Omakase translates to “I leave the details up to you.” It is a dining experience curated by the chef, emphasizing direct interactions with them, and it is well worth the higher price. In Chicago, you can discover some of the most authentic omakase experiences, ranging from sushi omakase that will transport you straight to Japan to a unique taco omakase that begins at 10 PM. Here are the restaurants offering the best omakase in Chicago right now.
Bonyeon
You wouldn’t think a steakhouse would have the best omakase experience, but in this case, it does. Bonyeon is recognized as Chicago’s first beef-centric omakase experience, conceptualized by Chef Sangtae Park and his wife, Restaurateur Kate Park—and it’s worth the hype.
The high-end multi-course menu highlights various beef cuts intricately layered with Korean flavors and traditions. Similar to the philosophy of showcasing ingredients in their simplest form at Omakase Yume, Bonyeon offers an elevated 14-course tasting menu at the chef’s counter. This menu features a collection of small plates that emphasize different beef cuts’ distinct flavors and textures.
📍 Address: 651 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
🍽️ Make a reservation at Bonyeon here
Sushi | Bar
Sushi | Bar is a popular omakase-style speakeasy that opened to great acclaim in Austin, Texas, in 2020. It was named one of Miami’s hottest new restaurants when it opened in the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel, Florida, in 2022. The Chicago location features an intimate 375-square-foot restaurant nestled within the Lady May restaurant.
Upon entering, guests are welcomed into a cozy setting that accommodates just 12 diners per seating. They will experience a 17-course omakase journey that highlights the freshest fish, sourced and flown in weekly from some of the best markets around the world, including Japan, Australia, and California. Sushi | Bar is designed to create a mysterious allure while fostering a friendly, intimate connection between the chef and guests.
📍 Address: 405 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
🍽️ Make a reservation at Sushi | Bar here
Cariño
This new restaurant offers an immersive culinary experience with a Latin-inspired tasting menu and a taco Omakase prepared by Chef Norman Fenton. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the diverse flavors and ingredients from across Latin America.
The taco Omakase is available at a seven-seat bar starting at 10 PM, following the regular service at Cariño. During this experience, guests sit facing the kitchen, allowing them to watch the team prepare the food right in front of them. We were captivated by each dish as it introduced a unique flavor combination that delighted our taste buds and held our attention.
📍 Address: 651 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
🍽️ Make a reservation at Cariño here.
Sushi by Bou at the Emily Hotel
Located inside The Emily Hotel, Sushi By Bou brings a 90s flair to dining with its graffiti-decorated walls, a hip-hop-inspired playlist, and murals of Chicago’s hip-hop legends! The venue offers a 10-seat counter and a 10-seat lounge, perfect for enjoying craft cocktails, great music, and Sushi By Bou’s signature timed omakase in Chicago.
📍 Address: 311 N. Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607
🍽️ Make a reservation at Sushi By Bou here
Omakase Yume
Situated in the West Loop, Omakase Yume is renowned for its omakase in Chicago, which includes an intimate 16-course journey. The menu features delicious sushi inspired by Japanese and Korean cultures, leading Omakase Yume to earn a coveted Michelin star.
What truly sets Omakase Yume apart are Chef Sangtae’s Korean-inspired touches, such as Kimchee Puree—a nod to his mother’s cooking—and Kanpachi garnished with a blend of smoked sea salt, sesame oil, and ground seaweed.
📍Address: 651 W Washington Blvd Suite #101, Chicago, IL 60661
🍽️ Make a reservation at Omakase Yume here
Omakase Room by Kanemaru
Omakase Room by Kanemaru invites guests to embark on a 16-course culinary journey through Chef Shinichiro Kanemaru’s expertly curated menu. This menu artfully combines traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary Chicago flair.
The design offers a balance of minimalist elegance and inviting comfort, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese interiors while maintaining a modern sensibility. With only ten seats at the counter, the setting ensures an exclusive and intimate dining experience.
📍 Address: 651 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
🍽️ Make a reservation at Omakase Room by Kanemaru here
Kyōten
Kyōten, located in Logan Square, offers a reservation-only private omakase in Chicago featuring some of the best sushi. At an intimate eight-seat sushi counter, Chef Otto prepares and explains over 20 dishes using some of the world’s finest ingredients from Japan and beyond. The total menu price is $440 per person on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; and $490 per person on Fridays and Saturdays.
📍 Address: 651 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
🍽️ Make a reservation at Kyōten here
The Omakase Room at Sushi-San
The Omakase Room at Sushi-San has an intimate experience with ten seats and an 18-course omakase menu in River North. Under Master Sushi Chef Kaze Chan’s guidance, The Omakase Room delivers exceptional cuisine paired with one of Chicago’s most extensive Japanese whisky and sake selections.
📍 Address: 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
🍽️ Make a reservation at The Omakase Room at Sushi-San here