Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya
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About
Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya — well-regarded japanese in River North. The design gives it a sharp first impression. The menu goes beyond what you'd expect.
Experience Breakdown
Karen (華蓮)
199 reviews
“We had one of their sushi setto and we really enjoyed how fresh the fish was so we ended up ordering more sushi 🍣 definitely this is a great place for the casual active sushi eater”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
I had 2 rolls for takeout and the simple salmon came with a ton of wasabi inside :(.
Pros: * The restaurant has a nice interior. * It offers a wide variety of sake.
Location
372 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
What 237+ diners say about Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya
“Ordered the nigiri with a few special add-ons, and everything was excellent.”
Ordered the nigiri with a few special add-ons, and everything was excellent. The fish was extremely fresh and full of flavor. The salmon belly and o-toro were my favorites — rich, buttery, and absolutely delicious. Would definitely order again ✨♥️
audcharaporn vinitsrikaroon
Dec 2025
“This spot is a great choice for fresh sushi and flavorful small plates.”
This spot is a great choice for fresh sushi and flavorful small plates. The rolls are well-prepared with quality ingredients, and the menu has plenty of options to share. The atmosphere feels modern yet cozy, and the service is friendly and attentive. It’s a nice place for a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
Valeria Sperandini
Sep 2025
“Very very nice restaurant with fresh Japanese foods.”
Very very nice restaurant with fresh Japanese foods. Good place for drinking and having a talk. Very nice service, great decoration and nice taste of music. Suggest reservation though I didn't wait for a seat.
Jinghan Li
Jun 2025
“Such an amazing place.”
Such an amazing place. Wonderful service, perfect decor and atmosphere and DELICIOUS food. Had the edamame, karaage and various sashimi - all were great!
Katelyn Early
Jun 2025
“This place was awesome.”
This place was awesome. It’s been in my neighborhood for a couple years just tried. Was blown away. Such great rolls, sashimi A++++ highly recommend ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mary OConnell
Apr 2025
“Great food and good atmosphere.”
Great food and good atmosphere! It’s a nice Japanese restaurant with delicious food. I ordered takowasa, adamame, chicken katsu bento, unagidon and it was all delicious! Especially chicken katsu bento was amazing. It had so many types of food in it including california roll and gyoza. I really enjoyed it so much and all the meals came with miso soup. I’d love to back next time! 👍🏻
Jiyeon Portnoy
Mar 2025
“This Chicago sushi spot is the real deal, folks.”
This Chicago sushi spot is the real deal, folks. The staff is friendly, the sushi chef is a pro, and the sushi bar is a freshness extravaganza. As a self-proclaimed salmon connoisseur, I give their sashimi salmon two thumbs way up. And don't even get me started on the chicken karaage - it's a flavor bomb that's clearly made with love, not some mass-produced frozen monstrosity from Restaurant Depot. The sauce that comes with it? The perfect finishing touch. Everything on izakaya menus is straight fire. Definitely going back!
Kanpichcha Hines
Jan 2025
“The food here is amazing.”
The food here is amazing. The sushi was fresh and perfect. We ate at the restaurant and the service was top notch. The food was even better. I love the Bento Box with the chicken katsu. We ended up getting carry-out a couple of days later again. See you again!
Kevin Cervantes
Jan 2025
“Excellent kushiyaki/yakatori, pork belly was a favorite.”
Excellent kushiyaki/yakatori, pork belly was a favorite! Large portions and good happy hour deals. The server was above and beyond. Lovely treat in Chicago.
Arianne Barons
Oct 2024
“Ikigai Sushi is my favorite sushi spot due to its exceptional service, fresh and delicious sushi,...”
Ikigai Sushi is my favorite sushi spot due to its exceptional service, fresh and delicious sushi, and lovely pet-friendly patio. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, making every visit a pleasure. The inviting outdoor space adds to the dining experience, making it perfect for enjoying a meal with my furry friend. Highly recommended!
kiekypvn
Sep 2024
“I went to Chicago for business trip last Tuesday.”
I went to Chicago for business trip last Tuesday. On of our clients recommend this place. I love how fresh those sushi is. Also they serve omakase that was my favorite part highly recommend for everyone.
Elizabeth Maruyama
Dec 2023
“Loved the Chirashi bowl.”
Loved the Chirashi bowl! Sashimi were fresh. All the staffs are super friendly and fun! We had such a great night ❤️ They have just gotten their alcohol license! Can’t wait to come back again to try more food and sake!
Pinhwa Su
Jul 2023
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