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Omakase Room by Kanemaru
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Omakase Room by Kanemaru
9.0
An intimate 10-seat counter in River North where Chef Shinichiro Kanemaru serves a tightly paced, 16-course omakase built around premium fish flown in from Japan. The room leans serene and minimalist, making the focus the progression of nigiri, sake pairings, and quiet interaction with the chef.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kanemaru's 16-course omakase, Fatty tuna nigiri, Hokkaido uni
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Serious, chef-led omakase with meticulous seasonal fish and pacing.
Who should go: Sushi obsessives and special-occasion diners.
When to visit: Later seatings for a quieter, more immersive counter experience.
What to order: 16-course omakase, sake pairing, any toro course.
Insider tip: Book the latest seating if you want extra chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking nearby with several paid garages within a short walk — plan extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; guests typically wear elevated attire suitable for a fine-dining omakase counter.
Noise level: Low — quiet, focused counter setting where conversation is possible at a soft tone.
Weekend wait: Reservations are required; seats are limited and typically sell out in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — service is dinner-only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — the experience is fish-focused and substitutions may be minimal.
Vegan options: Not recommended — the menu centers almost entirely on seafood.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice for soy sauce adjustments, but not fully guaranteed across all courses.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if your date enjoys sushi and a quiet, intimate setting. The counter format is immersive and structured, so it’s best for couples comfortable with a refined, chef-driven experience rather than a casual, conversational meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely — seating is limited to a small omakase counter and most services book out in advance. Join the waitlist or monitor cancellations if your dates are flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? No — the tasting menu format, pacing, and quiet environment are best suited for adults or older teens accustomed to fine-dining omakase.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, chef-led omakase with meticulous pacing, premium imported fish, and a serene, minimalist environment focused on the progression of nigiri.
Skip if: You want à la carte sushi, flexible substitutions, a louder social setting, or a more casual, budget-friendly sushi experience.
Omakase Room by Kanemaru
8.6
Tucked just off Hubbard, this ten-seat counter is where Chef Shinichiro Kanemaru serves an intimate omakase rooted in decades of Tokyo training. The focus is on quietly choreographed nigiri, pristine fish sourcing, and personal interaction rather than scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hokkaido uni nigiri, Chef's clam soup course, Seasonal white fish nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A ten-seat omakase counter where Chef Kanemaru delivers a focused, seasonal sushi progression built on premium imported fish.
Who should go: Sushi obsessives wanting an intimate, chef-led evening.
When to visit: Later seatings for a quieter, slower-paced omakase.
What to order: Standard omakase, Hokkaido uni bites, clam soup course.
Insider tip: Share preferences and appetite when you reserve—the chef will subtly adjust pacing and portion sizes in real time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking on Hubbard and nearby side streets. Most guests use nearby paid garages within a 2–4 minute walk — plan a few extra minutes for garage entry.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; jackets and dresses feel appropriate, but polished jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Low and conversational — the counter is quiet enough to hear the chef and speak softly with your dining partner.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential for this 10-seat counter; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — the restaurant does not operate lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — the progression is fish-forward; partial accommodations may be possible only with advance notice.
Vegan options: Not suitable — courses are centered on seafood and seafood-based broths.
Gluten-free options: Many nigiri courses are naturally gluten-lean, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten; request tamari or modifications when reserving.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if your date enjoys focused, intimate dining. The quiet counter and chef interaction create a thoughtful, conversation-friendly experience rather than a high-energy scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely — with only ten seats, reservations are the norm. If you’re nearby, you can call ahead to check last-minute cancellations, but assume it will be fully booked.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the tasting format is long, quiet, and seafood-focused. Best suited for adults or mature teens comfortable with omakase etiquette.
Best For
Better for: Intimate counter interaction, precise seasonal nigiri, and a calm, detail-driven omakase without crowd noise or theatrics.
Skip if: You prefer lively sushi bars, à la carte ordering, flexible pacing, or need broad dietary substitutions.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday6pm - 10pm
Wednesday6pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 11pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday5pm - 11pm
SundayClosed