Kamehachi is a local Chicago sushi restaurant with three locations. Mrs. Marion Konishi opened the original in 1967. It is widely considered to be Chicago's first sushi bar. With a heaping helping of history on its side, Kamehachi has gathered a throng of followers. City Search called Kamehachi the "Best Sushi Restaurant in Chicago" in 2000, 2001 and 2003, while the Chicago Tribune Metromix hailed it among the "Top Ten Late Night Dining" in Chicago in 1999. A traditional atmosphere exudes from the interior of the restaurant, which has a long sushi bar, two tatami rooms and an additional private room that can seat up to 30. Dim lighting, pale wood and shoji screens complete the look. Sushi and sashimi can be ordered from the bar a la carte or as part of a number of sushi combination platters. Specialty rolls vary every day, but lean toward more traditional rolls rather than the enthusiastically creative ones that can be found elsewhere. <br /><br /><br /><br />Kamehachi<br /><br />240 E Ontario St.<br /><br />Chicago, IL 60611<br /><br />312-587-0600<br /><br />kamehachi.com
Rise Sushi & Sake lounge is not likely to impress many with its bare décor, featuring plain wood tables, light wall adornments and wire-wrapped lights. What keeps people coming is the food, which offers both traditional sushi options as well as more interesting varieties of rolls, like the ichiban roll, which is made up of tempura fried hamachi and Japanese pear. Also offered here are 27 types of nigiri sushi and sashimi pieces, from salmon to eel. Sushi flights are popular combination platters that offer chances to try everything from a chef's selection of individual pieces to a variety of spicy hand rolls. A bar and lounge are also found here, serving a variety of sake options, most of them cold. These are great to pair with dinner. <br /><br /><br /><br />Rise Sushi & Sake Lounge<br /><br />3401 N Southport Ave.<br /><br />Chicago, IL 60657<br /><br />773-525-3535<br /><br />risesushi.com
Sushi Wabi is a sleek and modern sushi restaurant that focuses on the aesthetics of both its decor and of its cuisine. The walls, floor, lights and tables are dark and earthy, like so much of Japanese interior design. It makes for an intimate lounge feel that is perfect for romantic dinners. Japanese cartoons get projected on the wall and he sometimes techno music also makes Sushi Wabi a fun starting off point for a night on the town. This, in addition to its well-reviewed food, is why there is often a wait time during peak dinner hours. Early bird specials can be found and the restaurant has a BYOB policy that can save on hefty wine prices, so make sure to bring a favorite bottle. Sushi pieces include the typical, like salmon and tuna, as well as the more exotic, such as striped bass and king crab. The same goes for sushi rolls, which include traditional tuna rolls and more advanced creations, such as the broccoli tempura, featuring fried broccoli with red onion, mixed greens and asparagus. <br /><br /><br /><br />Sushi Wabi<br /><br />842 West Randolph St.<br /><br />Chicago, IL 60607<br /><br />312-563-1224<br /><br />sushiwabi.comâ??
