5 Best Japanese Restaurants in Chicago (2026)

Sushi-san is a River North sushi restaurant serving nigiri, rolls and binchotan-roasted meats alongside one of the largest Japanese whisky lists in the country, over 180 options by its own count. The room leans into an old-school hip-hop soundtrack and a lively bar atmosphere rather than a quiet, formal sushi counter. It serves lunch, dinner and late-night, and it's the most-reviewed Japanese restaurant in Chicago by a wide margin.

Momotaro is a Fulton Market Japanese restaurant built around a robata grill, sushi program and an extensive whisky and craft beer list, with a private dining room for corporate or celebration bookings. The space is designed for a stylish night out, with skewers, nigiri and shared plates rather than a straightforward sushi-only menu. It's a common pick for anniversaries and other special-occasion dinners in the West Loop.

Roka Akor is a River North Japanese steakhouse built around A5 Wagyu, prime cuts and a robata grill, alongside sushi and seafood, in a design-forward space with counter seating facing the grill. It's part of a small US chain with locations beyond Chicago, and the menu leans into shared, chef-driven plates rather than a traditional sushi-first format. A private dining room and lounge bar are also available.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a River North sushi restaurant and regional chain known for a large vegan and vegetarian roll selection alongside traditional maki, sashimi and nigiri. It runs an extended happy hour, Monday through Saturday 11am to 6:30pm and all day Sunday, which reviewers repeatedly call out as a strong value window. The restaurant also has an active gift card and loyalty club program.

Umai is a South Loop Japanese restaurant near Clark Street serving a broad menu of sushi, ramen and katsu dishes, open seven days a week for dine-in, carry-out and delivery. It has a full bar and takes phone reservations for larger parties. The menu's breadth, rather than a single specialty, is the draw for reviewers who describe it as a reliable neighborhood stop.