Nori chips and dip - the chips were so good with a nice balance of saltiness and crispiness, and the dip was amazing with the texture, taste, and full of flavorful toppings Tokyo story - so smooth and a nice blend of sweetness and tanginess Hamachi poke - taste was refreshing and clean Yellowtail - love the kick from the jalapeño California - not your typical California roll, the crab was shredded and had more of a peppery flavor Bluefin tuna poke - the poke was fresh and tasty Bluefin tuna turo - fatty tuna melts in your mouth and the pickled wasabi was so good with it Scallop dynamite - baked spicy scallop is served warm which was def different but so good Ginger chili yum crispy salmon - guest chef series special collaboration with chef Stephanie Izard, the crispy salmon had a nice texture and the other ingredients (hoisin mayo and pickled red onion) balanced it out very well Pork belly - so good, it melts in your mouth, and it pairs well with the hot mustard for that nice kick The nori that is used for the handrolls were crisp that when you bit into it, it would break off easily. I suggest getting the chefs handroll set from the menu. 5-6 handrolls and 2 appetizers were enough for me to feel very full. The restaurant only has 21 seats and the design is really cool. It's a u-shape bar and the dim lighting gives off a very cool ambience. It is an intimate setting and wherever you sit, you can see what's going on in the kitchen and how the chefs are making the food. Since there is limited seating, reservations can be hard to get, but I was able to make a reservation for an early dinner at 5:30p on a weekday easily. The entrance is the Perilla restaurant and you'll have to go downstairs to get to the restaurant. read more

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Tucked inside Perilla, Noriko is a hidden gem that you can't help but to share. We started with the Nori Chips were crispy, savory perfection. I am still thinking about this dip! We enjoyed the Chef's Set as well that included too many rolls to name. but each bite was so satisfying. The cocktails were creative and smooth but my fav was the Lychee martini Shoutout to our waitress Sarah who made the whole experience even better with her attentive, warm, and absolutely phenomenal service! We will definitely be back! read more

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Very nice experience at Noriko, which is a lovely, chill space. The nori chips and dip were amazing... A surprising highlight of the meal. Fish was fresh, but I've got 3 recommendations for improvement, thus the 4 stars instead of 5. The biggest recommendation is that the rice in all our rolls was cool (room temp or below). I've had some amazing handrolls, including in Japan and a few other cities, and at all the best places the rice in them is warm. The cool rice at Noriko killed it a bit for me but is such an easy thing to fix. I hope they read this and consider it! The beauty of sitting at a handroll bar IMO is that the nori should still be crisp and the rice warm. And although totally fresh, I thought the rolls could have been more flavorful overall. A few didn't taste very distinct from one another despite having very different descriptions. Lastly, the crab roll was pretty good, but not the most appetizing looking, with a big dark meatball looking lump of piping hot (too hot to even eat at first) minced crab mush on top. I would have really preferred pieces of baked crab instead, especially for a "premium" roll, even if it added a few dollars to the price. The above stuff is all intended as constructive feedback since I do think Noriko is very solid and should be tried. And it's best of the fairly limited handroll focused spots in Chicago I've been to! read more

I wanted to try this out with my wife and daughter who love this cuisine before I registered for the pop up event with Tortello's on this coming Tuesday but it's just not for me. Great vibe. Superior service. I guess the food is great according to my three guest. I want my food COOKED! read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing service!! I put I was celebrating a life accomplishment and they really acknowledged that and I am truly grateful. Thank you! The handrolls were so good and filling. I got their Chefs handrolls which come with five handrolls but it's also a great deal if you wanted to choose your own. The drinks were good and I got the lychee martini. They gave us complimentary prosecco for my accomplishments. It was so nice inside and the ambiance was so calming. Once you step inside the sushi chefs also welcome you which I know was already a great place. I would definitely come back. read more

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Came by for a quick date night dinner! Noriko might be the best kept secret in West Loop. Reservations were fairly easy to get, the counter service was quick, and the vibe was intimate and fun. We loved watching our handrolls get made, and the quality of the fish was superb. Highly recommend the nori chips and edamame hummus. The nori chips are coated in the most delicious seasoning -- definitely the highlight of the evening! read more

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Noriko is located in the basement of Perilla. The restaurant has a rounded counter facing the kitchen, offering a view as the chefs prepare food and drinks. Seating is limited so reservations are recommended! We were lucky enough to score a same day 5pm reservation. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The drink menu is creative and has some interesting options. I ordered the Sunomono Sour with yuzu, cucumber, soy, and sesame, which was light and refreshing. Since my friend doesn't eat raw fish, we couldn't do the Christmas omakase, as it requires full party participation. For starters, we ordered the nori chip and dip and the pork belly. The edamame hummus with crispy nori chips was absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. I highly recommend it as a starter. The pork belly was rich, fatty, and incredibly tender. I also tried the awardwinning Noriko oyster, which melted in my mouth and left me wanting many many more. For hand rolls, I chose the toro, crab, and salmon. All were excellent, but the crab stood out with its bold, peppery flavor. Overall, the food quality is excellent. While it is pricey, it's comparable to other high end Chicago restaurants. The menu is unique and memorable, and I would definitely recommend Noriko. read more

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This hand roll bar really spoiled me. Everything was prepared so well!! What we ordered: - Nori Chips and Dips: It lived up to the hype. The highlight was definitely the flavorful dip. The chili oil was strong & paired perfectly with the crispy seaweed - Salmon: Rich and buttery deliciousness in hand roll form - Bluefin Tuna Toro: The fatty tuna and pickled wasabi combo was unreal. All of it with the crispy seaweed ... chef's kiss - Bay Scallop Dynamite: I'm glad I tried this! I'd probably order something else next time since I usually prefer raw fish in my hand rolls - Wagyu Tataki: Definitely worth a try! The wagyu was so fatty and flavorful read more

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This might be my new favorite restaurant. Snagged a reservation at 5pm on a Friday. Started with the melon and gin cocktail. It was incredible. Subtly sweet and aromatic. nori chips and dip with edamame hummus - whoa! This is a hell of a way to start the meal. Crispy nori chips with a super smooth and creamy hummus. Went with the signature set: yellowtail - nice. Good but not my fav king salmon avocado - amazing. The salmon was super cold, creamy avocado sauce. california - this is what I want every California roll to taste like. spicy bluefin tuna - delicious - not too spicy. Added: crab motoyaki - baked spicy crab, citrus roe pickled shallots, sweet soy. This kinda tasted like a pepperoni pizza somehow. Really unique bluefin tuna poke - sweet soy, crispy onions, chives. Really good, citrusy. bluefin tuna toro- fatty tuna, pickled wasabi, seasoned soy --- the best bite of the night. Literally melted in my mouth. Service was amazing. They place each bite in front of you and explain it. The atmosphere is cozy and feels upscale without being pretentious at all. read more

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Truly one of the best experiences I've had in Chicago! The place is gorgeous, the food is out of this world, and I was fully prepared for a really expensive meal but that wasn't the case at all. I actually found it really affordable for how high end it all was! Can't wait to go back! read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Noriko has been one of my most visited restaurants since they first opened in February 2025. I've always wanted a true sushi handroll bar in Chicago, and Noriko delivers that concept with intention, precision, and warmth. The space itself is intimate and thoughtfully designed. Clean lines, warm wood, and soft lighting keep the focus on the counter and the craft. Sitting at the bar feels immersive in the best way. You can watch each handroll being made in real time, paced perfectly so the nori stays crisp and the rice warm. It feels elevated but never intimidating. Billy and Rhan are phenomenal. Their experience really shows in both the food and the hospitality. Every interaction feels genuine, and you can tell how much care goes into the details. They strike that rare balance of being welcoming, knowledgeable, and quietly confident. It's always a pleasure coming here, whether I'm bringing someone for their first visit or just stopping by myself. The food is consistently excellent. The edamame hummus with the tempura seaweed chip is a standout starter. It's creamy, savory, and addictive, and the chili crisp adds just the right amount of heat and depth. If it's your first time and you're hungry, the chef's set is the way to go. It gives you a full sense of what they do best. The bluefin toro handroll is my favorite. Rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced, it's one of those bites you think about long after you leave. The hamachi poke is bright and refreshing, and I love how the yuzu jelly adds a citrus lift that keeps the dish feeling light. The zuke salmon crudo is also excellent, deeply flavorful and beautifully restrained. Noriko has become my favorite handroll bar in Chicago, and I'm always introducing friends to it. If you appreciate high-quality fish, thoughtful technique, and an intimate dining experience, this place is special. read more

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When we moved to Chicago a decade ago one of the things I knew I was going to miss in Los Angeles was Kazunori, a hand roll bar we frequented. There was a short-lived hand roll spot in West Town but nothing that could compare. All of that sadness is flushed now that we have Noriko. This place, hands down, is the beta hand roll bar experience I've ever had. The atmosphere, the chefs (very cool chefs), and of course, the fish are top notch. And it's not just the hand rolls, they have many other menu items for your friends or date that aren't into hand roll and those apps and side dishes are fantastic. Major highlights definitely include the seared pork belly with daikon and spicy mustard. The noriko salad. Must get the toro hand roll. And really anything else on the hand roll menu is unique and fantastic. THIS WILL BE A REGULAR SPOT FOR US FROM NOW ON. Shoutout to Michael and Patty who kick ass! read more

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I have literally never been more excited to try something as this place!!! It's nearly impossible to score a reservation, as the restaurant is tiny with only a few elevated bar style seats all facing the central kitchen. You can watch the chefs make the handrolls right in front of you! The first time I got a resy I couldn't make it, so I gave it to someone else. The second time, I had to book another two months out!! Noriko salad - so refreshing, loved the leafy greens, bigger portion than expected with a classic Japanese tangy dressing! Nori chips and dip - ugh I loved this. I find hummus to be a bit too rich, but this edamame hummus was so light, which compliments the salty nori chips so well! Pork belly - did not like the hot mustard cuz I hate wasabi, so spent a good bit of time trying to scrape it off from the ends. Other than that, super soft and well marinated, melted in my mouth! Now onto the hand roll sets!! We got the chefs set, which comes with five rolls - yellowtail, California, bluefin tuna poke, scallop dynamite, and bluefin tuna toro! They were all really good and the seaweed was the perfect texture (sometimes when you have handrolls and you try to chew through the seaweed it just WON'T let you)! Least fav was the scallop dynamite, it was wayyy too rich and fatty, and just felt more like the classic baked salmon roll. Wish it was raw or semi raw scallop! Overall, super fun experience, service is stellar, and though pricey, I had lots of fun! read more

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TLDR: LOVED the vibe, most of the handrolls were good but some were just ok. I was super excited to come here, especially since I had to wait a whole month for my reservation! This place has such a calming vibe. Truly loved the ambiance and decor. The service was superb and everyone was very welcoming and friendly. The Nori Chips + Edamame hummus was SO. FUCKING. GOOD. I could've just had like 2 more orders of that and been totally happy! The Pork Belly with the grated radish was really lovely and tender. The Japanese hot mustard gives it just the right amount of kick. My Classic High Ball was tasty and I loved that they had it on the menu! A Toki high ball is such a staple among the Japanese working class. The Hamachi Poke was very subtle but the combination of the yuzu jelly and yellowtail was so refreshing! Now, the handrolls were not as great as the rest of the experience. The Bluefin Tuna Toro was good, but toro is good no matter what. The Bay Scallop Dynamite was really mediocre... it's also cooked scallops, which was a letdown, since scallop sashimi is so much better. The Wagyu Tataki was tasty, but again, wagyu is good no matter what. The Crab Motoyaki was okay; I didn't really taste the crabbiness come through because it was masked by the spiciness. The Uni was fresh, but it did not have the rich, buttery flavor of Bafun Uni, which is the best Hokkaido uni. It just wasn't worth the price, unfortunately. We finished off with the Doshi Doshi, but the combination of caviar and uni is really hard to make work because caviar has such a subtle flavor that everything else just overpowers it. (It looks really amazing though!) I'm glad I experienced Noriko, but I'd rather spend my money at the original Lawrence Fish Market for a better value meal. It's absolutely a no-frills joint, but the quality and value can't be beat. read more

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Very hard to get a reservation at Noriko, even on a weekday. Also, parking is not easy in the area. This place is like a speakeasy, tucked inside the basement of Perilla. I found the interior to be quite clean, modern, and beautifully decorated. I have tried numerous handroll bars around the world and found Noriko's to be average to slightly above average. Started with the Tokyo Story cocktail which had a very interesting flavor profile to it, though not my favorite. My friend and I also got the nori chips and dip to share. The dip tasted fantastic, especially with the chili oil, but the nori chips got really stuck in my teeth and I was kind of annoyed about that. For handrolls, I got the salmon avocado, the spicy salmon, the bluefin tuna toro, and the bay scallop dynamite. I thought the salmon in the salmon avocado hand roll was exceptional, but that suddenly wasn't the case in the spicy salmon which supposedly has the same salmon in it. The spicy salmon's flavor was too pepper-forward (not spice-forward though) for my liking. Then, the toro hand roll was delightful. Finally, I was disappointed by the scallop dynamite. I didn't expect for the scallop to be fully cooked by the baking process, and for all the filling to just have a consistently mushy texture that was unpleasant. Definitely my least favorite bites of the night. For the quality of fish, I think the prices are fair, though still somewhat elevated by its proximity to the main West Loop areas. I would be interested to come back and try some more, but would need to secure another reservation first. Food: 4/5 Price: 3.5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4.5/5 Overall: 4/5 read more

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What a cool place. It's is located in the basement of Perrilla Fare. Such cool ambiance they only have 21 seats and they are all at the bar. They put up mirrors to make the place look bigger and did an amazing job. We had a reservation which I highly recommend, and were seated right away. Our waitress was great and the food was phenomenal. Some of my favorites included the scallop dynamite roll, the Bludfin Toro Roll & the Blue Fin Akami roll. read more

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As a big fan of SoCal handroll bars, I was excited to try Noriko, but it didn't quite measure up. The ambiance is great, seats were comfortable, service was good, and the handrolls came out quickly. I got the chef's set, but wish they allowed roll swaps like other spots. Also disappointing was the lack of condiments--no soy sauce, no ginger, and no extra sauces like truffle soy or fresh wasabi, which I've come to expect. I don't mind paying for special sauces but it was just not an option on the menu. The fish was fresh, but the flavors and textures were off: 1. Yellowtail - bit bland; the jalapeño and scallion overpowered the fish. 2. California - creamy, but mushy texture; couldn't really taste the crab, but loved the peppery flavor 3. Tuna Poke - nice subtle sweetness and good crunch. 4. Bluefin Toro + Uni - we topped this one with uni for $9; fresh, but needed some soy sauce to complement 5. Scallop Dynamite - Flavorful but overly saucy; didn't really taste scallop. Overall, good quality ingredients and vibe, but flavor-wise, it's not there yet. I know some rolls already have soy sauce but there was not enough for me to taste in my handrolls read more

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Ambiance - minimalistic, modern, great for dates, love that they seat people along the counter Service - exceptional, staff and chefs were nice and polite Food - Bluefin tuna toro (fish quality was insanely good), the only thing lacking from the handrolls is the seaweed (soft, soggy, and hard to bite/pull apart) Pork Belly - didn't feel like there was anything special, felt like it was just marinated pork belly Salmon Lox - too much going on and the sour cream cheese overpowered the king salmon read more

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Absolutely amazing experience at Noriko Handroll Bar! Every roll was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully made right in front of us. The service was excellent and the vibe was modern, intimate, and fun. Definitely will be coming back again. read more

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Not even close, hands down my favorite sushi in the city. I love how the only seating is up on the sushi bar, so you get the opportunity to see them make the rolls. That being said, because of that, there's limited seating so you do need to plan in advance and get a reservation - this definitely isn't somewhere where you can just stop by and see if you can get a table. It's in the basement under Perilla Fare - but it really doesn't look like it, it's really classy. Food: We've tried a large variety of the rolls between the two times we've been there and the one I keep going back to is the spicy salmon, so I'd strongly recommend. Also make sure you get the edamame to start! Drinks: They had an amazing lychee martini the first time we were there which they were also able to serve us the second time, even though they no longer had it on the menu. read more

When I got to perilla I was scared the entrance was outside so I walked around and it turns out yes the entrance is indeed inside. In case you were wondering. Lol We had the chef's and signature handroll sets. We also had the nori chips and dip, and the special which was a nigiri with scallop and trout roe! You cannot go wrong with the premium rolls (particularly the dynamite), the special and of course the nori chips and dip. The ambiance is very intimate and vibey. The staff were so friendly we got to meet one of the partners, Billy. Super cool guy (he's a golfer in case you guys wanted something to speak about lol). Overall really thankful we got a reservation and will definitely be back to satisfy our handroll cravings! PS get the matcha cocktail. Super unique. 10/10 read more

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Noriko has such a cool vibe with all the seats arranged around the counter (I would not come with a group more than 2! It would be really hard to converse). There's a raised second level of counter space that blocks your view of the chefs while you're sitting, so you can't quite watch them prepare the food, but the atmosphere is still lively and fun. Our waitress was fantastic and really knowledgeable about the menu. I had the Puncha Matcha to drink, which I was honestly hesitant about ordering, but it ended up being delicious and probably one of my favorite cocktails I've had recently. It was balanced with neither the matcha nor the gin overpowering the flavor (or honestly, even noticeable!). To eat, we started with the nori chips and dip, which were good. The seasoning on the nori chips reminded me of the Trader Joe's tempura nori snack (IYKYK), and I'm not a huge fan of that flavor profile. The pork belly was also very tasty, though it came out while we were still enjoying our hand rolls, so the timing was a little off. We ordered the chef's hand roll set, and overall the fish tasted very fresh. I liked all the rolls except the scallop dynamite, which I personally wouldn't recommend. The baked scallop mixture just wasn't great, but every other roll was excellent! read more

I ordered: 1. Doshi Doshi Handroll - bluefin tuna toro, uni, caviar 2. Signature Handroll Set - yellowtail, king salmon avocado, california (w REAL crab), spicy bluefin tuna 3. Nori Chips and Dip - edamame hummus, chili crunch, scallions Started with a banger app - Nori Chips and Dip is now an all time fav app. Regular hand rolls were stuffed and good quality. Fish tasted fresh and wasn't diced up to the point of mushiness which I really appreciate. Also not too many complicating ingredients per roll. Doshi Doshi has those extravagant, pricey ingredients but it's also quite hefty so arguably worth the price. Service was good. It was hard to find a regular dinner time reservation but I hope they don't increase the number of seats inside out of fear it would very likely affect service and quality. read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Located under Perilla Fare in the west loop, Noriko is Chicago's hottest, new restaurant opening (just opened Feb 5th) and that comes with reservations being VERY hard to get! Why? Well, Noriko only has 20 SEATS and the food and service are great! The space is very intimate and cozy..... and EACH PERSON has a front seat view of the chef action! I was in heaven - the ingredients are FRESH and you'd be surprised at what is made in house. A good example is their SOY SAUCE - homemade. Unbelievable! The edamame hummus dip and nori chips wowed me as an opening appetizer and the rolls were excellent. The cuts of meat are so fresh and prepared so well, it melts in your mouth like butter. The hand rolls are expertly made and taste phenomenal! I highly recommend the nori chips and dip, the crab motoyaki, uni, bluefin tuna toro.... Okay EVERYTHING! And for drinks the Tokyo Story and Lychee Martini are must try's! If you can snag a reservation here, do it!!! It's beyond worth it read more

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A new spot serving up delicious hand rolls -- my friend snagged a res during my visit to Chicago and it was a great meal. I'd recommend for smaller groups (ideally 2), since it's bar seating. The ambiance is lovely and it's fun to see the chefs making the rolls. The cocktails were great and it looks like they put a lot of thought into the menu. The hand roll sets were really great, highly recommend getting one of the premium options -- my Baked Scallop hand roll was easily my favorite bite of the evening! read more

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Had a great experience celebrating Valentine's Day last night at Noriko. The ambience was perfect- cozy and intimate and had some great music. The service was great as well. Loved the nori chips and hummus! It was bursting with flavor! The hand rolls were delicious! My favorite was the bay scallop dynamite and the spicy ora king salmon. Would love to go back! read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is hands down a must for hand roll sushi. The service is excellent, and the setting offers a small, intimate experience. I promise you, every specialty hand roll is fantastic--and I dare you to have just one. read more

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Tucked away in the basement level of Perilla, this handroll restaurant has a very unassuming entrance...BUT the moment you unveil the curtains at the end of the staircase, you're hit with a stunning view. The interior is beautiful - ambient lighting and the mirrors that line the wall make the space feel so spacious yet intimate. No matter what seat you're at, you have a great view. Re: dress code, you'd be fine wearing something more going out-y or a sweater and jeans. Ok now to the food. In order of my favorites, here's the must get: -crab motoyaki (the crunchy roe and the melt in your mouth crab is the perfect bite) -bluefin tuna poke (balanced, good amount of tuna on top) -nori chips and dip (taste was very reminiscent of other delicious asian spots - a must) -scallop dynamite (was the most "saucy" - not too overpowering though) TLDR: You might as well get the chefs handroll set to be the most economical and get the most selection. Then also order the nori chips and dip. You're welcome. Meh notes: -we had to wait a bit before getting seared with a reservation, so it makes sense to wait upstairs at the bar (can see how bookings can be tight if a table lingers a bit) -we placed another order of crab, and it did take a hot moment, so our stomach def expanded a ton during the waiting period (If you haven't had a hand roll before, be warned that you will initially not feel full after eating, BUT the rice expands and then you'll be extra full hahaha. *the more you know*) This place is spectacular and we will 10000% be back!! read more

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omg this place was SO GOOD. Located in the basement of Perilla & there's no signage outside. hand rolls were perfect. I think the only thing that would make these rolls 10/10 is if the nori was crunchier!! Asked for light wasabi for all the rolls that contained wasabi! Nori chips and dip (10/10): the flavors were AMAZING. loved the nori chips Bluefin tuna toro (9.9/10): this was my FAV roll. Melted in my mouth & was seasoned perfectly Spicy king salmon (9/10) second fav roll. No notes Spicy bluefin tuna (9/10): third fav roll. No notes Sweet shrimp (7/10): wasn't expecting to be raw. Flavors were unique but I wasn't used to it! Bay scallop dynamite (7/10): not my fav kinda tasted like baked shredded salmon but had a hefty about of scallop in it! Probs wouldnt get again Puncha matcha (10/10): BEST COCKTAIL IVE EVER HAD Sunomono sour (9/10): so refreshing & you can taste the cucumber!! read more

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We went there for my belated birthday dinner because it was booked 2 months out! But good things are worth the wait and it didn't disappoint. I enjoyed their hand rolls and apps were amazing. Their food was fresh and with a lot of care, you can tell. Their service was attention to details and ambiance were dark and layback. You sit around the chef kitchen, pretty cool experience to watch them prepare the food. read more

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Fell below my expectations after reading several rave reviews. The appetizer, nori & chips, was definitely a stand out dish. I'd honestly come back solely for 3 servings of that in particular Lychee martini was tasty yet short lived. Scallops had a perfect sear. Most of the handrolls are decent at best. You will be satisfied but I expect the appetizer to be trumped by the entreees & it never was. Wagyu was a waste of money. Truffles had several flavor & it honestly tasted more akin to beef tartare than A5. This along with the tuna were by far the worst dishes. read more

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Noriko is a dimly-lit, swanky handroll bar located in the basement level of Perilla. We got the nori chips and dip and signature handroll set, as well as a scallop dynamite roll. The nori chips and dip was probably one of the best and most unique appetizers I had this year. I loved the flavors of the edamame hummus and the crispiness of the nori chips. All the rolls were tasty and fresh, but the scallop dynamite roll was by far my favorite of the whole meal. I will definitely be back to try out some of the other rolls. read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Delicious food and beautiful presentation to each roll. Wonderful service and intimate environment. Would highly recommend it!

This is a great sushi hand roll place downstairs from Perilla (Korean restaurant), also a great place listed in the Michelin guide. Ron, the chef owner was amazing! So friendly and humble. It was great to meet the creative and knowledgeable mastermind who dreamed up such tasty and palatable dishes. The nori hummus dish was sooo good even for someone who normally didn't like seaweed. But it was super savory. The crab motoyaki was real crab and very yummy, the bluefin tuna toro was very savory and buttery and tasted fresh and for someone who hates tuna I was really surprised to love this tuna, the king salmon and avocado roll was super delicious and just the right enough balance of avocado and rice and plenty of salmon with just a tad of sesame seeds on top, the oyster shooter was very good and was more an oyster on a half shell but excellent regardless bc of the flavor and presentation (on a bed of dry black beans vs ice or salt and I hate salt beds), the bluefin spicy tuna was buttery and melted in my mouth, and the California roll was wonderful bc it was real crab meat. The seaweed was a crispy premium seaweed. The ambience was cool and inviting. All the tables were filled up and the servers were very polite and hard working. The Tokyo story (cocktail) is like a Japanese old fashioned and sweet, buttery, smooth, and full of flavor, but light at the same time. Definitely a place to come often! Such thoughtful concoctions of food and drinks. read more

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Tucked beneath Perilla in the heart of West Loop, Noriko feels like a well-kept secret--one you'll want to share but also selfishly keep to yourself. From the moment you descend into the space, you're met with a sultry lounge-like ambiance: dim lights, carefully curated music, and a cozy-chic vibe that immediately pulls you in. It's intimate but not stiff--more like a dinner party thrown by your coolest friend who happens to be a culinary genius. The greeting from the chefs was warm, animated, and authentically cheerful. Not only were they welcoming, but their energy was infectious, striking up genuine conversation without ever feeling performative. It's rare to feel so well taken care of from the moment you're seated--Noriko nails that balance of hospitality and high-level service. Edamame hummus with nori chips kicked off the evening--a wildly creative and playful twist that perfectly bridges Asian and Mediterranean flavors. It's not just a snack; it's a conversation starter. A definite standout that showcases the kitchen's thoughtful originality. Pair that with one of their inventive cocktails--they're not just well-made, they're clever. For those who appreciate sake, the list leans premium but accessible, with a range that shows someone really curated it, not just slapped on a few labels. Let's talk rolls--they're premium in every sense. The rice is seasoned just right (a surprisingly elusive trait these days), and the nori tastes high-grade, offering a delicate crunch instead of a rubbery chew. The proteins are thoughtfully selected, and the textures melt together effortlessly. The Wagyu roll? A dream. Rich, savory, perfectly portioned. It's a showstopper without being overdone. But the unsung hero? The salad. Yes, the salad. With that addictive crunchy nori woven throughout, it became the unexpected highlight. That texture, that sound, that flavor--unreal. A masterclass in simplicity elevated to art. What really sets Noriko apart is timing. The chef knows when to deliver each dish to you--not too fast, never leaving you waiting. The meal flows in a rhythm that lets you savor without feeling rushed. Pro tip: If you're driving, skip the street parking--head around the back where there's typically plenty of space. Much less stressful. In a city full of exciting spots, Noriko is absolutely worth a return. It delivers everything I want in a modern Japanese-inspired experience: heart, flavor, atmosphere, and people who actually love what they do. And it just happens to be perfectly located in West Loop. Go now--before everyone else catches on. read more

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Noriko is the BEST handroll bar I've ever been to! So I am not really a handroll person but this place was absolutely amazing! We started with the edamame hummus and it was the best thing I've had in a long time! We also tried the pork belly and the hot mustard was chefs kiss!! As for handrolls, we tried the blue fin tuna, crab motoyaki, sweet shrimp, and this off menu special that was a piece of scallop! The ambiance and the inside is laid out nicely and the service was great too!! I'd definitely recommend this place but it's very hard to get a reservation. read more

Great service in a very intimate environment. Loved the edamame hummus and the scallop dynamite. The handroll sets are a nice option and are recommended. Bit hard to find - it's in the basement of Perilla KBBQ! read more

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Good music, great sushi, friendly staff and nice cocktails. I really liked it! The sushi is so fresh and we tried alot of different fish. Didn't love the scallop or cuddle fish hand rolls but salmon, tuna, yellowtail, caviar and uni were all awesome iterations. Honestly, my favorite thing there was the edamame hummus with tempura sea weed chips! This was awesome!!! Plan on waiting, it's small and busy but it's worth it. Wrap around sushi bar with the chefs situated in the middle! So you get to watch everything. And they explain every dish, which I love! Would definitely return. Cheers and Happy Holidays! Thank you read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love Handrolls so I was so excited to try this place! It's such a vibe and the staff is great! It's in the basement of Perilla which is another great restaurant. I got the Chef Set and I was not disappointed! I was hoping for a lobster handroll but I was still happy. The bay scallop is much different than I had at other places it is mixed with masago I believe but it was still very delicious! I have to go back and try a few other rolls! I also got the Hamachi Poke! Yum! read more

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A very good hand roll bar with high-quality ingredients and creative combinations. I tried all six of the premier rolls and enjoyed each one, though the style leaned more toward inventive than traditional, which may appeal to some diners more than others. Personally, I prefer a simpler approach that lets the fish shine on its own. Service was warm and friendly, with our server standing out in particular, though the team behind the counter felt a bit reserved. Overall, a strong experience and definitely worth visiting, even if it didn't quite reach the "wow" 5 star factor for me. read more