Omakase by Kanemaru

Omakase Room by Kanemaru is a fantastic new addition to the local dining scene, offering an unmatched tasting experience. From the moment you walk in, the warm and welcoming hostess sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. The chef, recently moved here from Japan, brings an incredible depth of knowledge and skill in traditional sushi preparation. Every dish is crafted with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, and the attention to detail is truly impressive. The fatty tuna and sashimi stood out as personal favorites—they were absolutely melt-in-your-mouth perfect. This is, without a doubt, some of the best sushi I’ve ever had. If you’re a fan of authentic Japanese cuisine, do yourself a favor and visit this hidden gem.

We had a wonderful time and the fish was premium quality! It’s an intimate seating with only 8 people and 16 course omakase prepared by Chef Kanemaru. We just came from Japan and the chef here gives an authentic omakase experience. Highly recommended! And try their plum wine, it’s 10/10

First time omakase and the whole experience was amazing. Everything was unbelievably fresh and delicious. Watching each bite be crafted in front of you was really satisfying. There’s only room for ten or so making it quite intimate. The space is plenty nice but not extravagant like other omakase spots hence the 4 stars. Will definitely be doing other Omakases to compare but we enjoyed it enough to justify the price.

Omakase Room by Kanemaru, located in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood, offers an unparalleled dining experience for sushi enthusiasts. This intimate 10-seat counter is helmed by Chef Shinichiro Kanemaru, whose 30+ years of expertise shine in every dish. The meticulously crafted 16-course omakase menu, priced at $195, highlights the finest, freshest ingredients with selections changing daily based on market availability. One of the standout features of the experience is the curated sake pairing. The restaurant offers a premium selection of sake designed to complement each course perfectly. Whether you’re savoring delicate nigiri or richer, seasonal sushi, the sake enhances the flavor profile, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the entire meal. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, ready to guide you through their sake offerings to ensure an exceptional pairing with every bite. The refined yet welcoming ambiance provides the perfect setting for this interactive experience. Guests can engage directly with Chef Kanemaru as he showcases his mastery of traditional techniques, honed during his time at the prestigious Ginza Kyubey in Tokyo. For those seeking a truly authentic Japanese culinary journey, paired with exquisite sake, Omakase Room by Kanemaru is an absolute must-visit. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through OpenTable.

Dinner was amazing. Every dish was well thought through. It was a great experience to be able to watch Chef prepare the courses with such care. It was a lot of food for me though. Favorite was the marinated red tuna.

Omakase was absolutely amazing! Every dish blew me away—so fresh and full of flavor. The chef was incredible and made the whole experience so fun. You can tell how much love and creativity goes into every bite. It was such a special night, and I’d 1000% recommend it to anyone looking for something unforgettable!

Omg it was so delicious and intimate !! Spent the first Valentine’s Day as a married couple with my husband and it was gorgeous and delicious and we will definitely recommend to friends !

Exquisite sushi, flown in fresh from Japan, fresh wasabi, and excellent service with high attention to detail from famed Japanese sushi restaurant Kyubey. First time opening in Chicago! A little tough to find, but look for small door just west of Howl at Moon.

Exquisite. The entire two-hour experience was flawless, with the expert chef preparing every perfect bite in front of us ... 16 courses of perfect bites with gorgeous, thoughtful preparation and service. My usual sushi now pales in comparison. A very special dinner.