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Omakase Room by Kanemaru
ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in River North
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in River North
Master Critic Review
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.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday6pm - 10pm
Wednesday6pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 11pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday5pm - 11pm
SundayClosed