Favorite: Sushi Spots in Chicago
Laying in my bed at 10 p.m., writing this blog post while scrolling through picture after picture of sushi really wasn't my best idea. Now I'm STARVING. Ugh. Below I list my favorite sushi restaurants in Chicago, in no particular order!
1. Sunda
Omg. Their Spicy Edamame is delectable. The perfect pre-appetizer (appetizer before the appetizer) to snack on while browsing through the menu.
Photo by @sundanewasian.
Let me save you some trouble and tell you HAVE to order the Crispy Brussels Sprout Salad. I know what you're thinking—who wants a salad for an appetizer? But it's nothing like that, I promise!! Apparently, it's the most popular item on the menu. It's topped with fried shallots and has the most amazing vinaigrette dressing. There's even copy cat recipes on Pinterest, it's that good.
Photo by @sundanewasian.
Every time I've gone I always ask the waiter their favorites on the menu. It's fun to try something new and this is definitely the restaurant to do it at. They're on their A-game and provide you with every last detail down to the spice. So I usually end up trying more than just sushi. Everything is ordered to share, so Sunda is definitely a place you take your parents to when they're in town.
The Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is definitely a must. The best rolls are the Panda and Red Dragon—both a variation of shrimp tempura, yet so different.
Photo by @sundanewasian.
Photo by @sundanewasian.
2. Coast
There are two locations for Coast nowadays. The original is in Bucktown—my cousin used to take me there back in the day before I was 21, and since it was BYOB we would bring a bottle of wine.
The new location is in South Loop. They call it "South Coast". The menu is basically the same, maybe a few variations, but I get the same thing every time because I just have my favorites. I love myself a classic Spicy Tuna Roll. They add scallions to theirs which adds just the perfect amount of flavor. The White Dragon Roll (what is with all these dragon names?) has wasabi mayo and melt in your mouth cream cheese—the perfect combination. The other roll pictured is the Volcano Roll—these are the ones I usually go with. I wish I could branch out from tuna and shrimp, but I'm just too obsessed to care!!!
3. Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill
Yuzu Sushi is more Instagram famous than me. They make GORGEOUS designs with the sauce, showcasing every color in the rainbow... literally. Such a smart tactic because it's brought them so much attention on social media. The rolls are so picture perfect. It's a small place, but it's BYOB and they play trendy hip hop music, so you really can't lose.
I haven't been here in forever—reminds me how desperately I need a Chicago Spring Roll in my life. Honestly every roll there is super good, that's just my all time favorite. Someone please force me to order something other than shrimp tempura for once.
4. sushiDOKKU
This spot is located on Randolph Street, the hottest restaurant area in West Loop (and debatably all Chicago), so you know it's going to be good. I love to sit at the bar area here. There's a lot of action behind the bar—not just sushi rolling, but the whole kitchen is basically exposed. I like to stalk when my meal will be done #hungrygirlprobz.
I tried the Tarabagani appetizer the first time I went (king crab with miso butter). It was just ok. There was way too much lime zest on it, which kind of ruined it for me.
On a more positive note, I also tried the Tuna Truffle Nigiri, which was outstanding. I'm normally not a nigiri kind of girl. I like all the sauces and add ons too much that make your sushi actually unhealthy. But this has me thinking I need to incorporate more nigiri into my sushi diet. I then got the Godzilla Roll, what's new.
The vibes in sushiDOKKU were everyyyyything, and they make a mean drink too. Hello, Sakerita (a "margarita" made with sake and cucumber). There's also a speakeasy downstairs which makes any place 1000x cooler if you ask me.
5. Rock Wrap and Roll
Rock Wrap and Roll—I mean how creative is this name? I'm truly impressed. I'm also impressed by their prices. This is another hole-in-the-wall option that's a hidden gem. It's BYOB, no uncork fee and still has amazing quality for all their food! I also love the Godzilla Roll here (not to be confused with the other one) and the Volcano Roll (also not to be confused with the other one). Why do so many sushi places use the same name with different ingredients? That's another fish I'll have to fry.
6. Rollapalooza
Rollapalooza was voted top 10 diner's choice of Chicago on OpenTable. And, in my eyes, they deserve it! The rolls are beyond creative. A few mentionable rolls are the Black Monster, which uses black rice, the Tequila, which is super fresh and uses a soybean sheet instead of seaweed (LOOK, I ordered something without shrimp!) and the Spicy Tataki—this one comes out with a burning flame.
7. OYSY Sushi
Some of OYSY's rolls are disguised as animals, like a turtle for example. Absolutely adorable. I named mine Franklin. Honestly that's the main reason I wanted to go. I've only been once and enjoyed my meal there, but I thought it was worth honorable mention for my cute new friend (Franklin if you weren't following).
I will be getting sushi tomorrow now guys. Thank you and good night.
xo, Mackenzie
