Japonais - River North - Chicago, IL 60610 | Metromix Chicago

Japonais



Neighborhood: River North
600 W. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL 60610
312-822-9600
Price range: $$$ ($16-$25)

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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1


"Sad Demise"

By Dealguy from River East, July 23, 2009

How sad to see a once great venue decay to such abysmal depths in both quality and service. Having been a good and loyal customer from the beginni...

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1


"Walked in feeling good walked out feeling cheated..."

By jrdragon21 from Bridgeport, July 5, 2009

Have seen Japonais many times driving by and heard from friends that it was supposed to be fantastic. Decided to try it on a random Wednesday hopin...

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3


"Not the greatest"

By NewtoChicago from Printer's Row, March 28, 2009

Perhaps it was because my visit to Japonais was during Restaurant Week and they were extremely busy, it was not a good experience. The service was ...

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