Best Date Night Sushi Restaurants in Chicago
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Mako
A chef-driven omakase with a serious cooked-course bench.
Essential Picks
#1
Mako
9.1
A 22-seat, reservation-driven omakase built around pristine fish, tightly paced courses, and cooked interludes that keep the meal from becoming a pure nigiri parade. This is destination sushi for when you want chef-led progression, quiet focus, and a night that feels deliberately composed from first bite to dessert.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase tasting, Chawanmushi (seasonal savory custard), Braised abalone (cooked course)
What Makes it Special: A chef-driven omakase with a serious cooked-course bench.
Notable Picks
#2
Itoko
8.8
Opened in 2023, Itoko is a Michelin-recognized Southport Corridor Japanese restaurant from chef Gene Kato where a focused Tantan Ramen lives alongside sushi, robata, and seasonal small plates. The room is sleek and buzzy rather than hushed, so ramen here reads as part of a polished Japanese dinner instead of a quick noodle stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tantan Ramen, Salmon robata, Whole Branzino
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Southport Japanese restaurant where refined ramen shares space with sushi and robata.
#3
Midōsuji
8.8
An eight-seat omakase tucked inside the Chicago Athletic Association, built around a chef’s-counter progression that blends Japanese ingredients with French technique. Expect a tightly paced, reservation-driven experience where composed hot and cold courses (plus rotating hand rolls) matter more than à la carte variety.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chickpea chawanmushi, Rock shrimp tempura, Rotating hand rolls
What Makes it Special: An intimate 8-seat omakase where Japanese ingredients meet French technique at a chef’s counter.
#4
Momotaro
8.8
Momotaro is a multi-level West Loop Japanese restaurant where precise sushi, robata, and composed plates anchor a high-energy dining room. Locals treat it as a go-to for special-occasion sushi and cocktails, backed by years of strong reviews and Michelin recognition.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti (beef curry pasta), Momomaki roll, Chahan beef fried rice
What Makes it Special: Large-format West Loop Japanese restaurant blending serious sushi with a multi-level, design-forward space and Michelin-level recognition.
#5
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
What Makes it Special: Omakase-driven sushi with carefully sourced fish in a polished, intimate space.
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.
8.7
Friends Sushi is a long-running Near North sushi bar just off Michigan Avenue, known for generous special rolls, nigiri, and maki at prices that stay reasonable for the area. High review volume and steady crowds make it the default neighborhood choice for casual date nights and pre- or post-shopping sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
FRIENDS roll, Yuzu Ceviche, Hamachi Carpaccio
What Makes it Special: High-volume sushi bar pairing creative special rolls with approachable pricing just off the Mag Mile.
#9
KAI ZAN
8.7
Kai Zan is a small West Town Japanese restaurant known for its omakase-style tasting menus, creative sushi, and intimate counter that has earned long-running local acclaim plus a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod. Couples and small groups book it when they want polished, technique-driven Japanese plates without the stiffness of fine-dining temples.
Must-Try Dishes:
10-course omakase tasting, Escolar Pearl, Polenta Bites
What Makes it Special: Intimate West Town counter where omakase and creative sushi lead.
#10
Miru
8.7
A St. Regis rooftop Japanese dining room that leans into polished nigiri, shareable hot plates, and a view-forward, celebration-ready pace. It works best as a structured progression: a few signature nigiri pieces, one crispy rice or raw plate, then a single warm centerpiece to finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Wagyu Nigiri, Chutoro Gunkan, Wild Mushroom Sizzling Rice
What Makes it Special: Signature nigiri and shareable plates in a skyline-view rooftop setting.
#11
Omakase Yume
8.7
An intimate omakase counter that leans into precision, calm pacing, and thoughtful cooked accents alongside dressed nigiri. Best approached as a full chef-led progression—arrive hungry, stay present, and let the sequence build rather than trying to “optimize” with add-ons.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase, Dressed nigiri progression (seasonal), Miso-marinated black cod (cooked course)
What Makes it Special: A small, reservation-first omakase built for focused, chef-led dining.
8.7
A Ravenswood omakase-minded room where the focus is clean cuts, careful seasoning, and a tasting-menu flow that’s designed to feel indulgent without being stiff. It shines when you commit—go omakase, add one premium nigiri upgrade if offered, and let the pacing do its job.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase tasting menu, Otoro (fatty tuna) nigiri, Uni (sea urchin) nigiri
What Makes it Special: Omakase-led sushi with premium fish and a polished, modern room.
#13
Sai Cafe
8.7
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.
#14
AJI
8.6
A small, reservation-driven sushi counter that leans into a paced omakase experience with clean, fish-forward bites rather than big, sauced rolls. Come here to let the chef drive—this is the kind of meal that rewards a focused sit-down and a slow, structured progression.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase (chef’s choice tasting), Sashimi dinner, Shrimp shumai
What Makes it Special: A tight, chef-led omakase flow in a small Lakeview room.
#15
Ocean Prime
8.6
A high-volume, reservation-driven surf-and-turf room where the steakhouse side is most reliable when you keep the order classic: broiled steaks, one rich side, and a clean starter. It reads more modern-lounge than old-school clubby, making it a strong downtown choice for polished nights out and client dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, Black truffle mac & cheese
What Makes it Special: Modern surf-and-turf polish with a consistent steakhouse backbone.
8.6
PLANTA Queen brings an all-vegan, Asian-inspired menu of sushi, noodles, and share plates to a polished, high-energy River North dining room. Since opening in 2022, it’s become the go-to for plant-based date nights and group dinners where cocktails and presentation matter as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bang Bang Broccoli, Torched & Pressed Nigiri, Truffle Udon
What Makes it Special: Upscale plant-based Asian cooking with full sushi and dim sum in a dramatic room.
#17
SHŌ
8.6
SHŌ is a modern Old Town omakase where chef Mari Katsumura runs a tightly edited 10-course menu that moves from sashimi to playful composed dishes and DIY hand rolls. The counter-only format, music-forward room, and focus on seasonal Japanese technique with global twists make it one of the most ambitious sushi experiences in 60610.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corn cream croquette with jalapeño and yuzu, Sukiyaki-inspired wagyu hand roll, Tonkotsu ramen with Iberico ham
What Makes it Special: Music-driven omakase that blends serious technique with interactive, DIY hand rolls.
8.6
A BYOB Andersonville sushi counter where chef-driven rolls and omakase-style pacing are the main draw, not a big dining-room production. Come with a plan—sit at the bar, let the chef guide the sequence, and treat the signature starter bites as part of the experience, not filler.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Mike’s “Fish & Chips” (spicy tuna salsa chip), Chef’s choice omakase / tasting progression, Tuna truffle-style specials (ask what’s on)
What Makes it Special: BYOB sushi-bar energy with chef-led pacing and signature starter bites.
#19
Omakase Shoji
8.5
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
What Makes it Special: Tiny omakase counter focused on seasonal fish and a tightly choreographed tasting menu.
8.5
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill is a high-energy West Town spot known for jumbo specialty rolls, robata skewers, and elaborate sauce art that turns every plate into a mural. The combination of fresh fish, BYOB policy, and hip-hop soundtrack makes it one of the neighborhood’s most talked-about sushi destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Motown Effect Roll, Born to Chill Jumbo Roll, Love Potion No. 9 Roll
What Makes it Special: Oversized specialty rolls and robata plates presented with bold, graphic sauce art.
8.4
A lively sushi-and-ramen room that works for dates when you want energy without sacrificing fish quality. The sweet spot is shareable: one hot item, one signature roll, then a handful of nigiri so the meal feels paced—not piled on.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crunchy Dynamite Roll, Tiger Shrimp Tempura, Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen
What Makes it Special: Signature rolls plus ramen in one stop, executed with volume-proven reliability.
8.4
A polished Edgewater dining room that reliably hits on big-flavor rolls and crowd-pleasing hot plates, with ramen as a strong backup plan when the table wants something warmer. It’s the kind of neighborhood staple that works for weeknight dinners or a casual date when you want variety beyond nigiri.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Tuna Bowl, Crunchy Dynamite Roll, Pork Buns
What Makes it Special: A sushi-and-ramen menu that stays consistent at high volume with strong specialty rolls.
#23
Casa Madai
8.4
A Pilsen omakase room built around Japanese technique with Mexican flavor cues—bright acids, chiles, and occasional tostada-style structure. It’s strongest when you commit to the chef’s pacing: fewer distractions, more focused nigiri sequences, and a BYOB-friendly night that feels special without being stuffy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri progression, Tostada-style sushi bites, Seasonal chef’s specials
What Makes it Special: Mexican-Japanese omakase with bold, acidic flavor framing on nigiri.
8.4
Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge is a spacious Streeterville staple opened in 2007, blending sushi, fusion maki, ramen, and pan-Asian plates in a dark, lounge-like room next to the AMC River East theaters. With more than a thousand reviews, a deep maki list, and long hours, it works as well for group sushi dinners as it does for happy hour before a movie.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sexy Mexican roll, Niu Sushi Set, Ono Carpaccio
What Makes it Special: Large, loungey Streeterville sushi spot with a huge fusion-maki and cocktail lineup steps from the movie theater.
#25
Royal Sushi
8.4
A shopping-center sushi destination built around an all-you-can-eat rhythm that works well for date nights when you want variety without a complicated ordering strategy. The best experience comes from starting with a tight sashimi/sushi combo, then looping back for a second round of your favorite maki instead of over-scattering styles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Jack Combo, Four of a Kind Sashimi, Sashimi Dinner Plate
What Makes it Special: AYCE sushi structure plus combo plates that keep ordering simple.
Inside the Claridge House hotel, Sushi by Bou Gold Coast runs a timed omakase bar where 12- and 17-course nigiri progressions are delivered to a soundtrack of hip-hop and neon lighting. It’s more nightlife-adjacent than temple-of-sushi, but the fish quality and tight pacing make it a strong choice for an occasion-minded omakase in 60610.
Must-Try Dishes:
12-course Signature Omakase, 17-course Bougie Omakase, Uni or toro nigiri upgrade
What Makes it Special: High-energy, timed omakase that feels like a sushi speakeasy in a hotel basement.
#27
Bada Sushi
8.3
A Korean-owned sushi bar that leans into a “set-course” rhythm and sashimi-forward plates more than trendy roll gimmicks. The best experience comes from ordering with intent—chef’s-choice sashimi and a few structured hits—while keeping the rest of the menu tight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted sashimi, Shrimp tempura, Hirame (flounder) sashimi
What Makes it Special: Korean-style set-course pacing with sashimi and hand-roll energy.
8.3
Chicago’s original sushi bar, Kamehachi has anchored Old Town since 1967 with a sprawling menu of maki, nigiri, hot appetizers, and combo platters. It’s less about avant-garde omakase and more about reliable rolls, bento-style meals, and a neighborhood crowd that spans families, regulars, and pre-Second City dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crouching Tuna Hidden Crab roll, Spicy Tuna Deluxe roll, Kamehachi Combo
What Makes it Special: Long-running Old Town institution where generations of Chicagoans had their first sushi.
8.3
A long-running North Park dining room that leans classic—clean nigiri, steady maki, and a broader Japanese menu that rewards a sit-down pace. The room’s private, tatami-style sections make it feel more like a neighborhood destination than a quick pickup, and the kitchen does best when you order traditional and let freshness carry the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi, Beef sukiyaki, Agedashi tofu
What Makes it Special: Classic Japanese cooking and sushi in a tatami-room neighborhood setting.
8.3
Mirai Sushi’s Gold Coast outpost brings the long-running brand’s creative maki and sashimi to a sleek Streeterville high-rise just off Lake Shore Drive. It leans more upscale than casual, with composed rolls like Spicy Mono and Tuna Tuna Salmon anchoring dinners before shows or nights out nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Mono, Tuna Tuna Salmon, Special Salmon
What Makes it Special: Established Chicago sushi name delivering polished, modern rolls and sashimi in a sleek tower setting.
8.3
Nori’s Wicker Park outpost is a candlelit neighborhood sushi bar known for oversized maki, sake, and approachable pricing that works well for casual dates. Couples linger over shareable rolls and warm appetizers before heading out to nearby bars or shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monster Maki, Red Nori Maki, Hamachi Don
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood sushi staple with big, shareable rolls and steady happy hour deals.
#32
Omakase On Me
8.3
A high-energy, coursed omakase that treats the night like a show—fast beats, playful bites, and a party-leaning room. It’s strongest when you embrace the format and let the chef’s sequence do the work rather than trying to steer it toward a quiet, traditional sushi bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ama ebi nigiri, Red curry with wagyu bite, Uni or caviar-topped course
What Makes it Special: A speakeasy-style omakase built as much for fun as for fish.
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
A roomy West Loop sushi restaurant that works when you want flexibility—nigiri, rolls, and a reservation-only omakase option—without committing to a tiny counter format. The menu rewards a curated approach: choose either a chef’s-choice path or a tight nigiri-and-handroll lane and keep the add-ons minimal.
Must-Try Dishes:
14-course omakase (reservation-only), 10-piece dressed nigiri + handroll set, Chef’s choice nigiri (customized)
What Makes it Special: Choose between à la carte sushi or a reservation-only omakase lane.
#35
Tenjin
8.3
A long-running Lincolnwood Japanese dining room that’s strongest when you treat it as a classic, comfort-forward sushi-and-hot-food spot rather than a trend chase. Come for bento combos, chirashi, and a wide traditional menu that keeps regulars returning, with a calm, neighborhood date-night rhythm and a BYOB-friendly feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lunch chirashi sushi, Bento box, Shrimp tempura
What Makes it Special: A broad, traditional Japanese menu anchored by bento and chirashi in a steady neighborhood dining room.
8.2
A Lincoln Square standby that mixes creative maki with a broader Japanese menu—ramen, skewers, and small plates—so the table can zigzag without losing momentum. The move is to anchor the meal with one signature roll, add one hot item, and let the happy-hour mindset do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon roll, Tonkotsu ramen, Chef’s choice nigiri/sashimi set
What Makes it Special: A sushi-and-ramen hybrid that keeps roll creativity and hot-food comfort in balance.
8.2
A dependable neighborhood sushi bar that’s especially strong for dates when you want comfort, not ceremony—steady rolls, familiar nigiri, and a menu built for repeat visits. Lean into their signature maki and keep it simple so the quality reads clearly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Loyola Lover roll, Alaskan Night roll, Chicago Crunchy Crazy roll
What Makes it Special: Volume-proven neighborhood sushi with signature rolls that stay crowd-pleasing.
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.
#39
Wakamono
8.2
Lakeview East Japanese restaurant pairing creative maki and sashimi with ramen, bento, and cocktails in a modern, softly lit dining room. Locals lean on it for date nights and reliable special-occasion sushi without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Trio Roll, Wakamono Roll, Maki Mexicano
What Makes it Special: Modern Japanese spot where composed rolls feel more like entrées.
8.1
Ikigai runs a modern sushi and izakaya format with a small omakase counter and a dining room geared toward happy hour and shared plates. Guests lean on its sashimi, composed rolls, and grilled skewers before or after nights out along Chicago Avenue.
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.
#41
Sushi by Bou
8.1
Sushi by Bou at the Emily Hotel is a tiny, time-boxed omakase counter hidden inside Fulton Market, built around 12–17 course chef’s-choice flights. Guests come for the combination of hip-hop soundtrack, intimate bar seating, and polished nigiri progression rather than a long, traditional meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
12-course Signature Omakase, 17-course Bougie Omakase, Bou Reserve Omakase
What Makes it Special: Speakeasy-style omakase bar inside the Emily Hotel where hip-hop, tightly timed seatings, and chef-led nigiri flights create a high-energy sushi experience.
#42
Sushi Mura
8.1
A Southport Corridor standby that wins on a broad roll lineup and a comfortable dine-in rhythm, with enough specialty options to keep repeat visits interesting. Order in a focused lane—one or two signature rolls plus a warm bowl—so everything lands at peak temperature and texture.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lake Shore Dr Roll, JBD Roll, Udon noodle soup
What Makes it Special: A deep specialty-roll bench with a cozy Southport setting.
8.1
A Hyde Park all-day cafe that doubles as a sushi bar, built for casual lunches and low-friction dinners with a full roll lineup plus nigiri and combos. The room is more neighborhood-utilitarian than romantic, but the menu breadth makes it the most complete “default sushi” option in the ZIP.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kamikaze roll, Hyde Park roll, Tuna tataki
What Makes it Special: A true Hyde Park hybrid: cafe comfort with a full sushi program.
#44
Fin Sushi Bar
8
A Ravenswood BYOB neighborhood room that’s best when you treat it like a steady sushi-and-kitchen-plates spot rather than chasing novelty. Go for a balanced order—one salad or starter, a couple of rolls, and one warm dish—then let the value do the work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kani salad, Chef-style specialty rolls (choose 1–2, not five), Sashimi/nigiri sampler
What Makes it Special: BYOB neighborhood sushi with strong value when you order thoughtfully.
#45
Naoki Sushi
8
Naoki Sushi brings chef-driven rolls, sashimi, and composed plates to a polished River North address, continuing chef Naoki Nakashima’s long-running Chicago sushi presence. The room feels refined but not fussy, with plenty of two-tops and a sushi counter suited to quieter dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Naoki Sashimi, Spicy Tuna Maki, Black Pepper Teriyaki Strip Steak
What Makes it Special: Chef-led sushi bar marrying classic technique with composed hot dishes.
8
Nikko Sushi Izakaya brings a full Japanese izakaya experience to Division Street with maki, sashimi, and grilled skewers served in a multi-level, softly lit space. Locals use it for casual date nights and small groups who want an all-you-can-eat option but with a little more atmosphere than classic AYCE joints.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Bulls Roll, Pork Belly & Scallion Yakitori, Assorted Nigiri Plate
What Makes it Special: A modern izakaya where AYCE sushi meets skewers, cocktails, and a multi-level dining room.
#47
Umami Sushi
8
A carryout-first sushi operation that’s strongest for an at-home date night: reliable rolls, a deep list of signature options, and a menu that rewards picking two “house” rolls and repeating the lane. Order one crunchy/warm roll and one fish-forward roll, then add a simple starter so the meal feels complete.
Must-Try Dishes:
Golden (Signature Roll), Deep Sea (Signature Roll), Spicy Sanshoku (Signature Roll)
What Makes it Special: Signature-roll depth that’s built for fast, repeatable takeout ordering.
#48
Uni Sushi
8
Uni Sushi blends Japanese sushi with a few pan-Asian influences in a cozy room that feels relaxed yet date-night ready, especially later in the evening. Long hours and a broad menu make it a flexible choice for last-minute plans or late dinners after shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi Jalapeno, Salmon Ceviche, Chicago-v Maki
What Makes it Special: Late-hours sushi spot with playful Chicago-named rolls and a relaxed, dimly lit room.
Yellowtail is a longtime Lakeview East BYOB sushi spot where generous maki, carpaccio plates, and crispy starters land in a casually stylish, music-forward dining room. It’s a go-to for mid-priced sushi dates that still feel like a night out without downtown pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellowtail Carpaccio, Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, Salmon Avocado Roll
What Makes it Special: BYOB sushi with creative rolls and a low-key, date-friendly room.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A small Sauganash neighborhood bistro where Thai staples share the menu with a surprisingly reliable sushi section. The sushi wins when you keep it classic—clean nigiri and crowd-pleasing rolls—then let the kitchen’s hot dishes fill in the rest of the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Volcano Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Salmon Nigiri
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood Thai-leaning bistro with a legit sushi menu in Sauganash.