"We’ll be up front, this Japanese handroll restaurant hiding in Perilla Fare’s basement is already booked out for months. But if you give this West Loop spot a call, they might be able to squeeze you in—usually at 5pm and for only an hour. So while it’s not ideal for lingering or early-dinner haters, there are upsides. Noriko’s 20-seat space works well for something intimate without being too romantic, largely helped by an electronic playlist that doesn’t scream “marriage proposal.” And the handrolls like fatty tuna, spicy scallop, or buttery wagyu are all excellent. The hour-long time limit is also great if you’re catching a movie or concert after, or need to wrap things up when the person you’re with ends up having less personality than Siri. Reservations are bookable up to three months in advance, though most spots are already taken. But you might find success by calling Noriko to see if they can squeeze you in last minute today or in the next few days—this usually comes with the caveat of eating at 5pm and a one-hour time limit." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen