Whether you're a resident of AMLI's South Loop luxury apartments looking for your new go-to sushi spot or just exploring Chicago's diverse dining scene, this neighborhood has something to satisfy every sushi craving. From casual grab-and-go options to sit-down restaurants with extensive sake lists, the South Loop's sushi scene reflects the area's dynamic mix of students, professionals and families.

Let's take a peek at what makes each of these spots worth visiting!

Some of South Loop's Best Sushi Restaurants

Umai

Umai on South Clark Street has established itself as one of South Loop's most reliable sushi destinations. When you walk into Umai, you'll immediately notice the modern-lofty feel with artistic Japanese murals decorating the walls. The dining room uses natural earthy colors, dark high ceilings and hanging lights to create an atmosphere that feels both elevated and welcoming.

What sets Umai apart is its ability to cater to different dining experiences. You can sit at the sushi bar and watch the expert chefs work their magic, grab a small intimate table for date night or reserve a larger table for group gatherings. The restaurant strikes a balance between traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary dining comfort that works well for the diverse South Loop crowd.

The menu at Umai covers all the bases. Their Spicy Tuna Roll and Rainbow Roll are consistent favorites, while the Nama Sake Don features thick cuts of salmon that regular customers rave about. If you're in the mood for something warm, their ramen varieties, including Tonkatsu and Spicy Miso Garlic, hit the spot. The Katsu Kare and Katsu Don are also popular choices for those wanting something more substantial than rolls.

Price-wise, Umai sits in the moderate range with entrees running $16-24 and rolls between $10-16. They're open Monday through Thursday from 11:30am to 3pm for lunch and 4:30-10pm for dinner, extending to 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours are dinner only from 4:30-9:30pm. You can order delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub or directly from the restaurant.

One of Umai's standout features is its extensive sake and wine list, making it a good choice for those who want to pair their sushi with quality drinks. The restaurant is known for integrating classic Japanese techniques with international flavors, creating unique dishes while maintaining authenticity.

Niu B

Across from the Formal Gardens in Grant Park, Niu B brings something different to the South Loop sushi scene with its Japanese Robata grilling alongside traditional sushi offerings. The interior takes inspiration from 1930s Japanese Izakaya bars in Tokyo, creating a sleek and modern space that still feels warm and inviting.

The restaurant is particularly well-designed for group dining, with roomy booths and enormous tables equipped with spinning Lazy Susans. This makes Niu B a popular choice for birthday celebrations, business dinners or family gatherings where sharing is part of the experience.

Beyond their signature maki rolls and fresh sushi nigiris, Niu B is known for its Japanese Robata grilled skewers. The Mongolian beef and seaweed salad are frequently mentioned in customer reviews as must-try items. The restaurant maintains a casual yet elegant atmosphere that works equally well for a quick lunch or a longer evening meal.

Operating hours run from 11am to 9:30pm or 10pm most days, with Sunday closing at 9:30pm. The full bar is a major draw, featuring specialty Japanese whiskey cocktails, house infusions and a Korean Soju selection that pairs perfectly with the grilled skewers. As the second location of the original Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge, this South Loop spot has built on the success of its predecessor while adapting to the neighborhood's needs.

Sumi Sushi

Sumi Sushi near the Field Museum takes a different approach, focusing on value and simplicity. This casual neighborhood restaurant seats about 25-30 people and doesn't try to impress with elaborate decor. Instead, it puts the focus squarely on providing fresh sushi at reasonable prices.

The big draw at Sumi is their all-you-can-eat sushi dinner option, which is a deal that attracts everyone from college students to families looking for an affordable night out. Just be aware of their policy: there's a $1 charge per piece for any unfinished items from the all-you-can-eat menu, which encourages ordering gradually rather than all at once!

Their regular menu includes all the classics like Spicy Tuna and California rolls, plus various udon and ramen options and tempura dishes. The lunch specials offer particularly good value for those looking for a quick, affordable meal during the workday. While Sumi might not have the ambiance of some other spots, it delivers on its promise of fresh, hot food at reasonable prices.

MingHin Cuisine

MingHin Cuisine offers a more unique culinary selection in the South Loop: a dual concept that combines Chinese dim sum with Japanese sushi and hibachi. This massive restaurant occupies two floors, with Chinese cuisine downstairs and Japanese offerings upstairs in a beautifully decorated space.

The restaurant has earned recognition as a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner for multiple years, and it's easy to see why. Their extensive dim sum selection is available all day, not just during traditional dim sum hours, and the sushi and sashimi platters upstairs rival dedicated sushi restaurants. The Macau-style roasted pork belly has achieved legendary status among regulars.

One of MingHin's most interesting features is their iPad ordering system at each table, which helps navigate their extensive menu with photos and descriptions of every item. This tech-forward approach, combined with the massive dining room, means there's rarely a wait even during peak hours.

The restaurant operates from 11am to 9:30pm Monday through Thursday, extending to 10pm on Friday. Weekend hours are even better, with Saturday service from 10am to 10pm and Sunday from 10am-9:30pm. Being open 365 days a year makes MingHin a reliable option for holidays when other restaurants might be closed.

ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi

ZENSHI represents the growing grab-and-go sushi trend of sushi dining. This isn't a place where you'll sit down for a long meal; instead, ZENSHI focuses on providing fresh, handcrafted sushi that's always ready when you are.

Every day, their sushi chefs prepare various rolls, sashimi platters and poke bowls that are displayed in clean, modern cases. Popular items include their Big Wave Poke Bowl and various fresh spring rolls alongside traditional options like California and Spicy Tuna rolls. They also offer American-inspired fusion rolls for those wanting something different.

What ZENSHI lacks in dining atmosphere, it makes up for in convenience and quality. Their commitment to using no added MSG and responsibly sourced ingredients appeals to health-conscious consumers. The grab-and-go format is perfect for South Loop's many professionals and students who need quality food but don't have time for a sit-down meal.

Kai Sushi

Kai Sushi near the Roosevelt station occupies an interesting niche as the neighborhood's more low-key sushi spot. Located on the ground floor of a South Loop apartment building, it's the kind of place where you can show up on a Tuesday night without a reservation and find a quiet table.

The restaurant offers 21 different specialty rolls, with the Hamachi special, Spicy Tuna, Shrimp Tempura and Dynamite rolls being particularly popular. They also have an extensive selection of vegetarian rolls, making it a good choice for mixed groups with different dietary preferences.

One of Kai Sushi's best features is their BYOB policy with no corkage fee. This makes it an affordable option for groups who want to enjoy wine or sake with their meal without the restaurant markup. Their platter options, priced between $26-35, include makimono, sashimi and miso soup, providing good value for the quality and quantity.

Hours run from 11am to 9pm Monday through Thursday, extending to 10:30pm on Friday, with weekend hours starting at noon. The restaurant is rarely crowded, making it perfect for those nights when you want good sushi without any fuss or long waits.

Thai Spoon & Sushi

Thai Spoon & Sushi serves the South Loop's desire for variety by combining Thai and Japanese cuisines under one roof. This casual spot delivers on its promise of affordable, satisfying food with quick service.

The menu spans both cuisines comprehensively. On the Thai side, you'll find Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, Thai Fried Rice and Massaman Curry. The sushi selection includes California rolls, Spicy Tuna and other classics. Their Crab Rangoon is a popular starter that bridges both cuisines nicely.

With most entrees priced between $11-15, Thai Spoon & Sushi is one of the most budget-friendly options in the neighborhood. They're open daily from 11am to 10pm, making them a reliable choice for lunch or dinner. While they previously offered half-price sushi during happy hour from 4-7pm, even their regular prices remain competitive.

The restaurant's family-friendly atmosphere and extensive menu make it particularly popular with South Loop families who can satisfy different preferences in one visit. Whether someone wants sushi, pad Thai or curry, Thai Spoon has them covered.

Amarit Thai & Sushi

Tucked in the heart of Printer's Row on the northern edge of the South Loop, Amarit Thai & Sushi has been serving the community since moving to this location in 2007. This family-run restaurant originally opened in 1992 in the Gold Coast area and brought all those years of experience to their Chicago location for us to enjoy, too.

The restaurant features a warm, welcoming atmosphere with big tables and plenty of windows. Traditional Thai artwork mixes with modern seating and lighting to create a space that feels both authentic and contemporary. It's the kind of place where you might become a regular, recognized by the staff who clearly take pride in their family business.

Amarit's menu successfully balances Thai and Japanese offerings. Their fresh spring rolls, pad Thai and green curry represent the Thai side, while various nigiri and classic maki rolls, including spicy tuna and California rolls, handle the sushi duties. The seasonal mango sticky rice is worth saving room for when available.

Operating hours run from 11am to 9pm Monday through Thursday, extending to 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday closing at 9pm. They offer delivery through all major platforms and have an extensive catering menu for events. The BYOB option adds value for those who want to enjoy drinks with their meal without the typical restaurant markup.

Making the most of South Loop's sushi scene

The South Loop's sushi restaurants reflect the neighborhood's diversity. You have quick, affordable options for students and busy professionals, family-friendly restaurants with extensive menus and more refined spots for date nights or business dinners. Most restaurants cluster along Michigan Avenue and State Street, making it easy to walk between options if your first choice has a wait.

The prevalence of delivery options through multiple platforms means you can also enjoy sushi from pretty much any of these restaurants at home. However, for the full experience, particularly at places like Umai with its sushi bar or MingHin with its vast dining rooms, dining-in adds to the experience.

Several trends stand out in the South Loop sushi scene. First, the fusion approach is strong here, with many restaurants combining sushi with other Asian cuisines. This makes sense given the neighborhood's diverse population and provides more options for groups with varied preferences. Second, value is clearly important, with all-you-can-eat options, lunch specials and BYOB policies common. Finally, convenience matters, whether through grab-and-go concepts like ZENSHI or extensive delivery options.

For those living in or near our luxury South Loop apartments, having this variety of sushi options within walking distance is a real advantage. Whether you're craving a quick California roll for lunch, planning a special dinner with friends or need to grab something on your way home from work, the neighborhood has you covered. The mix of price points, atmospheres and cuisine styles means you can enjoy sushi multiple times a week without getting bored or breaking the budget.

The South Loop's sushi scene continues to evolve, but these established restaurants have proven their staying power by consistently delivering quality food and adapting to the neighborhood's needs. Whether you're new to the area or a long-time resident looking to try something different, exploring these sushi spots is a delicious way to get to know the South Loop better.

Enjoy!

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Featured photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

Second photo by Lucas Law on Unsplash

Third photo by Jeppe Mønster on Unsplash

Fourth photo by Michael Kahn on Unsplash

Fifth photo by Julia Андрэй on Unsplash