Arami’s double sake roll.
Agami
The décor at this Uptown spot makes you feel as if you’re in a giant psychedelic aquarium— which makes sense since the fish tastes like it was pulled straight from the water. After savoring a few of its flavorful makis, head to a show at the nearby Riviera Theatre, Aragon or Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. 4712 N. Broadway Ave., 773-506-1845; agamisushi.com
Arami
As soon as it opened, Arami quickly became one of Chicago’s most touted spots. With incredibly fresh and flavorful fish prepared by head sushi chef B.K. Park, Arami delights for both lunch and dinner. Want a treat? Ask for the omakase (meaning “it’s up to you”) and let Park treat you with his favorites. 1829 W. Chicago Ave., 312-243-1535; aramichicago.com
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| Tuna and hamachi nigiri from Roka Akor |
Kamehachi
Kamehachi was Chicago’s first sushi bar. Since its opening in the ’60s, it has moved around the city and will soon move once again to a larger, more modern spot in Old Town. Regardless of where it’s located, the sushi is consistently fresh, the sake always cold and the atmosphere enlightened and joyful. 1400 N. Wells St., 312-664-3663; Westin Chicago River North, 320 N. Dearborn St., 312-744-1900; 1320 Shermer Road, Northbrook, 847-562-0064; kamehachi.com
Katsu Japanese
Tucked away up on the Far North Side in West Rogers Park, Katsu is a hidden gem where you’ll often find Chicago’s top chefs and Japanese businessmen enjoying traditional dishes. Just don’t expect a budget-friendly night out; Katsu isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every penny. 2651 W. Peterson Ave., 773-784-3383
Mirai Sushi
Whether sitting in the chill upstairs lounge or at the meticulous first-floor sushi bar, you’ll find some of the freshest sashimi around mixed with creative rolls and hard-to-find fish such as toro. We love to take a chance and let the expert chefs pick for us. 2020 W. Division St., 773-862-8500; miraisushi.com
Roka Akor
This gleaming River North spot arrived this summer from Scottsdale to great acclaim. Chef Ce Bian uses a thinner layer of rice than many other chefs, which allows the flavors of the fish to truly shine. Signature concoctions such as the hamachi serrano chili roll and scallop dynamite roll are especially exemplary. 111 W. Illinois St., 312-477-7652; rokaakor.com/chicago
Sai Café
Ask longtime Chicagoans their favorite spot and Sai is often at the top of the list. The Lincoln Park restaurant serves more than just sushi, specializing in things like toro tartare, deep-fried oysters and various noodles. But sushi still reigns here, with melt-inyour- mouth sashimi and nigiri. 2010 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-472-8080; saicafe.com
Sushi Wabi
Consistently crowded, dark and sexy, Sushi Wabi has long been considered one of the city’s top spots for both delectable sushi and a chic atmosphere. Your palate will celebrate when hit with the silkiest shiro maguro, washed down with a chilled saketini. 842 W. Randolph St., 312-563-1224; sushiwabi.com
Tanoshii
If you trust him, Sushi Mike will delight you in ways your taste buds have likely never known. Tell him your likes, dislikes and overall mood, and he’ll create a menu you’ll want to return to time and again at this casual BYOB joint. 5547 N. Clark St., 773-878-6886
Wakamono
They may not take reservations, but waiting for the colorful rolls at this rustic Boystown spot means you get to have a sake cocktail at the festive Wang’s bar next door (though if you plan on sticking around, take note—Wang’s becomes “men only” after 11 pm). 3317 N. Broadway Ave., 773-296-6800; wakamonosushi.com
