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Raisu Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Raisu Sushi
8.8
Raisu is an intimate Japanese restaurant in Irving Park/Albany Park where omakase and precise nigiri flights anchor a focused sushi menu. Fish is flown in regularly from Japan, and the room balances special-occasion polish with a relaxed neighborhood feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Omakase Nigiri Flight, Raisu House Special Maki Roll, Spicy Tuna Maki Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Omakase-driven sushi with carefully sourced fish in a polished, intimate space.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting chef-led omakase in the neighborhood.
When to visit: Later weeknights or early weekend seatings for a relaxed pace.
What to order: Omakase nigiri flight, Raisu House Special Maki, sashimi sampler.
Insider tip: Book the sushi bar for the best view of the omakase choreography.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; typically available on side streets but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — neat jeans or dresses are common; many diners lean slightly dressy for omakase.
Noise level: Low to moderate — calm enough for full conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face long waits or be turned away.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is limited; check hours and book ahead when available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — some rolls, appetizers, and vegetable nigiri are available, but omakase is fish-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — you may find a few vegetable items, but it is not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Many options can be gluten-aware, but notify the staff — soy sauce contains gluten unless substituted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the quiet room, attentive service, and omakase pacing make it ideal for conversation-forward date nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — but expect better luck on weeknights. For omakase, reservations are the norm and fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the experience is slow-paced and best suited to mature teens and adults.
Best For
Better for: Serious sushi lovers who value fish quality, precise technique, and an intimate omakase setting.
Skip if: You want big portions, casual rolls, or a lively bar-style sushi scene.
Raisu Sushi
8.6
Raisu is an intimate Irving Park sushi bar where nightly omakase and a la carte nigiri lean on fish flown in from Japan and carefully composed toppings. Locals treat it as a special-occasion counter for precise cuts, warm service, and one of the strongest sushi programs on the Northwest Side.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Special Seafood Soup, Snow White Maki Roll, Signature Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Cozy omakase-focused sushi bar with fish flown in from Japan.
Who should go: Sushi obsessives planning a focused, slow-paced night out.
When to visit: Prime dinner reservations or later seatings for quieter pacing.
What to order: Omakase progression, House Special Seafood Soup, Snow White Maki.
Insider tip: Book the counter and let the chef freestyle extra nigiri.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood is generally available but can tighten during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — neat jeans or dressier attire feel appropriate for the omakase setting.
Noise level: Low to moderate — calm enough for easy conversation at the counter or table.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face long waits or limited availability.
Weekday lunch: Typically not applicable — focus is primarily dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — some vegetable maki and appetizers, but the menu is largely seafood-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — options may be restricted to a few sides or rolls.
Gluten-free options: Many nigiri and sashimi options can be gluten-free if you avoid soy sauce or request tamari.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the quiet, intimate room and thoughtful service make it ideal for a slow-paced, conversation-friendly first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but it’s risky on weekends. The small dining room fills quickly, so book ahead if timing matters.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults or older teens who enjoy sushi and a quieter environment — there isn’t a kids menu or casual vibe.
Best For
Better for: Refined omakase-style dining, high-quality fish, and a relaxed, detail-oriented experience.
Skip if: You want loud, lively group dining, heavy cooked entrées, or lots of vegetarian and vegan variety.
Raisu Sushi
8.8
Raisu runs a focused Japanese menu where maki rolls, sashimi, and composed plates are treated with fine-dining precision in a small Irving Park space. Locals use it for special-occasion sushi with omakase options and careful plating that still feels neighborhood-accessible rather than downtown-formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Snow White maki roll, Tornado maki roll, Omakase tasting menu
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Fine-dining style sushi and maki in a compact neighborhood room.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans planning higher-end nights out.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners or quieter midweek evenings.
What to order: Snow White roll, Tornado roll, omakase progression.
Insider tip: Book the counter if possible to watch rolls and nigiri plated.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; can be tight during peak dining hours, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual, leaning dressy — most guests arrive slightly elevated for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — you can comfortably hold a conversation, though the room feels lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Typically requires a reservation; walk-in waits can exceed 45–60 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused service is the primary draw.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable rolls and sushi options are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few maki and starter options, but the menu skews seafood-forward.
Gluten-free options: Some options are naturally gluten-free; alert staff regarding soy sauce and tempura items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate room, careful plating, and polished service make it feel special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on quieter weeknights, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and peak dining times.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens comfortable with sushi will do fine, but the atmosphere skews adult and date-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion sushi where presentation, service, and omakase options elevate the experience beyond casual roll shops.
Skip if: You want fast, inexpensive sushi or are dining with picky eaters who prefer a very casual or kid-centric setting.
Raisu Sushi
8.8
Raisu Japanese Fine Dining turns omakase and maki into an intimate Irving Park date night, with chef-driven nigiri and modern Japanese plates. Couples treat it as a splurge spot for carefully sourced fish, quiet conversation, and polished pacing at the sushi bar or small tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Inferno Dragon maki roll, Hokkaido scallops, Chef's omakase nigiri flight
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Intimate chef-led omakase and maki bar where Simon Liew highlights pristine fish in a quietly polished room.
Who should go: Couples planning a special-occasion sushi or omakase night.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend reservations or later weeknight seatings.
What to order: Inferno Dragon maki, Hokkaido scallops, omakase nigiri progression.
Insider tip: Request counter seats to watch Chef Simon Liew plate omakase.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available in the surrounding residential blocks; it can be moderately competitive during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — polished outfits feel most natural here.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversations are easy and the room stays intimate.
Weekend wait: Typically requires a reservation; walk-ins may face long waits or limited availability.
Weekday lunch: Not typically applicable — plan on dinner-focused service with reservations recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some vegetarian sushi and small plates are available, but menus lean seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — vegan diners may find only a few basic options.
Gluten-free options: Many sushi items can be gluten-free if you avoid soy sauce and fried items; notify the staff so they can guide selections.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate setting, thoughtful pacing, and refined presentation create a relaxed, elevated atmosphere that works beautifully for a special first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible but unlikely during peak hours. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for the sushi counter or weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the quiet, refined vibe suits adults. Older teens who enjoy sushi may be fine, but it’s not designed for young children.
Best For
Better for: Carefully curated omakase-style experiences, refined romantic dinners, and elevated sushi with attentive service.
Skip if: You want casual rolls, large group energy, loud dining rooms, or budget-friendly sushi nights.