Best-of Guides Chicago

Best Japanese Restaurants in Chicago

5 Restaurants
Go out for Japanese food in Chicago and you're spoiled for choice. Okonomiyaki? You got it. Sushi at wallet-friendly and blow-out prices? Check. Warming udon for Chicago's cold months? Of course.
Updated on 09 April 2024
Gaijin
950 W. Lake St., 60607 Chicago
$$ · Japanese

Gaijin is Paul Virant's love letter to okonomiyaki. Okonomi in Japanese means "what you like” and accordingly guests here are encouraged to choose their own course. The room resembles a veritable izakaya, with an okonomiyaki griddle dominating the space—and conversation. Brass accents, exposed brick, and concrete floors add a dash of rusticity to this otherwise premium den.

Momotaro
820 W. Lake St., 60607 Chicago
$$$ · Japanese

An impressive selection of imported whiskies is listed on a retro-style departure board here, while a private dining room upstairs is styled to resemble a mid-century corporate boardroom. Consistently packed, this impeccably designed space boasts numerous kitchens churning out a range of dishes—think chicken oysters grilled to perfection and beef tsukune sliders in a bao.

Mako
731 W. Lake St., 60661 Chicago
$$$$ · Japanese

Veteran chef B.K. Park has spun out this inspiring shrine to omakase. Mako is a hot ticket, with just 22 seats from which to savor the smartly considered omakase. Throughout the evening, the chef and itamae showcase their style through unique adornments, like sudachi juice and sesame-pepper soy. 

Omakase Yume
651 W. Washington Blvd., 60661 Chicago
$$$$ · Japanese

Savor the chef's unfaltering focus on Japanese cuisine by way of deep-fried nasu hirame; Edo-style sushi featuring madai, akami, and chutoro; as well as slices of Wagyu beef atop sushi rice. Other delicacies like torigai (heart clam), correctly aged sayori, or grilled misoyaki flaunt a thorough study in product sourcing, fresh flavors, and delectable textures. 

Kumiko
630 W. Lake St., 60661 Chicago
$$$$ · Japanese

Julia Momosé is the creative force behind this hip corner haven. The name depicts a woodworking technique, and its serene surrounds feature a deluge of natural light. Japanese potato salad with pickled rainbow carrots and smoked ham is a strong opener; while tonkatsu sando with Berkshire pork and buttered shokupan is hearty and substantial. 

Select check-in date
Rates in USD for 1 night, 1 guest