Ringo ~ by Hemmi

"If you ignore the open kitchen and tables full of Japanese food, this small restaurant feels like a cute neighborhood coffee shop. The sparsely decorated space has mid-century modern chairs and frosted pendant lamps, and the quiet atmosphere is great for a meal when you actually want to get to know someone. Although the menu leans on the simpler, more straightforward side, their maki and nigiri are both delicious and affordable. The hamachi nigiri with yuzu has just enough citrus to complement the fish while the botan ebi is pleasantly sweet and comes with a perfectly crispy shrimp head." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru

"Despite an open kitchen and tables full of Japanese food, this quiet Lincoln Park restaurant feels like a cute neighborhood coffee shop. The sparsely decorated space is bright and narrow, with mid-century modern chairs and frosted pendant lamps. And like any good neighborhood spot, the delicious, reasonably priced food, and friendly service are convincing reasons to become a regular. Both their sushi and hot dishes are equally tasty, so a group meal or low-key date is the best way to ensure you’ll try enough of both. The maki and nigiri are both great, with options like hamachi with yuzu or sweet botan ebi served with a perfectly crispy shrimp head. But the appetizers are even more impressive. The tsukune skewers have a balance of savory ground chicken and onion with a sweet glaze, while their chawanmushi is perfectly light and creamy with just a hint of fruity yuzu." - John Ringor

"Japanese restaurant Ringo Sushi on North Lincoln Avenue is relocating to 1441 W. Fullerton Avenue." - Naomi Waxman