Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya

4.7 (118)

$31 to $50

Japanese

372 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

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Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya

4.7

$31 to $50

Japanese

River North (Chicago)

Make a booking

2 people

6 Oct 2026

7:00 pm

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighbourhood gem
Charming

Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya is a River North restaurant offering an authentic Japanese-style tavern food and high quality sushi and omakase. Using only fresh seasonal and natural ingredients, our chefs take time and care to make everything in-house from scratch on a daily basis in order to create the most delightful and flavorful dishes for you. With its warm ambiance, Ikigai is aiming to create a casual and friendly neighborhood atmosphere with unique flavors of Japan where the beverages are always cold and the food is full of flavors. You will feel absolutely right at home from the moment you have arrived.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Izakaya
Hours of Operation
Mon, Wed, Thu 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(312) 291-9663
Website
http://www.IkigaiChicago.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Jeff Waiyachote
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
372 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Area
River North (Chicago)
Cross street
We are located on the Northeast corner of W Chicago Ave and N Sedgwick St.
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public transport
We are one block west from the Chicago Ave stop for the CTA Brown and Purple line L trains. We are also one block east from the Chicago & Hudson bus stop for the westbound 66 bus and one block west from the Orleans & Chicago stop for the northbound 37 bus.
Additional
Beer, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

Sushibar Omakase
USD 149.00 per person
1 - 6 people
Multiple dates available
***RESERVATION IS REQUIRED 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE*** Experience a new way to enjoy Japanese cuisine and culture. You can relax and enjoy our seasonal 15+course menu including dessert prepared in front of you by our chefs. PRICE: $149/person plus tax and 20% gratuity will be applied to the total bill. Seating Time: Fri and Sat at 7:30pm. FOR CANCELLATIONS: Please notify us 24 hours prior to your reservation. All no shows and cancellations are subject to be charged a penalty of $75/person. Please let us know if there is any allergies or dietary restrictions in your party, we will try our best to accommodate substitutions. Thank you for choosing Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya. We look forward to welcome you to our Omakase experience.

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

EdamameUSD 6.00
Steamed soybeans with sea salt
Miso SoupUSD 4.50
Red miso soybean paste with wakame, tofu, dashi and scallions
Fresh GreenUSD 8.00
Fresh mixed green, cucumber, tomato, pepitas and miso-ginger dressing
KaraageUSD 11.00
Japanese fried chicken, lemon zest, scallions with mentaiko spicy mayo
GyozaUSD 9.00
Japanese deep fried dumplings stuffed with chicken and vegetables served with chili vinaigrette soy sauce
Ika GesoUSD 12.00
Squid tentacles tempura
Tempura Zensai
Tempura Appetizer
- Assorted TempuraUSD 12.00
- All Shrimp TempuraUSD 14.00
- Vegetables TempuraUSD 12.00
*Sashimi of the DayUSD 17.00
Seasonal assorted raw fish [6 pcs.]

Bento Box

Served with miso soup, side salad, rice, gyoza and teriyaki sauce

Grilled ChickenUSD 21.50
- California Maki
- Avocado Maki
- Kappa Maki
- Avokyu Maki
- Kampyo Maki
- Asparagus Maki
Grilled Salmon FiletUSD 25.50
Atlantic salmon
- California Maki
- Avocado Maki
- Kappa Maki
- Avokyu Maki
- Kampyo Maki
- Asparagus Maki
NY Angus SteakUSD 27.50
USDA prime
- Rare
- Medium Rare
- Medium
- Medium Well
- Well Done
- California Maki
- Avocado Maki
- Kappa Maki
- Avokyu Maki
- Kampyo Maki
- Asparagus Maki

Donburi

Rice bowl served with miso soup or fresh green

*ChirashiUSD 30.00
Assorted raw fish, cucumber, tamago, salmon roe over rice
- Miso
- Side Salad
Unagi DonUSD 30.00
Barbecued freshwater eel, cucumber, tamago, sansho pepper and nori over rice
- Miso
- Side Salad
ToridonUSD 17.50
Grilled chicken thigh, scallions, nori, togarashi with teriyaki sauce over rice
- Miso
- Side Salad

Kushiyaki

Skewers [1/order]

NegimaUSD 7.00
Chicken thigh, tokyo negi, togarashi
SasamiUSD 7.00
Chicken breast, yuzu kosho
TebasakiUSD 7.00
Chicken wings with salt and pepper
KawaUSD 5.00
Chicken skin with salt and tare sauce
SunagimoUSD 5.00
Soy marinated chicken gizzard
Tori HatsuUSD 5.00
Chicken heart with shio or tare sauce
ButabaraUSD 7.00
Soy marinated pork belly
HaramiUSD 9.00
Marinated skirt steak, tokyo negi with shio and tare sauce
SakeUSD 9.00
Salmon with miso shio koji
Shiitake NegiUSD 7.00
Shiitake mushroom and tokyo negi
ShishitoUSD 6.00
Japanese sweet pepper with unagi sauce and bonito flakes
AsparagusUSD 4.00
Shio
OkuraUSD 4.00
Shio
Squash GrayUSD 4.00
Shio

Binchotan Setto

Ikigai YakitoriUSD 21.00
Chef's assorted chicken selections [4]
Ikigai YasaiUSD 16.50
Chef's assorted vegetable selections [4]
Ikigai KushiyakiUSD 35.00
Chef's assorted selections [6]

Nigiri [1pc] / Sashimi [2pcs]

Nigiri [Fish over rice]/Sashimi [Slice Fish]

*Maguro
Tuna loin
- NigiriUSD 6.00
- SashimiUSD 10.00
*Hamachi
Yellowtail
- NigiriUSD 6.00
- SashimiUSD 10.00
*Kampachi
Wild amberjack
- NigiriUSD 5.50
- SashimiUSD 9.00
Madai*
Red sea bream
- NigiriUSD 5.50
- SashimiUSD 9.00
Sake*
Faroe Islands salmon
- NigiriUSD 4.50
- SashimiUSD 7.00
Hotate*
Scallop
- NigiriUSD 6.50
- SashimiUSD 11.00
Saba*
House marinated mackerel
- NigiriUSD 4.50
- SashimiUSD 7.00
Botan Ebi*
Spot prawn
- NigiriUSD 6.00
- SashimiUSD 10.00
Ikura*
House marinated salmon roe
- NigiriUSD 6.00
- SashimiUSD 10.00
Unagi
Barbecued freshwater eel
- NigiriUSD 5.50
- SashimiUSD 9.00
Tamago
House made sweet omelet
- NigiriUSD 4.00
- SashimiUSD 6.00

Sushi Setto*

Served with miso soup

Nigiri Setto [7pcs]USD 49.00
Chef's seasonal nigiri selections
Sashimi Setto [12pcs]USD 59.00
Chef's seasonal sashimi selections
Nigiri To Sashimi [4 Nigiri, 8 Sashimi]USD 69.00
Chef's seasonal nigiri & sashimi

Ikigai Makimono

*Tekka MakiUSD 12.00
Tuna Roll
*Sake MakiUSD 10.00
Salmon roll
*NegihamaUSD 11.00
Chopped yellowtail, scallions
*Chili TunaUSD 14.00
Spicy tuna, scallions, cucumber
*Chili HotateUSD 15.00
Scallop, spicy crispy garlic, cucumber
*Tsurai SakeUSD 16.00
Spicy salmon, cucumber, scallions
CaliforniaUSD 14.00
Spicy crab meat, cucumber, avocado
UnakyuUSD 15.00
Barbecued eel, cucumber, unagi sauce
Ebi TempuraUSD 12.00
Shrimp tempura, cucumber, unagi sauce
*Tuna AvocadoUSD 14.00
Tuna, avocado
*Sake AvocadoUSD 12.00
Salmon, avocado
Baby ShiitakeUSD 10.00
Baby shiitake tempura, togarashi
KappaUSD 7.00
Cucumber
Kampyo MakiUSD 7.00
Marinated sweet gourd
Avocado MakiUSD 7.00
Asparagus MakiUSD 7.00

Ikigai Tokushuna

Specialty Rolls

*RainbowUSD 24.00
Spicy crab meat, cucumber, avocado topped with assorted raw fish
SpiderUSD 16.00
Breaded soft-shell crab, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo, unagi sauce
*FuyuUSD 19.00
Shrimp tempura, kampyo, cucumber topped with aburi salmon, salmon roe, scallions and miso and unagi sauce
DragonUSD 19.00
Shrimp tempura topped with unagi, spicy avocado mousse, unagi sauce
Shinyu [5pcs]USD 18.00
Salmon, Tuna, Hamachi, Shiso Leaf, Pickle, Cucumber, Kyurizuke, Wasabi served with ponzu sauce
MaimoUSD 14.00
Ube and sweet potato tempura topped with avocado, kabayaki sauce and tobanjan mayo

Desserts

Ice CreamUSD 5.00
Green Tea
Mochi Ice Cream [2]USD 7.00
Lava CakeUSD 10.00
Chocolate cake with green tea ice-cream

Drinks

CokeUSD 4.00
SpriteUSD 4.00
Diet CokeUSD 4.00
Ginger AleUSD 4.00
Club SodaUSD 4.00
Iced TeaUSD 4.00
Green TeaUSD 5.00
S. PellegrinoUSD 5.00
RamuneUSD 4.50

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

chicagopescetarian
A new Japanese-Style Tavern helmed by Chef Jeff Waiyachote opened up offering food and high-quality Sushi and Omakase incorporating unique flavors of Japan. The casual vibes are perfect to kick back and relax after a long day and with a delicious beverage from their selection! Here’s what I recommend: Hamachi Cruco, Blue Fin Fatty Tuna sashimi, salmon dinner, and Shinya and Tempura Shiitake maki! Try as much sake as you can!😀 . . . . . . #chicagopescetarian #ikigaichicago #chicagosushi #chicagosummer #chicagoreels #lifestyleblogger #sushilovers #chicagoexplore #chicagopatio #chicagoinfluencer #chicagobucketlist #thingstodoinchicago #chicagofood #chicagoblogger #chicagofoodie #japanesefood #izakaya

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Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya.

4.7

(118)

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.4Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya offers "great sushi and great service" in a cozy, family-run setting. Guests rave about the "fresh seafood" and "distinct flavor" of the gyoza. The "staff were the nicest friendliest people," creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This "hidden gem" in Chicago is perfect for an intimate dining experience.

118 Reviews

R
Robyn Gold
Chicago / Illinois5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 August 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The seafood was so fresh! And the ramen was some of the best I ever had! Definitely will be back
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p
phillip Gold
Chicago / Illinois53 reviews
4.0
Dined on 21 August 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
. Great sushi and great service without all the fancy buildout.
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A
AKI
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 August 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Their menu is very simple, but good taste for the casual dolinner. Their service is also superb!!
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C
Carlos
Denver / Colorado2 reviews
2.0
Dined on 16 August 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
Nothing special at Ikigai. Makimono was subpar, hamachi nigiri was good and chu-toro sashimi were okay. Pork belly skewer was excellent. Dined at 8 pm on a Saturday and there was no wait or need for a reservation. The restaurant itself feels like eating in a janitor’s closet. We had two servers who were friendly but eventually forgot who was supposed to be working out table and forgot about us entirely. Won’t be coming back.
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J
Jenny Gold
Chicago / Illinois3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 5 July 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Small family run restaurant. We came for happy hour & appetizers before late dinner & was pleasantly surprised how wonderful the service & food (skewers, apps, chef’s selection of sashimi , & drinks) were all so good!! So good that we ordered to go for our kids to try. Highly recommend this sweet lil gem! We will be back!
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J
Joseph
Chicago / Illinois1 review
5.0
Dined on 27 June 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great staff were the nicest friendliest people. They were so slammed and only two servers working both the floor and the hostess stand. Despite that I still felt the service was quick.
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b
brian
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on 27 June 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Server was amazing and the food was delicious. The tuna was so good. It’s was busy on Friday night which you love to see. Will be going back.
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R
Robert Gold
Chicago / Illinois34 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 June 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Been to Ikigai a few times now and every time has been excellent. They serve the only gyoza I've had in Chicago that actually have a distinct flavor instead of tasting like a boring lump of dough. The location is a little out of the way but that translates into easy parking and manageable crowds.
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C
Christopher Gold
Chicago / Illinois1 review
5.0
Dined on 12 June 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic staff and food. Both sushi and robatta are worth it.
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C
Cathy Gold
Los Angeles2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 May 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We celebrated our son’s birthday at Ikigai - we wanted a more cozy experience vs the trendy (but nice!) atmosphere of the sushi places we typically visit in Chicago. What a wonderful night! Our server, Nas, took such great care of us, and the food was delicious. It’s a small-ish restaurant with cool vibes - just what we were looking for. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend!!!
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