Omakase by Kanemaru

“Gastronomic experience I will treasure for a really long time.”

Jeff Lew

Nov 2025

“Very quiet and unique place in the middle of downtown area.”

Very quiet and unique place in the middle of downtown area. Food is amazing! We had the best tuna ever in the United States. We also love the salmon roe and almost want more rice to go with that dish; this is how good it is. Chef did not chat a lot but focused 100% on food. Amazing experience!

yuqi yan

Nov 2025

“W. Hubbard Street at night is a lively and vibrant area filled with bars and restaurants — it...”

W. Hubbard Street at night is a lively and vibrant area filled with bars and restaurants — it almost feels like New York’s West Village. My wife and I arrived at the restaurant, a small eight-seat sushi bar, about ten minutes early for our 5 p.m. reservation. A young Japanese lady greeted us warmly, confirmed our booking, and collected our jackets. During our 1.5-hour stay, she seamlessly played multiple roles — hostess, server, and even fish interpreter — answering every question with genuine warmth and knowledge. Both of us were impressed by Chef Kanemura’s exquisite selection of fish and great attention to detail: juicy slices of red skin daikon radish, softly aromatic shiso leaves, and perfectly balanced sushi rice — subtly sweet, lightly tart, and beautifully textured, with each grain distinct and satisfying. The sushi nori was another highlight — thin, crisp, and aromatic — while the wasabi, infused with a refreshing hint of yuzu zest, added a bright and memorable finish. When I asked my wife if there was anything she would suggest, she said, "it would be even better if the tableware could be reselected to match the chef’s refined taste — the current ones look a bit less artistic compared to the quality of the food.” This dinner was a highlight of our three-day trip to Chicago — we truly enjoyed.

Diane Dong

Nov 2025

“Top notch Japanese sushi chef with 35+ experience and extreme attention to details and service.”

Top notch Japanese sushi chef with 35+ experience and extreme attention to details and service. Very classic and traditional omakase with fish flown from Japan by the best. The location is great with a small plate next the door but the omakase counter is on the second floor. Very clean but could use some authentic decoration and lighting to maximize the experience as I thought the lights were just too bright.

Gh M

Oct 2025

“WOW beat sushi I have ever had.”

Benjamin Zakaria

Oct 2025

“Amazing sushi! Very kind staff and they take great care of you!”

Michael El-Saleh

Aug 2025

“Delicious Omakase.”

Delicious Omakase! All the food was fantastic.

Cashel Coughlan

Aug 2025

“Great experience.”

Great experience. Sushi is top quality and the Chef has been making sushi for 30 years. Drink selection is great and the fish was super fresh. Old school, simple and clean. Tons of good spots around for after dinner drinks, as well.

Jon Glincman

Aug 2025

“This is what an omakase should look like.”

This is what an omakase should look like. One Japanese Chef running a tranquil and secretive corner.

Haokai Zhang

Aug 2025

“Okamase Kanemaru offers exceptionally high-quality sushi, prepared by a chef whose sincerity and...”

Okamase Kanemaru offers exceptionally high-quality sushi, prepared by a chef whose sincerity and uniquely charming character make the dining experience truly memorable.

Steve Nomura

Jul 2025

“I had the pleasure of attending the 9:00 PM seating at this intimate ten-seat counter, where it was...”

I had the pleasure of attending the 9:00 PM seating at this intimate ten-seat counter, where it was just me, Chef Shinichiro Kanemaru, and our server Pak. From start to finish, it felt like a personal culinary salon crafted just for me. Chef Kanemaru brings over 30 years of sushi mastery, with deep roots in Tokyo’s respected sushi houses and a clear passion for precision—especially in his rice and expertly sliced fish. The 16-course omakase is a thoughtful journey through pristine premium fish—fatty tuna, Hokkaido uni, king crab—and carefully curated sake pairings that elevate each meal beautifully. Pak’s service was warm, attentive, and added a personal touch. The space itself—minimalist, serene, and focused on craftsmanship—perfectly frames Chef Kanemaru’s performance and allows a meaningful connection to the artistry unfolding before you . If you’re seeking a top-tier, chef-driven sushi experience in Chicago, this is it. It felt like dining with family, immersed in hospitality, mastery, and joy. Highly recommended.

Jim Bludorn

Jun 2025

“Very delicious high grade sushi made in front of you by a native Japanese sushi chef.”

Very delicious high grade sushi made in front of you by a native Japanese sushi chef. Everything was great and sake goes well with it. It's definitely pricey though but you have a genuine Japanese sushi experience in front of you without going to japan. But even if you go to japan, omakase style sushi is still expensive over there. Overall I reccomend coming here.

Siri satt

Jun 2025