Best Japanese Restaurants in South Side

69 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar restaurant

1. The Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar

4.2

Awesome(46)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Hyde Park

Booked 1 time today

The Sitdown Café is a unique sushi bar and restaurant. The inside of the little bistro is cozy and comfortable, reflecting all of the neighborhood charm of a local diner. The staff here is friendly and helpful, always ready to offer a recommendationnn or answer any questions guests might have. The Sitdown Café offers a wide variety of dishes. The menu is broken up into appetizers, soups, salads, sushi, sandwiches and pizza. This kind of variety is unique, as most restaurants do not offer both sushi and pizza. Popular sushi rolls at The Sitdown Café include the Chicago Fire with tuna, salmon, white tuna, jalapeno and cilantro, as well as the drunken tiger with crab, avocado and cucumber topped with tiger shrimp and mango tobiko sauce. The pizzas are completely customizable, with guests adding ingredients as they want, like mozzarella, tomato, basil, mushrooms, feta, peppers, onion, black olives and prosciutto

A photo of CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto restaurant

2. CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto

4.8

Exceptional(288)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • West Loop

Booked 39 times today

At CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto in Chicago's bustling West Loop, the bar and lounge experience is nothing short of spectacular. Patrons rave about the "fabulous" cocktails and the expertly curated whiskey and sake flights that perfectly complement an innovative sushi menu. With a vibrant atmosphere highlighted by historic distilling tanks and a beautifully lit bar, this venue offers a unique blend of craftsmanship and flair. Reviewers consistently applaud the knowledgeable staff, with one noting the "incredible" family therapy cocktail and another celebrating the "top tier sushi" and "unique" drink offerings. The positive feedback culminates in a consensus that this is a must-visit for an exceptional bar and lounge experience in Chicago.

A photo of Chicago Oyster House restaurant

3. Chicago Oyster House

4.7

Exceptional(832)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • South Loop

Booked 10 times today

At Chicago Oyster House in the bustling South Loop of Chicago, the sushi is just as exceptional as its renowned oysters. While primarily celebrated for its oysters, this culinary gem also stands out with its sushi offerings, which are crafted with the same commitment to freshness and quality. Diners rave about the "great sashimi appetizer with one piece of Bigeye tuna, salmon, yellowtail, unagi, shrimp and scallop," highlighting the variety and freshness. The ambiance is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations. With its friendly service and a vibrant atmosphere, Chicago Oyster House offers a sushi experience that is both delightful and memorable. Whether you're a local or just visiting, don't miss out on their sushi that truly complements their stellar seafood reputation!

4. 312 Fish Market

4.7

Exceptional(14)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Lower West Side

Booked 15 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Lower West Side of Chicago, 312 Fish Market is a sushi enthusiast’s paradise, renowned for its exceptional sushi offerings. As a hidden gem within 88 Marketplace, this restaurant delights diners with top-quality fish sourced globally, from Tuna to Uni. Patrons rave about the freshness and quality, with comments like "the best sushi in Chicago" and how the sushi "melts in your mouth." The variety is impressive, from the indulgent Uni and Tuna to creatively spicy rolls like the Chicago Fire. 312 Fish Market's BYOB policy adds a personalized touch to a dining experience where every bite confirms their commitment to excellence in sushi cuisine.

A photo of Miru at The St. Regis Chicago restaurant

5. Miru at The St. Regis Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(1199)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • River North (Chicago)

Booked 86 times today

Miru at The St. Regis Chicago, nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood, stands out as a beacon of Japanese cuisine, offering an authentic and exquisite dining experience. With a name meaning "view," Miru provides breathtaking vistas of the Chicago River and Navy Pier, complementing its culinary delights. Delighted diners rave about the "best seafood selection" and "expertly crafted sushi," praising its freshness and flavor. The ambiance is described as "elegant" and "perfect," with numerous reviews highlighting the exceptional service and the restaurant's ability to transform special occasions into memorable experiences. Whether it's the "Blue Fin Tuna Experience" or the "delicious pork belly fried rice," every dish promises an unforgettable taste of Japan right in the heart of Chicago.

6. Momotaro

4.6

Exceptional(3838)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • West Loop

Booked 105 times today

At Momotaro in West Loop, Chicago, seafood enthusiasts are in for an exceptional treat. This multi-dimensional Japanese restaurant, celebrated as Restaurant of the Year by Chicago Magazine and Chicago Social, excels in delivering a seafood experience that is both authentic and innovative. Diners rave about the quality of sushi, describing it as "some of the best quality sushi I’ve ever had" and "incredible sushi." The octopus dishes are particularly noted for their tenderness and flavor, making them a standout choice. With its stylish ambiance and attentive service, Momotaro not only promises but delivers a culinary journey through its expertly crafted seafood offerings, making every visit unforgettable.

7. The Evie

4.8

Exceptional(731)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • River North (Chicago)

Booked 87 times today

At The Evie, nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, sushi enthusiasts can indulge in a delightful culinary experience that stands out for its freshness and creativity. The restaurant's sushi offerings, from the Osaka Style Pressed Sushi to the Yellowtail sashimi, are consistently praised for their excellent quality and beautifully thought-out presentation, making each dining experience memorable. A diner raved, "We loved the 2 sushi selections - very very good fish and delicious combinations." This accolade highlights The Evie's commitment to providing authentic and high-quality sushi that captivates both locals and visitors alike, ensuring every bite is a testament to their culinary excellence.

8. RPM Steak

4.7

Exceptional(6124)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • River North (Chicago)

Booked 97 times today

At RPM Steak in Chicago's River North, every steak is a masterpiece, blending classic charm with modern culinary excellence. This esteemed restaurant is renowned for its meticulously crafted menu, where each steak promises an unforgettable experience. Guests consistently rave about the "best steak I've ever had," highlighting the Beeman Ranch wagyu delmonico ribeye as a standout. The attention to detail extends beyond the food, with service described as perfect and a vibe that's both upscale and welcoming. RPM Steak's commitment to quality is echoed in reviews praising their "excellent presentation" and "attentive service," making every meal not just a dinner but a special event. Whether it's a celebration or a casual outing, RPM Steak exceeds expectations, ensuring every visit is "simply special."

9. Nobu Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(2056)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • West Loop

Booked 84 times today

Nobu Chicago, nestled in the vibrant West Loop, is a gem for those craving authentic and exquisite Japanese cuisine. This dining haven is praised for its "beautiful surroundings, amazing service, and the food is perfection," making every meal a memorable experience. The chefs at Nobu masterfully blend traditional Japanese techniques with innovative flavors, creating dishes like the "sublime yellowtail jalapeño and rock shrimp in spicy sauce." Diners rave about the freshness and artistry of the food, highlighting the "assorted nigiri that was really fresh and delicious" and the "fantastic omakase course that was both fun and delicious." Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, Nobu Chicago stands out as a top destination for premium Japanese fare, where every dish promises a burst of delightful flavors and impeccable service.

A photo of Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago restaurant

10. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(14259)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • River North (Chicago)

Booked 129 times today

Shaw’s Crab House & Oyster Bar in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood is a beacon of American cuisine, expertly blending a rich tradition with top-tier seafood offerings since 1984. Celebrated for its exquisite seafood, Shaw's provides a "step back in time" to when dining was a grand affair. Patrons rave about the "unbelievable Narragansett bay scallops as sweet as candy" and the consistency that makes every visit memorable. The ambiance, described as a classic "supper club" charm, coupled with "exceptional" service, ensures that Shaw’s stands out as a premier destination for both locals and visitors seeking the pinnacle of American dining in Chicago.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Bradvip
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Some incredibly unique nigiri pieces from freshly butchered tuna. Always a great meal.
More info
312 Fish MarketPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Lower West Side
•
4.7
N
Nathalynnevip
Chicago / Illinois •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I always have a good meal here. And the service is impeccable. The corporate lunch is a great bargain and satisfies the lunch time hunger.
More info
The EviePrice: Expensive• American• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
R
Russvip
Chicago / Illinois •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
One of our top meals of the year. Make no mistake, Jinsei is a fine dining establishment that just happens to be in the fun and casual confines of CH distillery. Best of both worlds. Zoe is a master of the menu so we let her guide our group (including my vegetarian wife) through the menu. Apps included oysters, lions mane mushrooms, crudo, tuna w crispy rice. The rolls were fantastic and their special vege roll was a standout to the whole table. Even the edamame was unique and savory. Then came the nigiri which included selections from their onsite fish aging lockers. Think medium fatty tuna with shaved truffles and marinated salmon. Pair this with drinks from one of the best cocktail and sake bars in the city and a shot of Malort to end the meal and it was a fantastic evening with friends. Thanks so much to the spectacular team!
More info
CH Distillery | Jinsei MottoPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• West Loop
•
4.8
KS
KimSjames
Nashville •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 11, 2024
Everything we eat was delicious and the service was impeccable.
More info
Chicago Oyster HousePrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• South Loop
•
4.7
S
Samantha
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined on Oct 25, 2024
Delicious, and completely underrated! Sushi was fresh and they have a great gluten free menu!
More info
The Sit Down Cafe & Sushi BarPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Hyde Park
•
4.2

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69 restaurants available nearby

1. The Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar

2. CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto

3. Chicago Oyster House

4. 312 Fish Market

5. Miru at The St. Regis Chicago

6. Momotaro

7. The Evie

8. RPM Steak

9. Nobu Chicago

10. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

See what locals rave about

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