Sushi-san
Sushi restaurant · Near North Side ·
Creative maki, nigiri, handrolls, & grilled meats served late
Creative maki, nigiri, handrolls, & grilled meats served late
"This River North spot is busy, with music loud enough to help you pretend it’s Friday night. It also serves high-quality fish and is reasonably affordable for the neighborhood. The menu has a mix of traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes, from fusion options (like an octopus “taco” with a seaweed shell) to fantastic nigiri and sashimi." - adrian kane, john ringor
"Sushi-san in River North has wooden tables, loud rap music, and the menu is a mix of sushi and Japanese small plates. Sure, this place has a poop emoji instead of a bathroom sign, but the food here is no joke—it’s really really good. Sushi-san is also both reasonably affordable for the neighborhood, and a fun spot for a group dinner. Order a “San-set” (an assortment of sushi), and make sure you get the Japanese pancakes for dessert." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
"Sushi-san in River North serves seriously great Japanese food, even if the club-level-loud rap music and poop emoji bathroom sign make it seem somewhat gimmicky. The sushi here is expertly prepared, like their San-Set assortments of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls that have names like Megatron and Mr. Maguro. And like the spicy octopus tacos in a crunchy nori shell or fluffy Japanese pancakes for dessert, they’re perfect for a group to split as they ramp up their night. Sushi-san is an irreverent party with excellent sushi and an exciting bar roster (Asahi, on tap, in a frosted glass), but they also have a great selection of drinks that have nothing with alcohol—AKA their N.W.A. section, naturally." - john ringor, adrian kane, nick allen, veda kilaru, sam faye
"While many Chicago booths are plush and comfortable, the ones at Sushi-san are designed to build character. They’re made of wood, with sharp corners that can hurt the backs of your legs after an extended visit. But they also have a certain minimalist charm. If you’re really concerned, bring some kneepads and wear them backwards while you eat." - adrian kane, john ringor
"Sushi-san’s motto is “hip hop and hand rolls,” which should give some indication of the casual vibe at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ ocean-oriented sibling of Ramen-san. While chef Kaze Chan is serving a full slate of izakaya-inspired bites, from crispy tempura to grilled miso salmon, the restaurant’s sweet spot is its “San-sets” that include maki rolls and traditional nigiri and sashimi. Online ordering is available here. For a more intimate and upscale meal, patrons can snag a spot at the Omakase Room, a 10-seat restaurant-within-a-restaurant offering an 18-course menu for $250 per person. There’s also location inside Willis Tower and in Lincoln Park." - Naomi Waxman
