Ora

The spicy salmon maki is INCREDIBLE. Easily in my top 3 rolls I’ve ever had - and I’ve had A LOT of sushi rolls. I’d go back just to eat this again. Everything else was solid too. The service was great, and the chef behind the counter made sure everything was excellent.

Went here for kid's Bday. Amazing place, food and staff. The rolls are complex with burst of various flavors in your mouth. The Oyster App is a must. You don't want to share. No ordinary Japanese place. The staff is attentive and they gave us non menu special made roll at no charge. Way above and beyond. You won't be disappointed.

Really outstanding. Probably some of the best sushi I’ve had anywhere. The spicy salmon is a must (sorry no pic of that).

The food here was average compared to other similar sushi restaurants in the area. However, the menu was notably short, lacking entrees or shared plates. Despite being advertised as a sushi spot, there were surprisingly few sushi options available.

some of the best sushi i’ve ever had; I’ve visited Ora multiple times, and needless to say, i’m never disappointed. excellent sushi; it has this fresh taste and a refreshing aftertaste that you can only find in high quality sushi. the staff and workers are always so nice and welcoming: always up to talk and have a conversation. the atmosphere is so relaxing: darkish lights, cool tones, this cool wooden architecture. a perfect place to have a conversation with good, refreshing food. i highly recommend!!

I used to love Ora but it’s no longer the same restaurant. Service was subpar. Our waiter opened our champagne bottle with his t-shirt. That should’ve been the first Red Flag that things had gone downhill. Sushi was spotty. They did okay with forgiving fish like salmon but yellow fin and scallops were not good. Spicy tuna rolls were way too spicy to cover up the bad fish. It felt like everything that made Ora special before was gone. We wont be back.

Good dinner experience at Ora. Everything tasted fresh, clean and delicious. The rolls were innovative and the nigiri had a good balance or rice and fish. The spicy tuna roll came with the nigri set and it had a very nice spice level! If you can’t take spicy food, would recommend telling them in advance for a different roll.

Best sushi experience I've had in Andersonville. Had a baked oyster appetizer that I'm still hungry for and it came with 2 bowls - perfect to share on a date. The miso soup was authentic and full of flavor. Also got some edamame that came with seasoned garlic salt that I haven't had anywhere else. The signature rolls and sushi sets hit the spot with high quality tuna and eel. Next time I'll be sure to take advantage of the BYOB!

My partner and I have loved coming to Ora since at least 2017. We've had some incredible meals here and I am happy to report that after the adjustment period following their re-opening, they're still completely delicious, welcoming and full of wonderful ambiance and incredible quality fish. So much of what they make is wonderful (we always start with the beef tataki!) and the rolls are awesome (recommend the Wasabi Tail, Salmon Tataki, and Scallop Volcano, but everyone we've had is good!) but the star of the show is definately the nigiri! We regularly get like 12 pieces of it and every meal we just want to run that order back. It's so crazy good, great quality, super fresh, wonderful proportions. The space is moody, dim and romantic but not overly loud or chaotic like a lot of other date spots. Plus the servers legitimately could not be more sweet or kind-- the service is fantastic. If you're looking for fresh fish, great service, a wonderful vibe all with a very good price for the quality, you gotta hit Ora!

The vibe inside is upscale yet casual! I was worried a hoodie would be out of place, but it wasn't. At the same time, while not quite romantic, Ora would make a good date spot! Everything is also very clean! The service is friendly, kind, and attentive. With four sushi chefs working their magic at the sushi bar, the food came out at reasonable speed. Especially with how fresh everything was and how much work some specialty rolls take. The menu is simple and approachable. They have more adventurous options for those like me; and simpler ones for those who just enjoy a simple Spicy Tuna roll. Miso soup = I wish I could convey the smell! A little heavy on the salt, yet very heavy on the flavor with a boatload of umami and a just the right amount of sour. I soon happily abandoned the spoon, grabbed the bowl, and happily gulped down whatever was left! Ahh... something I'd gladly order again, especially as the Chicago winter comes around the corner! Wasabi Tail = one of the more interesting rolls I've had. The fish was plentiful, high quality and made its mark. The veggie accompaniments were great at adding a little freshness, and the vinaigrette added some delectable sweetness and acid. The bacon was subtle, but just slightly there (and didn't hurt anything, for sure!). Seared Salmon Belly Sashimi = an excellent piece of fish, seared perfectly to not burn, and with a very subtle sauce. Perfect! Eel Nigiri = Wow! Just wow! Some of the best eel I've ever had! Fresh, superb quality, not over-sauced, not not microwaved like so many places do! Automatically ordered two more! Salmon Tataki = I wasn't sure if I'd like this one because I am not big into crab. However, my mind is blown three times over! The seared salmon was delightful, and I LOVED that the spicy tuna had a respectable heat! There was just enough cucumber for a little crunch and freshness. Finally, just a perfect amount of sweetness from the sweet soy. As for the crab... I ended up really liking it! Where has Ora been all my life!l?! Finally, one little criticism: while the rice is amazing and fresh, it didn't quite stick together, making the pieces exceptionally delicate. When I tell my friends about my Yelping and rating, many think Yelp allows half stars. Alas, it does not. Though if it did, a lot of those places I awarded five would really get 4.5. However, Ora is one of those rare places that is a five through and through!

Came here for the first time on a Saturday night, no reservation needed as we went right at opening. The restaurant is very cozy. Literally everything is delicious, both their meat options and the seafood and sushi options. I absolutely loved the oyster appetizer, one of the most unique things I've ever tasted. The surf and turf roll was also very unique, I don't think I've ever had steak on sushi before. The fish is so fresh and delicious in everything they use. The spicy tuna roll was my favorite but alas it usually is anywhere. Really can't recommend the fish here enough, it is so good. We will be back for sure

We came the other night and we had a wonderful time. Better than expected. Your decor is beautiful: simple elegant and warm. The menu was just as elegant and delicious. We can't wait to come back again for your volcano roll. I saw that you can bring your own bottle. That's always good to remember for next time as well.

You have to check this place out for 3 reasons First is Oysters motoyaki- oysters infused in mayo sauce with caviar sprinkled on top making it out of this world. Second is Surf and turf - seared rib eye with shrimp. The texture of the meat gives this sushi a body no fish can. We also had spicy salmon, snake eye and scallop Volcano. All beyond good, all seared giving that extra taste and substance no other sushi's can deliver. It's also BYOB. Third is Aliya our server. A looker that slays her hair with a killer smile while taking care of you at the same time. What more can you ask for? Ora is highly recommended.

By far the best sushi I've had in Chicago! We went here on a limb and it was amazing. The fish was fresh and the rolls were so flavorful and unique. 10/10 recommend and it's BYOB so makes for a great night!

This place is not talked about enough!!! Amazing prices and overall such good service. I had the chefs recommendation nigiri with a few rolls that I can't remember but they were so good! The nigiri special came with miso soup and a traditional roll for the best price. The nigiri had a few pieces I've never tried before but sooo good. The beef tataki appetizer was phenomenal!! It's small in here, so highly recommend a reservation but the ambiance is perfect as a neighborhood gem! I'm already planning my next visit. Looking for an affordable, high quality sushi spot for rolls and nigiri, go here!

Second visit and it's still good! It's a nice, quiet date spot. I was hoping to try their full menu, but they still have the soft opening menu. I tried the half size of oyster motoyaki and salmon aburi. I can see why people like the oyster motoyaki. The dish was rich with savory flavor. I didn't find the oyster flavor to overwhelm the dish. The half size is good for two people to share as an appetizer. I had it on my own and was pretty satiated with it alone. I enjoyed my salmon aburi as well. I mainly got it because I like spicy tuna. We also received complimentary edamame well-seasoned with salt and cooked. It was a nice touch to our meal. I'm looking forward to their full menu!

Wow! This place was awesome and might be my new favorite sushi restaurant. I highly recommend the oyster motoyaki, the snake eye roll, surf and turf roll, and the volcano scallop roll. Really nice ambiance and vibe and really friendly service, as well. This place isn't exactly cheap, but it seems like they're using high quality ingredients. I will definitely be back to sample other items on the menu.

I had been wanting to try this place for a long time, and I can't speak highly enough of it. It did seem that they were working with limited staff, but I was in no rush and they were all quite nice. The food was amazing! I don't know if I've had better sushi in the Chicago area. You can tell all of the ingredients are fresh, and the flavors work so well together in the maki rolls. The sashimi were also so delicious. The general atmosphere is relaxed. People were dressed for a night on the town or in casual clothes as well. BYOB, as the bar space is where all of the sushi is made. Will definitely be back!

Absolutely delicious fresh fish! I have high expectations when it comes to sushi but this blew me away in quality. Especially for the price point. I'm convinced this is the best Sashimi/Nigiri you will find in Chicago. Speciality rolls were full of unique flavors and textures too. We really enjoyed the "surf and turf" and the Salmon roll with crispy skin. The sushi rice alone is delicious with the perfect texture and flavor. Not too wet Service was amazing thank to Jason. Really helped guide us and create an experience. Very excited to come back and bring friends. Keep in mind this is currently BYOB but they will provide you with Wine Glasses and they even have Sake cups. If you love sushi, Do yourself a favor and give it a try!

In a city filled with great restaurants, this is truly one of the best!!! It's the only place I'll eat eel.

We were disappointed in the sushi here. There are many better places for sushi in Chicago. The rolls are listed as "10 pieces" on the menu, but that's just because they are sliced so thin. The service was excellent however, and we did appreciate that it is BYOB. But we'll keep looking for a better sushi restaurant in this area.

I've lived in Los Angeles and Ora is the best sushi and beats anything I've had in California. Their rolls are fantastic. The ambience is very cool as well. I highly recommend Ora.

Hip atmosphere, some of the best nigiri in town. Owner is super-focused on quality, both food and service.

The best deal here was the chef's choice sushi set. One roll plus 6 pieces of nigiri, and miso soup. Considering the prices for the rest of the menu, we chose this, plus the oyster motoyaki, since it was praised in almost every review. The oyster motoyaki was good, but very very heavy. The nigiri choices for the sushi set were amazing! Fish is fresh and I especially loved the sweet shrimp. The maki chosen were the cheapest ones on the menu, and I didn't like them. All the spicy basic rolls are way too spicy, mashed fish kind. I wish I would have ordered some separate rolls. Overall, a nice experience, BYOB with a well stocked liquor store across the street!

my favorite sushi place in chicago. the rolls and nigiri are consistently creative and well balanced. highly recommend the chef's choice, and to take their advice not to add your own soy sauce as the fish is perfectly seasoned when it comes out. nice atmosphere with good art.

Good delicious sushi great maki rolls ,fresh seafood ,attentive service great value for what you get. Best around clark st Andersonville I reccomand

Superb service, food was amazing and atmosphere was friendly and inviting Best in the area. Ora will definitely be my place of choice for Japanese cuisine. BYOB is a plus!

Service are friendly, food are fantastic. Looking forward to try another dish in there menu.

Still so fire . I sort of want to drive back up there and smack the chef it's so good. I'm only mad at myself for somehow letting it go so long without visiting. Menu selection is a little smaller than what I remember; perhaps because they recently changed locations? The surf and turf and scallop volcano rolls were both winners.

I let our server know that I have a gluten allergy. I had eaten here previously and they were able to accommodate very easily and was told only 3 items on the menu they cannot accommodate. So I was coming back for sure. This time my server told me it's impossible to accommodate, that there are 12 items on the menu gluten-free and the chef would not accommodate me at all. That they don't make substitutions. 2 completely different experiences. I was so looking forward to the amazing sushi that I previously had. When I told the server that we're not going to stay, he said, "that's great, bye"

Unbelievable dinner at Ora! This was the perfect spot to celebrate my fiancé's birthday. Loved the newly renovated and bigger space that can accommodate small or large groups for any occasion. The nigiri is so fresh and tasty that it literally melts in your mouth. You really can't go wrong with any option. The Scallop Volcano maki was delicious and perfect for sharing. The Oyster Motoyaki is enough reason to come back. Super friendly and helpful staff led by Dalbert. Thank you for such an enjoyable experience!

Absolutely stunning food. Delicious and definitely worth a repeat. Service was good, attentive but never annoying. Ambiance was super nice, the place seemed popular so the noise level was a 7/10.

The service was great. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. I thought everything tasted very good but their rice was too moist (at least for our taste). The rolls (esp. the special rolls) were falling apart and the rice wasn't stuck together. We had to be very careful when we picked up each piece otherwise it would just crumble. We ordered 5 rolls and my favorite was spicy salmon. I trust in the quality and freshness of their fish so I definitely want to go back to try their sushi. The rice was a big part for me hence the 3 stars otherwise I would have given them 4 stars.

Very good creative rolls. We liked all of them, but I think my favorites were the wasabi tail and the snake eye. It's BYOB, but their glassware is pretty clunky.

Yay they're back and closer to us now. The new space is huge and aesthetically pleasing. They're still doing a soft opening so the menu is limited. The food was delicious as always. One of the highlights was the oyster motoyaki! I'd never had that before but it was really beautifully presented, delicious and creamy. The service was solid and food came out pretty quickly. They're still byob so bring that wine/beer or pickup at the nearby liquor store!

We had dinner last night at Ora on Clark, having picked the restaurant with no idea what to expect. It was terrific. The sushi and sashimi were very fresh, the Nigiri were imaginative, as were the rolls. For an appetizer we had the Oyster Motoyaki, which was special. I had not previously tasted anything like it. In addition, the staff were excellent, well informed and very friendly. We will be back.

The best sushi I've had in so long! And the vibe is cozy and romantic, with low lights and lots of wood and moss paintings. So lovely and considered. And the service was quick and friendly. Incredible prices too. Will absolutely be a staple for us! Very underrated place!!!

New location is beautiful and sushi is as excellent as always! Such a great addition to the north end of Clark.

I'll keep my rating the same, but we ordered for delivery a month or two back and it just wasn't as wondrous as it had been in person pre-pandemic. (I understand that it's unrealistic to have that expectation anyways). We spent a lot and did not really get a lot of food. I can't recall if a lot of it was service fees and tip or not, but the nigiri was just okay this time around. I think more than anything my major takeaway was the high cost not feeling justified in this specific instance.

Now that I'm back on my Chicago stomping grounds after many months away, I needed to get my Ora fix. I came here with a friend yesterday (a Thursday at around 6:30p) and it was super packed. We didn't have to wait, but it's probably safe for you to make a reservation if you plan on coming here. The restaurant itself is pretty small so it fills up quickly! The place is BYOB, and my friend had brought a bottle of wine, which our servers uncorked for us and offered us a wine cooler. My friend and I started with the Beef Tataki appetizer, which I'd had several months ago when I was last at Ora. It was delicious; the thinly-sliced beef were so juicy and flavorful. We then ordered two maki rolls: the Unagi Avocado and Cucumber roll and a Wasabi Tail roll. No matter where I go I know I'll rarely be disappointed by an unagi roll, and this wasn't an exception. I really liked the flavor of this simple tool. The Wasabi Tail roll was a little adventurous, as it had bacon salsa and yellowtail on it, and it was really good! Definitely a unique smoky flavor from other rolls I've tried, and I highly recommend it! The service was overall fantastic and our server was very cordial. I've missed this place! Parking situation: street

Simply the best, freshest most delicious sushi in Chicago or anywhere. My kids who live in Brooklyn head straight from O'Hare to Ora. We dream about Ora.

The menus that are available online are not accurate. They do not have vegetarian options. I couldn't eat here and wanted to let others know. I'm still giving Ora 5 stars because I don't want to impact their reputation. I just thought other vegetarians and vegans would want to know.

Came here for the first time and got blessed with the best waiter, Jason(JP). Ambiance was moody and such a great place for a date night, also, who can complain about BYOB. We knew what we wanted but JP knew what we needed, his recommendations were 11/10. The sushi was absolutely phenomenal, I mean just look at it!

Even during a pandemic, Ora continues to execute quality sushi. Their basic nigiri presentation is wonderful, with the rice cooked correctly and vinegared to complement the fish. The fish droops over the optimal amount of rice. The twists on traditional sushi work so well with the fish, not overwhelming or attempting to hide the flavor. Orders to try: mebachi big fin, benitoro, hamachi toro, medai, shiro maguro, seven spice escolar, botan ebi, hotate. Hopefully we can all soon see our favorite wait staff. Support this local business. The execution is much better than many of the overpriced places in River North.

Best sushi in Chicago hands down! The restaurant is extremely cozy and clean. Truly, everyone here is so friendly and caring! You all rock!!

Several friends and I decided to visit Ora for dinner on a Saturday night. We made reservations pretty last minute and they were nice enough to accommodate our group of 6 at 6 pm, provided we leave by 8 as another large party was arriving. This was totally done by us, but I am not sure that point was communicated to our server because he brought our last course out at 8. We didn't end up leaving until 815, so we felt bad for the table after us. Other than feeling slightly guilty, our overall experience was good. The sushi was pretty decent overall. The wasabi roll had a nice freshness to it and I would recommend this. The scallop volcano was a heartier roll, but good nonetheless. The Nooky was ok, as the garlic chips overwhelmed the rest of the roll. Also worth an order were the Scottish Salmon and 7 spiced escolar nigiri (one piece/order). The show stealer was the baked oysters. The buttery garlic goodness rendered us silent because of how tasty they were! This place is definitely one of the better sushi joints on the Northside!

Stunned by the poor reviews... Finally made it over since their renovations and it's very cute inside. Fabulous wood finishes, stools, art, etc. Without naming, there are plenty of sushi options in the area...and this is the best! The staff was over the top attentive and friendly. Chef made a point to speak to customers. Everything was just fantastic! This will be a weekly visit!

I live in the neighborhood so we'd walk here when the sushi craving hit. Enjoyed their nigiri every time. One time, they had uni, and it was amazing, had to get another. Makis are a pass for me; they were okay, none were worth reordering. Nigiris are their strong point. One "meh" experience though was on our third visit. I bit into a metal strand in my salad, looked like it came from a metal pan scrubber. When we brought it to the attention of our server, she asked if I wanted a new salad.. I feel like the level of customer service didn't match the price point of Ora. Wasn't impressed by the service. Afterwards, we had their amazing uni, one of the best I've tried in Chicago, ordered another, still great. And while I think back on the uni from that dinner, we end up going to other places for uni and sushi cravings, more further and less convenient, but with better service and providing a happier dining experience (Juno, Kai Zan).

Loved this restaurant. Had the oyster appetizer. Got a full order. Next time, will share a half order. Had the surf and turf. And some nigiri. Music was a bit loud, but consistent with the dark clubby atmosphere. Would definitely return.

The best sushi I've ever had. The quality, freshness and atmosphere was well worth the price. The server was super friendly and knowledgeable, and the chefs were kind and clearly worked hard to deliver an excellent experience. I recommend making reservations ahead. Thanks to the crew and chef Dalbert for an amazing dinner!!!!!

A friend took me here saying that it was thejr favorite sushi spot in the city, so lets just say that I had high expectations coming in. Food: GET.THE.OYSTER.APP. even if you're like me and don't even like oysters all that much. Every bite was mouthwateringly good. We also got the Snake Eye, Dynamite, and Albacore Tataki makis. All in all, the maki was very yummy but not mindblowing. My fav was the Snake Eye. If I came back I would probably stick to their sashimi or omakase to really enjoy the freshness of the food. Drink: BYOB with no fuss which is fantastic. Service: This is where they lose a star. We went at 8 on a Monday night so no wait and it wasnt too busy. The server was pretty available, I just dont know why but it takes an awkwardly long time for them to make the food. Even with alcohol it was a very noticeable amount of time before our apps were out. Hopefully they can work on this cuz I can only imagine it gets worse when it's busier

Big fan of this place. Very good prices for quality sushi in the city. Only started ordering from here the past few months but it's probably become my favorite spot for sushi in the city. Really nice botan ebi, fresh cuts of nigiri/sashimi, and the spicy tuna roll is actually spicy. Generous portions of fish in each maki roll. It's rare to find a spot where every item is equally delightful but I think it's true in the case of Ora. Their covid-19 protocols seem solid (no dine in, locked front door and you need to call them for them to bring out your order) and they've always had my order ready on time.

Love this place! No pretense, great quality fish, Dalbert (head chef) is an expert at his craft, great value. Here is my go-to nigiri list: Amber jack King salmon Scottish salmon Hamachi Hamachi toro Madai. Sea bream Seared albacore Salmon belly, benitoro Blue fin otoro Botan ebi** ask for shell extra crispy Scallop Eel Oyster motoyaki****appetizer

One of the best sushi establishments I've been to! Let me start by saying I recommend making a reservation. They have about 10 tables and were busy the entire time we were there. They are BYOB for alcohol and soft drinks. There is a liquor store right down the street that also sells soft drinks and bubbly water. I recommend trying various negiri and the muscle appetizer. I have no ordered anything I didn't enjoy. Their tuna is fantastic, the fatty tuna is basically butter that melts in your mouth, and the spicy scallops are very flavorful. The last time we were there, we sat at the sushi bar. Not only was it a great experience, I also feel like our food came our much quicker than sitting at the table. Looking forward to my next dining experience.

I loved Ora!! What tasty, salivate-worthy food. Front and center is their oyster motoyaki. That was all the umami flavor you could ever want, in a single dish. So good we almost ordered it twice, when I decided against it because I didn't want to spoil the magic of trying it the first time :p I got the nigiri set, which was well flavored and seasoned. The salmon in particular I liked. The style isn't that of some other traditional Japanese restaurants; instead flavors are amped up and I do quite enjoy that as well! Partner ordered nigiri a la carte and particularly enjoyed the uni - it was super fresh and had just come in in the morning. We also got the chirashi roll which was so good! The fish was seasoned well and the rolls were topped with other sauces and toppings that in combination just blew me away with flavor. We found out that it was similar to what's served in the ora-rashi bowl (that's definitely what I'm ordering next time)! Lastly, service was friendly and solicitous, our server was great, and I'm honestly ready to go back tonight to try a couple of different things!

Great tasting food as always. Would've been 5 stars if our reservation was honored. Had to wait for a table even with a reservation. Service was slow even with less patrons than usual. Still a great atmosphere and everything on the menu is delicious. Don't let me review prevent you from coming. I think it was the service tonight that put us off a bit. Hope they improve!

Best sushi in chicago, there's no doubt. I've been coming to this restaurant for years, prior to there move to the new location and they've only improved overtime. The vibe at Ora is definitely date night perfect, family dinner friendly and just welcoming overall. I will always recommend Ora to anybody who asks about my favorite restaurants because the nigiri, beef tataki, the oyster motoyaki are to dieee for!! I would also love to mention that the service here is always friendly and on point, I would rarely ever stray away from here. *Chefs kiss*