Brian Nagele
People often venture into the Windy City for the culture, sights, fantastic shopping, and of course, the wide variety of restaurants and cuisines, sushi included.
You can get a direct flight from most airports, take in a baseball game (Cubs or White Sox?), do some shopping, eat a fantastic meal, and either call it a night or head back home.
While hunting in the Windy City, there are many choices to pick from to find the best sushi Chicago offers.
Not sure if it’s exactly sushi that you want? No worries, most restaurants listed have a wide variety of menu options, including sashimi, sake, tuna, and nigiri.
The top restaurants, in my opinion, are the ones that offer more than just sushi rolls – that way, you can try out new things!
With that, here is our comprehensive guide to the best sushi restaurants in Chicago.
Check them out and see which is the best fit for you.
Kai Zan
2557 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 278-5776
Visit Website
One of the most important things to know about Kai Zan is that they are a 2021 Michelin-rated restaurant.
Because of that prestigious award, you know that you are walking into fine dining and an unforgettable experience.
The chef’s behind the excellent food are twin brothers Melvin and Carlo Vizconde, and you can book a reservation at the marble bar to watch the chefs create the unique dishes people rave about online.
Located in Humboldt Park, Kai Zan is a true gem in an area with few high-quality dining options.
You’ll feast on unique varieties of sushi, nigiri, yakitori, takoyaki, and karaage during your visit, leaving you with a full stomach and fond memories.
Momotaro
820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 733-4818
Visit Website
Located in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood, Momotaro is also a Michelin award winner, having secured the honor in 2018.
When dining at Momotaro, you are treated to the fantastic cuisine of Chef Gene Kato, who has won several culinary awards for his exceptional skill.
Momotaro holds several Restaurant of the Year honors from various Chicago publications and organizations.
One of Kato’s many gifts to Momotaro is his ability to incorporate a Takumi grilling experience on a robata using Japanese white charcoal called Sumi.
At Momotaro, you can order steak cooked to perfection using this method. With more than 90 items on the menu, there is something for everyone.
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill
1751 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 666-4100
View Website
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill prides itself on respecting the culture and traditions of Japan while also putting its unique spin on the cuisine.
The owner of the restaurant, Yut Vong, got his start in journalism while living in Thailand.
However, upon relocating to the Chicago area, he realized his passion for creating unique Japanese dishes.
Located in West Town, on West Chicago Avenue, Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill is popular among diverse crowds, including hipsters and fine-dining enthusiasts.
People come in droves for the Robata Grill skewers, as well as the Boy Meets World and Breaking Bad jumbo rolls.
Juno Sushi
2638 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 935-2000
View Website
Juno Sushi is a Japanese restaurant that takes traditional dishes and kicks them up a notch.
Visitors feel this way about smoked hamachi, the choice sashimi, and the spicy tuna roll.
Situated in Lincoln Park, it’s slightly removed from the downtown options but is worth traveling a little ways.
Juno Sushi has been awarded many honors, from Zagat’s “Hottest Japanese Restaurants Across the United States” to “Best Sushi in Lincoln Park.”
It is such a chic, luxurious establishment that to get some of Chef B.K. Park’s delicacies, you must order your meal 24 hours in advance!
Aji Omakase
3809 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 904-8205
Visit Website
AJI Omakase is an absolute star of the Chicago sushi scene and that will become obvious as soon as you walk into the establishment.
The fish is so fresh that you can taste the ocean in every expertly-crafted bite. Here, you will enjoy a 14-course meal that will absolutely blow your mind.
I recommend making a reservation for AJI Omakase due to the limited seating as well.
You really won’t regret coming here!
Tanoshii Sushi Mike’s
5547 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 878-6886
Visit Website
If you are looking for the legendary Sushi Mike, you can find him serving up quality Japanese dishes at Tanoshii.
Although Sushi Mike got his start as an accountant in Florida, you would never know it today. The way he intricately prepares each meal gives the impression that he’s done it all his life!
The Chicago location is on Clark Street near Loyola University and was opened in 2004.
When visiting the restaurant, the chef’s special Omakase is the way to go, although Sushi Mike got his name for his fantastic sushi rolls as well. You can’t go wrong either way!
Toro Sushi
2546 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 348-7255
View Website
It’s not often that you pop into a restaurant to order the popular dishes of “Oh My God,” “Pig In The Sea,” and “That’s How We Roll,” but that is exactly what has people running to Toro Sushi.
With fun names and even more fantastic quality, this restaurant easily earns its spot on the list.
Located in the Lincoln Park area near Lurie Children’s Hospital, Toro Sushi is one restaurant in a sea of dining options.
It is worth noting that they are a carry-out only restaurant but do provide delivery to nearby areas. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as carry-out bento boxes.
Arami
1829 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 243-1535
Visit Website
Not only does Arami offer delicious food, but they also have their own sake market where you can purchase sake, beer, and wine to pair with your meal.
The sake offerings come in different varieties and sizes but are limited in stock.
Therefore, it is essential to stop in often to check out the inventory!
Executive Chef Ismael L. Lopez serves authentic Japanese dishes, including popular menu items like sashimi and nigiri (especially the hamachi!) and the makimono.
Chef likes serving creative fare in addition to your traditional sushi rolls.
Lawrence Fish Market
3920 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: (773) 267-6838
Visit Website
The unique concept of the Lawrence Fish Market makes it a top choice for the best sushi Chicago offers.
With the sushi being directly imported from Japan, the chefs inspect each item that comes into the market.
From there, they offer a variety of menu items at affordable prices.
The Lawrence Fish Market is in between the neighborhoods of Mayfair and Kimball.
As a cash-only establishment, be prepared before you come, primarily due to the many food options at the market.
Between having more than 20 types of sushi rolls, and more than 15 sashimi, among others, you won’t leave empty-handed.
Sunda
110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 644-0500
Visit Website
In calling themselves “New Asian,” Sunda has created its own style and taste that is highly sought.
Asian fusion meals, sushi, and specialty cocktails meet Midwestern hospitality at this modern and classy restaurant.
Located in downtown Chicago in the River North area, Sunda is an easy walk from many downtown hotels and subway stops.
When planning your visit to Sunda, be sure to take advantage of “Yappy Hour,” a time in which customers can bring their pets along on their dining experience.
While you sip on sake and enjoy a spicy tuna sushi roll, your pet will get all the attention they desire from passersby.
Omakase Yume
651 W Washington Blvd Suite #101, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: (312) 265-1610
View Website
As another Michelin 2021 winner, Omakase Yume and Chef Sangtae Park offer incredible dishes that are unforgettable and one-of-a-kind.
It’s easily one of the top restaurants in the city.
Additionally, a unique feature of Omakase Yume is the use of the tasting table.
You can participate in a Chef’s Tasting with a reservation that incorporates 16 special and custom-created courses.
You will find Omakase Yume in between the Fulton Market and Greektown neighborhoods.
Because of the nature of the restaurant, the menu changes daily.
Additionally, the chef does not allow for any alterations or substitutions.
Sushi-San
63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 828-0575
Visit Website
Sushi-San makes it easy to get your nigiri and sashimi fix. With their array of dining options, including grab and go, you can enjoy sushi at any time of the day.
Additionally, their bar allows you to get creative cocktails to pair with your chosen entree.
Located in the heart of River North, Sushi-San is central to all the big shopping stores and subway system.
Additionally, they have a second location reserved for grab-and-go options at Willis Tower.
At times they offer contests for a chance to dine 99 floors above Chicago!
Sushi Suite 202
1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Visit Website
Have you ever been to a restaurant where you are the only guest, and the food is made specifically for you? That treatment is exactly what you get at Sushi Suite 202.
Once you book your reservation and arrive at the location, you are given a room key by the Lincoln Hotel concierge.
Once inside, you will have a small lobby set up as a living room.
Once your time starts, the Sushi Suite 202 master sushi chef will prepare a custom 17-course omakase meal over a span of one hour.
In the populated city of Chicago, this is an extremely rare opportunity to take part in, so don’t pass it up!
Mako
731 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: (312) 988-0687
Visit Website
As the sister restaurant to Juno Sushi, Mako shares the same passion in its menu.
Owned and operated by top chef B.K. Park, Mako takes the Omakase method into account, whereas Juno offers a traditional sit-down experience.
Unlike other Omakase restaurants where chefs create meals at dining, Mako publishes the meal courses in advance.
For those who don’t like to be surprised, Mako is a better Omakase option for you.
With a central Chicago location and top-notch chef, you will have a great meal when at Mako.
Raisu Japanese Fine Dining
2958 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 961-7299
Visit Website
When visiting the Irving Park neighborhood in Chicago, you want to carve out time to visit Raisu Sushi.
Offering both traditional dining and Omakase, you can choose to be surprised or order what is familiar to you.
Either way provides delectable entrees and appetizers to satisfy every taste bud.
In addition to the food choices, you can select from a wide variety of sake options. Some of those in stock are unable to be found in other places within the United States.
For dinner, choose between the signature nigiri, maki, and sashimi, as well as various soups and salads.
Roka Akor
456 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 477-7652
Visit Website
A unique part of Roka Akor, located in downtown Chicago, is its open-air outside dining.
Being that Chicago experiences all seasons, you won’t find this available to you in December.
However, for the warm weather months, it is an excellent option to take advantage of when you can.
Like several others in this list, you can choose between the traditional menu items or Omakase.
Although you cannot see the Omakase menu ahead of time, you can choose between two options, giving you a range of different ingredients.
Don’t forget to stop at the bar for a cocktail to complement your meal!
Chicago, or the Windy City as it is also known, is an area known for entertainment, culture, and fantastic food.
When searching for the best sushi, Chicago has many options to choose from.
Even if sushi isn’t your thing, there are many other restaurants you can check out. If you’re looking for a fun, boozy brunch, check out this article where we rank the top spots!
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
FAQ
Is Chicago known for sushi?
Yes, while not traditionally associated with sushi like coastal cities, Chicago has a vibrant sushi scene with a range of high-quality, innovative sushi restaurants.
What is the meaning of Omakase?
Omakase is a Japanese phrase that translates to “I’ll leave it up to you.” In sushi restaurants, it refers to a chef’s choice meal where the chef selects and presents a series of plates according to what is freshest and best available that day.
Why are sushi restaurants so expensive?
Sushi can be expensive due to several factors: the high cost of fresh, high-quality seafood, the specialized skills required to prepare it, and the traditional and labor-intensive process of sushi making. Moreover, sushi restaurants often import ingredients from Japan, which can add to the overall cost.
There’s a little gem off of McCormick, north of Lincoln Ave across from Home Depot called Sushi World. All you can eat and made to order. Nice size pieces (rolls are also included!!), super fresh and less expensive than everything on the list. May be on par with Lawrence Fish Market – depending on how much you order. For a group, prices and quantity (with quality) can’t be beat! Sunda is way overpriced – good service but not worth paying just to go see and be seen.
Aji Omakase is definitely a place coming up. Fish is fresh and the ambiance is definitely a good vibe and not so intimidating. Great date night spot and giving the lake view neighborhood a hidden gem for locals.
I’m so glad you included Sushi Zanmai in your list! It’s my favorite sushi restaurant in Chicago.