Sushi is no longer the exclusive food for health-conscious folks. It is no doubt very healthy. However, with so many expert chefs experimenting with rolls and cuts, dining out at sushi joints is more fun than ever. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best Sushi in Chicago to drop by, here’s a curated list of the top 16 sushi restaurants to check out today. Let’s roll.
Tanoshii Sushi Mike’s
“Best Off-menu Specialty Rolls”
If you’ve had the best omakase in Chicago outside of Tanoshii, think again. Tanoshii’s Sushi Mike is the king of omakase, if we may be so bold. His knack for rolling out off-menu culinary specialties is impressive.
But apart from his specialty rolls, Tanoshii also has a fantastic Uni or sea urchin. The quality of Uni is something that sushi critics base their ratings on any sushi restaurant. And Mike’s menu is a serious contender for the best Sushi in Chicago.
Another personal favorite is Maguro Sashimi. Resembling a floral art, this appetizer with tuna and avocado with a generous dose of truffle chive sauce is a definite standout. The salmon at Tanoshii is also among the best you will ever have in Chicago.
Expect the decor to be different from the food’s quality or aesthetic!
View this post on Instagram.
Lawrence Fish Market
“Top-Notch Sushi at Unbeatable Prices”
One of Chicago’s premier fish markets, Lawrence Fish Market, is also the most wallet-friendly. Here, you will find tasty sushi rolls to specialty rolls. Need to be in the mood for something fishy? Try the vegetable rolls that are quite unlike anything you will ever taste.
The maki trays that serve up to 128 pieces of rolls are not for the faint of heart. But it is a must-try if you are in a group or a party. You can, of course, go for the trays that serve 31 rolls if you have a modest appetite.
Much like us, if you like variety with your Sushi, there are plenty of dishes to try. The hot miso soup, mocha ice cream, and squid salad are delicious and will not hurt your purse.
Please take a look at this post on Instagram.
RAISU Japanese Fine Dining
“Best Signature Nigiri and Sashimi in Chicago”
Very rarely will you find top-notch nigiri or sashimi at reasonable prices. RAISU will prove otherwise. Their signature nigiri and sashimi with bespoke house toppings are worth every penny. It is a good thing since their menu is costly.
The Infernal Dragon Roll with real flames is an experience you will want to experience. Despite its obnoxious appearance, the fried salmon and cream cheese stuffed with jalapenos will excite your taste buds. The Jumbo Botan Ebi, the shrimp with honey, garlic, and mayonnaise, is flavorful and pretty.
Feel free to ask for the chef’s recommendations if you find the menu overwhelming. To the wise, come prepared to eat and pay more than you expect.
View this post on Instagram
Juno Sushi Chicago
“Great Food matched by Fantastic Service.”
If you eat a good amount of Sushi, you probably think nothing can surprise you anymore. Wrong. You can drop in at Juno, and you will understand what we mean.
The Juno King and Queen with spicy king crab nestled inside a tuna and crispy potato are the most attractive as it is delicious. Order the Smoked Hamachi for a rich experience as the staff smokes the dish before you.
At Juno, you will experience Japanese food at its finest. However, the portions are tiny and delicious all at once, so get ready to dig deep into your wallet.
View this post on Instagram
Toro Sushi
“Best Sushi Spot for Those on A Budget”
Toro Sushi is the place to be if you love Sushi but prefer to avoid paying a premium price at a top eatery. Their assortment of very high-quality Sushi will make you come back for more. The sushi rolls are as varied as it gets in addition to their great taste.
Some of Toro’s fancy names are Pig in the Sea, Oh My God, and That’s How We Roll. But they taste pretty fancy too, which makes the experience fantastic.
Remember to bring your beer or a drink of choice while eating at Toro. You can also expect a decent amount of crowd since a lot of college students frequent this place.
Kyōten
“Exclusive Omakase in A Luxurious Environment”
Kyōten is Chicago’s answer to NYC’s Nobu and other elite sushi restaurants. It means that both the food and the price are premium.
The 20 or so courses at Kyōten are decadent as they are attractive. The nigiri here is a specialty, but so is the uni risotto. The seasoned rice that accompanies almost every dish is also worth a mention.
A special shout-out is due for the ankimo – a monkfish liver with unagi sauce will give you a reason to return here. You will also love this exclusive omakase eatery’s gallery-like ambiance with tall ceilings.
Sushi Suite 202
“Intimate Dining with Japanese Flair”
Sushi Suite 202 is where you must be while looking for authentic Japanese cuisine. The 17-course omakase Sushi at $125 is an unforgettable gastronomical experience. The velvet furniture with jewel tones with warm wood complements the cocktail bar in this exclusive in-suite omakase restaurant.
The Hokkaido uni is prized, as it is unique. Another signature dish from the executive chef is the botan ebi. You can check out other succulent nigiri at this top-class restaurant. Unlike other restaurants, Sushi Suite 202 sources fish from sustainable harvests worldwide.
View this post on Instagram
Arama
“Perfect Place for A Date Night”
Let’s face it; first dates are not the most comfortable. And none of us would exhibit our robust appetite full-on while a potential lover is across the table.
Arami is the perfect eatery where the nigiri and sashimi are as good as possible. The menu at Arami could be more fancy, but the food is authentic. Ramen on the side is also a good choice, although it is a moderate ramen joint.
However, the portions at Arami are on the smaller side. Ordering a solid meal is always a good choice but expect to pay more too.
View this post on Instagram
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill
“Great Neighborhood Sushi Hangout with Friends”
Eating Sushi with chopsticks daintily dangling between your fingers is standard. But sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to go all out with a massive platter full of crazy-looking rolls. The gastronomic experience becomes even more fun if you have a couple of boisterous friends with a good appetite in the group.
The sushi rolls at Yuzu teeter on the edge of looking ridiculous. But the taste is fantastic, which makes up for all the rather obnoxious presentation. You must attend the Dragon Roll if you come here. It is a concoction of shrimp tempura, unagi, and avocado presented with a mayo-drawn dragon.
If you want a traditional sushi meal without your friends, you can still enjoy this place at a reasonable price.
View this post on Instagram
Roka Akor
“Fusion Dishes and Sushi With a Twist”
One of Chicago’s best sushi joints is in River North. Roka Akor is hip and happening, not just because of its location or the crowd. The menu here is an impossible mix of traditional Sushi and steaks, among others, and serves the best Sushi in Chicago.
The omakase is between $125 and $98, depending on your taste and wallet capacity. Apart from the traditional maki rolls to sashimi and other grilled food, the wagyu beef carpaccio is a standout.
Roka Akor has a good selection of desserts and cocktails. So irrespective of your taste in food or drink, Roka’s got your back.
View this post on Instagram
Kai Zan
“Most Affordable Omakase in Chicago”
Granted, omakase has become a massive part of most sushi joints. However, not all of these places are easy on the wallet. Kai Zan is an exception because the omakase experience is affordable without compromising taste.
Kai Zan makes our list of the best Sushi in Chicago for the complete experience of 10-course Sushi at $65. Along with the Sushi, you will be full eating an assortment of side dishes. Among them, the scallop shooter is an exceptional standout.
You can, of course, have a go at your choice of nigiri and sashimi from the a la carte menu. Remember to bring your bottle while heading to Kai Zan.
View this post on Instagram
Sushi-San
“Best Selection of Varieties of Sashimi and Nigiri”
Step into Sushi-San, and you will have a new perspective on the term variety. Megatron, in particular, has up to 24 varieties of nigiri and sashimi, which you don’t see on other menus.
This joint has a good selection of non-sushi bites. Among them, the octopus taco and pork Katsu are personal favorites. Despite the name, nigiri bombs and appetizers are also worth trying out.
Watch out for the poop emoji that points you to the bathroom. In this regard, you might avoid bringing a date or a potential business partner to Sushi-San.
View this post on Instagram
Momotaro
“Opulent Settings With the Most Extravagant Sushi Menu in Chicago”
Few sushi joints in Chicago can measure up to Momotaro, whether in size or extra. It includes three floors of dining space. However, the main dining room is for sushi lovers, and you will find some of the best Sushi in Chicago here.
You will find traditional sushi rolls, rice, noodles, and a wide selection of snacks on the menu. You will also find food from the coals to cold and hot ones. Choosing a meal at Momotaro on the first visit can be daunting. However, the staff is accommodating, so don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions.
Our favorites are Tsukune, Jidori chicken paired with ginger meatballs, and quail egg. Momotaro Tartare, a tartare-style steak with tomato, is also a must-try. The Yuzu Shittori Cake stands out in looks and tastes among the desserts.
View this post on Instagram
Omakase Yume
“Omakase With a Difference”
What’s special about Omakase Yume’s omakase? The food here redefines the definition of beautiful. Where else would you find a sliced squid that curls into a floral-like shape as it is torched? And that’s just one among the many examples.
Omakase Yume’s menu is predominantly nigiri. Nevertheless, madam, monkfish liver with ponzu sauce, and grilled black cod in miso soup are also very popular as they are delicious.
You get a good selection at Omakase Yume for dessert lovers. Green tea panna cotta or matcha panna cotta is a top seller and our favorite.
Wrapping up
For some years, Chicago was beaten by other places, such as New York and LA, for the sushi game. However, this has changed very drastically in the last couple of years. With so many sushi joints and restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking for a casual sushi lunch or a more elevated experience, this list of food joints that serve the best Sushi in Chicago has you covered.
