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Momotaro
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Large-format West Loop Japanese restaurant blending serious sushi with a multi-level, design-forward space and Michelin-level recognition.
Who should go: Sushi fans planning a polished, special-occasion night out.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings with a reservation for peak energy.
What to order: Spaghetti, Momomaki roll, Chahan beef fried rice.
Insider tip: Book counter or bar seating to watch sushi and cocktails assembled up close while sharing several small plates instead of one main.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in West Loop can be limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — polished attire fits the room, though nice jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is doable but expect a buzzy, energetic dining room.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; walk-ins may wait 45–90 minutes or be placed on a standby list.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait when open for daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several sushi, vegetable, and cooked dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some veggie plates and sides may work, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many sushi and sashimi options can be prepared gluten-free with tamari upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s upscale and stylish with polished service, making it ideal for a memorable first date or milestone dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — the bar and limited walk-in tables sometimes open up, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited to adults and older teens. There’s no kids’ menu, and the ambiance is upscale and lively.
Best For
Better for: High-end sushi with a vibrant dining scene — great for celebrations, client dinners, and date nights.
Skip if: You want a quiet, budget-friendly, or casual sushi spot — or prefer a traditional, minimalist omakase counter.
Momotaro
8.9
Momotaro is a multi-level West Loop Japanese restaurant where precise sushi, robata, and composed plates anchor a polished, high-energy dining room. Diners treat it as a go-to for special-occasion Japanese dinners with strong cocktails and a long track record of positive reviews.
Must-Try Dishes:
Momomaki roll, Chahan beef fried rice, Spaghetti
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Multi-level Japanese restaurant pairing precise sushi and robata with design-forward space.
Who should go: Couples and groups planning a polished Japanese night out.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings with a reservation for full buzz.
What to order: Momomaki roll, Chahan beef fried rice, Spaghetti
Insider tip: Book bar or counter seating if you want to watch the sushi and grill action up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available during dinner; otherwise rely on paid street parking or nearby garages in West Loop.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — elevated outfits fit the room, but nice jeans are fine.
Noise level: Lively — you can hold a conversation, but expect a buzzy, energetic dining room.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; walk-ins may face long waits or bar seating only.
Weekday lunch: Generally little to no wait when open for daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good range of vegetable dishes, sushi, and composed plates — staff can help guide choices.
Vegan options: More limited but possible with salads, vegetable plates, and modifications — confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Many sushi and sashimi options can be gluten-free; alert the team for soy-sauce substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the stylish room, polished service, and thoughtful menu make it ideal for an upscale first date that still feels fun and social.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables may be available, but weekends book out in advance. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens are fine, but the atmosphere skews adult and special-occasion. There’s no dedicated children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: High-end Japanese dining with strong sushi, polished cocktails, and a design-forward atmosphere perfect for celebrations and date nights.
Skip if: You want a quiet, minimalist sushi bar experience or a casual, budget-friendly dinner.
Momotaro
8.8
Momotaro anchors Fulton Market’s sushi scene with a deep maki lineup, pristine fish, and a split-level room that feels equal parts design showcase and Tokyo brasserie. Locals use it for special-occasion dinners and polished sushi nights where rolls, robata, and cocktails all matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Momomaki, Shio Koji Sake, Karai Tuna
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Destination-level maki and nigiri in a high-design Japanese brasserie.
Who should go: Date-night couples and small groups chasing polished Japanese.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or later weeknights with reservations.
What to order: Momomaki, Shio Koji Sake roll, Karai Tuna roll.
Insider tip: Book bar seats facing the sushi counter if you want more interaction and a front-row view of the maki and nigiri work.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in Fulton Market; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — stylish jeans or elevated casual wear fits the room
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable but it can feel buzzy during peak hours
Weekend wait: Often fully booked — without a reservation expect a long wait or bar seating only
Weekday lunch: Generally easier to walk in, though peak midday slots may still require a short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — vegetable rolls, starters, and some cooked dishes available
Vegan options: Limited but doable — expect mainly vegetable maki and select small plates
Gluten-free options: Sushi rice is typically gluten-free, but soy sauce and marinades may not be — ask staff for guidance
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished design, strong cocktails, and thoughtful sushi lineup make it feel special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins may find bar or late-evening availability, but prime dinner times generally require booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens who enjoy sushi will be fine, but it’s not designed for very young children or stroller-heavy dining.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward ambiance, polished service, and refined sushi nights that feel celebratory rather than casual
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional omakase or quick, budget-friendly sushi — this is more of a destination experience
Momotaro
8.5
Momotaro stretches across multiple levels on Lake Street, combining a stylish main dining room with a busy sushi bar and downstairs izakaya. Precise maki, sashimi, and robata plates share space with heartier dishes like chahan fried rice, making it flexible for both dates and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Momomaki roll, Chahan stone-bowl beef fried rice, Chef’s seasonal nigiri selection
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Multi-level Japanese restaurant pairing precise sushi with polished izakaya cooking.
Who should go: Groups wanting Japanese small plates plus serious sushi and cocktails.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or later weekends for buzzy, high-energy room.
What to order: Momomaki roll, Chahan stone-bowl fried rice, chef’s nigiri selection.
Insider tip: Request upstairs seating for slightly quieter conversation during peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in the West Loop, especially during peak dinner hours. Metered spots and nearby paid garages are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—think date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on where you're seated. Conversation is possible, but expect buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins may face waits of 45–90 minutes or may be asked to sit at the bar or izakaya level if available.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is generally calmer with little to no wait, though reservations are still advised.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetarian dishes across sushi, small plates, and cooked items.
Vegan options: Limited but present—ask your server for guidance as some sauces contain fish or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Several options are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen is knowledgeable, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The stylish, softly lit space and polished service make it ideal for an impressive first date—just note the energy level leans lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, especially early on weeknights or later in the evening. On weekends, reservations are highly recommended and walk-ins should expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s family-friendly in the early evening, but skewed more toward adults, date nights, and groups. Older kids and teens comfortable with sushi will fit in best.
Best For
Better for: High-design atmosphere, polished sushi execution, and a broad Japanese menu that works equally well for groups and date nights.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key sushi bar experience or are strictly focused on traditional omakase.
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday4:30pm - 11pm
Saturday4:30pm - 11pm
Sunday5pm - 10pm