasty and for $20!~ -
Review from Stephanie W.
Lombard, IL
4/21/2011
We went to Simon Lin's for lunch after some meetings at Stevenson High School after checking my Yelp app for nearby restaurants. We didn't want a chain, and this was one of the closest options. I'm really happy we tried it, because it was very good.
I ordered the Lin's Chicken, and my server asked about how spicy I wanted it. I ordered it medium spicy, which was perfect. The dish was flavorful, with chili oil, ginger, garlic, lemon, and green onions and some very finely shredded stir-fried chicken. Served with brown rice (or white, if you'd rather), it was a generous portion, good temperature, very fresh, and delicious!
One of my friends ordered the YuShang Pork, which he liked very much, and my other friend had the Pepper Steak, which she enjoyed as well.
All three dishes came with a choice of miso or egg-drop soup. I had the egg-drop, which was flavorful and hot. I'm usually not a fan of egg-drop soup because it can be bland and gummy, but it tasted very fresh.
The wait staff was friendly and ready with refills on our water and tea/soda. The owner came by several times to check on us, and when we asked him about how the Lin's chicken was prepared, he gave us good details about how they cooked it. Very nice!
I live about an hour south of Simon Lin's, so I probably won't make it up there often, but if it were nearby it would definitely be a place I'd return to frequently. -
Review from Rachel L.
12/30/2010
I can't believe I haven't reviewed them before now. This is one of my family's places for special dinners. The food is delicious, though I guess some people like to go for the regular Chinese food.
Why on earth would you go to a fusion bistro and order standard Chinese food? People, they have a fabulous (yes, slightly more expensive) fusion menu (try the duck. It rocks.) -
Review from Jessica S.
Arlington Heights, IL
8/31/2011
All time best sushi, best Mongolian beef and Best Miso soup. This is where my boyfriend and I had our first date, and it is our absolute favorite restaurant of all time!
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Review from Jon S.
Lincolnshire, IL
10/30/2011
Mediocre. Was not that fresh. Miso was excellent though. But sushi rolls were just ok. Ginger was dried out and dirty...was not pleased with service.
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Review from Kevin L.
12/31/2007 7 photos
4.5 Stars
When I used to live near Cleveland, we had family friends that owned and ran a Chinese fast food joint. We'd eat there and the owners would make time to come over and talk to us and make sure that we were enjoying ourselves.
While visiting my family over New Year's, we came to Simon Lin's and it totally reminded me of that experience, except that we're not actually family friends with Mr. Lin and his restaurant isn't fast food. But that doesn't matter - he still came by to make jovial conversation with us, checked that we were enjoying the food, and made recommendations on more traditional Chinese fare that might match my parents' tastes better.
I don't know anything about their regular menu aside from being told that it's Chinese fusion. We were here for their Sunday all-you-can-eat brunch for something like $20 or so a head - a totally affordable price considering it's AYCE and of pretty good quality. The menu was definitely fusion, but there's really something for everyone.
I enjoyed the Americanized food: chicken rolls; fried calamari with sriracha aioli; teriyaki salmon over potato risotto. My parents liked the more traditionally Chinese-flavored items: confetti chicken with mustard greens; crispy shell-on shrimp; veggie stir-fry. We also had a couple sushi rolls, and I can recommend the spicy tuna (it's actually nominally spicy), but save your appetite for the other dishes. My dad liked the confetti chicken so much that he ordered another plate. The only issue I had with the food was that some of the dishes were a touch on the salty side, but for the most part everything was done up just right.
While the portion sizes aren't huge, you can continue to order the same thing many times. Our server, Karen, was totally accommodating - she was polite, friendly, and seemed to have a knack for knowing when to stop by without being in the way.
Aside from the thoroughly enjoyable food (don't forget to save room for a brownie with red bean paste or some fruit sorbet for dessert!), I totally love the decor. It's quite Zen-like, with a flowing water panel, lots of neutral colors, and a well-lit by sunlight, without being terribly bright. I see it as more of a family place, but it'd be fine to take coworkers or a casual date.
With the friendly service and thoroughly enjoyable food, this is definitely a place I'd like to come back to when I'm in Chicagoland visiting the family. It's always dangerous when I go anywhere with AYCE, though... so it's a good thing I don't live here anymore! -
Review from Christa F.
Chicago, IL
9/30/2007 2 photos
This location was actually formerly a Denny's that I used to hang-out at in HS. They did a really great job in decorating in the inside. You can hardly tell at all that it once was a chain restaurant. Service is great. Never seems crowded when I have been there. But they do take reservations.
The awesome thing I have to say about this place is their Sunday brunch, which runs from 11:30 to 2 and is all you can eat off the menu for $20. You can't beat that! The menu items include appetizers such as calamari & egg rolls. You can get miso soup, salads, fried rice (really good), mangolian beef, etc, etc and plus sushi rolls (California, Spicy tuna, about 15 different rolls). This is such a great deal $20 for all you can eat. Plus it's not a buffet that you go up to. They make the food fresh and bring it to you. Oh and you get a dessert too (whatever it is that month).Listed in: Best Breakfast Spots
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Review from Jacob J.
6/12/2008
These guys need to do something about the exterior so that its lively looking, maybe a shiny "LOOK HERE" sign. I've driven past so many times not ever caring what potential this restaurant may have. Their shades are always drawn to give the inside an intimate look but makes the outside appear to be customer - less.
So, its only because of a sales meeting that I stopped in. Asian bistro makes me think its got to be Asian fusion, sushi and some other miscl dishes. Its that exactly. Sushi was pleasant though not memorable, a bit costly and the plating was average. The entrees presentation looked good, though quite costly. Many of the entrees were in the higher ranges, $17+. A single person can go over $30 easily, sucked for some of the attendees, those on a travel budget.
Cool; the owner makes his way around to greet customers. Think "Chou Man fu" looking, and looks as if he stepped off an episode from Samurai Sunday. The wise older man that offers you some bangin sushi. And he did, he told us to try (I forget the name) an appetizer which resembles a Japanese burrito, its wrapped with seaweed like a big piece of sushi served warm.
Its a good idea for an intimate date or a small grouping of people. For a group of sales people it stunk. The day we visited it wasn't busy and still it took a full forty-five minutes before most at the table received their main entree. Those ordering sushi had a twenty to thirty minute wait. Another thing: while some items are spectacular there's too much lag time, waiters are hard to find. Bus boys come around often but haven't enough grasp of the language to carry an order to the kitchen. -
Review from Chris G.
Libertyville, IL
5/28/2009
Whenever I fly into Chicago I usually end up stopping at this place on my way home headed North. I think they consistently serve great food! I have been coming here since they opened and been a loyal customer for years now. The quality of their sushi is very high, especially for an area rather devoid of anywhere great to eat. There are plenty of better sushi places in Chicago (that are much more expensive), but too much of a hassle to make it down to. When up North and looking for good sushi, this is on the top of my list. Aside from the fish they have a "fusion" style menu and a traditional menu, giving you plenty of choices. The duck has always been excellent.
The place is nicely decorated and is very inviting. While it doesn't look like much on the outside it's a very nice place to spend some time on a meal.
Service has always been spectacular and the staff has come to remember me and my family. I don't give this place 5 stars mostly because of the price. If it were a bit cheaper then I wouldn't hesitate to bump it up a notch. -
Review from Jessica O.
Glenview, IL
5/12/2007
Simon Lin's is a great way to have asian food with a great atmosphere. The service is warm and accomodating to any requests, and Simon himself comes out to greet you.
I had my rehearsal dinner here, in the back of the restaurant with the fish tank behind us. When we were deciding on the menu a few weeks before the event, Simon walked us through the menu, made the dishes himself, and came out to discuss with us. The night of the dinner, everything went incredibly well, the food was spectacular and the service was flawless. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to have asian food presented with little more flair than usual. -
Review from Vivian Y.
3/23/2009
A bit pricey, especially for the neighborhood, but a decent choice if you're trying to impress. In the summer, it's nice to be able to sit outside and have lunch on their patio but it can get really hot, so secure a spot with an umbrella.
I came for lunch and spent about $25 for some sushi and it was good but not memorable. But I suppose most importantly it was fresh.
For an "asian" resaurant, service is amazing and it's a good spot to have a business lunch. -
Review from Marlo P.
Palatine, IL
2/3/2010
So I came here for the first time and decided to write my review.
YAY!
The outside of the restaurant looked so gloomy. I kinda like gloomy, so it didn't bother me. I blame the gloomy-ness on all the other closed business surround the restaurant. The inside looks very cozy and nice. Nice enough to have a romantic dinner. I wouldn't say the place looks kid friendly, but I wouldn't know because at the time I went there were no kids.
Kind of disappointed at the small wine selection but their specialty drinks look and sound really cool. Their food prices were a bit pricey but I expected that out of a restaurant that looked as 'fancy' as it did. I ordered the calamari and I have to say that it's one of the best calamari that I've ever had. I only had sushi here and I can say that it's pretty decent. I went crazy and decided to try their kimchee beef roll. Not really a common sushi roll out there but it was pretty good. I also had their dragon roll which was decent.
As for the wait staff, they were VERY attentive. My water glass was ALWAYS FULL. They took away our plates at a decent time frame and checked up on us which was very nice. I was pretty disappointed at the fact that when I asked the server for entree suggestions he looked at me and said he didn't have any... OUCH. How can a server not know ANY suggestions?
I'd definitely go here again and maybe try out some of their entrees. -
Review from Jacob K.
Chicago, IL
2/16/2009
This place was like a little bit of heaven in the midst of nowhere. I was surprised to find good Asian fusion food in this area.
They have great sushi rolls which are huge, delicious tempura, scallops and kung pow beef. The dishes have much higher quality ingredients than most other Asian restaurants (I think they used a fillet for my kung pow beef).
The service is very friendly and the decor is unique and there is a lot of ambiance and tranquility. This would be a great place to take a date if you are in the area. -
Review from amy l.
Chicago, IL
3/5/2007
Now y'all who post on here, be careful what you say because my uncle owns this place! :) JK I want honesty.
For me, real nice atmosphere and beautiful inside the restaurant. Food is pretty good but kind of expensive for what you get. It can be a little on the salty side for me as well. -
Review from Cindy C.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2010
I've been to Simon Lin's quite a few times for Sunday Brunch and dinner. The food is always absolutely delicious! I really enjoy their miso soup with salmon and tofu, the crispy Taiwanese chicken rolls and the calamari for starters. The bone-in rib eye steak with their special sauce and the glazed salmon are excellent choices for entrees. But when I'm in the mood for Chinese, I like to order the Eggplant Chicken with Basil and the Shanghai Black Bean Chicken & Prawns. Yum!
Simon Lin's is definitely worth a try! The inside is beautifully decorated and upscale...even in the bathrooms! The contemporary decor is reminiscent of something you'd find in the city. -
Review from Carolyn W.
Independence, MO
9/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
Four of us arrived at the Bistro after driving in traffic for over 3 hours...did not enjoy Chicago traffic!!
We ordered calamari to start. The two sauces that came with the squid were very tasty, and the calamari was not overcooked but the coating was too thick.
My daughter and son-in-law shared a crab sushi (sorry, dont remember what kind). They were pretty disappointed in the taste but they did finish it. They both order pad-thai and loved it. Took the left overs back to our hotel and did finish them. My son-in-law had the miso soup that he did not enjoy (he lived in Japan for awhile and didnt rate this as ok at all).
My son and I split a tuna tuna salmon roll. We both enjoyed the salmon much more than the tuna. It was ok. It was not outstanding. We both ordered soup. I had hot and sour seafood soup and was very good and my son had a won ton soup that he also enjoyed.
All in all, we were very hungry and the food was decent but for the cost, it was a bit disappointing. -
Review from Tiffany L.
Waukegan, IL
5/10/2010
ah, i remember when simon lin's used to be a denny's. eating there reminds me of my rebellious high school days. but they've remodeled the entire place, leaving no signs of the counter where i used to get my coffee. the interior is beautiful (check out the fish tank and the ceiling in the restrooms!)
the food is excellent. they have an extensive sushi list, and the rolls are quite good -- especially for a place in the suburbs.
i haven't had an entree i didn't like here -- definitely check out the chef's recommendations/specials! the rib eye is tasty.
and you must, MUST try the tiramisu dessert. it's not the tiramisu you know, but rather it's got a mandarin orange asian play on it, but it is DELICIOUS!
the sunday brunch might seem a bit on the expensive side, but it's GOOD quality all-you-can-eat, AND made to order AND the selection is very extensive (it's none of that super china buffet - heated lamps junk). -
Review from Justin W.
Chicago, IL
2/28/2007
A nice little restaurant that has a few "lunch box" style specials, with pieces of sushi and other random asian dishes. It's nice, but a bit pricey.
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Review from Ron D.
Chicago, IL
6/15/2010
This place is fantastic! Its funny because the building used to be a Denny's but don't be fooled this place has amazing sushi!
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Review from Anthony P.
Grayslake, IL
9/5/2009
The all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch gives you an opportunity to try multiple dishes. I would recommend the Yu Shang Chicken. My wife has commented that it tastes pretty authentic, and I value her opinion highly when it comes to chinese food. I would go again.
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Review from kb j.
Northbrook, IL
11/14/2010
We went here on a recent weekend evening after a long absence. The restaurant appears to be located in a building that is shaped like a Dennys. The menu has sort of a pan-(East) Asian vibe with choices inspired by Japanese (many sushi choices), Thai and Chinese cuisine. The portions are decent sized and we thought that they were tastefully presented and possessed flavor(avoiding some of the "gloppiness" we sometimes see with Asian-inspired cuisine). We'd go again if we were in the neighborhood.
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Review from Darlene L.
Chicago, IL
9/2/2009
Simon Lin offers upscale Asian food in a transformed Denny's Restaurant that includes outdoor seating. Service is attentive with an active manager circulating the room. Mediocre wine list and no German offerings to complement this light food. They do have a $15 corkage for BYO. Brought a German Reisling which was perfect. Even the server complimented the pairing.Fabulous veggie pot stickers with a sweet sauce. Spring rolls have fresh vegetables along with a touch of cilantro in a thin outer wrap.Entrees that my group enjoyed included fried rice, Lin Chicken, and Hunan Beef. Like the option of white or brown rice. All entrees are single servings per diner rather than family style. So each person is inclined to stick with his/her chosen entrée. Prices are a bit steep but the fresh ingredients and sophisticated flavors make for a winning combination. Would have liked some fortune cookies with the excellent tea.
