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    Mako

    4.4 (191 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSushi Bars, Japanese
    Open 5:45 pm - 10:30 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Mako Photos

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    MAKO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - Mako

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    Reviews With Photos

    celina t.

    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)

    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

    Rachel B.

    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!

    Safia S.

    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.

    Brian T.

    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.

    Astrid C.

    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!

    Princess T.

    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.

    Jennifer C. L.

    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.

    Marina C.

    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.

    Jim D.

    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

    Ankimo - Hirasama, Monkfish liver, pearl onion
    Young Y.

    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

    Monkfish liver
    Jose M.

    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.

    Toro
    David B.

    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.

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    1 month ago

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

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    Ask the Community - Mako

    Do you serve cocktails or Japanese plum wine?

    I definitely saw cocktails on the menu.

    How long is the full omakase dining experience?

    About an hour and change.

    How much is omakase per person>?

    Our Omakase is $175 person with an optional $85 wine and sake pairing.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Miru

    Miru

    (312 reviews)

    $$$

    The Loop

    Ive been here more times than I can count and its easily one of my favorite sushi spots in the city…read moreI was just there last Friday with a friend and once again everything was perfect from the attentive seamless service to how beautifully each dish was presented Every bite was delicious I also love the modern design of the restaurant and the incredible views of Chicago it really adds to the whole experience The space has an intimate relaxed vibe that keeps me coming back Definitely one of those places I will be visiting again very soon

    3 of us back for a marvelous dinner with great views, beautiful decor, great service, and of course…read moregreat food. The quality of the food is very noticeable. We wanted to have some sake and asked for help. Their sommelier was very helpful and recommended the Snow Tiger Yuki Tora which is unfiltered and looks like milk, but it went beautifully with our food. We started with Edamame which had a perfect char. The grilled Avocado was a pleasant surprise with the char flavor and great spicy sauce. You get a spoon to scoop out the avocado and it's sliced so it works with chop sticks. By the way everything is great for sharing which gives everyone a chance to try the wonderful menu. Then we attacked the main menu. The Wagyu Nigiri, the must have Bluefin Tuna Crispy Rice, Crispy Spring Rolls and I drank the juice with the Hamachi and Lemon. Now it's time to figure what's next! spicy Tuna roll, triple tuna roll, the incredible Wild Mushroom sizzling rice bowl and it is sizzling! We're nearing the end! The Unagi and the Black Cod couldn't have been any better. It melted in our mouths. Think we're finished, we saved room for dessert! The Miru-Ishi and Black Sesame Mochi. We're finished! Maria was a great server and was very attentive!

    Jinsei Motto

    Jinsei Motto

    (150 reviews)

    West Loop, Near West Side

    Came here for the lunch omakase, which features dry-aged fish. Overall, the fish was fresh and…read morewell-prepared--nothing particularly mind-blowing, but definitely good quality, especially for a more affordable omakase option. My only critique is the pacing. Since the chef already had the fish sliced and prepped, I expected a smoother flow, but the meal took about an hour and a half for 14 pieces of sushi. It felt a bit slow, especially for a lunch service. That said, if you're looking for a reasonably priced omakase with quality fish, this is a solid choice.

    Went for restaurant week with friends. Got there early after work and was able to hit the happy…read morehour which is a decent deal. Got the snow maiden sake and the spicy scallop hand roll. Both were great. Our bartenders were lovely and very friendly. Found out this is a Malort tasting room and we were able to sample some different Malorts (the cocoa one was good!). Then we were taken back to our table for dinner. Our server was super friendly as well. Started with the miso soup and crispy tuna bites which were probably my favorite dishes. The taki yoki fritters weren't bad either. We saw people getting omakase, so we ordered a yummy looking piece they were receiving. It was just okay (chutoro truffle). The nigiri was also okay. The tuna piece was the only I really loved. The fish quality wasn't as high as I was expecting. The sushi was decent. A little too much truffle in the spicy blue fin tuna and a little too vegetable forward in the hamachi serrano. All in all, the atmosphere and amazing service pushed this up to a 4 for me.

    Mako - sushi - Updated May 2026

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