Japonais | Metromix Chicago

Japonais

Neighborhood: River North
600 W. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL 60610
312-822-9600
3 (69 ratings) Write a review
Food:
3 1/2
Ambiance:
3 1/2
Service:
3
Value:
3

Review: Japonais
Partners Miae Lim's (Mirai Sushi, Ohba) and Rick Wahlstedt (Le Colonial, Le Passage) have teamed to create one of Chicago's trendiest dining destinations, a blend of contemporary Asian and French cuisines that has foodies and fashionistas buzzing. And while the dishes and décor at the 300-seat space--featuring two dining rooms, a sushi bar, and a downstairs lounge and patio--live up to the hype, expect stylish but sub-par staff. Sushi chef Jun Ichikawa and entrée chef Gene Kato have created a menu mix of hot and cold appetizers, house specialties, cooked entrees and sushi that can be tough to navigate, but is unlikely to disappoint. Crab cakes, lobster spring roll and Kobe carpaccio are not-to-be-missed appetizers. Standout house-specialty kani nigiri comes with two spicy hunks of baked King crab. Desserts feature choices like a dark chocolate mascarpone cake. And while service is also an issue in the generally packed downstairs lounge, pretty cocktails make up for it.

Getting There

Cross Streets:
Chicago Ave. and Larabee St.
Parking:
Paid Lot, Street, and Valet. Valet Parking: $10
Public Transportation:
CTA Bus: 66 Chicago, 8 Halsted.
Wheelchair Access:
Yes

The Basics

Hours:
Lunch: 11:30-2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (last seating at 2 p.m.)

Dinner: 5-11 p.m., Monday through Saturday (last seating at 10:30); 5-10 p.m., Sunday (last seating at 9:30)

Cuisine:
International Fusion, Japanese, and Sushi
Meals Served:
Dinner and Lunch. Lunch: Monday through Friday.
Price Range:
$$$ ($16-$25)
Reservations:
Accepted. Recommended
Dress Code:
None, business casual recommended.
Alcohol:
BYOB and Full Bar. Large wine selection. $25 corkage fee for wine, $30 corkage fee for Champaign.
Smoking:
No
Bar Style:
Asian and Lounge
Audience:
Families

Features

Carryout:
No
ATM:
Yes. In the residential/commerical lobby space on the lower level.
Live Music:
No
Features:
Free Admission. No catering Limited, call for details. No dancing. No buffet.
Facilities:
Private Party and Banquet Facilities. No on-site store. Semi-private dining for 25
Worth Noting:
3-star
Specialties:
Kobe prime rib; rainbow carpaccio (tuna, whitefish, salmon) with sizzling yuzu dressing.
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, and Visa
Outdoor Seating:
Yes. Lower level river walk serves light bites
Upper level garden cafe serves the full menu, capacity: 65
Seating :
For 230

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No-pic-chick
5


"Favorite Chicago Lounge!!"

CapriciousChic from river north - May 7, 2008

this place is AMAZING! my girls and i always come to the downstairs lounge and have the best time. most of the time getting our checks picked up fo...

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No-pic-chick
5


"Fatty Tuna to die for!"

JamieN731 from Bucktown - May 7, 2008

I had an excellent experience here. The fatty tuna I had, was by far the best I have ever had, I'm not expert, but I've been to many a sushi restau...

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No-pic-chick
3


"Not impressed..."

ChayB from Roscoe Village - March 28, 2008

First I will say it's not a great place for a date. I had a first date there, it's too loud, too cramped. I could barely hear my date, but I heard ...

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