Finally was able to get a reservation here after checking periodically for the last few years (obviously wasn't trying that hard!). Cute little restaurant, we were sat at a cozy booth. We both had the omakase which was delicious and filling. Agree with reviews that it was a bit heavy on the Mayo. I thought the price was reasonable and left full. They are serious about the 90 min dining time and they do warn about it but I was surprised that the meal was rushed feeling. They came to bring the next course a few times while I was still eating the one before it and I did not feel like I was eating very slowly. Overall worth checking out! read more

My favorite sushi restaurant in Chicago! Absolutely have to order the Spicy Toro Maki Roll! It is the best Roll you'll ever have! If not, please tell me who has better! Strict 90 minute dinner seating although. read more

We went to Kai Zan yesterday, and this was my first time come here also recommended by my friend. It was sooooo goooood, We love it We tried Omakase, which was the tasting menu. It came with lots of foods, and you can see it below those pics. Beautiful, fancy, aand excellent customer service. We also ordered the Waygu fried rice. Omg, it was so good! Fabulous! BUT the fried portion was quite small and it needs to be $31little bit precy I will definitely come back to this Japanese restaurant with my friends and family. Oh, one more thing want to add, they only have ONE RESTROOM, and it was so tiny. I don't really like that because I need to wait...people need to wait Other than that, everything is good! And i recommend you guys go eat and try read more

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The snowy day gave me the chance to get to Kai Zan finally. The restaurant is small, and the food is really fantastic, which makes reservations hard. I went solo and sat at the sushi bar for the Omakase. The twin chefs (Melvin & Carlo) created unique flavors based in traditional dishes. The cuts of fish were precise, and the fish was super fresh. Every item kept the high standard. My waiter, Allen, was lovely as were all the staff. They were all pleasant and efficient. Bravo! I will be back as often as possible! read more

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So, I feel like everyone who's local knows of Kai Zan. A friend got me hooked years back when the tattoo parlor was still next to (and now exists as expanded space for) the wonderful restaurant. Hands down it is consistently one of the best places to go to for sushi in the city, debatably still one of the top places to get sushi period (and I live by the ocean). We hate to share a place that you may want to stalk reservation times for, but we hate having said places close for lack of sharing more. Okay enough set up here's the deal: -Amazing omakase that has barely raised prices even with their growing reputation and inflation -Service that is superb and, while not rushed, keeps you honest to your reservation -A general menu that does not play second fiddle to their famous omakase offering -An ambiance that is great for a snazzy time to catch up while being chic or sure to impress a date -Passionate chefs who are still delivering quality food even after enduring a takeout only offering in early pandemic read more

KAI ZAN - Shooter portion of omakase for 2 - Asian Fusion Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Delicious and great ambience too. Every sushi selection was very fresh and having its own unique flavor-fulness. Presentation of the sushi plates were subtle and colorful. Don't forget the ribeye! Amazing too!! Service was impeccable. The server was very friendly and knowledgeable to explain each dish served. Street parking was easy to find on a weekend too. read more

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Kai Zan! Where to start!? Let me get into this one! When see you the outside of the building in the evening it looks very unassuming and you don't really know what to expect. Once you enter everything totally changes. From the host to the waiter every aspect is so exact and how the food runner knows every dish and someone clears plates that are empty to filling more water up in glasses. The food is hands down as good as when I had it when I visited Japan many years ago. The quality and the care that the chef that did the premium omakase for my friend and I, the best. You could see it as art when they place the food on the dishes and even when they artistically made wasabi flowers on the dishes. The surprising dish that I personally loved was the Fuji apple dessert! Don't pass this one up. The service was top tier everyone was soo nice and welcoming. And they even walked us through the menu. The atmosphere was perfect. You could bring a date and it could be elegant and have a conversation and not have to worry about it being too loud. Overall, I will say don't pass on the omakase and the Fuji apple dessert! read more

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We've been a few times for special occasions and now we're thinking we shouldn't wait for an occasion. It's fast becoming my favorite restaurant in Chicago. I know that's quite a thing to say and it's really impossible to compare your favorite place for a burger, Thai, beef etc with another place. It's apples and oranges. Let's just say it's becoming my favorite place for a high quality, healthy, high end dinner. I've tried nothing I didn't love. This last time they had a flaming scallop special that was inventive, delicious and dramatic. I could have eaten 6 of them. It's not going to help you for me to name some things I have liked because the menu does change. Suffice it to tell you that you should just try everything you can. It's all good. I think the prices are fair. The service and ambiance is very good. 90 minute limit is plenty as the food comes right out at you. We've never been rushed for time here. The traffic on Chicago avenue at dinner time is terrible. Leave yourself lots of time to find parking too. Early is better than late and don't show up without a reservation. read more

Thankful for our friends who got us reservations here cuz they are hard to come by! Definitely one of the best omakase's in the city. It was a reasonable price for how much we ate + drinks + desserts. So many courses were amazing, it's hard to rank them. I think my favorite was the orange rush. Really loved sitting in the booth as it felt very private. read more

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We were regulars at Kai Zan prior to Covid. What was once really good before is now great. The caliber of their food and service has only increased. We went with another couple for the Omakase dinner. The dishes were delectable and very unique. We go to quite a few other Amici restaurants in Chicago and area and this is by far the most reasonably priced and also creative. It's not a matter of them, putting truffle oil on some fish and using a flame on top. These individual dishes were really creative. Highly recommend. read more

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Kai Zan has some of the best sushi in the city! The Omakase menu was phenomenal, as it combined different flavors and textures creatively to provide some of the most unique bites my wife and I have had, while highlighting the fish in each course. Wasabi was used liberally in almost all of the dishes, and the ginger accompanying each dish also had a strong flavor of Wasabi, thus, make sure it is something you enjoy like I do. Some of our personal favorites were the escolar and maguro pearls, the scallop shooter, and the nigiri. We highly recommend this spot, especially for the sushi lovers! read more

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We went here for my son's birthday. Sat in a private booth perfect for our party of 6. We all ordered the omakase menu. There was a ton of food for $90 and it was all delicious. They time the meal so you are done in 2 hours and then they politely ask you to leave (we were told when we came that we got 2 hours and that is exactly what we got). The evening was memorable and it is quite a deal for the $90 price tag. Loads of fresh fish. One of the courses had 7 pieces of sashimi and several pieces of nigiri. Even the big eaters in our group left satisfied. They also were very accommodating of food allergies. read more

KAI ZAN - Asian Fusion Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I know I've been a long time patron of Kai Zan but each time I go back it's like a new experience that needs to be mentioned. I went on a Tuesday evening for the early bird special and it did not disappoint. My favorite was the flaming scallop with dynamite sauce and tuna on crispy salmon skin. They always make you feel welcome with a small gesture that speaks volumes! Yet another stellar dinner at my favorite sushi place in Chicago!! read more

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Amazing sushiya in Chicago that is on par with the best across the US. Creative, fresh and just outstanding from Carlo and Melvin. Epic!

Kai Zan did not disappoint! Our party included one omnivore, a teenager and one gluten-free/dairy-free diner. Lighter fare (Orange Rush, Madai Carpaccio) was elegant and creative--fresh and bright yet still complex. Spicier items (Flaming Tuna Maki, S.O.S Maki, Karaage) were delightfully balanced with a depth of flavor and carefully orchestrated textures. Service was excellent and ambiance modern and cozy. Highly recommended! read more

KAI ZAN - Hotate skewers and alternating Orange Rush/Angry Crab pieces. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wow! The fish is phenomenal. Fresh and delicious. Did the Omakase and it was wonderful. They did a GF version for me and it was great. Had a wonderful sake as well. Highly recommend. read more

The best meal of amazing bites I've had in many years wonderful service, really nice vibe and food that i would go back for. Highly recommend. read more

KAI ZAN - Our front row seat to sushi making - Asian Fusion Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've always gotten the Omakase here and the worst it's ever been is satisfactory, usually it's exceptional to amazing, the chef and service staff provide a really casual and convenient experience. If you ever want seafood elevated by other elements on your plate then this is your place, to me it's far more interesting compared to traditional sashimi and nigiri offerings. read more

I waited way too long to finally try this place, but it was worth the wait! Amazing food and service! Each bite of sushi was truly delicious and I loved the more "abnormal" flavors thrown into some of the dishes, like a truffle dipping sauce instead of typical soy for example. My girlfriend and I were seated at the bar which we enjoyed as we got to watch all the food get prepared during our dinner. We did the Omakase menu and aside from the presentation and taste of the food, I was also blown away by how much you really get - many of the dishes featured way more than just one bite per person like at other places that offer Omakase. We finished with the matcha creme brûlée which was refreshing and delicious as well. I can't wait to bring my husband back here for date night! read more

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We went to Kai Zan for our 10 years anniversary with my husband and my 8+ months baby boy. Food is good, service is uhh, and it is not really pricey to omakasa. Also, you can only order one set omakasa to try first. Mostly omakasa has to order one set for each. The restaurant is small and I understand that is no place for high chair. HOWEVER, NO ONE TELL ME that is no high chair for baby. Even I called and let them know I have a 8 months baby before I went to the restaurant. I had to hold my boy for the dinner. It is not nice to new baby parent. So, recommend for no babies people maybe can go. IF YOU DO NEED TO BRING YOU KIDS, DONT GO. read more

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I love Kai Zan. I used to live in Chicago and would come here on a regular cadence for the omakase. I came back to town for work and was able to get a bar seat reservation one day in advance and the courses did not disappoint. Delicious creative food, fabulous service and an intimate ambiance with good music to boot. As long as they are around Kai Zan would always be on my list of to dos whenever I'm in Chicago. read more

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We love everything about Kai Zan! The chefs are creative and serve the best quality fish. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive. We can't wait to return. read more

Dined 3 times now and each time is as amazing as the last. Hands down in my opinion this place is THE BEST sushi in the city. Don't hesitate you will be wowed by the food. Chefs tasting is to die for and will be back as much as possible. read more

Heard a lot of good things about Kai Zan, especially their reasonably priced omakase, so we went there to celebrate my husband's birthday. We didn't get counter seating unfortunately, but from what I could tell of the dishes being shuttled around, there's no difference in the menu anywhere you sit. As far as sushi goes, you can definitely get better quality elsewhere. However, there were some great innovative dishes. But a few weeks on, I can't really recall anything mind blowing... Not what I expected of an omakase tasting menu for sure, but you get what you pay for, and it caters to an American taste profile. To each their own. Good friendly service! read more

So good! Everything was fresh and definitely the best tuna I have had! Great service and ambiance! read more

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Really enjoyed the food here. Wow it was very fresh and the presentation was beautiful! Service was good but really fast. I understand the table is reserved for 1.5 hours. But boy do they push you out the second it hits 1.5. It felt like we were being rushed. And for $300 bill I feel I should have been able to take my time a little bit more. read more

KAI ZAN - Uni and scallop shooter - Asian Fusion Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kai Zan is wildly popular in Chicago and known for their Omakase. I first tried in 2012 when they first opened. I couldn't remember if I enjoyed so decided to try again. I'll start with the positives. The fish and other ingredients were very fresh. The restaurant is small, but service was a team effort. Everyone worked well together to ensure we were well taken care of. The less than positive. .. while each dish was made with fresh ingredients, I didn't find myself wanting more. Nothing was particularly flavorful. Again another dining experience were it wasn't bad enough to send dishes back or complain, but not good enough to seek out another visit. Clearly I'm in the minority with my view. I'll try again if I happen to be in the area with sushi on my mind. read more

KAI ZAN - Madai Carpaccio - Japanese red snapper, basil, toro, black tobiko, olive oil - Asian Fusion Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing Omakase. If you want value this is it. For $90 you get a 10 course Omakase tasting menu. Let's just say the sashimi alone is well over $25 at any other restaurant. The dishes were inventive and each one complimented the next. Service was impeccable and timed so perfectly. Don't forget dessert. read more

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This was by far some of the best sushi I've ever had! Went for a dual birthday date and got the Omakase. Each dish was exciting and tasty, we were both stuffed by the end. Perfect place for a special date night! read more

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This restaurant served some traditional sushi. But also offered some non-traditional sushi options. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. My favorites were the Super Fatty Toro, Seared Scallop Nigiri, Salmon Sashimi, and Orange Crush. read more

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This is some seriously delicious food in the West Town area of Chicago! In my experience, this omakase (10 courses!) is so worth the price! It came out to be $85 + tax & tip, which is unheard of in my experience. I'm comparing it to other omakase options that I've been to in the Midwest as well (e.g. Michigan, Ohio), all of which are located in smaller cities than Chicago for sure! I was impressed with every single dish and the innovative use of ingredients and flavors in each one. It was like a whole story was told throughout this meal, with a few recurring characters (aka repeat ingredients like in the garnish or something - the truffle scallions, for instance) throughout that made the whole dining experience feel cohesive! I dined alone and sat at the sushi bar, so got to watch as the chefs worked in the seemingly small kitchen behind a glass barrier. There were at least 5 chefs in front of me at any given moment, each manning a different station, and they all worked together in tandem as a well-oiled machine! The entire restaurant, in fact, worked as a well oiled machine! The waitstaff was so friendly and professional, so attentive to everyone's needs, and perhaps overly attentive at times haha! My courses came out at an alarming speed! As soon as I picked up the last bite off my plate, my plate would be gone before I finished chewing and the next course would be in front of me before I had even had a sip of my drink to clear my palette between courses! They have a 90-minute dining limit here, but I was not anywhere close to that by the time I left! Granted, I was dining alone, so didn't have anyone to engage in conversation for most of it, so it went a lot faster than I would expect if you came here with someone else, but I was in and out of Kai Zan within 50 minutes flat! Because of the impressive speed and service in which they served me the courses, I was getting so full, so quickly, so I definitely started to slow down around course 5 onwards and take my time a bit more, knowing that as soon as I hit that last bite, the next course would be in front of me haha! I do sincerely appreciate the speed of the service, much more so than the alternative of neglectful or slow service, so I'll take this any day! All the dishes were truly so wonderfully delicious, I can't even name a favorite! There was a good blend between raw and cooked dishes, and an extra dish from the chef that they were trying out that night too, so in total 11 courses! I had a great time dining here alone and would definitely come back, either alone or with other people as well! The space is small, the sushi bar holds about 7-8 people, while the rest of the dining area probably holds an additional 5-6 tables that can seat 2-4 people at each. Next time I'm in Chicago, I'll definitely be back to enjoy. Thanks Kai Zan for being wonderful!! read more

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They really rush you through dinner service. When we were asked if our tasting menu could be slowed down a little, they said no. The food is good but not worth the uptight vibe and uncompromising servers. They also had the people waiting for our seats, sitting inside just feet away from us and it felt like they were glaring at us towards the end. Our meal took 93 minutes, the time allotted is 90, and they had those people waiting for at least half an hour. Seemed like a poor choice and made us very uncomfortable. read more

The food was outstanding. Liked that the tables were semi private and intimate for party of 6.

Honestly a must-try if you're in Chicago! Went here for our one year anniversary beyit gives off speakeasy vibe and they did not disappoint. The seafood was soo fresh and the servers are super nice and knowledgeable. What amazes me the most are the unexpected food pairings in the Omakase menu, truly an experience. read more

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The omakase dinner was amazing! Loved the variety in the courses and it was a great amount of food for the money spent read more

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Made a pretty last minute reservation for this place hoping that it would be good and it was! This place has quality sushi. It really isn't far off from the 150-200 dollar omakase places. The fish is just as fresh and the nigiri is just as good. The only difference may be a few pieces of more expensive seasonal fish at other omakases. But I was very happy with my dinner here and felt that the meal was very worth the price. We left feeling satisfied and full. This is a place I would come back to multiple times. read more

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Alright I'm back to this sushi place for a second time. The food was delicious, as always but what gave me this 2 star rating was this one sushi chef. I mean, this man gave me a death stare when I was eating, drinking, or just plainly looking around. This man just kept giving me a look of "why are you in my restaraunt" while I was dining. I could not enjoy the food while this man kept glaring at me. He wore a turquoise bandana with smoke. He just would not chill on me, what did I do?!? Hope this man chills next time I come to this place, maybe had a bad day read more

I would love to come back here. For the price of the omakase ($85), I could not ask for more. Glad we had bar seating as we enjoyed watching the chefs curate each dish beautifully! As always, it is your responsibility to show up on time as the chefs are on a schedule. If you show up late, you'll feel rushed. The plates are creative and flavorful. There were some nice citrusy notes throughout and I noticed they added truffle oil to some of their dishes; this balance of flavors complimented the fish well. My favorites: Madai carpaccio, escolar & maguro pearls, oyster shooters, orange rush, and of course the sashimi (though I was pretty full by then). Sake: Konteki Pearls of Simplicity --light, refreshing and crisp. Wonderful dining experience! read more

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This is one of those spots that I don't want to hype up because it's already hard enough to get a reservation, lol. But for real...it's for good reason. Quite easily one of the top 10 restaurants I've ever eaten at. So great that we went twice in one month. My one and only recommendation is to order the Omakase. Let the chef(s) take full control because I promise you, you won't regret it. My fiancé who has become more of an adventurous eater over the years has zero complaints! That means nothing to you, but he's a total seafood scaredy-cat. The first time we came, I only ordered the Omakase and he ordered off of the menu. By the time the second dish was served, he was regretting his decision. The Omakase menu truly pushes you to try what might normally be outside of your comfort zone. For me, that was the quail egg. The perfect shooter with a mix of savory, citrusy, and spicy. Excuse me if I don't have an exactly refined palette, but that's what stood out to me and made it delicious. I was also very pleasantly surprised that they managed to make the textures not weird. With all the uniqueness offered, it's priced VERY fairly - especially for Chicago at $80 & up per person. And when I say every single item is a favorite, I mean it. I'm sitting here trying to point out the phenomenal angry crab, or the toro that just melts in your mouth, or even the fiesta maki but it's just not fair to single any one item out! Go see for yourself. The second best part that's basically tied with the amazingly incredible food is the service. The staff has truly mastered their craft when it comes to timing of the food - especially when not everyone ordered the Omakase. Don't worry, my fiancé only made that mistake once. They're also all very knowledgeable of the menu, and for me, that makes a huge difference. They do so well in their role, they sold us on anchovy ice cream. Yes, anchovies. It was the most unique and flavorful dessert we've all ever had. It's even preferred by the chocolate lovers at the table. Think s'mores! Long story short, come with an open mind and enjoy the quality and perfectly bite sized options on the Omakase menu. Trust the chef(s)! They're the pro's for a reason. read more

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Been here a couple times and I am SO excited and looking forward to going back! Kai Zan is the place where I first fell in love with escolar and hand rolls. We sat at the bar and ordered the New Omakase / Chef's choice. I had no idea what I was in for, but this was the freshest seafood I have ever had. The escolar feels like a cloud in your mouth and is the softest, most delicious fish. If you're adventurous and love seafood/sushi, this place is a must try! Even after I was done with the Omakase I placed another order of the Escolar Pearls. This was also my first time trying oyster and uni shooters and they were delicious. The chef prepared some very creative and unique dishes, and to be honest, I cannot remember the names of all of them, but I highly recommend everyone try the Omakase. It is on the slightly more expensive side (around $70), but it is a good amount of food (10 small courses) and so worth it. I don't usually like anchovies, but there one dish prepared with them that was amazing. The restaurant is small and cozy, but very popular, so I strongly recommend making a reservation as soon as you can. Nice ambiance. Service was great and the dishes were served in a prompt manner. Sitting at the bar, we got to see the chef prepare the dishes in front of us which was a cool experience. I actually prefer the bar seating over the wooden booth. Hands down some of the best sushi and seafood I've had in Chicago. Highly recommend! read more

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