Chicago might not be known for its sushi, but visit any of the restaurants we’ve included on this list and they’ll have you thinking it should be! The fish makes its way to the restaurants from some of the world’s very best fish markets, making Chicago’s sushi taste like it’s fresh out of the ocean.
The sushi scene is thriving and the city is full of first-rate restaurants that range from the more traditional to thrilling fusion. This article provides our top 5 best picks for sushi around the city’s suburbs, keep reading to find out more.
5. SEN Sushi Bar, Oak Park
Stylish vegetarian-friendly sushi spot with top-notch cocktails
The stylish yet relaxed atmosphere of SEN Sushi Bar draws a crowd on Friday and Saturday nights – but for good reason. Their extensive yet finely-tuned menu, and attractive vegan and vegetarian options make it a popular choice in the Oak Park area, especially for those who have enjoyed a day out at the nearby Oak Park Conservatory. However, don’t let the hustle and bustle put you off, the wait for a table is always short and you can enjoy one of their masterful cocktails while you wait.
The extensive nigiri, maki, and sashimi menu is what draws me to SEN every time. Not to mention the contemporary maki menu which features fun and fresh surprises you won’t see anywhere else, like the Ghost Ship Maki that comes with tuna, sweet potato, and cream cheese. The incredible cocktail menu is no doubt what makes SEN such a popular Friday night destination, with refreshingly fruity pomegranate, lychee, and green guava beverages in addition to vodka and sake martinis. No diner’s experience here is complete without a taste of their famous green tea creme brûlée, which can only be described as a taste sensation.
4. Sushi House, Multiple Locations
Fresh and flavorful sushi with a diverse menu and attentive service
With lots of convenient locations around the city, such as the popular Downers Grove, Sushi House is a haven for reliably delicious sushi and a range of Asian dishes for a great price. The clean and welcoming interior makes for an excellent place to enjoy a refreshing sashimi platter with a glass of plum wine, while the attractive glass-covered patio is the perfect place to cozy up under the patio heaters to slurp noodles and hot sake.
Sushi House offers one of the most substantial menus in the city, featuring traditional rolls that everyone loves as well as some entirely new creations like the Best of the West. Diners can also order classic appetizers like Crab Rangoon, and hot entrees like katsu curry and steak teriyaki.
With an attentive staff that is always happy to serve you quickly, Sushi House always makes a great stop for me before catching a movie at the nearby Tivoli. The glass-covered patio offers the best seats in the house, kept toasty by the warm glow of patio heaters in the cooler months. Order the bento boxes and you won’t be disappointed with the portion sizes – you’ll definitely be taking a to-go box to enjoy later!
3. Nabuki, Hinsdale
Japanese sushi infused with lively Latin flair
Whether you’ve been for a visit to the Acquisition of Fine Art gallery, or simply live in the Hinsdale area, Nabuki’s contemporary atmosphere and high-end sushi menu is sure to be a welcome retreat at the end of a long day wandering. The melt-in-your-mouth sashimi and shi dishes are complemented masterfully with a Latin twist that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else – think jalapeños, ceviche, and tahini twists!
All the locals know that this is a great Friday night spot to recharge your batteries ahead of the weekend, enjoying exceptionally crafted fusion dishes with a nice cold beer, sake, or even a cocktail! The wine list is also worth checking out, especially if you are partial to a good red with your steak – the Cabernet Sauvignon selection is especially enticing. I’d also highly recommend Hinsdale residents’ best-kept secret, the off-menu witch’s brew roll, made with mango, sunflower seeds, and sriracha drizzle.
2. Chef Soon Contemporary Sushi And Bar, Woodridge
Extravagant sushi dishes with prompt service and attractive prices – what more could you want?
Chef Soon Contemporary Sushi and Bar lives up to its name with a menu that features fresh and delicious twists on some of Japan’s best-loved sushi dishes.
Chef Soon Park’s innovative menu features classic tuna, salmon, and crab nigiri and maki, as well as his unique signatures such as Blazing Mango Maki, and the delicious shrimp and cream cheese Millennium Maki – which are all sure to get any sushi-loving diner’s mouth-watering!
The kitchen also cooks up a range of hearty hot dishes, such as sirloin steak, pork katsu, and stir-fried tiger shrimp, which are all paired with sticky rice and richly seasoned sauces. The modern, upmarket setting makes visiting Chef Soon feel like a treat, whether visiting for lunch or dinner. And the patio opens in Spring and Summer, ideal for those that like to swill their sake in an al fresco setting.
A favorite haunt for dinner dates and decadent lunches, I love the bright and airy atmosphere that compliments Chef Soon Park’s kitchen expertise. The menu is a product of Chef Soon’s 20-year experience in some of the most upscale Japanese restaurants around, and his menu expertly combines his sushi mastery with his love for Western flavors.
The good wine list makes this restaurant a great spot for dinner reservations, while the option for prompt home delivery will be simply irresistible for those living in the surrounding area. As for my personal recommendations, why not impress your fellow diners by ordering the decadent Oyster Motoyaki to start?! This stunning baked oyster dish is served with an indulgent cheesy garlic sauce, while balanced with aromatic citrus. The 12-15 piece sashimi platter is another fantastic choice, featuring Chef Soon’s aquatic picks for the day.
1. Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Naperville
Vibrant and fresh Japanese cuisine with an exquisite riverside view
Located nearby Naper Settlement, Naperville‘s Blue Sushi Sake Grill makes for the perfect end to a day working up an appetite around the region’s famous outdoor museum. The Japanese menu offers a broad selection of sushi and grill dishes that range from the more traditional cornerstones of Japanese cuisine to mouthwateringly creative avant-garde offerings. Enjoy hot plates like shrimp tempura and beef tenderloin, or refreshing sashimi, nigiri, and maki – all in the restaurant’s unique, thriving and fun atmosphere. And don’t forget to wash it all down with your pick of the substantial sake menu!
Every trip to Blue Sushi Sake Grill (and trust me, there’s been multiple trips!) has been memorable, not least because of the incredible staff whose hospitality gives the restaurant an added sense of warmth and fun. The decadent menu means that there is always something new to try that is sure to tantilize the tastebuds – but the crispy brussels sprouts and truffle salmon are a must!
This place is also incredibly popular amongst vegans thanks to their extensive selection of vegan sushi, even offering their signature Build Your Own Sushi box as a vegan alternative! There are options here to make sure that no one leaves disappointed, so its a great option for dates, families, and friends alike.
Feeling hungry yet? Try any one of these Chicago-based Naperville sushi restaurants and you’ll be convinced that the city has one of the best sushi scenes in the states.
Interested to find out more about Chicago’s suburbs? Check out our article about the 10 Chicago suburbs with the best downtowns.
