Chicago's vibrant culinary scene extends far beyond deep-dish pizza. The city boasts a remarkable selection of sushi restaurants, catering to every palate and budget. From traditional Edomae-style sushi to innovative fusion creations, Chicago's sushi scene is truly diverse. This guide explores 20 of the best, offering a mix of established favorites and exciting newcomers. Finding the best sushi in Chicago just got a whole lot easier!
Exploring Chicago's Top Sushi Destinations: A Diverse Culinary Landscape
Chicago's sushi landscape is incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of experiences for sushi lovers. We've categorized the restaurants below to highlight their unique strengths, helping you choose the perfect spot for your next sushi adventure.
Upscale Elegance: High-End Sushi Experiences
These establishments offer an unparalleled dining experience, combining exceptional sushi with sophisticated ambiance. Expect premium ingredients, impeccable service, and a price tag to match.
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SumiRobata: Known for its exquisite omakase experience and stunning river views.
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Momotaro: A trendy spot with an extensive sushi menu and creative cocktails.
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Oriole: While not solely a sushi restaurant, Oriole offers a renowned sushi tasting menu as part of its broader culinary experience. Their use of seasonal ingredients is exceptional.
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Sushi Wabi: This intimate spot provides a luxurious omakase experience with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
Modern Fusion: Innovative Sushi Creations
These restaurants blend traditional sushi techniques with modern culinary influences, resulting in unique and exciting dishes.
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Kuma's Corner: Believe it or not, this metal-themed burger joint offers surprisingly excellent sushi alongside their famous burgers. It's a unique and unexpected combination.
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Ando: This Lincoln Park establishment brings a contemporary feel to its sushi offerings, attracting a younger crowd.
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Acadia: Acadia is more known for its refined American cuisine, but they incorporate sushi elements beautifully into their tasting menus.
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RPM Italian: While primarily an Italian restaurant, their sushi bar offers a high-quality alternative for those who want the best of both worlds.
Casual Chic: Delicious Sushi Without the Fuss
These restaurants provide a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy excellent sushi without breaking the bank or needing a reservation weeks in advance.
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Fujiyama: A reliable choice offering a classic sushi experience in multiple locations.
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Miku Sushi: This casual spot is a popular choice for its great value and tasty sushi rolls.
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Tanoshi Sushi: Their creative rolls are highly rated and they offer a comfortable setting.
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Omakase Yume: Although omakase usually implies upscale, this spot offers a more affordable version of the experience.
Hidden Gems: Underrated Sushi Spots
Don't overlook these lesser-known gems – they often offer exceptional sushi at a more affordable price point.
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Sushi House: A neighborhood favorite that offers consistently good sushi at reasonable prices.
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Doki Doki: Doki Doki is a popular spot for lunch with its fast service and tasty sushi.
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Mako: Mako is a solid option for those seeking a more traditional sushi experience without the high price tag.
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Yoko Sushi: This small, unassuming restaurant offers some of the freshest sushi in the city.
Beyond the Traditional: Exploring Different Styles
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Kai Zan: For a modern take on Japanese cuisine beyond just sushi, Kai Zan is an excellent choice.
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Izakaya Meiji: This izakaya style restaurant offers more than sushi, but their sushi is a definite highlight.
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Hanoki: A wonderful spot for those who like a more upscale Izakaya experience alongside sushi.
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Fuku: A great choice for unique and high quality sushi in a trendy atmosphere.
Choosing Your Perfect Chicago Sushi Experience
This list provides a diverse selection of Chicago's sushi scene. Consider your budget, preferred ambiance, and desired style of sushi when making your choice. Whether you're searching for a luxurious omakase experience or a casual lunch, Chicago's sushi restaurants have something to offer everyone. Happy sushi-hunting!
Disclaimer: Restaurant rankings and availability are subject to change. It's always recommended to check reviews and make reservations, especially for popular establishments.
