Discover the Best Sushi in Chicago

Chicago has long been a bastion of culinary diversity. From Greektown gyro joints to Little Village taquerias, there are countless places to sample cuisine from all corners of the globe. It's no surprise, then, that the best sushi in Chicago is among some of the best sushi anywhere—a particularly impressive feat for a land-locked city. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. We highly recommend eating and drinking at some of the following restaurants to discover how the Windy City does sushi.

The OpenTable Team

13 Restaurants

Updated February 12, 2020

Restaurants:	SUSHI-SAN, The Izakaya at Momotaro, Kamehachi of Tokyo - Wells Street…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Japanese, Sushi…
Neighborhoods:	Chicago, West Loop, Old Town…

SUSHI-SAN

$$$$

Japanese

Chicago

4.7

794 reviews

Slogans like "hip hop and hand rolls" and "fresh fish with fresher beats" signal Sushi-san's hip, high-volume, clubby vibe (booths at the back are quieter). As a venue that's open late and specializes in cocktails and izakaya-inspired bar snacks, Sushi-san emphasizes its cool and casual side. Yet there's no doubt that Chef Kaze Chan's top-quality sushi steals the glory, elevating the restaurant to one of the best sushi spots in Chicago. The menu includes both traditional and modern sushi, with an omakase option promising the seasonal best. Other enticements for sushi lovers include a dedicated hand roll bar and thoughtfully arranged San-Sets ideal for sharing.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Izakaya at Momotaro

$$$$

Japanese

West Loop

4.8

566 reviews

Momotaro, an acclaimed high-end Japanese restaurant in the Fulton Market District, has a solid claim to presenting some of the best sushi in Chicago. Diners looking for a more casual version of the restaurant's thoughtful, elegant culinary offerings can head downstairs to The Izakaya at Momotaro, a bar within the larger venue that takes its inspiration from a post-war Tokyo speakeasy. The Izakaya's menu reflects its fun vibe, offering playful small plates and snacks along with a handful of maki. Sushi lovers who want to sample Momotaro's top-notch nigiri, sashimi, makimono, and more, but enjoy the laid-back vibe of The Izakaya, are happy to find the full upstairs menu is available in the bar as well.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Kamehachi of Tokyo - Wells Street

$$$$

Sushi

Old Town

4.8

932 reviews

Kamehachi of Tokyo, in Old Town on Wells Street, was founded in 1967 and has a solid claim to being the first sushi restaurant in Chicago. It has since spawned four other Chicago locations. A menu dominated by classics fits the restaurant's heritage, as does its throwback signature "sushi boat" presentation of selected sashimi and maki for six to 20 people. Kamehachi has expanded its offerings to include grilled seafood and steak entrees, salads, noodle dishes, and more. Its sushi lists, in particular the array of rolls, are comprehensive and creative, and include numerous vegetarian options.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Friends Sushi on Rush

$$$$

Sushi

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.7

631 reviews

With its all-white, retro-futuristic decor and reasonable prices, Friends Sushi encourages diners to enjoy sushi at any time, not just for special occasions. Yet the quality of fish, flown in daily from international sources, is worthy of special meals too. Sushi lovers aiming to sample a range of the raw and cooked selections can opt for seven- to 15-piece combo plates, donburi, and chirashi. Testament to Friends Sushi's popularity, it's launched a second location (Friends Sushi on State) as well as Enso Sushi and Friends Ramen.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Agami Contemporary Sushi

$$$$

Sushi

Uptown

4.2

344 reviews

Agami Contemporary Sushi, an eclectic venue in Uptown, specializes in creative cocktails and rolls. It also offers tempting small plates like miso pork belly buns, oyster and uni shooters, and spicy kimchee ramen to complement its dozens of rolls and comprehensive nigiri and sashimi selections. The menu includes sushi entrees, which are chef's choice selections of five to 15 pieces of nigiri or sashimi, plus miso soup or salad. Among the interesting signature rolls is a tribute to the Chicago Bulls, with spicy blue crab, baked scallops, grilled tiger shrimp in a spicy garlic sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo, golden aioli, and unagi sauce. Martinis are also a specialty.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ron of Japan Steakhouse - Northbrook

$$$$

Japanese

Northbrook

4.2

1345 reviews

The main focus of Ron of Japan Steakhouse is top-quality steaks and seafood prepared teppan-style at the table-side by showman-like chefs. Entree options include steaks, chicken, and shrimp, and upgraded versions with lobster tail, prime steaks, and the catch of the day. However ,the restaurant also offers a great sushi selection that includes sashimi and nigiri classics and around 20 different rolls. The fun, interactive element of the dining experience makes the restaurant in Northbrook (and a second Ron of Japan Steakhouse in Chicago) an ideal venue for family and group dinners and special occasions.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Roka Akor - Chicago

$$$$

Steakhouse

River North (Chicago)

4.7

3636 reviews

The Chicago location of an award-winning national chain, Roka Akor offers top-quality sushi and steaks in a luxe setting. Beautiful presentation and fresh ingredients—among them seasonal uni, fatty blue fin, and Alaskan king crab—are signatures of the Roka Akor brand. The menus lean toward Asian fusion, but feature some traditional Japanese items and classic American versions of sushi, including an always-popular California roll. The most decadent option for diners who want to focus on sushi is an omakase experience, which includes maki rolls, grilled seafood, and some wagyu beef items, as well as the chef's selection of sashimi.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar

$$$$

Sushi

River North (Chicago)

4.8

2136 reviews

In the River North neighborhood, Union Sushi + Barbecue Bar offers a fun, inventive menu of Japanese fare with an American spin. Bold flavors and unexpected ingredient combinations are a signature in the sushi offerings, as well as items from the 600-degree robata grill, a centerpiece of the boldly decorated dining room. Unexpected barbecue options include alligator rib with sweet potato mash and tempura watercress, and the sushi section of the menu features black rice rolls and rolls wrapped with collard greens or cucumber. Happy hour is especially popular too.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Juno

$$$$

Japanese

Lincoln Park

4.6

1278 reviews

High-end, artistic presentations of what's certainly among the best sushi in Chicago defines the dining experience at Juno in Lincoln Park. Chef BK Park's legendary omakase menu requires 24-hour advanced notice, the reward for such preparation being 18 pieces of pristine sashimi presented in the manner of beautiful art. TimeOut Chicago calls the experience "a steal" that more than justifies its lofty price. Highlights among a la carte options include smoked hamachi, dramatically revealed to diners from under a glass dome, and a spicy tuna roll that proves to be anything but basic with its kick of fiery chili oil and sriracha. Another signature is the tako maguro with spicy tuna and octopus.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Nabuki

$$$$

Japanese

Hinsdale

4.8

1283 reviews

Quality nigiri, sashimi, and maki selections are joined by an array of appetizers and hot entrees at Nabuki, a Hinsdale eatery known for its Latin-influenced take on Japanese cuisine. Chef Juan Perez brings his Mexican and Californian background to the sushi counter, the result being special rolls like the Piccadilly with lobster tempura, scallions, radish sprouts, and avocado inside soybean paper, and That's How We Roll with cilantro, avocado, and a touch of lime spiking spicy tuna and black tobiko. Diners at Nabuki discover how serrano pepper, mango, and pumpkin seeds can play nicely with traditional Japanese seasonings like togarashi, ponzu, and unagi sauce.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tanoshii - West Loop

$$$$

Japanese

West Loop

4.9

681 reviews

Chef Mike Ham, a.k.a. "Sushi Mike," is something of a legend in the Chicago sushi scene. The West Loop Tanoshii is the second location, established following the success of the original in Andersonville. Mike is known for his masterful, minimalist preparations of perfectly fresh fish for classic nigiri and sashimi, yet has also won fans with non-traditional maki creations. The menu is varied but restrained, offering a handful of soups, salads, small bites, and full entrees, keeping the real focus firmly on the sushi. Bento box and sushi specials for lunch offer a taste of Sushi Mike's skill for a bargain price.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Komorebi

$$$$

Sushi

Bucktown / Wicker Park

4.9

188 reviews

Exposed brick and warm lighting give Komorebi in Wicker Park an inviting vibe, and an emphasis on excellent sushi for an affordable price makes the restaurant even more enticing. Chefs Joon Kim and Eric Song, both veterans of top Chicago sushi restaurants, have created a substantial array of signature rolls, which share the menu with popular classics. Some of the former feature unexpected ingredients like mozzarella cheese baked to oozy perfection along with tempura shrimp, avocado, and crunchy cucumber in the Cruncheese roll, and mango, chili paste, and honey miso that give an exotic sweetness to the tuna and avocado in the Meguan roll. Vegetarians are happy to discover over a dozen vegetable-centric rolls created with as much attention to detail as any seafood offering.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Arami

$$$$

Japanese

Bucktown / Wicker Park

4.7

898 reviews

Always a contender for the top sushi spot in the city, Arami consistently presents what's surely among the best sushi in Chicago. Chef Nelson Vinansaca has garnered acclaim for his simultaneously authentic and creative offerings, such as a toro tartare with Asian pear, chive, and caviar, and the freshest imaginable yellowtail drizzled in truffle oil. Purists might treat themselves to the omakase experience. Others are tempted to save some room for non-sushi items like Japanese sweet potato fries seasoned with furikake, Korean chili, parmesan, and nori, or skewers from the robata grill.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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