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Noriko Handroll Bar
Master Critic Review
Noriko Handroll Bar
8.2
Noriko is a sleek handroll bar where couples sit side-by-side at a counter while chefs pass over à la minute temaki and sashimi. The format keeps the meal casual and interactive, but the lighting and sake list still read clearly as date-night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Hand Roll, Salmon Ikura Hand Roll, Chef’s Sashimi Flight
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Handroll-focused counter where temaki are passed fresh in seconds.
Who should go: Couples who like interactive, side-by-side sushi meals.
When to visit: Weeknights to avoid long waits for counter seats.
What to order: Toro hand roll, salmon ikura hand roll, sashimi flight.
Insider tip: Order rolls one or two at a time so the nori stays crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River West; metered spots nearby and paid garages within a few blocks — plan a few extra minutes on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most couples lean slightly dressy for date night
Noise level: Moderate — you can comfortably talk at the counter, with some background music and conversation
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for counter seats if you arrive during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait, depending on flow
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls or sashimi-adjacent items may work, but the menu skews seafood-heavy
Vegan options: Very limited — mainly seaweed or cucumber-style rolls if requested
Gluten-free options: Many items can be gluten-lean with guidance (avoid soy sauce; request tamari if available), but cross-contact is possible due to the compact bar format
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the counter format feels interactive and intimate, and the pacing of hand rolls creates easy conversation without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller parties — arrive early or closer to opening for the best chance at counter seats; peak weekend times may require a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the seating is counter-focused and portions are paced for adults; teens comfortable with sushi may be fine.
Best For
Better for: Interactive counter dining, freshly passed temaki, and a cozy date-night vibe that feels more personal than larger sushi rooms
Skip if: You want large combo platters, hot entrées, or a traditional table-service sushi dinner instead of a focused hand-roll experience
Hours
Monday5pm - 9pm
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm