Sushi Badaya Highland Park
WHITE KNIGHT · 280 Google reviewsSushi Badaya Highland Park — Highland Park japanese with a strong Sushi. Plates come out looking sharp. [patio]
What 244 diners keep saying
What 244 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Great service and loved how fresh our sashimi was~ and the decoration was a masterpiece!!”
“The quality of the sushi was outstanding. The presentation was absolutely beautiful, and the taste was exceptional. It easily rivals some of the finest high-end sushi restaurants in downtown Chicago. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the chefs were incredibly talented. Highly recommended!”
“Sushi was describe as an art creature ever that I recently seen. Tasty and fresh. Also, fun to watch! Staffs are nice as well. The atmosphere of the restaurant was cozy and welcoming. I would definitely re-visit again in the future.”
“We came for omakase - what an excellent experience!! Chef Moon is the best! Definitely come and check this place out!”
“I ordered two Supreme Dinner sets for takeout from Badaya, and everything was really good. The presentation was nice, but more importantly the fish was very fresh. You can tell each piece was made with care. I especially liked the fresh wasabi which made a big difference. We also ordered fried rice for the kids, and it was surprisingly good. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely order again.”
“Fantastic sushi bar in the heart of downtown Highland Park. They have a wide selection of rolls along with a variety of drinks and appetizers. The staff is very friendly and it has an Asian fusion kind of vibe.”
“This sushi bar offered more than just a meal—it was a **carefully curated culinary experience** that highlighted the true essence of exceptional ingredients. Throughout the course, the quality and freshness of the fish were outstanding, with a clear sense of precision in aging, temperature, and balance with the rice. The true standouts were the **tuna collar (kamatoro) and fatty tuna (otoro)**. The kamatoro delivered a deep, savory richness with a beautifully structured texture, while the otoro melted effortlessly, its refined fat spreading gently across the palate without overwhelming it. Both pieces showcased confidence in restraint, allowing the quality of the tuna itself to speak. The **uni** was equally memorable—clean, sweet, and luxuriously creamy, with none of the bitterness or off-notes that often diminish lesser offerings. It left a lasting impression as both a highlight and a graceful finish. Overall, this sushi bar exemplifies **top-tier ingredients, thoughtful execution, and polished hospitality**. For those who truly appreciate sushi as a form of fine dining, this is an experience well worth seeking out.”
“Absolutely fantastic experience at Sushi Badaya. We came in on a Saturday night on the recommendation of friends and were very pleased with our meal. Everything was excellent, from the appetizers to the main course. The service and presentation were superb. Most importantly, the fish was fresh! We'll be coming back for sure!”
“I had such a great experience at Sushi Badaya! The food was incredibly fresh and flavorful — you can really taste the quality in every bite. The sushi was beautifully presented, and everything we ordered was delicious. The staff was kind, attentive, and made us feel so welcome. It’s clear they take pride in what they do. Whether you’re a sushi lover or just trying it out for the first time, I highly recommend this place. Can’t wait to come back!”
“After moving from the city to Highland Park, we were a bit worried how the suburban sushi would compare. Badaya - you have leveled up!! We had take out from here one night which was great. At the time, my husband saw that Badaya has an Omikase!!! This was something we thought we'd never find in the suburbs. It is such a treat for anyone who likes sushi!! For those who haven't had an Omikase meal, it is a prix fix multiple course sushi meal created right in front of you. Chef Moon was outstanding. We loved asking about all the different fish he prepared for us and he was happy to tell us more. The wait staff - incredible. They were extremely attentive and nice. This meal includes some of the best nigiri mixed in with snacks like edamame and lobster soup. It was beautiful and creative. At the end, the chef asked what each of our favorite courses was. Personally I loved this cuttlefish uni combo. My husband loved the salmon. Chef moon made an additional variation of each of those for us to have. So if you want to feel like a sushi VIP, I highly recommend this experience. I'm going back again this week for it with my dad since I want to experience it all again. Looking forward to what Chef prepares for us this time!! Updating 6/14/25: this place continues to be SO GOOD”
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