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    Mako

    4.4 (196 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSushi Bars, Japanese
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:30 PM

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    MAKO ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Mako

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    Laurita M.

    Mako was truly a 10/10 experience from the service to the food. The restaurant is an intimate space with limited seating. We were seated at the bar in front of the chef. The staff was polite, friendly and accommodating to our needs. The food was absolutely fresh and delicious, prepared perfectly. We tried a variety of dishes, over 20 different courses. Some standout dishes were the Chutoro tuna, and the cod which sat in an amazing broth. My only complaint is that halfway through the courses, the chef mentioned a special salmon and truffle course that he offered to us. Of course, we said yes, but we later found out that it was an additional charge added to our bill. I didn't appreciate that it was framed as something special rather than as an add-on to our experience. Overall, Mako was a great Michelin Star experience, offering authentic Japanese omakase!

    srabani r.

    What an absolute treat. My husband and I and my older son went in for a dinner here. Usually my husband and son don't like the idea of omakase because while they both love sushi, they want what they want versus it being picked for them. This was a huge treat. Food was phenomenal and the service was top notch. Our waiter was so nice and friendly and knowledgeable too. Highly recommend for those who like omakase

    Amanda H.

    Had a very lovely omakase experience here. All the fishes were very fresh and a lot of thought was put into each presentation. Recommend!

    celina t.

    We went to Mako tonight to celebrate our anniversary and it was a wonderful experience. The service is pretty good. Our server was very nice and welcomed us. The fish is super fresh and buttery. We sat in the front so it felt very intimate being able to watch the chef work his magic. It's hard to really describe this spot other than to say that the whole experience was well curated and delicious! I would for sure recommend coming to this spot if it's on your bucket list of Michelin stars to try. It is for sure one of the best omakase's I've gone to in Chicago. (Also if the chef asks if you want to try their special please say yes!! It was one of the best pieces of nigiri I've had)

    I had great time at Mako and coming from a girl who consumes a little bit too much of omakase and sushi in her life, I can confidently say it's a great restaurant for omakase, probably the best in Chi-town. What I like about the restaurant: 1) I do like their sushi. I didn't post all photos but you will be full after dinner here. The rice was cooked nicely and some new flavors I haven't tried yet. I live in California so trust me I know good sushi . 2) The waiter seems to know my taste of sake :)). 3) I had a very lively conversation with random guests there. Two of them later told me that I unknowingly possibly sat next to Foo Fighter main singer. I listened to Foo Fighter but I didn't know their face. Too bad, I could have asked for a photo lol. What I don't like about the restaurant: 1) Their utensils. For example, they asked me to use a short mother of pearl sppon (which I usually assume for caviar ) to dip into a very DEEP bowl. It's not working well for me, and made me question about my spoon skills for my entire life . 2) I like their sake but I cannot get over the fact it was sevred in wine glass. Maybe they were right about having more open space for the sake to diffuse their aroma. I still like the traditions . 3) I asked for the small shell of the abalone that was used to serve me (it's random, I just like abalone shell in general) and the waiter agreed to give me. But then he forgot at the end, which was disapointing. I would expect a higher level of attentativeness in 1 michelin star restaurant.

    Rachel B.

    Mako provides a top notch Omakase experience. The dining room is elegant with minimal decor, and the service is very formal. It definitely has a fancy feel (maybe even borderline stuffy). Each morsel of sushi is exquisite. You'll want to savor every bite. I really enjoyed the scallop and the wagyu, but everything was very good. It's a lot of fun watching the chef craft each bite. And you get to learn about the origin of each fish as you go. We really enjoyed our omakase dinner at Mako!

    Safia S.

    I am a sushi fan and I hadn't heard a lot about Mako. I came here for dinner after nabbing a much sought after reservation. The interior is stark with little decor, but tasteful the entire night, the staff are very insightful, informative, and courteous. I enjoyed watching the chefs, knife skills and learning about the food we were eating. Every dish was unique and truly this was a lovely experience.

    Please consider not visiting if you see this review. First time leaving a review on yelp because Mako is such a disaster. Absolute disaster. Wondering how this place ever got a Michelin star. Inauthentic to the extent of Japanese typos on drink menu. Service was inconsistent and poor, waiters were either creeping up on you or can't even tell sparkling from still and get nervous introducing wine. Food faulty for omakase and ingredients were not well explained. Dessert was very disappointing and clearly not well thought out, I've had better at Dunkin's. Chefs were chill but every other aspect of this restaurant is absolute disastrous, worst Michelin in the world I've ever been. 900 bill total for 2 and mandatory 20% mandatory gratuity for their shit service btw

    Brian T.

    Beauty in humble simplicity. The entrance door can be cumbersome especially if the strong winds are blowing. We were greeted inside and the gentleman kindly took our coats. He verified our reservations and remembered that it was to celebrate my wife's birthday. He led us to our reserved seats at the sushi bar and less than 5 minutes later we had another gentleman come by with the wine/cocktail menu. There were 2 sushi chefs at the counter and each was in charge of 4 people that night. Each delectable course is explained where it is from, what is on it, recommend way of eating it and is served timely after the other as to enjoy their unique qualities. There is ample time to make small talk between each course so you don't feel rushed. The majority of pieces felt well crafted, and some were a bit overwhelming to the point it masked the adjuncts overpowered the flavor of the fish. It took away the focus from the fish and made the fish seem more like it was to enhance the flavor of i.e. ginger/scallion. The seared wagyu, super fatty tuna+uni, and seared super fatty tuna with a hint of salt were absolutely divine. The various sashimi+smoked tuna dish had a beautiful presentation. The least amazing for us was the tamago dish. It felt out of place and was uninspiring. It was as if it was added to the menu to increase the amount of total dishes offered for their price. If it was off the menu and they added it in I wouldn't complain. Overall it was a great experience. For my wife's birthday they gave her a menu with a little writing from everyone on the staff to take home which was a bit cute. I feel that they could have given her something else considering the price and the Michelin star. Unfortunately we didn't have plans to keep it as a memento so we left it. I felt as if the server staff was a bit more conversational and welcoming that the sushi chefs prepping in front of us at the counter. We would of course be asked if we are enjoying everything but not much more than that. Maybe it's just me but an omakase is more than just the food. It's about the whole experience, interaction, intimacy and connection to the people and the food. Paid street parking/lot in the area, no valet, recommend reservations, gratuity already included in the check, free coat check, handicap accessible, no pets.

    Astrid C.

    First experience having a Michelin omakase and I have never been more satisfied. From the service and details of the whole meal with wine and sake pairings to the attention of the staff and the cleanliness of the restaurant. The most peaceful dinner with the most exciting bites and flavors through every course, drink pairings were perfect for every level of flavors in each bite. Chef Benjamin took care of us at his table and described in a lot more detail everything he was preparing for us. Would definitely come back to be able to try a new menu or this one all over again!

    Princess T.

    Mako was my first Michelin star Japanese restaurant. They did *not* disappoint! I did the tasting menu. Watching the chefs prepare the sushi definitely added to the ambiance. If you're not familiar with Chicago, you might pass it, as the outside is pretty lowkey. My favorites were the Wagu course and the Fatty tuna, but they only narrowly edged out the others. I highly recommend if you're looking for an excellent dining experience matched with excellent service, dine here.

    Jennifer C. L.

    It was enlightening to eat here at Mako during my first visit to Chicago. Embarking on an exquisite Michelin-starred dining experience at a premier sushi restaurant in Chicago was a journey that was unparalleled to any other culinary experience. When you arrive to the location the place is obscure. The entranceway is a heavy doorway that blends into the dark color of the building. If you weren't paying attention you could easily miss it. But depending on your reservations, the random couples standing outside exiting from their fine dining experience gave it away for us. Once you enter their doors, you feel transported to another place. You instantly feel the calm and soothing essence of their decor. We were one of the first to arrive for our reservation time blocks and we were instantly seated right away front and center at the sushi bar. There were 3 sushi chefs working simultaneously alongside each other showing their artistic craftsmanship as they displayed their culinary talents. There was so much precision in their execution to each dish that they prepared. We ordered 2x of their Omakases and we couldn't resist getting their wine and sake pairing to essensuate the experience even more. The omakase menu unfolds like a carefully orchestrated symphony. It features a succession of delicately curated sushis with each piece blooming with flavors and textures. Our dining experience was elevated to new heights because of the seamless pairing of sake or wines that enhanced everything to another level. Every detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the attentiveness of the staff, creates an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the art of sushi and leaves a lasting impression of excellence and sophistication. The experience felt beyond any other because their impeccable service anticipated our every need before we even asked for it. This night was a memorable night especially because all the sushi chefs and the staff personalized a menu by signing it for my husband's birthday. I hope to return again soon.

    Marina C.

    I came here for a birthday dinner and it was a wonderful experience. To note, the front entrance is very easy to miss. It seems like a back door because it really blends in with the wall. And the door is so heavy. If you don't pull hard enough, you might think it is locked. If you're at a heavy, black door, and you see "Mako" etched in the wall next to the door, you're at the right spot. When we entered, the atmosphere was very relaxing and elevated. It reminded me of a hotel lobby. We were seated at the sushi bar, with a good view of all 3 chefs that were preparing the food. Each course came out with a little paper guide that helped you keep track of what you were eating. It seemed like the courses would never end. We tried so many types of fish. All of the fish was very fresh. One of my favorite pieces was the striped jack. It had a terrific texture. I was also pleasantly surprised by the mackerel. Usually, I'm not a huge fan of the strong, fishy flavor profile. But the mackerel here wasn't like that. I enjoyed it. At the end of our meal, they gave me a signed menu as a birthday "gift",which was cute. I've kept the menus from other omakase & tasting experiences, so I appreciated the keepsake. For the price point, this is not a spot I would come to regularly. I am not sure how the price/value differs from other Michelin-starred omakase experiences. But I think it was worth it for a special occasion.

    Ankimo - Hirasama, Monkfish liver, pearl onion

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    1 year ago

    it's okay, the quality/experience is definitely there but there's better michelin's in the city especially at this price point.

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    Service is very good. The omakase experience is not bad but very traditional I guess is the word

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    Page 2 of 5

    Mako Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mako

    Do you serve cocktails or Japanese plum wine?

    I definitely saw cocktails on the menu.

    How long is the full omakase dining experience?

    About an hour and change.

    How much is omakase per person>?

    Our Omakase is $175 person with an optional $85 wine and sake pairing.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    SUSHI-SAN - Truffle Shiitake Maki

    SUSHI-SAN

    4.3(1.3k reviews)
    0.9 miNear North Side
    $$$

    The express lunch deal is so good! You get to choose 3 items from a nice list of options for $21!…read moreIt's really nice if you want to try multiple things or are indecisive. I got the salmon bowl, the salmon avocado maki, and tuna crispy rice. The salmon bowl was definitely my favorite. The salmon was cooked very nicely so that it wasn't dry, and I loved the miso glaze that they put on top. It added a very nice sweetness to the salmon and created a very nice char. It was pretty small portion size though. The salmon avocado maki was solid too. It was the most filling! You get 5 pieces :) The tuna crispy rice was just alright. The rice part was good, but there was a bit too much mayo in the tuna. The miso soup that came complimentary with it was good too! I like how generous they were with the seaweed. Such a nice vibe inside! It's definitely a nicer spot, but still casual enough for lunch. I wanna come back for dinner! Service was quick and server was kind.

    Kari's Rating 7.5/10…read more TDLR: -I was there a nice outdoor patio -Music is a little too loud for a normal conversation -Nothing's crazy special but the fish is fresh Came here with a friend at 5 PM on a Monday. The place wasn't that busy at this time but by the time we left around 6:30 it was pretty packed. Fish was decently fresh, not super creative combos out there like some places. I always get a salmon sashimi piece at the end to test the quality and it didn't disappoint. Everything else was fairly normal, probably not my favorite place in the city, but I got the job done.

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    Sushi Plus Rotary Sushi Bar

    Sushi Plus Rotary Sushi Bar

    4.3(555 reviews)
    2.3 miChinatown
    $$

    What to Get/Not to Get/Do: All the food is great. What my complaint would be the poor customer…read moreservice, unfortunately Customer Service: Worst possible experience. I have recently got a gift card at Printer's Row location for my birthday. It clearly is for all their locations. Unfortunately, here at Chinatown's location, when they attempted to scan the card, the staff said it does not work and only works at the Printer's Row location. I ended up calling the Printer's Row location and had the team talk to the manager at the Chinatown location, and the manager at the Chinatown location kept their stance that it does not work, stating Printer's Row location does not know why the gift card does not work at the Chinatown location, and will not make any exceptions to accepting the gift card. Thankfully at the Printer's Row location, they are stating it's due to their system being new as they are a new location, and reason why the gift card is not working at all the locations yet which they are now working on to fix so it does not happen to any other customer moving forward. I just wish the Chinatown location showed some compassion to address the issue and still accommodate the inconvenience instead of us having to go back to the Printer's Row location to use the gift card Price: Approximately $20, not including tip for 2 people. There are lunch specials! Ambience: Indoor Seating Overall: Worst experience, especially to follow up my birthday celebration

    Selection on the rotary wasn't as extensive as other rotating sushi places (I'm spoiled in the…read moreBay). We ordered mainly from the screen, some items took longer - like the chicken- that I forgot my brother ordered it but he liked the chicken balls. Tea was great, I love a good hot tea. We came on a Sunday night so it wasn't too busy. Downtown was nice to walk around so its in a nice area.

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    Miru

    Miru

    4.3(331 reviews)
    1.5 miThe Loop
    $$$

    Miru is one of those places where the experience is just as memorable as the food. We went with…read morefamily for sushi, and everything we tried felt creative and unique without trying too hard. And the lychee martini? Easily the best I've ever had. The views are absolutely spectacular--some of the best I've seen anywhere and, in my opinion, probably the best restaurant views in Chicago. What really took it to another level was the hospitality. We had family visiting from out of town, and they were greeted and welcomed by name, which was such a thoughtful touch. Between the incredible sushi, cocktails, views, and service, Miru delivered a truly unique and unforgettable Chicago experience.

    The three of us celebrated our daughter's birthday at Miru, the modern Japanese restaurant on the…read more11th floor of the St. Regis Chicago, which has a charming terrace overlooking the Chicago River, Navy Pier, and Lake Michigan. It was the views that attracted us to this venue. It turned out to be a perfect evening with beautiful weather for dining al fresco. Since it was a Monday evening, the large modern dining room was not too busy. As expected, the outdoor terrace was bustling. The terrace is basically divided into 3 sections. We were seated in the first section closest to Navy Pier and Lake Michigan, and this area filled up fast shortly after 6:00 pm. Service was friendly and professional throughout the evening. Our server Justin was very knowledgeable of the menu. Both the hostess and Justin wished our daughter a happy birthday several times. A birthday dessert with a lit candle on the side was presented to her at the end of the dinner, making it a special meal to her. Our daughter ordered a cocktail called Happy Days ($23) that came in a Japanese cat shaped jar/glass. My husband had a glass of Chablis ($21), and I had a mocktail Setting Sun ($14), which has fresh yuzu, Valencia orange, lychee, Soda. However, I could only taste the soda, I wished I could taste the lychee. For dinner, we ordered the following to share: Kani Kani Crispy Rice ($34) -- Justin recommended this dish. I really enjoyed the crispy rice and the minced crab meat topping, which was flavorful and not too spicy. However, my husband did not feel that was a crab flavor. Tempura Rock Shrimp ($19) -- a nice quantity for sharing, shrimp was fresh, but nothing too special. Crispy Spring Rolls ($28) -- 6 very small spring rolls were filled with Maine lobster, pork, with Thai orange sauce. They were delicious but we couldn't really distinguish the lobster or pork in the minced filling. (For the nigiri and sashimi, each order came with 2 pieces. Everything we tried was fresh.) Unagi +1 piece ($14 + $7) -- BBQ Fresh Water Eel Seared Salmon Belly Nigiri +1 piece ($23 + $11.50) Kinmedai ($18) -- Golden Snapper Chutoro ($21) -- Medium Fatty Tuna A5 Wagyu Nigiri ($49) - This was a surprise disappointment. All 4 pieces of Wagyu were tough and had gristle in them, so chewy that we had to spit them out. It's definitely not the melt-in-your-mouth A5 Wagyu experience that I was looking for. Duck Yakisoba ($28) - This dish was mixed on our table by a server, that added more fun to a dish that had egg noodles, duck confit, and ginger. It was flavorful with a good amount of duck. Black Cod ($44) - It was nicely seared and prepared. However, my first bite had a very slight fishy smell in it. Otherwise, it was a good dish. Black Sesame Mochi ($18) -- Charcoal-Vanilla ice cream, black sesame praline, and mochi sponge. Surprisingly, this was the highlight of the night! The flavors and all the different textures worked very well together. I could easily eat a couple of these myself! I am still craving for the aromatic crispy black sesame praline and creamy charcoal-vanilla ice cream a week later! With a 3.5% restaurant surcharge, our total bill came to $431.80 before tip. Valet parking was originally $50, but with restaurant validation, it was brought down to $35. All in all, we had a wonderful birthday dinner for our daughter. The stunning views and ambiance with excellent service made it a memorable evening, while the food was very good overall, there were a couple of disappointments. For us, Miru is a 4-star experience overall, with 5-star ambiance and service.

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    Jinsei Motto

    Jinsei Motto

    4.6(150 reviews)
    0.2 miWest Loop, Near West Side

    Came here for the lunch omakase, which features dry-aged fish. Overall, the fish was fresh and…read morewell-prepared--nothing particularly mind-blowing, but definitely good quality, especially for a more affordable omakase option. My only critique is the pacing. Since the chef already had the fish sliced and prepped, I expected a smoother flow, but the meal took about an hour and a half for 14 pieces of sushi. It felt a bit slow, especially for a lunch service. That said, if you're looking for a reasonably priced omakase with quality fish, this is a solid choice.

    Went for restaurant week with friends. Got there early after work and was able to hit the happy…read morehour which is a decent deal. Got the snow maiden sake and the spicy scallop hand roll. Both were great. Our bartenders were lovely and very friendly. Found out this is a Malort tasting room and we were able to sample some different Malorts (the cocoa one was good!). Then we were taken back to our table for dinner. Our server was super friendly as well. Started with the miso soup and crispy tuna bites which were probably my favorite dishes. The taki yoki fritters weren't bad either. We saw people getting omakase, so we ordered a yummy looking piece they were receiving. It was just okay (chutoro truffle). The nigiri was also okay. The tuna piece was the only I really loved. The fish quality wasn't as high as I was expecting. The sushi was decent. A little too much truffle in the spicy blue fin tuna and a little too vegetable forward in the hamachi serrano. All in all, the atmosphere and amazing service pushed this up to a 4 for me.

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    Omakase Shoji - Banzai

    Omakase Shoji

    4.8(53 reviews)
    1.3 miUkrainian Village, West Town

    I live in LA and have eaten at 20+ omakase restaurants, so I was curious what Chicago's scene had…read moreto offer. Omakase Shoji more than answered that question. The restaurant houses both an omakase counter and an izakaya, but in completely separate spaces. The omakase side is an intimate, beautifully designed counter with around 10 seats. We were the only guests that evening, so the whole experience felt wonderfully private -- just us, Chef Shoji, and the fish. Chef Shoji opens the meal by presenting the actual fish you'll be eating, all flown in twice a week from Japan or Spain. It immediately signals what kind of meal you're in for. The 20 courses were well-paced and the quality was consistent throughout. Nigiri and sashimi were pristine, but the hot dishes were equally impressive, which surprised me. Both sides of the menu showed real craft and attention to detail. Service was fantastic -- warm, attentive, and never stuffy. At $210 per person, it's a special occasion meal, but one that genuinely delivers on the price. As someone who eats a lot of omakase back home in LA, I wasn't sure what to expect. I left genuinely impressed. Highly recommend if you're looking for a serious sushi experience in Chicago!!!

    Professional chefs. Comfortable space. Fresh seafoods. Delicious Omakase. Reasonable prices. Plenty…read moreof seats. What is imperfect here?

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    Sushi by Bou- Fulton Market Chicago @ Emily Hotel

    Sushi by Bou- Fulton Market Chicago @ Emily Hotel

    4.5(133 reviews)
    0.3 miFulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side

    This was an amazing experience, I cannot wait to attend one of their limited seatings when I get…read moreback to Manhattan. 12 course omakase tasting menu and they played old school hiphop and rap from the 80s and 90s all night! My personal fav. Grafitti all over the walls and plush velvet furnishings. 1. Yellowtail 2. bluefin tuna 3. Salmon roe 4. Albacore tuna 5. Chopped toro 6. Scallops 7. Miso cod 8. Fluke 19. Uni 10. Otoro 11. Wagyu with uni 12. Tuna Hand Roll Sushi by BOU Fulton Market was perfectly intimate sexy and cool. The fish was fresh and delicious, and the chefs are so fast, and knowledgable! I love sitting at sushi counters and getting to see them work, I love the stimulation. Service was outstanding the chefs made wonderful reccomendations including their secret menu item ' The BIG MAC' Ambiance was killer and its a small space with limited seatings every night. Perfect for a sexy date night experience and great for talking !!

    This rating is SOLELY on how I perceive the dollar value of the experience. There's too many…read moreamazing omakase options in this city to where this one I'm still left a little hungry, a little wanting for more unique flavors rather than just nigiri, and a little more broke!! I've been here 2-3 times and each time it's just because I've gotten such a strong omakase craving and my other go-to spots are full for the night but this one just doesn't do it for me. There's other less expensive, more innovative omakase places in Chicago, I promise Upside: Chefs are absolute gems. The vibes are chic, cool and intimate, so my boyfriend and I have gone as a date spot. We got the upgraded "bougie" package and a few additional rolls cause again, basic menu doesn't hit the spot. Taken a friend there before too also opting for "bougie" because we wanted more rolls, but we split some dumplings on the way home if you catch my drift lol. For a slimmer 5'4" gal (my friend being literally a 4'10" gal) with a pretty decent appetite but nothing crazy, that shouldn't be happening consistently!

    Photos
    Sushi by Bou- Fulton Market Chicago @ Emily Hotel - The Big Mac

    The Big Mac

    Sushi by Bou- Fulton Market Chicago @ Emily Hotel
    Sushi by Bou- Fulton Market Chicago @ Emily Hotel - Ikura - Salmon Roe

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    Ikura - Salmon Roe

    Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya

    Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya

    4.5(101 reviews)
    0.9 miNear North Side

    So pleasantly surprised! Came in on a Friday night for a 6:30 reso and the place was empty BUT it…read morewas packed, seemingly by regulars, by the time we left. Service was a little slow at time but they got slammed very quickly and and we weren't in a rush. What we got: - chuturo nigiri - so buttery - hamachi nigiri - good flavor and cut - chili hotate - love the flavor - negi toro maki - good flavor - unakyu- fine a little on the sweeter side - Amai - not my favorite and I think the tuna had a strong fishy flavor Overall, good meal and pretty reasonable bill. Will definitely be coming back to check out the rest of the menu!

    Such a wonderful spot! Fantastic happy hour. Everything was made fresh and tasted delicious…read more Service was super friendly, and they even brought out a free birthday mochi for my friend. We got the karage, three of the skewers , and the spicy salmon and tuna rolls. This place, along with the entrance is a bit hidden, so would love to see them market themselves more as I think it's a spot people would really love, especially for more affordable sushi in the River North area. Quiet and cozy ambiance for casual outings but also cute enough to be a date spot. Got seated immediately. Service was a bit slow, but that's only because they seemed to have one host/server working at the time, who was working super hard and kept a super pleasant and attentive vibe. I will definitely be back!

    Photos
    Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya - Sushi bar area

    Sushi bar area

    Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya - CHIRASHI

    CHIRASHI

    Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya - Teriyakidon

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    Teriyakidon

    Mako - sushi - Updated August 2026

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