Momotaro is an upscale Japanese restaurant in the West Loop with a very long menu full of small plates, robata, and (as you probably suspected since it’s on this guide) sushi. Everything is very good, but the sushi is excellent. They have usual suspects like hamachi and salmon to harder-to-find selections like purple sea urchin. And the nigirzushi (their more creative options) are always interesting and delicious.

Kai-Zan is a BYOB sushi spot that’s been around since 2012, and it has one of the best, most affordable omakase options in the city. For $75 you get 10 courses of delicious sushi and Japanese small plates, including dishes like scallop shooters that you probably won’t see on other menus. If you’re someone who prefers controlling their own destiny, you can order from a separate a la carte menu of sashimi and nigiri instead.

Sushi-san in River North has wooden tables, loud rap music, and the menu is a mix of sushi and Japanese small plates. Sure, it’s a laid-back spot with a poop emoji instead of a bathroom sign, but the sushi here is quite serious - and really really good. Order one of the “San-sets” (an assortment of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls) which are perfect for sharing and range in price from $20-99. Make sure you get the Japanese pancakes for dessert too.

Juno's laid-back, and although it can get expensive (they’re small pieces starting around $5), it doesn’t feel overpriced. This is mainly because of how great everything is, but also because everything is creatively plated—like the smoked fish nigiri that’s presented tableside under a glass dome. Focus on the sashimi and nigiri when you come here, and make sure to order one of the signature maki, like the crispy sake which is filled with fried unagi and topped with spicy salmon.

Along with their a la carte options, Q Sushi in Ravenswood has a great 15-course omakase for $125. It's a relaxed (and expensive) meal that will be full of uptempo hip-hop, charismatic chefs, and a parade of nigiri and small plates. The frequently-changing menu has pieces like fatty toro with garlic perched on fluffy rice, innovative options like honey truffle salmon, and a dessert unagi dressed in a chocolate banana glaze.

Omakase Yume in the West Loop is fantastic (and on this list), but committing to a $225 omakase dinner is, well, a commitment. Luckily, Tengoku Aburiya (their sister restaurant next door) is more casual with similarly great sushi. Individual orders of nigiri, sashimi, and maki are all reasonably priced, and their chef-curated combination platters are perfect if decision-making isn’t a personal strength. It can get packed, but the atmosphere is generally relaxed.

This casual sushi spot is located in 88 Marketplace on the border of Chinatown and Pilsen. There are several restaurants inside this giant supermarket, but 312 is the only one that has its own seating, which includes a sushi counter. And considering that this place is from a former chef of Sushi-san, it’s not surprising that all their maki, sashimi, and nigiri are really good (and also pretty affordable). Be sure to get the konbujime medai.

Raisu is a small restaurant in Albany Park, and its fish offerings vary depending on what’s available that day. If you want omakase, they’ll tailor it to your budget, starting at $50. But a la carte is also a great option, with pieces starting at $2.50. If you’re into rolls, they have a few of those, too (the omega maki with fried salmon and shrimp tempura is great), and we’re big fans of their signature nigiri and sashimi.

If you ignore the open kitchen and tables full of Japanese food, this small Lincoln Park restaurant feels like a cute neighborhood coffee shop. The sparsely decorated space has mid-century modern chairs and frosted pendant lamps, and the quiet atmosphere is great for a meal when you actually want to get to know someone. Although the menu leans on the simpler, more straightforward side, their maki and nigiri are both delicious and affordable.

You won’t find a better spot than Lawrence Fish Market in Albany Park for an affordable sushi feast. This seafood market has been around for over 40 years, and has an incredibly long menu filled with delicious (and reasonably priced) nigiri, sashimi, rolls, and trays. Many pieces are less than $2 and most rolls are $3-$7. But the trays are the best value. There are about 30 to choose from, ranging from $24 for 28 pieces to $300 for 88. Just know that it’s cash-only and they only do takeout.