Sushi Samba Rio

08/20/09

Yummy

by J99 at Citysearch

We go here at least once a month...The sushi is amazing and I love the atmosphere. Weekends are insane, but the vibe is great.

• Pros: Great food
• Cons: So so service

07/16/09

Will go every time I'm in town

by dms34 at Citysearch

The food here is awesome! I had spicy tuna rolls, and they were the best I've ever had. My sister had california rolls, and those were good too. My brother had cooked crab rolls, and I liked them. It was the first time I've everl liked crab.

I was very impressed with our waitress. She was quick and smart. I let her know I didn't want sugar in my mojito, so she went through the trouble of mixing Sweet N Low into it for me. Most places let me do that myself.

The atmosphere is great...very trendy. It feels like a club and makes you want to stay there all night. The bathrooms are even nice and trendy.

It was a tiny bit expensive, but it is Chicago...so what do you expect? It is not overly expensive.

• Pros: Great Food
• Cons: Price

04/10/09

Nice place but...

by fredsamford at Citysearch

In a competitive asian-fusion market, Sushi-samba seems like a good idea that isnt really hitting its full stride. The service was excellent and attentive, and the host /doorperson was very informative. But when paying premium prices, service is expected. What isnt expected is the average food. We had 3 different special rolls which were very good, but the brazilian apps were overly salty and average. The place closes early on Sundays and we made the mistake of doing a late dinner here and were rushed through our meal which, to me, is inexcusable. They should not seat you if they arent going to allow you to order certain foods at certain times. Again, premium prices and you have to be held to a very high standard.

• Pros: Beautiful
• Cons: nothing special, high prices

03/19/09

Amazing Deal for Brunch!!!

by dilworla at Citysearch

Sushisamba Rio recently started a deal called Sunday Fundays. They have a Sunday brunch offering which includes one entree and 3 drinks (your choice of a mimosa, bloody mary, or caipirinha) for only $16! I figured when I went on the opening day of this event that even if the food wasn't great, it would SO be worth it. I was pleasantly surprised that the food was fantastic. I have been back 7 times since! I really hope they keep this around...

• Pros: 3 free drinks!!!

03/09/09

SUSHISAMBA is awesome

by boylenation at Citysearch

Went there for my friend's birthday last weekend and had a blast. Fresh sushi, awesome music and wonderful service. I'll definitely go back soon!

• Pros: so much fun!
• Cons: What are the drawbacks?

02/25/09

trendy and spectacular place to hang out with fair menu

by munther at Citysearch

I invited my wife to this trendy place on Valentine's day. We both enjoyed the views and the atmosphere. Pretty trendy and inviting place and crowded. Most guests were dressed up especially women as they shined in their cocktail dresses. The drinks were okay but nothing extraordinary. The sushi tasted good but the meal portions were tiny and hence we ordered again. We spent about $146 including valet parking. My feeling is that the menu is limited in its varities and would indeed benefit from new meal ideas. The sushi was prepared in front of our eyes, the chefs were preparing food with their own hands. Although the place seems extraordinary clean, yet I would have loved to see the chefs wearing nylon gloves.

I am sure I will ago again and I still think it was an exceptional experience.

• Pros: Ambience !!
• Cons: Small meal portions

12/19/08

Awful, awful Serivce, Terrible food

by kelly103 at Citysearch

I went to Sushi Samba for the first time with a group of friends last weekend. All of us were extremely underwhelmed. The service was terrible. Our waitress was no where in sight most of the evening and we had to flag her down to order more drinks. And then she was rude. Being a waitress at a trendy place does not make you cool. Being surly will not earn you a tip. Unfortunately, the food was just as bad as the service. My sushi was bland and fell apart when I tried to pick it up. Overall, Sushi Samba was a huge disappointment, a waste of an evening, and an enormous waste of money.

If you are looking for a trendy scene with good food, try Japonais.

• Pros: none
• Cons: service, food, price, I could go on and on....

10/23/08

Great Ambience but lacks a few important things...

by Taser65 at Citysearch

I went to Sushi Samba last night to the upstairs bar/lounge. It was definitely crowded and I was constantly stepping over people. We were there for a Ultimate Fighting Party which was a great turnout. The food was good and our server was good. We received bottle service and had no issues. The only issue I had that stood out was the "service" from a so-called bartender. Before we got our bottle I went to the bar for a round. Some woman who tried to look 20 but was probably 30 at best was terrible. I ordered a Black Cherry vodka and Sprite, Kettle and Soda and Malibu and Coke all with lemons. She took my order and walked away. A few minutes later she told me they don't have Malibu so I ordered Parrot Bay. She then told me they don't have Parrot Bay so I ordered a simple Bacardi and Coke. I got the three drinks and there were initially comped but she said she didn't know what I was talking about so we grabbed our drinks and paid the tab. As I sat down and handed the Bacardi and Coke to the woman I was with I noticed it was not a Bacardi and Coke. I tasted it and it was some coconut rum and sprite. Now I understand being busy but she was a complete idiot. The drink was wrong, I asked her about 2 other drinks she claimed they didn't have, then ordered a simple drink and got a drink that was half of what I had initially ordered and Sprite. Needless to say I don't think we tipped much on 3 drinks reaching $29 and one of them being wrong. I understand good looks behind a bar but you also have to have some sort of common sense.

Best bet is get a table or go to a server if you want your drink to taste like what you ordered. Or simply don't order from the taller yellow-haired bartender who obviously is stuck in, "The Real O.C."

• Pros: Ambience, Our Server, Food
• Cons: Blonde "bartender,"and 2 Skanky looking Pigs

07/28/08

Best of the Best

by David119 at Citysearch

As a native new yorker I just had to come to Sushi Samba during my trip to the windy city. And I's sure glad I did. The rooftop provide the perfect location for pre dinner drinks. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was one of a kind. All in all best meal of my windy city visit.

• Pros: Ambiance, Food, Drinks

07/15/08

Great new years party!

by tnoves at Citysearch

My family has gone here two years in a row for the new year celebration. It is simply amazing. They have so much entertainment (brazilian samba dancers, and capoeira performers). Great music. A beautiful bar. Great food, the salted edamame appetizer is delicious. Stunning decoration and atmosphere. It's a huge room, but you still feel intimate with your party. The waiters are very attentive and friendly also. I only have great things to say about this restaurant. It's a must for everyone, and definitely the best party for new years. Everybody is very interactive and dances, and they pass out tons of party favors.

• Pros: Decor, new years party, service
• Cons: Better to go in a group