We went for my birthday dinner this year and wow did it ever over impress! The restaurant is TINY and we were seating at the counter with 3 other couples. The ambiance is reserved but comfortable and people were dressed from casual nice to more formal. The chef in front of us chatted a bit and was very friendly, happy to answer questions while he was prepping our next course. We had the matched wine courses as well and every one of them was a perfect hit for the course served. The service and the food were simple amazing. I would suggest this to anybody looking for the best Omakase experience in Chicago! read more

Masterclass in sushi, but the hospitality falls flat. I booked Mako for a special occasion, landing a rare 6:00 PM spot. The 23-course Omakase ($890 total for two, including two drinks) was culinary perfection,exquisitely crafted, beautifully presented, and fascinating to watch from the bar seating. The restaurant's interior is clean, moody, and Zen-like with dramatic lighting on the prep area. It starts off pin-drop silent, but as the night progresses, the room warms up into a pleasant communal energy. Unfortunately, the service did not match the quality of the food. The atmosphere among the staff was cold and stiff. Roles were confusing (asking for a oaper napkin resulted in odd glares), and when my guest unrolled their wet towel (oshibori), a staff member scolded them for not "pinching" it correctly. Furthermore, after calling ahead regarding a birthday, I was told they couldn't accommodate a candle or small dessert. Handing out a signed paper menu at the end of the night feels like a cheap substitute for real celebratory effort at a Michelin-level price tag. The chefs are brilliantly trained, but the awkward hospitality and rigid micro-aggressions meant we left without that warm, satisfied feeling you expect from fine dining. Great food, but the overall guest experience needs work. read more

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Beautiful and intimate warm environment. Omakase done right. Fresh and high quality sushi. They gave us the option to order more at the end of the course which was great of them. The staff and head chef were knowledgeable, personable, fun and made our night. They even signed a menu and gave it to us for our anniversary gift. Incredibly thoughtful. We absolutely would love to go here again because of them. read more

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If Mako is the benchmark for Michelin-starred restaurants, the bar has been set monumentally high. Beneath the chaos of the Pink Line lies the intimate setting Chef BK Park so carefully envisioned. Upon entering, you are greeted and warmly escorted to your seats. They suggest arriving a few minutes early so as not to disrupt the timing. I opted for seats at the sushi bar to get the full experience of an omakase. The service was impeccable and methodical, with each dish presented in perfect harmony. The carefully curated menu rose in a crescendo of umami-rich bites--each course striking a delicate balance of anticipation for the next bite and savoring the lingering flavors on the palate. It is nearly impossible to select our favorites, but the standouts were the scallop, miso cod, and the otoro. We came here to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday, and the staff commemorated the occasion with a personalized menu, signed by the entire team. This was truly an unforgettable experience and I would recommend Mako to anyone seeking the same. read more

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Mako was truly a 10/10 experience from the service to the food. The restaurant is an intimate space with limited seating. We were seated at the bar in front of the chef. The staff was polite, friendly and accommodating to our needs. The food was absolutely fresh and delicious, prepared perfectly. We tried a variety of dishes, over 20 different courses. Some standout dishes were the Chutoro tuna, and the cod which sat in an amazing broth. My only complaint is that halfway through the courses, the chef mentioned a special salmon and truffle course that he offered to us. Of course, we said yes, but we later found out that it was an additional charge added to our bill. I didn't appreciate that it was framed as something special rather than as an add-on to our experience. Overall, Mako was a great Michelin Star experience, offering authentic Japanese omakase! read more

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What an absolute treat. My husband and I and my older son went in for a dinner here. Usually my husband and son don't like the idea of omakase because while they both love sushi, they want what they want versus it being picked for them. This was a huge treat. Food was phenomenal and the service was top notch. Our waiter was so nice and friendly and knowledgeable too. Highly recommend for those who like omakase read more

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Had a very lovely omakase experience here. All the fishes were very fresh and a lot of thought was put into each presentation. Recommend! read more

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We went to Mako tonight to celebrate our anniversary and it was a wonderful experience. The service is pretty good. Our server was very nice and welcomed us. The fish is super fresh and buttery. We sat in the front so it felt very intimate being able to watch the chef work his magic. It's hard to really describe this spot other than to say that the whole experience was well curated and delicious! I would for sure recommend coming to this spot if it's on your bucket list of Michelin stars to try. It is for sure one of the best omakase's I've gone to in Chicago. (Also if the chef asks if you want to try their special please say yes!! It was one of the best pieces of nigiri I've had) read more

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We just had the most amazing time at Mako! The food was out this world. The ambiance was flawless. Very luxe. Devon and Doug are superb. Their knowledge on pairings and food made this a 12/10 experience. read more

I had great time at Mako and coming from a girl who consumes a little bit too much of omakase and sushi in her life, I can confidently say it's a great restaurant for omakase, probably the best in Chi-town. What I like about the restaurant: 1) I do like their sushi. I didn't post all photos but you will be full after dinner here. The rice was cooked nicely and some new flavors I haven't tried yet. I live in California so trust me I know good sushi . 2) The waiter seems to know my taste of sake :)). 3) I had a very lively conversation with random guests there. Two of them later told me that I unknowingly possibly sat next to Foo Fighter main singer. I listened to Foo Fighter but I didn't know their face. Too bad, I could have asked for a photo lol. What I don't like about the restaurant: 1) Their utensils. For example, they asked me to use a short mother of pearl sppon (which I usually assume for caviar ) to dip into a very DEEP bowl. It's not working well for me, and made me question about my spoon skills for my entire life . 2) I like their sake but I cannot get over the fact it was sevred in wine glass. Maybe they were right about having more open space for the sake to diffuse their aroma. I still like the traditions . 3) I asked for the small shell of the abalone that was used to serve me (it's random, I just like abalone shell in general) and the waiter agreed to give me. But then he forgot at the end, which was disapointing. I would expect a higher level of attentativeness in 1 michelin star restaurant. read more

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Mako provides a top notch Omakase experience. The dining room is elegant with minimal decor, and the service is very formal. It definitely has a fancy feel (maybe even borderline stuffy). Each morsel of sushi is exquisite. You'll want to savor every bite. I really enjoyed the scallop and the wagyu, but everything was very good. It's a lot of fun watching the chef craft each bite. And you get to learn about the origin of each fish as you go. We really enjoyed our omakase dinner at Mako! read more

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I am a sushi fan and I hadn't heard a lot about Mako. I came here for dinner after nabbing a much sought after reservation. The interior is stark with little decor, but tasteful the entire night, the staff are very insightful, informative, and courteous. I enjoyed watching the chefs, knife skills and learning about the food we were eating. Every dish was unique and truly this was a lovely experience. read more

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Please consider not visiting if you see this review. First time leaving a review on yelp because Mako is such a disaster. Absolute disaster. Wondering how this place ever got a Michelin star. Inauthentic to the extent of Japanese typos on drink menu. Service was inconsistent and poor, waiters were either creeping up on you or can't even tell sparkling from still and get nervous introducing wine. Food faulty for omakase and ingredients were not well explained. Dessert was very disappointing and clearly not well thought out, I've had better at Dunkin's. Chefs were chill but every other aspect of this restaurant is absolute disastrous, worst Michelin in the world I've ever been. 900 bill total for 2 and mandatory 20% mandatory gratuity for their shit service btw read more

Mako - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Beauty in humble simplicity. The entrance door can be cumbersome especially if the strong winds are blowing. We were greeted inside and the gentleman kindly took our coats. He verified our reservations and remembered that it was to celebrate my wife's birthday. He led us to our reserved seats at the sushi bar and less than 5 minutes later we had another gentleman come by with the wine/cocktail menu. There were 2 sushi chefs at the counter and each was in charge of 4 people that night. Each delectable course is explained where it is from, what is on it, recommend way of eating it and is served timely after the other as to enjoy their unique qualities. There is ample time to make small talk between each course so you don't feel rushed. The majority of pieces felt well crafted, and some were a bit overwhelming to the point it masked the adjuncts overpowered the flavor of the fish. It took away the focus from the fish and made the fish seem more like it was to enhance the flavor of i.e. ginger/scallion. The seared wagyu, super fatty tuna+uni, and seared super fatty tuna with a hint of salt were absolutely divine. The various sashimi+smoked tuna dish had a beautiful presentation. The least amazing for us was the tamago dish. It felt out of place and was uninspiring. It was as if it was added to the menu to increase the amount of total dishes offered for their price. If it was off the menu and they added it in I wouldn't complain. Overall it was a great experience. For my wife's birthday they gave her a menu with a little writing from everyone on the staff to take home which was a bit cute. I feel that they could have given her something else considering the price and the Michelin star. Unfortunately we didn't have plans to keep it as a memento so we left it. I felt as if the server staff was a bit more conversational and welcoming that the sushi chefs prepping in front of us at the counter. We would of course be asked if we are enjoying everything but not much more than that. Maybe it's just me but an omakase is more than just the food. It's about the whole experience, interaction, intimacy and connection to the people and the food. Paid street parking/lot in the area, no valet, recommend reservations, gratuity already included in the check, free coat check, handicap accessible, no pets. read more

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This place was amazing. Brought my friend here to celebrate her birthday and we were both impressed. We sat at the bar, but there are also a couple tables behind the bar seats. The fish was fresh and everything was delicious. Watching the chefs prepare the food in front of you is exciting to see. Other workers that were there were super kind and helpful. After they get through the tasting menu, they also give you a chance to get another order of anything that was served. While this isn't a day to day spot, I'd definitely recommend it for special occasion! If it's your first time going, the front door isn't super obvious. It doesn't look like a main entrance. In addition, the door is SO heavy. If you can't get it open at first, really give it a good yank. read more

First experience having a Michelin omakase and I have never been more satisfied. From the service and details of the whole meal with wine and sake pairings to the attention of the staff and the cleanliness of the restaurant. The most peaceful dinner with the most exciting bites and flavors through every course, drink pairings were perfect for every level of flavors in each bite. Chef Benjamin took care of us at his table and described in a lot more detail everything he was preparing for us. Would definitely come back to be able to try a new menu or this one all over again! read more

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Mako was my first Michelin star Japanese restaurant. They did *not* disappoint! I did the tasting menu. Watching the chefs prepare the sushi definitely added to the ambiance. If you're not familiar with Chicago, you might pass it, as the outside is pretty lowkey. My favorites were the Wagu course and the Fatty tuna, but they only narrowly edged out the others. I highly recommend if you're looking for an excellent dining experience matched with excellent service, dine here. read more

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It was enlightening to eat here at Mako during my first visit to Chicago. Embarking on an exquisite Michelin-starred dining experience at a premier sushi restaurant in Chicago was a journey that was unparalleled to any other culinary experience. When you arrive to the location the place is obscure. The entranceway is a heavy doorway that blends into the dark color of the building. If you weren't paying attention you could easily miss it. But depending on your reservations, the random couples standing outside exiting from their fine dining experience gave it away for us. Once you enter their doors, you feel transported to another place. You instantly feel the calm and soothing essence of their decor. We were one of the first to arrive for our reservation time blocks and we were instantly seated right away front and center at the sushi bar. There were 3 sushi chefs working simultaneously alongside each other showing their artistic craftsmanship as they displayed their culinary talents. There was so much precision in their execution to each dish that they prepared. We ordered 2x of their Omakases and we couldn't resist getting their wine and sake pairing to essensuate the experience even more. The omakase menu unfolds like a carefully orchestrated symphony. It features a succession of delicately curated sushis with each piece blooming with flavors and textures. Our dining experience was elevated to new heights because of the seamless pairing of sake or wines that enhanced everything to another level. Every detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the attentiveness of the staff, creates an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the art of sushi and leaves a lasting impression of excellence and sophistication. The experience felt beyond any other because their impeccable service anticipated our every need before we even asked for it. This night was a memorable night especially because all the sushi chefs and the staff personalized a menu by signing it for my husband's birthday. I hope to return again soon. read more

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I came here for a birthday dinner and it was a wonderful experience. To note, the front entrance is very easy to miss. It seems like a back door because it really blends in with the wall. And the door is so heavy. If you don't pull hard enough, you might think it is locked. If you're at a heavy, black door, and you see "Mako" etched in the wall next to the door, you're at the right spot. When we entered, the atmosphere was very relaxing and elevated. It reminded me of a hotel lobby. We were seated at the sushi bar, with a good view of all 3 chefs that were preparing the food. Each course came out with a little paper guide that helped you keep track of what you were eating. It seemed like the courses would never end. We tried so many types of fish. All of the fish was very fresh. One of my favorite pieces was the striped jack. It had a terrific texture. I was also pleasantly surprised by the mackerel. Usually, I'm not a huge fan of the strong, fishy flavor profile. But the mackerel here wasn't like that. I enjoyed it. At the end of our meal, they gave me a signed menu as a birthday "gift",which was cute. I've kept the menus from other omakase & tasting experiences, so I appreciated the keepsake. For the price point, this is not a spot I would come to regularly. I am not sure how the price/value differs from other Michelin-starred omakase experiences. But I think it was worth it for a special occasion. read more

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Food is stunning and delicious and on point. It is pricey but it is a fine dining intimate Michelin star experience. Service is top tier and you are constantly being taken care of. I love the ambiance as the place as it feels very intimate as I said before. I'm only able to tag 10 of the pics of the dishes so I posted my favs! We also had a complementary starting dish which was nice read more

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Wooooow! Came here for my birthday dinner and all I can say is wow! This place was honestly my first Michelin star omakase and it totally lives up to its status. We made a reservation for 8:30pm and went in early at around 8:15pm. I have a crustacean allergy and really do not like uni, so I was able to have a modified menu. I was so grateful that they could accommodate (uni on a short notice). We waited until 8:30pm, when all the other tables and bar filled up. We were immediately served with a light soup and some tuna. I was very hesitant to eat the monkfish liver but it was honestly one of the best pieces. I was also worried that I had so many mackerels (don't like the taste) but I was told that since Mako's mackerel is cured in house, the fishy taste is not present. I loved the scallion toppings. There was a deep sea fish that was unbelievable. It was charred in a scallion oil. There are countless other courses that were delicious as well. Overall. I had a great time celebrating my birthday. There was coat check, rounds and rounds of courses, table cleanings, extravagant platings, and a quiet atmosphere. One thing I wished was for the bathrooms to be cleaner. For being a Michelin star restaurant, I expected a higher standard. read more

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Each course menu was amazing with fine details that we appreciated. I believe it was the best omakase we had so far. The service was good as well with the server being present at all times! Best place to come for special occasion! read more

This review will be confusing as it's a complete contrast. Delicious yet overpriced. Exceeded my expectations but nothing was life altering. Paid $60 but I was still hungry afterwards & my view was if a water heater the entire night. Eel was crazy good as was Wagyu. They also did nothing to acknowledge my anniversary whatsoever. Although mako is slighter better in terms of exclusive things & number of choices you can grt almost as good sushi at the quarter of the price at Kai zan read more

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The service is attentive and professional, ensuring that each course flows seamlessly into the next. The wine pairing complements the progression of flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall experience without overpowering the delicacy of the fish. read more

Incredible service, ambiance and food. The presentation, the attention to detail, the textures, flavor and freshness of the sushi and sashimi was incredible. One of the most memorable dining experiences I've ever had. read more

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I went here for a special occasion and it did not disappoint. It was probably the best sushi I've had outside of Tokyo and NYC. I particularly appreciated learning so much about each dish. Service is very good, and the decor inside is minimalist. It's worth a trip for a special occasion. read more

I came here on 6/11/23 with my family to celebrate my sister's graduation. This was only my second time ever having an omakase experience. I walked in with realistic expectations, nothing too lofty. It was definitely better than the omakase I had in Austin, TX. The restaurant is tucked away on a quiet street and sized perfectly for the exclusivity of omakase. The night we went there were 3 other parties, two also at the bar with us and one couple was seated at the back. I thought the inclusion of a few non-nigiri courses was super special. I really liked the black cod, and like other reviewers mention - the fatty tuna. The dessert was also quite refreshing and palate cleansing after all the seafood! My family also shared a kettle of tea and it was great for our tummies as the weather that evening was chilly. read more

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Amazing! All of it- ambiance staff and of course food. Super delightful way to celebrate a birthday.

First time dining at this place. Love the food here, in particular the uni (photo not included in my uploads though, as it was directly dropped to hand so not convenient to take a photo). The cocktail is very nice, fruity taste. Sparkling sake tastes like Sprite, interesting. The whole set of fixed menu took about 1.5 hrs to complete, just about the right amount of food to get filled without being over-stuffed. Quite a satisfied experience overall. Will go again to try new menu. Note: The entrance might be tricky to find for first-timers, as the logo "Mako" is small and dark next to a black door. Although I arrived at the correct address, it still took me about 10 minutes back-and-forth around the corner of the street and asking multiple people to finally figure out which the correct door was. And, the door was pretty heavy, which confused me initially for whether the place was indeed open... read more

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I visited Mako with 4 of my friends for a little celebration before graduation. First and foremost, the food itself was undoubtedly good. The omakase menu showcased a variety of flavorful and meticulously prepared dishes. Fatty tuna was phenomenal and my personal favorite. The cocktail selection was delicious as well and the passion fruit cocktail was a delight. A diverse sake selection with a wide price range provided as with many options to select from. we were not disappointed by the Junmai. The ambience of the restaurant added to the overall enjoyment of the evening. The atmosphere exuded a great sense of sophistication and provided a fitting backdrop for a special dining experience. The professional staff further elevated the experience, demonstrating attentiveness and expertise throughout our meal. However, it's worth noting that considering the price point, the overall experience fell slightly short of expectations. While the food, cocktails, ambience, and service were all commendable, there seemed to be a slight mismatch in terms of value for the cost. Nonetheless, I would still recommend Mako for those seeking an elegant dining experience and a delectable omakase menu. The combination of great ambience, professional staff, and flavorful offerings contributes to a memorable evening, even if there is room for improvement regarding the pricing aspect. read more

Mako - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My boyfie took me here for our anniversary. It was super cozy inside, but it took us three tries to find where the entrance was lol. The door is super discreet so make sure to keep your eyes peeled! On to the food! We had the omakase and wow! Everything was spectacular. We legit ate everything the instant it came out. I would say though, for the price of everything, we did leave not fully full (but plentiful satisfied). We would definitely come back (and maybe make a ramen afterwards hehe). The servers are super attentive and the bathroom is out of this world. Would highly suggest coming here for a cute date night! This is probably already noted, but make sure you book reservations in advance. They fill up quick! read more

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I can't believe I am rating a 1 star Michelin restaurant this low but here we are. Traveled to Chicago to celebrate my birthday and since I love sushi my partner got reservations at Mako. He wrote when booking that we are celebrating a birthday, which was only acknowledged with a 'happy birthday' when we arrived. We were told to arrive 15 min early for a reservation at 6pm. Cool, we were sat down at 5.50pm and took a long while to get a drinks menu and then our drinks. We were looking at an empty table until 6.15pm when the first bite arrived. The food was alright, I was not blown away by anything, I've had similar quality fish at much much cheaper places. I want to say that we left HUNGRY from this place, which for the price point is low key embarrassing. Service was the bare minimum I would expect from a Michelin star restaurant. Also, one restroom?? For the entire place?? I've never waited in such a long line to pee at a fancy place. I honestly dont understand how they got a star. read more

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Mako is named after a shark known for its speed, precision, focus and instinct, and after dining here, it is evident Mako is Chef Park chose this name well as this is rock star sushi. Mako was awarded a coveted Michelin star in 2020 and it is well deserved, but know that the menu is heavily balanced towards seafood. You need to make reservations far in advance and seating is limited. I sat at the sushi bar with a front row view and the service was outstanding. The biggest challenge was finding the front door as I took an Uber and it dropped me off, but I walked past it a few times, before realizing it is so nondescript that I completely missed it. Think of a simple door with a very tiny sign on the wall. I won't go into a dish by dish description and will simply post my photos and tell you that I loved every dish and also did the sake parring that was fantastic. Great service, great sushi, beautiful setting, what more could you ask for. read more

Service was good, interesting ambience, new fancy. Idk how else to say it. Food was good, but not outstanding. Biggest issue I have here is the price, if this was a 100 dollar sushi meal it was acceptable and I'd come back. As it stands this definitely wasn't worth the price. read more

We went to Mako for a special occasion. The dining room was nice, the waiters were young and inexperienced for the setting and general requests, the price was too high, and in our opinion, the food was not worth it. Most dishes tasted like water. read more

Mako has been my go to spot for omakase for some time now. It's a favorite for me and my family as we have dined here several times in the past. Unfortunately, my last visit back in October was disappointing and didn't wow like before. When you dine at a Michelin star restaurant, not only is it about the quality and taste but it is also about the ambience, the attentiveness of the staff and overall feeling you get from exceptional service. Read on for my observations and hopefully management can take this to heart to make my fave omakase spot amazing like it used to be. Here's why my recent visit dropped down to 4 stars: - First impressions are everything. Upon arrival there was no one to greet us inside the entrance. And, there was a very strong fishy smell. I get why but patrons don't need to be assaulted by a fishy smell upon arrival. Was there coat check before? I don't remember but that would have been a nice touch. - This never bothered me before but having only 1 bathroom, there was always a line. - The first dish had 3 bites. Whoah, very fishy and not off to a great start - I know I am getting old but the music was very loud. So loud that it was difficult to hear the server. There were a few standout bites that I must gush about! - black cod in burnt scallion yuzu sauce - AMAZING, can I get a vat of the sauce? - otoro - wagyu read more

Mako - 11/4/22 - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Mako is a Japanese omakase restaurant located in west loop. Small shop with few table seatings with majority at the bar. They have "waves" of seating as they start all the course for each guests at the same time so it's critical that you are on time for the restaurant reservations. If you arrive later (which our next table did) they will still catch you up but it won't be as fresh or in the order Chef wants you to enjoy. Earlier you arrive, you can choose your seats by the bar first which is nice. I thankfully sat by the head chef and had some of the best experience that night. My husband and I went to celebrate our city hall wedding that day and we left with a nice hand wittten card from the Mako team which was a very nice touch. The food portions are decent, you won't be supper full but won't leave hungry. read more

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We came to Mako as a group for a small celebration, and we had a tasty meal. We all opted for the omakase, and this included: +a Kaiso Salad - with seaweed, oyster, sudachi vinaigrette, and smoked trout roe +Akami - with lean bluefish tuna, nori aioli, and mountain yams +Ankimo - hiramasa monkfish liver, and pearl onions +Awabi - with braised abalone and roasted gingko nut +Nigiri - a seasonal selection of nigiri +Suimono - fish bone consommé +Sashimi - a seasonal selection of sashimi +Black Cod - with burnt scallion ponzu +Nigiri - another seasonal selection of nigiri +Kakuni Pork - with kabocha squash, miso turnip, and grilled kale +Nigiri - another seasonal selection of nigiri +Temaki - a seasonal handroll +Aka Anago - soy-marinated saltwater eel +Tamago +and, a Kurogoma Mochi Cake - with black sesame, creme fraiche, and strawberries From the menu, I really liked the selection of the nigiri the best - they were fresh, and the rice was prepared and seasoned well. There was also an optional beverage pairing, in which some of our members partook in. Service was friendly, kind, and welcoming; the ambiance is chic and sophisticated, which was perfect for date nights and celebrations. Limited parking in the area. +omakase offered +fresh nigiris +friendly service +make reservations +limited parking in the area read more

An amazing Omakase experience for sure! Witness the process of the fresh ingredients well-displayed like an art, pick one piece and feel the best gift from the Mother Nature melting on your tongue. Close your eyes and enjoy the aftertaste, grab a sip of sake, satisfying read more

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I was so excited when this spot finally opened up. Ever since having the omakase at Juno, I knew I'd be in for a treat especially with the genius that is Chef BK. I've been here a few times and it's always been spectacular. The collab dinner they did with Chef Jenner was truly memorable and the flavors were so unique. I was so blessed to be able to experience all the deliciousness with both chefs' creations. This spot is a family favorite so whenever we have guests in town we always try to take them here so we can share this experience with them. Looking forward to coming back and seeing what new dishes Chef BK has come up with! read more