Skip to main content
0 Followers

Free analytics & customer insights

Nomonomo Sushi

2096 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
$
Japanese

Vibe Check this spot

Rate this spot and tag the vibes that fit

Log In to Add Vibe Check

Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Nomonomo Sushi 8.5
Palmer Square
Nomonomo Sushi is an intimate sushi bar off Milwaukee where a compact menu leans heavily on chef-driven nigiri, composed bites, and a more indulgent take on omakase. It reads as a quieter alternative to the city’s splashiest sushi counters while still bringing richer cuts, foie accents, and tightly plated rolls to the table.
Must-Try Dishes: Chef’s Nigiri Omakase, Foie Gras Tuna Sushi, Kani Hotate Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.8 Service: 8.5 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 9 Atmosphere: 8.7 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A chef-run sushi room where omakase-style nigiri and richer cuts stay central.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting elevated fish without ultra-formal trappings.
When to visit: Late-week dinners when the counter feels full but not hectic.
What to order: Nigiri omakase, foie gras tuna bite, Kani Hotate specialty roll.
Insider tip: Counter seats give the best view of fish prep and pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on residential side streets near Milwaukee Ave; can be limited during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date-night evenings.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation at the counter is comfortable and intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins depending on counter availability; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: N/A — venue is primarily dinner-focused and typically not open for lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and small plates, but the menu is primarily fish-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — may be able to accommodate simple vegetable preparations on request.
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications — sashimi and many nigiri pieces can be GF; ask for tamari instead of soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the small, quiet counter and thoughtful pacing make it a strong choice for an intimate first date where conversation and presentation both matter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — small parties may be able to snag a counter seat early or late in the evening, but prime-time walk-ins often face a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the space is intimate, omakase-style, and better suited to adults or older teens who enjoy sushi-focused tasting formats.
Best For
Better for: Elevated, chef-driven nigiri and composed bites in a quieter, more intimate setting than larger or flashier sushi counters.
Skip if: You want large combo platters, casual maki-heavy menus, or a loud group-dining environment — a broader, family-style sushi restaurant may be a better fit.
Nomonomo Sushi 8.2
Palmer Square
Nomonomo Sushi is a Logan Square izakaya-style sushi bar from the Ramen Wasabi team, pairing a 12-piece omakase counter with a lively dining room serving maki, small plates, and cocktails. It reads more neighborhood-casual than temple-of-sushi, but multiple guides now call out its omakase as one of the better value-driven tastings in the city.
Must-Try Dishes: 12-course Chef’s Omakase nigiri, Miso oyster shooter, Amberjack sashimi
Scores:
Value: 7.5 Service: 6.4 Consistency: 7 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A neighborhood izakaya where an approachable omakase counter shares space with a lively bar and dining room.
Who should go: Guests who want serious nigiri in a casual, social setting.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours for full room energy and counter buzz.
What to order: Chef’s Omakase at the counter, plus wings and a cocktail if you’re still hungry.
Insider tip: Counter seats feel markedly different from the dining room—request them if omakase is your priority.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Milwaukee and nearby residential blocks; generally available but can be tight after 6pm — no valet
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for the counter
Noise level: Moderate-lively — conversation is possible at the counter; dining room can feel buzzy during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for the dining room without a reservation; omakase counter usually requires advance booking
Weekday lunch: N/A — primarily a dinner-focused restaurant
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (vegetable maki, a few small plates); omakase is primarily seafood-focused
Vegan options: Very limited — occasional vegetable sides or maki, but not a strong vegan destination
Gluten-free options: Several items can be adapted (nigiri, sashimi); soy sauce and tempura items contain gluten — ask staff for guidance
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the counter offers focused, conversation-friendly pacing, while the dining room feels social and relaxed without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for the dining room if you’re flexible with timing; the omakase counter typically books ahead and should be reserved.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the vibe skews adult and omakase pacing suits teens and older; there are no kids’ menus or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Value-driven omakase in a casual, social setting where you can pair serious nigiri with drinks and small plates
Skip if: You’re seeking a ultra-formal, hushed sushi temple, extended kaiseki-style tastings, or extensive vegan/vegetarian sushi options