Umai

"While there are other places to get sushi in the South Loop, Umai is the best at blending above-average food with a versatile ambiance. This Japanese restaurant serves sushi, ramen, udon, and dishes like katsukarē in a space that feels like a showroom for the West Elm lighting department. Are the trendy chandeliers giving off a soft glow that’s exactly the type of flattering you want on a first date? Yes. Can you hear a table of roommates discussing a potential lamp purchase? Also yes. This spot is cozy, but not so much that it would make a group of coworkers feel awkward about being here together." - veda kilaru, adrian kane, john ringor

"Distance: 7 min drive / 22 min walk While there are other places to get sushi near the Museum Campus, Umai is the best. This Japanese spot also serves ramen, udon, and dishes like katsukarē in a cabin outfitted by the West Elm lighting department. Are the chandeliers giving off a soft glow that’s exactly the type of flattering you want after standing in front of blue lights all day? Yes. Is it bright enough to read the menu without the aid of a phone flashlight? Also yes. This spot is cozy, but not to the point that a group of colleagues in town for the Morningstar Investment Conference feel awkward about being here together." - veda kilaru

"It can be tough to find quality sushi in Chicago without feeling like you need to check your bank account before ordering. Enter Umai: a spot in the South Loop serving reasonably-priced Japanese dishes in a space that might have you asking yourself if there was a sale on wood. The restaurant feels like a showroom for West Elm’s lighting department, and is intimate enough for a date but won’t make a group of coworkers feel awkward about being there together. The usual sushi combinations appear on the menu, along with a variety of ramen, udon, and dishes like katsukarē. Those are good, but for something more interesting, order the signature maki which have fillings like lobster salad and toppings like honey miso or white truffle sauce." - Veda Kilaru