Best Authentic Japanese Restaurant in Chicago, IL

13 places

Discover the heart of Japanese cuisine in Chicago, where tradition meets innovation. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, celebrating authentic flavors and cultural richness through thoughtfully crafted dishes.

Momotaro photo

Momotaro

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4.0

Elegance defines Momotaro, where traditional Japanese cuisine meets modern innovation, showcasing remarkable seafood, chic design, and exquisite sushi.

Salmon Rice Ball

Mitsuwa Marketplace

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4.5

Cultural hub, Mitsuwa offers authentic Japanese ingredients, tasty onigiri, and a vibrant food court, creating a memorable culinary experience.

Konbini and Kanpai photo

Konbini and Kanpai

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Flavorful Japanese comfort food defines my experience at Konbini and Kanpai, especially the famous tamago sando that captures nostalgia.

Salmon bento box

Cocoro Japanese

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4.0

Nostalgia flows through Cocoro with delightful street food inspired by izakayas, offering unique dishes like maguro natto and hearty nabeyaki udon.

Kinako Mochi Donut ($5) - it's ok/good. It's quite dense and chewy. The glaze is quite thick, has a mild kinako flavor but is mostly sweet.

Gaijin

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4.5

Diversity defines Gaijin’s offerings, from authentic okonomiyaki in various styles to inventive desserts like kakigori and mochi doughnuts.

Photo by Gordon D

Omakase Yume

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4.5

Exclusivity defines Omakase Yume, where chef Sangtae Park crafts Edomae-style sushi in an intimate setting that elevates traditional dining.

Oysters

Kumiko

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4.5

Sipping cocktails at Kumiko feels like a journey through Japan, with each drink crafted by a master sommelier and a menu unmatched in creativity.

hamachi nigiri w/ shiitake

Juno

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4.0

Innovation defines Juno, blending high-end dining with artistic sushi creations like uni dishes and sushi shooters that are truly memorable.

Friends Sushi photo

Friends Sushi

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4.0

Quaint atmosphere combined with fresh sushi and delightful gyoza makes this spot a memorable experience for seafood lovers.

simply grilled branzino, fire-kissed tomatoes, amalfi salt

RPM Seafood

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4.5

Harmony defines my experience at RPM Seafood, with its exceptional seafood options and high-quality Japanese Wagyu enhancing unforgettable meals.

Sunda photo

Sunda

Fusion defines my experience at Sunda New Asian, where fresh ingredients and vibrant designs enhance exceptional dishes like crispy tuna and bao buns.

Photo by 51rockyr

Mako

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4.5

Cuisine at Mako transcends the ordinary, offering Michelin-star sushi crafted with artistry and precision in an intimate, serene setting.

Truffle Shiitake Maki

SUSHI-SAN

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4.5

Vibrancy defines Sushi-San with its hip-hop atmosphere, fresh nigiri, and interactive omakase experience—perfect for energetic dining.