Message from Itto Sushi

Traditional Japanese Restaurant Open for Lunch & Dinner!
  • Authentic Japanese Cuisine
  • 24 Yrs as a Chicago favorite
  • Over 50 Appetizers

Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, we are Chicagoland's oldest Japanese restaurant. Itto Sushi prides itself on 24 years of consistantly delicious, authentic cuisine. The menu contains over a dozen different kinds of Maki. The fresh fish flown into the city daily, Master Chefs, and friendly atmosphere set Itto Sushi apart from the rest.

MarkerItto Sushi

5 Star Rating - World class 2 reviews – Review Itto Sushi

(773) 871-1800

2616 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Editorial Description by Citysearch
Fresh and generous cuts of fish have made this a neighborhood favorite since the early '90s.
Rated 9.2 out of 10 by Citysearch.

2 Reviews of Itto Sushi in Chicago

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Good Sushi  4 Star Rating - Very good

This eatery does a good job with its sushi, the portions are fresh and generous. But that is not all. We were with a large party and they offer over 40 appetizer choices and some interesting specials like fried blowfish and soft-shell crab. Great service and we were all very satisfied. An added bonus is the free parking in the back, something that is not too common in the ever-popular Lincoln Park area.

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Great Sushi  5 Star Rating - World class

I came here for my birthday and I was very satisfied. The servers were awesome and my food was excellent! Granted, we only got sushi so I can't speak for their dishes, but I will definitely be coming back soon to check them out. There were some really interesting maki rolls and it took me awhile to decide on what to order. One of the more adventurous rolls I ordered was the winter roll and it was really interesting, in a good way! I found the prices to be reasonable.

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5 Reviews by Citysearch: (read all 7 reviews on Citysearch)

Best Service 5 Star Rating - World class

The sushi is wonderful and the service is great. My boyfriend and I have been there several times and the service has continued to impress us, along with the food. A waitress greets you at the door and asks where you would like to sit (depending on how many tables are available). Almost immediately after being seated a drink order can be taken and menus are placed on the table. The staff is efficient and kind. This restaurant is highly recommended.

Posted 01/28/08 at 2:43pm

It is over priced 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

First time there with my girlfriend and two of her friends we found it just ok. not worth it for the amount that we paid. will not go back, more for your money else where.

Posted 11/21/07 at 6:03pm

Itto veterans 5 Star Rating - World class

My wife and I have been eating at Itto Sushi since it was on Clark Street. It is the only sushi restaurant we patronize on a regular basis, which is notable because we can't walk there since we moved 9 years ago (o.k., the free parking helps).

The food is always fresh and varies with what's in season. The head man has been there for years (yes, even back to Clark Street). I always order the Spanish mackeral when it's available and also end each meal with an uni. The beer selection is excellent. Service is fast and courteous and the price is reasonable, especially if you're a Rewards Network member.

We never been disappointed, and I doubt that you will be either. Autographed menus by Michael Jordan, Ichiro, Shingo Takatsu and Tadihito Iguchi prove that you don't have to be glitzy to attract both the famous and local favorites.

Pros: Excellent food and service. Free parking.
Posted 08/31/07 at 9:58pm

Not the best in IL but certainly best in Lakeview and Lincoln Park area 4 Star Rating - Very good

Itto sushi is the best sushi house in the Lakeview and Lincoln Park area.
It is probably the third best sushi house in IL besides two Sakuras in the west.

Therere tons of Japanese restaurants on Halsted and Broadway but, the truth may hurt you, none of them are good.
Itto sushi isnt for general American customers. It is for customers who know at least a little bit Japanese food/culture.
For instance, the knowledge of knowing if a Nigiri is in the right shape, if the firmness of the rice is right and if the chef is taking extra steps to finish a Nigiri.

So if you think one of the dishes you ordered from one of the Japanese sushi house in that area owned by Thai or Korea which you cant tell and who drizzles soy sauce on top of the sushi is very cool, then dont even step in Itto sushi.

Having said that, Itto is not the best in IL, they are struggling with some dishes. They have problem with the presentation and the freshness of the fish is not always satisfied.

So avoid dishes other than Sushi and Nigiri coz its not their strong side.

Pros: Not the best in IL but certainly best in Lakeview and Lincoln Park area
Cons: There's Sakura
Posted 10/26/06 at 12:00am

Average, at best 3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

Having eaten sushi at most places in Chicago, and at many places in the world (including Japan), I can't rate Itto Sushi very highly. I have eaten here twice, and in each instance, was amazed at the sushi-san's demeanor and lack of skill.

They claim to have the freshest fish, but since every sushi place (except for one that I know of) buys their fish from Rainbow (the Moonie operation that has cornered the market), it's a false claim. The fish was adequate...some had been sitting around too long, the rice was sticky and somewhat pasty, and the sushi-san was completely inattentive to what the sushi bar patrons (including my Japanese companion) were asking for.

Furthermore, on both occasions, they were out of many fish. And despite my continued asking about kani (ie, crab) and being assured that they did have it, they still served me the fake crab! Arrrghh.

Pros: attentive waitress
Cons: poor fish selection, aloof sushi chef, poor value
Posted 08/07/03 at 9:20am