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Omakase Shoji

1641 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Japanese, Sushi

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Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)

Omakase Shoji 8.5
Ukrainian Village
Omakase Shoji is an intimate omakase counter in Ukrainian Village where a small number of seats gather around the chef for a focused, seasonal progression of nigiri and composed bites. It’s a special-occasion destination for diners who want a slower, more deliberate sushi experience than neighborhood AYCE and roll-heavy spots.
Must-Try Dishes: Seasonal Omakase Nigiri Flight, Toro and Uni Course, Chef’s Daily Appetizer Trio
Scores:
Value: 7 Service: 8.8 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Tiny omakase counter focused on seasonal fish and a tightly choreographed tasting menu.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans willing to splurge on omakase.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings when the full omakase is offered.
What to order: Full omakase progression, toro and uni course, chef’s opening bites.
Insider tip: Reserve well in advance and note any preferences so the chef can tailor the progression.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Ukrainian Village; metered and residential spots nearby but can be limited during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — most guests opt for polished attire suitable for a special occasion.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet, focused environment where conversation is possible without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Reservations are typically required; walk-ins are unlikely to be seated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — service is focused on scheduled omakase seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — omakase is seafood-focused, but accommodations may be possible with advance notice.
Vegan options: Not recommended — the experience is centered around raw fish and seafood.
Gluten-free options: Often workable with modifications if noted ahead of time; some sauces contain soy or wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if your date enjoys sushi and quieter, refined dining. The intimate counter format encourages conversation but also focuses attention on the experience itself.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Seating is extremely limited and typically booked in advance, so plan ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. The meal is structured, quiet, and lengthy — better suited to adults or mature teens comfortable with omakase dining.
Best For
Better for: Slow, thoughtful omakase that highlights seasonality and technique rather than rolls or fusion dishes.
Skip if: You prefer casual sushi, large portions, or a loud, social scene — or if you’re looking for à la carte rolls instead of a set tasting menu.
Omakase Shoji 8.4
Ukrainian Village
Omakase Shoji is a tiny Ukrainian Village sushi counter focused on a seasonal, multi-course kaiseki-style omakase where the chef leads guests through a tight progression of nigiri and composed bites. It functions as a special-occasion spot for diners who want a focused, slow-paced experience built around premium fish and precise technique.
Must-Try Dishes: 20-course kaiseki omakase, Silky chawanmushi with uni and lobster, Tempura flounder sakizuke
Scores:
Value: 6.9 Service: 8.7 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 8.8 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Chef-led omakase counter with a tightly choreographed seasonal progression.
Who should go: Omakase devotees comfortable with a high per-person spend.
When to visit: Later evening seatings when the full menu is offered.
What to order: 20-course kaiseki omakase, chawanmushi, tempura flounder course.
Insider tip: Book well ahead and note dietary restrictions when reserving so the chef can adjust courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood can be limited during dinner hours; allow extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — most guests wear polished, evening-appropriate attire.
Noise level: Quiet — conversations are held at a soft tone due to the intimate counter setup.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-in seats are unlikely.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — service is typically dinner-only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — most courses feature seafood.
Vegan options: Not suitable — the experience is seafood-focused.
Gluten-free options: Often accommodated with advance notice, but not fully celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if your date enjoys refined dining and intimate spaces. The quiet, chef-guided format works best for thoughtful conversation rather than a casual night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Seating is extremely limited and almost always booked ahead, so reserve in advance whenever possible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children. The meal is long, structured, and quiet, and there is no kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: A meticulously curated omakase experience where each bite is presented with ceremony and seasonal intent.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte sushi, flexible pacing, louder energy, or broader menu options.
Omakase Shoji 8.3
West Town
Omakase Shoji is a kappo-style counter serving a seasonal, roughly 20-course omakase that leans heavily on pristine seafood flown in from Japan. The room stays small and calm, with the chef walking guests through nigiri, chawanmushi, and composed plates while a connected lounge handles à la carte and sake.
Must-Try Dishes: Seasonal omakase course progression, White shrimp nigiri, Uni-topped chawanmushi or nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 8.5 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: An intimate omakase counter where a chef-led, multi-course Japanese tasting moves from delicate sashimi to luxurious hot dishes.
Who should go: Omakase devotees who care about seasonal Japanese seafood.
When to visit: Early evening seatings for an unhurried two-hour progression.
What to order: Full omakase, white shrimp nigiri, any uni course offered.
Insider tip: Ask about sake pairings tailored to the night’s omakase menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in West Town is available but can be limited during peak dinner hours; allow extra time to find a space.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual — polished attire fits the intimate omakase counter best.
Noise level: Low — calm, focused environment where you can easily hold a quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-in availability is highly unlikely.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not typically offered at the omakase counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — the menu is seafood-focused and not designed for vegetarian dining.
Vegan options: Not suitable — nearly all courses include seafood or animal-based ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Often workable with advance notice, though soy-based sauces may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if you want an intimate, refined experience with chef interaction. It’s best for quieter, more serious dates rather than casual first meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. The counter has limited seats and typically books ahead, so reserve early to secure a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. The long tasting format and quiet setting are better suited to adults and mature teens.
Best For
Better for: Guests who value seasonal Japanese seafood, chef-led storytelling, and a serene, high-end counter experience.
Skip if: You want à la carte flexibility, louder social energy, or a menu that accommodates many dietary restrictions.
Omakase Shoji 8.9
Ukrainian Village
Omakase Shoji is an intimate 10-seat counter where Chef Shoji guides guests through a multi-course Japanese tasting that blends edomae sushi with kaiseki-style plates. It’s one of the most transportive, special-occasion experiences in the neighborhood, made for slow, conversation-heavy dates.
Must-Try Dishes: Chef’s Seasonal Omakase Course, Wagyu Nigiri, White Shrimp Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.2 Service: 9.1 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 9.4 Atmosphere: 9.3 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A tiny omakase counter where Chef Shoji personally stages a multi-course tasting in front of you.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans planning a splurge-worthy romantic night.
When to visit: Later evening seatings when the full omakase pacing shines.
What to order: Chef’s omakase progression, Wagyu nigiri, seasonal sake pairing.
Insider tip: Request counter seats by the chef for maximum interaction and explanation of each course.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be limited on residential blocks, especially after 6pm. Plan extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses feel appropriate but not required.
Noise level: Low — quiet, intimate counter where you can easily hold a soft-spoken conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are generally not accepted.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service — dinner-only omakase seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — the menu is built around seafood-focused courses.
Vegan options: Not suitable — the tasting relies heavily on fish and seafood preparations.
Gluten-free options: Often accommodated with advance notice; soy sauce substitutions may be available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if you want a refined, quiet, and immersive experience where the chef leads the evening. It’s better for couples comfortable with a slower, multi-course format.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. With only about 10 seats, reservations are typically required and often book out in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? No — the long omakase format, intimate setting, and price point make it best suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory, conversation-forward date nights where chef interaction and precision sushi are the main event.
Skip if: You want à la carte rolls, louder group energy, or a quick, casual sushi meal.

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday5:30pm - 11pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 11pm
Thursday5:30pm - 11pm
Friday5pm - 12am
Saturday5pm - 12am
Sunday5pm - 11pm