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Yugen, Chicago, IL

Yugen

4.8
4.8
152 Reviews
$50 and over
Japanese Speciality
The word Yugen represents a concept in the Japanese language, meaning the power to conjure indescribable appreciation for the simplicity of beauty. Yugen is a modern-day fine dining restaurant. Led by Chef Mari Katsumura, the menu features Contemporary Japanese cuisine showcasing a balance of ingredients in their simplest form. The idea carries over to ambiance and service, presenting a poised equilibrium of all aspects - food, design, and hospitality.

Spring 2021 Menu: $215 per guest
Optional beverage pairing for $175
N/A pairing for $105

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    Japanese Speciality, Japanese, Contemporary French / American

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (312) 265-1008

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Mari Katsumura

  • Private party facilities

    The private dining room at Yugen provides the perfect ambiance for an exclusive dining experience. Offering elements of comfort and seclusion, the space seats up to 10. Please contact us at yugeninformation@gmail.com with further inquiries.

  • Neighborhood

    West Loop

  • Cross street

    Randolph and Des Plains

  • Parking details

    Complimentary Yugen Parking Signs are located at the front of the restaurant. Guests are able to park between those two signs, free of charge. It is noted as a loading zone, however Yugen owns the rights to those spots. Yugen is not responsible for parking tickets/violations.

  • Public transit

    Clinton Green & Pink Line

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 152 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.8
4.8 based on all time ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseQuiet

Sort by

  1. nickname

    Chicago

    112 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    112 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A unique culinary adventure -- highly recommended.

    YugenResponded on May 17, 2021Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I had a delightful experience at Yugen. We were celebrating his birthday and all the staff truly made it feel special. They give him a birthday card signed by all the staff and of course a birthday dessert with candle. At the end of the meal we also got some goodies to take home (2 little handmade soaps that smelled so good!). The food and wine pairings were phenomenal! The details in every plating was always a pleasant suprise and the wine that accompanied each course was absolutely perfect and balanced. My favorite courses were the crab rice, the raviolo and the wagyu for the entreés and the cotton candy for dessert. This place deserves recognition and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a restaurant where the food is not predictable and every bite is an explosion of flavor! The only criticism I have is that it was a bit too loud and we couldn’t hear what the servers were saying most of the time but that got better as people started leaving. I guess it is not the restaurant’s fault if people were loud. Thanks Yugen! We’ll be back!

    YugenResponded on May 18, 2021On behalf everyone at Yugen, thank you for joining us for your husband's birthday! We strive to make these experiences the most memorable and are thrilled you enjoyed your time with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back for our upcoming menus. All the best until then!

  3. Panda

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place

    YugenResponded on May 17, 2021Thank you!

  4. Manue

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Extremely loud and expensive, we did not like the food.
  5. Walker

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience, the food and sake were incredible

    YugenResponded on May 17, 2021Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

  6. OpenTable Diner

    West Palm Beach

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A journey through the creative mind of a story teller-chef, supported by a passionate crew. Each plate was a delightful surprise of flavors, textures, and visual composition, served in stunningly unique dish ware. We came away jealous of Chef Mari’s childhood… our after school snacks were never so deeply rich! The drink pairings were surprising and precise. Morgan, the GM, could not have made us feel more special and her staff never ever let a water glass go more than half empty nor left a slightly soiled napkin go un-replaced. Thanks to Yugen for an unforgettable evening. Don’t miss four seasons of bathrooms, especially winter.
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best sushi in Chicago. One of best in country. Definitely 2 Michelin star worthy!

    YugenResponded on May 17, 2021Thank you!

  8. legoofmyleg

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very unique experience! The best.

    YugenResponded on May 17, 2021Thank you!

  9. Nope

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really incredible fine dining. It's a prefix and everything was amazing!

    YugenResponded on May 17, 2021Thank you for the kind words! We really appreciate you coming in and joining us.

  10. Laura

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was amazing and the service was fantastic. I would recommend this place. You won't be disappointed.

    YugenResponded on May 17, 2021Thank you for joining us! We strive to make these experiences the most memorable and are thrilled you enjoyed your time with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back for our upcoming menus. All the best until then!

  11. CelticTiger

    Cleveland

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An excellent experience with delicious food and beverages, and a high standard of service. There was a great variety of tastes and textures amongst chef's selection which made for a very enjoyable experience. I also to advantage of the optional wagyu course which was superb. All wine pairings were excellent though a personal choice not to opt for the official pairings due to a preference against saki meant that the drinks portion of the bill was more than anticipated.

    YugenResponded on May 17, 2021Thank you for joining us! We strive to make these experiences the most memorable and are thrilled you enjoyed your time with us. Glad you enjoyed our Wagyu course! Looking forward to welcoming you back for our upcoming menus. All the best until then!

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2021

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    The food went from not great to average. Nothing was memorable for a restaurant of that caliber. The music was too loud and the staff was shouting and we couldn’t hear anything they were saying and you aren’t given a menu because of covid. Not a great experience for one of the most expensive restaurants in Chicago and by far the worst high end dining experience that I’d had in Chicago.

    YugenResponded on May 12, 2021Sorry to hear about your experience with us at Yugen! We really do strive to make your experience with us the most memorable and apologize for falling short of your expectations. We *do* appreciate you coming in and trying our menu though. All the best!

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Una experiencia única y diferente
  14. RichardB

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is what dinner in heaven must be like, but very expensive.
  15. Siddharth

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food had simple ingredients and complex flavours. Service was exceptional.
  16. Nunya

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2021

    overall2food3service4ambience1
    Not at all with the price point. Would not only not recommend but I would actually diss recommend to anybody who was thinking of going here. If you really wanna overpay for food might as well go to Alinea. I like the idea that it is a female inspired staff and I respect what they’re doing but it honestly was not worth the price.

    YugenResponded on May 5, 2021Sorry to hear about your experience at Yugen! We really do strive to make your experience with us the most memorable and apologize for falling short of your expectations. Hopefully you’ll give us another shot, but know that we do appreciate you coming in and trying our menu. All the best!

  17. MichalM

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best restaurants in Chicago now, I am sure the chef will get a second Michelin star soon. 3 hours of true delight. Highly inventive cuisine and super knowledgeable crew. Can’t wait to return.

    YugenResponded on May 3, 2021On behalf everyone at Yugen, thank you for the kind words! We strive to make these experiences the most memorable and are thrilled you enjoyed your time with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back for our upcoming menus. All the best until then!

  18. AimeeO

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect. The fining room was getting really loud toward the end of our meal, but it was ok. Everything was immaculate.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing. The staff was wonderful. Very knowledgeable, welcoming and professional. And the meal was fantastic. It lives up to the hype.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was an absolutely unbelievable experience. From the moment we stepped in, the attention to detail and the precision of every moment was immaculate. The service was impeccable, the food was some of the best we’ve ever had. The beverage pairing is an ABSOLUTE MUST! The way each drink compliments the meal is indescribable. We’ve been to many of the finest restaurants in the city and around the US and Yugen undoubtably cracks the upper tier of our list.
  21. Toast

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food. Clean, elegant decor. Excellent service. Beautiful food with nuanced flavors. Drink pairing was unique, perhaps slightly pretentious but perfectly matched the unique flavors of the food. Japanese flavors that elicit visits to Japan but with a unique touch the shows culinary depth. The raviolo was stupidly amazing.
  22. Brian

    Detroit

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 10, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful experience, and they accomodated our requests. Will be back again!
  23. SarahG

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The entire experience was phenomenal. For our anniversary dinner, being told we were in good hands was an understatement. Thomas, Richard, Carson, and Mi really stuck out in their course and beverage knowledge as well as their personalities. Truly Michelin star worthy and essential to the impeccable experience that Yugen provides. The restaurant itself is comfortable, romantic, modern, and intriguing all at the same time. From the details at the table to the quiet work in the kitchen to even the themed bathrooms, we look forward to coming back and telling friends. Thank you again, Yugen!
  24. bgraham

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    It's getting harder and harder to justify a beverage pairing for $155 with sake, beer and mid priced Chinon and Italian wine. The price for two ppl was $972. I base my critique on value not price. And this was the same price as Daniel, Per Se, Alinea and le Bernadin-- but not the same value.
  25. AlexJ

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Overall great experience. Love the fresh ingredient. Authentic tea is a plus - it would be better if the tea leaves stay in the pod for strong taste after a couple of refills.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband, son and I went to Yugen for the second time. We love to try high end restaurants every week in our favorite city. We had the Winter tasting menu this time. We love the food, the chef, the staff and the ambiance. The service and attention we received made us feel like royalty. Each bite you put in your mouth is so flavorable and memorable. The oyster dish was amazing. Chef Mari surprises us each time with her amazing dishes prepared with creativity and passion for perfection. Thank you Yugen family. We hope you will get your 2nd Michelin star soon. You derserve it. We will be back to taste the Spring Menu😊
  27. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    it was one of the best experiences! impressive array of delicious food.
  28. CristianG

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was absolutely great, one of the best prix-fix menu I've ever tried, the team at Yugen do a great job curating everything, from the first course to the sweets, it was fantastic.
  29. ShawnaD

    Phoenix

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow. All of the dishes we had were amazing. The service was stellar. Highly recommend this restaurant.
  30. Partyoffive

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Anniversary
  31. JesseH

    San Francisco

    33 reviews

    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From amazing hospitality to delicious, unique, and beautiful creations to some of the best beverage options you can find, this is at the top of my list of best restaurants not only in Chicago but the United States!
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was the best experience I’ve ever had. I took my girlfriend for her 30th birthday and we were both floored. I could go on and on but I’m not a good enough writer to give the food & service the credit they deserve. It’s expensive but truly worth every penny.
  33. YuqiH

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The service and food are great overall (except that we did not like the truffle pasta). But $700 for 2 people is a bit too expensive, even for a Michelin star restaurant.
  34. InnaT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 21, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing, very creative . Had a great time. Will be back!
  35. ThomasL

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2021

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    I get that it is Valentine’s weekend and first week back from lockdown. However, didn’t feel at Michelin star level of experience.
  36. Guillermo

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great food although not worth the 700 dollars we paid for a short tasting menu. Had us waiting in our table for too long until we could order our drinks. After that it went pretty smooth. Food worth 1 Michelin star though no complaints about that. No valet parking and just a few parking spots which I think is terrible is you are paying an obscene amount of money for food
  37. Streeter

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was a nice experience. Although it's little pricy, I take this as an experience instead of just foods.
  38. climgirl

    Chicago

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Innovated incredible melding of taste profiles. Loved everything about it.
  39. Hyacinth

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I celebrated my birthday dinner at Yugen. The food was simply EXQUISITE! The service was seemless, professional and friendly. My server was pleasant and well versed on the menu, ingredients, etc. The staff made me feel very special including the General Manager came to my table to wish me a happy birthday and thank me for choosing Yugen. I will definitely be back!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant is beautiful and cozy. The staff could not have been better. The meal was a tasting menu that was very creative and delicious. Our primary waiter explained each dish very well. And the rest of the team handled the rest. Definitely one of my best restaurant experiences in Chicago.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

FAQs

Yugen is rated 4.8 stars by 152 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Yugen

652 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Randolph and Des Plains

  • Neighborhood

    West Loop

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Japanese Speciality, Japanese, Contemporary French / American

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Complimentary Yugen Parking Signs are located at the front of the restaurant. Guests are able to park between those two signs, free of charge. It is noted as a loading zone, however Yugen owns the rights to those spots. Yugen is not responsible for parking tickets/violations.

  • Public transit

    Clinton Green & Pink Line

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Mari Katsumura

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (312) 265-1008

  • Private party facilities

    The private dining room at Yugen provides the perfect ambiance for an exclusive dining experience. Offering elements of comfort and seclusion, the space seats up to 10. Please contact us at yugeninformation@gmail.com with further inquiries.

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