Oriole is an outstanding tasting-menu-only spot in the West Loop.

Kyoten is an expensive omakase-only sushi restaurant in Logan Square. It’s definitely worth it for a special occasion.

Kumiko is an upscale cocktail bar in the West Loop with high-end bar snacks and a tasting menu in the basement.

Naoki is a fancy but expensive sushi restaurant inside the Belden Statford building in Lincoln Park.

Does eating at Sunda feel like eating in the club? Yes, but you don't have to love the ChampagnePapi lifestyle to love this restaurant.

Excellent sushi in an unlikely spot. This tiny restaurant at the bottom of the Hilton hotel on Mies van der Rohe Way street is worth a trip for any real sushi fan.

The Beanie Baby effect, plus delicious ramen at Furious Spoon.

Mako is a fancy omakase-only restaurant in the West Loop.

Omakase Yume is a very good omakase-only sushi restaurant in the West Loop.

Sushi-san is an upbeat restaurant in River North with high-quality sushi and tasty small plates.

Roka Akor is a trendy Japanese restaurant in River North that has great food but is also expensive.

High Five is a cool and hip ramen bar in a tiny basement setting. Prepare to get spicy.

Exceptional sushi, as long as the fish itself is what you care about the most.

Momotaro is like a Japanese Discovery Zone. You may need to sample the menu a bit, but hit your stride and it’s a great meal.

Japanese food in Chinatown. Strings is serious about its ramen.

Kitsune is Midwestern take on a Japanese izakaya near Ravenswood, and it’s great for date night or dinner with a small group of friends.