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Niu B Sushi & Noodle Bar
ZipPicks Awards
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in South Loop
Master Critic Review
Niu B Sushi & Noodle Bar
8.1
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Business Lunch Power Players
A South Loop sushi-and-noodle room where vegetarian diners can build a full order from simple maki and vegetable appetizers without feeling boxed into one token roll. It’s best as a paced, mix-and-match meal: one veg appetizer, two lighter rolls, and a noodle dish if you want it to eat like dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls, Tuna Cucumber Maki (hold tuna for veggie build), Salmon Avocado Maki (swap to veggie add-ons)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Vegetarian-friendly ordering that goes beyond one basic roll.
Who should go: Sushi-night groups with at least one vegetarian diner.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for the smoothest pacing.
What to order: Fried vegetable spring rolls, avocado-forward maki, a noodle bowl.
Insider tip: Ask for veg add-ons (avocado/cucumber) to turn simple maki into a meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and can be frustrating during peak hours; plan on nearby paid garages/lots in the South Loop if you’re coming for weekend dinner.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are totally fine, but it also works for a quick business lunch without feeling underdressed.
Noise level: Moderate—lively enough to feel energetic, but you can still hold a normal conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 20–40 min without a reservation (longer if you arrive during the main rush window).
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 min wait, with faster turnover than dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—easy to build a full vegetarian meal from veggie apps, simple maki, and noodle options without it feeling like a backup plan.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—stick to vegetable rolls and clearly vegetable-based appetizers; ask about sauces and broths to avoid hidden fish-based ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but cross-contact risk is likely in a sushi-and-noodle kitchen—ask what can be made with gluten-free soy sauce and verify noodle ingredients before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want something low-pressure and paced. Split a veg appetizer, keep the rolls light, and add a noodle dish only if you’re both hungry so it stays easy and not overly messy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Most of the time, yes—just show up early (before the main dinner rush) or aim for lunch. If you’re a group of 4+, reservations help, but smaller parties can usually slide in with a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Pretty kid-friendly for school-age kids who like noodles or simple rolls. It’s best for calmer lunches or early dinners—later weekend nights can feel more crowded and less patient for picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Vegetarian sushi nights where you want flexibility—multiple small vegetarian items that actually add up to a real meal, plus an easy noodle fallback when rolls alone won’t cut it.
Skip if: You want a deep vegetarian specialty menu, strict vegan assurance, or a gluten-free safe-zone—choose a more plant-forward restaurant or a spot known for tighter dietary controls instead.