Omakase Shoji

Food: soooo many courses. Worth the prices everything was delicious and high quality Service: our party was the only one that day so we got VIP service. Ambiance: super peaceful. One of my fav omakases in the US!

Omakase ShojiThe. Best. Omakase. In. Chicago. We felt like we were transported back to Japan. The space was beautiful, simple, and elegant. It makes you feel like you're separated and taken out from the city of Chicago. The seating time we had was a total of 8 people including ourselves. Our waitress and waitor were AMAZING. They made such great recommendations for cocktails and were so speedy with their service. They do a really good job making sure with the chefs that the food is brought out to us all at around the same time so the chef's can exlpain what the dish is at the same time. The dinner starts with a complimentary cocktail and the main sushi chef showing us the fish/rice/wasabi and telling us where it all was shipped from in Japan. Then, your 20 courses start - which let me tell you - it is more than 20 courses!! Some of the courses had 3 pieces of fish or small things incorporated into it which made it even more worthwhile.I haven't had shrimp or squid the way that I had it in Japan here in the states and my god, the shrimp and squid dishes had that nice natural creamy finish to it like the shrimp/squid from Japan. Clearly, the chefs are very particular to where they get their materials shipped from. All the fish in general just melts in your mouth and the non-fish dishes very perfect. Everything was just made to perfection.I cannot wait to come back here one day. I am still dreaming about this dinner!

120% highly recommend! Food, service, ambiance all above expectations! Food - I personally love that the 20 courses is more of an omakase+kaiseki mix, because I prefer this range of nigiri, sushi, hand roll, etc. The ingredients are top notch fresh and of course the rice in the sushi is 5 stars! fresh wasabi and perfectly balanced flavor profile. Warning: you wont get soy sauce and if you ask for it, don't. Service - we arrived early and had drinks at the bar first. I accidentally spilled my drink (party foul!), and the bartender offered to make me a fresh one on the house. Every time my sake cup was empty during the omakase meal, more would immediately appear. The chefs explain each course and its ingredients in detail and are careful on timing (for example, if you step away they will hold your course until your return). Very caring, thoughtful service. Ambiance - the bar outside in the lobby felt warm and inviting. Cocktail selection was extremely reminiscent of typical bars in Japan. I loved my special Passionfuit Highball! The 10 seater omakase is just like those in Tokyo, perfect! Love it here, might be my new favorite omakase in Chicago.

Really solid, authentic omakase offered at a reasonable price. Chef Shoji is friendly and attentive. The server was also friendly and patient. The omakase room is at the back and is clean, neat, and private. I found this experience much better than some of the other omakase offerings in Chicago that has twice the price tag that are not prepared Japanese chefs. 100% will come back again!

Probably the best omakase experience in Chicago. Period.I almost dismissed this place coz I thought it would just be like any other typical (and overpriced) Chicago 'omakase' . Then my husband sent me this article ...saying this place is run by 2 Japanese chefs and is more kaiseki like that they are not just X individually coursed nigiris, there are chef made dish components and artful presentation. I am sold! I still don't quite understand the distinction between omakese and kaiseki, but the whole evening experience was truly different from any Chicago 'omakase' scene, it also reminded us a bit of our experiences in Kyoto! We lucked out with small and intimate seating as well so we also got to talk to the chefs and our fellow diners a bit. They said they are still working out some kinks but I don't see any! Lol. They also seem to have big plan with the patio space etc! Hope to go back for all of this again!

First to review? Don't mind if I do. This was one of the loveliest omakases I've had in Chicago. The atmosphere feels spa-like, and there are some seriously precious, fresh bites. Destined to be competitive for reservations soon. Welcome to West Town!

First visit Omakase shoji today. Me and my wife are sushi lovers. This is our first omakase experience. We are excited after reservation booked. We have so many regular sushi experience. But this is totally different. A chef with over 20 years experience making for us. We don't know what we going to eat before we get into the dining area. After we get in to the dining room. The staff show us today menu are 20 courses and gave us a house drink to start. Each course seem small. But it will fill you up at the end. I keep looking at the chef some course I didn't took picture. Wasabi are fresh and soy sauce is homemade. Sushi ginger is different from what I see outside it tastes excellent. I believe it house made also. Everything is so fresh. May not able to eat this every time but it totally worth to experience. At the end the owner explained the name of shoji. Mr shoji is the chef and he is also owner. shoji also means door . A door to experience omakse great fresh sushi!They will have rooftop bar soon.

Did not have the full omakase. Excellent sake list by glass or bottle. Very small menu for izakaya. Rolls were pretty solid, not extraordinary. Sushi pieces were big but not great. Restaurant was freezing cold. Nice vibe but only a few regular sized tables and 3 or 4 kid sized tables which would be very hard to eat at.

The BEST kaiseki restaurant! The only place I have been to in the US that rivals the best restaurants in Japan. This is what Japanese kaiseki should taste like. Worth the price! One of the best meals I've ever had! Can't wait to come back.

Excellent addition to the neighborhood! Really enjoyed the izakaya side and looking forward to trying the omakase experience. Damien and Sarah were awesome, the gyoza, shumai, nigiri, kama, and drinks were all great and the service was excellent! Will be back!