Mako Photos
Business Info
Mako Popular Dishes
MAKO ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Mako
Recommended Reviews - Mako
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
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.
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!
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
Had a very lovely omakase experience here. All the fishes were very fresh and a lot of thought was put into each presentation. Recommend!
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)
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
my first omakase experience and it was delightful. every bite was amazing. the chefs handled everything so delicately. i loved everything but my favorite was definitely the cod dish, and my husband agreed. if you're thinking about coming here but not sure if it's worth the money, it is! but don't expect to be super full after - i definitely could've eaten more but was content. read more
We did the Omakase to go for a special occasion. I highly recommend this if you're thinking about it, it was such a fun experience. (I took so many pictures lol). It felt really special and was very tasty. The restaurant brought everything out curbside and placed it in my car. I hope to dine-in in the future for that experience as well, but for now this is a fun and creative pivot that does not disappoint. There are two Omakase options I believe. This one pictured and a winter seasonal option. read more
I almost missed this spot, as the door is rather discreet. Also, we were able to get a somewhat last min. reservation due to what I assume cancellations, so if they are booked out, check back closer to your preferred date! We were first to arrive at the bar, so we got to choose our seats. The space was lovely, especially their washroom. The place was well staffed and attentive. We got highlights before each course. One of the servers noticed my husband only having soft drinks and thought to check with him as the palette cleanser contained a small amount of liqueur, which wasn't a problem, but was thoughtful. Btw, I loved that palette cleanser - it was perfectly refreshing. Overall, it was a comfortable (non-stuffy) atmosphere. Presentation of the food was beautiful. I had the yojimbo cocktail, which I thoroughly enjoyed - it had tequila, nigori, lime, and celery. I thought this paired very well with the dishes. Overall, all the dishes were tasty. Even with my less favored mackerel and eel, I actually enjoyed them here. While many of the dishes used yuzu (which I do not love), I thought it was used much better here than Takeya. My only minor qualm were the size of the nigiri - and not even for the sake of satiety, but I felt like they were sized a bit too small/thin to really enjoy the full flavor of it all. All in all, def worth a try here! Flavors were top notch. read more
We loved dining at Mako for my bf's birthday. This is a hidden gem with a Michelin star, calming zen vibe and beautifully crafted dishes. We loved the simple aesthetic of the decor, dark slate colors paired with metallics found in the wall art. Watching the sushi chef was a meditative experience itself. The staff was kind and welcoming. We had a 4 pm seating and spent about 1.5 hours at the restaurant during our mesmerizing omakase experience. It felt like we were instantly transported to a faraway place that cherishes natural elements thoughtfully assembled into one-of-a-kind dishes, using the highest quality fish and meats. The chutoro - medium fat tuna literally dissolved on my tongue. The same with the wagyu A5. Our absolute favorites were the ankimo - awabi - akami course that featured monfish liver, braised abalone and a bluefin tuna; the black cod with burnt scallion ponzu and the refreshing lychee granita. The dishes were beautifully composed and presented in a minimalist manner. I also appreciated the bathroom wallpaper, and the beautifully scented hand lotion. Breathe in, breathe out, stay present and take it all in! read more
3 years ago
Absolutely enchanting and enriching experience. Went here for our anniversary, truly a transcending experience. The food and the different textures and flavors felt like I had traveled to different countries in the span of a couple hours. The place was very intimate and inviting, incredible minimalist and gorgeous decor. Staff was extremely attentive and professional. Just lovely! read more
5 years ago
My favorite restaurant in Chicago! Very good value for your money and comparable to some Omakase restaurants I've tried in Japan. There are only 22 seats so make sure you make a reservation early to get the date and seating time that you want. The staff carefully explained each dish and you will have the chance to order your favorite again towards the end of the experience. Food and drinks are both superb and left me wanting more! read more
6 years ago
Celebrated our one year wedding anniversary here and it was most certainly a treat! The environment of the restaurant was intimate and the staff was very attentive. I couldn't have asked for a better experience! The 15 course omakase was fantastic from start to finish. read more
5 years ago
Think this is my favorite omakase in Chicago so far. Very nice food and environment. Will def come back again. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
This was a beautiful omakase, we booked a month in advance and they called and text us the day before to confirm allergens. When we arrived, we had to wait for the group before getting started which felt very formal. We sat at the sushi bar and was able to watch the sushi chefs up close prepare each dish. The setting was very very intimate with around 20 people during the session. Each course was so thoughtful, and so well presented. It had everything from sashimi, nigiri, hot dishes, and even multiple desserts to finish it off. Everything was so personal, intimate, thoughtful, and so quality. This was an amazing experience that was definitely worth the price, not all the food was pictured and there was so much more offered. The desserts as well were AMAZING. Everything was a great portion, and this experience lasted around 2 hours. It felt surreal, I loved this experience. read more
3 years ago
6 years ago
I have to say I have a very high expectation for sushi since I am from Japan and I have been many omakase places both in Japan and US. Mako is fantastic except for sushi. All dish is so well balanced, and paired well with wine/sake they provide. I was very impressed that they matched some wine very well with raw fish. Often time wine can bring undesirable fishy flavor in raw fish but I did not taste it at all in any paring at Mako. Sushi however is a hit or miss. All the ingredient was phenomenal but some of the sushi was a bit off balanced between fish and rice. There was just a touch less fish or more rice in some of the sushi caused rice staying in your mouth after you no longer taste fish, or the flavor of the fish is overwhelmed by sushi rice and vinegar. Overall, it was a good omakase. Would it worth $350 for omakase and wine/sake paring? I'd probably go to somewhere else just because I know better sushi place. But if you are in Chicago and want to have a fancy dinner, you should try this place at least once. read more
4 years ago
This was my 3rd visit to Mako and it has become my favorite sushi restaurant in the city. The soft neutral wood tones are visually appealing and exude a sense of relaxed luxury. Soft music plays in the background. The service is knowledgeable, quick and efficient. Each piece of nigiri or slice of sashimi is perfection. The hot dishes are equally impressive. The portions are on the smaller side but there's a reason for this. Chef wants you to enjoy each piece in one bite while the rice and fish are in perfect harmony. Perfection comes at a price so be prepared. I would say you can't go wrong visiting Mako. Note: some pieces are handed to you directly if you're seated at the sushi bar. I neglected to take photos of these. read more
5 years ago
Just went here for the second time. I also went around two years ago. Both times I was very impressed by the food, the service is impeccable and you leave with just the right amount of food in you. Perfectly satisfied, the courses are clearly thought out to give you a dinner that doesn't leave you hungry or so full you can't walk. The nigiri courses really shine, as does the dessert. I would absolutely recommend a stop, I will likely go back a third time. I would say this is the best omakase in Chicago at the moment. read more
I've had my fair share of omakase and Mako ranks up there in terms of quality, presentation, and flavor. Unfortunately, like others have mentioned, the portions are rather small and not quite proportionate to the price. I had to grab a burger afterwards! read more
5 years ago
What a wonderful omakase experience. There wasn't a course that we didn't like and there were a LOT of courses. I liked the rounds of nigiris in between a few warm dishes. My absolute favorite was the black cod in burnt scallion ponzu - wow. We also loved the king crab, the oyster, and the mackerel. The dessert huckleberry soufflé, served after a refreshing palate cleanser, was fantastic and not too sweet or heavy. The gin cocktail I ordered was absolutely delicious too. The overall experience was calming and all the presentations were super aesthetic, but I think overall we prefer something a little less stiff and robotic, with more elements of surprise. read more
5 years ago
5 years ago
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and I had an amazing time! Mako is so cozy, the staff was friendly and professional, and the food exceeded my expectations! I can't pick a favorite because I loved every dish. I recommend going with the beverage pairing. I can't wait to go back in the future! read more
3 years ago
Well, I've been to my fair share of omakase restaurants and I was very excited to finally make it to Mako. Ambiance and presentation is definitely great here. The courses are beautiful and yummy for the most part. My biggest issue is that the slices of fish were the thinnest I've ever experienced. At times, the flavor and texture of the sushi rice was more overpowering than the fish. Don't get me wrong, the sushi rice was great, but I was there to experience amazing fish, not rice. I've been to omakase where I thought the nigiri pieces had perfect balance and ratio and I've been to places that I thought were too heavy handed on the fish. But the thinness of these cuts were definitely a first. I also didn't realize they had multiple sushi chefs. I now know I prefer omakase experiences led by the head chef/owner. Also, the sushi chef we had barely described the fish, preparation or toppings he was adding. I enjoy more interaction and knowledge/explanation of what they are doing. I understand other people may be looking for a different type of dining experience, but I'm definitely the one staring intently at the sushi chef watching his every move and barely talking to my dining companion, lol. So if you are looking for a low-key omakase experience where you can just casually glance at chef or not look at all and not be engaged by the chef, this is a good place for that! Still an impressive dinner, but I can't get over how thin the fish was cut. read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
Mako is good, but falls slightly behind to the other omakase's in Chicago at this point, hence the 3 stars. The rice was not as compact and fell too easily trying to put the negiri. The pieces were on the smaller side and too thinly slice, but the fish was very fresh. There were some stunner pieces like the fluke, shrimp, otoro and then non sushi such as the sea bass and duck! read more
If there were 10 stars I would give them all 10. The omakase experience was amazing with Chef BK Park. From the ambience of the restaurant to the careful attention to detail from each server and "dancing" chef, Id say the experience was worth every penny. Every piece of the 22 course was explained as it was served and at the end the restaurant provided the full menu. Words can not describe the different tastes as a long time sashimi lover this was the peak of my foodie adventures! Many unexpected twist and turns my favorite part of the course was the oyster, it was the first time I could truly experience the true flavor and different textures. I recommend it to anyone who's looking for a thrilling tasting sensation read more
5 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
4 years ago
5 stars!!!! Amazing. We had it with the wine and sake paring. Great environment. Great music. Great food!!!! Definite recommendation! read more
5 years ago
Every bite was perfection. I wish I could end the review there. The oyster was the most perfect bite! We did to the pairing which was well worth it. You can order alcohol outside the pairing. I posted photos of our meal, including the menus. read more
7 years ago
The food at Mako was actually really tasty. I enjoy the ambience of the place, very sleek and modern interior design. We went during the 8:30 PM time slot and there were about four other couples during that time all seated around the bar area. The service was great, The waiters picked up our dishes as soon as we were done. Drinks were quickly delivered and re-filled in a timely manner. I would say this place is what you would expect for the price. If you have done multiple omakase menus before then this may not be your favorite. I though it was a good experience and quality, with some unique dishes included, but was not overwhelmed. I've had less expensive experiences that taste better and actually filled me up. But if you don't do it often I would still recommend trying it. read more
5 years ago
5 years ago
I saw the reviews talking about the small servings here, so I snacked beforehand, which helped tide me through the slower pace of an omakase. First off, the fish is super fresh! The standout to me was the baby Spanish mackerel - not something I see every day, so it was really unique to me and it melted in my mouth. The kaisekis were all creative and well thought out, such a good switch up in between the nigiri courses. We also ordered the Sakura Dreams tea - it had a very subtle, floral taste (I mostly just wanted it because it was pretty). Overall I enjoyed the meal, which lasted around 2 hours - it was more of a 4.5/5 stars because of the portion sizes, but rounded up due to the excellent quality. read more
7 years ago
Tucked away behind a heavy door is this gem. The atmosphere is quiet and minialistic to let the food shine. You'll have the option of bar or table seating and I would highly opting for a bar if your group is small enough - it's truly a different experience & show. Our menu was as follows: Toro Tartare, King Crab, smoked bonito, sashimi, Kusshi Oyster, Nigiri, Sea Bass and the list goes on! (See picture of menu) Great staff, great drink menu and the food was worth returning for. read more
3 years ago
More info about Mako
731 W Lake St
Chicago, IL 60661
West Loop, Near West Side
Directions
(312) 988-0687
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.makochicago.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
Mako Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Mako
Do you serve cocktails or Japanese plum wine?
I definitely saw cocktails on the menu.
How much is omakase per person>?
Our Omakase is $175 person with an optional $85 wine and sake pairing.
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
3 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
4 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
