Reservations Open Tomorrow for a Highly Anticipated West Loop Omakase Restaurant

While friends and family is already underway, according to Tock, Mako—lauded Chicago sushi chef B.K. Park’s hotly anticipated Japanese engagement—opens to the public tomorrow on the lower level of the Parker luxury apartment building in the West Loop. Named after the world’s fastest-swimming species of shark, Mako will offer an omakase (chef’s choice) menu of up to 25 courses for $175, with an optional $85 wine pairing.

Though Park had initially planned to open in November, then December, the team ran into some opening hiccups. And while Mako may be a bit behind schedule, the eatery is precisely on time for Chicago’s current sushi revolution, thanks to other recent quality-minded additions like Yume and Kyōten.

Over the last six years, Park has made a name for himself in Lincoln Park, serving sterling seafood over seasoned rice, along with a bevy of cooked Japanese dishes, at his contemporary sushi den Juno—Chicago’s longtime top choice for both omakase sushi and à la carte nigiri and maki rolls. The biggest change at Mako is that Park will only offer a single, seasonally-changing menu, and the chef says that he’ll incorporate more luxury ingredients. So, don’t be surprised to find bites garnished with caviar and gold flakes, in tandem with more classic nigiri, like shima aji (horsemackerel) with chive, and nori-wrapped uni. Also, expect cooked fish-focused dishes interspersed throughout the meal.

In addition to Mako’s beverage pairing option—a mix of grape wine and sake—Mako will build three seasonal cocktails over crystal clear ice designed by local craft ice producer, Just Ice, Inc.

Mako offers dinner Tuesday through Sunday night to 22 diners. For a view of the action, book one of the restaurant’s 12 counter seats.