Ai Japanese Restaurant - River North - Chicago, IL 60610 | Metromix Chicago

Ai Japanese Restaurant



Neighborhood: River North
358 W. Ontario St.

Chicago, IL 60610
312-335-9888

Ai (translates to “love”), which opened September 2007 in River North, is from Agnes Chua Yoshikawa and Gene Chua, the siblings behind Lincoln Park’s Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki.  Although owners made cosmetic upgrades, you’ll spot plenty of holdovers from the former tenant (Kizoku), including the entryway aquarium, mod light fixtures and oversized windows overlooking Ontario Street (but, no, not the naked sushi). Look for creative cocktails and late-night dining in the restaurant's red and black lounge. Chef Toyoji Hemmi is handling exec chef duties at both Tsuki and Ai; his menu lists maki, nigiri and sashimi, plus a selection of Japanese fare like a panko bread crumb-battered crab and shrimp cake, and a wasabi-rubbed filet mignon. 

Getting There

Cross Streets:
Ontario and Orleans
Parking:
Street Parking Difficult and Valet
Wheelchair Access:
Yes

The Basics

Hours:
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dinner: 5-11:30 p.m.
Lounge hours: 5-11:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5-2 a.m. Friday; 5-3 a.m. Saturday
Cuisine:
Japanese and Sushi
Meals Served:
Dinner and Lunch. Late-night menu available Fridays and Saturday.
Reservations:
Accepted
Alcohol:
Full Bar

Features

Carryout:
Yes
ATM:
Yes. Across the street at New Century Bank.
Live Music:
Local Chicago artist perform Friday night. DJs spin in the lounge late-night Saturday.
Facilities:
Private Party and Banquet Facilities. The lounge may be reserved for private functions
Payment Methods:
Major Credit Cards
Outdoor Seating:
Yes. For 25.
Delivery:
Yes. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday; -10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $20 minimum. $3.50 delivery fee on all orders. 10 percent delivery fee on orders of $200 or more.
Seating :
Capacity: 120 (the sushi bar seats 18)

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No-pic-dude
3


"Was going well until......."

By rovingreporter from Streeterville, November 5, 2009

I took a business colleague here for lunch to pitch a new idea to her. We were the first people to arrive for lunch (by the time we had left there...

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No-pic-dude
4


"Great for Lunch"

By Disco from downtown, October 23, 2009

I went in to Ai on a friday for lunch and it was quiet but right away they were very welcoming and attentive. They did an excellent job of checking...

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No-pic-chick
4


"Go for the Sunday all you can eat"

By food_lover from River North, August 28, 2009

I love when I can get fairly fresh, tasty sushi at a great price, and so the Sunday all you can eat menu makes me very, very happy. Unlike some re...

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