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Sushi Nova
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sushi Nova
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Business Lunch Power Players
Sushi Nova’s Loop location runs an all-you-can-eat format where maki, nigiri, appetizers, and dessert come at a fixed price. Diners lean on value and breadth here, moving from carpaccio and tuna tartar to specialty rolls and mochi in a straightforward dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Angry Dragon Roll, Tuna tartar appetizer, Mochi ice cream or banana tempura
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: All-you-can-eat sushi and apps in the Loop with strong value.
Who should go: Groups wanting lots of rolls and apps for a set price.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or late lunches when you can linger.
What to order: Angry Dragon Roll, tuna tartar, a round of specialty rolls.
Insider tip: Pace the order—start with hot apps, then layer in heavier rolls last.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — paid garages and street parking nearby, but expect garage rates typical for the Loop and limited free street parking.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — office wear, jeans, and casual tops are all common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is workable at most tables, but peak dinner hours can feel lively.
Weekend wait: Moderate waits are possible — 20–40 minutes without a reservation during busier windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, especially outside peak office lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie rolls, appetizers, and some hot dishes are typically available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few simple vegetable rolls and sides, but many sauces contain mayo or seafood.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — sashimi and some rolls may work if you avoid soy sauce and tempura; confirm with staff when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones — the all-you-can-eat format is fun and interactive, but the vibe leans practical and value-oriented rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays, but expect a short wait during peak dinner or after-work hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who like sushi — the fixed-price format makes portions predictable, though the room is geared more toward groups and adults than small children.
Best For
Better for: Great for value hunters and groups who want to try lots of rolls and appetizers at a predictable price.
Skip if: Consider alternatives if you want premium fish, omakase, or a quiet, special-occasion environment.
Sushi Nova
8.0
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Opened in 2025, Sushi Nova’s Loop location is an all-you-can-eat sushi operation where party trays, signature rolls and AYCE buffets draw groups before and after office hours. Guests trade à la carte precision for volume and variety, working through spicy specialty rolls, classic nigiri, tempura and dessert in a straightforward dining room that prioritizes turnover and value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Volcano Roll, Chicago Roll, All-You-Can-Eat sushi buffet
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: Downtown all-you-can-eat sushi with a huge roll list, party trays and AYCE pricing that works for groups.
Who should go: Friends or coworkers wanting to eat a lot of sushi together.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekends before peak AYCE crowds.
What to order: Volcano Roll, Chicago Roll, a mix of signature rolls on AYCE.
Insider tip: Pace orders in smaller waves so rolls stay crisp and you can course the AYCE instead of overloading the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Loop; most guests use nearby paid garages or app-based garage discounts after office hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — office attire, jeans, and sneakers are common and acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak AYCE hours — conversation is possible but expect table-to-table chatter.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during prime AYCE windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though larger groups may wait briefly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie rolls, tempura, and basic sides are typically available, but selection leans sushi-focused rather than specialty vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some cucumber/avocado rolls may work, but sauces and tempura batters may not be fully vegan; confirm with staff before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Partial support — some sashimi and simple rolls can be adapted, but cross-contact risk is likely in an AYCE environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, fun dates than intimate ones — the AYCE format and lively pacing favor shared plates and conversation over a quiet, romantic atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights or off-peak hours, but expect a queue during dinner rush; smaller parties are seated faster than large groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids and teens who enjoy sushi or buffet-style meals; high chairs and kid-specific dishes are limited, and peak hours can feel busy.
Best For
Better for: Groups prioritizing volume, variety, and value over chef-driven sushi precision — ideal for coworker outings, celebrations, and casual AYCE nights.
Skip if: You want quiet, omakase-style sushi, premium fish cuts, or strict dietary controls where cross-contact or rapid pacing would be a concern.
Sushi Nova
8.1
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
An all-you-can-eat, checklist-style sushi room that’s unusually practical for the Loop—quick pacing, big menu, and lots of roll variety per visit. It’s strongest when you treat AYCE like a strategy: start with two signature rolls, then fill in with simple maki and a warm side before you repeat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Angry Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll, Fire Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Loop AYCE sushi that maximizes roll variety per meal.
Who should go: Groups who want many rolls fast
When to visit: Early lunch for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Angry Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll, Fire Dragon Roll
Insider tip: Front-load signature rolls, then repeat simple maki for speed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking. Street parking is limited in the Loop; nearby public garages are the most reliable option during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and office-friendly — business casual, jeans, and workwear all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy to talk within your group, but not a quiet dining room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak AYCE dinner windows without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Short wait or no wait if you arrive early; lines build quickly after noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable rolls, avocado, cucumber, sweet potato, and egg options.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable maki are workable, but some items may include sauces or tempura batter.
Gluten-free options: Limited — sashimi and simple rolls can work, but soy sauce and shared prep surfaces are a concern.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a classic first date — the AYCE checklist format and fast pacing feel more functional than romantic. Better for casual or already-established plans.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at weekday lunch if you arrive early. Dinner and peak hours often require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi and can handle the AYCE rules; less suited for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Maximizing roll variety at a predictable price with fast Loop-friendly pacing, especially for groups.
Skip if: You want premium fish quality, omakase-style dining, or a quieter, date-focused sushi experience.
Sushi Nova
8.2
An all-you-can-eat sushi format that’s strongest for a low-pressure date when you want lots of bites and quick pacing in the Loop. Treat it like a roll-driven night—pick a few “house” specialty rolls, add one or two nigiri rounds, and keep the order consistent rather than chaotic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Roll, Caterpillar Roll, Salmon nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Loop all-you-can-eat sushi built for fast variety and predictable value.
Who should go: Couples who want casual sushi with lots of options
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for calmer pacing
What to order: Specialty rolls, salmon nigiri, a simple spicy tuna roll
Insider tip: Start with two specialty rolls, then add nigiri—keeps the meal focused.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; nearby public garages within a few blocks. Street parking is limited and unreliable during weekday evenings.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate – generally easy to talk, but the room gets busier and louder during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours without a reservation, shorter earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – cucumber, avocado, vegetable rolls, and a few cooked items.
Vegan options: Limited – vegetable rolls and simple sides; confirm sauces if strict vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited – sashimi and some nigiri work, but cross-contact is likely in an all-you-can-eat setting.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want low pressure. The all-you-can-eat format keeps things casual and gives you plenty to talk about without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights and at lunch. Weekend dinner is hit-or-miss, so expect a wait or go earlier.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who like sushi or cooked rolls, but the vibe is more adult-oriented than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Value-driven sushi dates where variety and pacing matter more than omakase-level craft.
Skip if: You’re looking for high-end nigiri, a quiet luxury room, or a traditional omakase experience.
Hours
Monday4:30pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday4:30pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday4:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday4:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday4:30pm - 10:30pm
Saturday11am - 10:30pm
Sunday12pm - 9:30pm