Ima Noodles

If you already love Ima in Corktown but want the easier, more casual version, this is your move. The Madison Heights location has the same bold, comfort-food energy in a more practical setting: free parking, walk-in dining, quick QR ordering, and a room that works beautifully for families, weeknight dinners, and a hungry Saturday lunch run.

We stopped in on a busy Saturday afternoon and had a short wait, but tables turned over promptly and the service stayed impressively on top of things. The staff was friendly, helpful with recommendations, and quick once we were seated—exactly what you want when everyone is hungry.

Start with the Tokyo Street Fries: crispy garlic, sesame, nori, umami sauce, scallion, and a side of sambal ketchup. Mike declared them the best fries he’s ever had, which is not a statement he makes lightly. They are wildly flavorful, completely unique, and a mandatory add-on.

For lunch, we each ordered a rice bowl. The Spicy Tuna Don brought ground ahi tuna, masago, kewpie, cucumber, radish, napa slaw, yuzu ponzu, lemon, and nori. It was intense—spicy enough to overwhelm my tongue a little, but in the fun, deeply flavorful way that makes you keep going back for another bite. Mike went with the Teriyaki Salmon, a ginger-teriyaki glazed salmon bowl with cucumber, napa slaw, shiso, nori, and sesame seeds. We both loved our meals.

Ima Madison Heights is convenient, reasonably priced, full of flavor, and an easy place to return to when you want to work your way through more of the menu. We absolutely will.