28 Best Japanese Restaurants in Chicago

“"This is my new favorite thing." -Dr. A. Haller“

“I really enjoy with with Matcha drink tonight“

“loved the cozy atmosphere of this place. went with a friend on a saturday night (with a reservation) and they told us service would be slow because they were understaffed - it was not slow at all

we tried:
• lychee please cocktail
• toro tartare
• chicken karaage
• shio pork belly
• tako nuta
• takoyaki
• hamachi nigiri
• sake nigiri

toro tartare and shio pork belly were definitely the stars. toro tartare was delicious, and it had a perfectly soft & buttery texture. shio pork belly was juicy and flavorful with a tasty sauce drizzled on it

the chicken karaage and nigiri pieces were dishes that i could tell were quality, but not necessarily for me. the ginger flavor in the chicken karaage was too strong for my liking, and the nigiri pieces had strong wasabi flavor, which i don’t personally like

overall a very pleasant dining experience that i would definitely recommend“

“Amazing sushi... unique offerings, and ultra delicious. i seriously think about my next visit waaaay too much...“

“This place is the perfect dining experience in my opinion. It's casual, yet intimate, and the atmosphere is chill hip hop. I got the Beef Bulgogi and the KFC and I am at odds with myself in choosing a winner between the two. I am 100% coming back to try the Tomago and Tonkatsu! The pièce de résistance was the Ube and strawberry dessert sandwich, it blew me away. However, what made this a 5 star experience in earnest was our server Calvin, he gave us so much knowledge and made us feel very comfy and welcome ? he is a G and I look forward to coming back to tell him how I feel about the rest of the menu!!!“

“Wonderful service and excellent rolls!! Overall great experience“

“Tucked away in Lincoln Park, Kyoku Sushi offers a delightful and multifaceted dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned sushi veteran or a curious newcomer, Kyoku has something to satisfy your cravings.

Kyoku prioritizes using the freshest, seasonal ingredients. This dedication to quality shows in every bite, from the melt-in-your-mouth sashimi to the perfectly seasoned sushi rice.

Omakase or A La Carte? You Decide: Kyoku caters to both omakase enthusiasts and those who prefer to choose their own culinary adventure.

The Omakase Experience: For a curated exploration of Kyoku's finest offerings, their omakase is a fantastic option. Be prepared to be surprised and delighted by the chef's selection of seasonal ingredients.
A La Carte Freedom: The menu boasts a wide selection of nigiri, sashimi, maki rolls, and chef's specials. This allows you to create your own personalized sushi feast. Don't miss their signature lobster roll, a decadent and delicious crowd-pleaser.

While sushi is the star, Kyoku offers a few cooked dishes like their savory egg custard, a delightful complement to the raw fish.

The restaurant itself exudes a warm and inviting ambiance. The friendly staff is knowledgeable and attentive, making you feel right at home“

“wagyu was such a fun experience! we went for our annual girls trip and Simon took such great care of us. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Foods are outstanding and delicious Friendly staffs and great service“

“Best Japanese food in Chicago“

“Quick friendly greeting and seating on a cold, wintery evening. The place was busy but the service was prompt and accurate. Excellent quality food and large portions. And you'll probably never be short of soy sauce per your taste.“

“We enjoyed everything whatever we ordered“

“Had an amazing omakase experience with Chef Poom and Jane!

The food was incredibly fresh, and each dish was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. The attention to detail and presentation made it unforgettable. Highly recommend for anyone who loves quality sushi!“

“Wow, amazing lunch, just amazing!❤️😃“

“Amazing freshest sushi , best in the town , great service , and nice ambiance.“

“We had a fabulous dinner last night at Chicago Kalbi with Cummins Peru, Komat'su, and the VPs from Antimina copper mine.

Such a great place, where you cook the wagyu & kobe beef at your table. The food was delicious ?

Isao Tozuka, the chef and his wife Chiyo-san, are fabulous hosts, very friendly, and really happy to help and show you how things are do e.

I would definitely recommend coming here. It's a unique place. Make sure you book though ad it can be busy.“

“Upscale, elegant atmosphere. Outstanding cocktails.“

“Delicious food and fabulous service!“

“Awesome place for Karaoke Bar Nice rooms music choices and a party atmosphere“

“Ora is a fantastic sushi restaurant with FRESH fish and excellent service. Definitely a go to for date night.“

“Everything I had was was delicious. I was not wowed by anything, but definitely satisfied with my meal. I'd love to return to try more items, and of course eat on the first floor.

During tanoshi hour, we had the lychee/elderflower martini and the market margarita. Oh bothhhhh of these were so good. 10/10. I'd order either of those again without question. For food we had the crispy okra, oyster trio, karaage chicken, and yellowtail jalapeño roll. All very good! The chicken was probably my favorite. Not the best karaage ever, but very tasty.

There are better (cheaper) options for HH in Chicago, but this was definitely a nice way to sample some of NOBU's dishes without breaking the bank and enjoy the city views. It wouldn't be my first pick for HH, but I'd certainly go back and try more dishes.“

“I called ahead on a Tuesday for their dinner reservations, we were told they weren't busy that night so we went ahead and made the one hour drive just for their sushi and their great reviews. We had the best experience and their sushi was truly top notch. We basically ordered everything on the menu from sushi, caviar to desserts and drinks. they did not disappoint, customer service was superb. The owner even came outside to attend us, he showed up with his own bottle of sake. I truly appreciate the great experience we had at this beautiful and clean restaurant. I have nothing bad to say, the food was high quality and extremely delicious. I definitely recommend this location, even if you have kids which I did. We left so happy and satisfied, loved it.“

“Some of the best sushi my girlfriend and I have had in Chicago. Never had a bad meal!“

“Poke Poké is the perfect spot if you're craving a fresh, customizable bowl. I went in and built my own poke bowl with tuna, avocado, and spicy mayo, and it hit the spot. The fish was super fresh, and they load you up with toppings—no skimping here! The place has a cool, modern vibe, and the staff is chill and helpful if you need suggestions. I spent around $14 for my bowl, which was totally worth it for the quality and portion size. If you're in the area and want something healthy but tasty, this place is a must-try.“

“First time visiting Chicago and I went here after seeing it on social media. This place did not disappoint! Food was delicious and flavorful. I had the beef soup less Ramen and it was delicious!!!! ? the servers were friendly and attentive I’ll definitely return if I’m ever in the city again.“

“Our waiter Kong was so attentive and very helpful with choices from the menu since this was our first time eating at this restaurant. The sushi was amazing! We had the Crab Wontons, Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, the Lobster fried rice, Rock N Roll, Spice Girl, and the Spicy Cowboy rolls. The atmosphere, staff, and food will definitely have us coming back when we are in town!“

“California man says Yes, and highly recommend here“

“30 years I’ve been going to Sai Cafe. Quality has never changed. Always the best.“