Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya

4.6

92 Reviews

$31 to $50

Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 1 time today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Great for happy hour
Good for special occasions

Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya is a River North restaurant offering an authentic Japanese-style tavern food and high quality sushi and omakase. Using only fresh seasonal and natural ingredients, our chefs take time and care to make everything in-house from scratch on a daily basis in order to create the most delightful and flavorful dishes for you. With its warm ambiance, Ikigai is aiming to create a casual and friendly neighborhood atmosphere with unique flavors of Japan where the beverages are always cold and the food is full of flavors. You will feel absolutely right at home from the moment you have arrived.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Izakaya
Hours of operation
Mon, Wed, Thu 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(312) 291-9663
Website
http://www.IkigaiChicago.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jeff Waiyachote

Location
372 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Cross street
We are located on the Northeast corner of W Chicago Ave and N Sedgwick St.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
We are one block west from the Chicago Ave stop for the CTA Brown and Purple line L trains. We are also one block east from the Chicago & Hudson bus stop for the westbound 66 bus and one block west from the Orleans & Chicago stop for the northbound 37 bus.
Additional
Beer, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Sushibar Omakase
$149.00 per person
Multiple dates available
***RESERVATION IS REQUIRED 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE*** Experience a new way to enjoy Japanese cuisine and culture. You can relax and enjoy our seasonal 15+course menu including dessert prepared in front of you by our chefs. PRICE: $149/person plus tax and 20% gratuity will be applied to the total bill. Seating Time: Fri and Sat at 7:30pm. FOR CANCELLATIONS: Please notify us 24 hours prior to your reservation. All no shows and cancellations are subject to be charged a penalty of $75/person. Please let us know if there is any allergies or dietary restrictions in your party, we will try our best to accommodate substitutions. Thank you for choosing Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya. We look forward to welcome you to our Omakase experience.

Edamame$6.00
Steamed soybeans with sea salt
Miso Soup$4.50
Red miso soybean paste with wakame, tofu, dashi and scallions
Fresh Green$8.00
Fresh mixed green, cucumber, tomato, pepitas and miso-ginger dressing
Karaage$11.00
Japanese fried chicken, lemon zest, scallions with mentaiko spicy mayo
Gyoza$9.00
Japanese deep fried dumplings stuffed with chicken and vegetables served with chili vinaigrette soy sauce
Ika Geso$12.00
Squid tentacles tempura
Tempura Zensai
Tempura Appetizer
- Assorted Tempura$12.00
- All Shrimp Tempura$14.00
- Vegetables Tempura$12.00
*Sashimi of the Day$17.00
Seasonal assorted raw fish [6 pcs.]

Bento Box

Served with miso soup, side salad, rice, gyoza and teriyaki sauce

Grilled Chicken$21.50
- California Maki
- Avocado Maki
- Kappa Maki
- Avokyu Maki
- Kampyo Maki
- Asparagus Maki
Grilled Salmon Filet$25.50
Atlantic salmon
- California Maki
- Avocado Maki
- Kappa Maki
- Avokyu Maki
- Kampyo Maki
- Asparagus Maki
NY Angus Steak$27.50
USDA prime
- Rare
- Medium Rare
- Medium
- Medium Well
- Well Done
- California Maki
- Avocado Maki
- Kappa Maki
- Avokyu Maki
- Kampyo Maki
- Asparagus Maki

Donburi

Rice bowl served with miso soup or fresh green

*Chirashi$30.00
Assorted raw fish, cucumber, tamago, salmon roe over rice
- Miso
- Side Salad
Unagi Don$30.00
Barbecued freshwater eel, cucumber, tamago, sansho pepper and nori over rice
- Miso
- Side Salad
Toridon$17.50
Grilled chicken thigh, scallions, nori, togarashi with teriyaki sauce over rice
- Miso
- Side Salad

Kushiyaki

Skewers [1/order]

Negima$7.00
Chicken thigh, tokyo negi, togarashi
Sasami$7.00
Chicken breast, yuzu kosho
Tebasaki$7.00
Chicken wings with salt and pepper
Kawa$5.00
Chicken skin with salt and tare sauce
Sunagimo$5.00
Soy marinated chicken gizzard
Tori Hatsu$5.00
Chicken heart with shio or tare sauce
Butabara$7.00
Soy marinated pork belly
Harami$9.00
Marinated skirt steak, tokyo negi with shio and tare sauce
Sake$9.00
Salmon with miso shio koji
Shiitake Negi$7.00
Shiitake mushroom and tokyo negi
Shishito$6.00
Japanese sweet pepper with unagi sauce and bonito flakes
Asparagus$4.00
Shio
Okura$4.00
Shio
Squash Gray$4.00
Shio

Binchotan Setto

Ikigai Yakitori$21.00
Chef's assorted chicken selections [4]
Ikigai Yasai$16.50
Chef's assorted vegetable selections [4]
Ikigai Kushiyaki$35.00
Chef's assorted selections [6]

Nigiri [1pc] / Sashimi [2pcs]

Nigiri [Fish over rice]/Sashimi [Slice Fish]

*Maguro
Tuna loin
- Nigiri$6.00
- Sashimi$10.00
*Hamachi
Yellowtail
- Nigiri$6.00
- Sashimi$10.00
*Kampachi
Wild amberjack
- Nigiri$5.50
- Sashimi$9.00
Madai*
Red sea bream
- Nigiri$5.50
- Sashimi$9.00
Sake*
Faroe Islands salmon
- Nigiri$4.50
- Sashimi$7.00
Hotate*
Scallop
- Nigiri$6.50
- Sashimi$11.00
Saba*
House marinated mackerel
- Nigiri$4.50
- Sashimi$7.00
Botan Ebi*
Spot prawn
- Nigiri$6.00
- Sashimi$10.00
Ikura*
House marinated salmon roe
- Nigiri$6.00
- Sashimi$10.00
Unagi
Barbecued freshwater eel
- Nigiri$5.50
- Sashimi$9.00
Tamago
House made sweet omelet
- Nigiri$4.00
- Sashimi$6.00

Sushi Setto*

Served with miso soup

Nigiri Setto [7pcs]$49.00
Chef's seasonal nigiri selections
Sashimi Setto [12pcs]$59.00
Chef's seasonal sashimi selections
Nigiri To Sashimi [4 Nigiri, 8 Sashimi]$69.00
Chef's seasonal nigiri & sashimi

Ikigai Makimono

*Tekka Maki$12.00
Tuna Roll
*Sake Maki$10.00
Salmon roll
*Negihama$11.00
Chopped yellowtail, scallions
*Chili Tuna$14.00
Spicy tuna, scallions, cucumber
*Chili Hotate$15.00
Scallop, spicy crispy garlic, cucumber
*Tsurai Sake$16.00
Spicy salmon, cucumber, scallions
California$14.00
Spicy crab meat, cucumber, avocado
Unakyu$15.00
Barbecued eel, cucumber, unagi sauce
Ebi Tempura$12.00
Shrimp tempura, cucumber, unagi sauce
*Tuna Avocado$14.00
Tuna, avocado
*Sake Avocado$12.00
Salmon, avocado
Baby Shiitake$10.00
Baby shiitake tempura, togarashi
Kappa$7.00
Cucumber
Kampyo Maki$7.00
Marinated sweet gourd
Avocado Maki$7.00
Asparagus Maki$7.00

Ikigai Tokushuna

Specialty Rolls

*Rainbow$24.00
Spicy crab meat, cucumber, avocado topped with assorted raw fish
Spider$16.00
Breaded soft-shell crab, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo, unagi sauce
*Fuyu$19.00
Shrimp tempura, kampyo, cucumber topped with aburi salmon, salmon roe, scallions and miso and unagi sauce
Dragon$19.00
Shrimp tempura topped with unagi, spicy avocado mousse, unagi sauce
Shinyu [5pcs]$18.00
Salmon, Tuna, Hamachi, Shiso Leaf, Pickle, Cucumber, Kyurizuke, Wasabi served with ponzu sauce
Maimo$14.00
Ube and sweet potato tempura topped with avocado, kabayaki sauce and tobanjan mayo

Desserts

Ice Cream$5.00
Green Tea
Mochi Ice Cream [2]$7.00
Lava Cake$10.00
Chocolate cake with green tea ice-cream

Drinks

Coke$4.00
Sprite$4.00
Diet Coke$4.00
Ginger Ale$4.00
Club Soda$4.00
Iced Tea$4.00
Green Tea$5.00
S. Pellegrino$5.00
Ramune$4.50

What 92 people are saying

Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya shines as a Chicago sushi gem, praised for its "best sushi in Chicago," "phenomenal service," and "cool atmosphere." With "super fresh fish" and "exceptional staff," it's perfect for both intimate dates and group gatherings. Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine with a "friendly atmosphere" and "great vibe."

92 Reviews

A
Ann VIP
Chicago20 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is simply, the BEST sushi/sashimi in the city. The Blue fish tuna was the finest I have ever had. Great chefs! The staff (Pink and Summer) was attentive and very welcoming. Can't wait to return for more Blue Fish sashimi.
Is this helpful?
R
Ruby
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Staff were so friendly and the food was amazing. We had a great time and look forward to visiting again soon!
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A
Albert
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on February 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
great food great service ambience was great -- not too dark and not too loud
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S
Susan
Chicago5 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Celebrated my husbands birthday! Our waitress was fabulous and explained items…everything was delicious! Overall it was a fun, memorable evening!
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J
Jennifer
Chicago1 review
2.0
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
The server left us to the side and wasn’t really around. We wanted to order more food and a glass of wine, but she rarely stopped by. We then got the check and I tipped $10, but then for some reason the tip ended up being $21? I called 01/26 and asked for a manager and the lady on the phone who was on the clock at 6:29 dismissed me and hung up the phone. Overrall the service here sucks and I had a poor experience. On the bright side, the food was great and their steak bites were delicious.
1 person found this helpful
M
Michelle
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tried Ikigai for the first time with the $45 Dinner for Restaurant Week. Worth the price and great date night place. Ordered a glass of sake (don’t remember the name, but from Kyoto) that I really enjoyed as it was light and crisp.
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A
Ashley VIP
Chicago9 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I absolutely LOVE Ikigai! It's honestly my favorite sushi spot in Chicago. Not only is their fish super fresh and the nigiri is tender and flavorful, but their close-knit team is so genuine and kind! They are happy to walk you through any changes to the menu, daily specials, and recommendations. We've been eating here since around 2021, and the staff remembers us and always makes sure we have a blast (and of course a mouth-watering, delicious meal). Best and most reasonably priced nigiri in the city! Great for date night or coming with a small group of friends. It's a must visit! Thank you to our favorite waitress, Summer, for always treating us so well!
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I
Ikram
Chicago2 reviews
4.0
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Good food. Quick. Staff was attentive. Clean.
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D
Douglas
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on August 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great new find for us. Might’ve been some of the best Maguro I’ve ever had. Hamachi was amazing as well. Totally recommend great little atmosphere great service. Will become a regular.
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B
Brett
Los Angeles1 review
5.0
Dined on August 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing ambiance, food and service! Really friendly staff.
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FAQs

Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 291-9663.

Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya is rated 4.6 stars by 92 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 1 time today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

372 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
We are located on the Northeast corner of W Chicago Ave and N Sedgwick St.
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Hours of operation
Mon, Wed, Thu 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Izakaya
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
We are one block west from the Chicago Ave stop for the CTA Brown and Purple line L trains. We are also one block east from the Chicago & Hudson bus stop for the westbound 66 bus and one block west from the Orleans & Chicago stop for the northbound 37 bus.
Executive chef
Jeff Waiyachote
Additional
Beer, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.IkigaiChicago.com/
Phone number
(312) 291-9663

Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Sushibar Omakase

Ikigai Zensai

Edamame$6.00

Miso Soup$4.50

Fresh Green$8.00

Karaage$11.00

Gyoza$9.00

Ika Geso$12.00

Tempura Zensai

*Sashimi of the Day$17.00

Bento Box

Grilled Chicken$21.50

Grilled Salmon Filet$25.50

NY Angus Steak$27.50

Donburi

*Chirashi$30.00

Unagi Don$30.00

Toridon$17.50

Kushiyaki

Negima$7.00

Sasami$7.00

Tebasaki$7.00

Kawa$5.00

Sunagimo$5.00

Tori Hatsu$5.00

Butabara$7.00

Harami$9.00

Sake$9.00

Shiitake Negi$7.00

Shishito$6.00

Asparagus$4.00

Okura$4.00

Squash Gray$4.00

Binchotan Setto

Ikigai Yakitori$21.00

Ikigai Yasai$16.50

Ikigai Kushiyaki$35.00

Nigiri [1pc] / Sashimi [2pcs]

*Maguro

*Hamachi

*Kampachi

Madai*

Sake*

Hotate*

Saba*

Botan Ebi*

Ikura*

Unagi

Tamago

Sushi Setto*

Nigiri Setto [7pcs]$49.00

Sashimi Setto [12pcs]$59.00

Nigiri To Sashimi [4 Nigiri, 8 Sashimi]$69.00

Ikigai Makimono

*Tekka Maki$12.00

*Sake Maki$10.00

*Negihama$11.00

*Chili Tuna$14.00

*Chili Hotate$15.00

*Tsurai Sake$16.00

California$14.00

Unakyu$15.00

Ebi Tempura$12.00

*Tuna Avocado$14.00

*Sake Avocado$12.00

Baby Shiitake$10.00

Kappa$7.00

Kampyo Maki$7.00

Avocado Maki$7.00

Asparagus Maki$7.00

Ikigai Tokushuna

*Rainbow$24.00

Spider$16.00

*Fuyu$19.00