New Sushi & Robata Restaurant Open in Wicker Park

From Roka Akor to Sumi Robata Bar, the robata trend has blown up in River North and is quickly making its way across the city. Uni, which quietly opened last Friday, has taken over the old El Rincon Azteca space at 1752 W. North Ave, joining Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill in bringing this traditional Japanese fare to the Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village neighborhoods.

On the grill you can choose anything from beef tongue to sea snails but, like the name would suggest, the menu also has plenty of uni dishes including uni shooters, D.I.Y. uni toro, and even an uni/quail egg ice cream for dessert. When chef Choong J. left his post at Ukai in Lakeview, he brought a few of his signature maki rolls with him, but if you're not in the mood for sushi, try a donburi or noodle dish, like the sukiyaki or the pork belly ramen.

Uni is now open for lunch and dinner seven days a week (11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on weekends). The intimate space seats only 32 and is BYOB.
Eater Chicago intern Daniella Caruso contributed to this story.