Kaze Sushi

02/11/07

very urban, trendy, small place with good sushi, but

by jvet07854126 at Citysearch

The place looks very contemporary, which may be nice for a french bistro but I still preffer japanese traditional decor. And should I mention, japanese guests - after all, if you go to mexican restaurant, you expect to see mexicans, otherwise, there is a reason they don't go there.

The staff was pleasant and response was quick. Sushi was fresh - that is the most important thing. The chefs are somewhat randomly experimenting with it by adding some toppings to certain fish. I got to experience two of their creations, one was interesting, but I would be happy without it, the other one on the other hand was terrible! Don't know what the heck they put in it - it was just awefull. And I had to pay for it anyway.

Another disapointment - the chefs were too quiet and static. I love it when I'm greeted by them and then get to hear some 'arigato'. Just watching them prepare the food can be an experience in itself - not here for sure.

My recomendation - if you want sushi - avoid.

If you are seeking some trendy place to try, it is ok.

• Pros: good and quite fast service.
• Cons: you never know what you gonna get. If you want sushi, go somewhere else.

01/10/07

Intimate, inviting ambiance, world class sushi, superb service

by ruc2827 at Citysearch

The ambiance is intimate and inviting, the service is impeccable, and the sushi is fresh and well presented. The specialty sushis are unique and exquisite, and are pricey but a must. They are so good my wife who does not like sushi loves them. I travel for a living and have tried sushi from Hawaii to New York and this is by far the best sushi restaurant I have had the pleasure of being to.

• Pros: World class sushi and service, intimate ambiance
• Cons: Reservations a must

11/06/06

One word....EXCELLENT!

by mrsbouquet at Citysearch

I went to Kaze on a Tuesday night...naturally I tried their tasting menu which comes with complimentary sake and wine pairings. I was a little worried about having to stop by my burrito joint after trying a sushi "tasting" menu but.. I was stuffed by the time it was all over.

All four courses were great. Everything was fresh. I asked about the truffle oil showing up in many of the items and was told that it was just something the chef liked. It didn't affect the taste of any of the dishes so I can't complain. I also enjoyed the tasty toppings on the sushi. OK, 1st course - lobster soy-apricot soup was out of this world! I would have liked a slightly larger serving though:); 2nd course was the Nigiri Sushi - Tako (grilled baby octopus) , Katsuo (bonito topped w/puree garlic infused enoki mushrooms), Salmon, White Tuna and Ika (Japanese Baby Squid)..this course was paired with a smooth Castagnolo; 3rd Course was Sashimi and Makimono paired w/a Yome-Iri Bune Sake; final course was an entree of Fried Oysters, sea bass, tofu and cabbage in a delicious spicy kimchee stew - to die for! This was paired with a Franco Martinetti red wine.

Lastly, the service, was seamless. My waiter was friendly and helpful without breathing down my neck and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this place to any Sushi lover...and the tasting menu is a great value!

• Pros: Great food, compatible wine/sake pairings, great service and ambience.
• Cons: Parking

11/03/06

A whole new level of Sushi!

by dvirgin at Citysearch

From the freshness to the unique ingredients to the breathtaking presentation, every element of our recent meal was a delight. The server was incredible-knew the menu, both food and drinks, inside and out, was attentive, and professional. The small space gives the restaurant warm, charming feeling-almost like you're dining at the Sushi Chef's personal home. Throughout the US, I've never dined at a Sushi restaurant like this one. Outstanding!!

• Pros: Great food, great presentation, great service
• Cons: That they only have one restaurant!!

06/21/06

Top Service and Top Food

by sollybaba at Citysearch

The food was incredible and I went on the opening of there summer menu. I indulged in the summer tasting menu, which was a 4 course meal that was created by the master chef with the intention of providing a taste of all the different flavors. We had also ordered the Black Cod with a sort of Choclate sauce. This was an entirely new experience for me and I truly enjoyed it. Our waiter had made the experience much better by thouroughly explaining each of the dishes he placed on the table. I would recommend the Bonito and the Black Cod. To top off the evening I had the Asian Pear desert, which was also incredible. Be prepared to wait for your food; as this food takes long preparation and detail. I suggest eating at the Sushi Bar for the Chef's guide you throughout your meal and discuss the significance of the food you are about to partake. I have visited several sushi restaurants throughout the Chicago area and this is at the top of my list.

03/05/06

Mmmmm chocolate fish...

by singinglatay at Citysearch

My husband and I consider ourselves sushi snobs having lived in Seattle for the last 5 years. Upon moving to Chicago, we were skeptical that we would ever find anything as good as the sushi scene back home. We tried Kaze on a whim and were not disappointed. I had the chef's reccommendation nigiri and my husband had the black cod with chocolate reduction. We were thinking chocolate and fish? Egad! It was fantastic though and the closest we have come to "Japanese comfort food". The wine list left a bit to be desired, and the cost of the dinner was a bit steep, but we felt like it was worth the experience and would definately come back. Our server was fantastic and helped walk us through what was a fairly complex menu. If you're looking for high quality sushi with flare, this is definately the place.

• Pros: food, service, creative menu
• Cons: price

12/07/05

All other sushi restaurants are mere substitutes

by renescott at Citysearch

This is the best sushi in Chicago-seriously-and I was in search. The fish is always fresh and the rolls are creative. Skip the soy sauce (though its made in house and wonderful), as you will not want to miss the unique and subtle nuances that are naturally there. The kitchen menu is superb-and consistently great. When we go, we are comfortable with all recommendations that the staff and chef may have. And we NEVER do that. Make your way to Kaze.

• Pros: Fish, Venue, Staff

12/06/04

Unique and Fresh

by karrie313 at Citysearch

By far some of the best sushi I've had in Chicago! The nigiri was fresh, well-prepared, and not over whelmed by the rice. We had salmon, tuna, red snapper, amberjack, and unagi nigiri along with a couple of maki specials. We couldn't have been happier. For a light end order the green tea ice cream. It is served in a chilled dish with a watermelon puree and drizzled with chocolate syrup. I am not a fan of watermelon but this was fabulous.

• Pros: knowledgeable waiters, comfy chairs, freshest fish

10/04/04

Intriguing specials and stylish surroundings draw a natty neighborhood crowd to this Japanese spot in Roscoe Village.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Bright and buzzing, this intimate corner space is all muted tones, with cushy caramel chairs, bare ivory walls, and white tablecloths on a handful of close tables. The vibe is sophisticated, but relaxed; patrons rub elbows with everyone from dressed-up couples to big, boisterous groups of friends. The waitstaff is refreshingly hands-on, firmly steering diners toward the evening's freshest selections.

The Food
Kaze's menu is full of surprises, with some well-executed twists on standard sushi and small plates. One standout starter plates delicately battered and fried whitefish with shrimp in a sweet, slurpable parsley sauce. Oddball-sounding lobster strawberry maki turns out to be delicate and delicious, with strawberry puree and a hint of wasabi. Best of all just might be the creative nigiri specials, from buttery raw tuna topped with stir-fry shiitake mushrooms to succulent salmon with black pepper and truffle oil.