Best Date Night Sushi Restaurants in River North (60654)
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Roka Akor - Chicago
Japanese-inspired steakhouse marrying robata-grilled meats with polished sushi.
Notable Picks
8.8
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
A modern Japanese steakhouse and sushi spot centered on a dramatic robata grill, Roka Akor pairs A5 wagyu and grilled seafood with composed sushi in a sleek River North room. High review volume over many years indicates it functions as a reliable destination for business dinners and date nights alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu beef and kimchi dumplings, Robata grilled pork belly, Robata grilled Chilean sea bass
What makes it special: Japanese-inspired steakhouse marrying robata-grilled meats with polished sushi.
A long-running River North pan-Asian restaurant where a dedicated dim sum section runs alongside sushi, noodles, and Filipino-leaning plates. Locals use it for shared small plates like oxtail pot stickers and char siu ribs in a lively, see-and-be-seen room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oxtail Pot Stickers, Char Siu Ribs, Lumpia
What makes it special: Modern Southeast Asian spot with a true dim sum section and long-running River North buzz.
#3
Sushi-san
8.5
Sushi-san is a hip-hop-blasted sushi bar where San-sets, crispy rice, and strong cocktails fuel animated date nights. The menu leans on high-quality fish delivered daily, aburi bites, and shareable maki in a room that feels more downtown hangout than hushed temple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tako Taco, Crazy Shrimp Tempura roll, Beef 'n Bop sizzling rice
What makes it special: High-volume, music-driven sushi bar balancing playful rolls and solid nigiri.
8.3
Since 2011, Union has blended robata-grilled meats with creative maki and sashimi in a compact, graffiti-accented Erie Street space. Its long-running happy hour, $1 oyster promotions, and reliable sushi make it a high-volume standby for after-work meetups and casual dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffled Tuna, Kyoto Glazed Lamb Chops, Spicy Tuna roll
What makes it special: Japanese-leaning sushi and robata spot with serious happy hour traction.
Sushi by Scratch runs a ticketed omakase in a small, candlelit room, pacing 15–17 courses around the chefs behind the counter. It’s structured, theatrical, and sake-friendly, ideal for couples who want a single-focus tasting menu built around nigiri and composed bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellowtail Jalapeño Sashimi, Miso Black Cod, Torched Toro Nigiri
What makes it special: Multi-course omakase where every seat faces the chefs.
8.3
Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya feels like a modern Japanese tavern, with counter seats for omakase-style nigiri alongside a menu of skewers and small plates. It reads cozy and grown-up rather than flashy, making it a natural choice for couples who care more about fish quality than scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase nigiri set, Yakitori skewers, Salmon sashimi
What makes it special: Contemporary izakaya where sushi, yakitori, and omakase share the stage.
8.2
Noriko is a sleek handroll bar where couples sit side-by-side at a counter while chefs pass over à la minute temaki and sashimi. The format keeps the meal casual and interactive, but the lighting and sake list still read clearly as date-night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Hand Roll, Salmon Ikura Hand Roll, Chef’s Sashimi Flight
What makes it special: Handroll-focused counter where temaki are passed fresh in seconds.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Cocoro is an old-school Japanese restaurant tucked on Wells where a deep izakaya menu runs alongside homey sushi and noodle dishes. The room is compact and a bit retro, better for low-key, conversation-first dates than flashy nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shabu-shabu for two, Nabeyaki udon, Eel seiro over rice
What makes it special: Long-running, izakaya-style spot focused on classic hot pots and noodles.
7.8
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a colorful, high-energy sushi spot known for a huge menu that balances classic rolls, specialty nigiri, and one of the city’s deeper vegan sushi lineups. Date nights skew fun and social here, with cocktails, sake flights, and big maki spreads rather than hushed omakase.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cherry Bomb Nigiri, Lion King Roll, Avo Kaluna Vegan Maki
What makes it special: Lively sushi bar with big menus and serious vegan options.