Akiro Hand Roll Bar
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About
Akiro Hand Roll Bar — high-caliber japanese in River North. Buzzy, energetic room where the crowd adds to it. Not your typical menu, in a good way. "The toro was absolutely melt-in-your-mouth perfection — rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced" — Lauren lee
Experience Breakdown
Chris Sanders
60 reviews
“Michael is conversational, explains each piece and does an excellent job of making what could be an intimidating experience fantastic”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Clean record
No recurring complaints found across reviews.
Location
546 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
What 708+ diners say about Akiro Hand Roll Bar
“The food was incredible，the Tuna Tiradito was a standout, with a sauce that was perfectly balanced and sophisticated.”
The food was incredible，the Tuna Tiradito was a standout, with a sauce that was perfectly balanced and sophisticated. The handrolls were also exceptionally fresh and well crafted. Billy provided 5-star service！ However, I was moved from a comfortable corner because I was told there was a "4-person reservation" for that spot. Out of consideration, I moved to an awkward middle seat, which made me feel extremely self-conscious and uncomfortable. The most frustrating part? I stayed for an hour, and that 4-person reservation NEVER showed up. The table remained empty the entire time. To make matters worse, there were other open spots at the bar and by the window that were never offered to me. It felt like my comfort was sacrificed just to "fill a gap" simply because I was dining alone.😢😢
Z Z
Jan 2026
“I very rarely make reviews, but this place went above and beyond in many different ways.”
I very rarely make reviews, but this place went above and beyond in many different ways. The staff are all very attentive from the very start. The food is excellent with fresh ingredients. The lychee martini that I had was perfectly balanced. An elegant restaurant. I will say coming from someone who worked in the restaurant industry that the workers all were able to do their jobs to the best of the abilities because of good management, something that is wonderful to see. Thankyou Carlos, Ruben, and my wonderful server, Carolina.
Amelia Maholias
Jan 2026
“Sit at the chef’s counter.”
Sit at the chef’s counter. Or don’t. But if you don’t, be jealous. This place is basically the tapas bar of sushi! It provides small and perfect bites that keep showing off. Hand rolls with zero fluff. Think of it as my fancy hot dog era, but make it elite. The octopus stole the show and the scallop nigiri was unique for me. Loved the vibe.
Sara Govero
Jan 2026
“COME TO AKIRO HANDROLL BAR.”
COME TO AKIRO HANDROLL BAR. I've lived in Chicago for 54 years and this might be my new favorite restaurant EVER. It was seriously so incredible. Chef Michael and our server Carolina were beyond helpful and fun. They guided us to the perfect order and we are so grateful. The atmosphere was so great. Seriously dreaming about all the amazing pieces we ate. Will be coming back as soon as possible!
Lucy Rogers
Jan 2026
“My best friend and I came for New Years Eve and service and food was amazing.”
My best friend and I came for New Years Eve and service and food was amazing. We asked if we could be seated early and they accommodated us so kindly and the food and service was swift. The handrolls and nigiris were SO fresh. Like I could order everything in this menu. I’ll definitely be back. Shoutout to Benjamin for the amazing service. You are the best!! Happy 2026!
Grace Cynthia
Jan 2026
“The food here is so good.”
The food here is so good. The sushi is fresh and everything is made in front of which I really appreciated. This place is good spot for a quick sushi bite. Our chef Benjamin was amazing and made the best nigiri and hand rolls! This place also has super friendly service will definitely be back!
Faith Joseph
Jan 2026
“Amazing experience.”
Amazing experience! We got to sit in Carolina’s section and she did an amazing job of telling us the best picks off the menu that were her favorites to try (understandably so). And our sections chef was Benjamin and he was also fantastic. He answered any question we had on the menu and got every order to us so quickly it was truly a wonderful experience. Will be returning. Food recommendations: Starters: tuna tartar Nigiri: truffle salmon & squid Hand roll: toro Dessert: matcha tres leches
Taylor Williams
Dec 2025
“Delicious, incredible food, and treatment like no other.”
Delicious, incredible food, and treatment like no other. Didn’t have to think twice about coming back. Carlos was super friendly and welcoming. The quality of the food is amazing, and the taste is unforgettable. The warmth from the staff made the food taste even better.
Sara Salazar
Dec 2025
“Bar only seating, I sat facing a wall( which I didn’t mind nice break from looking at people).”
Bar only seating, I sat facing a wall( which I didn’t mind nice break from looking at people). Chocolate miso brownie dessert is fascinating and delicious. I didn’t expect for the flavors and textures to work so well together. Absolutely delighted that our server recommended it. It comes with only one small scoop of ice cream so I asked for more ice cream and they charged for second scoop $6, making that dessert about $19. Husband tried the fish and chips roll and that tasted better than it should have. The place had a club atmosphere. Would go back for the dessert
Gabriela turcu
Dec 2025
“Make the reservation.”
Make the reservation! We walked in and were lucky to grab two seats at one of the counters but should have made reservations. The place filled up on a Monday night. Our server Billy was amazing! He shared his expertise and kept our wine glasses refilled. He took such great care of us during our time here. The edamame was delicious and a great starter. The waygu nigiri is a must have bite. It’s perfect. The hand rolls are delicious and they offer a variety of options to suit all palettes. The wine list is reasonably priced and the atmosphere is fun. Make the reservation!
Katie Kellermann
Dec 2025
“AKIRO is hands down one of the best sushi places I’ve been to.”
AKIRO is hands down one of the best sushi places I’ve been to. The quality of the fish was outstanding—fresh, perfectly cut, and full of flavor. Every roll was beautifully prepared and tasted incredible. A special shout-out to sushi chef Benjamin—he was just amazing. You can truly feel his passion and skill in every piece he prepares. His attention to detail and creativity made the whole experience unforgettable. If you love high-quality sushi and great service, AKIRO is a must-visit. Can’t wait to come back!
Dmytro Pavlichenko
Dec 2025
“absolutely unique culinary experience in Chicago.”
absolutely unique culinary experience in Chicago! Perfect mix of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. Benjamin was an amazing chef and each bite was 10/10
Olia Chicago
Dec 2025
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