By Coop Daley By Coop Daley | June 6, 2023 | Food & Drink Guides
Sushi may have been created in Japan, but it's become one of the most popular dishes across countries and continents. Whether you’re picking it up for a quick bite on Thursday or staying in for a date night on Saturday, this fresh fish delight is almost always a perfect option for dinner… especially if you know where to go.
That being said, we’ve taken a look at some of the best sushi spots in Chicago to grab a bite of the Japanese specialty. Does your favorite local spot make the list?
See also: Weekly Recipe: Lobster Spring Roll by Chef John Shaw of The Boathouse Restaurant
Multiple Locations / Website
This BYOB sushi place is highly recommended by several top critics as a reliable option, and a fun night out for families and parties. With an attentive wait staff and plenty of platters, Coast Sushi is also known for its appetizers—the asparagus gaining notice in particular—and fresh ingredients on every roll, including a healthy amount of rice and delicious fish. Not sure if you have a favorite? They take the time to recommend rolls based on preference, so this one is definitely worth the in-person visit.
1467 N. Milwaukee Road / Website
We listed the “second edition” of this Asian Fusion restaurant for one reason: sushi burritos. Yes, you read that correctly. Stuffed with rice with a seaweed shell, this social media sensation has plenty of options to fill your niche needs. Stuffed with salmon, spicy tuna, tofu and/or eel, this is one tasty culinary adventure. Not a burrito fan? They also feature sushi tacos made of mostly the same ingredients, as well as poke bowls and famous kimchi fries. If you’re looking for a cool new sushi-based experience, this might be just the place for you.
2557 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
A little farther into West Town, this bistro is a bit more high-end with a $90 omakase. Featuring renowned twin chefs Melvin and Carlo Vicente, plenty of dishes have gotten recommendations from critics and customers alike, including various nigiri and tuna dishes. Not a sushi fan? The kitchen also offers plenty of delicious meat skewers, so everyone can enjoy a night out at this slice of heaven.
1324 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
A cool modern ambiance, delicious fresh fish, and not too bad on the pocketbook? This BYOB sushi spot definitely belongs on this list. Accommodating parties up to 12 guests, Komorebi prides itself on rolls which have been called “better than some of the more expensive places.” Too busy to sit down? Komorebi's delivery and takeout is also highly recommended, offering affordable yet delicious boxes within minutes. With savory, delicious fish and an incredibly-professional wait staff, this is an excellent neighborhood stop for both takeout and dine-in parties; a healthy alternative to the “all-you-can-eat” option.
2507 W. Armitage Ave. / Website
Kyoten offers a one-of-a-kind eating experience. It is an omakase sushi restaurant, and the meal will be approached as discipline based on the values purity, harmony and balance. Your meal will be prepared by chef Otto, and the wild fish are sourced predominantly from Japan. Kyoten is a reservations-only restaurant, so plan accordingly.
3920 W. Lawrence Ave. / Website
This one’s a little harder to get to and a little more difficult to order from. Lawrence Fish Market only takes cash, but according to reports, that only makes this place more authentic. Located a few blocks away from the end of the Brown Line, this neighborhood staple is well-known for its extensive party platters, offering the most bang for your buck with California rolls, tuna rolls, vegetable rolls and more. If you’re interested, this spot also offers Asian food staples with a grocery right in the store, although be advised: a markup is likely!
5701 N. Clark St. / Website
Another location a bit “off the grid,” Ora may not have a website, but its 511 reviews on Yelp averaging 4.5 stars are doing the trick. It’s almost impossible to ignore this Anderson restaurant where presentation is key. Marvel at the almost-perfect ratio of fish-to-rice and the highly-recommended dish nigiri. While Ora does offer carryout, this is definitely a BYOB worth hitting on your next date night. Try the oyster appetizer!
3344 N. Halsted St. / Website
It’s hard to question the local flavor of spot with a name like that. Just as with the artists that frequent Lolla stage, this restaurant prides itself on its signature style offering unique dishes with fun names like “Godzilla,” “White Castle” and “Cloud Nines.” For those not eating fish, Rollapalooza also boasts great vegan options. For a fun authentic experience with tastes you can't find anywhere else, this is a must try.
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415 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Sushi by Scratch's Chicago outpost is an intimate space for just 10 people to enjoy the 17-course tasting menu. Be sure to keep an eye out for an open table as reservations become available on the first day of each month for the following one.
1904 W. Division St. / Website
When it comes to sushi, there’s perhaps no better deal than “all you can eat.” Sushi Taku, with two locations in Wicker Park and Logan Square, is the top-reviewed buffet in the city—and for $31.99, anyone can enjoy as much dinner as they want. With large rolls, great atmosphere and a friendly waitstaff, it’s easy to understand why Sushi Taku regularly tops the charts in Chicago’s best eateries. Just expect a wait-time: they don’t take reservations!
63 W. Grand Ave. / Website
If you are looking for an intimate dining experience, this place is for you. The Omakase Room at Sushi-San is a 10-seat eatery offering an 18-course omakase experience. Enjoy the meal by Master Sushi Chef Kaze Chan while taking in the impressive design of the space.
3313 N. Broadway / Website
Looking for a more casual meal? Wakamono might just be the place for you. Offering a range of Japanese dishes from ramen to teriyaki bowls, and, of course, sushi, there's something for everyone. Be sure to also check out the cocktail menu for the full experience.
1751 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
Traditional Japanese cuisine, with a modern twist: Yuzu Sushi and Robata Grill prides itself on a unique identity, and it's been rewarded for the effort. This local favorite has become one of the most frequently-attended restaurants on several review apps. Presentation is key for this sushi, as the chefs put together some of the most colorful jumbo rolls on this list, deemed “Insta-worthy” by many. The place has gotten so popular that a reservation requires a $15 deposit per person, deducted from the final bill. If you ask plenty of others, however, the hold is worth it.
Photography by: Photo by Atilla Altun/iStock
