Cafe Momoko is a neighbourhood treasure for residents of the West Springs-Signal Hill area. Since 2010, owner Moon Ho Park has been serving a combination of Japanese and Korean food to devoted customers who visit the little restaurant situated in an out-of-the-way strip mall.
Apart from the hanging Chinese lanterns, TV screens featuring videos by South Korean pop divas, samurai swords above the bar and a cabinet full of historical Korean figurines, the primary decoration is the numerous framed snapshots of Moon with his customers.
“Those are my three-year customers,” says Moon with a grin. One wall that is almost completely covered with pictures. “I want to show my appreciation. My business is not just about money. My customers are friends, and I take the pictures for the memories.” Moon, who looks after the front of the house at Cafe Momoko, says he is on a first-name basis with his regulars. Judging by the sheer number photos, it's a lot of names to remember.
The cozy room only seats around 30 people, so Moon recommends making reservations, especially on the weekend. For those who can’t get a seat, not to worry. The restaurant does a brisk takeout business, too.
This is one of our favorite family restaurants to come to. The food has always been fantastic, and Moon is the epitome of customer service! always makes you feel at home! Overall very good place to go eat.
This little place in West Springs specializes in both Korean and Japanese food and the bentos offer a taste of both cuisines. The boxes include all the Japanese standards (miso soup, salad, edamame, gyoza and a California roll) as well as Korean choices like beef, pork or chicken bulgogi or Japanese mains like sushi and chicken katsu.