Best Sushi Places in Chicago

If you are a recreational sushi eater, this article isn’t for you. Don’t know if you’re a recreational eater? Do you tend to ask for maki with cooked fish (or you don’t know what maki is)? Do you shudder at the thought of raw fish? Do the words “chicken teriyaki” come out of your mouth when you’re ordering at your local sushi place? If you answered yes to any of these questions, click away. However, if you know your sushi, and if you’re still reading, I’ll assume that you do, here’s the guide to the best sushi in Chicago.

Now, before I get into it, I’ll let you know how I judge sushi in one word – freshness. There’s nothing worse than sushi that’s a little rubbery or has sat in the sushi bar a little too long. I want my sushi nearly pulled from the water. I like inventive rolls, but I also like the staples done really well. The quality of rice is important. And, of course, the seaweed. Based on these criteria, here are my selections.

Sushi Loop – best sushi hands down. It is extraordinarily fresh, served by kind people, and the only sushi joint in Greektown. What else do you need? The sashimi is beautifully presented on a bed of ice when you order the moriawase. The tempura flake super white tuna roll is a perfect mix of crispy and soft, sweet and spicy. You can’t go there without trying the oyster shooters, which are obscenely big and served in a sweet, spicy sauce. Make this place your home base, your go-to sushi place. Get to know owners Jae and Stella who will treat you like their long-lost sibling every time you go.

Mirai – Mirai features what seems like a hundred different kinds of tuna, each one more spectacular than the last. Its fish is always fresh, the rolls vary from experimental to conventional, and it has that upscale feeling. This is the place to order your sake martini while dining on elegant food. This is the place to bring your date on Valentine’s Day while you dine in a hip, cool environment.

Sushi Wabi – for the scene with great sushi, stop on by. Again, the sashimi is extremely fresh, the rolls are impeccable, and they serve a wonderful wine list. This Randolph Street favorite is in high demand. If you want to eat there during the busy times, make reservations in advance. The Ecuador roll – maguro, hamachi, cilantro, avocado and more – is a definite must try.

Green Tea – the best-kept secret in Lincoln Park is this tiny, hole in the wall sushi spot. With room for only seventeen people, it’s not the place for a large party. But the rolls here are excellent. The sashimi isn’t on par with the first three restaurants, but it works. Oh, and it’s BYOB, which means you can bring any libation you desire to complement the sushi.

Now I know this article is pretty controversial. People get a little heated about sushi, and I am no exception. You can try others, but you won’t find any better than these.