When people think of food in Chicago, the first thing that typically comes to mind is deep dish pizza. While the pizza is iconic, the Windy City has much more to offer than just that. It has amazing steakhouses, hot dog/hamburger joints, and Italian trattorias. But, above it all, Chi-town is home to some of the BEST Japanese restaurants.
Without further adieu, I have made a thorough guide of the 12 best sushi restaurants in Chicago. Enjoy and eat up.
1. Yuzu Chicago
Location: 1751 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Description: This casual restaurant definitely wins for the most beautiful sushi accompanied with beautiful designs. Be sure to try the Avocado Mango Salad and one of the Special Rolls (like the one featured above.) You better have a camera on hand, because these dishes CANNOT be eaten without snapping a pic on Instagram or Snapchat, trust me.
#SpoonTip: Yuzu is BYOB!
2. Momotaro
Location: 820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Description: Momotaro is a super trendy restaurant serving a wide variety of Japanese dishes. The restaurant was designed by the world renowned AvroKO, making it one of the most beautiful places to enjoy sushi. Be sure to order their nigiri and Makimono Sushi Rolls, such as the Momomaki (big eye tuna, spicy tako, pickled daikon).
3. Sushi Dokku
Location: 823 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Description: Sushi Dokku is a Michelin Guide restaurant that has TO DIE FOR sashimi and nigiri (no exaggeration). Featured above is the tuna with cilantro and yuzu. What more could anyone want?
#SpoonTip: Happy Hour is from 5-7pm!
4. Arami Chicago
Location: 1829 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
Description: Arami, which just reopened after a kitchen fire, is a great spot for both their sushi and hot dishes. Be sure to try the Maguro Spicy Sake under "Speciality Roll," which contains "tuna, torched spicy salmon, jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, ikura, fried shallots and yuzu."
#SpoonFunFact: The restaurant has earned Bib Gourmand designations from the Michelin Guide.
5. Juno Sushi
Location: 2638 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614
Description: While I have never been to Juno Sushi, the Chicago Tribune describes this restaurant as one that "presents sushi and other seafood dishes with a precision and sophistication that few other restaurants even attempt, much less pull off." Their signature dishes are the smoked sashimi, where the fish arrives under a dome filled with applewood smoke. How cool! #BucketListRestaurant
6. Sunda
Location: 110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Description: Sunda is by far the most amazing Asian fusion restaurants — EVER. Along with the unbelievable sushi (and all the other food, for that matter), there is always fun music bumping and great people watching. It is the perfect spot to go with your family, and an even better place to pregame a night out in the city!
#SpoonTip: Be sure to use OpenTable to make a reservation for at least a week in advance.
7. Kai Zan Sushi
Location: 2557 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Description: Kai Zan is a sushi bar with an omakase menu in a small, BYOB space (woohoo!). Be sure to try the "Kai Zan Favorites," such as the Fiesta Maki, a roll consisting of tuna, salmon, jalapeño, avocado, cilantro, masago, chili oil and lime juice. It is a literal ~party in your mouth.~
8. Katsu
Location: 2651 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Description: Katsu will transport you straight to Japan with their market-fresh sushi in a small & modern setting. Be sure to order their famous Blue Fin Tuna Tartar ($16) under the appetizer section of the menu. YUM!
9. Roka Akor
Location: 456 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Description: Roka Akor is more than just a sushi restaurant. It also moonlights as a steakhouse and seafood eatery. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal offerings, so whatever you order will be very fresh and, obviously, amazing.
#SpoonFunFact: The restaurant was Michelin Guide Recommended in 2013.
10. Toro Sushi
Location: 2546 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Description: This tiny Lincoln Park joint is always a packed house thanks to its affordable menu. Toro Sushi is BYOB, so make sure to bring your wine (or something stronger)!
11. Miku Sushi
Location: 4514 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Description: Miku Sushi has a big menu of creative rolls, small plates, ramen, skewers and more. Definitely try the "Fiesta Maki," which is a signature roll with spicy tuna, lobster, avocado, cilantro, super white tuna, red tobiko and wasabi aioli. Another ~party in your mouth.~
12. Seadog Sushi Bar
Location: Seadog Sushi Bar has a dope ambiance with its candlelit reams of woof and exposed brick. Their sushi is fresh, unique, inventive, and very VERY tasty. Be sure to try Spicy Gunkan Set, featured in the photo above!
Description: 1500 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60642