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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Rate Ai Japanese Restaurant
"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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"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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"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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