We had such an amazing time at Noriko! We're not from Chicago and actually heard about Noriko while we were shopping. We asked a worker if he knew of any good sushi or handroll places in Chicago, and the lady behind us overheard and told us we had to come to Noriko. I'm so glad we listened to her recommendation because we will definitely be coming back every time we're in Chicago! From the vibes of the restaurant to the drinks and the food, everything was amazing. Big shoutout to Eric, our chef, because he was so nice and made such amazing food. Our server Naomi was also super sweet and helpful throughout the whole experience! Such a great spot and definitely worth checking out if you're in Chicago! read more

See all

The basement space has only 21 chef's counter seats, dim moody lighting, and good music that isn't too loud. You can watch the chefs make each handroll, making it a nice intimate dinner spot. 8.5/10. Service was good overall. Everyone remembered our celebration and they surprised us with a card and complimentary prosecco, which was delicious. I also liked being seated at the end of the counter. My only issue was that we weren't given ginger, wasabi, or soy sauce while other tables were, so I'm not sure if we were supposed to ask. 7/10. The Nori Chips & Dip (8/10) had slightly oily nori, but the edamame hummus and chili crunch dip had a creamy texture with a nice little kick. The Lychee Martini (7/10) was pretty standard. The Puncha Matcha (8/10) was more cucumber-forward than matcha, refreshing and very easy to drink. The Toro (9/10) practically melted in my mouth, and the caviar added a nice pop of texture. The California (8/10) was surprisingly good with a nice balance of creamy avocado and crunchy cucumber. The Crab Motoyaki (8.5/10) was addicting with tender crab and a rich, savory topping. The A5 Wagyu (6.5/10) was disappointing. I didn't get much of the Wagyu flavor, and the crab cake and mayo sauce actually overpowered it. The Spicy Octopus (8/10) was one of my favorites with a nice chew and a good kick. Everything tasted fresh, but most of the handrolls were pretty standard in flavor. Overall 7/10 for the handrolls. For $270, I expected more. Good experience, but not something I would come back for. read more

See all

I ordered the doshi set on Uber Eats and this was amazing! There is a pick up window which is nice, you don't have to go inside! I was walking around the area and it was ready about 15 minutes early too!! The doshi set is totally enough for one person! I was stuffed! The edamame was cold which I didn't love! The big eye tuna appetizer was fine, lacking some flavors, could have been dressed/marinated more. I also which it was served with something for us to scoop it with! The nigiri was so good, the sea bream and hamachi were my favs! The rolls were super fresh! I loved both the crab maki and the hamachi scallion maki! Simple rolls but fantastic! I would get this again! read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - DOSHI SET - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went here with my wife for a weekend dinner and had a great time. We arrived quite late for our reservation due to nearby road shutdowns and traffic, but they were able to accomodate us and get our order coursed out within the time left in our 90-minute reservation. Started with the nori chips and dip which were clearly their most popular appetizer (you can see in the middle of their open kitchen area rows of the dips prepped because they go through it so fast!), it was super creamy but intensely savory and paired perfectly with the crisp chips. The two of us had one of the 4-piece and one of the 5-piece handroll sets, which had a few similar and a few different rolls. All the rolls were tasty with crisp nori, well seasoned rice, and fresh fish, but my favorites were the yellowtail which was especially savory, and bluefin tuna poke. The bluefin toro didn't have quite the amount of flavor I expected but the fish was still fresh and prepared nicely. We didn't have time to see if the desserts looked good, but hopefully next time we come back we will! read more

See all

Tucked inside Perilla, Noriko is a hidden gem that you can't help but to share. We started with the Nori Chips were crispy, savory perfection. I am still thinking about this dip! We enjoyed the Chef's Set as well that included too many rolls to name. but each bite was so satisfying. The cocktails were creative and smooth but my fav was the Lychee martini Shoutout to our waitress Sarah who made the whole experience even better with her attentive, warm, and absolutely phenomenal service! We will definitely be back! read more

See all

Noriko was amazing! Went on a date night here, and the staff were super friendly & knowledgeable. The restaurant is entirely bar seating, so you can watch & chat with the chefs as they make the food. We both got the chef's set, which came with 5 hand rolls (my favorite were the scallop & toro, which were amazing). Highly recommend checking out! read more

See all

Nori chips and dip - the chips were so good with a nice balance of saltiness and crispiness, and the dip was amazing with the texture, taste, and full of flavorful toppings Tokyo story - so smooth and a nice blend of sweetness and tanginess Hamachi poke - taste was refreshing and clean Yellowtail - love the kick from the jalapeño California - not your typical California roll, the crab was shredded and had more of a peppery flavor Bluefin tuna poke - the poke was fresh and tasty Bluefin tuna turo - fatty tuna melts in your mouth and the pickled wasabi was so good with it Scallop dynamite - baked spicy scallop is served warm which was def different but so good Ginger chili yum crispy salmon - guest chef series special collaboration with chef Stephanie Izard, the crispy salmon had a nice texture and the other ingredients (hoisin mayo and pickled red onion) balanced it out very well Pork belly - so good, it melts in your mouth, and it pairs well with the hot mustard for that nice kick The nori that is used for the handrolls were crisp that when you bit into it, it would break off easily. I suggest getting the chefs handroll set from the menu. 5-6 handrolls and 2 appetizers were enough for me to feel very full. The restaurant only has 21 seats and the design is really cool. It's a u-shape bar and the dim lighting gives off a very cool ambience. It is an intimate setting and wherever you sit, you can see what's going on in the kitchen and how the chefs are making the food. Since there is limited seating, reservations can be hard to get, but I was able to make a reservation for an early dinner at 5:30p on a weekday easily. The entrance is the Perilla restaurant and you'll have to go downstairs to get to the restaurant. read more

See all

We ordered in for the evening. The website was easy to navigate and pay with accurate descriptions of each item. Service was great, easily accessed the restaurant and paid. Quick in and quick out, returning home with fresh dishes. I recommend the Nori chips & dip (edamame hummus) Light, crispy, well balanced salt & savory! Great, unique appetizer with flavors! All pieces were beautifully prepared and equally delicious. The items were packaged so carefully and beautifully. I can't wait to dine-in! read more

See all

I wanted to try this out with my wife and daughter who love this cuisine before I registered for the pop up event with Tortello's on this coming Tuesday but it's just not for me. Great vibe. Superior service. I guess the food is great according to my three guest. I want my food COOKED! read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing service!! I put I was celebrating a life accomplishment and they really acknowledged that and I am truly grateful. Thank you! The handrolls were so good and filling. I got their Chefs handrolls which come with five handrolls but it's also a great deal if you wanted to choose your own. The drinks were good and I got the lychee martini. They gave us complimentary prosecco for my accomplishments. It was so nice inside and the ambiance was so calming. Once you step inside the sushi chefs also welcome you which I know was already a great place. I would definitely come back. read more

See all

omg this place was SO GOOD. Located in the basement of Perilla & there's no signage outside. hand rolls were perfect. I think the only thing that would make these rolls 10/10 is if the nori was crunchier!! Asked for light wasabi for all the rolls that contained wasabi! Nori chips and dip (10/10): the flavors were AMAZING. loved the nori chips Bluefin tuna toro (9.9/10): this was my FAV roll. Melted in my mouth & was seasoned perfectly Spicy king salmon (9/10) second fav roll. No notes Spicy bluefin tuna (9/10): third fav roll. No notes Sweet shrimp (7/10): wasn't expecting to be raw. Flavors were unique but I wasn't used to it! Bay scallop dynamite (7/10): not my fav kinda tasted like baked shredded salmon but had a hefty about of scallop in it! Probs wouldnt get again Puncha matcha (10/10): BEST COCKTAIL IVE EVER HAD Sunomono sour (9/10): so refreshing & you can taste the cucumber!! read more

See all

Noriko is located in the basement of Perilla. The restaurant has a rounded counter facing the kitchen, offering a view as the chefs prepare food and drinks. Seating is limited so reservations are recommended! We were lucky enough to score a same day 5pm reservation. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The drink menu is creative and has some interesting options. I ordered the Sunomono Sour with yuzu, cucumber, soy, and sesame, which was light and refreshing. Since my friend doesn't eat raw fish, we couldn't do the Christmas omakase, as it requires full party participation. For starters, we ordered the nori chip and dip and the pork belly. The edamame hummus with crispy nori chips was absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. I highly recommend it as a starter. The pork belly was rich, fatty, and incredibly tender. I also tried the awardwinning Noriko oyster, which melted in my mouth and left me wanting many many more. For hand rolls, I chose the toro, crab, and salmon. All were excellent, but the crab stood out with its bold, peppery flavor. Overall, the food quality is excellent. While it is pricey, it's comparable to other high end Chicago restaurants. The menu is unique and memorable, and I would definitely recommend Noriko. read more

See all

This might be my new favorite restaurant. Snagged a reservation at 5pm on a Friday. Started with the melon and gin cocktail. It was incredible. Subtly sweet and aromatic. nori chips and dip with edamame hummus - whoa! This is a hell of a way to start the meal. Crispy nori chips with a super smooth and creamy hummus. Went with the signature set: yellowtail - nice. Good but not my fav king salmon avocado - amazing. The salmon was super cold, creamy avocado sauce. california - this is what I want every California roll to taste like. spicy bluefin tuna - delicious - not too spicy. Added: crab motoyaki - baked spicy crab, citrus roe pickled shallots, sweet soy. This kinda tasted like a pepperoni pizza somehow. Really unique bluefin tuna poke - sweet soy, crispy onions, chives. Really good, citrusy. bluefin tuna toro- fatty tuna, pickled wasabi, seasoned soy --- the best bite of the night. Literally melted in my mouth. Service was amazing. They place each bite in front of you and explain it. The atmosphere is cozy and feels upscale without being pretentious at all. read more

See all

This hand roll bar really spoiled me. Everything was prepared so well!! What we ordered: - Nori Chips and Dips: It lived up to the hype. The highlight was definitely the flavorful dip. The chili oil was strong & paired perfectly with the crispy seaweed - Salmon: Rich and buttery deliciousness in hand roll form - Bluefin Tuna Toro: The fatty tuna and pickled wasabi combo was unreal. All of it with the crispy seaweed ... chef's kiss - Bay Scallop Dynamite: I'm glad I tried this! I'd probably order something else next time since I usually prefer raw fish in my hand rolls - Wagyu Tataki: Definitely worth a try! The wagyu was so fatty and flavorful read more

See all

Truly one of the best experiences I've had in Chicago! The place is gorgeous, the food is out of this world, and I was fully prepared for a really expensive meal but that wasn't the case at all. I actually found it really affordable for how high end it all was! Can't wait to go back! read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is going to be impossible to put into mere words. Ambience is so cool, quant, and inviting. We were treated warmly from the minute we arrived and seated at the upstairs bar prior to our reservation. The Kimchi Arancini app was crunchy and delicious. When seated in Noriko, Amy welcomed us and explained perfectly what was about to be. The pictures included should tell the story because everything was perfect. Service-1st class Food- Amazing Ambience- just right I would like to thank Ron for coming down to chat on this busy Friday night, Amy for her professional demeanor and to all the staff, Chef Faye!, for handing me a hand written birthday note that I will truly cherish. BRAVO NORIKO read more

See all

The restaurant downstairs at Perilla Korean BBQ has a cozy, romantic atmosphere with bar seating only. The hand rolls were fresh and delicious, and the prices felt fair for the quality. The uni hand roll was slightly bitter, which wasn't quite to my taste, but the other rolls were enjoyable. The service was excellent, the waiter was attentive and made the experience pleasant. read more

See all

Noriko Hand Roll Bar is a 10 out of 10. My husband and I had dinner there last night and it was one of the best meals we've had in Chicago. The space is small and intimate: you sit right at the counter, so you're close to the action the whole night. Our server Naomi and chefs Faye and Michael took great care of us, and honestly everyone we interacted with, including the hostess, made us feel genuinely welcome. The food itself was excellent, and the cocktails matched it. For this level of quality and service, it's a great value. If you're looking for a special dinner in Chicago, go to Noriko! PS -- Get the oyster! Our favorite bite of the night! read more

The restaurant is located in the basement of a korean bbq restaurant. I had trouble finding it at first, but when I finally walked downstairs, it was literally just a bar with really great vibes. I came by myself since I was on a work trip and went to explore good eats. In a sense, it was almost like a set menu as the food was brought out one by one to enhance flavors of each item. The food was really delicious and each handroll had the perfect flavors. I really liked the dip. I've never had something like it before. Each handroll had its own unique taste. I ordered the signature set and all were amazing. The service was good as well. It was a little loud so it was hard to hear the chef tell me which roll was what. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and people watching. The servers were really friendly too. I can't wait to come back with my wife the next time I'm in Chicago. read more

See all

When we moved to Chicago a decade ago one of the things I knew I was going to miss in Los Angeles was Kazunori, a hand roll bar we frequented. There was a short-lived hand roll spot in West Town but nothing that could compare. All of that sadness is flushed now that we have Noriko. This place, hands down, is the beta hand roll bar experience I've ever had. The atmosphere, the chefs (very cool chefs), and of course, the fish are top notch. And it's not just the hand rolls, they have many other menu items for your friends or date that aren't into hand roll and those apps and side dishes are fantastic. Major highlights definitely include the seared pork belly with daikon and spicy mustard. The noriko salad. Must get the toro hand roll. And really anything else on the hand roll menu is unique and fantastic. THIS WILL BE A REGULAR SPOT FOR US FROM NOW ON. Shoutout to Michael and Patty who kick ass! read more

See all

I have literally never been more excited to try something as this place!!! It's nearly impossible to score a reservation, as the restaurant is tiny with only a few elevated bar style seats all facing the central kitchen. You can watch the chefs make the handrolls right in front of you! The first time I got a resy I couldn't make it, so I gave it to someone else. The second time, I had to book another two months out!! Noriko salad - so refreshing, loved the leafy greens, bigger portion than expected with a classic Japanese tangy dressing! Nori chips and dip - ugh I loved this. I find hummus to be a bit too rich, but this edamame hummus was so light, which compliments the salty nori chips so well! Pork belly - did not like the hot mustard cuz I hate wasabi, so spent a good bit of time trying to scrape it off from the ends. Other than that, super soft and well marinated, melted in my mouth! Now onto the hand roll sets!! We got the chefs set, which comes with five rolls - yellowtail, California, bluefin tuna poke, scallop dynamite, and bluefin tuna toro! They were all really good and the seaweed was the perfect texture (sometimes when you have handrolls and you try to chew through the seaweed it just WON'T let you)! Least fav was the scallop dynamite, it was wayyy too rich and fatty, and just felt more like the classic baked salmon roll. Wish it was raw or semi raw scallop! Overall, super fun experience, service is stellar, and though pricey, I had lots of fun! read more

See all

TLDR: LOVED the vibe, most of the handrolls were good but some were just ok. I was super excited to come here, especially since I had to wait a whole month for my reservation! This place has such a calming vibe. Truly loved the ambiance and decor. The service was superb and everyone was very welcoming and friendly. The Nori Chips + Edamame hummus was SO. FUCKING. GOOD. I could've just had like 2 more orders of that and been totally happy! The Pork Belly with the grated radish was really lovely and tender. The Japanese hot mustard gives it just the right amount of kick. My Classic High Ball was tasty and I loved that they had it on the menu! A Toki high ball is such a staple among the Japanese working class. The Hamachi Poke was very subtle but the combination of the yuzu jelly and yellowtail was so refreshing! Now, the handrolls were not as great as the rest of the experience. The Bluefin Tuna Toro was good, but toro is good no matter what. The Bay Scallop Dynamite was really mediocre... it's also cooked scallops, which was a letdown, since scallop sashimi is so much better. The Wagyu Tataki was tasty, but again, wagyu is good no matter what. The Crab Motoyaki was okay; I didn't really taste the crabbiness come through because it was masked by the spiciness. The Uni was fresh, but it did not have the rich, buttery flavor of Bafun Uni, which is the best Hokkaido uni. It just wasn't worth the price, unfortunately. We finished off with the Doshi Doshi, but the combination of caviar and uni is really hard to make work because caviar has such a subtle flavor that everything else just overpowers it. (It looks really amazing though!) I'm glad I experienced Noriko, but I'd rather spend my money at the original Lawrence Fish Market for a better value meal. It's absolutely a no-frills joint, but the quality and value can't be beat. read more

See all

Came by for a quick date night dinner! Noriko might be the best kept secret in West Loop. Reservations were fairly easy to get, the counter service was quick, and the vibe was intimate and fun. We loved watching our handrolls get made, and the quality of the fish was superb. Highly recommend the nori chips and edamame hummus. The nori chips are coated in the most delicious seasoning -- definitely the highlight of the evening! read more

See all

Noriko has been one of my most visited restaurants since they first opened in February 2025. I've always wanted a true sushi handroll bar in Chicago, and Noriko delivers that concept with intention, precision, and warmth. The space itself is intimate and thoughtfully designed. Clean lines, warm wood, and soft lighting keep the focus on the counter and the craft. Sitting at the bar feels immersive in the best way. You can watch each handroll being made in real time, paced perfectly so the nori stays crisp and the rice warm. It feels elevated but never intimidating. Billy and Rhan are phenomenal. Their experience really shows in both the food and the hospitality. Every interaction feels genuine, and you can tell how much care goes into the details. They strike that rare balance of being welcoming, knowledgeable, and quietly confident. It's always a pleasure coming here, whether I'm bringing someone for their first visit or just stopping by myself. The food is consistently excellent. The edamame hummus with the tempura seaweed chip is a standout starter. It's creamy, savory, and addictive, and the chili crisp adds just the right amount of heat and depth. If it's your first time and you're hungry, the chef's set is the way to go. It gives you a full sense of what they do best. The bluefin toro handroll is my favorite. Rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced, it's one of those bites you think about long after you leave. The hamachi poke is bright and refreshing, and I love how the yuzu jelly adds a citrus lift that keeps the dish feeling light. The zuke salmon crudo is also excellent, deeply flavorful and beautifully restrained. Noriko has become my favorite handroll bar in Chicago, and I'm always introducing friends to it. If you appreciate high-quality fish, thoughtful technique, and an intimate dining experience, this place is special. read more

See all

This is my favorite restaurant on the face of the earth. I am not someone that lives for food, but I may live for Noriko. I have been twice and neither disappointed. Every roll and appetizer is amazing from the California (yes I was skeptical too) to the waygu. I have tried fish there I didn't even like and it was amazing. I would eat there every day if I could. I should also mention the staff is amazing. Naomi was a wonderful server and the chefs, hostesses are delightful. Can't give a high enough recommendation- go there! read more

Very hard to get a reservation at Noriko, even on a weekday. Also, parking is not easy in the area. This place is like a speakeasy, tucked inside the basement of Perilla. I found the interior to be quite clean, modern, and beautifully decorated. I have tried numerous handroll bars around the world and found Noriko's to be average to slightly above average. Started with the Tokyo Story cocktail which had a very interesting flavor profile to it, though not my favorite. My friend and I also got the nori chips and dip to share. The dip tasted fantastic, especially with the chili oil, but the nori chips got really stuck in my teeth and I was kind of annoyed about that. For handrolls, I got the salmon avocado, the spicy salmon, the bluefin tuna toro, and the bay scallop dynamite. I thought the salmon in the salmon avocado hand roll was exceptional, but that suddenly wasn't the case in the spicy salmon which supposedly has the same salmon in it. The spicy salmon's flavor was too pepper-forward (not spice-forward though) for my liking. Then, the toro hand roll was delightful. Finally, I was disappointed by the scallop dynamite. I didn't expect for the scallop to be fully cooked by the baking process, and for all the filling to just have a consistently mushy texture that was unpleasant. Definitely my least favorite bites of the night. For the quality of fish, I think the prices are fair, though still somewhat elevated by its proximity to the main West Loop areas. I would be interested to come back and try some more, but would need to secure another reservation first. Food: 4/5 Price: 3.5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4.5/5 Overall: 4/5 read more

See all

What a cool place. It's is located in the basement of Perrilla Fare. Such cool ambiance they only have 21 seats and they are all at the bar. They put up mirrors to make the place look bigger and did an amazing job. We had a reservation which I highly recommend, and were seated right away. Our waitress was great and the food was phenomenal. Some of my favorites included the scallop dynamite roll, the Bludfin Toro Roll & the Blue Fin Akami roll. read more

See all

As a big fan of SoCal handroll bars, I was excited to try Noriko, but it didn't quite measure up. The ambiance is great, seats were comfortable, service was good, and the handrolls came out quickly. I got the chef's set, but wish they allowed roll swaps like other spots. Also disappointing was the lack of condiments--no soy sauce, no ginger, and no extra sauces like truffle soy or fresh wasabi, which I've come to expect. I don't mind paying for special sauces but it was just not an option on the menu. The fish was fresh, but the flavors and textures were off: 1. Yellowtail - bit bland; the jalapeño and scallion overpowered the fish. 2. California - creamy, but mushy texture; couldn't really taste the crab, but loved the peppery flavor 3. Tuna Poke - nice subtle sweetness and good crunch. 4. Bluefin Toro + Uni - we topped this one with uni for $9; fresh, but needed some soy sauce to complement 5. Scallop Dynamite - Flavorful but overly saucy; didn't really taste scallop. Overall, good quality ingredients and vibe, but flavor-wise, it's not there yet. I know some rolls already have soy sauce but there was not enough for me to taste in my handrolls read more

See all

Ambiance - minimalistic, modern, great for dates, love that they seat people along the counter Service - exceptional, staff and chefs were nice and polite Food - Bluefin tuna toro (fish quality was insanely good), the only thing lacking from the handrolls is the seaweed (soft, soggy, and hard to bite/pull apart) Pork Belly - didn't feel like there was anything special, felt like it was just marinated pork belly Salmon Lox - too much going on and the sour cream cheese overpowered the king salmon read more

See all

Absolutely amazing experience at Noriko Handroll Bar! Every roll was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully made right in front of us. The service was excellent and the vibe was modern, intimate, and fun. Definitely will be coming back again. read more

See all

Not even close, hands down my favorite sushi in the city. I love how the only seating is up on the sushi bar, so you get the opportunity to see them make the rolls. That being said, because of that, there's limited seating so you do need to plan in advance and get a reservation - this definitely isn't somewhere where you can just stop by and see if you can get a table. It's in the basement under Perilla Fare - but it really doesn't look like it, it's really classy. Food: We've tried a large variety of the rolls between the two times we've been there and the one I keep going back to is the spicy salmon, so I'd strongly recommend. Also make sure you get the edamame to start! Drinks: They had an amazing lychee martini the first time we were there which they were also able to serve us the second time, even though they no longer had it on the menu. read more

When I got to perilla I was scared the entrance was outside so I walked around and it turns out yes the entrance is indeed inside. In case you were wondering. Lol We had the chef's and signature handroll sets. We also had the nori chips and dip, and the special which was a nigiri with scallop and trout roe! You cannot go wrong with the premium rolls (particularly the dynamite), the special and of course the nori chips and dip. The ambiance is very intimate and vibey. The staff were so friendly we got to meet one of the partners, Billy. Super cool guy (he's a golfer in case you guys wanted something to speak about lol). Overall really thankful we got a reservation and will definitely be back to satisfy our handroll cravings! PS get the matcha cocktail. Super unique. 10/10 read more

See all

Very nice experience at Noriko, which is a lovely, chill space. The nori chips and dip were amazing... A surprising highlight of the meal. Fish was fresh, but I've got 3 recommendations for improvement, thus the 4 stars instead of 5. The biggest recommendation is that the rice in all our rolls was cool (room temp or below). I've had some amazing handrolls, including in Japan and a few other cities, and at all the best places the rice in them is warm. The cool rice at Noriko killed it a bit for me but is such an easy thing to fix. I hope they read this and consider it! The beauty of sitting at a handroll bar IMO is that the nori should still be crisp and the rice warm. And although totally fresh, I thought the rolls could have been more flavorful overall. A few didn't taste very distinct from one another despite having very different descriptions. Lastly, the crab roll was pretty good, but not the most appetizing looking, with a big dark meatball looking lump of piping hot (too hot to even eat at first) minced crab mush on top. I would have really preferred pieces of baked crab instead, especially for a "premium" roll, even if it added a few dollars to the price. The above stuff is all intended as constructive feedback since I do think Noriko is very solid and should be tried. And it's best of the fairly limited handroll focused spots in Chicago I've been to! read more

Noriko has such a cool vibe with all the seats arranged around the counter (I would not come with a group more than 2! It would be really hard to converse). There's a raised second level of counter space that blocks your view of the chefs while you're sitting, so you can't quite watch them prepare the food, but the atmosphere is still lively and fun. Our waitress was fantastic and really knowledgeable about the menu. I had the Puncha Matcha to drink, which I was honestly hesitant about ordering, but it ended up being delicious and probably one of my favorite cocktails I've had recently. It was balanced with neither the matcha nor the gin overpowering the flavor (or honestly, even noticeable!). To eat, we started with the nori chips and dip, which were good. The seasoning on the nori chips reminded me of the Trader Joe's tempura nori snack (IYKYK), and I'm not a huge fan of that flavor profile. The pork belly was also very tasty, though it came out while we were still enjoying our hand rolls, so the timing was a little off. We ordered the chef's hand roll set, and overall the fish tasted very fresh. I liked all the rolls except the scallop dynamite, which I personally wouldn't recommend. The baked scallop mixture just wasn't great, but every other roll was excellent! read more

I ordered: 1. Doshi Doshi Handroll - bluefin tuna toro, uni, caviar 2. Signature Handroll Set - yellowtail, king salmon avocado, california (w REAL crab), spicy bluefin tuna 3. Nori Chips and Dip - edamame hummus, chili crunch, scallions Started with a banger app - Nori Chips and Dip is now an all time fav app. Regular hand rolls were stuffed and good quality. Fish tasted fresh and wasn't diced up to the point of mushiness which I really appreciate. Also not too many complicating ingredients per roll. Doshi Doshi has those extravagant, pricey ingredients but it's also quite hefty so arguably worth the price. Service was good. It was hard to find a regular dinner time reservation but I hope they don't increase the number of seats inside out of fear it would very likely affect service and quality. read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I cannot stress enough that this is the best sushi in Chicago. And the service matches how amazing the food is. I've been a few times now and each time I walk away talking about how great the meal was. The Noriko Oyster is the best I've ever had; we had the Wagyu, the Hotate crudo, the Crab Motoyaki, the Chef's selection, the Oyster and the Tuna Akami this time around. read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Located under Perilla Fare in the west loop, Noriko is Chicago's hottest, new restaurant opening (just opened Feb 5th) and that comes with reservations being VERY hard to get! Why? Well, Noriko only has 20 SEATS and the food and service are great! The space is very intimate and cozy..... and EACH PERSON has a front seat view of the chef action! I was in heaven - the ingredients are FRESH and you'd be surprised at what is made in house. A good example is their SOY SAUCE - homemade. Unbelievable! The edamame hummus dip and nori chips wowed me as an opening appetizer and the rolls were excellent. The cuts of meat are so fresh and prepared so well, it melts in your mouth like butter. The hand rolls are expertly made and taste phenomenal! I highly recommend the nori chips and dip, the crab motoyaki, uni, bluefin tuna toro.... Okay EVERYTHING! And for drinks the Tokyo Story and Lychee Martini are must try's! If you can snag a reservation here, do it!!! It's beyond worth it read more

See all

A new spot serving up delicious hand rolls -- my friend snagged a res during my visit to Chicago and it was a great meal. I'd recommend for smaller groups (ideally 2), since it's bar seating. The ambiance is lovely and it's fun to see the chefs making the rolls. The cocktails were great and it looks like they put a lot of thought into the menu. The hand roll sets were really great, highly recommend getting one of the premium options -- my Baked Scallop hand roll was easily my favorite bite of the evening! read more

See all

Had a great experience celebrating Valentine's Day last night at Noriko. The ambience was perfect- cozy and intimate and had some great music. The service was great as well. Loved the nori chips and hummus! It was bursting with flavor! The hand rolls were delicious! My favorite was the bay scallop dynamite and the spicy ora king salmon. Would love to go back! read more

Noriko Handroll Bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is hands down a must for hand roll sushi. The service is excellent, and the setting offers a small, intimate experience. I promise you, every specialty hand roll is fantastic--and I dare you to have just one. read more

See all