Sushi lovers unite. To celebrate this year’s upcoming restaurant week, we’re taking a look at one of everyone’s favorites. Here's our breakdown of sushi restaurants by area so you can try one, or as many as you’d like.
From traditional hand rolls to wild and crazy chefs specialty rolls, Inari Sushi in Elmwood Park has it all. Stop in to try delicious and fresh sushi (as described by their regulars) and stay for a sushi adventure — like the Flaming Dragon Specialty Roll that packs a punch with shrimp tempura, scallions and sweet spicy mayo inside, topped with fresh salmon, super white tuna, black tobiko, scallions and sesame seeds. Guests also rave about their lunch specials, so whether it’s date night or a quick bite to eat — you're taken care of.
A unique dining experience for everyone, MORA Asian Kitchen in Oak Park offers an intimate ambiance, delicious craft cocktails, a variety of Asian cuisine, and most importantly for this list, one-of-a-kind sushi. With rolls that infuse cuisines like the dynamite stick — featuring spicy tuna, cream cheese, jalapeños, water chestnut, chili, unagi sauce, spicy mayo, avocado spread — MORA is sure to please for people who are looking to branch out their roll experience. From the land and sea roll — with tender seared beef and lobster — to the mean and green roll — packed with a variety of different veggies, MORA has something for everyone.
When you’re supporting local businesses, New Star Restaurant is the perfect example of a hidden gem. Established over 60 years ago by the Moy Family, and handed off in 2014, New Star Restaurant is a beloved establishment by Elmwood Park residents and has a menu that encompasses a variety of different Asian cuisines, including sushi. From house special maki rolls and Thai noodle dishes to hibachi and teriyaki, New Star has something for every taste.
You’ll find Sagano Sushi in the heart of downtown Oak Park on Lake St. Locals describe Sagan as the hidden gem of Oak Park, with a family-like feel that serves up consistently fresh sushi and Asian comfort food favorites. You can try one of their incredible specialty rolls — like the Hawaiian Sunset, featuring tuna, jalapeno, cilantro, and pineapple topped with avocado, unagi sauce black and green tobiko — or one of their entrees from the kitchen like the charred peppercorn ahi tuna. According to long-time Sagan supporters, there’s no wrong choice.
A trendy spot in Oak Park, locals love SEN Sushi Bar. Whether it’s date night or delivery, one thing seems to be consistent — the incredible sushi they serve. With options from a classic and contemporary maki section, this restaurant makes for a delicious night out on the town. Paired with an extensive wine and saki menu, and delicious appetizers like their age dashi tofu, SEN Sushi Bar is a crowd favorite.
An aesthetic dream — people love Sushi House for the combo of both its flavor and beauty. Each dish is crafted to look and taste amazing. Featuring unique maki like the Chicago Fire Roll — filled with rare spicy tuna, lightly battered and cooked — there’s a combination for anyone’s flavor profile. They also have an extensive list of fresh fish for sashimi and hot appetizers and entrees like edamame, Japan fried chicken, and yakitori beef.
Sushi Junki comes in as a local favorite in Berwyn, and based on the rave reviews, their takeout game is hard to compete with. Sushi Junki has a huge menu with a variety of unique, specialty hand rolls, including a fan favorite — The Spicy Mexican — a blend of shrimp tempura, spicy crab, jalapeno, cilantro, and avocado. But you can still find the classics, like the Godzilla roll. Best of all, they partner next door with J Wok Chinese Kitchen, which means you’ll also find a whole other menu — with classic options like fried rice — to make everyone happy.
Formerly known as Sushi House, Sushi Ukai is a more traditional Japanese restaurant that has a classic take on sushi. Locals come for the delicious, fresh sushi and stay for the service. With an incredible selection of fish for sashimi and nigiri, classic hand roll options, like the tuna roll or sweet potato roll, bento boxes, and new favorites like the sweetheart roll — featuring spicy tuna, crunch crumbs, avocado, tuna and a spicy honey sauce — you simply can’t go wrong.
Another family owned favorite, White Crane Thai and Sushi is owned by Bee Suptaveey and her husband and filled with traditional recipes that are inspired by her mother — making this the perfect place for those who want the feel of a home cooked meal. Although sushi has recently seen a boom in over-the-top creations, White Crane is perfect for those looking for a thoughtful, traditional meal — from hand-crafted maki rolls to udon pad thai.
Woow Sushi is a downtown LaGrange favorite for many. They have a robust sushi menu in addition to delicious appetizers, like their vegetable tempura, and a variety of hot dishes as well. If you’re a sushi lover that has a specific taste, you’re likely to find exactly what you want here. From traditional rolls like the California roll or dragon roll to the chef’s special rolls — like their sweetheart roll filled with tuna, lobster salad, mango, and avocado — there’s something for everyone. Guests rave about the freshness, price, the must try noodle dishes, and the ever popular swanky interior décor.
With so many incredible options for sushi near Oak Park, you’ll have to try them all and decide for yourself.
Still wondering if sushi is for you? Take a look at some of the most asked questions when it comes to sushi. We’re guessing that the answer will be “yes”.
What are the different types of sushi?
Sushi has come a long way since becoming popular in America in the 1960’s. Since then, chefs around the country and around the world have been putting their own spin on a Japanese classic. Whatever your choice, you'll often find it served with a side of freshly shaved ginger and wasabi — a type of Japanese horseradish.
Although this can vary by your location, sushi is typically split into five categories.
Nigiri — Nigiri is a topping (usually fish) that is placed on top of sushi rice.
Sashimi — Sashimi is fish or shellfish served without sushi rice.
Maki — Maki is rice and filling that is wrapped in seaweed.
Uramaki — Urakami is what most people think of when it comes to sushi. It is similar to maki, but the seaweed wraps the filling with the rice on the outside.
Temaki — Temaki is sushi that has been handrolled into a cone shape — typically with the seaweed on the outside.
Are there options for sushi if I don’t like raw fish?
Although most sushi contains raw fish, most restaurants — especially in America — carry Maki rolls that are either deep fried (which cooks the fish) or have simple, vegetarian options such as the cucumber, avocado, and asparagus rolls. So if you’re not fully into eating raw fish, but your friends are going out for dinner, you’ll likely be able to find something to eat.
Do most sushi restaurants have other food options?
Although not all, most restaurants that offer sushi also offer other types of Asian cuisine as well. Many restaurants will also offer noodle dishes such as Pad Thai, hot soups like ramen, or stir fries. But it’s always best to check out the menu ahead of time to make sure there’s something you’ll like. Most of the time, restaurants have larger menus to make sure you can try a little of everything.