Despite being the furthest you can be from an ocean — smack-dab in the middle of the country — Chicago has an outstanding seafood culture, often topped off by our many diversified Asian restaurants. The Second City is home to hundreds of sensational restaurants influenced by China, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and so many more Asian countries. But, when it comes to offering some of the best sushi in Chicago, one only has to look to our Japanese mainstays, proudly brimming with the Midwest’s most delicious selection of raw fish.
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We know it can be overwhelming to find a good place to eat, but don’t worry — we did the work of discovering the best of the best sushi restaurants in Chicago to make it nice and easy for ya. No need to thank us. Just let us know what you think in the comments below!
Sunda
110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
We’d guess you’ve probably heard of Sunda, given that it’s a place beloved by locals and celebrities alike. This New Asian fusion joint opened in River North just over 10 years ago. Combining the influence of Japanese, Filippino, Indonesian, Thai, and Chinese flavors, as well as many others throughout Southeast Asia, Sunda tops the sushi market in Chicago with unparalleled innovation and a dedication to guest service. Sushi is a huge hit at this Chicago staple, but the entire menu is worth a once-over.
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill
1751 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
A BYOB Japanese-inspired mainstay with an 8-year-old past in the Windy City, Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill has quickly risen to the top of the ranks for some of the best sushi Chicago has to offer. They dabble in the cultural influence of Japanese cuisine, while also crafting all-new and absolutely delicious sushi rolls that are totally unique to their menu. They offer a limited one-cup sake, beer, and wine selection, but also allow you to BYOB with your meal.
Arami
1829 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Real-deal Japanese cuisine is the name of the game here. This omakase-style restaurant boasts artfully and expertly crafted rolls that will undoubtedly make for a memorable experience. Some would venture to say that it’s the best in the city.
Runa Japanese
2257 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Runa has all the accouterments of a hip sushi joint. Mural art, modern music, and a BYOB policy make this a popular spot amongst young locals in the Wicker Park area. If you’re looking for a recommendation, try the Hawaiian Catch Maki.
Juno Sushi
2638 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
This place has all the essentials – hot and cold apps, sashimi, maki, and cocktails – and it executes each of them flawlessly. Many Chicagoans will claim this Lincoln Park sushi spot to be their favorite, and we totally get it.
Coast Sushi Bar
2045 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Step into this trendy, social environment with a group of friends for something that’s a little more upscale, but not too fancy. Trust us – if you suggest going here for dinner, people will get excited. It tends to get busy in the evenings, so call ahead.
Wakamono
3313 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
Venture further east in Lakeview and you’ll come across this cute, bamboo-trimmed sushi bar that invites fresh air in the summertime with sidewalk seating. Owned by a traveler and sailor, try a taste of one of their creatively-named signature rolls or their assortment of classic maki.
sushiDOKKU
823 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Situated on a busy corner on Randolph’s “Restaurant Row,” this is the kind of place that’ll have you talking for days about how freakin’ great it was. Melt-in-your-mouth rolls will have you smiling at the first bite, and a superb list of Japanese craft beers and whiskey top it off perfectly. Bring someone here and they’ll surely be impressed.
umai
730 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605 | 1217-1219 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Enjoy your sushi night in this South Loop spot with funky digs relaxed vibes. The line for a table can get pretty lengthy here, so make sure to plan in advance. Oh, and if you want your sushi fix without leaving your couch, it’s cool. They deliver.
South Kawa Japanese Restaurant
3417 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Hailing from Bridgeport, the unassuming South Kawa is definitely somewhere we’d encourage you to put on your bucket list. In fact, we challenge you to find something on this menu that’s not absolutely delicious. Trust us, it’s impossible.
Shinju Sushi
1375 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
This Humboldt Park phenomenon makes sushi that’s just as amazing to look at as it is to eat. Here, sushi isn’t just a meal. It’s an art form. Presentations showcase colorful arrangements, but it’s not all about looks. The taste is just as impressive.
Seadog Sushi Bar
1500 W Division St #3344, Chicago, IL 60642
This BYOB sushi bar in Wicker Park, Chicago is conveniently located, has cool vibes on the inside, and the sushi rolls themselves are pretty tasty. However, for the price, we just wish the rolls weren’t so damn small…
Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar
230 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
The Union Sushi & Barbeque Bar is one of the best destinations to get sushi in Chicago. This restaurant features inventive takes on sushi served in an edgy space in River North. Try anything from their expansive menu – from the lunchtime bento box specials to smoky barbecued seafood, to noodle dishes, and of course, an assortment of sushi rolls.
Rollapalooza
3344 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Rollapalooza is a quaint sushi restaurant in Boystown of Chicago that is perfect for a casual lunch. Considering how comfortable the prices are, the sushi is surprisingly good here. They’ve got a pretty large list of signature rolls, so you’re guaranteed to find something. Make sure to go here for a failsafe option.
Friends Sushi
710 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
There’s no “you can’t sit with us” talk at this place, because it’s all about friendship here, if you couldn’t tell by the name. Top-notch apps and a massive selection of sushi makes this a no-brainer for an affordable yet satisfying meal.
Roka Akor
456 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Beautifully presented Japanese dishes made with high-quality ingredients are what this award-winning restaurant is known for. Even though it has locations in other U.S. cities too, it’s still a must when you’re in River North.
Toro Sushi
2546 N Clark St #1712, Chicago, IL 60614
This cozy Lincoln Park joint is a cult favorite amongst Chicagoans – people swear by it. One bite of these delectable rolls and you’ll immediately plan your next visit. The best part? It’s one of the most affordable places on this list.
Macku
2239 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Spice things up with an omakase-style dining experience served in an elevated, modern interior. Using only the freshest fish, Macku is a hit with locals in Lincoln Park.
Matsuya
3242 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Housed in an unassuming storefront on bustling Clark Street in Lakeview, this is a place that’s sure to surprise you. Pick anything from their huge selection of appetizers, signature rolls, maki, sashimi, and ramen, and you won’t be disappointed.
Mirai Sushi
2020 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
This small but comfortable space is often met with high praise from anyone that visits. Their thoughtful takes on traditional sushi rolls are refreshing to frequent diners, and the chic lounge setting is perfect for a date night.
Butterfly Sushi Bar
1139 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642 | 1131 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
The colorful interior of Butterfly is met with an equally colorful menu featuring generously-sized sushi rolls and various Thai dishes. It’s moderately priced and there’s more than one location, so this one’s definitely a go-to on a spur-of-the-moment sushi night.
Sai Cafe
2010 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
This place receives nothing short of rave reviews, and for good reason. The highly-acclaimed Lincoln Park restaurant uses high-quality ingredients to craft their sushi rolls to perfection. If you’ve wondered what all the hype was about, go see for yourself.
Momotaro
820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Brought to you by the renowned Boka Restaurant Group, this heavy-hitter in the West Loop touts a Michelin star, proving that it’s a major destination in the Fulton Market District. The menu regularly tops the restaurant lists, and the Izakaya bar downstairs adds another fun element to the experience.
Kai Zan
2557 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Where do we start with this one? Kai Zan is a sushi experience unlike any other in Chicago. Led by two two sushi masters (seriously, they are), prepare to be served a customized, omakase-style meal that’s totally catered to your taste. Does it get any better than that?
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Featured Image Credit: Momotaro
