Sai Café

Name: Sai Café
Address: 1114 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, Chicago, IL, 60614.0, US
Telephone: +1 773-472-8080
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.6

Essential

Japanese

Is this your business?

Claim this profile to update your info and track analytics.

Claim Profile

About

Sai Café — one of Lincoln Park's strongest japanese spots. Order the Sushi. There's real intention behind the cocktail list. "Everything from the aesthetic, service and especially the food was phenomenal" — Barrett Wellendorf

Experience Breakdown

🍴Food

5.0

👥Service

5.0

✨Ambiance

4.7

💬Sentiment

4.9

Nicholas Faccio

69 reviews

Highlights

CozyFamily FriendlyGreat CocktailsQuick BiteFast ServiceNeighborhood InstitutionFamily Run

Must Try

Sushi

What Diners Are Saying

Diners loved

Warm, welcoming staffStrong cocktail menuKnowledgeable staff

Some noted

Gets noisyLong waits during peak

Read all 239+ reviews on Google

Location

1114 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

What 239+ diners say about Sai Café

“I've been to Sai Cafe many times and I always sit by myself at the bar.”

I've been to Sai Cafe many times and I always sit by myself at the bar. I frequently see other solo women dining at the bar and I even notice a few who must be regulars. There are also always groups at the tables, but I like to run in and have a bite before my appointments on Halsted or Armitage. They are always so friendly. The food it outstanding. I always opt for the sushi or sashimi and it is always extremely fresh and tasty. I always have a sauvignon blanc, as well. I do have a severe shellfish allergy and they always take care to mention to the chef. It is very clean, as well. I highly recommend Sai Cafe and will be back again and again!

Aleksandra Matic

May 2025

Review by Jay “Just Eat Smart Nutrition!”

“Great sushi bar and even better service.”

Great sushi bar and even better service. We stop in on a whim to have a couple drinks and ordered a roll. Glad we did!

Jay “Just Eat Smart Nutrition!”

Oct 2024

“Sai cafe is just fantastic.”

Sai cafe is just fantastic. Our whole family loves to come here. Everything is just absolutely amazing. The sushi is phenomenal. Gorgeous ambience inside and Sai is just the nicest, almost always in the house walking around and making sure everything is fantastic.

Nick Bacci

Oct 2023

“Great quality fish, sit at the sushi bar if you can, you might have your sushi prepared by the owner Jim.”

Great quality fish, sit at the sushi bar if you can, you might have your sushi prepared by the owner Jim. We always enjoy our time here, friendly staff & quick and attentive service. Neighborhood gem in LP.

Tanya Kiatathikom

Oct 2023

“sai cafe has the freshest sushi in all of chicago.”

sai cafe has the freshest sushi in all of chicago. you can come here knowing you’ll be served the best quality fish and other ingredients. tucked away on the corner of sheffield and armitage, it can be easy to miss, but definitely give this place a try. you simply cannot go wrong with anything on the menu UPDATE: still the best sushi I’ve had in chicago

MaryClare F

Jun 2022

“Went with my friend for dinner and we absolutely loved it.”

Went with my friend for dinner and we absolutely loved it! Everything from the aesthetic, service and especially the food was phenomenal. By far the best sushi I've had in Chicago, we ordered the ahi poke appetizer and would very highly recommend it, it was one of the greatest dishes I've had in my entire life.

Barrett Wellendorf

Jan 2022

“Had a great time with my friends.”

Had a great time with my friends. The food was great!! I was supposed by their cocktails too!

Matt Wozniak

Apr 2021

“All I can say is..”

All I can say is... YUM!! The volcano maki was one of my favorite rolls ever! So fresh, so light, the perfect size, it was all around delicious! I would come back over and over if only I lived here! Definitely worth a try if you’ve never been!!

Debra A

Aug 2019

“Top sushi in Chicago: fresh, clean taste every time.”

Top sushi in Chicago: fresh, clean taste every time. We like to sit at the sushi bar and always ask questions. We feel welcomed like regulars and now know the best items on the menu. Always trust the chef! Have never had a bad experience, highly recommend.

Angela DeStefano

Jul 2019

“First thing that you notice when you walk in is that the restaurant is very very clean.”

First thing that you notice when you walk in is that the restaurant is very very clean. Friendly staff and quick service. We ordered a couple of rolls and it was very delicious! If you are looking for high quality sushi you should definitely check this place out!

Chicago Coffee Addict

Jun 2019

“QUICK TIP: the cold appetizer, SALMON GONE WILD, is the MOST RECOMMENDED item on all yelp reviews (pictured here).”

QUICK TIP: the cold appetizer, SALMON GONE WILD, is the MOST RECOMMENDED item on all yelp reviews (pictured here). I agree- great combination of sweet and spicy flavors on this fresh salmon. GUILTY PLEASURE ALERT: Bagel Maki Hand Roll FAIR prices for SAKI. My favorite sushi spot in Lincoln Park