10 Chicago, Illinois Sushi Spots Locals Say Are Pricey But Totally Worth It
Ever wonder where Chicagoans go when they’re craving sushi that makes their wallets weep but their taste buds sing?
Illinois, particularly Chicago, has become a sushi lover’s paradise, with omakase spots and high-end restaurants serving up artfully crafted bites that justify every dollar spent.
Sure, you might need to budget a bit (or a lot), but locals swear these restaurants deliver unforgettable experiences worth the splurge. From intimate chef’s counters to elegant dining rooms, these ten spots prove that when it comes to premium sushi, you truly get what you pay for.
1. Kyōten – Chicago
Prepare to have your mind blown by one of the most exclusive sushi experiences in the entire Midwest. Kyōten isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an intimate journey through Japanese culinary artistry where Chef Otto Phan orchestrates a symphony of flavors with seasonal ingredients sourced from top Japanese and global seafood suppliers.
With roughly eight to ten seats at the counter depending on service format, securing a reservation here feels like winning the lottery, and the price tag reflects that exclusivity.
Each piece of nigiri arrives as a miniature masterpiece, carefully crafted with precision that borders on obsessive. The rice temperature, the fish cut, the timing—everything matters here.
You’ll taste fish you’ve never heard of, prepared in ways that challenge everything you thought you knew about sushi.
What makes the steep price worthwhile is the storytelling that accompanies each course. Chef Phan doesn’t just serve food; he shares the history, the sourcing, and the philosophy behind every ingredient.
The entire experience typically spans around two to two-and-a-half hours, giving you time to savor every moment.
Located at 2507 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, this Logan Square gem has earned its reputation as one of America’s finest sushi destinations. Yes, you’ll spend a small fortune, but you’ll leave with memories and flavors that linger long after the bill is paid.
2. Kyōten Next Door – Chicago
Think of this as Kyōten’s slightly more approachable younger sibling—still sophisticated, still exceptional, but with a teensy bit more flexibility. Located literally next door at 2513 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, this spot offers a similar caliber of sushi artistry without quite the same level of exclusivity or sticker shock (though it’s still definitely a splurge-worthy occasion).
The genius here is that the Kyōten team created a space where the same philosophy and quality standards apply, but with a format that allows more diners to experience that vision. The menu still features incredible seasonal selections and that same meticulous attention to detail.
You’ll still encounter fish varieties you can’t pronounce and flavor combinations that make your eyes roll back in delight.
What sets this spot apart is the balance between formality and comfort. The atmosphere feels less like a hushed temple of gastronomy and more like an enthusiastic conversation about incredible food.
The chefs are engaging, answering questions and sharing insights without the intimidation factor some high-end spots carry.
Locals love this place for special occasions that warrant something extraordinary but don’t require taking out a second mortgage. The quality-to-price ratio here is genuinely impressive, even if “impressive” still means you’re dropping a significant chunk of change for dinner.
3. Mako – Chicago
Tucked away in Chicago’s West Loop at 731 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661, Mako delivers an omakase experience that feels like a secret handshake among sushi aficionados. Chef B.K.
Park brings serious credentials to the table, having honed his craft at some of the world’s most respected sushi establishments, and every bite proves his pedigree.
The space itself whispers elegance rather than shouting it. With approximately twelve seats at the counter, you’re guaranteed an intimate experience where the chef can gauge your reactions and adjust the progression accordingly.
This isn’t a place where you order from a menu—you trust the chef’s vision and let him guide you through a carefully curated tasting journey.
What justifies the premium price is the unwavering commitment to quality at every level. The fish is pristine, often featuring cuts and species less commonly found on Chicago menus.
The rice is seasoned to perfection, the temperature calibrated precisely to complement each topping.
Beyond the technical excellence, there’s genuine warmth and hospitality here. Chef Park and his team create an atmosphere where questions are welcomed and curiosity is rewarded.
You’ll leave not just satisfied but educated, with a deeper appreciation for the craft behind each piece. For locals celebrating milestones or treating themselves to something truly special, Mako consistently delivers an experience that validates every dollar spent.
4. Omakase Yume – Chicago
Dreams really do come true at Omakase Yume, where Chef Sangtae Park transforms premium ingredients into edible poetry. Situated at 651 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661, this West Loop treasure offers an omakase experience that locals describe as nothing short of transcendent, even when their credit cards are still recovering from the damage.
The name “Yume” means dream in Japanese, and that’s exactly what you’re getting—a dreamlike progression of courses that showcase seasonal ingredients at their absolute peak. Chef Park’s Japanese-influenced training and fine-dining background shine through in every detail.
The fish quality is impeccable, the knife work is poetry in motion, and the presentation makes you want to photograph every single course.
What separates Yume from other high-end spots is the pacing and storytelling. Each course arrives with context—where the fish came from, why it’s special this particular week, how it should be eaten.
You’re not just consuming food; you’re participating in a narrative about Japanese culinary tradition and seasonal awareness.
The intimate setting with limited seating means you’re getting personalized attention throughout the meal. Chef Park reads the room, adjusting portions and pacing based on each guest’s preferences.
Yes, the price makes your eyes water initially, but locals consistently report leaving with zero regrets, already planning their next visit before they’ve even left the building.
5. Sushi Suite 202 – Chicago
Hidden above the bustling streets at 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, Sushi Suite 202 feels like you’ve been invited to an exclusive dinner party in someone’s impossibly chic apartment. The name isn’t just clever branding, you literally ascend stairs to reach this intimate omakase sanctuary that typically seats eight to ten diners per seating.
Operated as part of the Sushi by Bou concept, the experience is helmed by a rotating team of skilled chefs rather than a single permanent chef. The suite-like setting strips away the formality that can sometimes make high-end sushi feel intimidating.
Instead, you’re welcomed into a comfortable, beautifully appointed space where the focus remains squarely on the incredible food.
The omakase progression here showcases Chef Shah’s creativity alongside traditional techniques. You’ll encounter classic preparations executed flawlessly, but also inventive touches that surprise and delight without veering into gimmick territory.
The fish quality is exceptional, sourced from premier suppliers and handled with obvious respect and expertise.
What makes the price tag easier to swallow is the overall experience—it genuinely feels like a private event rather than just another restaurant reservation. The intimate setting encourages conversation not just with the chef but with fellow diners, creating a communal atmosphere that enhances the meal.
Locals treat reservations here like golden tickets, planning special occasions around available dates and leaving with full bellies and fuller hearts.
6. Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Chicago – Chicago
Forget everything you think you know about traditional omakase because Sushi by Scratch flips the script in the most delightful way possible. Located at 415 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, in the River North / Near West Side area, this spot brings a modern, almost theatrical approach to sushi that somehow honors tradition while blazing its own trail.
The “by Scratch” name refers to their commitment to making everything in-house, from scratch, including items you’d assume come pre-made. This dedication to craft extends beyond the fish to encompass every element on your plate.
The result is a multi-course journey that keeps you guessing, delighting, and occasionally gasping at the creativity on display.
What justifies the premium pricing is the sheer entertainment value combined with exceptional quality. The chefs don’t just prepare food—they perform, engage, and create an atmosphere that’s equal parts dinner and show.
Each course arrives with explanation and often a dash of humor, making the entire experience feel less formal than some omakase spots while maintaining impeccable standards.
The intimate counter seating means you’re right in the action, watching the magic happen mere inches away. Locals love bringing out-of-town guests here because the reactions are always priceless.
Yes, you’ll spend a considerable sum, but you’re paying for innovation, entertainment, and memories alongside the incredible food. It’s the kind of meal you’ll talk about for months afterward, making the investment feel entirely worthwhile.
7. Midōsuji – Chicago
Stepping into Midōsuji at 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 feels like being transported directly to an exclusive Tokyo establishment. Named after one of Osaka’s most famous boulevards, this spot brings authentic Japanese elegance to Chicago’s Loop with a level of sophistication that commands respect—and premium prices that make your accountant nervous.
Chef Shigeru Kitano oversees an omakase experience that prioritizes seasonality and tradition above all else. While the restaurant is best known for its refined omakase-style dining, menu formats and offerings may vary by service.
This isn’t a place for fusion experiments or Instagram-worthy gimmicks.
Instead, you’ll experience sushi in its purest, most refined form, where the quality of ingredients and precision of technique speak louder than any trendy innovations.
The fish selection here reads like a greatest hits album of premium seafood, featuring varieties that are difficult to source and even harder to prepare properly. Every piece of nigiri demonstrates textbook technique—the rice falls apart at exactly the right moment, the fish is cut to optimize texture, and the temperature balance is absolutely perfect.
What locals appreciate most is the authenticity and consistency. This isn’t a spot chasing trends or trying to reinvent the wheel.
It’s a restaurant committed to excellence in traditional sushi craft, executed at the highest level night after night. The location in the heart of downtown makes it convenient for special occasion dinners, and the refined atmosphere suits both business celebrations and romantic milestones.
The price reflects the premium ingredients and expert execution, leaving guests feeling the splurge was entirely justified.
8. SHŌ Omakase – Chicago
At 1533 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610, SHŌ Omakase delivers an experience that locals describe as “expensive but absolutely worth every penny.” Chef Shigeru Kitano, also behind Midōsuji, developed this Old Town concept, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
The intimate eight-seat counter creates an atmosphere where every guest receives personalized attention throughout the meal. You’re not just another diner here—you’re a participant in an evening of culinary storytelling where each course builds upon the last.
The progression feels natural yet surprising, familiar yet innovative.
What sets SHŌ apart is the balance between reverence for tradition and willingness to showcase creativity. You’ll taste classic preparations that would satisfy the most traditional purists, alongside unexpected combinations that demonstrate Chef Kitano’s depth of knowledge and confidence.
The fish quality is consistently extraordinary, sourced from the best suppliers and handled with meticulous care.
The atmosphere manages to feel both refined and welcoming—a tricky balance many high-end restaurants struggle to achieve. You can ask questions without feeling like you’re interrupting a sacred ritual, and the staff genuinely seems invested in ensuring you enjoy every moment.
Locals save this spot for truly special occasions, knowing the price tag demands justification but confident that the experience will deliver.
The consensus is universal: expensive, yes, but regrettable?
Never.
9. Nobu Chicago – Chicago
When a restaurant brand becomes globally synonymous with luxury sushi, expectations run sky-high—and Nobu Chicago, now located at 854 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, consistently meets them. This downtown location brings Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s world-renowned fusion approach to the heart of the city, offering an experience that justifies its celebrity status and premium pricing.
The menu here is a greatest hits collection of Nobu’s most famous creations, from the legendary black cod miso to innovative sushi rolls that have been copied worldwide but never quite duplicated. The quality is relentlessly consistent, which is no small feat for a restaurant of this scale.
Every dish demonstrates the precision and care that built the Nobu empire.
What you’re paying for extends beyond just excellent food. The atmosphere exudes sophistication without stuffiness, making it equally appropriate for impressing business clients or celebrating personal milestones.
The service operates like a well-oiled machine—attentive, knowledgeable, and remarkably smooth even during peak times.
Locals appreciate having this level of consistency and prestige available when the occasion demands something undeniably impressive. Yes, you’ll pay for the name recognition and downtown location, but you’re also guaranteed an experience that won’t disappoint.
The sushi quality rivals any spot in the city, and the expanded menu means even non-sushi lovers in your party will find something spectacular. It’s expensive, certainly, but it’s the kind of reliable excellence that makes the splurge feel safe and satisfying.
10. Juno – Chicago
Rounding out our list is Juno, a Lincoln Park treasure at 2638 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 that locals whisper about like a delicious secret. Chef B.K.
Park (who also helms Mako) created this spot as a more accessible entry point to his sushi philosophy, though “accessible” remains relative when discussing premium omakase experiences.
The space feels intimate and neighborhood-focused despite the high-end offerings. With limited seating, you’re guaranteed a personalized experience where the chefs can engage with diners and adjust the meal based on preferences and reactions.
The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between special occasion venue and comfortable neighborhood spot.
The omakase progression here showcases seasonal ingredients with the same attention to quality you’d find at more expensive venues. Chef Park’s expertise shines through in every course, from the rice seasoning to the fish selection to the precise knife work.
You’ll taste the difference that years of training and dedication make.
What makes Juno particularly beloved among locals is the value proposition and yes, we’re using “value” loosely when discussing expensive sushi. Compared to some other spots on this list, Juno delivers comparable quality at a slightly gentler price point.
While Juno offers an excellent omakase experience, it also features à la carte options and tasting menus, making it more flexible than some other destinations on this list.
It’s still a splurge, make no mistake, but it’s the kind of splurge you might justify more frequently. The neighborhood location adds to the appeal, making it feel like a local gem rather than a tourist destination.
Diners consistently leave impressed, satisfied, and already planning their return visit.