:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70096922/sushicollage.0.0.0.0.jpg)
Despite being in the middle of the country, Chicago's sushi spots rival the best in the country. The efforts from the city's talented chefs can convince even the most sushi-averse eaters to give it a shot. Whether you're looking to spend big or just have a cheap night out, here's a few new and old spots that will satisfy.
Read MoreBoka Group’s shiny new Japanese behemoth features just about everything imaginable from an izakaya bar and robata grill to a sushi bar. The talented and experienced chef Jeff Ramsey is in charge of the sushi bites and he delivers with an astonishing array of nigiri, sashimi and maki. The FU roll will set you back a pretty penny but is packed with toro, king crab, uni and wagyu beef for one of the most decadent rolls you’ll ever taste.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62435881/momotaro.0.0.0.jpg)
It’s arguably Chicago’s best sushi restaurant and it’s easy to miss tucked away in West Rogers Park, but you’d be remiss to do so. The menu features the freshest selection of fish around in rolls such as the katsu maki (tuna, yellowtail, masago, king crab, avocado and cucumber), and those looking for the finest experience should put their faith in the chefs and splurge on the nigiri omakase.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62435882/katsu.0.0.0.jpg)
The proclaimed “sushi twins” Melvin and Carlo Vizconde put their spin on Japanese using both modern and traditional cooking techniques. Diners rave about the Orange Rush rolls (sushi scallops wrapped in salmon, seared with a citrus glaze) while the signature premium omakase menu focuses on carefully selected non-traditional ingredients and puts you in good hands.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62435883/kai_zan.0.0.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
Despite a fire knocking the restaurant out of commission for more than 8 months, Juno is back and as good as ever. B.K. Park has made a name for himself as one of the most talented sushi chefs in town and he puts those skills on display with a fine assortment of nigiri, sashimi and maki. The signature smoked sashimi is not to be missed—served under a smoky glass dome—as it’s a real table-pleaser. Or let chef Park create your dining experience by trying the omakase menu.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62435884/juno.0.0.0.jpeg)
The revamped and overhauled Japonais by Morimoto offers plenty of new dishes such as a tuna “pizza” and hamachi tacos but the real prize is in the fresh fish that make up the sashimi and maki rolls. If you can afford to go big, order the toro fatty tuna and let it melt in your mouth for a heavenly experience.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62435885/japonais.0.0.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
One of the city’s most heralded sushi spots, Arami continues to impress with its quality selection of fresh fish and bites like the hamachi truffle sashimi (yellowtail, mushroom, truffle oil). You’ll also want to start with an uni shooter, a flavorful explosion of sea urchin, wasabi tobiko, diced cucumber, ohba and housemade soy sauce.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62435886/arami.0.0.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
Lincoln Park’s most popular sushi joint packs the house every night with an affordable menu of quality sushi. There’s just about every conceivable combination of maki rolls available but make sure to show up early or you’ll be waiting as the lines are long and the restaurant is small. Though the BYOB policy will help ease the pain of waiting just a little bit.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62435887/toro.0.0.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
Sushi on a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for substandard seafood. A case in point is Lawrence Fish Market, a market that also serves as a takeout sushi spot. Prices are undeniably cheap, the fish is super fresh and you’ll eat like a king for half the cost of other places. It’s one of the best values in town.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62435888/lawrence.0.0.0.jpg)
The Andersonville favorite opened a new West Loop location this year that’s dishing out the same beloved dishes like the “Fish & Chips,” a tuna tartare with avocado, pico de gallo and tobiko served with pita chips. Or let Sushi Mike do his thing and try to impress you with his specialty omakase rolls, customized based on personal preferences. It’s perfect for those who know what they like but want something new.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62435889/tanoshii.0.0.0.jpg)
It’s always a full house at Coast (and its South Loop, non-BYO sibling, South Coast) as diners can’t get enough of the sashimi, nigiri and signature maki rolls. The creations include everything from Smoking Pumpkin (Japanese pumpkin tempura topped with seared smoked salmon, mayo and masago) to a Maine roll (cooked lobster in ginger mayo with scallion, salmon roe and cucumber on top). It’s not the most authentic sushi spot in town, but it’s delicious enough that you won’t care. Vegetarians also have plenty of options as the vegetable maki selection has enough to satisfy everyone.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62435890/coast.0.0.0.jpeg)
Boka Group’s shiny new Japanese behemoth features just about everything imaginable from an izakaya bar and robata grill to a sushi bar. The talented and experienced chef Jeff Ramsey is in charge of the sushi bites and he delivers with an astonishing array of nigiri, sashimi and maki. The FU roll will set you back a pretty penny but is packed with toro, king crab, uni and wagyu beef for one of the most decadent rolls you’ll ever taste.
It’s arguably Chicago’s best sushi restaurant and it’s easy to miss tucked away in West Rogers Park, but you’d be remiss to do so. The menu features the freshest selection of fish around in rolls such as the katsu maki (tuna, yellowtail, masago, king crab, avocado and cucumber), and those looking for the finest experience should put their faith in the chefs and splurge on the nigiri omakase.
The proclaimed “sushi twins” Melvin and Carlo Vizconde put their spin on Japanese using both modern and traditional cooking techniques. Diners rave about the Orange Rush rolls (sushi scallops wrapped in salmon, seared with a citrus glaze) while the signature premium omakase menu focuses on carefully selected non-traditional ingredients and puts you in good hands.
Despite a fire knocking the restaurant out of commission for more than 8 months, Juno is back and as good as ever. B.K. Park has made a name for himself as one of the most talented sushi chefs in town and he puts those skills on display with a fine assortment of nigiri, sashimi and maki. The signature smoked sashimi is not to be missed—served under a smoky glass dome—as it’s a real table-pleaser. Or let chef Park create your dining experience by trying the omakase menu.
The revamped and overhauled Japonais by Morimoto offers plenty of new dishes such as a tuna “pizza” and hamachi tacos but the real prize is in the fresh fish that make up the sashimi and maki rolls. If you can afford to go big, order the toro fatty tuna and let it melt in your mouth for a heavenly experience.
One of the city’s most heralded sushi spots, Arami continues to impress with its quality selection of fresh fish and bites like the hamachi truffle sashimi (yellowtail, mushroom, truffle oil). You’ll also want to start with an uni shooter, a flavorful explosion of sea urchin, wasabi tobiko, diced cucumber, ohba and housemade soy sauce.
Lincoln Park’s most popular sushi joint packs the house every night with an affordable menu of quality sushi. There’s just about every conceivable combination of maki rolls available but make sure to show up early or you’ll be waiting as the lines are long and the restaurant is small. Though the BYOB policy will help ease the pain of waiting just a little bit.
Sushi on a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for substandard seafood. A case in point is Lawrence Fish Market, a market that also serves as a takeout sushi spot. Prices are undeniably cheap, the fish is super fresh and you’ll eat like a king for half the cost of other places. It’s one of the best values in town.
The Andersonville favorite opened a new West Loop location this year that’s dishing out the same beloved dishes like the “Fish & Chips,” a tuna tartare with avocado, pico de gallo and tobiko served with pita chips. Or let Sushi Mike do his thing and try to impress you with his specialty omakase rolls, customized based on personal preferences. It’s perfect for those who know what they like but want something new.
It’s always a full house at Coast (and its South Loop, non-BYO sibling, South Coast) as diners can’t get enough of the sashimi, nigiri and signature maki rolls. The creations include everything from Smoking Pumpkin (Japanese pumpkin tempura topped with seared smoked salmon, mayo and masago) to a Maine roll (cooked lobster in ginger mayo with scallion, salmon roe and cucumber on top). It’s not the most authentic sushi spot in town, but it’s delicious enough that you won’t care. Vegetarians also have plenty of options as the vegetable maki selection has enough to satisfy everyone.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71358165/jimmys_18_51952474854_o.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59011479/53100103086_96d12499e1_h.27.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57604345/Pilsen_Yards_x_Faze_Oct_2020_40.7.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72524485/Corner_Room_1___credit_Victoria_Gough.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64782828/51970649692_bd3b632b42_o.42.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70096888/eater38newlogo.0.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70096592/Eater38-logo.0.0.0.jpg){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64921543/vajra.7.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70097031/momotaro_main.0.0.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59664711/38369493726_56ffd01390_o.6.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62807230/52616611848_8478308628_h.41.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65693430/11796307_10154088895638858_2468717646864022289_n.0.0.0.0.png)
Loading comments...