21 Best Sushi Restaurants In Chicago – (Updated) 2024
Chicago is one of the largest cities in the US that is known for its flourishing culinary industry and outstanding landmarks, especially the Windy City, where one can shop, explore and enjoy to their heart’s content.
Chicago offers some fascinating culinary choices by exhibiting its masterful approach towards providing people with exotic food choices along with a wide variety of options like sushi and soups, along with lots of Pan-Asian and seafood choices ranging from soul sashimi, tuna, sake, Nigrini and a lot more.
So basically, if you have a special place for sushi or seafood, then Chicago will offer you various exciting options to choose from through its many unique diners. But for that, you should go through our list of the best sushi restaurants in Chicago for a comprehensive guide towards discovering captivating places to eat the best sushi ever.
The Best Sushi Restaurants in Chicago This Year
1. Kai Zan
Why it’s a must visit?
The Kai Zan restaurant is not only one of the top-rated restaurants in Chicago but has also won a Michelin rating in the year 2021 which explains why it’s so fancy and classy.
Because of its trusted rating, one can be sure to have a pleasant dining experience here as the food here gets created in various delectable varieties by the two excellent chefs, who are also twin brothers named Melvin and Carlo Vizconde.
This restaurant is a true gem in an area that lacks quality food and is situated conveniently at Humboldt which is perfect for anyone to visit if they suddenly crave Asian cuisine.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves a mouthful variety of various pan-Asian delicacies like Takoyaki, nigiri, karate, and yakitori, along with excellent drink options like sake.
Its sushi is prepared from the freshest fish and thereby has a mouth-melting flavor to it as it also comes with lots of seasoning and sesame seeds.
Almost everything will leave you with a full stomach and unforgettable memories, as every delicacy here leaves people with a lasting aftertaste.
Location and Contact
- 2557 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-4516
- Phone:- +1 773-278-5776
- Email:- kaizan.chicago@gmail.com
2. Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill
Why it’s a must visit?
The Yuzu Sushi and Robata Grill restaurant holds its head high for paying homage to its culture and providing people with an immersing and authentic Japanese cuisine that also adds a distinct touch to it.
The restaurant is run by Yut Vong, who completely changed his career to move from journalism to passionately creating Japanese delicacies in Chicago.
This restaurant is situated in the western town of Chicago Avenue and remains a trendy place among youngsters, especially hipsters who are enthusiastic about exploring exotic cuisines.
Chef’s Choice
The most famous thing here is their Robata grills skewers which are perfect appetizer delicacies and are super enjoyable.
In the same way, their boy meets world is another fabulous dish that is as unique as its name.
Not forgetting their mouthwatering breaking bad jumbo rolls, which come with lots of stuffing and have a certain delicate feel to them.
Location and Contact
- 1751 W Chicago Ave Between Wood St & Hermitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-5009
- Phone:- +1 312-666-4100
- Email:- yuzu.chicago@gmail.com
3. Juno Sushi
Why it’s a must visit?
The Juno sushi restaurant infuses the taste of traditional spices into exquisite Japanese cuisine, creating great culinary delights that are indeed pleasant.
The restaurant is located in Lincoln Park and was recently moved from the downtown area of Chicago, therefore is worth stopping by because of its convenient location.
It has an upscale and sophisticated atmosphere and is considered to be among the top-rated restaurants in Chicago that need booking 24 hours in advance.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant is run by an exclusive chef named B.K Park and offers people staple and unique Japanese dishes that come in several great forms.
The restaurant serves the tastiest Japanese variety with its particular spicy tuna roll, personal choice of sashimi, and smoked Hamachi as some worth mentioning options.
Also, the restaurant was rated as having the best sushi in Lincoln Park and is considered to be among the hottest Japanese restaurant across the United States because of its mouthwatering sushi delicacies.
Location and Contact
- 2638 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614-1488
- Phone:- +1 773-935-2000
4. Aji Omakase
Why it’s a must visit?
The Aji Omakase is considered to be one of the must-eat places in Chicago near me that is known for its exuberant sushi scene and its exquisite establishment details.
The restaurant continually manages to blow the minds of people through its excellent 14-course meal variety that offers people all you can eat buffet form.
Also, it’s recommended that one should book a reservation here as the place has limited seating and remains in a lot of demand.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves the freshest fish material here that is expertly crafted for every bite and thereby has such a rejuvenating flavor to them that it is indeed unforgettable.
Also, the 14-course meal offers people an experimental choice to explore its cuisine options and decide what’s their favorite.
Make sure that you give all of their fish items a try, especially their sushi and sashimi, which are their most significant specialties, along with other seafood delicacies.
Location and Contact
- 3809 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
- Phone:- +1 773-904-8205
5. Tanoshii Sushi Mike
Why it’s a must visit?
The Tanoshii Sushi Mike restaurant is a classic sushi diner that has been serving quality Japanese dishes at reasonable prices and remains a major hit for its intricately created meals.
Even though the executive chef here began his career as an accountant, he grew to passionately serve excellent Japanese dishes through his knowledge of generational recipes and creating them with all his expertise.
Also, it’s located on Clark Street near the famous Loyola university, which is why it’s a major hit with students and youngsters.
Chef’s Choice
This restaurant is considered to be among the many famous sushi restaurants in Chicago because of its intricately prepared dishes that leave an imprint on anyone who tries it.
One can try their signature dish named Omakase, which is the most fantastic dish they take pride in, as it comes in multiple flavors.
But the one thing one can never go wrong with is their juicy sushi rolls which come with the freshest stuffed items and are enjoyable in every bite.
Location and Contact
- 5547 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
- Phone:- +1 773-878-6886
6. Toro Sushi
Why it’s a must visit?
The Toro Sushi restaurant is unlike any other diner in Chicago as it gives a unique nickname to its dishes that are complete to the fancy of some culinary enthusiasts who are always looking for something quirky and out of the world.
The restaurant not only has a lively atmosphere with fun food titles but also is considered to be among the cool places to eat in Chicago, US, as it has managed to enamor its visitors with an overall animated atmosphere and great food.
It’s located in Lincoln Park near a children’s hospital and is considered to be a fantastic place to grab mouthwatering seafood varieties with lots of options to choose from.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant presents people with a superb seafood collection with lots of excellent varieties that are also accommodating to special diets as well.
The restaurant offers people gluten-free and vegetarian options along with takeout service through its bento boxes which is a pretty convenient choice for those who are in a hurry or are in a time crunch.
Make sure; you go you carefully go through a list of their outstanding dishes like ‘that’s how we roll,’ ‘oh my God,’ ‘pig in the sea,’ and a lot more which taste as enjoyable as their name.
Location and Contact
- 2546 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614-1712
- Phone:- +1 773-348-7255
- Email:- torojapaneserestaurant@gmail.com
7. Arami
Why it’s a must visit?
The Arami restaurant not only excels in providing people with decadent seafood and sushi choices but also delivers exquisite liquor options with varieties like sake, wine, beer, and a lot more as tasty sampling options.
The restaurant makes sure that it offers people an unforgettable experience through its phenomenal food variety and outstanding sampling options that are hard to overlook.
Also, by trusting their executive chef named Ismael L Lopez, one is sure to have a fantastic time here through its many flavorsome Japanese dishes.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant presents people with the finest collections of beers, wines, and sake from different brands and companies that are also available in varied sizes but come in limited stock.
But the majorly popular items here are its nigiri and sashimi, specially Hamachi and their tasty Makimono, which remain highly loved items here.
Also, the chefs here make sure that they serve you the most creative variety of dishes as well while also sticking to traditional ones like sushi rolls.
Location and Contact
- 1829 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-5513
- Phone:- +1 312-243-1535
- Email:- info@aramichicago.com
8. Lawrence Fish Market
Why it’s a must visit?
The Lawrence Fish market restaurant follows a unique approach in presenting people with the most exuberant variety of sushi dishes that comes in several exquisite forms.
It’s considered to be among the top restaurants in Chicago that use sushi that comes directly from Japan which gets further creatively prepared by the chefs who serve these in the market.
Another plus factor about this place is that every option here is super affordable, and neighbors Kimball and Mayfair which are both popular food destinations.
Also, make sure that you carry a lot of cash with you, as the place does not accept card or wireless payments.
Chef’s Choice
It’s a perfect place to visit for trying vibrant Japanese cuisine in a sinfully delicious way while also experimenting with other delicacies.
The restaurant displays people a colorful variety of more than 20 categories of sushi rolls that come gorgeously wrapped around fresh fish and flavorful seasoning.
Other than that, the restaurant also has a superb 15-sashimi variety that won’t let anyone leave without a smile on their face because of its many bursting flavors.
Location and Contact
- 3914 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625-6296
- Phone:- +1 773-267-6838
9. Sunda
Why it’s a must visit?
The Sunda restaurant calls itself the ‘new Asian’ dining establishment that has completely reinvented what it means to offer authentic Asian cuisine in the most fabulous way.
The restaurant not only sticks to authentic Japanese recipes with lots of Asian choices but also fuses them with Midwestern flavors inside its sophisticated and upscale atmosphere.
It’s also located in downtown Chicago near the river north area, which is only some blocks away from various subway stations and resorts.
Because of its accessible location, it’s considered to be one of the most hospitable restaurants in Chicago that manage to exceed the expectations of its customers.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves people exquisite Asian fusion meal varieties in the form of sushi and specialty cocktails that carry a distinct flavor to them.
If one has decided to visit this restaurant, then make sure to put their ‘yappy hour’ event to good use as everyone can bring their pates while indulging in their pleasant dining service.
So if you are wondering where to relish tasty spicy tuna sushi rolls along with exquisite sake and having the company of your pets, then this place can be the perfect food destination for you to visit to have a memorable time.
Location and Contact
- 110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654-2706
- Phone:- +1 312-644-0500
10. Omakase Venue
Why it’s a must visit?
The Omakase Venue restaurant is another Michelin star winner in the year 2021, which is run by the genius chef Sangtae Park who showcases customers delectable Asian dishes that are one of a kind.
It can be easily considered to be among the best places to eat in Chicago and a top-rated diner at that because of its unique use of a tasting table, which is a distinct feature of this restaurant.
The restaurant holds several chefs tasting events which is why it remains such a hit among culinary enthusiasts who are always looking for something unique and original.
Also, its location in Fulton market and its proximity to Greektown makes it also an exciting destination to visit neighboring such vibrant places.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant has a seasonal nature with a menu that changes almost every day and has rotating features so that people can experiment day by day with various kinds of dishes.
In the chef’s tasting session, one gets to enjoy more than 16 varieties of unique dishes along with custom-created ones as well which is perfect for those who want to dwell deep into Asian cuisine.
But note that the chefs here do not allow people to substitute or alter their dishes which needs to be remembered.
Location and Contact
- 651 W Washington Blvd Ste 101, Chicago, IL 60661-2122
- Phone:- +1 312-265-1610
11. Sushi San
Why it’s a must visit?
The Sushi San restaurant is a 5-star diner that offers a lavish dining experience to its customers and delivers enjoyable Japanese cuisine any time of the day with lots of conveniences.
The restaurant also has a separate bar that offers people tasty cocktail mixes along with chosen entrées with the best formula.
It is situated in the heart of the River North and remains a popular dining establishment neighboring several vibrant shopping stores and having an accessible subway station.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant has a gorgeous rooftop setting, which allows people to enjoy their many Asian delicacies while sipping on their refreshing cocktails.
Also, the restaurant offers the most delectable sushi varieties, along with sashimi and nigiri, which are also available as quick-bite options.
A lot of dishes here are available for grab-and-go, which is perfect for those who are in a hurry but one to relish exquisite sushi specialized dishes.
Location and Contact
- 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654-4801
- Phone:- +1 312-828-0575
- Email:- 54marketing@leye.com
12. Sushi Suite 202
Why it’s a must visit?
The Sushi Suite 2020 restaurant is another luxury diner in Chicago that has managed to precisely deliver the most exquisite and gourmet variety of sushi inside its upscale setting nestled inside the Lincoln hotel concierge.
The restaurant has a small lobby that is set inside a living room and offers people gorgeous customized courses over the span of one hour, which is worth the wait.
It’s also located in one of the most hyped areas in Chicago and therefore remains one of the most famous restaurants in Chicago, which is a rare opportunity to pass by.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant offers people customized 17-course meal options in an Omakase way, and therefore one gets to experiment with different varieties of sushi in one order.
All of its sushi dishes have a gourmet flavor to them because they are prepared in an exclusive manner specializing only in sushi variety and making sure that they are presented in the most aesthetic way.
The chefs here make sure that the food is specifically made according to your personal choice and therefore has a unique taste to it, which has rendered it one of the great restaurants in Chicago.
Location and Contact
- 1816 N Clark St Hotel Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60614-6043
- Phone:- +1 312-818-1156
13. Mako
Why it’s a must visit?
The Mako restaurant can be considered a sister to the Juno sushi restaurant but has the same passionate menu that lists several decadent delicacies.
The restaurant is owned and run by the famous chef B.K. Park offers people a traditional Japanese experience not only through its authentic dishes but also with its overall enveloping Japanese-styled ambiance.
The restaurant, unlike any other restaurant, prepares food beforehand so that one does not have to wait for long for the food to arrive.
That’s why its service is considered to be quite impressive compared to the other Omakase restaurants and is definitely a great option if you are in a hurry but want to indulge in a delectable sushi variety.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant provides people with almost every imaginable sushi and sashimi option with lovely seasoning made with soy sauce and sesame seeds.
Also, the fish here is the freshest and thereby the dishes have a revitalizing essence to them that is unbeatable when it comes to other restaurants.
With its top chef, one is going to have an excellent time dining here, as the place has undoubtedly never disappointed its customers.
Location and Contact
- 731 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661-1009
- Phone:- +1 312-988-0687
14. Omakase Takeya
Why it’s a must visit?
The Omakase Takeya is another Omakase-specialized diner that is considered to be a fourth runner for serving the trendiest Japanese cuisine in Chicago with additional vibrant sushi choices but with the main focus on Ramen.
The restaurant neighbors the Fulton market, which is a great place to stop by for exploring and shopping.
Because of its incredible location facing several markets, one gets to re-energize here with several Japanese delicacies in a healthy way.
It’s also located just some blocks away from Ramen Takeya, which is perfect for meeting up with your friends or having an enjoyable conversation.
Chef’s Choice
Even though the restaurant serves impressive Ramen choices, its sushi is also worth a lot of praise cause it comes with generous portions and has an incredibly tender texture.
It also offers various takeout services along with dinner delivery options which is the perfect way to satiate one’s craving with a simple order.
The restaurant takes advantage of the chef’s knowledge of traditional Japanese cuisine and delivers them in a fascinating way so that one keeps coming back here again and again.
Location and Contact
- 819 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
- Phone:- +1 312-666-7710
- Email:- shoyuhospitalitychicago@gmail.com
15. Raisu Japanese Fine Dining
Why it’s a must visit?
The Raisu Japanese Fine Dining restaurant is located in the proximity of Irving Park in Chicago and pays the way for the loveliest variety of Japanese cuisine through its many exquisite sushi offerings.
The restaurant just as the title suggests makes sure that one gets an incredible fine dining experience here with no setbacks, along with courteous staff members to help you get a seamless dining encounter.
Its location is also perfect for those who are looking for long walks in the park after feasting on its many mouthwatering Japanese delicacies and is ideal for romantic picnics and dates.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant offers people tantalizing traditional dining food choices specializing in Japanese cuisine through its many decadent entrées and delicate appetizers.
Every dish here has palpable flavors and comes in a variety of different forms, along with a traditional touch to its meals which is perfect for those who are looking for an authentic Japanese cuisine experience.
Not to mention how vibrant its liquor collection is with varieties of sake options that are straight imported from Japan and go exceptionally well with their sashimi, nigiri, and Maki, as well as lots of salads and soups, which are their signature dishes.
Location and Contact
- 2958 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618-3578
- Phone:- +1 773-961-7299
- Email:- jackchen190@hotmail.com
16. Roka Akor
Why it’s a must visit?
The most unique aspect about the Roka Akor restaurant is that it’s not only located in downtown Chicago but also has a rooftop dining experience with an open setting that is perfect for those who enjoy the breeze of the wind while dining on several tasty food choices.
The restaurant’s open setting remains open all seasons, except during December probably because the weather is cold and people would like to shield themselves from the harsh wind.
But for warmer months, it’s one of the best restaurants to visit in Chicago that manages to enamor its visitors with its glamorous setting and gourmet food displays.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant shows perfection through its traditional food items, which one can see as ‘Omakase,’ which lists several Japanese cuisine varieties with great presentation details.
Even though one cannot take a look at its menu beforehand, they get the option to choose between two choices with preferable ingredients, which are perfect for those who are picky eaters.
Also, don’t forget to complement your flavorsome dishes with the exquisite cocktails that can be found at their bar, which is served in various fusion forms.
Location and Contact
- 456 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654-4517
- Phone:- +1 312-477-7652
- Email:- chicago@rokaakor.com
17. Momotaro
Why it’s a must visit?
The Momotaro restaurant has more than what one can imagine and manages to exceed the expectations of its people through its many delicacies that, apart from sushi rolls, also have various other incredible seafood options.
The restaurant pays considerable focus on delivering people not only its outstanding delicate sushi varieties but also making sure that it’s presented in an authentic manner keeping in touch with Japanese etiquette.
One can quickly discover how this restaurant pays attention to specific details by displaying its bowls and other exceptional aesthetic presentations that are the major highlight of this restaurant.
Chef’s Choice
With one glance at the sushi menu, one goes utterly insane at how incredible the variety here is that features individual sashimi and nigiri pieces along with lots of tasty and juicy sushi rolls.
Its other delectable Japanese seafood delicacies here are a spicy octopus, pickled daikon, and big-eyed tuna, which are also excellent alternatives to sushi.
The restaurant has endless meat options, but vegetarian ones as well, like its signature rolls that come stuffed with shiitake tempura.
Location and Contact
- 820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607-1728
- Phone:- +1 312-733-4818
- Email:- info@momotarochicago.com
18. Jinsei Motto
Why it’s a must visit?
The Jinsei Motto restaurant is situated in West Loop, Chicago, and is majorly known for its exuberant spirit varieties in various wine, beer, and cocktail forms, along with the traditional Japanese sake that pairs amazingly with their delectable sushi options.
The restaurant was first started as a pop-up project during the pandemic by the genius owners Patrick and Andrew who had a goal of delivering people high-end seafood cuisine variety with its delectable drinks.
The restaurant has a complete Omakase menu with various La carte options that are equally amazing and need to be tried.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves fantastic sushi varieties like its uni and toro Nigiri which is vegetarian friendly, along with soy-marinated salmon that comes with rice pieces.
Their other options, like one up the roll that comes with truffle mayo, shiitake, and enoki mushrooms, are spectacular dishes too.
Even the best sushi judges will absolutely praise this place for its creative take on sushi dishes and various other La carte options.
Location and Contact
- 564 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661-2218
- Phone:- +1 312-884-9602
- Email:- jinseimotto@gmail.com
19. 312 Fish Market
Why it’s a must visit?
The 312 fish market isn’t just a simple sushi dining establishment, but also has a sterling reputation for serving exemplary exemplar Chinese cuisine made with imported ingredients.
The restaurant is owned by the former chef of sushi, San, along with a co-partner named Joe Fung, who delivers people incredible sliced sushi choices along with various tasty party platters.
The sushi selection here is impressive and comes with incredible drinks as they are imported straight from Japan and China and thereby feel flavorful in every bite.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant has a separate sushi bar that uses fresh ingredients derived straight from Japan to curate creative Japanese dishes in the most outlandish form.
Its dishes are made with impressive slices of raw fish in the Konbujime style through its several tasty items, like its torched salmon monkey and cured made.
But the main focus here goes to their decadent party platters, which feature ‘all you can eat’ in one go with their salmon tray that contains a fascinating 50-piece selection of pure sashimi.
Location and Contact
- 2105 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
- Phone:- +1 872-222-7288
- Email:- 312fishmarket@gmail.com
20. Nobu Chicago
Why it’s a must visit?
The Nobu Chicago restaurant is a luxurious dining establishment in Chicago that is co-owned by America’s greatest actor Robert De Niro, who opened this place in West Loop in the year 2020 and is known for its stylish flagship for serving gracious sushi dishes in the most awe-inspiring form.
The restaurant is gorgeously located inside a 10,000 ft.² space with a spacious dining room, hallway, and two separate private dining areas, along with a lavish sushi bar that showcases more than 28 varieties of sushi.
It’s a perfect place for those who are looking for a fancy dining experience in Chicago without having a problem with the prices, as the food tends to be expensive here.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves people delectable Japanese signature dishes, which are made under the keen eye of the genius chef Nobu Matsuhisa who offers people tasty yellowtail jalapeño sashimi and black cod with miso types dishes in the most flavorsome way.
Its sushi-bar presents people with a colorful choice of more than 28 varieties of sushi that are served in a jewelry box and feel incredibly delightful on the taste buds and visually pleasing as well.
Almost everything here is designed to make you feel as if you are in another world as the place also has a rooftop setting which is excellent for enjoying their gourmet Maki, sashimi, and Nigri nigiri with a sprawling space and is wholly inspired by Japanese aesthetics.
Location and Contact
- 854 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
- Phone:- +1 312-779-8800
21. Circle Sushi and Grill
Why it’s a must visit?
The Circle Sushi and Grill restaurant is another spectacular Omakase diner that provides people with exquisite dinner choices through the masterful creations of its genius chef.
The restaurant is super accommodating to the needs of its customers as it takes into consideration food allergies only through reservation and makes sure that they are delivered in a customized manner for one to enjoy without any hassle.
It’s located near a park on the north side of Halsted Street and it’s considered to be a hidden gem because of its low popularity.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant offers people multi-course menu options that can be enjoyed with their fascinating Japanese whiskey to complete one’s meal in an extravagant manner.
At this restaurant, don’t miss out on any of their dishes, as all of them are created in a balanced way with lots of traditional inspiration to their plates and a sense of creativity to them.
By pairing their many classic dishes with their exuberant drink collections, one gets to encounter a divine dining experience that is hard to forget.
Location and Contact
- 1623 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614-7668
- Phone:- +1 312-867-1281
Final Thoughts
Chicago, or the famously renowned Windy City, is praised for its exuberant lively culture with lots of entertainment, fashion, culture, and culinary scene that keeps tourists enamored with it for years to come. It’s the ultimate Holiday destination for encountering a fascinating epicurean adventure through its marvelous sushi variety that it is globally known for.
Even if sushi is not something that you like, it would rather be a fine choice to be aware of some decent places to eat in Chicago that serve not only sushi options but other fun food varieties as well.
Therefore we made this list specifically for the best sushi restaurants in Chicago so that anyone who is crazy about sushi can have a great time dining at these restaurants in Chicago without having to look at multiple sources. Bon appétit!