Top Best Japanese Restaurants in South Loop

"For an incomparable Omakase experience, KAI ZAN is a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Chicago specializing in wholly authentic and traditional Omakase dining. The restaurant is the brainchild of the notable sushi twins Melvin and Carlos Vizconde, who wanted a creative space to invent intricate dishes."

"Granted, omakase has become a massive part of most sushi joints. However, not all of these places are easy on the wallet. Kai Zan is an exception because the omakase experience is affordable without compromising the taste at all."

"Arami is the rare Japanese restaurant that offers a wide ranging menu, yet somehow, expertly maintains the quality of their food. There are sushi, ramen and even robata (charcoal) grilled items on the menu to choose from. Thanks to having two executive chefs, Arami is able to focus both sushi and hot food from the kitchen."

"And none of us would exhibit our robust appetite full-on while a potential lover is across the table. Arami is the perfect eatery where the nigiri and sashimi are as good as it gets. The menu at Arami is far from fancy, but the food is authentic."

"The specialty of TAO Chicago is that the second floor is the windy city’s hottest nightclubs with an amazing atmosphere, whereas the first floor features one of its top Asian restaurants. Hence, once you’re done dancing your heart out at the club, you can step down for a hearty meal of lobster wontons, Peking duck, and more. Besides the disco ball and towering murals, a 10-feet-tall Japanese bell will grab your attention."

"WOW. And that’s exactly what you’ll get in this high-end, posh Asian nightclub. Dance the night away in this 1000-capacity dance club in Chicago featuring a 10-foot Japanese bell, world-famous DJ sets, and funky lights. Make your VIP request here."

"This Lincoln Park restaurant is frequented for chef BK Park’s omakase menu, a dining experience featuring a generous array of appetizers, nigiri, sashimi, and hand rolls. Start with tastes of Kumamoto oysters with Japanese mignonette or king crab dressed in Kobe butter, and save room — more than 20 courses are offered in total. Those ordering off the menu can do so with signature bites, such as the smoked hamachi (Japanese amberjack sashimi smoked in a glass dome) and the uni shooter (accompanied by orange zest, cucumber, and wasabi tobiko)."

"Nestled in the South Loop is hidden tropical gem Asian Outpost Hawaiian Hideout. This delicious cuisine ranges from East Asia to Southeast Asia and Polynesia. Try some classic favorites like the Asian Feast or a Hawaiian-inspired Poké Bowls while enjoying a hula show."

"The main focus of Ron of Japan Steakhouse is top-quality steaks and seafood prepared teppan-style at the table-side by showman-like chefs. Entree options include steaks, chicken, a..."

"With its all-white, retro-futuristic decor and reasonable prices, Friends Sushi encourages diners to enjoy sushi at any time, not just for special occasions. Yet the quality of fis..."

"This new kid on the South Side block has officially stepped into recently-departed neighborhood institution Monnie Burke’s shoes as Pilsen’s latest Latin-inspired charmer. The patio is even more welcoming this time, a mass of exposed brick, soft lighting, and rustic exposed beams setting the tone while the poured cement floor radiates heat beneath diners’ feet. Food-wise, you’re looking at equally warm and cozy options like concha toast jazzed up with tres leches cream and strawberry-mezcal compote, nachos laced with cheddar and mango-braised beef, and steak and eggs topped with snappy chimichurri.How to order: Head to OpenTable for patio and indoor dining reservations or grab pick-up via Toast."

"When Pilsen restaurant Monnie Burke's closed last year, its owners weren't quite ready to leave the neighborhood. That's why they put their heads together and conceived Pilsen Yards—a new Mexican casual fare restaurant that's built for outdoor winter dining. In addition to bites like ceviche and carne asada and an exquisite cocktail menu, Pilsen Yards boasted a beautiful patio complete with a firepit and radiant-heat concrete floor."

"Restaurants Mexican Lower West Side. Named after a bygone lumberyard in the area, Pilsen Yards replaces Monnie Burke's with a casual, music-fueled concept that specializes in tacos and other Mexican eats plus a long list of cocktails and beer. For brunch, go sweet with the tres leches concha toast or savory with the chilaquiles drenched in salsa roja."

"This late-night den was a favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain who filmed several TV segments here as it’s the antithesis of many of the yuppie Old Town bars around the corner on Wells. The dive sports inappropriate paintings of Chicago history, including depictions of incarcerated ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich and is a destination for many, drawing a diverse group of patrons from all walks of life."

"Opened in 1932 and under current ownership since 1978, this Lincoln Park speakeasy-turned-restaurant was once frequented by Frank Sinatra, has withstood waves of gentrification, and generates long waits for its popular baked ribs. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Slice Of Gabagool (@sliceofgabagool)"

"On the same corner since 1932, this comfy tavern touts its baby back ribs as the world’s best. Maybe not, but the sweet-sauced meat falls off the bone—a style beloved by many Chicagoans.L Sat, Sun; D nightly. Wheelchair accessible, child friendly, outdoor dining, will seat past 11 p.m."

"Lincoln Park Conservatory has been a beautiful getaway since the 1890s. Inside, you’ll find tropical palms, ancient ferns, and plenty of other exotic plants."