Honestly would give it a 10/5 stars but Yelp won't let me. Best Omakase in Chicago. Been to many others but Aji is the one always come back to. Portion size of all the nigiris are decent size compared to most smaller bites. The toppings are refreshingly different and unpredictable. The rice is seasoned perfectly balanced with the fish. Great craftsmanship and hospitality from two great chefs in the city. Happy to continue my support for this local underrated Omakase spot in the heart of Boystown. read more

Amazing experience! New Omakase spot in lakeview and everything was fresh and delicious. Chef makes everything in front of your eyes and gives a wonderful variety of selections. Fish was fresh and has perfect balance with the garnish and ingredients they pick. The flavors harmoniously combine in your mouth giving you a brand new experience on sushi. They also don't skip out on using more luxurious ingredients like A5 wagyu, freshly shaved truffle, fatty tuna belly, scallops, caviar and more! Check it out and you won't be disappointed! read more

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I always try to keep up with new sushi and/or omakase restaurants that open up in Chicago, so imagine my excitement when I learned about Aji. My friend and I decided to check it out and made reservations for their omakase. Side note: if you're not interested in omakase, I do believe you can order off the menu, but they only accept walk-ins if you choose to do that. By my count, this was a 15-course omakase meal. What I really liked about their service was when making a reservation, you could include notes about dietary restrictions or allergens. While I had neither, I did have some things I absolutely did not like and included that in my note. They remembered and modified the course so that I had an enjoyable experience. I also felt like they had a great cocktail/wine/sake list. They had one of my favorite sakes (Bride of the Fox), which I ended up ordering the whole bottle. Overall, I would say this is a pretty decent omakase option. I liked 12 out of the 15 offerings. I don't normally eat squid, so I don't know if it's always chewy, but that texture was off putting to me. I also did not like the dessert because the custard tasted a bit too eggy for me. Other than that, their flavors were pretty on point and I'll definitely be back! read more

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Everything about this place is amazing. The sushi is fresh and delicious. The service was above and beyond outstanding. The place is intimate and very clean. Definitely a unique experience. read more

AJI - Absolutely the best art work - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Amazing! Simply amazing. My son and I are sushi fans but Aji blew our minds. Small shop but everything about it is wonderful. The food, the sake, the service. A bit pricey for a normal night out but this is the place to celebrate a birthday, promotions, etc. read more

This place is very low key and I wouldn't know it's an Omakase restaurant from the outside if my friend didn't bring me here. It's very private and available by reservation only, once they have all the customers (max of 10), they'll close the door/restaurant till the next sitting. Every piece of sushi is a piece of art, beautifully presented and heavenly flavorful. The ingredients are so fresh you don't need any sauce or dip. Absolutely amazing food and experience. read more

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Had a GREAT dinner here with some friends. Really enjoyed the vibe: not too stuffy and quiet but also not trying hard to be "hip" like some other places in the city that become a little distracting. With the great pacing of each course it worked out really well for an evening with friends to get some words in between each course. The food was delicious and I also recommend their drink selection both the sake and cocktails. The counter and seating is removed just enough from the main action where you don't feel like you're in the staff's space, but you are still close enough to have a conversation with them if you'd like. All things considered, this might be my preferred Omakase in the city due to neighborhood location and a more approachable price point compared to most of the other Omakase in the city. Happy this is in the Lakeview neighborhood! read more

We just moved (back) to Chicago from NYC which seemingly has Omakase every other block in some areas. We've eaten a bunch there but never in Chicago and this was our first in town. Omakase isn't as popular here, but it looks like a bunch of spots have opened up recently which is great. As a lot of them look downtown, it's great to see Aji open in a non-downtown neighborhood. The space goes on the trendier side of things and is $150 a person for 14 piece omakase, which isn't that bad of a price. They also have a cocktail menu, wines, and a large handful of sakes. Overall, the service was good. There were some interesting things going on with some of the pieces including some "mustards" on a few of the pieces. The type of fish used isn't super crazy - your typical stuff including amberjack, striped jack, etc. Also they have a few pieces with the obligatory wagyu, caviar, etc. Not every piece for me was "oh wow" but there were some that were very good. We didn't get tamago for dessert for some reason, but the dessert they did serve us I thought was really good. There were a few textures in there and honestly I loved it. Could have eaten a few more of those. My only knock is that they really need to provide the finger cleaning "pad" - those who are experienced with omakase will eat the sushi pieces with their fingers and not chopsticks. They really need to include these for every diner by default. Overall, this is a good option for someone who wants to an omakase experience whether it's their first time or 500th time. So go to Aji, get some sushi omakase, close your eyes for some of them, and greatly enjoy the flavors. read more

For first time omakase, highly recommend! They were able to accommodate and were so polite. All courses were amazing and had an amazing time there. Appreciated the intimate space as well. Thank you Aji! read more

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Great service, food and experience. Intimate setting for omasake. Would highly recommend. read more

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Watch out Roka Akor, there's a new big baddie in town called Aji!! Everytime I went to chicago I could not find a sushi place even remotely close to anything I've had back home in Vegas, but then this place came along and wowww. Get your reservations in because the owners said only two seatings a day and it fills up fast. They bring ingredients you never would have heard of like hibiscus salt and compressed caviar. I didn't even think people ate caviar compressed, but here we are America. It was also super nice that They they go around and talk to all the guests! Peep the moving letter board describing the meal. A couple next to us we're having a birthday dinner and at the end of the meal the birthday boys name appeared on the board. A-genius idea!! Get it? Aji? A-genius? No? Okay. Have a nice day. read more

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With a max seating of 12, the ambience inside is modern, chic, and sophisticated. Chef Kristian and Chef Arnold are experienced, talented and charming. It was wonderful to dine here and we will be back often! read more

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Honestly a great experience! The service was amazing and felt very intimate. Chef Arnold and Chef Kristian were extremely welcoming and down to earth, as well as knowledgeable in their craft. In addition, fish was very fresh and each dish seemed carefully thought through as the combination of flavors were just spot on each time. I've had sushi omakase and this is by far one of my favorites. I will be back for sure! read more

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Went there last night for a birthday dinner with my boyfriend and it turned out to be one of the best dinners I've ever had in Chicago. I can't say enough praise about this place. We had tried other Omakase experiences like Mako and Roka Akor, and this one hands down the best we've had. The sushi was not only UNREAL, but the service we had from Christian and Chef Arnold really made it superb. They were so knowledgeable and personable, and clearly put a lot of effort into making the experience what it was. Best birthday dinner ever. We will be back! read more

AJI - Scallop - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Impressed and elated that they brought this omakase spot to Lakeview. the service was impeccable. the ambiance was super cool. the food was superb. the cocktails (specifically, the Saketini) were the best I've ever had. excellent choice for a date night or to celebrate something significant. read more

What an amazing experience all around! Walking in you get a very cozy yet elevated Japanese vibe. The restaurant has an exceptional Omakase concept, it includes a 14 course meal (included a fresh salad appetizer & dessert). The reservation is for about an hour and half-2 hours to sit at the sushi bar and go through each course. The staff were so attentive & fun, the chef was extremely talented and creative & the owner was kind enough to give us the white glove treatment making sure we were taken care of all night! Every course was carefully curated from light to most decadent in flavor. I think the Uni caviar with truffle, O-toro , salmon & the torched wagyu nigiris were my most favorite, followed with the yuzu scallop and the hand-roll hamachi. Yummmm. Everything was very fresh, you can't go wrong with the chefs choice! Highly recommend this new neighborhood gem! read more

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Is average. The Waygu beef is over cooked after seeing other people's picture. The dessert is disappointing, just dragon fruit cut into pieces that I can simply make at home. Everyone is still hungry after eating there, we did order drinks too read more

AJI - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Amazing atmosphere and more amazing hosts. The chefs and servers were super sweet and attentive. They even gifted the birthday glassware she complimented and just gave us a. Overwhelmingly warm experience. The fish was fresh and each piece was made and presented with such care and talent. What a wonderful experience. I would absolutely recommend this place. Perfect ambiance and vibes! Thank you !!! read more

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One of the better omakases I've been to recently. The unagi is fresh and has good texture. The uni and wagyu pieces were the perfect way to end the meal. The cocktails were also great. I got a yuzu margarita which was delicious. Very intimate space, perfect for smaller occasions. Kristian was also great explaining all the pieces before each bite. read more

Cool and fun omakaze with creative and wonderful art work form executive chef Ricky. Hotate/scallops came with yuzu butter and bonito on top. At first I was a bit disappointed to see the chef put bonito on top of the scallops which should have a clean seawater taste. But surprisingly with that combination of perfect melt Yuzu butter, high quality of bonito and fresh scallop, it turned out to be the star of the night. All the bites came with creative condiments. Such a good omakaze experience and I urge you to try. read more

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The food is delicious and fresh! The chefs are accommodating to your needs. Their attention to detail for the customers is top-notch.

Chefs were both very engaging, professional, and delivered quality food! Drinks are delicious and pair well with the omakase spread. If we can talk to a chef about our overall Chicago food experiences and fav films/shows during a dinner then it's a win! read more

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Last week, during my vacation in Chicago, I had my first experience at AJI. I went there with a close friend of mine who I was staying with for the week. He wanted to create the best experience for me while I was there, so we made dinner reservations at some supposedly "good seafood restaurant" that ended up letting us down by not letting us have the seats that we reserved initially over the phone. My friend scrambled last minute to find a restaurant worth visiting, and fortunately decided to contact AJI. The staff there was very understanding towards our frustrations. They provided us with seating and also accommodated us without any reservations made prior. The staff was very friendly, not only were they fun chatting with, but they also gave us descriptions of of each sushi roll they prepared. Not to mention, it was also cool seeing how the chef prepared each roll. The atmosphere there was very calm, and relaxed. And, despite the Sushi tasting amazing, the place wasn't crowded at all. Aside from us two, there were only two other other customers seated there, next to us, who were very cool and friendly. Chatting with them also added to our already great experience there. This was my first omakase experience, and it certainly wont be my last one there. I highly recommend AJI to anyone in the Chicago area considering sushi. read more

AJI - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Absolutely incredible dining experience. This omakase was superb! The ambiance and service are exceptional. Every dish was fantastic. read more

AJI - Nigiri - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome place. Food is absolutely 5 star and the service is great too. Will come back again when we have a chance.

Exceptional service and even better food and ambiance! Chef Kristian and chef Arnold are both equally talented as well as engaging with the customers during the entire duration of the course. Well balanced course and cocktail menu. I have been here multiple times and will continue to come and bring family and friends. Make sure to make your reservations early for holidays on their website because I'm sure they'll be fully booked! P.s Chef Arnold has very impressive forearms and I heard he's single ;) read more

Ok so I had alot of sushi in my life and AJI Is everthing my freinds said it was. My wife and I want for the 15 course. Worth every penny and more. Loved the service and the beautiful presentation. But must of all the sushi. I highly recommend AJI you won't be disappointed. read more

Aji is setting the footprint in becoming the best Japanese restaurant in Chicago. I have not doubt Aji restaurant's concept and phenomenal fresh food in Lakeview area in Chicago will not spread cross state lines to other cities and states. Chief Chef and owner Kristian Cho are doing a great job and making Aji a favorite for special occassion family dinners or corporate dining. Amazing food, great atmosphere, and phenomenal service where diners feel like rock stars the way they are greeted and served. Keep up the great work to Kristian Cho and the staff at Aji. read more

Fantastic atmosphere, amazing chef experience, and well crafted cocktails. Each dish was different and had an originally crafted recipe that stands out from the typical overly saturated Chicago menus. If you get a chance definitely stop in and take your time enjoying AJI. read more

Aji is a great spot for a date night or special occasion. The devil is in the details, and Aji payed attention! It was my first time participating in omakase style sushi, and Aji provided a great experience for me to get out of my comfort zone. When you're there, ask for sake recommendations to pair with the first and second half of the dinner. read more

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So good! Master Chef Arnold is so good at his craft. The elegant stroke of the knife after every cut was just so precise and prestige. Very good looking also! 10/10 would recommend coming again! read more

AJI - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Incredible experience all around. Starting with the restaurant itself. Cool ambience and very exclusive feel. Seats 10 in entire restaurant. Incredible sushi. Fish I've never had before that tasted as fresh as you could imagine. Great sushi chefs. Friendly and were part of experience. Christian, one of the owners, made the entire experience special. Well worth the price and I strongly recommend. read more

We moved to Buena Park recently, a nice neighborhood not known for its dining. Imagine our surprise when we discovered this local spot four blocks away. Absolutely first rate. A journey of flavors and textures. The omakasi experience means the chef prepares the food and serves the best dishes based on the best ingredients they can find. You sit down and feast, and what a feast. Some of the best sushi we've ever had. read more

Wonderful experience. It's "Omakase" which means there is no food menu and the chef prepares a series of sushi pieces. You sit at the bar and they prepare each piece in front of you and tell you what's in it. It's really fun to watch the process and learn more about each sushi piece. The food is extraordinarily delicious. Every piece was a treat. The staff was really friendly and answered any questions we had. Drinks were delicious. Couldn't recommend this more. read more

Been to many Omakase places both State side and Japan. Sushi here needs serious improvements. Too much vinegar in sushi rice, big red flag. Half of the fish were very fishy, all the shell fish are bitter. Chefs were serving pieces that are falling apart and hand fixing on the go. Ginger was too strong, instead of pallet cleanser it served as pallet destroyer. One customer got served allergic items. No wet towel for hand cleaning between the pieces is the least of their problems. read more

I don't have much to add from the other reviewers, but the restaurant is lovely and unassuming, the food is fresh, delicious, and so so yummy, and chef Ricky is lovely and talented. We loved our experience!! Check this place out!!! read more

Amazing omakase. Great atmosphere, amazing chef and well balanced pieces. Cocktails were very good and service was top notch. I'm sure they will be backed up soon enough so get a reservation soon. read more

Outstanding fish quality, service, and experience. Having gone to many omakase places, I can say this is one of, if not, the best places in Chicago. Thank you to the Aji team! read more

First review on Yelp. Felt obligated to let more people know about this place. Young chefs chasing their dreams. The way they were introducing/working on the courses somehow made me think I was in one of the Parts Unknown episodes. The commitment to the culture and freshness of ingredients created an extraordinary experience. Try it out before it gets too crowded in the future. (There should be a new song for their creativity - The Manu Board for a Sushi Restaurant) read more

Great place, fish was fresh, staff was attentive, made sure our water glasses were full. The chef tailored our night based on our groups food sensitivities and restrictions Favorite pieces - Scottish salmon, Uni with caviar and truffle, scallop, fatty tuna, Wagyu read more