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312 Eats
Avondale · Japanese · $$$

Raisu

4.5338 reviews ·Opentil 10 tonight
A bit intimidating since he’s literally in your face watching your reaction to the food, but with the good food there wasn’t much to hide from him
T MoyT Moy · 212 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Raisu — well-regarded japanese in Avondale. Low-lit and personal, a strong date-night pick. Presentation matters here, and every dish shows care. Kristin Woo: "The service was absolutely incredible- the best I’ve had in so long" [$$$]

What 338 diners keep saying

Great valueNeighborhood institutionRomanticCozyOld schoolFamily friendly
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2958 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
Avondale
Today5-10PM
Sun5-10PM
MonClosed
Tue–Sat5-10PM
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What 338 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Nicholas N.P.Hotography
Mar 2026

Raisu is a gift to the neighborhood, fine sushi with well thought out complex techniques that bring the fish to its true potential. The karaage is spot on every-time it is a perfect starter or finisher of the evening(or any of the tempura selections). With the array of creative cocktails and well paired sake’s you can’t go wrong if you’re looking for an innovative sushi night. The staff are amazing and so nice you feel as though you’ve come to an extension of your home. I can go on for days on how much I enjoy my experience every time.

Nicholas N.P.Hotography

Nicholas N.P.Hotography

5 reviews on Google

Review photo by Megan Etlinger
Feb 2026

A friendly and welcoming place, the staff is wonderful, the food is fantastic and the environment is comfortable and beautiful. Had a great time and look forward to returning.

Megan Etlinger

Megan Etlinger

113 reviews on Google

Review photo by M
Sep 2025

Great food, options and flavors. This place has a wonderful selection of options and the staff is very helpful and friendly. The food quality and atmosphere makes this place great.

M

M

3 reviews on Google

Review photo by Paul Kim
Jul 2025

I love this place and I've been coming here for years. The fish taste so good and the prices are so affordable. Ordered Nigiri chef special, lobster soup(amazing), chicken karaage, and udon. Everything was fantastic. Service was great as well. Never could finish my water because it kept getting refilled.

Paul Kim

Paul Kim

19 reviews on Google

Review photo by Nilam Patel
May 2025

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you on the hunt for sushi that will absolutely blow your mind? Look no further, because Raisu is where it's AT! Seriously, this isn't just good sushi; it's the best sushi in town, hands down. Every single bite bursts with unbelievably fresh flavor – you can tell Chef Simon puts his heart and soul into every creation. And the vibe? Totally on point! It's the perfect spot to chill with friends or enjoy a fantastic meal. Trust me, you'll leave with a full belly and a happy wallet because the price point is just right. If you're anywhere near the north side, you absolutely HAVE to check out Raisu. It's not just a meal; it's an experience! You won't regret it!

Nilam Patel

Nilam Patel

92 reviews on Google

Review photo by Sabrina Hwu
Dec 2024

Raisu has become our favorite date restaurant! The service and the ambiance are always cozy and warm. We love all the sushi creations the chef makes from a beautiful and fresh chirashi bowl to their fancy special maki rolls. Their ingredients are always fresh and top notch. The 3 different types of sake on a sake flight are a great addition to the meal. They all complement the fresh fish beautifully! You can count on Raisu offer an excellent dining experience and a great service!!!

Sabrina Hwu

Sabrina Hwu

28 reviews on Google

Review photo by Madison Pickett
Sep 2024

Absolutely beautiful and incredible sushi, I'm notl sushi expert but I know when I've had memorable food. Everything was delicious and the Lychee martini was life changing. Get the infernal dragon!!

Madison Pickett

Madison Pickett

32 reviews on Google

Review photo by Dalton S
May 2024

Some of the best sushi I’ve ever had! Tempura perfectly crispy! Nigiri the best in Chicago!

Dalton S

Dalton S

5 reviews on Google

Review photo by Tum Promlee
Mar 2024

Love the all Japanese beer selection and varied sake list...go for the signature nigiris and daily specials...March 1 2024... revisited with Fam and Paige et al knocked it out of the park...3 hot sakes didn't hurt...

Tum Promlee

Tum Promlee

21 reviews on Google

Review photo by Travellerkayas
Jan 2024

Visited after long time and also have recently ordered on GrubHub from them. My favorites are the the nigiri and shashimi and . All of the dishes are great! I really admire the idea to cook head and tail of one shrimp in two ways. I ordered sake, somuku sake, ikura, inferno dragon maki ball. The last one is their best seller. I wish the prices were a little lower or maybe we could get a little more amount for the same price, especially when we are just ordering online.

Travellerkayas

Travellerkayas

537 reviews on Google

Review photo by Victoria Selezneva
Dec 2023

Amazing food, as always!!!!

Victoria Selezneva

Victoria Selezneva

7 reviews on Google

Review photo by jenny
Mar 2024

The sushi was surprising, innovative and delicious! Sake flight was a highlight. Seating was comfy and our waitress was super nice. It could have been a tad darker in there in terms of lighting. Would recommend trying a classic maki as well as one of the four-piece sashimi options. (I was skeptical of fish wrapped around fruit, but after one bite I was a believer 😸 I was also a fan of the pickled onion and scallion in the maki) Our favorite signature was the red dragon.

jenny

jenny

6 reviews on Google

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