What is the best Japanese restaurant in Lincoln Park?

Sai Cafe is our top pick for Japanese restaurants in Lincoln Park, scoring 8.7/10. A long-running neighborhood sushi house where careful fish sourcing and classic rolls meet a warm, unfussy room.

Any insider tips for Sai Cafe?

Sit at the sushi bar if possible—regulars note the most dialed-in pacing and interaction with the chef there.

What should I order at Sai Cafe?

Hamachi jalapeño sashimi, Salmon Gone Wild roll, black cod.

When should I visit Sai Cafe?

Prime early evenings on weekends or relaxed weeknights.

Who should go to Sai Cafe?

Sushi-focused diners who value consistency and craft.

Any insider tips for Kizami Sushi?

Ask about daily specials or off-menu nigiri if you’re sitting at the bar and want something more exploratory.

What should I order at Kizami Sushi?

Omakase or chef’s choice set, wagyu or toro nigiri, uni-forward roll.

When should I visit Kizami Sushi?

Weekend prime time or late weeknights for a slower pace.

Who should go to Kizami Sushi?

Sushi lovers seeking quieter, higher-end nigiri and rolls.

Any insider tips for Sushi-san?

Consider the Lincoln Park set lunch or mixed nigiri and maki sets—they’re often the best way to sample higher-end fish without overordering.

What should I order at Sushi-san?

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Hamachi Ponzu sashimi, Bluefin Tuna & Avocado maki.

When should I visit Sushi-san?

Weekend evenings for full energy or midday for the set lunch.

Who should go to Sushi-san?

Groups and families wanting energetic, modern sushi with drinks.

Any insider tips for Sushi Para II?

Pace your orders in smaller waves so the kitchen can keep fish temperature and texture at their best.

What should I order at Sushi Para II?

AYCE dinner with eel, soft-shell crab, spicy tuna, and salmon rolls.

When should I visit Sushi Para II?

Early evening or late lunch to avoid peak AYCE rush.

Who should go to Sushi Para II?

Groups and sushi fans prioritizing volume and value.

Any insider tips for Toro Sushi?

Bring a favorite bottle and plan to share a few chef-recommended specials if you’re seated at the counter.

What should I order at Toro Sushi?

Oh My God roll, Pig in the Sea roll, salmon or tuna nigiri.

When should I visit Toro Sushi?

Weeknight dinners or early weekend seatings before peak waits.

Who should go to Toro Sushi?

Couples and small groups who like casual BYOB sushi.

Any insider tips for Kameya Sushi?

If you’re dining with a group, mix a sushi platter with a couple of ramen bowls and hot appetizers instead of over-ordering individual rolls.

What should I order at Kameya Sushi?

Kameya Sushi A platter, Jalapeño Tuna, a house ramen bowl.

When should I visit Kameya Sushi?

Weeknights and earlier weekend dinners for shorter waits.

Who should go to Kameya Sushi?

Locals wanting casual sushi, ramen, or combo platters.

Any insider tips for Ramen-San?

If you’re with a group, share a few appetizers but keep mains to one bowl per person—the broth and toppings are filling.

What should I order at Ramen-San?

Tonkotsu ramen, kimchi and fried chicken ramen, extra egg and chili oil.

When should I visit Ramen-San?

Cooler evenings or late-night hours when ramen hits hardest.

Who should go to Ramen-San?

Ramen fans and groups craving hearty bowls with drinks.

Best Japanese Restaurants in Lincoln Park (60614)

7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Sai Cafe

A long-running neighborhood sushi house where careful fish sourcing and classic rolls meet a warm, unfussy room.

Notable Picks

#1 Sai Cafe

8.7

$$$ DePaul

Vibes: Date Night Magic Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Hidden Gems Heaven

Sai Cafe is a nearly four-decade-old Lincoln Park sushi institution where Chef James Bee focuses on precise nigiri, creative maki, and pristine seafood. Locals rely on it for consistent, high-quality sushi in a relaxed, quietly polished dining room that works for both dates and family dinners.

Must-Try Dishes: Hamachi Jalapeño Sashimi, Salmon Gone Wild Roll, Miso-Glazed Black Cod

What makes it special: A long-running neighborhood sushi house where careful fish sourcing and classic rolls meet a warm, unfussy room.

View Full Review →

#2 Kizami Sushi

8.5

$$$$ Lincoln Park

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Girls Night Out Approved Instagram Worthy Wonders

Kizami Sushi is an intimate Lincoln Park spot where a small team focuses on composed nigiri, maki, and sashimi with touches like wagyu, uni, and omakase-style sets. The room is warm and softly lit, making it a favorite for date nights and slower, sake-driven sushi dinners.

Must-Try Dishes: Chef’s Omakase Selection, Wagyu Nigiri or Sashimi, Uni-Forward Specialty Roll

What makes it special: A cozy, reservation-friendly sushi bar that leans into premium cuts, thoughtful plating, and a calm, date-ready atmosphere.

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#3 Sushi-san

8.5

$$$ Lincoln Park

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Girls Night Out Approved Trendy Table Hotspots

Sushi-san Lincoln Park is a polished, music-forward sushi house from Lettuce Entertain You that combines Toyosu-driven fish with crispy rice, maki, nigiri sets, and a deep sake list. The Halsted Street space adds a full bar, patio, and private event rooms, drawing both families and groups for upbeat sushi nights.

Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Hamachi Ponzu Signature Sashimi, Bluefin Tuna & Avocado Maki

What makes it special: A buzzy, design-conscious sushi spot where crispy rice, bluefin-focused nigiri, and a serious sake list meet a family- and group-friendly format.

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#4 Sushi Para II

8.3

$ Lincoln Park

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Group Dining Gatherings Family Friendly Favorites Quick Bites Champions

Sushi Para II is a high-volume all-you-can-eat sushi staple where the draw is solid fish quality, quick pacing, and sharp pricing rather than décor. It’s the go-to in 60614 for big sushi appetites, group outings, and value-driven dinners built around repeat rounds of rolls and nigiri.

Must-Try Dishes: All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Dinner, Eel and Soft-Shell Crab Rolls, Spicy Tuna and Salmon Rolls

What makes it special: A long-running all-you-can-eat sushi operation with unusually strong value and heavy repeat local traffic.

View Full Review →

#5 Toro Sushi

8.2

$$ Lincoln Park

Vibes: Date Night Magic Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries Trendy Table Hotspots

Toro Sushi is a compact, BYOB sushi bar where generous specialty rolls and friendly chef interactions anchor a lively Clark Street experience. The space is tight and straightforward, but the value-to-quality ratio keeps neighborhood regulars returning for casual evenings over well-made maki and nigiri.

Must-Try Dishes: Oh My God Roll, Pig in the Sea Roll, Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll

What makes it special: A cozy BYOB sushi counter known for playful signature rolls and personable chefs.

View Full Review →

Worthy Picks

#6 Kameya Sushi

7.9

$$$$ DePaul

Vibes: Hidden Gems Heaven Comfort Food Classics Solo Dining Sanctuaries Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance

Kameya Sushi is a family-owned Webster Avenue spot that combines a full sushi menu with ramen and izakaya-style starters in a cozy, low-key space. It’s a flexible neighborhood choice for casual dates, takeout rolls, and comforting bowls when you want Japanese without a scene.

Must-Try Dishes: Kameya Sushi A Platter, Jalapeño Tuna Appetizer, Kameya Ramen

What makes it special: A family-run sushi-and-ramen shop with a broad menu, relaxed setting, and pricing that makes weeknight sushi feel attainable.

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#7 Ramen-San

7.9

$$$ Ranch Triangle

Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Quick Bites Champions Late Night Legends Group Dining Gatherings

Ramen-san’s Lincoln Park outpost is a noodle-focused joint from Lettuce Entertain You where tonkotsu, chicken shio, and fried chicken-topped bowls pair with beer, cocktails, and ’90s hip-hop. It’s more about hearty, fun ramen sessions than sushi, but fills a clear Japanese comfort-food niche in 60614.

Must-Try Dishes: Tonkotsu Ramen, Kimchi and Fried Chicken Ramen, Chicken Shio Ramen

What makes it special: A lively ramen bar with rich broths, big portions, and a soundtrack that skews louder and more casual than traditional noodle shops.

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