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

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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

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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

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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

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This was my first ever Michelin start Japanese omakase tasting menu. I was blown away by 5 different bites and appreciated the delicate, thoughtful experience. The pacing felt rushed at the beginning, with the total meal running about 90 minutes, and I personally struggled with the inclusion of light wasabi in most dishes. So I was quite impressed and will remember this experience positively, but likely wouldn't go back. We did the 4pm seating and there were only only 6 other guests in the restaurant. Aside from the music, the environment is nearly quiet. The menu items and drinks are described in a private whisper. The careful movements of the chef evoke a living museum exhibit. At the sushi bar you can see the chef prepare prepare your individual sushi bite and either place it on a counter for you to grab with your hand or they place it in your hand directly. We split 1 wine pairing and would recommend that since the pairings of white wine and sake are thoughtful and effective. I wish the pacing was 15-20 minutes slower, particularly at the beginning. I've learned from this experience that I'm particularly sensitive to wasabi, which is used in each sushi as an adhesive between the rice and protein. read more

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

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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

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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

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Luxurious, decadent, and easy to recognize as a world class Omakase experience. You'll be served a decent amount of food, and if you're still hungry at the end there is ample opportunity to order more. I would highly recommend the wine pairing. Reserve for special occasions for people who won't be late or otherwise embarrass you. read more

Think this is my favorite omakase in Chicago so far. Very nice food and environment. Will def come back again. read more

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It was solid overall. But felt less special than other comparable 7+ course w/ wine pairings in Chicago. I think that was more a function of average service than food. 3.5 stars. read more

A few weeks go by, the sticker shock wore off. And I had a craving for Mako. And i ordinarily don't crave anything. I just don't think there is anything comparable, at least not yet. This is a special place, but you may want any to ditch the family if they aren't into the omakase experience. read more

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

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Incredible incredible incredible. Worth every penny. Such a fun experience with wonderful knowledgeable staff. Do the wine/sake pairing. I've done a number of omakase and tasting menus in Chicago and elsewhere, and this one stands out in my memory at the top of my list. read more

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

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This place was amazing. They called before hand to warn us to be there early. As a chronically just on time or fashionably late person I appreciated the heads up. The interior is very simple and sleek, appropriately Japanese. The staff take your coat immediately and seat you. Every one is very respectful. The food was incredible, in particular the Spanish mackerel was a perfect texture and fresh taste, Kakuni braised lamb was so savory and rich it was fantastic , suimono and the sweet potato mochi ice cream was perfect, no too sweet great way to end the meal. A wonderful experience read more

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

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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

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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

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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

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An absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. This doesn't feel like a restaurant, it feels like a private show. The environment is relaxing and does not feel intimidating or judgmental. Be as comfortable as you like! I have eaten sushi across the country but nothing compares to Mako. Everything is done perfectly and the flavor of each fish is allowed to shine through in the most simple and pure form it can be in. The tastes are like nothing I have ever experienced before, it tastes NOTHING like your typical sushi and is well worth the price. Highly recommend. read more

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

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Delicious all around. They are so great at explaining everything for their courses and drinks. We chose to share the drink course that you can get separately. We accidentally drank one of the rounds too quickly and didnt get a chance to try it with the intended course so they gave us more! They really want you to experience the meal to its fullest. Even sharing between the two of us got us pretty tipsy! The food is so buttery and fresh. I was very surprised since we are not a city close to salt water. I would highly recommend this spot to any sushi/sake fanatic and continue to do so with my friends! read more

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

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Not worth the price. They advertise the dinner price to be ~$200 per person, and you are required to make a $200 deposit when making a reservation being told the $200 would go towards our dinner price. We ordered two dinners with one wine pairing. We were told the wine pairing would be $35, but they charged us $95 when the bill arrived. The bill also did not detail the automatic 20% gratuity they added, and they asked us for an additional tip on top of that. Not only that, they seemingly upcharged our bill so that our $200 deposit would go towards that. We expected to pay $435-500 before tips and taxes before entering this establishment. The bill we received was $754.69, automatic gratuity and taxes added. To which we tipped an additional $138 because we didn't see gratuity was already added until we asked for an itemized receipt from them digitally afterwards. For $100 more I could have gone to a 3* michelin restaurant for two. The food was good, but felt uninspired and definitely not worth this price. I've had better omakase for a fraction of the price. read more

Absolutely amazing meal! I will edit this post with details and add photos later. I think it deserves more than one Michelin star!

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

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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

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After a poor experience at what was supposed to be a high end restaurant, I was prompted to write my first yelp review in 4 years. As a result, I have decided to write only a handful of reviews for the restaurants that I hold with the highest of esteem. This restaurant is #1 on that short list. I took my fiancee here for her birthday, and to this day, we both consider this to be one of the most memorable meals of our lives. We have done several omakases, both here and in Japan; we have both done several Michelin star restaurants as well. For the reasons that follow, we are certain it will soon earn its second, maybe even third star. When you enter, you are greeted by a modern, Japandi forward, warm restaurant, maybe able to hold 7 parties total, (22 people total according to another review). We were seated at the end of the sushi bar, as the chef waited for all the parties to arrive. Then the music began. We have found that at many high-end restaurants there are two general tempos and volumes: either a crescendo of tastings, leading up to a final chord, punctuated by a sweet, high note of dessert, or a consistent forte of flavor lasting throughout the entire meal. At Mako, they have orchestrated an opus that has movements, dynamics, accents of strong flavors that smoothly give way to pieces of nigiri or sashimi that request the mezzo piano of half closed eyes to fully savor. I unabashedly admit that I have grown more accustomed to western flavors in regards to sushi. Initially having grown up eating the spicy mayo drenched rolls of Oklahoma, sometimes the nuances of a pure, undressed nigiri omakase, characteristic of those in Japan, can be hard for me to fully appreciate. Mako does a good job recognizing this is likely the case for most of us, and does a beautiful job of keeping the fish and rice as the star of the show, but also accentuating each bite with just the right flair to pique all parts of our taste buds. As this is a tasting restaurant, I do not see the need to highlight any specific dish, as you will taste all that we did as well/all that is on the menu when you go. If you are looking for a Michelin Starred omakase in Chicago, this is without a doubt the one to choose. read more

The west Loop in Chicago is know for its great restaurants. I think One of the best is Mako an Omakase (I am told the first in the area) is a real treat. The fish for the sushi is soooo fresh and prepared exquisitely. I didn't count the number of courses but am guessing 25 or so. Seating is limited to 10 or 12 a couple of times per day so pre-planning is a must. The cod, and tuna were extra special. Very pricey but worth it. read more

I've researched a lot of great things about Mako, and it did not disappoint. Mako is easily one of the best omakase experiences I've ever had. They have a great ambiance to them, with a simply and classy aesthetic to the place. The host greets you upon arrival and gets you seated when things are ready. The waitstaff are excellent, as they give you cards on what you're about to experience and also describe the course in detail after the chef has presented it to you. Now onto the meal. It probably goes without saying that the fish is of freshest quality - which is always great, but not what puts this experience over the top. The preparation and the artistry with which these sushi chefs execute is a sight to behold, and their mastery and quality is only amplified as you consume and taste each course. I was a bit surprised when there was A5 Wagyu beef and an "out of this world" pork dish included as part of our experience - not that I'm complaining, cause I'm definitely not - but those were also scrumptious. There were multiple courses of fish and not-fish that almost brought me to tears because of the flavor explosion that happens in your mouth. Overall, bravo to all in Mako. It was one of the best omakase experiences that one could ask for. read more

I'll basically follow chef BK Park anywhere. Since his days at Arami, then Juno, then Mako - he just gets better every time. That slow-mo moment of him handing you a piece of sushi during an omakase meal... LOL In all seriousness, it is evident that so much thought and passion went into Mako. Everything from the decor, utensils, and the beautiful and delicious food. I highly recommend the omakase experience at Mako. I will be back! read more

5 stars!!!! Amazing. We had it with the wine and sake paring. Great environment. Great music. Great food!!!! Definite recommendation! read more

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I think this is the most expensive meal we've treated ourselves to. Our friends suggested it for a couples date and we decided to jump in with both feet doing the dinner and pairings. I won't bore you with all of the details of our courses because honestly, we tried so many things I can't remember them all in detail, but will say they all ranged from good to great. A few of my courses were substituted for fish/seafood when the menu item was meat like duck. The only dish I skipped was the Chawanmushi - an egg custard with mushroom broth and crab. Custard and egg are hard passes for me, but manfriend did say the dish was excellent. The courses include a few series of nigiri, of all of them the scallop was my favorite. None of us are typically handroll fans, but were pleasantly surprised by the one we were served. The wines and sakes we had were good for the most part. The only one I didn't care for was a pink sake that we initially assumed was a rose. The interior of the restaurant is minimalist and muted. Earth tones and not a lot of adornment overall. There are two options for seating, the sushi bar and a few tables. We had a table and I liked that they were reasonably spaced apart, which made it feel like we were only ones around. The exterior is also understated, which is probably why we walked it easily and needed to use Google maps to find the door. During our meal, we were attended to by 2-3 different individuals. All of them were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. For us, the meal was good, but not mind-blowing; it was a nice one-off splurge. And frankly, at the price point, it's not something we would pony up for except on rare occasion. PRO TIP: If you have any dietary restrictions, note that in your reservation. Our friends booked our reservation and forgot to do so; one of the people serving us seemed a bit peeved by the oversight. In spite of that, they did accommodate my pescatarian diet. read more

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

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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

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Came here to Chicago for a Michelin star experience, and it didn't disappoint one bit. From the walk in to the final walk out, I can say me and my significant other was heavily satisfied. The host greeted us and took our coats, immediately after us taking it off. He knew exactly what we wanted from the beginning and was coordinated with our demands. The best part was definitely the experience from the omakase dinner. Jun was our chef and he was very polite. He catered to us fully, even cutting a new piece for us to take a picture. Was very helpful with recommendations, as this was our first time here. Jin was a delight and I cannot wait to come here again. Definitely some of the best cuts of fish I've had in a long time. read more

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

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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

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Excellent product and well composed dishes! Atmosphere is relaxed and creeps a bit more traditional/formal but remains very comfortable. Don't think twice about eating here, it is great! read more