SUMI Robata BarUnique dining experienceWe were delighted that Chicago magazine brought Sumi Robata to our attention. Unique tastes from the Robata grill are matched by a orderly dining room. We enjoyed each dish and felt the price ($125 for appetizers, two rounds of drinks and main course for two) was good value.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMMy new favorite restaurantThe food at Sumi is amazing. You cannot know what you're in for by the simple menu descriptions. So delicate and smart. Anything with their house made tofu will blow your mind. Every dish became our favorite. The staff is friendly and enthusiastic. Great spot. Can't say enough.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMA MUSTEverything is FANTASTIC. If you like food you HAVE to go to SUMI.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMSumi Robata exceeded our expectatioSumi Robata exceeded our expectations based on the quality of the food and we had great seats at the "grill bar" (kind of like a sushi bar only you watch them cooking everything). We felt fortunate to be sitting at the bar (glass between cooking and eating) because in the back at the tables was nothing special. Even super noisy back there. The service was wonderful and very attentive. Other reviews complained about the portions and I would absolutely agree. Too many of the plates were one skewer rather than two and we had to cut small portions in two in order to taste everything. Overall we were very glad we kept our plans to go there because the food and service were terrific.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMA true Gem not to be missedTook rec from a friend, never looked back: Service was attentive, informative and knowledgable. Food, inventive, beautiful presentation, flavorful with right amount of seasoning. Each dish w/ components perfectly complimented but never overpowering. Dishes not to be missed, Saba (Japanese Mackerel), Gobo, Onsen Tomago, Ramps, Sea Bass and Pork Jowl, wish I was able to eat more. Dessert, O.K., I come from a pastry background, the Donut was very nice, but the Tofu Panna Cotta w/ Yuzu Curd and Candied Soy Bean was heaven. We were invited to enjoy the Charcoal Bar and were greeted by Choo and his apprentice. Both knowledgeable and inventive bar tenders. Strawberry Gazpacho, a Ginger drink all amazing. I love this place, will be back!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMThe mackerel sashimi, theThe mackerel sashimi, the grilled mochi, the grilled duck, and the grill scallops tasted out of this world. So did the chocolate donut with green tea dipping sauce for desert. Service was top-notch. Terrific place with low-key atmosphere. I hugely appreciate it when I can enjoy a conversation over dinner (and not compete with a booming stereo).4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMSucculent hypnosisDon't go, ignore the stars. Go to Boarding House down the street instead. I want this gem to myself.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMSumi Robata has many smallSumi Robata has many small plate options with a few bites per plate; it's perfect to go with a group and try everything on the menu! The green tea mousse served with the doughnut dessert was delicious!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMI had a dream about goingI had a dream about going back the day I went. Excited to return and try other menu items. I just kept wanting to order more.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMStepping into Sumi, I realizedStepping into Sumi, I realized that this was going to be a unique experience. I could see the chef manning the robata grill and attentively grilling skewered portions of meat and vegetables. The decor is modernist minimalism, classy, and pleasant. Our server was beyond awesome, and helped guide us through the exciting menu. Service was well-paced, and we never felt rushed or overwhelmed by the cadence of dishes we ordered. The flavors were beyond amazing. Simple, honest, and awesome. We will return many, many times.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOur new favorite place toOur new favorite place to bring friends. GREAT JOB.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent spot. Cozy and intimate,Excellent spot. Cozy and intimate, good music, yummy cocktails. We'll be back!3/19/2013 12:00:00 AM