Sushi is no longer the exclusive food of choice of 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 now 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 think you’ve had the best omakase in Chicago outside of Tanoshii, you might want to 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, 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.
Just don’t expect the decor to match the food in terms of quality or aesthetic!
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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. Not in the mood for anything 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 out in a group or a party. You can, of course, go for the trays that serve 31 rolls if you have a modest appetite.
If you like variety with your Sushi, much like us, 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 one bit.
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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 isn’t cheap.
The Infernal Dragon Roll with real flames is an experience you won’t want to miss. Despite its obnoxious appearance, the fried salmon and cream cheese stuffed with jalapenos will excite your taste buds. The Jumbo Botan Ebi, which is shrimp with honey, garlic, and mayonnaise, is flavorful as it is pretty.
Feel free to ask for the chef’s recommendations if you find the menu overwhelming. A word to the wise, come prepared to eat and pay more than you expect.
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Juno Sushi Chicago
“Great Food matched by Fantastic Service.”
If you eat a good amount of Sushi, chances are, you probably think nothing can surprise you anymore. Wrong. 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 in front of 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.
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Toro Sushi
“Best Sushi Spot for Those on A Budget”
Toro sushi is the place to be if you love Sushi but don’t enjoy 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.
Pig in the Sea, Oh My God, and That’s How We Roll is some of Toro’s fancy names. But they taste pretty fancy too, which makes the experience fantastic.
Don’t forget 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.
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Macku Sushi
“Food Art and Creativity Redefined”
For those who appreciate art as much as their food, Macku Sushi beckons to you. The elaborate embellishments with onion slices, truffle oil, tomato-mushroom puree, and fried garlic look almost too good to eat.
However, you can also choose the less extravagant looking dishes that are also very flavorful.
Some dishes at Macku and their prices can be a bit confusing at first. A miso soup at $6 is enough for two to share. On the other hand, a dish of tiny, crispy river crabs at $10 is only a mouthful or two.
Nevertheless, if you love beautifully arranged food that also tastes good, Macku Sushi will not disappoint you and readily serves some of the best Sushi in Chicago.
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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.
That being said, the 20 or so courses at Kyōten are decadent as they are attractive. The nigiri here are a specialty but so are 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 is something that will give you a reason to come back here. You will also love the gallery-like ambiance with tall ceilings at this exclusive omakase eatery.
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Sushi Suite 202
“Intimate Dining with Japanese Flair”
Sushi Suite 202 is where you need to 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. Feel free to check out other succulent nigiri at this top-class restaurant. Unlike other restaurants, Sushi Suite 202 sources its fishes from sustainable harvests all over the world.
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Arami
“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 it gets. The menu at Arami is far from fancy, but the food is authentic. Ramen on the side is also a good choice, although it is not a strict 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.
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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 cannot miss the Dragon Roll if you come here. It is a concoction of shrimp tempura, unagi, and avocado presented with a mayo-drawn dragon.
If, however, you want a traditional sushi meal without your friends, you can still enjoy this place at a reasonable price.
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Omakase Takeya
“Best For Those Looking For a Quite Meal”
We say meal, simply because you cannot exit Omakase Takeya without a full belly. The food here is that good. You will be equally blown away by the chef’s skill as well as the delicious food he prepares for you.
Of special mentions are cold-smoked salmon, kindemai, and a miso black bass. You will also love the chawanmushi, which is unique with its silky taste. You can also check out the cocktails as you watch the chef deftly cutting and slicing the fish.
Omakase Takeya lies in a basement of some sort, which is perfect for those looking to eat without any distraction – including a cell phone, as there is no service.
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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, and it is 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 here is a choice 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.
Also, Roka Akor has a good selection of desserts and cocktails. So irrespective of your taste in food or drink, Roka’s got your back.
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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 the taste at all.
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 a la carte menu. Don’t forget to bring your bottle while heading to Kai Zan.
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Sushi-San
“Best Selection of Varieties of Sashimi and Nigiri”
Step into Sushi-San, and you will have a whole new perspective on the term variety. Megatron, in particular, has up to 24 varieties of nigiri and sashimi, which is something you don’t see on other menus.
Also, this joint has a good selection of non-sushi bites. Among them, the octopus taco and pork Katsu are a personal favorite. Despite the name, nigiri bombs, which are appetizers, are also worth trying out.
Watch out for the poop emoji that points you to the bathroom. In this regard, you might not want to bring a date or a potential business partner to Sushi-San.
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Momotaro
“Opulent Settings With the Most Extravagant Sushi Menu in Chicago”
Few sushi joints in Chicago can measure up to Momotaro, whether in terms of 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 to rice, noodles, and a wide selection of snacks on the menu. You will also find food straight from the coals to cold and hot ones. It can be daunting to choose a proper meal at Momotaro within the first visits. However, the staff is accommodating, so don’t shy away from asking suggestions.
Our personal favorites are Tsukune which is Jidori chicken paired with ginger meatballs and quail egg. Momotaro Tartare, a tartare-style steak with tomato, is also a must-try. Among the sea of desserts, the Yuzu Shittori Cake is a definite standout both in looks and in taste.
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Omakase Yume
“Omakase With a Difference”
What’s so 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, madai, monkfish liver with ponzu sauce, and grilled black cod in miso soup are also very popular as they are delicious.
For dessert lovers, you get a good selection at Omakase Yume. Green tea panna cotta or matcha panna cotta is a top seller and our favorite as well.
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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.
