As someone who considers myself an extreme sushi connoisseur, I have eaten at probably 80% of the Japanese restaurants in the city and frequent these select few way too often. If there’s one thing I know, it’s a good fish. Kampai.
The Best Hole in the Wall: Kanok
This tiny Lakeview BYO has some of the most creative and delicious specialty rolls around. With interesting, but delicious accouterments thrown in like Japanese pickles, sweet potatoes, melted cheese and onions, this is one hole in the wall worth a second glance.
3422 N. Broadway St., Chicago
The Best All You Can Eat: House of Sushi & Noodles
Normally, all you can eat menus offer only the basic maki rolls. Not House of Sushi. With a mind boggling 50 roll options, miso soup and veggie tempura, you are ensured satisfaction to the brim. if you can eat more than three of these humongous rolls without feeling stuffed, you’re doing better than our efforts.
1610 W. Belmont, Chicago
The Best Seen and Be Seen: SushiSamba Rio
SushiSamba and Japonais always find themselves going head to head in the elite category of high end sushi with celebs overflowing both locales, but my vote goes to SushiSamba. There’s just no competition between the salsa dancers, the SugarCane lounge cocktails and the fact that they’re open until 2 am on Saturdays for all your late night cravings.
504 N. Wells, Chicago
The Freshest Fish: Coast
Coast has some of the best a la carte sushi and classic makis in Chicago and their white and red tuna are out of this world. Try the white dragon, creamy roll and po’boy. You won’t be disappointed.
2045 N Damen Ave.
The Best of the ‘Burbs: Sushi Kushi Toyo
The only fried rice I have actually dreamt about. Raw, grilled, fried or broiled, the fish here is fantastic and worth the drive. From classic to elaborate, anything you order will be done right.
Sushi Kushi Toyo, 825 South Waukegan Rd. in Lake Forest, 60045.
