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Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya
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
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Contemporary izakaya where sushi, yakitori, and omakase share the stage.
Who should go: Din ers wanting sushi plus drinks in one stop.
When to visit: Early evening happy hour for better prices and space.
What to order: Omakase nigiri, mixed yakitori, one signature roll.
Insider tip: Book the sushi bar if you want the full omakase show.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tight in River North, especially after 6pm; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare. No consistent on-site valet reported.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for nights out.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but the room gets lively around happy hour and dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak happy hour windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait when open — lunch service is lighter than dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable maki, tempura, salads, and some izakaya plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few veg rolls and sides (edamame, cucumber/avocado) but not a dedicated vegan program.
Gluten-free options: Partial — sashimi, nigiri, and some grilled items work with tamari on request, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, modern vibe with drinks and shared plates — it feels energetic rather than quiet or intimate. Sit at the sushi bar or a two-top for better conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you arrive early or sit at the bar; expect waits on weekends and during happy hour. Walk-ins should add their name early or plan for a short wait nearby.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning, especially at night; older kids and teens who enjoy sushi will be fine earlier in the evening, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Groups and date nights that want a social sushi-plus-izakaya experience with cocktails and the option to add a small omakase at the counter.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional omakase-only meal, rock-bottom pricing, or a very low-noise dining room.
Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya
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:
Chu-Toro Nigiri, Hamachi Sashimi, Toro Don with Uni
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Upmarket izakaya with serious nigiri and optional omakase.
Who should go: Sushi-focused couples who like intimate counter seating.
When to visit: Later in the week for fuller omakase and bar energy.
What to order: Chu-toro nigiri, hamachi sashimi, toro don with uni.
Insider tip: Reserve the counter omakase seats for a slower, chef-led meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No onsite valet; most guests use nearby paid garages within a few blocks. Street parking is limited and can be difficult in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual — guests lean polished; jeans are fine if styled clean and dressy.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation at the table is comfortable, slightly livelier at the counter and bar.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait if you arrive without a reservation, commonly 30–60 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; light traffic outside of peak lunch rush (if open for lunch service).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection — vegetable rolls, tofu/small plates, and a few cooked items depending on specials.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of vegetable-focused items; confirm sauces and broths with the server.
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility — many nigiri/sashimi items work gluten-free if you request gluten-free soy sauce and avoid marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy room, counter seating, and thoughtful service make it feel intimate without being stuffy, especially for sushi-focused diners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early or late seatings may be available, but prime weekend times fill quickly. The counter can be your best bet if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the space skews adult, quiet, and omakase-focused; better suited to teens or older kids comfortable with sushi.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, chef-led sushi experiences with high-quality nigiri and a relaxed izakaya feel rather than a flashy scene.
Skip if: You want large party seating, loud nightlife energy, or a broad cooked-entrée menu instead of sushi-first dining.