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Cocoro Japanese
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Cocoro Japanese
7.9
Operating since the mid-1990s, Cocoro is a quieter, old-guard Japanese restaurant tucked on Wells Street, with a menu spanning sushi, ramen, shabu-shabu, and set meals. It draws a mix of Japanese regulars and River North diners looking for more traditional flavors than the trendier spots nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shabu-shabu for two, Nabeyaki udon, Eel seiro over rice
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Long-running, izakaya-style spot focused on classic hot pots and noodles.
Who should go: Regulars seeking traditional Japanese comfort dishes.
When to visit: Weeknights for a relaxed, low-key dinner pace.
What to order: Shabu-shabu, nabeyaki udon, eel-focused specials.
Insider tip: Ask about nightly off-menu izakaya specials at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet reported; limited metered street parking on Wells and nearby side streets, with several paid garages within a short walk (easier before peak dinner hours).
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — comfortable attire is fine; many diners come in jeans or business-casual wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally quiet enough for conversation, especially on weeknights.
Weekend wait: Often seatable with a short wait for small parties; larger groups may wait 20–30 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several vegetable sushi rolls, tofu, noodle, and hot pot options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a handful of veggie rolls and broth-based dishes; ask about fish sauce and dashi in soups.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — sashimi and some grilled or hot pot items can be made GF; soy sauce substitutions may be available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the calm, low-key dining room makes it comfortable for conversation, especially if you want a quieter, more traditional Japanese setting instead of a scene-driven spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — walk-ins are often accommodated, particularly on weeknights; for weekend prime hours or larger groups, a reservation is recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids and families — the menu has approachable noodle and rice dishes, though the room skews calm and may feel better suited to quieter diners.
Best For
Better for: Traditional comfort dishes, relaxed pacing, and a quieter atmosphere than many trend-driven River North Japanese restaurants.
Skip if: You’re seeking high-energy sushi bar vibes, flashy omakase formats, or modern fusion menus with elaborate presentation.
Cocoro Japanese
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:
Maguro Natto, Nabeyaki Udon, Shabu-Shabu
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Cozy, long-running Japanese spot with real izakaya comfort and sushi.
Who should go: Pairs who prioritize authentic flavors over flashy design.
When to visit: Early evenings or colder nights for soup and hot pots.
What to order: Maguro natto, nabeyaki udon, shabu-shabu to share.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter if you want more interaction with staff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; metered street parking is limited on Wells and nearby side streets, with several paid garages within a 2–3 block walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — sweaters, jeans, and simple date-night outfits all feel appropriate.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally quiet enough for easy conversation, especially in smaller booths or at the counter.
Weekend wait: Often short waits for small parties; 15–30 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — sushi rolls, tempura, vegetable sides, and noodle dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable sushi and tofu-leaning dishes; confirm sauces and broths with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some sushi and hot pot options can work if you avoid soy sauce and tempura — ask for guidance and substitutions when possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s intimate, low-key, and conversation-friendly, especially for dates that value authenticity and comfort over flash or scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller parties, particularly early evening or weeknights; arrive a bit earlier on weekends or be prepared to wait briefly.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited to adults and quiet dinners; older kids or teens who enjoy Japanese food will be fine, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Low-key dates, counter dining, and comforting izakaya dishes in a cozy, retro setting rather than a trendy sushi scene.
Skip if: You want high-energy nightlife vibes, elaborate omakase, or a flashy dining room — other River North sushi spots may fit better.