Diners' Choice: Japanese restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Japanese cuisine in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

312 Fish Market

4.9

4.9 (25)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Lower West Side

About the restaurant

Hidden inside 88 Marketplace is 312 Fish Market -- a sushi lover's dream. We take great pride in improving upon your favorite nigiri, sashimi, hand rolls, sushi rolls, and party sets in new and creative ways.

As we do not compromise on quality, our chef sources the best fish from all over the world including Tuna, Madai, Kanpachi, Uni, Caviar, and more.

312 Fish Market is a BYOB establishment.

Closed every Wednesday.

We are also available for pickup, delivery and catering.

Please reach us at 312FishMarket@gmail.com or 872-222-7288.

Top review

EdwardVIP

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Delicious fish and good rice Waiter was helpful picking choices

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san

5.0

5 (92)

$50 and over

Japanese

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san is a culmination of Master Sushi Chefs Kaze Chan and Shigeru Kitano’s combined experience defining the Chicago sushi scene. While the menu and service are informed by tradition, guests can expect a transcendent experience that breaks down the formality and austerity usually accompanying omakase dining. Each dinner in the warm, modern, and intimate ten-seat space features luxury ingredients from around the world. Sophisticated and carefully curated beverage pairings are available to complement the meal.

Top review

Donghan

Dined 4 days ago

Had a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the Omakase Room. The ambiance was serene and refined, and the sushi masters were not only highly skilled but also exceptionally polite. Each course left a distinct impression, showcasing both creativity and precision. My personal favorites were the Amadai-redtile fish- and the Chutoro Tataki, both were perfectly balanced in texture and flavor, delivering a truly memorable experience. The Tamago served as a gentle, satisfying end to the savory courses, while the uni ice cream added a thoughtful and playful twist that pleasantly surprised my palate. We also opted for the sake pairing, which turned out to be a highlight of the evening. The different varieties—sourced from different prefectures across Japan—were thoughtfully matched with the food. The staff’s detailed explanations enhanced the experience, offering insight into the classification and flavor profiles of sake. It’s a pairing I would definitely recommend. Overall, this dinner fully met my expectations. I look forward to returning when the seasonal menu changes to discover what new delights await.

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Experience

Omakase Reservation Deposit

Experience

Dinner with Ross Cobb of Cobb Wines

Kansaku

4.9

4.9 (509)

$30 and under

Japanese

Evanston

About the restaurant

Whether you seek familiar sushi preparations, traditional Japanese cooking or unique and innovative contemporary cuisine that blends Asian and Western cooking styles, Kansaku's seasonal cuisine, comfortable décor and knowledgeable service will provide you and your guests a dining experience that is both entirely satisfying and highly memorable. Kansaku opened its first location in the heart of downtown in Evanston on November 13, 2006. Kansaku delivers the concept of contemporary Japanese fine dining at its best leaving you with an experience that will have you coming back for more.

Top review

GayleVIP

Dined on Jun 29, 2025

An excellent place to unwind and relax over a great meal with outstanding service.

Omakase by Kanemaru

4.8

4.8 (22)

$50 and over

Japanese

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Omakase by Kanemaru in Chicago offers an unforgettable omakase experience crafted by Chef Shinichiro Kanemaru, whose culinary journey spans over 30 years. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for tradition, Chef Kanemaru combines time-honored techniques with subtle innovation, delivering dishes that are both visually stunning and exquisitely flavorful. At Omakase by Kanemaru, the intimate 10-seat counter invites guests into Chef Kanemaru's world, where each meal is a personalized journey. His warm hospitality and expert craftsmanship make every visit feel like a special occasion, whether you're a sushi connoisseur or a first-time guest.
We kindly ask guests to avoid cash payments and use a credit card instead. Please bring a physical credit card. Apple Pay is not accepted at the moment.
*Please note that Omakase by Kanemaru will be closed on these dates:
July 6th - 17th.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

Simply perfect! The food is great, chef is great, location is great! Perfection! Here you can taste the real sushi and see the difference comparing to the common restaurants!

Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill

4.9

4.9 (50)

$30 and under

Japanese

West Town

About the restaurant

Step into Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill and be transported to a world of culinary artistry. This family-owned gem in Chicago's West Town neighborhood offers a vibrant and playful atmosphere, where modern Japanese cuisine meets artistic flair.

**A Feast for the Senses:**

Yuzu's menu is a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors. From the delicate sashimi platters adorned with intricate edible art to the sizzling robata-grilled skewers, each dish is a masterpiece. Indulge in signature maki rolls like the "Over the Rainbow," a vibrant explosion of tuna, salmon, and avocado, or savor the melt-in-your-mouth grilled salmon topped with a tangy Yuzu sauce.

**Beyond the Plate:**

The ambiance at Yuzu is as captivating as the food. The open kitchen allows you to witness the culinary magic firsthand, while the energetic atmosphere is fueled by old-school hip-hop beats. The walls are adorned with intricate Japanese comic characters, adding a touch of whimsy to the space.

Top review

Chloe'

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

I truly enjoyed my sushi and the artwork and design that accompanied the food. Loved their rainbow roll and their manyo/avocado salad and would definitely recommend for a good value sushi experience.

Jōtō Sushi | CH Distillery

4.8

4.8 (388)

$30 and under

Japanese

West Loop

About the restaurant

Jōtō Sushi at CH Distillery is all about good energy, bold flavors, and a modern vibe. Tucked in the heart of the city, it's the kind of place where the atmosphere is just as memorable as the food.

Watch chefs in action at the open kitchen, soak in the sleek design, and enjoy a dining experience that feels both elevated and welcoming.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing experience every time! Staff, food, ambiance is always superb

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Experience

19-Course Omakase - $195 Thurs-Sat

Experience

14-Course Nigiri Omakase | Sun-Wed

Experience

Lunch Omakase

NORIKO

4.8

4.8 (129)

$31 to $50

Japanese

West Town

About the restaurant

We are located in the Lower Level of Perilla Fare. Please enter through Perilla Fare Restaurant and check in with the host.

NORIKO handroll bar is a new sushi restaurant concept specializing in handrolls which are prepared immediately in front of you. Each unique handroll is packed with flavor and carefully crafted with high quality ingredients in this intimate underground space.

Top review

AmyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful! Loved the food and atmosphere. Very friendly staff

Tenjin

4.8

4.8 (115)

$30 and under

Japanese

Lincolnwood

About the restaurant

Renga Tei is Tenjin Restaurant now.
Tenjin restaurant serves everyone’s favorite Japanese dishes from yesteryear, and Chef Naoki has developed many contemporary dishes to keep your taste buds happy and satisfied.
We hope that Tenjin will become one of your go-to Japanese Restaurants.

Top review

Thomas

Dined on Jun 29, 2025

Great place for authentic Japanese. Did is always excellent and service is wonderful.

Nabuki

4.8

4.8 (1538)

$50 and over

Japanese

Hinsdale

About the restaurant

Located in historic downtown Hinsdale. Chef Juan and Nabuki are committed to creating edible art. Offering a fusion of innovate dishes. Chef Juan exhibits his mastery of the art of Sushi by creating traditional Japanese dishes with a Latin flare.

Top review

Matt

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Very clean establishment. Fresh and tasty seafood. Helpful and attentive Staff. Convenient parking and close to home.

Itoko

4.8

4.8 (620)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Situated in Lakeview's iconic Southport Corridor, Itoko is a neighborhood Japanese and robata restaurant from Gene Kato, Executive Chef of Momotaro. “Itoko” meaning “cousin” in Japanese, refers to the connection with Momotaro, located in the Fulton Market District. The menu features the high level of ingredients and technique that Chicago has come to expect from Chef Kato, alongside a beautiful interior curated for the Southport neighborhood. The menu itself features uniquely interpreted sushi rolls that allow the high-quality fish to be the star of the sushi experience. In addition, an innovative beverage menu with a focus on cocktails & highballs highlights the relationship between the technique of the food created by the kitchen and how this is complimented by the beverage selection.

Top review

CarolineVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Always a great experience @ Itoko! Food was beautifully prepared and delicious. Service wonderful

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