(312) 822-9600
600 W Chicago Ave
(Larrabee Street)
Chicago,
IL
60610
41.8966
-87.6432
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm
Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11:30pm
Sat 5pm-11:30pm
Sun 5pm-10pm
Price:
$$$$
Japonais
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Japonais
The Owner
Japonais
Owner
Since opening in 2003, Chicago's Japonais has received three stars by both the Chicago Sun Times and Chicago Tribune, and was recently named "Best Restaurant" by Chicago Magazine in 2005. With a vibrant and exciting scene, Japonais offers Chicago residents and travelers alike modern Japanese cuisine in a setting that is at once intimate and exciting. Renowned for creating the award-winning menu of Mirai Sushi, Chef Ichikawa oversees the restaurant's astounding sushi selection as well as all cold items, while Chef Kato handles the remainder of the menu. The extensive Sushi menu has both…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Gold draping, slate steps, red tiles and a waterfall wall only hint at the luxe design, which blends industrial decadence with stylish understatement. Trendy, sophisticated Chicagoans revel in four dramatic environments, notably a subterranean lounge and all-season riverfront terrace, a dream-like setting of draped daybeds and candlelight (enclosed in winter). The menu takes creative license with traditional Japanese fare. Think ultra-fresh sushi, creative maki rolls and top-shelf ingredients (multiple grades of tuna, monkfish liver, Kobe beef "prime rib"). Six seafood "tartares," each dressed…
11/21/09
Rude service and overpriced
by as123456789 at Citysearch
Japonais was my favorite restaurant when I first moved to Chicago from New York in 07. It has slowly been going down hill and has what New Yorkers call a "bridge and tunnel" crowd. The bathrooms are disgusting, the wait staff is rude and entitled, bus boys on the other hand are great. Food is not bad but sort of yesterday's news. The staff rush to take plates away. The crowd is filled with out of towners or large parties looking for the in place and the bar scene is like a bad club. Thumbs down.
- Pros: Good Sushi
- Cons: Cheesy crowd
11/10/09
Everything about Japonais is AMAZING.
by alyv20 at Citysearch
I have been to Japonais 5 times since i have moved to Chicago and every time I can justify money spent on really good food. The Salmon Japonais and the Chilean sea bass appetizer are my favorites on the menu. The sushi of course is always good. If you have a wait, you can go downstairs to the lounge and have a drink and order apps. good place for groups or date night. Yum!
- Pros: Fresh sushi, entrees are really good, atmosphere
- Cons: Parking (but there is valet for $12)
11/08/09
night club or culinary experience?
by abfoodie at Citysearch
Cuisine remained inventive, superbly executed and presented, but the ambience and service had deteriorated considerably since our last dinner a year ago. The very loud music made it impossible to have a conversation even with the closest neighbor and considerably detracted from the culinary experience. Glasses and silverware vibrated with the music! Service was hurried and superficial, management seemed devoted to the night club ambience and did not seriously care about our repeated complaints. I was sorry to see the efforts and creativity of the culinary team ruined by the management team. This new "ambience" did not correspond to my memory of past experience here, nor to the description and press release ("Intimate setting"?) in the restaurant website. Seemed disrespectful not only to the customer, but also to the cooks and their team.
- Pros: culinary experience
- Cons: Loud night club ambience, poor service.
The Details on Japonais
Know Before You Go:
Arrive early for your reservation to enjoy the mood-setting lounge or terrace.
What to Drink:
Great beverage options include "Floating Orchids" and other cocktails, extensive sake selections and a global wine list.
Save Money:
The lunch menu features 2 prixe-fix options: a business lunch that includes a starter and main course ($20.08) and a Bento Sushi lunch that includes two rolls and a soup ($20.08).
When to Go:
The lounge is open Mon-Wed till 1am; Thu-Fri 2am; Sat 3am; Sun 12am
What to Drink:
Beverage options include "Floating Orchids" and other exotic cocktails, an extensive sake selection and a global wine list.
Save Money:
The lunch menu features two prix-fixe options for $20.08 apiece: a business lunch that includes a starter and main course and a Bento Sushi lunch that includes two rolls, miso soup and vegetable tempura.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, Waterfront Dining, Private Rooms, Romantic Dining, Fine Dining, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Business Dining, Online Reservations, Group Dining, Fireplace, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
At Bar
As Seen In…
Message from Japonais
- Chic and Elegant Setting
- Diverse Sushi Selection
- Global Wine List
Since opening in 2003, Chicago's Japonais has received three stars by both the Chicago Sun Times and Chicago Tribune, and was recently named "Best Restaurant" by Chicago Magazine in 2005. With a vibrant and exciting scene, Japonais offers Chicago residents and travelers alike modern Japanese cuisine in a setting that is at once intimate and exciting.
Renowned for creating the award-winning menu of Mirai Sushi, Chef Ichikawa oversees the restaurant's astounding sushi selection as well as all cold items, while Chef Kato handles the remainder of the menu.
The extensive Sushi menu has both traditional and contemporary items. Hot entrees such as Kobe Prime Rib and Teriyaki Salmon are featured as part of this unique Japanese fusion.
The well-thought out wine list is global, featuring selections primarily from France and the United States, with Australia, Germany and Chile as well.
