Insider Pages Reviews for Sushi Wabi

3 Stars: over priced, average rolls (by sj2004)

sj2004 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:00:00 GMT

This place is a average place with high price. Nigiri was good however rolls were average. Tried 3 different rolls.

1 Stars: bad service (by k h.)

k h. — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:21:00 GMT

terrible service. the waitress who acted like she owned the place was so nasty. food was decent but expensive. not a lot of room here. the bathroom is nice.

1 Stars: not acceptable (by sushitaster)

sushitaster — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I went for sushi. I am not usually very picky about things but I had a waitress (nicole) who's not so pleasant non- smile, half angered look was most unpleasant. She was not nice to us.
Beyond that, the food is ok. It's presentation is nice. I think the salmon was not so fresh.
The atmosphere is cramped. You are literally sitting next to people almost shoulder to shoulder and there is hardly any room to get out if you are against the wall. I used to go here all the time but after the rude waitress I will opt not to. There are plenty of better sushi bars around town. I don't even ever write critiques but this experience was SO unpleasant that I felt compelled to write this.

3 Stars: Amazing sushi! (by Christina L.)

Christina L. — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 09:39:00 GMT

One of the best places i've ever been for sushi! Really cute atmosphere. Fresh food. Fast service! Large portions. A little pricey, but definitely worth it! If you love sushi you definitely need to go here!

2 Stars: average at best (by mrslau)

mrslau — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

the sushi was not very delicious and for its price it was unsatisfactory. we got the dragon roll, rainbow roll, alaska roll, and sweet shrimp, all of which were subpar. the salmon was light pink not the regular beautiful orange color. the fish itself was not tender or savory, it was dry and unflavorful.

5 Stars: Best Sushi Place Ever (by jdeater)

jdeater — Thu, 29 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

This place is the best sushi I ever tasted the service is great and fast, the sushi is prepared quickly than any other sushi place where it takes 20min for one order. The place is amazing although the space is limited the ambience is relaxing and casual. The sushi the "godzilla" is my alltime favorite.

3 Stars: Mediocre at best (by 084430)

084430 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Having travelled the globe in search of the finest sushi, was hoping for the best when arriving at the famed "best suchi in chicago" ...Sushi Wabi. Had no problem with rude hostess (as some other reviewers had experienced), but was so dark inside we couldn't see each other, never mind the menus. Staff were reasonably attentive, but the sushi was average at best. The fish was somewhat less fresh than at a recent Lubbbock, Texas sushi restaurant. That should make you worry. The place is absolutely spartan... no art, no pictures, no flowers... nothing. They could move out and close down the whole business in 15 minutes with no trace. In a word the atmosphere is... absolutely lacking. Sorry folks, but average at the very best (and that may be a little too generous).

1 Stars: Plenty of Rude here (by jolene283)

jolene283 — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I actually really love the food at Sushi Wabi, but I refuse to go back because the hostess has been so rude to me so many times. I guess since they are busting at the seams with patrons, she feels like she can treat people any way she wants to. I think this hostess is the owner of this place as well, but not sure. I will never go back. She is borderline hostile and doesn't deserve my money.

5 Stars: YUM! (by dionne505)

dionne505 — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We recently ate her on Friday....YUM YUM! This place is loud and full of energy, the food is amazing. Ask for a spicy tuna hand roll, HUGE chunks of tuna, rice, all wrapped with a cone shaped seaweed. The rolls are so good and the fish is great quality. This is such a fun date spot or a place to go after work with the girls. Its a MUST!

4 Stars: Good sushi, great service (by jenjordan75)

jenjordan75 — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I would definitely recommend this restaurant. Not only because the sushi is well done (and there are some great, well-priced appetizers to boot!) but because the service is excellent. Both the server and hostess were attentive and competent. The roll prices were slightly on the high side but the size of the fish accompanying the sushi and sashimi were very generous and fresh. My only complaint about the interior was that it was slightly dark and therefore hard to see.

1 Stars: If you like high prices & bad treatment... masochist's have a home (by luvs2travel)

luvs2travel — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We love trying new restaurants. It's one of the reason's we stay in Chicago. We've been to some of the best our beloved hometown has to offer. Unfortunately this wasn't one of them. We knew going in that there were mixed reviews. The usual assortment of knowledgable diners & the gaga "we're somewhere trendy! It must be good because we luv ********* insert chain restaurant here********".

The hostess was downright rude, not only to us but to others that were waiting for her attention. On a slow weekday there shouldn't have been a problem, many seats to be had. She, when she felt like it informed the groups ahead of us that there was a 30 min wait... for what??? She also felt that sitting at the empty sushi bar was too good & best left empty. We didn't bother to stick around. We went down the street to Starfish. We could not have been treated better. It's funny how opposite your experience can be with a simple change of venue. For our money we will bypass sushi wabi & go where they want our business. Wildfish also has a relation to wildfish in Arlington Ht's which is our fav. Maybe Sushi Wabi needs to take notes.....

IOHO most places that skimp on the treatment initially generally are disapointing throughout the experience. & if they are that lacking on detail initially, I'm not trusting my health to lack of detail in the kitchen with raw fish.

5 Stars: Simply - THE BEST EVER (by rs122139)

rs122139 — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Simply put - The best ever! The food, the service, the atmosphere, everything. I have never found a better sushi restauraunt. Sushi Wabi is - THE BEST!

3 Stars: are you serious? (by jlee1980)

jlee1980 — Mon, 28 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

i was in shock when i came here. it was a wed night and quite busy. the shocking part was not the crowd, noise or lack of attentiveness, it was the fact that the host prefered to stand at the bar drinking rather than entertain or serve to the patrons. it was shocking to see the lack of care or assertiveness. though ,the sushi chef, who resided in front of us at the sushi bar was great! nice on the eyes, and very knowledgeabe. plus, he made grreat rolls for us on the house!

3 Stars: Ok place (by teodoro1980)

teodoro1980 — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

ok place to go to. me and my uncle went there sometime ago because sushi x was closed. staff was friendly. just a little too rich for my taste. I ended up paying over $100 for a simple dinner and a couple of beers. way overpriced. wasn't happy with the experience at all!

5 Stars: Trendy Eats! (by layalisss)

layalisss — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I knew this place had to be great if you needed a reservation on a weekday, which is necessary considering how busy they get. It caters to the trendy black clad crowd and there is a live DJ spinning. Its not where I would go for a romantic date considering how loud it is and the fact that it is not for the claustrophobic. There is little in the way of private dining and you end up shoulder to shoulder with strangers. The food, however, makes it so worth it! The appetizers are delicious and inventive (try the Gyu Negima) and the rolls are fresh and easily the best I have ever had. I have since been there more than a dozen times and everyone I have recommended it to, from locals to out of towners, have all instantly become hooked. Definitely on my personal top 10 list.

3 Stars: VISIT ON WEEKDAY (by erikturn)

erikturn — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

WE SATISFY WITH OUR EXPERIENCE OVERALL. THE FOOD IS AVERAGE. TRY TO GO THERE ON WEEKDAY IF YOU EXPECT TO HAVE A BETTER FOOD AND SERVICE

4 Stars: you pay for fresh (by greenmaud)

greenmaud — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I went here with a friend after work and had the sashimi platter. I thought it was a little over priced, but the selection was very big and VERY fresh. I really liked how they paired the yellowtail with scallions.

3 Stars: Crowded (by bling76)

bling76 — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The food is OK...It's not great bit it isn't good either. This local is more known for being trendy and hipbut since it is a restaurant shouldnt it be a good place to eat? It was super crowded, the tables were to close to one anotherthe person and I that were dining together kept on having to push the table back and forth so the people dining next to us could get in and out at least 7 or more times. The 2 Asian hostesses were kind of unfriendly and granted the person and I that I was with took a long time to eat but we kept on feeling that they wanted our table and they wanted us to leave. When we asked the waitress for a recommendation for dessert she could care less and just rambled off some stuffthe staff needs to be retrainedthere are some much better places to go in the city for sushi but this is not it.

5 Stars: delisshhh (by coralstar)

coralstar — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

one of my favorite sushi spots in the city! my husband and i just dined here for the first time a few days ago and were blown away! despite the line out the door, loud thumping of downtemop techno music, and voices of others, we had an incredible time. even though we didnt have a reservation, the 2 at the door were very accomodating and kept us updated on how our wait was going. we sat at the sushi bar and in my opinion, these are the best seats in the place! watch the chefs at work! we had the ecuador and fire; both spicy and delicious. not a romantic place, but its hip with great friendly staff

3 Stars: Sushi - No Go! (by lolox2)

lolox2 — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I have visited sushi wabi several times thinking it would get better as I went. Well, it doesn't. Hostess and waiter are extremely unfriendly. I had to wait over an hour to be seated and when I was I was crammed in a corner with others right at my side. It was very uncomfortable. But most of all, the sushi. I eat sushi at least 3 times a week and I believe that the sushi at sushi wabi was average to below average. Pieces were very tough and didn't have much flavor in them naturally. I suggest another sushi stop when contemplating. Very disappointing to say the least.

5 Stars: love it! (by cstream)

cstream — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

i dined over the weekend and thought the service and food were spectacular. i wouldnt come here for a romantic evening, but if you want a hip, industrial vibe, come here! the two at the door were very accomodating and did there best to make sure my husband and i were taken care of while we waited for our table. because we were over 40 min late for our reservation- our table was given away, but very understandable. sushi (ecuador and fire are delicious and spicy!!!) was delicious and edamame was to die for. our server made great recommendations. i forget her name, but she had short hair. great drinks, friendly faces, great food, loud hip vibe.

5 Stars: my favorite place for sushi (by chicagogirlpark)

chicagogirlpark — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Great food and the dj was a lot of fun. it was a great date place and the drinks were right on target. cant wait to return

5 Stars: Great Sushi Rolls (by milusa)

milusa — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The best sushi rolls I've had. Not very impressed with the atmosphere becasue it's really small, you're tables are close to the people's next to you and their isn't really much to it. But aside from that, going there for their sushi rolls is all worth it because they are so great, and service is nice and you get seated immediately. Best Edamame I've ever had!

5 Stars: Just a Joy!!! A must try for sushi lovers! (by yoojie)

yoojie — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

This is one of my favorite sushi places. It's cozy for size so don't expect to be wisked away to some grand ballroom style dining room like some of the newer locations. The service is good and the food is just a JOY!

MUST TRY: the ecuadorian roll - spicy and delish!

5 Stars: Fabulous! (by punkin34w)

punkin34w — Thu, 18 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Just went here last week with some girlfriends and we had a great time! Fast, attentive service, great atmosphere, FRESH fish, and lots of variety. I'll be back for sure. Try the saki with chambord and edamame.

5 Stars: The Best sushi restaurant that I ever been! (by bebolain10)

bebolain10 — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I have been in many restaurants that serve sushi but Sushi wabi have the best sushi that you can ever eat. The sushi is extra fresh and the flavor is excellent. They have the best variaty of good sushi in the in the city of Chicago. The services is great, fast, and friendly. When you order the satisfaction is guarantee. You end you night full and witrh a smile in your face. Is perfect to go with friends or with you partner.

5 Stars: amazing simply amazing! (by nick p.)

nick p. — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 04:46:00 GMT

Sushi wabi is hands down one of the best sushi bars i've ever been to in a long time! They get the fish fresh from out east and you can even go in the kitchen and watch them cook if you want! All in all, GREAT!

5 Stars: AMAZING sushi but too loud (by ess8duke)

ess8duke — Sat, 01 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

We had yet another fantastic meal at Sushi Wabi. We go out for sushi often and have been to most of Chicago's highest rated sushi restaurants and nothing can beat SUshi Wabi. The fish is incrediably fresh, the presentation is beautiful, and the flavors are fantastic! We particularly love the Ecuador roll and the Caterpillar roll. The only negative is that it's sometimes hard to carry on a conversation because the music is so loud. But the food is so good that we keep coming back anyway!

5 Stars: THE BEST SUSHI BAR EVER!!!!!! (by Amber F.)

Amber F. — Mon, 27 Jun 2005 12:57:00 GMT

One of my co-workers took me to this sushi bar a couple of weeks ago. It was awesome! It's very "chic" and "hip" though so be expecting to see lots of yuppies. It's expensive (for the type of money I'm barely making) but it was the best sushi ever. They have great service as well, and visually the place is just amazing!

4 Stars: Hot Spot for Raw Fish (by Byron F.)

Byron F. — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 15:15:00 GMT

If someone comes to Chicago and says "I want some sushi". You begin to scan through the millions of places where sushi is served. What it comes down to is atmosphere, service, and quality. Sushi Wabi is a place where zen atmosphere equals a zen feeling. The sushi is perfectly prepared. The service offers plenty to be happy about. Also, this little get away resturant on Randolph shows there are great places to dine all over this city. Enjoy the mulitude of sushi dishes, classic bar in the corner of the resturant, mood lighting, jazz fushion music playing overhead and modern colors correlating with the dishes. The food is costly, but most don't want to mess with the quality of sushi.

PROS: Atmosphere, design, staff, food,
CONS: Small dining area, costly

2 Stars: Horrible (by derm2bmd)

derm2bmd — Wed, 18 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I am not sure what all the hype is about this place. The sushi is average, if that. The service is snooty. About 10 of us at there the other night and waited about an hour for our food to come. I would have to say that there are many other restaurants to eat amazing sushi at.

4 Stars: Great Sushi (by nakoma)

nakoma — Mon, 31 May 2004 02:00:00 GMT

The Sushi served in theis restaurant is very delicious. Even the Green Tea Cheesecake adds the perfect touch to this restaraunt. You leave the restaurant with a feeling of class.
The space of the restaurant is small, so I reccomend reservations, and I reccomend dressing nice because they have been known to "lose reservations"......trendy yes, friendly not entirely. To go is available. :)

3 Stars: Expensive (by suzn10)

suzn10 — Mon, 23 Feb 2004 01:00:00 GMT

The rolls are small, service was slow. We got attitude from the hostess... need I say more? Chicago has some wonderful sushi places--this place does not even compete.

3 Stars: Over-hyped! (by princessducky)

princessducky — Thu, 22 Jan 2004 01:00:00 GMT

Nice little romantic place, but sushi was not that great. My friend had the chicken that was overdone. Pricey and not much selection.

3 Stars: over-hyped (by clueless1)

clueless1 — Tue, 07 Oct 2003 02:00:00 GMT

This is another hip/chique over-hyped sushi joint that is (a) probably making bid money for the owners but (b) doing sushi a disservice.

There is nothing very authentic about the sushi (or other food) here. In fact, it's quite mediocre. The fish is fresh on certain days, but is kept too long between deliveries. Always ask when the fish is delivered and time your visits accordingly!

The rice (one of the hardest parts of preparing GOOD sushi) is barely adequate and would not pass muster at a good sushi bar.

The selling point of Sushi Wabi is that it's considered hip to be there.

3 Stars: A reconsideration (by choongster)

choongster — Sat, 04 Oct 2003 02:00:00 GMT

I was here several times before and was much impressed with the trendy yet understaded ambience and the carefully prepared and thoughtfully presented dishes; this used to be one of my favorite place for sushi in Chicago.

When I visited last night, however, I was very disappointed to find that the atmosphere felt rather stale and the food was just mediocre. I could tell that the rolls were prepared in a hurry (uneven filling, sloppy slicing and careless presentation) and the appetizers were over salty. What happened?

Sushi Wabi is not a bargain restaurant and I'm not sure if I'll visit again; the prices are a bit too high for me to take another risk.

5 Stars: My Fav in Chicago (by nosilla)

nosilla — Sat, 12 Jul 2003 02:00:00 GMT

High quality food & service. Unlike many other sushi places SW is flexible w/their patrons & menu -they don't charge for every singe extra (i.e. extra sauce on the side). Not on the menu but a MUST order is their Godzilla Roll - don't ask what's in it, just get it - it's unlike any other roll you've ever had (sweet & spicey). They have the real thing when it comes to their Dragon roll too - Eel, Avocado & Shrimp Tempura -not just tempura crispies! YUM!

5 Stars: My new fav sushi place... (by nutert)

nutert — Wed, 12 Feb 2003 01:00:00 GMT

Went here for the 1st time & can't believe I have not been here before. The sushi is spectacular! My fav was the caterpillar roll. This is one of the specials they have that you must ask about. Atmosphere perfect...DJ spinning music such as Bjork. Even the sushi chefs were entertaining...we sat at the sushi bar & the one chef was dancing in rhythm w/the music and creating the rolls. He was also happy to answer any questions.
Highly recommend.

4 Stars: Cool it off (by xxjxdxrxx)

xxjxdxrxx — Fri, 17 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

Everytime I go for sushi I always check to see if they have plum wine ice cream. It is so delicious at Sushi Wabi and the presentation of it is great. I did enjoy the freshness of the fish but the fish didn't seem to be the right temperature. The place is very trendy and has a nice theme. I would recommend it, but I would also say that I have had better.

3 Stars: Not worth the hype (by eel5224)

eel5224 — Mon, 13 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

I have had much better sushi before. I don't know what all the hype is about. But I did enjoy the dessert - a vanilla ice cream centered around some dough-y covering.

4 Stars: Trendy (by stepheevega)

stepheevega — Sun, 05 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

Sushi was good but expensive. Service was okay and the seating was too cramped. The specials were better than the rolls on the menu. Would probably go again, but only if in the area. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there.

1 Stars: I don't eat it!! (by sato32)

sato32 — Thu, 02 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

I am a Japanese man who loves sushi, and I was very surprised when I enterd into the place because there weren't any Japanese people. It is no probrem to me and it realy doesn't matter to eat good sushi. However I couldn't eat the food they served. And I understand why Japanese weren't there.
People should try sushi at better places, means shef can do more traditional sushi, too.

1 Stars: Sub-par sushi (by abillionmonkeys)

abillionmonkeys — Fri, 27 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

Unfortunately I have been here several times, because I have friends who like it (a mystery to me). Every time, I have found the sushi to be below sub-standard -- this is the only place I've ever had to return fish TWICE in one meal...and both times I got the snooty "that's just the way we cut it." Well, here's a clue, Wabi-owners -- salmon should never ever be CHEWY.
Add to that the 'attitude' of the staff, and this restaurant (sic) is a veritable disaster. If you want the 'scene', do yourself a favor and to Mirai -- the sushi is at least edible (and, quite good), and the staff are several notches above the semi-literate half-wits who work at Sushi Wabi.

1 Stars: yuck.. (by choizilla72)

choizilla72 — Fri, 20 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

First of all, I don't appreciate the attitude I got from the hostess when I couldn't remember which name my party was reserved under. Second, the fish wan't even ClOSE to fresh. The sushi rice was way too mushy and they put way too much garbage in their rolls. Now how am I gonna feel after I spent $200 with my friends for a meal that sucked? NOT TOO HAPPY. I understand there is a high demand for seating, but do they have to be so snobby and pretentious just because business is booming? I get enough of that at work. I'll take Starfish anyday. Their fish and service rocks!

5 Stars: Fabulous! (by m_yum)

m_yum — Wed, 11 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

This is my favorite Sushi place in Chicago. I lived in Japan for many years but never liked traditional style they had. This place offers tons of creative rolls and they're all awsome!! Who cares who owns the place if the foods are excellent? Don't worry, chefs are Japanese, just in case you even care.

1 Stars: Pretentions galore (by pants_pockets)

pants_pockets — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

First, it is not even Japanese owned. It is owned by a Korean and Thai family, does not employ Japanese chefs, and is terribly pretentious. I lived in Japan as an English teacher for three years and have continued to travel to Japan twice a year the last 5 years. I have eaten REAL Japanese sushi. This place does not use the fructose base called "mirin" in their sushi; it's the liquid, added to traditional Japanese sticky rice like Koshihikari, that makes the rice tight and full of flavor. Sushi Wabi drenchs their sushi in wasabi, something Japanese people abhore, and then presents it in a manner not at all Japanese--rude and disrespectful. It is a terrible place, and filled with pretentious new money yuppies who don't have a clue about sushi. Go to Ginza on Ohio street. That's real Japanese food

5 Stars: trendy hot spot (by drmartin2105)

drmartin2105 — Thu, 03 Oct 2002 02:00:00 GMT

good food in a trendy atmosphere... the drinks & music are good too... of course there was a wait... but once seated the staff was very accomodating.

5 Stars: truly great (by thekimmer12)

thekimmer12 — Fri, 13 Sep 2002 02:00:00 GMT

The Wabi is my favorite restaurant in town. The understated decor really puts the onus on the food. And rightfully so. The staff is a bit aloof and bartender even more so, but if you have the right company and an appreciation for melt away sushi, this is the place to go. One warning: don't be in any type of hurry and don't expect to be seated without reservations during the weekend.

5 Stars: Meeow Meeow (by meeowmeeow)

meeowmeeow — Wed, 28 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Good food and good music and trendy. A total urben scene. If you are looking for quiet and romatic place, don't go there.

5 Stars: Japanese Bloody Mary! (by flummoxed)

flummoxed — Wed, 28 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

it's good, real spicy... The fried oyster maki (a special one evening) is quite possibly the best maki I have ever had. I've never had anything bad here. I like the ambience, and I highly recommend it.

4 Stars: Sushi Wabi (by sunpetal)

sunpetal — Tue, 20 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Best sushi around! Be advised -- there can be a long wait, so make a reservation.

4 Stars: Raw and Hip restaurant (by MnSO2)

MnSO2 — Sat, 17 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Sushi Wabi is a small restaurant with nice interior design and nice waitresses/sushi chefs. I highly recommend this place to anyone wants nice sushi (especially maki's) and great atmosphere. It is not like any other Japanese sushi place!

5 Stars: hard to beat (by susan_thompson)

susan_thompson — Wed, 12 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

still pumping out the best sushi in town. sushi wabi is now open all day saturday noon to midnight. see you there.

5 Stars: Gets Better all the time (by jallington)

jallington — Wed, 05 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

I can't explain it, but I had lunch at Wabi yesterday and it was even better than my already fond memories. Big, fresh rolls, and lots of them. I always get the maki mono - a nice selection of maki rolls. Who says you can't get filled up on sushi?