Some parents could devour spicy tuna maki every day, but some kids don’t always want to roll with it. So, here are sushi restaurants in the Chicago area that not only serve great sushi, but also unique dining experiences or other options for the non-raw-fish-eating folks.
Hub 51
- Address: 51 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
When you think of Hub 51 in Chicago you might not think of sushi, but its maki game is awesome for families. If your little one doesn’t like sushi, it has other options they can enjoy like steak tacos, burgers, tenders and more.
Jieyi Sushi
- Address: 1178 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
This Japanese restaurant has classic and specialty sushi rolls for you to choose from. If your child isn’t in the adventurous mood, they can enjoy an appetizer of popcorn chicken, egg rolls, veggie egg rolls or chicken wings instead. Also, make sure to try one of the fresh fruit or Matcha Green Tea smoothies.
Osaka Sushi Express
- Address: 400 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
If you’re in need of a quick bite while hitting the museums downtown, Osaka is the place. The restaurant is about as unpretentious (not to mention un-touristy) as you can get and has a large menu that ranges from Philli Rolls to Octopus and Cucumber. Osaka also labels items with symbols to indicate if they’re spicy, cooked or vegetarian, which helps simplify ordering for picky eaters. Top off your meal with one of the cafe’s famous fresh fruit smoothies.
OTOBO Sushi & Bar
- Address: 477 S. Weber Road, Bolingbrook
Try some of the sushi bar’s unique makis like the Cowboy Bebop, Sump Roll, Jumanji, White Tiger and Viva Las Vegas. The kids menu features udon noodles, teriyaki chicken, tofu and deep-fried shrimp tempura meals.
Sea Ranch Sushi Evanston
- Address: 518 Dempster St., Evanston
Sea Ranch is part Japanese grocery store, part restaurant and, according to reviews, all delicious. The setup may be confusing, but this no-frills cafe still manages to serve up a tasty selection of sushi. Adventurous eaters will appreciate the restaurant’s more elaborate rolls, like the Hokkaido, which features pineapple and seared scallops, but those with blander taste buds can keep it simple with California rolls and vegetarian sushi. The market part of Sea Ranch makes a great distraction for antsy kids while you’re waiting for food to be served, and you can even grab sushi to go if you don’t feel like dining in. You can also purchase items to make your own sushi at home.
Shakou
- Address: Various locations in Chicagoland
Think Shakou when you’re craving a swanky, loungy vibe. The sushi is inventive and while it can be pricey, we recommend bringing the kids every now and then. Locations in Libertyville, St. Charles, Barrington, Park Ridge and Arlington Heights. Mac & cheese, chicken fingers and fries and cheese pizza grace the kids menu.
Sumo Sushi and Hibachi
- Address: 2936 N. Broadway, #5302, Chicago
Try the regular or hand roll sushi or enjoy one of the chef’s special rolls. For kids 10 and under it has a dinner menu that features Hibachi chicken, steak, shrimp or salmon.
Sushi + Rotary Sushi Bar
- Address: Various locations in Chicagoland
Conveyor belt sushi is a concept out of Japan that makes for quick and easy eating and an exciting experience. More than 90 dishes, including salads, dessert and sushi, rotate around the restaurant and diners can choose what they’d like to eat immediately or order from the tablet, which will send a car to deliver the grub. Plates are color coded by price. Try sushi sandwiches and tacos. Kids meals are served in little cars that include fruit and French fries. Locations in Aurora, Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood, Chinatown and Wicker Park.
Sushi Joon
- Address: 5503 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Who knew that $1 sushi was a thing? This low-key Lincoln Square spot serves up one piece nigiri for just a buck, perfect for when your kid wants to try something, but you’re not sure they’ll like it (or if they’ll end up chucking it on the floor). And hesitant sushi eaters will appreciate offerings like the Sushi Nachos and Garlic Butter Shrimp Nigiri. Right now, it is just pick up or delivery.
Sushi Station
In Japan, sushi is often served Kaiten style, meaning the food travels around the restaurant on a conveyer belt. Sushi Station has adopted this fun concept, making the dining experience both interactive and entertaining for kids (who needs coloring books when you have constant plates of food flying by?). The Kaiten concept may seem a little intimidating at first, but it helps that plates are color-coded for different price points. If your child doesn’t want sushi, they can order a chicken nuggets and fries kids meal.
Taste of Tokyo
- Address: The Grove Shopping Center, 159-163 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove
If the idea of a floating sushi bar floats your boat, then you are in luck. This cozy Buffalo Grove restaurant features all-you-can-eat sushi that travels around on little wooden boats. See something you like, grab it. Sides like edamame and egg rolls come around, too, or you can order dishes like chicken teriyaki off the menu.
Tokio Pub
- Address: 1900 E. Higgins Road #2, Schaumburg
This Japanese, Latin and American fusion pub is connected to Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg. It’s famous for its Hot Rock appetizers (sizzle your own filet mignon or ahi tuna on a very hot rock) and Ramen Burgers (yup, a burger served on ramen fried into circular-shaped buns. Tokio Pub has half a dozen rolls to choose from like The Tokio Spicy Tuna Roll and the Red Dragon Roll. At the end of the meal, try the beignets that burst with warm, melted chocolate in your mouth.
Tsukasa of Tokyo
- Address: 561 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
This hibachi-style restaurant (think flying knives, flipping food, flames and a whole bunch of fun) specializes in Teppan Yaki (hot steel cooking). It also serves seafood, steaks, salads and sushi. Expect veggie slinging and egg flipping as fried rice, shrimp and other favorites are prepared at the table.
