Sai Cafe: User Reviews

Big place - decent sushi
By ChicagoKid83 from West Suburbs, January 22, 2009

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I live nearby, so Sai Cafe is a regular place for me to grab some sushi. I enjoy their food and the service is outstanding. It can be pricey, but my main concern is the way that they make you wait. The place is pretty big, and on a night where they don't have a lot of reservations, they tend to keep a lot of people at the bar or near the door to give you the feeling that it's more crowded than it really is. Try this next time they tell you it's going to be 30 minutes for a table. Ask where the restrooms are, and on your way there, look around. You will literally see a dozen empty tables, and no one walking in is going to them - everyone is waiting.

Besides that minor point, I would recommend it. Nice little joint.

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Love this cute little spot!
By Kate12 from Gold Coast, April 9, 2008

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I dined at Sai last night for my first time and was blown away. I'm a huge fan of Japonais, and I've yet to find a sushi restaurant that has both a romantic/quiet atmosphere paired with fantastic dishes and presentation. Sai Cafe had both and I will definitely be coming back and bringing others! We tried so many items on the menu and everything was excellent. The cocktails were strong, but I would have gotten more if the waitress was more attentive. Overall, this place is wonderful. They are very friendly and helpful.

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wonderful!
By Raven from western suburb, November 14, 2007

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My husband and I have enjoyed this place since 2001! that's when we used to go there a lot when we were dating..absolutely fab...
love the unagi, spicy tuna, dynamite, also the smoked salmon..and green tea ice cream...

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This place is great -...
By Neener from Berwyn, IL, August 24, 2007

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This place is great - love the neighborhood ambiance! A little pricey but excellent food and great service. I recommend the Volcano roll - fantastic!

I would dine here again....
By Jane from Chicago, IL, July 19, 2007

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I would dine here again. The service was great. We had several waitresses attending to our table. The Volcano roll and Spicy Tuna roll were both Amazing. Definately order both of those. The rainbow roll was just alright, but still better than many other sushi joints. I enjoyed my dining experience at Sai Cafe!

I absolutly LOVE this place!!!!...
By Mary from Chicago, IL, April 10, 2007

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I absolutly LOVE this place!!!! I eat here once a week. The whole staff is amazing and the sushi is very fresh!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!

Prices have gone up but......
By Cyndy from Lincoln Park, IL, October 13, 2006

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Prices have gone up but... by far still the best slices of fish I've had!

Funny, my fiancée and I...
By Adam from Crown Point, IN, October 5, 2006

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Funny, my fiancée and I were walking down Halsted approaching Armitage in search of a fantastic sushi place in the neighborhood. With no idea as to where such a place might be we asked a gentleman who was standing on the street corner waiting for the light to change for any suggestions. When the gentleman turned to face us it was none other than Charlie Trotter who suggested Sai Cafe.

My fiancée and I both love such sushi and we both fell in love with Sai Cafe. The Salmon Avocado Maki roll was outstanding, but the Spicy Tuna did not meet up to my standards.

Thanks Charlie for the suggestion!

Prices have gone up at...
By Chris Raytus from Chicago, IL, August 14, 2006

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Prices have gone up at Sai Cafe since I last visited. Its no longer a reasonably priced local sushi place, but relatively high priced with a run down feel. A little surprising considering increased competition in the area. The futo-maki style California roll was a huge ball of rice, and nonsensical. I'll stick to Naniwa, Bee's broth-in-law's, which is still reasonable.

If you like simplicity and...
By Brad Kelly from Chicago, il, June 6, 2006

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If you like simplicity and the taste and texture of sushi/sashimi; this place is the place to be. There are too many new "fusion" places with their overwhelming sauces and spices, YOU CAN'T EVEN TASTE THE FISH!! You only taste the sauces! So I highly suggest SAI CAFE for the simplicity and decadence of Japanese cuisine.