AJI

Sushi restaurant · Lakeview East

AJI

Sushi restaurant · Lakeview East

2

3809 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613

Photos

AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null
AJI by null

Highlights

15-course omakase with fresh fish, unique flavor combos  

Placeholder
Placeholder

3809 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613 Get directions

ajiomakase.com
@aji.omakase

$100+ · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

3809 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613 Get directions

+1 773 236 1521
ajiomakase.com
@aji.omakase

$100+ · Menu

Reserve

Features

payment credit card
reservations
reservations required
wifi

Last updated

Sep 4, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@infatuation

The Best Sushi Omakase Restaurants In Chicago, Ranked By Price - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Aji in Lakeview falls on the chiller end of the omakase spectrum and is a perfect casual sushi experience that also scratches the fancy-sushi itch. Dua Lipa songs serenade customers at the laid-back 10-seat counter. A fun, colorful display listing each course’s ingredients changes between bites. And as they drop off nigiri during the 15-course meal, chefs might chat you up about R&B throwbacks. If you’re too distracted by the tasty fish to respond, that’s understandable—both their simpler bites and more complex ones, like itoyori with honey pearls, can do that." - john ringor, nick allen, adrian kane

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/best-omakase-chicago
View Postcard for AJI
@postcardnews

A Lakeview East counter run by veteran sushi chefs, offering intimate seatings and a seasonal, value-minded omakase. Praised by recent diners and local guides, it’s a warmly hosted alternative to the big-ticket destinations.

https://ajiomakase.com/
Best Sushi in Chicago (2025)
View Postcard for AJI

Felipe Piedra

Google
Aji Omakase is absolutely spectacular! The sushi was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and full of amazing flavors. Each piece felt like a work of art, and you can truly taste the chef’s passion and attention to detail. The service was warm and attentive, making the entire experience unforgettable. Hands down one of the best sushi experiences I’ve ever had—highly recommend!

Ben Zhou

Google
My first time having omakase and Aji was a truly unique experience. Went there with my wife for her birthday and to be honest omakase is not really my preference for dining, but I still enjoyed the experience. Street parking was easy to find, in fact we parked right outside the restaurant. The food was amazing, I never really tasted sushi this way before. There was a small hiccup as the area was experiencing a power outage, but the staff was very professionally and accommodating. I feel like it made my first experience even more unique as there was no music, no AC and no lights. It was warm and cozy and it forced everyone in the room to focus on real conversations and the food in front of us. Had a great time getting to know the chefs and the staff. Eventually the power came back on and we were given a discount on the bill and a gift card for our inconvenience. Although the food was good, I think omakase is more about the experience, the whole package. My wife and I are glad we got to celebrate her birthday with Aji.

Becca

Google
We recently had the pleasure of dining at AJI, and let me tell you—this place knows its way around a fish. The nigiri was the star of the show: perfectly seasoned rice topped with melt-in-your-mouth tuna, salmon, and buttery yellowtail that tasted like it was caught minutes before hitting the plate. The attention to temperature, texture, and balance was spot-on. The rolls were playful without being overdone. Nick and Christian were absolutely incredible! Nick made the most tasteful and beautiful sushi. Presentation was clean and elegant, with just enough flair to feel special. Service was amazing and friendly, and the chef even checked in to ask how we liked the Omakase. In short: sushi lovers, this spot deserves a visit. Fresh, flavorful, and genuinely satisfying.

Vigan Veseli

Google
AJI is a one of a kind experience. From the service (shout out to Kristian and Nick) to the food!!! You have to watch for the honey pearls, the scallop, the hand rolls, and of course the A5 wagyu! Also the dessert was amazing. I cannot say enough good things. Kristian and the team made the night an unforgettable one! If you want dinner and a show, please check out AJI!

Michael Chang

Google
Aji omakase was an incredible experience in every way. The service was amazing, the chefs used incredibly fresh ingredients and were generous with the portions too. There were so many courses and they were all delicious 😊I have no complaints and highly recommend if you’re in the area

Cait Mobley

Google
Oh. My. Word. What an incredible experience. The fish was so fresh and flavorful. The dishes were so creative and exotic; lovedddd the dessert. The chefs are all so knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. Truly just a five star experience. Highly recommend going. We had the absolute best time and will be back.

Emma Bauer

Google
I went to Aji for my first Omakase experience and was delighted. The food was fresh and delicious and the service was amazing. Their attention to detail is impressive and our server Kristian made sure we felt at home. The rolls were impressive and different than anything I have tried before. Stop by to watch Incredible chefs create delicious works of art right in front of you!

Midian Pratama

Google
It was a truly remarkable culinary journey. From the moment I entered, the ambiance was serene and sophisticated, setting the tone for an intimate and immersive experience. The chef’s skill and passion were evident in every course. Each dish was a work of art, with perfectly balanced flavors and textures. The progression of the meal felt thoughtful, starting with delicate pieces of sashimi and moving toward more complex and bold flavors. The highlight for me was the uni-topped toro, which melted in my mouth and had an incredible depth of flavor. What made this experience even more special was the interaction with the chef. Watching them craft each piece right in front of me, while explaining the origin of the ingredients and the inspiration behind each dish, added a personal touch that elevated the entire meal. Overall, is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic omakase experience. It’s not just a meal—it’s a beautifully curated adventure that leaves you appreciating the artistry of sushi on a whole new level.
google avatar

Jane R.

Yelp
Wow!!! An amazing omakase place! Fresh fish and a great presentation of all the nigiri sushi! I loved how the chef walked through each course before we ate it. Everyone was so friendly and attentive! The lighting and layout of the restaurant felt so intimate and modern with the wood finishing. The service, food, and ambiance were top notch! Worth every penny!!
google avatar

Pa Zao L.

Yelp
The fish was fresh and everything was so delicious. My party and I were running late but the staff was accommodating and friendly with plating the pieces that the chef had already put together. I appreciate that they have a changing menu board. It was one of my friend's birthday so they were able to customize the message board to say happy birthday to her. The dessert was one of my favorite parts. It's homemade vanilla flavor and has a unique touch with the frozen Japanese fruit - one of the fruits reminds me of captain crunch berries! A spot worth checking out!
google avatar

Munsanje M.

Yelp
Quite literally my favorite dining experience of the YEAR. We visited Aji for my 30th birthday and I don't think I can top off this experience. It was a small intimate space with only about 10 seats which made the service 100x better, our bartender and server that explained each course was so personable and welcoming. They were so kind and sang happy birthday and even put our names on the board! Every single course will blow your mind away. The fish was SO fresh but always had a unique twist to it to differentiate from just regular nigiri. The lychee martini is now in my running for one of the best in city and I highly highly recommend for any special occasion. Worth every single penny!
google avatar

Erica K.

Yelp
We had a blast at Aji! Expect a close, intimate setting with all the chefs when you get that reservation. They serve up quality omakase with interesting flavor combinations that really bring out the best in the fish you eat. It shows how much research and care has gone into their dishes! The chefs were also so friendly and funny and we had a great time talking to them. Highly recommend booking this experience for a great time and meal'
google avatar

Steph H.

Yelp
This is a very easy 5-star to give. My husband & I eat nigiri on a very regular basis but have never had a full omakase experience. The space is unassuming from the outside for sure but inside it's intimate & thoughtful. The chefs were friendly, engaging and helpful. Even knowing this was our first time, one of the chefs (could be the owner), really helped guide our journey. We gained so much knowledge from him while we were there. The courses start on the lighter side and they work up to the more rich offerings. It was such a treat to watch these guys at work, the talent is apparent right away. Such a lovely experience. Everything we ate, we enjoyed. Even their cocktails were great, as well as the raspberry mule (non alcoholic) was delicious. Loved the changing menu board to explain each course.

Scotty S.

Yelp
Wow. Amazing. Favorite thing was the Eel and the hand roll. Must try! Kristian is very nice!
google avatar

Hannah H.

Yelp
AJI is a Korean-owned omakase restaurant, located in the Lakeview 'hood - they offer 3 seatings on the weekends, and 2 seatings throughout the week. The omakase includes 15 courses, which, as other omakases, include nigiri and a homemade dessert. Our set included Hotate scallops, Hirame, Kanpachi, Ika, Madai, Hon Suzuki, Sake Toro, Hon Maguro, Unagi, Saba, Kinki, Ama Ebi, a Toro Temaki handroll, and A5 Japanese Wagyu, finishing up with vanilla ice cream. We felt that the sushi could have been more fresh, as there were some pieces that had a slight 'fishy' taste to them. Service was kind and friendly, and the place definitely seems to be a favorite for date night. +make advance reservations for omakase seating +friendly service
google avatar

Chloe L.

Yelp
Amazing place! We're visiting Chicago and saw this recommended multiple times. This blew our already decently high expectations out of the water. It's a more contemporary interpretation of omakase. The staff is incredibly friendly. The food was great.
google avatar

Lydia Y.

Yelp
The only omakase in Lakeview! With only 10 counter seats, the dinner feels intimate and the team puts a lot of effort to guarantee a satisfactory experience. Service is friendly without being excessive and thats what gives Aji their good rating The sushi itself tastes fine, but nothing extraordinary. I thought their shari temperature was a bit warm in the beginning but cools down eventually. Their neta was kinda bland and too soft but that's just my personal preference ‍ I think Chicago sushi has a loooong way to go and from the spots I've tried, Aji had the fairest price-to-quality! Omakase $150 적당한 가격대의 미들급 스시야. 시카고 스시는 갈길이 멀다 스알못인 나도 느낄수있는 아쉬운 퀄리티. 여긴 그나마 가격대가 괜찮은 편이다. Yume랑 비교해도 가격 차이 만큼의 다름을 못 느낌. 구글리뷰가 진짜 좋은데 아마 백인 동네라서 그런듯...? 굳이 찾아갈 필요는 없음.
google avatar

Thuy Dan T.

Yelp
15-course omakase to try! The outside is unassuming but the ambience and decor is really sleek with the natural wood paneling, sliding door, and playing some r&b and other old school jams. I was loving the vestaboard in the back that changed with each course so you knew what fish you were having and all the complimenting add-ons to it. Made it engaging to see the board change and saves paper not paper menus (we love clever sustainability options) Each course was really balanced and creative with something savory like hibiscus salt, to citrusy/sour like yuzu aioli or pickled garlic, and even sweet like honey pearls and grape mustard and all the seared gives the slight smokiness and the flame entertainment. Pieces change based on what's in season and what they get flown in! The pieces we received were: 1. Hotate scallops 2. Hirame (Fluke) 3. Kanpachi (Amberjack) 4. Ika (Squid) 5. Madai (Japanese Sea Bream) 6. Hon Suzuki (Striped Bass) 7. Sake Toro (Salmon Belly) - one of our favorite bites! 8. Hon Maguro (Blue Fin Tuna) 9. Unagi (Fresh Water Eel) 10. Saba (Blue Mackerel) 11. Kinki (Shortspine Thornhead) - another favorite piece and my first time trying this type of fish! 12. Ama Ebi (Sweet Shrimp) - I really liked the addition of sea grapes on here 13. Toro Temaki Handroll (Tuna Belly) topped with Uni -of course delicious 14. A5 Japanese Wagyu (from Hokkaido) 15. Vanilla Ice Cream - some of the best vanilla ice cream I've ever had! Also topped with a wakamomo peach which was another first for me too! Definitely recommend!
google avatar

Peter n.

Yelp
An absolutely wonderful experience and a huge step up from the typical sushi experience. Coming from California this is pretty exceptional and on par with what we experience there.
google avatar

Janice K.

Yelp
I've ate at Aji a few times already and everytime it has not disappoint! From their ambiance, drinks, sushi, and service, everything was so thoughtful so delicious and chefs are amazing~ Thank you Arnold and Kristian for always making our experience so wonderful. Highly recommend to try this place out ! Oh and their lychee martini is highly recommended as well!!
google avatar

Su E. G.

Yelp
My husband and I closed on our house earlier in the day and went to AJI omakase dinner to celebrate this amazing milestone. 14 course traditional Omakase experience focused on nigiri sushi. On weekdays, they do 2 seatings per evening while weekends are 3 seatings. The seating is sushi bar only with 10 seats (sometimes up to 12 if needed). No tables available. Drinks, we got the old fashion (Japanese whiskey) and Yuzu margarita (Yuzu Citron was refreshing and slightly sweet). 13 courses are mainly seafood ranging from different fishes, shrimp, eel, and squid. Last final bite is A5 wagyu. My favorite was fatty Tuna with caviar and 24k gold, and the A5 wagyu nigiri with caviar and black truffles. 14th final course is dessert: homemade vanilla ice cream over Japanese rice crackers, freeze dried lychee, mandarin, and raspberry. Definitely recommend visiting. Meter Parking was easy and available but be sure to pay appropriately as towing trucks make routine routes in the area. On Thursday evening, dinner was about 2 hours and even had the option to order additional a la carte pieces as add on at the end, before dessert.
google avatar

Eric P.

Yelp
Omakase. Chef's Choice. Two chefs. Arnold + Christian. Ingredients great. Experience fantastic. Uni scooped. Wagyu seared. Truffles shaved. Sake chilled. Stomach full. Palates satisfied. Make res. Go now. Horse mackerel.
google avatar

Kevin Z.

Yelp
Tucked away in an unassuming alley is Aji, a great omakase place. It's a small establishment without many seats, but it serves fresh fish presented well. That being said, Aji did not blow me away as far as the food was concerned. Every dish was well-crafted and full of flavor but I wouldn't consider it a "must-go." The staff were extremely friendly and informative, though. It's also pretty low-key as far as omakases go, if that's your vibe.
google avatar

Kathy L.

Yelp
Treated myself to dinner at Aji on a business trip and I really enjoyed it! All of the seats are around the sushi counter and both the sushi chef and the owner were funny and engaging. It felt like a really intimate experience. The sushi was delicious. I loved how much thought and care was put into preparing each piece. The combination of flavors were delicious. The downside which didnt affect me much is that its a fast meal. We were done in just over an hour. It's perfect for a weeknight meal but if you are looking for a slow paced date night, you may want to plan for drinks after. Regardless, dont skip out of Aji. Its an omakase that I plan to return again.

Emma G.

Yelp
Aji is beyond a meal, it's an experience. The staff as well as the host, Christian, were incredibly attentive. Each piece is thoughtfully and dutifully carried out. Fabulous environment. This was our first omakase experience and will be hard to beat. We will most definitely be back!
google avatar

Tom Z.

Yelp
Had a GREAT dinner here with some friends. Really enjoyed the vibe: not too stuffy and quiet but also not trying hard to be "hip" like some other places in the city that become a little distracting. With the great pacing of each course it worked out really well for an evening with friends to get some words in between each course. The food was delicious and I also recommend their drink selection both the sake and cocktails. The counter and seating is removed just enough from the main action where you don't feel like you're in the staff's space, but you are still close enough to have a conversation with them if you'd like. All things considered, this might be my preferred Omakase in the city due to neighborhood location and a more approachable price point compared to most of the other Omakase in the city. Happy this is in the Lakeview neighborhood!

Heidi M.

Yelp
Wow, what an amazing perfectly curated experience. I went there this weekend for a friends birthday dinner and we try to do a high-end experience anytime we have a celebration and this exceeded all expectations. The sushi was super fresh and as mentioned in other comments went from slightly lighter creations to more rich flavors. My favorites were probably the first and last bite! Don't want to spoil for anyone but definitely something to try! Cocktails were tasty, and perfectly balanced the meal. Service and attention was fantastic as well! We were the first reservation of the night and with the limited seats, it felt very intimate almost like a private chef experience. Will definitely be back!

Bryan T.

Yelp
Everything about this place is amazing. The sushi is fresh and delicious. The service was above and beyond outstanding. The place is intimate and very clean. Definitely a unique experience.
google avatar

Garrett F.

Yelp
I surprised my sister with this Omakase experience for her birthday and could not have made a better choice. The nigiri was beautifully presented and the thoughtful additions, like honey pearls and walnut mustard, beautifully accentuated the fish. The sushi chef, sous-chef, and owner also engaged in such a fun, thoughtful manner throughout the night! Without hesitation, I'd recommend Aji to anyone looking for an Omakase experience in Chicago.
google avatar

Brady B.

Yelp
5/5 stars I've been to a few Omakasa and this was by far the best experience I've ever had! The atmosphere was beyond amazing! The quality of the fish was super fresh and you can taste how much love and care they put into every course. They treat you like family! The service was on another level! Would definitely recommend everyone to try this place!
google avatar

Bessy T.

Yelp
$150 omakase with : Toro, Wagyu, Truffle, Caviar & Gold Flakes? Thank you Kristian & Arnold for an incredible evening, celebrated my boyfriend' s birthday with the most unique , approachable, & intimate omakase I've seen so far Super intimate: - 2 seatings per weekday (6/8pm) - 3 on weekends (5/7/9pm) Very cozy & chill, each seating is 2 hours HUGE bites no skimping! Rare & unique fish + meat + pairings imported from Japan, Korea like Shortspine Thornhead, Okinawa Sea Grape, Yuzu Pearls Nice menu on the wall that switches each dish, so you know what you're eating Perfect for celebrations: We celebrated 3 birthdays! Lychee Martini $15 (most popular) Smoking Fresh $14 - mezcal, watermelon, + lime (exec chef's favorite) 15 courses: Hirame fluke - ingawa , sea salt & lime zest brushed with Ika squid - flew seared with light soy and grape mustard Kampachi - amberjack, soy, yuzu pearls, hibiscus salt Madai - sea bream, soy, lemon zest, kombu salt Hon suzuki - striped bass - soy, umeboshi (plum), dried Shiso Kin media - Golden eye snapper, soy & honey pearls Unagi - fresh water eel - flame seared with shiso butter Horse Mackerel - smoked soy, grated ginger, chives Hotate scallops from Hokkaido - soy, smoked trout roe, yuzu aiolo Kinki - Short spine thornhead , soy, and poached garlic (seasonal, hard to find) Ama Ebi - sweet shrimp with soy, lemon, Okinawa sea grape Escolar - white tuna- lemon, truffle butter, kombu salt, soy . Sashimi course with 4 pieces + (just brought it back) Toro uni gunkan - blue fin tuna belly, soy, Santa Barbara sea urchin , golden Kaluga caviar , compressed caviar shaved (Bessy best piece) A5 Japanese Wagyu - soy, golden Kaluga caviar, sea salt, black truffle Vanilla ice cream - bubu arare, black sesame, freeze dried raspberry, mandarin orange, & wakamomo peaches Follow @biteswithbessy for more
google avatar

Paul C.

Yelp
After walking past the unassuming exterior of AJI countless times, I decided to make a reservation and try it out. I am very happy I did- absolutely amazing omakase meal. We were served 14 courses in an intimate 8-10 person dining room. Each course is delicious with the perfect balance of flavors. The sake I had paired perfectly with the meal. The staff were very friendly, engaging, attentive, and professional. The restaurant is beautifully designed and offers an intimate aesthetic. The location is in a safe area, easily accessible by CTA with easy street parking available for those who prefer to drive. I hope more restaurants of this caliber move into the neighborhood because it is a delight to have it next door. The quality of Food justifies the higher price point but diners should expect the meal to run 150-250 per person depending on drink orders.
google avatar

John T.

Yelp
Aji is young talent rolled into an omakase course. The restaurant seats 10 persons at the counter. It's dimly lit, but not too dark as there are spotlights directed towards the counter and also to the chef's workstation. The omakase itself was fast-paced - expected about a course every 5-10 minutes. All things considered, the experience lasted about 1.5 hours. Service was excellent. The meal started off with cuts of white fish before advancing to fattier cuts of red. Overall, the flavors were delicate and soft - the complements that came with the nigiri never overpowered the flavor of the fish, although I would have like to see a little more heavy-handed use. It felt like I was peeking into a wonderful flavor profile, but never actually reaching in to grasp it. Some of my favorites were maguro with walnut mustard, the unagi with shisho butter, and of course the toro with uni, caviar, and gold flakes. A note on the latter: you'd think that it'd be an overpowered mess of creaminess, but this over-the-top nigiri ended up tasting quite savory without overpowering the flavor of the fish. I had ordered a cocktail to go with the meal, but in hindsight the flavors were all so light, the cocktail would sometimes interfere with the dishes. I would recommend just water, or some tea. The entire restaurant is constantly improving. The experience still feels a little rough around the edges - but it's apparent that they are constantly thinking of ways to better the experience. For example, they recently purchased and mounted a split-flap display to showcase each course and ingredients that went into each dish. Many of the more established omakase places feel like they have dug their niche within the city - Aji seems like it's still looking to make its name. I can't wait to see what they have in store for the future, and I'll be back to check it out again.
google avatar

Madeleine A.

Yelp
First time having omakase in Chicago and Aji set the standard. The atmosphere was modern, sleek, & personable. The chefs and host were engaging and answered all of our random questions. The food experience felt innovative in flavors & freshness. I really appreciated the use of the vestaboard to read the flavors touching my tongue & understanding how they flow together. I believe from my research, this was on the lower end of omakase experiences: 15 course meal for $150.
google avatar

Pavnit K.

Yelp
I always try to keep up with new sushi and/or omakase restaurants that open up in Chicago, so imagine my excitement when I learned about Aji. My friend and I decided to check it out and made reservations for their omakase. Side note: if you're not interested in omakase, I do believe you can order off the menu, but they only accept walk-ins if you choose to do that. By my count, this was a 15-course omakase meal. What I really liked about their service was when making a reservation, you could include notes about dietary restrictions or allergens. While I had neither, I did have some things I absolutely did not like and included that in my note. They remembered and modified the course so that I had an enjoyable experience. I also felt like they had a great cocktail/wine/sake list. They had one of my favorite sakes (Bride of the Fox), which I ended up ordering the whole bottle. Overall, I would say this is a pretty decent omakase option. I liked 12 out of the 15 offerings. I don't normally eat squid, so I don't know if it's always chewy, but that texture was off putting to me. I also did not like the dessert because the custard tasted a bit too eggy for me. Other than that, their flavors were pretty on point and I'll definitely be back!
google avatar

Melissa C.

Yelp
Where do I start, my first Omakase experience. It was truly an amazing experience for me. It's Omakase meaning "leave It up to you." As in the menu up is up to the chef at random. So there will be something's you might not like because it may not be your cup of tea. They opened 6 weeks ago. Aside all things all of it was truly delicious. Started with the Mezcal Negroni and my partner had the Okinawa Ice Tea. Both very good. They have a Sake...Im not going to be the one held responsible for giving the name out, but it is sssoooo good like very good if you like sake just trust me tell them you want the really good one and they will know what I'm talking about. Lol I DID NOT MENTION THIS LOL. So our rolls in order: -Sweet raw shrimp with yuzu pearls- very good start really liked it -Hokkaido scallop with Japanese aioli- also very good forgot to take a photo, it's the one being torched. -Hirami one of my top faves very lemony/limey loved it. Squid with plum mustard - didn't really like this one texture wise, I felt like it was chewy again my opinion but, the plum mustard went very well with it. -Bluefin tuna with a walnut mustard- another one of my top favorites, the Bluefin was extremely and so good, not a fan of mustard honestly, but it tasted only like walnut so if went so well. -Scottish salmon- love salmon but, didn't really like this one to me it had a very vinegary taste couldn't pin point the flavor honestly. -Santa Barbra uní with a compressed caviar chip- My first time having Sea Urchin, it was good however the buttery texture of the uní felt like raw oyster and I don't like that texture for some reason, but it was still really good not going to lie. -Mackerel with wasabi and Puzo salsa- love it also a top fave. The mackerel was very Smokey and I will say the wasabi was not like super spicy so it went really well with each other. -Eel unagi with salted butter on top- omg! I can order a plate of this! This was my absolute favorite of all. It literally was the perfect tasting roll. All the flavors together were so good I can't even begin to describe it, sweet, savory, buttery oh so good. -White tuna with a shiso butter and fresh squeezed yuzo I feel like it was very simple but very good. -Yellow tail hamachi with wasabi sauce also very good. -Salmon belly with truffle oil toasted sesame seed- I liked it but the texture definitely felt very fatty. -Hamachi belly with caviar- I'm really not a fan of caviar this was my least favorite honestly. Again fatty texture did not like. -Fatty tuna-I did like this one texture wise it was very good -A5 Japanese waygu with caviar and black truffle- oooommmmmggg so this is up there with the eel. It was so good, like so good, don't like caviar but it went so well together with the black truffle. Definitely would order a plate of this if possible. -Tuna hand roll- really enjoyed it, I'm very picky with seaweed but this, so delicious. -Golden kiwi with balsamic and black sesame- honestly I would have never though this mix would ever taste so good. I loved it so much. Everything here was amazing and I'm so thankful they gave me such a great experience. It's definitely a must and I will for sure be back again.
google avatar

Ben A.

Yelp
Long overdue review. I was excited to see what Aji had to offer since great food is hard to come by in Lakeview. We all ordered the 14-course omakase dinner, which included dessert. This was my first omakase experience and the service and attention to detail was great. It was a cool experience to sit at the sushi bar and watch the nigiri being prepared one course at a time (I still have the urge to buy a blowtorch). Overall, it was a delicious meal and after 14 courses, plus dessert I left quite full. It was nice not having to leave the neighborhood for an excellent dinner.
google avatar

Nolan F.

Yelp
My omakase menu: Madai - honey caviar Ika - plum jam Hotate - uzu aioli, bonito Hon maguro - walnut mustard Hamachi toro - pickled Asian pear Sake - Kombu salt, negi, ikura Kampachi Toro Uni ikura chirashi - smoked char roe, shiso leaf Unagi - shiso butter Shima aji - smoked soy Aji - wasabi kizamu Escolar - Kombu salt, lemon juice Chutoro - golden beluga caviar Australian Wagyu - Australian winter black truffle, Kombu salt, golden beluga caviar Golden kiwi - balsamic glaze, dehydrated mandarin, dehydrated lychee Mallorca Melon Tea - cantaloupe, pineapple, honeydew, hibiscus Chef Christian did an excellent job with the quality of fish, rice, and flavors. Nigiri held together well. Squid's texture was a little firmer than it should be and scallop's flavor needs to be more pronounced. Dessert was tasty but maybe not omakase level. If I remember correctly, they're still playing around with the menu, going to hire at least one more chef, and possibly adding hot food/skewers to the restaurant in the future so we'll see how the dining experience and quality changes. Service was good. I had a nice time and would come back.
google avatar

Jon K.

Yelp
Not really traditional Japanese sushi, little bit of fusion added But all ingredients are top quality even to ginger and fresh wasabi Only 10 seating, very cozy and great service Kristian and chef Arnold gave us awesome taste of sushi and great experience
google avatar

Margaret S.

Yelp
This restaurant is amazing! We had their omakase 15 course dinner and it was hands down the MOST delicious meal I've ever eaten. Paired with their sake, it was nothing short of perfection.
google avatar

James B.

Yelp
Honestly would give it a 10/5 stars but Yelp won't let me. Best Omakase in Chicago. Been to many others but Aji is the one always come back to. Portion size of all the nigiris are decent size compared to most smaller bites. The toppings are refreshingly different and unpredictable. The rice is seasoned perfectly balanced with the fish. Great craftsmanship and hospitality from two great chefs in the city. Happy to continue my support for this local underrated Omakase spot in the heart of Boystown.
google avatar

Lisa M.

Yelp
Fabulous omekase well made fresh and well presented. Service is impeccable. They are quite personable and fun. Best omekase I had in Chicago so far.

Abigail G.

Yelp
For first time omakase, highly recommend! They were able to accommodate and were so polite. All courses were amazing and had an amazing time there. Appreciated the intimate space as well. Thank you Aji!
google avatar

Xuan M.

Yelp
Amazing experience! New Omakase spot in lakeview and everything was fresh and delicious. Chef makes everything in front of your eyes and gives a wonderful variety of selections. Fish was fresh and has perfect balance with the garnish and ingredients they pick. The flavors harmoniously combine in your mouth giving you a brand new experience on sushi. They also don't skip out on using more luxurious ingredients like A5 wagyu, freshly shaved truffle, fatty tuna belly, scallops, caviar and more! Check it out and you won't be disappointed!
google avatar

Kevin A.

Yelp
Amazing! Simply amazing. My son and I are sushi fans but Aji blew our minds. Small shop but everything about it is wonderful. The food, the sake, the service. A bit pricey for a normal night out but this is the place to celebrate a birthday, promotions, etc.

Xavier V.

Yelp
One of the better omakases I've been to recently. The unagi is fresh and has good texture. The uni and wagyu pieces were the perfect way to end the meal. The cocktails were also great. I got a yuzu margarita which was delicious. Very intimate space, perfect for smaller occasions. Kristian was also great explaining all the pieces before each bite.
google avatar

Jasmine L.

Yelp
This place is very low key and I wouldn't know it's an Omakase restaurant from the outside if my friend didn't bring me here. It's very private and available by reservation only, once they have all the customers (max of 10), they'll close the door/restaurant till the next sitting. Every piece of sushi is a piece of art, beautifully presented and heavenly flavorful. The ingredients are so fresh you don't need any sauce or dip. Absolutely amazing food and experience.

A K.

Yelp
The food is delicious and fresh! The chefs are accommodating to your needs. Their attention to detail for the customers is top-notch.
google avatar

Sean S.

Yelp
Great service, food and experience. Intimate setting for omasake. Would highly recommend.
google avatar

Mike R.

Yelp
We just moved (back) to Chicago from NYC which seemingly has Omakase every other block in some areas. We've eaten a bunch there but never in Chicago and this was our first in town. Omakase isn't as popular here, but it looks like a bunch of spots have opened up recently which is great. As a lot of them look downtown, it's great to see Aji open in a non-downtown neighborhood. The space goes on the trendier side of things and is $150 a person for 14 piece omakase, which isn't that bad of a price. They also have a cocktail menu, wines, and a large handful of sakes. Overall, the service was good. There were some interesting things going on with some of the pieces including some "mustards" on a few of the pieces. The type of fish used isn't super crazy - your typical stuff including amberjack, striped jack, etc. Also they have a few pieces with the obligatory wagyu, caviar, etc. Not every piece for me was "oh wow" but there were some that were very good. We didn't get tamago for dessert for some reason, but the dessert they did serve us I thought was really good. There were a few textures in there and honestly I loved it. Could have eaten a few more of those. My only knock is that they really need to provide the finger cleaning "pad" - those who are experienced with omakase will eat the sushi pieces with their fingers and not chopsticks. They really need to include these for every diner by default. Overall, this is a good option for someone who wants to an omakase experience whether it's their first time or 500th time. So go to Aji, get some sushi omakase, close your eyes for some of them, and greatly enjoy the flavors.
google avatar

Cher L.

Yelp
With a max seating of 12, the ambience inside is modern, chic, and sophisticated. Chef Kristian and Chef Arnold are experienced, talented and charming. It was wonderful to dine here and we will be back often!
google avatar

Stephanie S.

Yelp
Watch out Roka Akor, there's a new big baddie in town called Aji!! Everytime I went to chicago I could not find a sushi place even remotely close to anything I've had back home in Vegas, but then this place came along and wowww. Get your reservations in because the owners said only two seatings a day and it fills up fast. They bring ingredients you never would have heard of like hibiscus salt and compressed caviar. I didn't even think people ate caviar compressed, but here we are America. It was also super nice that They they go around and talk to all the guests! Peep the moving letter board describing the meal. A couple next to us we're having a birthday dinner and at the end of the meal the birthday boys name appeared on the board. A-genius idea!! Get it? Aji? A-genius? No? Okay. Have a nice day.
google avatar

Hajime T.

Yelp
Honestly a great experience! The service was amazing and felt very intimate. Chef Arnold and Chef Kristian were extremely welcoming and down to earth, as well as knowledgeable in their craft. In addition, fish was very fresh and each dish seemed carefully thought through as the combination of flavors were just spot on each time. I've had sushi omakase and this is by far one of my favorites. I will be back for sure!

Guanxiong Z.

Yelp
Awesome place. Food is absolutely 5 star and the service is great too. Will come back again when we have a chance.
google avatar

Lindsey F.

Yelp
Impressed and elated that they brought this omakase spot to Lakeview. the service was impeccable. the ambiance was super cool. the food was superb. the cocktails (specifically, the Saketini) were the best I've ever had. excellent choice for a date night or to celebrate something significant.
google avatar

Emily R.

Yelp
Went there last night for a birthday dinner with my boyfriend and it turned out to be one of the best dinners I've ever had in Chicago. I can't say enough praise about this place. We had tried other Omakase experiences like Mako and Roka Akor, and this one hands down the best we've had. The sushi was not only UNREAL, but the service we had from Christian and Chef Arnold really made it superb. They were so knowledgeable and personable, and clearly put a lot of effort into making the experience what it was. Best birthday dinner ever. We will be back!

John S.

Yelp
Ok so I had alot of sushi in my life and AJI Is everthing my freinds said it was. My wife and I want for the 15 course. Worth every penny and more. Loved the service and the beautiful presentation. But must of all the sushi. I highly recommend AJI you won't be disappointed.