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.-2 p.m.
Dinner: 5-11:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Cuisine:
Japanese and Sushi
Meals Served:
Dinner and Lunch. A late-night menu is available on Fridays and Saturdays
Reservations:
Accepted
Alcohol:
Full Bar

Features

Carryout:
Yes
ATM:
Yes. Across the street
Facilities:
Private Party and Banquet Facilities. The lounge may be reserved for private functions
Payment Methods:
Major Credit Cards
Outdoor Seating:
No
Seating :
Capacity: 120 (the sushi bar seats 18)

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No-pic-chick
5


"My new hot spot"

bijoux from wicker park - July 3, 2008

I went to the Summer Lovin' event at the MCA, and Ai and Tsuki were there being showcased. Tsuki, being one of my favorite sushi restaurants, witho...

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No-pic-dude
4


"Had a great experience"

wickerpark3000 from Wicker Park - July 3, 2008

I was scheduled to meet a friend at Ai last night. After reading the last couple of reviews, I tried to convince him to meet elsewhere. He said t...

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No-pic-chick
1


"worst sushi experience EVER"

foodie15 from roscoe village - June 29, 2008

Wow, this may be one of the worst experiences I have had with service. And I am BIG on service. There are just simple things I expect when I dine...

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Ai Japanese Restaurant