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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Lake View East

Japanese food spots

A craving for Japanese food calls for a quiet meal.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
AJI image 1
AJI image 2
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Sushi restaurant

Counter seating for about 10 creates an intimate, upscale setting with dark, minimalist decor reflecting Japanese elegance. Chefs prepare a 14-course omakase in front of diners, with a split flap display showing each course's name. The atmosphere stays chic and elegant without feeling pretentious, suited for special occasions.

Food here offers an extravagant dining experience with top-notch service and a warm, cozy atmosphere that enhances the flavors and encourages real conversation.

Omakase here offers an incredible experience with amazing food that stands out from typical sushi. The quality rivals many Michelin star omakase restaurants.

People are saying

"The fish here is thoughtfully prepared and bursting with flavor."

"The food here is so fresh and thoughtfully prepared."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and focused on quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating at AJI.

2

The omakase experience includes 15 taster courses prepared by skilled chefs.

3

Pricing is $150 per person, excluding taxes, gratuity, and drinks.

02
Musashiya Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, cozy ramen spot with Japanese writing on walls and food models in the window creates a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Customers fill out a paper form to customize broth, protein, noodle texture, and add-ons, making ordering simple and personal. Known for flavorful ramen and top-notch pork cutlet frying, it offers a quiet place suited for solo diners or dates.

Food arrives quickly, usually under 20 minutes, with flavorful ramen and dishes that are both delicious and fairly priced. The spot feels cozy and welcoming, especially for dining alone.

Ramen here stands out with its rich tonkotsu broth and flavorful pork chashu. The Katsu curry offers a unique taste not found elsewhere in the city, and the takoyaki is notably impressive.

People are saying

"I found the Katsu curry here to be the best in Chicago."

"The ramen here is stellar, especially the tonkotsu with pork."

"I thought the food was amazing and very flavorful."

Good to know

1

The ordering process is simple; fill out a paper form for customization.

2

Musashiya Ramen is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

3

Expect a wait during busy times due to limited seating.

03
Konbini & Kanpai Wrigleyville image 1

Sake bar with a quiet, chill atmosphere and a lovely back patio overlooking the Red Line. The space feels warm and inviting, attracting those who appreciate thoughtful drink pairings and a relaxed vibe. Unique sake selections and carefully curated menu set it apart from typical bars.

Food here stands out for its consistently amazing quality and fantastic flavors. Every dish delivers a great taste experience.

Teriyaki chicken comes juicy and well seasoned on shredded vegetables with sauce. The menu features tonkatsu sando, karaage fried chicken, and katsu sandwiches, adding variety beyond sushi to Japanese food options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The outdoor seating has great vibes and is lovely."

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu and teriyaki chicken, was excellent."

Good to know

1

Sake tasting events occur regularly, offering a variety of options.

2

World Sake Day tasting provides great value for the price.

3

Prices for drinks and food are very reasonable.

04
Kim’s Korean Cuisine & Sushi image 1

Traditional Korean restaurant offers a cozy, family-like atmosphere with relaxing jazz music and a BYOB policy that includes wine glasses. The interior feels warm and welcoming, though noticeably hotter than outside, creating an intimate dining experience. Quiet energy suits families and those seeking a comfortable, homey vibe.

Food features amazing bibimbap and uses very good ingredients. The menu offers excellent dishes with great flavor and consistent quality.

Sushi features a natural crispy topping made from beets and avocado. Rice dishes like Crunchy Salmon Roll and Dolsot Bibimbop offer solid flavors. Starters include delicious gyoza, edamame, and miso soup.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and well priced."

"The Korean food, especially the bibimbap, is some of the best I've ever had."

"The Japanese food, especially the bulgogi and bibimbap, was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Kim’s Korean Cuisine & Sushi is BYOB, so bring your own wine.

2

Expect to pay around $65 for two meals and a drink after tip.

3

The restaurant offers excellent value with large portion sizes.

05
To Korean Cuisine image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant with K-pop-themed decor and colorful interior creates a chill, casual atmosphere that feels like being in Seoul. Tables include charging stations, enhancing convenience. The vibe attracts a younger crowd seeking lively, trendy street food experiences.

Fresh ingredients highlight the menu, including a vegetarian kimbop option without pork. The food offers authentic Korean flavors with consistent quality and great hospitality.

Ramen stands out with its phenomenal broth and solid flavors. Gyoza offers a perfectly fried, crisp texture, while teriyaki chicken brings great flavors and balanced spiciness.

People are saying

"This Korean food is so fresh and flavorful, I loved it."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"The teriyaki chicken here is really good, tender with great flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking is on the street, costing about $2.50 an hour on weekdays.

2

After a certain time on weekends, parking is free.

3

The restaurant is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

06
Katsu-Shack image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast-casual restaurant with cozy Japanese vibe and authentic katsu dishes served in plastic containers. Atmosphere feels like a quick trip to Tokyo with Japanese music and Cubs jerseys decorating the walls. Space is relaxed and inviting, suitable for casual meals with friends or family.

Food arrives quickly and stays crispy and warm even after travel. The menu features authentic sandos with great value and quality, especially the katsu which rivals options from major cities.

Tonkatsu here is incredibly tender and juicy, fried perfectly with panko and served with homemade soft bread or rice and miso soup. The menu also features authentic katsu sandwiches, bento, donburi, and karaage, all prepared quickly by friendly Japanese staff.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and filling."

"The tonkatsu here is perfectly fried and juicy."

"The Japanese food here, especially the katsu, is so crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a special on Tuesday.

2

You receive a 10% discount when showing your game ticket.

3

The space at Katsu-Shack is quite small, so takeout is recommended for larger groups.

07
Tso Good (Formerly Café Flamingo) image 1

Sandwich shop with a charming flamingo theme and tropical, playful design creates a cute and upbeat vibe. Music videos and a DJ add lively energy while seating is tight but clean and inviting. Known for an exceptional chicken sandwich and unique menu items, it offers more than just bubble tea.

Food features well designed ingredients and balanced flavors across Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Drinks include boba tea, smoothies, and coffee that complement the menu well.

Egg tamago katsu stands out with its good flavor. Shrimp katsu tastes average and less impressive.

People are saying

"I was blown away by the amazing, flavorful chicken sandwich."

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"I will be back for the general tso chicken sandwich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events due to limited seating.

2

Parking is available on the street, but it can be busy during peak hours.

3

Combo meals are priced around $12, offering good value for a quick bite.

08
Taipei Cafe image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Tiny space with limited seating and cozy, quiet atmosphere features Japanese background music instead of local tunes. Clean and well-maintained interior offers a cute, minimalistic vibe that suits quick meals rather than long stays.

Authentic Taiwanese food shines here with dishes like Taiwan style popcorn chicken standing out. The food stays fresh and delicious, paired well with bubble tea for a quick fix.

Bento boxes feature teriyaki beef, fried tofu medallions with sweet and sour sauce, and teriyaki chicken skewers. Sides include braised eggs, cabbage, green beans, salad, and white rice.

People are saying

"The milk teas here are creamy and delicious."

"This food, the braised pork over rice, is one of the best I've tried."

"The Japanese Food bento boxes came with rice and eggs."

Good to know

1

Dine-in seating is limited, making to-go orders common.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The cafe closes earlier than expected, often before 9:30 PM.

09
Sakura Teppanyaki & Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Six hibachi stations offer teppanyaki shows with flames and spatula tricks, creating an entertaining routine. The space balances casual and upscale atmospheres with warm, welcoming ambiance and cozy lighting, though noise levels can be high during performances.

Food features generous servings and phenomenal quality with a soulful touch. Service includes thoughtful gestures like adding garnishes without asking.

Fresh sushi stands out with tasty white tuna and salmon. The teppanyaki offers lively chef performances and the tempura has a satisfying crunch.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The chef's entertaining performance made for fun activities."

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, was so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are strongly advised, especially during peak hours.

2

The set meals range from $30 to $40 and include multiple courses.

3

Free parking is available nearby, making access easier.

10
Sushi Box image 1
Sushi takeaway

Takeout-only sushi spot with fresh, high-quality fish and affordable prices. Packaging includes a cute, thoughtful box that adds a unique touch. Offers quick, convenient service ideal for grab-and-go meals.

Food arrives fresh, fast, and affordable with great quality and good packaging. The menu is small but offers a decent amount for the price, and service keeps things moving smoothly.

Sushi here offers super fresh, made-to-order options with great quality for the price. The sushi tastes like it comes from a high-end restaurant but is available as fast takeout with friendly staff.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so affordable and tasty."

"I thought the Japanese food here was awesome and highly recommend it."

"The food here is fresh, fast, and super affordable."

Good to know

1

Sushi Box is a walk-up and take-out-only sushi bar.

2

Ordering ahead is recommended for a smooth, wait-free pickup.

3

Prices at Sushi Box are very affordable compared to downtown sushi restaurants.

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Lake View East, Chicago

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