Best Date Night Japanese Restaurants in Loop
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Miru
Signature nigiri and shareable plates in a skyline-view rooftop setting.
Notable Picks
#1
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.
#2
Umai
8.4
A Printer’s Row Japanese all-rounder that’s strongest when you mix one ramen with a tight set of nigiri or rolls. The room is modern and lively without feeling chaotic, and the kitchen’s appeal is dependable comfort—katsu, curry, noodles—paired with sushi that keeps regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Roasted Garlic Pork Ramen, Katsu Kare, White Tuna Jalapeño
What Makes it Special: A rare South Loop spot that balances ramen-and-katsu comfort with sushi orderability in one kitchen.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A small, counter-forward hand roll spot that leans into freshly assembled rolls, crudo-style bites, and a menu designed for pacing. It’s most rewarding when you sit at the counter, eat the hand rolls immediately, and treat it like a focused sushi experience rather than a big, mixed order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Maki, Crispy Rice Tartare, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Hand-roll-first sushi built for counter dining and immediate, crisp-seaweed bites.