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Sake and sashimi in Illinois

Sashimi demands a clean, crisp sake to balance the experience.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
ARI Sushi Japanese Restaurant image 1
ARI Sushi Japanese Restaurant image 2
ARI Sushi Japanese Restaurant image 3
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Small Japanese restaurant offers cozy, welcoming atmosphere with bright lighting and walls covered in dish photos. Space feels tight and intimate, suited for solo diners or small groups. Sushi quality stands out as fresh and delicious, paired with a notable sake selection.

Hot sake comes in excellent selection with smooth flavors. It pairs well with sushi and appetizers, enhancing the meal.

Freshness stands out with sashimi that melts in your mouth. Both sushi and sashimi show fantastic quality and taste.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I've ever tasted."

"The sushi here is unbelievably great and imaginative."

"The sashimi here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers lunch specials that are very good.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm.

3

Quality fish and consistent service are hallmarks of the restaurant.

02
Omakase Shoji & Izakaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small omakase bar with intimate counter seating and a classical Japanese style creates a refined yet unpretentious atmosphere. Chefs prepare dishes in front of guests, enhancing the authentic omakase experience. Space includes a hidden room with natural ambiance and elegant decor featuring brick walls and a liquor display.

Offers rare, high-end sake and thoughtful pairings with omakase. The sommelier explains each sake and provides extra refills, enhancing the tasting experience.

Sashimi here is exceptionally fresh and pairs well with their fantastic mix of sushi and other courses. The setting is pretty, making it a nice spot for sashimi lovers.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food omakase experience here is spectacular."

"The sake pairing with the omakase was incredible."

"I found the omakase here to be unique and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the NYE holiday course.

2

The restaurant offers a unique omakase experience rarely found outside of Japan.

3

The menu includes a variety of options for both a la carte and omakase dining.

03
Osaka Sushi Restaurant image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small Japanese-style sushi bar offers fresh fish flown in from Japan and an extensive sake menu. Cozy, intimate space features authentic decor and relaxing oldies music. Tables provide privacy despite tight arrangement, creating a calm, homey atmosphere.

Great selection includes multiple Dassai entries and a house sake served hot. Sake pairings match dishes well and the hot sake stands out.

Omakase Sashimi stands out with its exceptional freshness and authentic preparation by Chef Ryan. Portions for rolls and sashimi like the maguro sashimi are generous and consistently high quality.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sashimi, is the freshest I've ever had."

"The sashimi here is the best I've ever had, so fresh."

"I loved the great selection of sake, especially the hot options."

Good to know

1

Prices are very reasonable for sushi and Japanese cuisine.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long waits.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

04
Tamu Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalist decor and a hand roll bar create a calm, inviting atmosphere amid a busy area. The space includes a private omakase room with attentive service, offering a focused dining experience. Guests enjoy a laid-back vibe with fresh sushi and thoughtfully crafted cocktails.

Complimentary sake comes with celebrations, adding a thoughtful touch. The sake pairs well with dishes like anago and toro taku rolls, making it a standout choice among the extra rolls ordered.

Large pieces of sashimi come fresh and delicately sliced, often paired with salmon roe and good rice. Bowls mix different fish with a spicy gochujang sauce or serve cold sashimi on warm rice and crispy seaweed, offering a variety of textures and flavors.

People are saying

"The Omakase here is delicious, with high-quality fish."

"Chef Max's sake recommendations were a perfect pair."

"The sashimi here is so fresh and delicately sliced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the omakase table, which seats only 8 people.

2

The omakase menu is available during both lunch and dinner.

3

Happy Hour runs from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM with $5 hand rolls for dine-in.

05
2AM Izakaya image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant with Kpop music and Japanese art on the walls creates a chill atmosphere. Small tables offer comfortable, private seating ideal for dates or small groups. Open late, it attracts those seeking a relaxed spot for sushi and drinks.

Selections include sparkling sake and hot sake, offering variety for different moods. Drinks pair well with the food, including fried rice and udon noodles.

Fresh and tasty raw fish stands out in the sashimi appetizer, offering a lighter option. Juicy and crunchy textures come through in the sashimi, making it a solid choice alongside other Japanese dishes.

People are saying

"This late night spot's sushi is so fresh and high quality."

"I enjoyed the sake selection, it paired well with the food."

"The sashimi appetizer was fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 2 AM for late-night dining.

2

They have a BYOB policy, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

The kitchen closes at 1 AM, so arrive before then for food.

06
TenGoku Aburiya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with Japan izakaya style and traditional Japanese decor creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The vibe stays chill and welcoming, attracting those who appreciate authentic sushi and sake. Tables sit close together, emphasizing a communal feel despite limited privacy.

Sake selection stands out with a wide variety and careful pairings. The quality remains consistently wonderful across visits.

Freshness stands out with every piece of sashimi, especially the salmon and tuna. The octopus offers a mild chewiness and light taste, while the ikura adds a delicious touch.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is the best sushi I've had in Chicago."

"I think the chef's nigiri choice is a 10 out of 10."

"The sashimi here is so fresh, it melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers lower prices on select items; check for specific times.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy times like brunch.

3

The Saturday brunch special features an all-you-can-eat menu with sushi and skewers.

07
Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small space with hipster decor and an inviting patio creates a modern yet cozy atmosphere. Music sets a relaxed vibe that complements the low-key energy. Fresh sushi and house-made yuzu sake add to the authentic Japanese dining experience.

A wide variety of sake options includes a house-made yuzu sake and a yuzu sake bomb. Staff recommend bottles based on preferences, enhancing the experience. Water quality can affect sake taste.

Freshness stands out with well balanced iwashi sashimi cured perfectly. Salmon sashimi rates highly, paired with great rolls and sashimi served in just the right amount.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The house-made yuzu sake was truly special."

"The sashimi here is so fresh, I rated it highly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is currently BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

08
Umai image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space features high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that create an open feel despite crowded, close seating. Atmosphere is chill but stylish, attracting a younger, hip crowd for casual dates or dinners with friends. Music and a full bar complement the lively vibe during dinner hours.

A solid selection of sake complements the sushi offerings well. Sake pairs nicely with late night takoyaki and even dessert like lychee ice cream.

Freshness stands out with every bite of sashimi. Plates show beautiful presentation and textures that melt in your mouth.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, beautiful, and delicious."

"The Sake here is flavorful and complex, truly a must-try."

"The sashimi here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends, especially after 6pm.

2

Umai offers a self-serve sushi experience with prices based on weight.

3

The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly with several options available.

09
Bonyeon image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Fine dining space seats 12 with a Korean-American Fusion BBQ concept and a modern kitchen visible behind a wide counter. Atmosphere stays intimate and elegant, offering a private experience with sophisticated, tasteful decor. Guests engage with chefs who explain each course, enhancing the unique steak omakase experience.

A tasty selection of sake pairs well with dishes here. The team and sommelier offer friendly guidance and serve wine sake that complements each course.

Fresh sashimi pairs well with oysters and other unique dishes. Palate cleansers appear between courses, keeping the meal lively and refreshing.

People are saying

"It's a unique steak omakase with dishes prepared right in front of you."

"The beef omakase here is as good as, or better than, Korea's."

"The sashimi here is so refreshing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for parties of 8 or more.

2

The restaurant seats a maximum of 12 people per seating.

3

Paid street parking is available right out front.

10
KANSAKU image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a quiet and elegant atmosphere with a comfortable Japanese vibe and beautiful decor. The space feels clean and tidy but tables are very close together, which can make it noisy when full. It suits date nights and those seeking a relaxed dining experience.

Cold sake flights come as the lowest-priced option among three choices. Hot sake is available by the carafe and as a house option, with advertised specials on Thursdays, though prices may vary. All sake options tried are reasonably priced and pair well with sushi.

Toro sashimi stands out with its rich flavor. Blue fin sashimi and nigiri come well-presented, though overall sashimi quality varies. Serving sashimi or harasu with lemon is avoided here.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is always fresh and delicious."

"I enjoyed the sake options, which were good and reasonably priced."

"The sashimi in the bento box was just amazing."

Good to know

1

Sake Thursday features house hot sake for $7.

2

The restaurant does not allow splitting checks.

3

Delivery can be ordered directly from the restaurant to avoid extra fees.

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