The Best of the Best Sushi Available in Chicago

RestaurantFor a true connoisseur, very few things are as pleasurable as a beautifully prepared menu – the moment each element comes together properly, it’s very nearly enchanting. At the same time, a lousy meal can ruin an otherwise satisfying experience, so it’s a good idea to do some checking and look around for opinions when making a decision about where to eat.

As if that doesn’t make circumstances complicated enough, there’s a lot more to take into account about a restaurant than only the menu! The character of a restaurant can really make a difference in your general experience, whether it is snobby and unskilled wait staff or a yelling child the next table over. But it’s not all negative, certainly – an excellent mood can change a decent dish into a wonderful dish!

We have lived within Chicago for quite a while now, and we’ve built up a reasonably respectable repertoire of restaurants that we really like, from little hole-in-the-wall businesses to striking fine dining, and listed here are a few of our all-time favorites (though it was so tricky to pick!). Here’s what people on Yelp.com are saying when it comes to our faves:

Frontera Grill – (312) 661-1434

445 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhood: Near North Side

Awesome food – margaritas to die for! I got the pork enchiladas and they were so great! My friend got the goat and it was amazing! And the mezcal margarita and tamarind margaritas were delicious, it was well worth our wait!

-Angie K.
Little Falls, NJ

La Gondola Italian Restaurant – (773) 248-4433

2914 N Ashland Ave
(between George St & Oakdale Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview

We just stopped in because we were craving some pizza.

Not having read up on the place, I was surpised to see it was in a strip mall, but don’t be fooled. This place is a gem. The food is delicious. The service is impeccable. I actually want to be best friends with D.

-Steve W.
Chicago, IL

Les Nomades – (312) 649-9010

222 E Ontario St
(between Fairbanks Ct & Mc Clurg Ct)
Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River East

Best meal in years! Worth every penny. I would go there once a week if I could afford it. Food was excellent, wine stunning, and wait staff very impressive. I love the old world feel compared to more modern places. Les Nomades! Thank you to staff for wonderful night!
-H F.
Chicago, IL

Sticky Rice – (773) 588-0133

4018 N Western Ave
(between Cuyler Ave & Irving Park Rd)
Chicago, IL 60618
Neighborhood: North Center

This is one of the few restaurants where I can close my eyes, point at the menu, and randomly pick an item and expect it to be delicious. Even if the description sounds sketchy.
I’ve never ordered anything I didn’t like at Sticky Rice. It’s not typical Thai. Sure, they have your standard pad thai (which is awesome btw) but they also have a variety of more authentic Thai food. The price is reasonable and it’s BYOB. What’s not to love?

-Cindy K.
Chicago, IL

Rolls ‘N Bowls – (773) 728-2939

5501 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square

This place is great…so happy to find a place that serves awesome sushi and awesome Japanese food. When we walked in for dinner tonight, we felt like we were in a restaurant that was similar to one that we went to in Japan. The service was great and the sushi was super fresh and very tasty. They had traditional Japanese items on the menu, which we definitely will be trying next time. The Nigiri pieces were big and the rolls were super tasty. So glad to find something that is in the neighborhood that is affordable and great quality. Definitely will be back!

- D B.
Chicago, IL

If you’re searching for other things to see in Chicago, go and take a look at our other posts about our attractive city, and prepare a day of it! We are confident you can find something that will help turn your restaurant trip into part of an unforgettable day!

Tested the Rest? Taste the Best Tom yum soup (lemongrass soup) You Will Get in Chicago

When you are in need of Pad thai, just Mango salad will suit your hunger! Check out these testimonials of the finest Pad thai restaurants in Chicago that we have found – and all these customers concur with us that your particular craving for Pad thai will undoubtedly be completely satisfied!

Thai Classic Restaurant – (773) 404-2000

3332 N Clark St
(between School St & Buckingham Pl)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview

My favorite Thai food restaurant in Chicago. Hands down.

I usually order the Pad Thai with shrimp and pork. Squeeze some lime or lemon on the dish… perfection! Everything I have had here is fresh and comforting.
Look no further, this is the Thai food place that you need to try next.

- Colleen B.
Chicago, IL

Opart Thai House Restaurant – (773) 989-8517

4658 N Western Ave
(at Leland Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
Neighborhoods: Ravenswood, Lincoln Square

Favorite Thai place in Chicago! Consistently delivers great food, good service, byob, and good atmosphere. All at reasonable prices. Seems like every other Thai place I visit doesn’t quite match up!

- Scott W.
Chicago, IL

Sticky Rice – (773) 588-0133

4018 N Western Ave
(between Cuyler Ave & Irving Park Rd)
Chicago, IL 60618
Neighborhood: North Center

This is one of the few restaurants where I can close my eyes, point at the menu, and randomly pick an item and expect it to be delicious. Even if the description sounds sketchy.
I’ve never ordered anything I didn’t like at Sticky Rice. It’s not typical Thai. Sure, they have your standard pad thai (which is awesome btw) but they also have a variety of more authentic Thai food. The price is reasonable and it’s BYOB. What’s not to love?

-Cindy K.
Chicago, IL

Yes Thai – (773) 878-3487

5211 N Damen Ave
(between Farragut Ave & United States Highway 41)
Chicago, IL 60625
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square

Recently dined in at Yes Thai. I LOVE this place! The restaurant is on the small side but they play amazing music and have friendly servers. It is BYOB so that saves on the tab. We always get the crab rangoon for starters and you can never go wrong with deep fried cream cheese pillows.

I tried something different than my usual pad thai. I had the ginger chicken with brown rice and it was so delicious! It was full of veggies and flavor. It felt healthier than my usual option.

-Sarah L.
Chicago, IL

Arun’s Thai Restaurant – (773) 539-1909

4156 N Kedzie Ave
(between Warner Ave & Berteau Ave)
Chicago, IL 60618
Neighborhood: Irving Park

Yes this place is expensive, and worth every penny. If you want to enjoy an experience from a James Beard nominated chef, you are going to pay. This is a custom experience down to the dietary requirement. To date this is one of the Five best restaraunts I’ve been to in my life, and it is #1 as far as Thai food goes. I will be back.

Check out the site before you go so you know what to expect…

-Gregory P.
Highland, IN

Whenever you are traveling to a new location in Chicago for the very first time, among the most rewarding experiences is identifying the neighborhood’s food options.

You can savor the more exotic neighborhood offerings like the celeb chef 5 star eateries, or you can consider a more inexpensive experience and discover a local hole-in-the-wall’s mouthwatering meal.

Following one or two excursion dinners however, contemplate looking at a few of the nearby Thai food offerings. After all, who couldn’t go for some delectable Spring rolls?

If you taste Chicago’s indigenous version of traditional Thai food you will be astonished by the variety you will find. From Thai curries to Thai curries, Chicago has it all. You will locate delicacies hailing from diverse areas of Thailand, as well as modern-day interpretations of classic Pad thai. This isn’t surprising given that a majority of these family managed establishments have heritage which usually extends back to a particular place in Thailand. Thanks to multiculturalism, getting great Thai cuisine doesn’t necessarily mean having to visit all the way to Thailand.

I hope you take advantage of the restaurants presented on this web page and make sure you leave space for dessert!

In Search of the Best Crème brulee that Chicago Offers

Listed below you’ll find several solid testimonials of wonderful French restaurants in Chicago. Although it’s always a great idea to experiment with fresh restaurants, in some cases it is useful to have other folk’s opinions when picking a French restaurant – in particular when you have never been out for French cuisine before!

Chez-Joel – (312) 226-6479

1119 W Taylor St
(between Aberdeen St & May St)
Chicago, IL 60607
Neighborhood: University Village

Very nice and quaint french bistro.
Their food never disappoints and their atmosphere never gets old.
It’s a good place for a romantic dinner for 2 that won’t break the bank. (Check out their Valentines day pre-fixe if you get the chance)

- Chris L.
Chicago, IL

Kiki’s Bistro – (312) 335-5454

900 N Franklin St
(between Locust St & Walton St)
Chicago, IL 60610
Neighborhood: Near North Side

went here last night for my bday dinner! was just as delicious as last time! Kiki and his wife were there to great and seat us, they are seriously too cute! had the escargots and foie gras again, SO YUUUMMMYYYY! Can’t wait to go back!

- christine p.
Chicago, IL

Le Petit Paris – (312) 787-8260

260 E Chestnut St
(at Lake Shore Dr)
Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhoods: Streeterville, Near North Side

This review is a bit tardy, as many of mine have been lately….

Petit Paris is my new favorite French place in Chicago. I went with two female friends from out of town and had an absolutely fantastic time. The food was great the staff was engaging and lovely – just good, all around.

-Brad B.
Chicago, IL

Bistro Campagne – (773) 271-6100

4518 N Lincoln Ave
(between Sunnyside Ave & Wilson Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
Neighborhoods: Ravenswood, Lincoln Square

Bistro Campagne is one of the best restaurants I have been to in Chicago. My boyfriend and I went during restaurant week- he had the steak and I had the chicken. Both were amazing. The restaurant is very cute and quaint and looks like they have a great outdoor area which I look forward to eating at this summer.

- Katie D.
Chicago, IL

Les Nomades – (312) 649-9010

222 E Ontario St
(between Fairbanks Ct & Mc Clurg Ct)
Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River East

Best meal in years! Worth every penny. I would go there once a week if I could afford it. Food was excellent, wine stunning, and wait staff very impressive. I love the old world feel compared to more modern places. Les Nomades! Thank you to staff for wonderful night!
-H F.
Chicago, IL

When you’re visiting a new place in Chicago for the very first time, one of the more entertaining aspects is finding out your local meal options.

You can enjoy the extravagant nearby offerings such as the star chef five star bistros, or you can test a more low-cost experience and look for a nearby hole-in-the-wall’s mouthwatering meal.

After a few excursion meals however, have a look at looking into some of the close by French offerings. After all, who could resist some fabulous Beef bourguignon?

If you try out Chicago’s indigenous take on time honored French dishes you will be surprised by the variety you will see. From Foie gras to Beef bourguignon, Chicago has it all. You will discover food hailing from different parts of France, as well as contemporary interpretations of classic Foie gras. This makes sense since these family operated establishments have heritage which dates back to a particular area in France. Thanks to multiculturalism, getting good French food doesn’t necessarily mean having to travel all the way to France.

I hope you take advantage of the restaurants offered on this web site and remember to leave space for dessert!

Searching the City the Greatest Sushi that Chicago Has to Offer

Down below you will find some reliable testimonials of good Japanese places in Chicago. While it is usually a smart idea to experiment with new restaurants, sometimes it’s really helpful to see other folk’s feedback when selecting a Japanese place – in particular when you’ve never eaten Japanese cuisine before!

Sunshine Café – (773) 334-6214

5449 N Clark St
(between Catalpa Ave & Rascher Ave)
Chicago, IL 60640
Neighborhoods: Edgewater, Andersonville

Crazy decor (wood paneling combined with a faux traditional Japanese exterior structure), super affordable and friendly staff.

Love the Katsu Don, Japanese Curry, Sukiyaki and potato croquettes.

- Adam F.
Chicago, IL

Katsu – (773) 784-3383

2651 W Peterson Ave
Chicago, IL 60659

Fish was super FRESH. Friendly service. Very authentic. Ran by real Japanese people. Not as hip as some places downtown west loop-ish, but if you’re looking for a piece of japan then go there.

-roland d.
Chicago, IL

Midori Japanese Restaurant – (773) 267-9733

310 W Bryn Mawr Ave
(between Christiana Ave & Spaulding Ave)
Chicago, IL 60659
Neighborhood: North Park

Hands Down my favorite Japanese Restaurant in Chicago! My friend introduced me to Midori back in 2000 and I’ve been coming here ever since. Their Chriashi is probably the best in Chicago and nothing beats their spicy tuna roll, simple yet delicious.

-Matthew L.
Chicago, IL

Tampopo Japanese Restaurant – (773) 561-2277

5665 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60686

Courteous and attentive staff. Kick-ass curry rice, sushi and pretty much anything else they craft in their kitchen. It’s a mission just getting to Tampopo but it’s a trip worth taking. I’ve been stopping by whenever possible for the past 3 years and I can’t think of any cons. Every time I bring someone who hasn’t been they end up going back, which is great because it’s one less time I have to drive. So keep making awesome food and making my friend’s repeat customers. I know I appreciate it.

-Carlos M.
Chicago, IL

Rolls ‘N Bowls – (773) 728-2939

5501 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square

This place is great…so happy to find a place that serves awesome sushi and awesome Japanese food. When we walked in for dinner tonight, we felt like we were in a restaurant that was similar to one that we went to in Japan. The service was great and the sushi was super fresh and very tasty. They had traditional Japanese items on the menu, which we definitely will be trying next time. The Nigiri pieces were big and the rolls were super tasty. So glad to find something that is in the neighborhood that is affordable and great quality. Definitely will be back!

- D B.
Chicago, IL

Whenever you’re visiting a different location in Chicago for the first time, one of the enjoyable aspects is discovering the local meal options.

You can relish the extravagant local choices such as the star chef 5 star bistros, or you can test a more affordable experience and find a local hole-in-the-wall’s mouthwatering meal.

Following a couple excursion meals however, have a look at investigating a few of the nearby Japanese offerings. After all, who couldn’t go for some delectable Sushi?

If you try out Chicago’s indigenous version of conventional Japanese cuisine you will be impressed by the variety you’ll find. From Sake to Udon, Chicago has it all. You will find delicacies hailing from distinct regions of Japan, as well as modern-day interpretations of classic Teriyaki. This is sensible since these family owned restaurants have heritage that extends back to a particular region in Japan. Thanks to multiculturalism, having terrific Japanese cuisine doesn’t mean having to travel all the way to Japan.

I hope you enjoy the restaurants presented on this webpage and make sure you leave room for dessert!

Pasta Championship: Chicago Style

Down below you will find a few solid reviews of fantastic Italian places in Chicago. While it is always a good idea to test out brand new dining establishments, occasionally it is necessary to get other customers’ experiences when selecting a Italian restaurant – especially if you have never been out for Italian cuisine before!

L’Appetito Imported – (312) 787-9881

30 E Huron St
(between State St & Wabash Ave)
Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood: Near North Side

Italian Foods Hard to beat the sandwiches from L’Appetito. To me, it all starts with good bread and they hit the mark there. Next, the deli meats need to be of high quality (check mark earned again). If you have those two things, it’s really hard to mess up, but some places do. Balance is the last thing – you need properly balanced ingredients (not too much meat, enough lettuce, etc).

Just all around a solid sandwich place, and for what they’re trying to do, I give it 5-stars

- Darien G.
Darien, CT

Volare – (312) 410-9900

201 E Grand Ave (at St Clair St) Chicago, IL Neighborhood: Near North Side

Very simple. Old style Italian restaurant. Delicious food. Great portion size. My buddy had the risotto with chicken and peas. I had pasta with meat sauce with square flat noodles the name of which escapes me. Both were awesome! The plates are full of food. They do not use garnish or decorate the food. It comes out quick, tasty, and voluminous. If you want a fancy Italian place pick another place because this isn’t it.

If you get there early there is no wait. It filled up really fast! I stayed full for almost 12 hours. Really want to go back and try the vodka sauce.

-Jay S.
Baltimore, MD

La Gondola Italian Restaurant – (773) 248-4433

2914 N Ashland Ave
(between George St & Oakdale Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview

We just stopped in because we were craving some pizza.

Not having read up on the place, I was surpised to see it was in a strip mall, but don’t be fooled. This place is a gem. The food is delicious. The service is impeccable. I actually want to be best friends with D.

-Steve W.
Chicago, IL

Franco’s Ristorante – (312) 225-9566

300 W 31st St
(between S Shields Ave & S Princeton Ave)
Chicago, IL 60616
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! The service was great.. the food was even better and the ambience is quiet and romantic.. If we ever get a night to go out and splurge a little cash.. This is the place for us!! The Seafood specials are always outstanding.. and Its only a block away from me.. so who can beat that?? If I could critique one thing.. it would be more appetizer selections and maybe a few more other than pasta dishes.
This place is a GOD SEND!!!

- Leslie c.
Chicago, IL

– (312) 243-1740

721 W Grand Ave
(between Halsted St & Milwaukee Ave)
Chicago, IL 60610
Neighborhoods: Near West Side, River West

Slice of Little Italy away from downtown. When I visit my friend in Chicago, we always head here to have great food and drinks in a friendly place. The specials are excellent (I’m a sucker for risotto) so try those out if they appeal to you.

The staff is efficient and courtious.

-Michael L.
Knoxville, TN

Whenever you are visiting a new location in Chicago for the very first time, among the most exciting experiences is finding out the area’s food options.

You can savor the extravagant neighborhood offerings like the star chef’s 5 star eateries, or you can try a more budget experience and find the local hole-in-the-wall’s mouthwatering meal.

Following a couple excursion meals however, just consider taking a look at some of the local Italian restaurants. After all, who couldn’t go for some delectable Antipasto?

If you try out Chicago’s indigenous version of time honored Italian dishes you will be amazed by the mix you’ll discover. From Pizza to Risotto, Chicago has it all. You will uncover meals hailing from various parts of Italy, as well as modern-day interpretations of classic Risotto. This makes sense due to the fact that a majority of these family run eateries have history that dates back to a particular area in Italy. Thanks to multiculturalism, getting great Italian food doesn’t mean having to go all the way to Italy.

I hope you like the restaurants highlighted on this web page and remember to leave room for dessert!

Have a Burritos Urge? Gratify Your Stomach with Chicago’s Greatest Restaurants

We’ve lived within Chicago for quite a while at this point, and we’ve built up a fairly good repertoire of dining establishments that we enjoy, ranging from tiny hole-in-the-wall businesses to beautiful fine dining, and the following are 5 of our all-time favs (although it was so difficult to select!). Here’s what those on Yelp.com say concerning our favorites:

Sol De Mexico – (773) 282-4119

3018 N Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60641
Neighborhood: Cragin

Classy and Fun. Sol de Mexico is an awesome Mexican restuarant! When I first went, I thought it was just another restaurant. I asked for ground beef tacos and realized quickly that ground beef tacos is a very non-classy thing invented by Taco Bell. The steak tacos were PHENOMENAL. The service is excellent and to this day I haven’t had one thing on the menu that I didn’t feel was phenomenal. The owner is really fun and very friendly. Try the Horchata, one of the best! And they really do fish tacos really well.

-Munzoor S.
Chicago, IL

Nuevo Leon Restaurant – (312) 421-1517

1515 W 18th St
(between Laflin St & Ashland Ave)
Chicago, IL 60608
Neighborhood: Pilsen

Nuevo Leon is a great Mexican Restaurant. I have eaten here thousands of times and I have never ever had a bad meal. Breakfast, lunch or dinner you wont go wrong. I havent been there in a few months but I would bet nothing has changed. I would recommend to anyone out there!!!!!

-Keith H.
Chicago, IL

Frontera Grill – (312) 661-1434

445 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhood: Near North Side

Awesome food – margaritas to die for! I got the pork enchiladas and they were so great! My friend got the goat and it was amazing! And the mezcal margarita and tamarind margaritas were delicious, it was well worth our wait!

-Angie K.
Little Falls, NJ

El Nuevo Mexicano Restaurant – (773) 528-2131

2914 N Clark St
(between Oakdale Ave & Surf St)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview

How El Nuevo has received ANYTHING less than five stars from anyone boggles my mind. Between the ridiculously delectable entrees, their to die for mole sauce, unbeatable cocktails, incredible staff, and beyond reasonable pricing, you simply won’t find a better Mexican restaurant in Lakeview. Not even close.

- Lisa K.
Chicago, IL

Los Nopales – (773) 334-3149

4544 N Western Ave
(between Sunnyside Ave & Wilson Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
Neighborhoods: Ravenswood, Lincoln Square

The tilpia tacos are fantastic. It’s the only entree I’ve ever had here, and may be the only one I ever have. The amount of freshly made guacamole they give you for such a low price is amazing. The staff are friendly and attentive.

-Julie J.
Chicago, IL

Whenever you’re going to be visiting a different destination in Chicago for the very first time, one of the most fulfilling experiences is uncovering the area’s meal options.

You can indulge in the exotic local offerings such as the superstar chef’s 5 star bistros, or you can try a more affordable experience and discover the nearby hole-in-the-wall’s mouthwatering meal.

After a couple excursion meals however, give consideration to taking a look at some of the the nearest Mexican options. After all, who couldn’t go for some fabulous Burritos?

If you taste Chicago’s native take on typical Mexican dishes you will be surprised by the mix you will discover. From Quesadillas to Tacos, Chicago has it all. You will locate delicacies hailing from distinct parts of Mexico, as well as modern-day interpretations of classic Quesadillas. This makes sense since these family managed businesses have history which usually extends back to a particular region in Mexico. Thanks to immigration, having good Mexican food does not mean having to travel all the way to Mexico.

I hope you like the restaurants highlighted on this web page and be sure you leave space for dessert!

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