The 26 best sushi restaurants in Chicago

What is it? An upscale omakase counter in Logan Square.

Why we love it: One of Chicago's most extensive (and expensive) omakase experiences can be found at Kyōten in Logan Square, where chef Otto Phan offers upwards of 20 courses at his eight-seat sushi counter. Priced at $440-$490 per person, depending on the day, it's an expensive meal, but the menu pulls out all the stops, with dishes catered individually to each guest. You can look forward to noshing on oceanic treats like kanpachi, uni, ebi and maguro.

Time Out tip: If you can't snag a seat at Kyōten, try its sister spot Kyōten Next Door.

Address: 2507 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 6:30-9pm

What is it? A popular omakase counter hidden behind Sushi-san in River North.

Why we love it: Omakase concepts are having their moment right now, and few, if any, are doing it better than Lettuce Entertain You’s intimate 10-seater, The Omakase Room at Sushi-san. Led by chef Kaze Chan, The Omakase Room is a dazzling experience that’s both elegant and unstuffy. Guests are treated to a close-up view of the action and the convivial atmosphere encourages chit-chatting with the staff as they expertly carve fish to create 18 memorable courses, which include caviar-topped otoro tartare and kegani with uni.

Time Out tip: Beverage pairings round things out, and even the popular spirit-free offerings level up the experience.

Address: 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5:30-8:30pm

What is it? A small West Loop restaurant offering celebrated sushi chef BK Park's extensive omakase experience.

Why we love it: The omakase experience at Mako fetches $215 a head for 15+ courses. The menu is sprinkled with pieces of sashimi and nigiri, and fluctuates with the seasons to highlight indulgent morsels like braised abalone with liver puree. The sushi counter boasts just 12 seats (with an additional 10 seats behind it in the dining room), and each seating is limited to two hours. No need to rush: The chefs are trained to keep things moving at a comfortable pace.

Time Out tip: Be warned: wine and sake pairings are not available at 4pm seatings on Saturdays and Sundays.

Address: 731 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 5:30-10:30pm; Sat, Sun 4-10:30pm

What is it? A tiny West Loop omakase counter serving Japanese and Korean bites.

Why we love it: The omakase menu at small West Loop restaurant Omakase Yume changes daily based on chef Sangtae Park's whims and what's in season and available to him. But if you're willing to put your trust—and $225—in the knowledgeable sushi chef, you can indulge in a 16-course menu that's packed with appetizers, sushi and dessert.

Time Out tip: Only six guests are served during each seating at the omakase counter, so make sure to snag a reservation well in advance.

Address: 651 W Washington Blvd, Suite #101, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5-10:30pm

What is it? The Michelin-starred Chicago location from the Sushi by Scratch restaurant group.

Why we love it: This omakase spot, with award-winning locations around the country, from husband and wife Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee arrived in Chicago in 2023. Tucked away below West Loop bar The Drop In, the 10-seat concept dishes out 17 courses across three seatings each night. You can expect plenty of luxe ingredients to be featured, as well as inventive nigiri—like a piece with unagi and roasted bone marrow drippings.

Time Out tip: Sushi by Scratch offers complimentary pre-dinner cocktails and canapés for 30 minutes before each seating.

Address: 415 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Daily 5-9:30pm

What is it? Kyōten's sister restaurant in Logan Square.

Why we love it: Not content with just running one of Chicago’s best omakase experiences, Otto Phan opened a second concept adjacent to Kyōten in 2023. Though the price point is more affordable ($159-$169), there’s no dip in consistency or quality. The menu switches things up occasionally to highlight unique offerings, but your meal will typically include the usual (delicious) suspects, like chutoro, uni, Hokkaido scallops and Wagyu over seasoned rice. 

Time Out tip: It’s certainly a more laid-back affair than the OG Kyōten, and you may even find yourself chatting with the chefs throughout the evening and learning quite a bit about the sushi-making process.

Address: 2513 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Tue, Sun 5-9:30pm; Wed-Fri 6-9:30pm; Sat 4-9:30pm

What is it? A traditional Japanese omakase spot.

Why we love it: Drawing inspiration from classic Japanese culinary practices, this West Town restaurant offers one of the finest omakase experiences in town—featuring 17-25 courses of both raw fish and hot dishes, as well as premium delicacies like Wagyu and caviar. 

Time Out tip: This is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion, but for a more casual evening, dine at the izakaya-style bar for small plates, sashimi, maki rolls and an extensive selection of sakes and Japanese whiskies.

Address: 1641 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-11pm; Fri, Sat 4:30pm-midnight; Sun 4:30-11pm

What is it? A sushi bar on the second floor of Chinese grocery emporium 88 Marketplace.

Why we love it: Food court sushi doesn’t always carry a sterling reputation, but 312 Fish Market is the exception to that rule. This sushi bar imports its products fresh from Japan, and former Sushi-san chef and co-partner Joe Fung delivers impeccable slices of raw fish, including Konbujime-style cured madai and torched salmon maki. 

Time Out tip: If you've got a group, opt for a party platter, which features everything from an all-salmon tray to a 50-piece selection of sashimi.

Address: 2105 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu-Sat, Sun 11am-9pm

What is it? Melvin and Carlo Vizconde's Japanese restaurant in Humboldt Park.

Why we love it: Although you can order a la carte, the affordable omakase menu at Kai Zan is the way to go, and includes more food than you can eat—everything from rich oyster and uni shooters doctored up with ponzu sauce and egg yolks or seared tuna maki adorned with truffled scallions and takoyaki to a fried dough ball with a nugget of octopus inside. While these are all fun, utterly delicious takes on Japanese food, the decadence stops short of overwhelming the great fish in the maki and sashimi. Tuna and salmon are packed into a balanced roll with jalapeño, avocado, cilantro, masago, chili and lime, and the omakase ends with a generous plate of sashimi.

Time Out tip: Stop in between 5 and 5:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to take advantage of the early bird menu, which costs $49 per person.

Address: 2557 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-10pm; Fri, Sat 4:30-11pm

What is it? A hidden sushi bar inside a former guest room at the Hotel Lincoln.

Why we love it: As if omakase menus weren't fancy and intimate enough, Sushi Suite takes things to the next level by transforming a 500-square-foot hotel room into a secret, six-seat sushi speakeasy for private feasting. The 75-minute, 17-course menu serves up artfully arranged sushi topped with shrimp, uni and other seafood delights. 

Time Out tip: For an even more luxe experience, elevate your meal with sake pairings.

Address: 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Daily 5-11pm

What is it? A Lincoln Park Japanese eatery from chef/owner B.K. Park.

Why we love it: Want the best sushi deal in town? It's at Juno, where sushi chef B.K. Park is doing God's work when it comes to raw fish. The chef’s choice sashimi—perfectly sliced, spread over ice and adorned with shells and orchids—is $62 for 16 pieces of fish (two each of eight different kinds). This is a steal, and while it's enough for a solo diner, there are more great things to eat, like the smoked hamachi, which arrives under a glass dome with two spoons cradling lightly smoked pieces of fish. The Juno King consists of two single bites of tuna wrapped around rice and topped with spicy crab—they're delicious. Even the spicy tuna roll is elevated, with a thick piece of tuna and scallions, and a trace of sriracha and chili oil.

Time Out tip: On Wednesdays through Sundays, you can order Juno for takeout between 5:30 and 9:15pm.

Address: 2638 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 5:30-10pm; Fri, Sat 5-11pm; Sun 5-10pm

What is it? Boka Restaurant Group's upscale West Loop Japanese restaurant, helmed by chef Gene Kato.

Why we love it: There are more than enough good things at Momotaro to have an entire meal without even glancing at the sushi menu, but that would be a mistake. Toss in individual nigiri or sashimi pieces or go all in on sushi rolls, like the Momomaki with big eye tuna, spicy octopus and pickled daikon. There are several meatless options for the vegetarians at your table, including rolls stuffed with shiitake tempura.

Time Out tip: Don't miss Momotaro's popular izakaya downstairs.

Address: 820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 5-10pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 4:30-11pm; Sun 4:30-11pm

What is it? A popular, intimate omakase restaurant in Lakeview.

Why we love it: AJI Omakase is among the exciting newcomers that popped up during the recent omakase boom. Grab a seat at the counter and watch as chefs Kristian Cho and Arnold Lee work their magic to craft 15 flavor-packed courses, including sweet shrimp topped with shaved and compressed caviar and Hokkaido uni. The menu is priced at $165 per person and can be supplemented with sakes, teas and inventive Asian-tinged cocktails.

Time Out tip: This is a hot reservation, so be sure to book your seat at least a week in advance.

Address: 3809 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 6-10pm; Fri, Sat 5-11pm

Why we love it: A seasoned veteran of the sushi world, Ismael Lucero Lopez has spent decades meticulously refining his skills in slicing pristine fish. At Madai, the menu honors traditional Japanese flavors while weaving in elements of Latin and Pan-Asian influences. Satisfy your cravings for raw seafood by indulging in inventive maki rolls like the La Baja—panko shrimp, akami and avocado, crowned with marinated jalapeños—or put your trust in Lopez and opt for the luxurious 13-course omakase experience at the sushi counter.

Time Out tip: Stop by the Time Out Market in the West Loop to get a taste of Casa Madai's inventive fare.

Address: 2023 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5-10pm

What is it? A casual Japanese restaurant offering omakase and takeout options.

Why we love it: Sometimes it’s best to leave things in the hands of the experts, as is the case at Raisu in Irving Park. A variety of fish are flown in multiple times a week, and you’ll find them in creative options such as the Snow White, a maki roll showcasing fried smoked salmon, crab, tempura avocado and asparagus, chives, and garlic and unagi sauces. 

Time Out tip: For a full taste of what chef Simon Liew can do, opt for the omakase, which provides luxuries like Wagyu beef and uni.

Address: 2958 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Tue-Sat, Sun 5-10pm

What is it? A hand roll and omakase bar from chef B.K. Park.

Why we love it: Park’s (Juno, Mako) latest concept offers several dining options. Up front, guests can enjoy a variety of temaki at the hand roll bar, or be seated at a table for DIY temaki, small plates and rice bowls. 

Time Out tip: In the back of the restaurant is an eight-seat counter, where a short-format, affordably-priced omakase experience is available during lunch and dinner. For sushi novices, it’s a great way to get acquainted with omakase dining without breaking the bank.

Address: 804 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-10pm; Sat 4-10pm; Sun 4-9pm

What is it? A buzzy Japanese restaurant where you may or may not run into a celeb.

Why we love it: You're in good hands with sushi star Kaze Chan (Kaze, Momotaro), who's crafted a menu of hits using super-fresh ingredients and wildly simple techniques. For a full understanding of Chan's skills, splurge on a San-Set, consisting of portioned collections of nigiri, sashimi and rolls that are designed to share. For a totally different experience, grab a seat at the handroll bar, where fresh pockets of crispy seaweed, warm rice and pristine fish are served directly to you from the chefs behind the counter. Chan argues that this type of sushi should be gobbled up as soon as it’s constructed; even a 30-second delay in service could spoil the experience. 

Time Out tip: Can't get a res? Try the Lincoln Park location.

Address: 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-10pm

What is it? Lettuce Entertain You's luxe Japanese restaurant inside the St. Regis hotel.

Why we love it: Perched on the 11th floor of the St. Regis Chicago hotel, Miru pairs stunning views with a pristine selection of maki, sashimi and nigiri. We suggest starting with an order of crispy rice topped with king crab or spicy tuna, before induling in luxe bites of otoro, uni and hotate. 

Time Out tip: Can't decide what to order? Go with the oke mori for anywhere from nine to 36 pieces of fish.

Address: 401 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 7am-9pm; Fri, Sat 7am-10pm

What is it? A sushi spot on the West Loop's main drag.

Why we love it: Look for the loyal following of Mike-heads: Sushi foodies who swear by Tanoshii chef Mike Ham. If you try the cooked items, you’re likely not to go back. If you order your own sushi, you’re likely to offer up a “So what?” But if you make like the regulars and put yourself in "Sushi Mike’s" hands (name your price, and he creates a combo), you might just become a believer.

Time Out tip: Go all in with the 15-course omakase experience for just $95.

Address: 720 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Mon 4:30-10pm; Tue-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 4:30-10pm; Fri, Sat 4:30-11pm; Sun 4:30-10pm

What is it? A classic Chicago seafood joint.

Why we love it: Shaw's Crab House is one of our go-to spots for oysters and lobster rolls, but the sushi menu is also worth exploring. Given how serious Shaw's is about seafood, it's not surprising that its takes on sushi are simple and well-executed. There are neatly rolled and balanced maki, including combinations like shrimp tempura, cucumber, wasabi mayonnaise and tobiko, while the slices of salmon, tuna and yellowtail sashimi are precisely cut.

Time Out tip: Shaw's also offers a Whole Norwegian King Crab Experience, in which an entire crab is cracked and broken down at your table. 

Address: 21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am-10pm

What is it? A hot modern Japanese restaurant in West Town.

Why we love it: West Town sushi joint Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill serves monstrous rolls with a side of art. Some of the Yuzu jumbo rolls are served on platters decorated with colorful sauces in Instagram-worthy patterns and shapes. Try the unholy Green Harbor, which is packed with broccoli and sweet potato tempura, grilled asparagus and cucumber and then topped with avocado, spicy mayo, wasabi mayo and sweet soy sauce. Open wide!

Time Out tip: Don't miss Yuzu's popular happy hour, which runs weekdays between 4:30 and 6:30pm.

Address: 1751 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun noon-3pm, 4:30-9:30pm; Fri, Sat noon-3pm, 4:30-10:30pm

What is it? A family-owned sushi fish market with locations in Albany Park and Chinatown.

Why we love it: Lawrence Fish Market is an unexpected gem for sushi. First, it's insanely cheap—even cheaper than grocery store sushi, and while the maki may not be perfectly wrapped, it tastes worlds better. The flavors are clean, from supple salmon to sweet tamago.

Time Out tip: This is a perfect spot to pick up a tray for when you're hosting guests.

Address: 3920 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Opening hours: Daily 10am-8pm

What is it? Nobu Hotel's tony Japanese restaurant in the West Loop.

Why we love it: The posh Nobu Hotel—co-owned by Robert De Niro—opened in the West Loop in 2020, with its equally stylish flagship sushi restaurant arriving a few months later. Inside the 10,000-square-foot space, you'll find a dining room, lounge, two private dining areas and a 28-foot sushi bar inspired by a jewelry box, where guests can feast on chef Nobu Matsuhisa's signature dishes like black cod with miso and yellowtail jalapeño sashimi. There's also an omakase-style tasting menu available if you don't feel like sorting through the myriad of seafood options. 

Time Out tip: Want to take advantage of the good weather? Head up to the 11th floor for nigiri, sashimi and maki at the Rooftop at Nobu, a sprawling outdoor terrace with Japanese-inspired design.

Address: 854 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon 7-11am, 11:30am-3pm, 5pm-midnight; Tue midnight-11am, 11:30am-3pm, 5-9:30pm; Wed 7-11am, 11:30am-3pm, 5-9:30pm; Thu 7-11am, 11:30am-3pm, 5-11pm; Fri, Sat 7-11am, 11:30am-3pm, 5-11pm; Sun 7:30-11am, 11:30am-3pm, 5-9:30pm

What is it? Hospitality veteran Billy Dec's (The Underground) Pan-Asian stalwart with locations in River North and the West Loop.

Why we love it: Sunda knows how to pull out all the stops to impress. You can never go wrong with the signature crispy rice—topped with either Wagyu or spicy tuna—but if you’re craving some rolls, there are terrific choices, too. 

Time Out tip: Want to spice things up? Order The Gambler, which features spicy tuna, kani, cucumber, scallions, kampyo and avocado, plus ghost pepper sambal in a random single piece for those who like to be daring.

Address: 110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-10pm; Fri 4-11pm; Sat 11am-2pm, 4-11pm; Sun 11am-2pm, 4-10pm

What is it? A casual Japanese restaurant in Lincoln Park.

Why we love it: Mitch Kim, the longtime chef of Toro Sushi, leads the kitchen at this Lincoln Park spot. The maki rolls—Kim’s signature offerings—are the move here, starring creations like the BFF (tempura shrimp and spicy tuna topped with unagi). There is also a selection of hand rolls and an affordable sashimi dinner—15 pieces of tuna, salmon, hamachi, escolar and tilapia, served with rice.

Time Out tip: Sushi Hall also houses a lively cocktail bar, The Ward Room, where you can also order sushi between 5 and 9:30pm.

Address: 2630 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 4:30-9pm; Fri 11:30am-2pm, 4:30-9:30pm; Sat 4:30-9:30pm; Sun 4:30pm-8:30pm

What is it? A New York and South Beach import with a prime location in River North.

Why we love it: A jack of all trades when it comes to seafood, Lure Fishbar serves oysters, caviar, lobster rolls, tuna tacos and a crispy Asian snapper for two. Lure also boasts an expansive sushi menu (all prepared at a dedicated sushi bar), including a selection of signature rolls and platters laden with sushi and sashimi. 

Time Out tip: If you're looking for something a bit different, opt for the crispy sushi rice, which places spicy tuna or yellowtail jalapeño atop fried rice patties.

Address: 616 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am-10pm; Sun 7am-9pm