KAI ZAN

Made a last minute decision to try Kai Zan with a friend who already had a reservation on a Friday night. Getting a reservation is highly recommended by the way. The restaurant is cozy with very limited seating.We received great service from the hostess and our server. I (unfortunately) have developed a fish allergy, so I couldn't really eat the sushi, but my friend had several different pieces and raved about each. I tried the green salad and the chicken skewer...both were great. They have cocktails, but we didn't try any. Even though I couldn't eat sushi, I would definitely recommend this place for those who can and like it.

My favorite sushi restaurant in Chicago! Absolutely have to order the Spicy Toro Maki Roll! It is the best Roll you'll ever have! If not, please tell me who has better! Strict 90 minute dinner seating although.

We love to check out omakase spots especially in the Chicagoland area so of course Kai Zan was on our list! We tried their 10 course Chef's Choice omakase (note: menu varies). Pictured are a few of our favorite/the most interesting bites!Our Menu: Madai Carpaccio: Japanese red snapper, basil, toro, black tobiko, olive oil Escolar & Maguro Pearls: seared tuna and escolar, sushi rice, spicy aioli, truffle oil, scallions Angry Crab: spicy crab wrapped in tuna, tempura crunch, spicy aioli Shooters: oysters and scallops, ponzu sauce, quail egg, scallions, tabasco, black tobiko Orange Rush: lightly seared scallops, seared salmon, citrus glaze Baby Octopus: jicama, mango, ginger, seaweed Main: shrimp, char siu, tako yaki, tako wasabi Nigiri (Chef's choice) Dynamite Mussels: New Zealand mussels, masago, black tobiko, scallion aioli Sashimi (assorted fish)Everyone was so friendly! Each course was explained to us prior to consumption. Most of our omakase experiences have been super intimate with less than 14 people so this was definitely a different vibe but do note that Kai Zan offers more than omakase. We had an AMAZING beef-related appetizer (not pictured) and dessert (highlighted first ) so we look forward to trying more of their regular menu items next time!

Our party of 4 was seated in a separate little room which had its own privacy that I really liked. My friend was raving about their Polenta Bites & Spicy Toro Maki, so I was super excited to try those on top of their Fiesta Roll. All of these were amazing!! I love the crispy kale that they use here, it adds for a really flavorful crunch which was a nice surprise. The Fiesta Roll was different as I'm not used to lime on a roll, but it definitely works! The Spicy Toro Maki was really good too, I'm not a huge fan of tuna as I highly prefer salmon but here, I found myself to gravitate towards their tuna the most. I would definitely recommend ordering any of the 3 I tried as they were all yummy choices!

My FAVORITE meal during our time in Chicago. I was lucky enough to grab a reservation during our weekend in town and I'm so happy I was able to. We had a 9:45pm seating and did omakase. Super cute and intimate restaurant setting. We didn't sit at the bar, but they placed us in a booth which worked with us. We had the BEST food and the BEST server. For a ten course omakase, this was GREAT value. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and accommodating in all ways possible. He mentioned that it would be a challenge to finish all ten courses and I immediately said, "challenge accepted." And...a challenge it was. I got full halfway through the meal! I enjoyed all of the courses, except the "main," which felt pretty out of place. I was not a fan of takoyaki and pork belly. It was super fatty. The fish/seafood, however, were spectacular. Since we were there near closing, they were rushing a bit to get our ten courses out so they can close the kitchen. At one point, I had so many dishes on my table... it was off-putting, but I get it.All in all, definitely get your reservations in! You won't regret it. I'm absolutely returning.

Straight up DELICIOUS AND AWESOME STAFF!1st I need to give a shout out to Zoey for accommodating myself and service dog. He was super well behaved and enjoyed being out of the car from the last 2days. Food was excellent and far cry from what you will get in Sarasota. Have to say the Pork Belly Skewer was my favorite!

Visited Kai Zan in Chicago's Ukrainian Village and was seated on time. The place has a nice decor, especially the tables for large groups. I enjoyed the Sorry Umami IPA, a nicely hopped beer with an eye-catching can design. Highlights of our meal included the Escolar Pearls and the Flaming Scallops--both dishes were exceptional. The Spicy Toro Maki was also impressive, though the SOS Maki was just average. The Hamachi Nigiri offered a nice journey of flavors, but the Otoro Tuna and Shishito Peppers were underwhelming. The Lava Cake was okay. The staff were friendly and the prices reasonable. Will return for the pearls and spicy maki.

Just went here for my birthday and it was a great spot besides one thing. We did the omakase and you definitely get your moneys worth. The only thing which other people have mentioned is the time limit. I understand you're busy, but at least give people time to eat dessert if they order it. I had received my birthday dessert when I was not even done my sashimi. I felt it was rushed and unappetizing when the table with old dishes was not cleared before eating dessert. I had to take my sashimi to go ask I was only able to eat one piece before the dessert came. Food was great and enjoyed all the dishes nonetheless but the time limit might stop me from coming back. Especially having a stomach that is slow to digest.

Perfect spot for an affordable omakase experience. The fish is fresh and you have extremely well executed dishes with a nice variety as well. The preparation was on point and the pacing was perfect. It's hard to pick any favorites each course was hit after hit. The service was fantastic and very friendly. This is a must try for sushi and a really solid omakase experience if you don't feel like dropping $200+ a person

If you are looking for another cool sushi place in the neighborhood then you may have to give them a try. Yes all you can eat sushi is an option, and from the presentation to the flavors you won't be disappointed. I suggest setting a reservation if you are coming on the weekend because it can get packed quick here. Me and my family had a great time and I'm sure yours will too!