Oak Park and its neighboring communities have an impressive lineup of sushi spots rivaling the best in Chicago, from intimate, chef-driven omakase bars perfect for a date night to lively, family-friendly spots when you need a quick, stress-free weeknight dinner. Most feature a wide selection of cooked rolls, tempura, and innovative vegetarian options, plus comforting noodle dishes, flavorful Thai options, and other popular Asian favorites, ensuring a delicious choice for even the most sushi-shy diner at your table.
This guide is organized by town to help you navigate the local scene, offering a quick snapshot of each restaurant that highlights the vibe and what each does best. Plus, we’ve added a sushi directory so newbies can order with confidence.
OAK PARK
Mora Oak Park
201 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL
More than a traditional sushi spot, Mora offers an inventive menu that merges flavors from Japanese, Filipino, and other popular Asian cuisines. The creative sushi selection, enhanced by a sophisticated beverage menu of cocktails and mocktails, showcases fresh seafood and unique textures. Don’t miss the Blue Sea Roll with spicy blue crab, pickled onions, soft-shell crab, cucumber, onion vinaigrette, and vibrant wasabi tobiko.
Ideal for date nights, friendly get-togethers, and special occasions, Mora is a community hub with live music, DJs, and themed events. Don’t miss the beautiful patio for alfresco moments during warmer months.
Sen Sushi Bar
814 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Sen Sushi Bar features fresh nigiri, maki, and innovative rolls that highlight texture and balance, plus a selection of warm, comforting cooked dishes that blend Japanese and Thai flavors, featuring umami-rich sauces and delicately grilled proteins.
Additionally, there is a variety of veggie-forward rolls and maki, along with cooked vegetarian plates.
The ambiance suits romantic date nights and small gatherings, with just a handful of tables, bar seating, and a few window spots, and the location adds culture and charm. Stop in before or after an Arts District stroll, but be prepared to wait: The restaurant doesn’t take reservations.
Sushi House Oak Park
1107 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
A popular choice for connoisseurs and the sushi-curious alike, Sushi House Oak Park is known for its welcoming dining room and approachable menu, featuring everything from fresh, delicate sashimi to an impressive array of classic and creative specialty rolls. It also boasts a robust selection of vegan and vegetarian options, hearty bento boxes, savory noodle dishes, and hot appetizers such as tempura and gyoza.
We love the Fire Dragon Roll—shrimp tempura, kanikama, seared salmon, white tuna, and spicy mayo—and the vegan Maya Tofu Dragon, served with sweet goma-ae sesame sauce. On colder days, thick udon noodles in a hot, fragrant broth hit the spot.
Yama Sushi Bar
731 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
The artful dining experience at Yama Sushi Bar delights both the palate and the eyes. Vibrant color contrasts, delicate garnishes, and precise knife work make each plate a tiny piece of art. The atmosphere blends modern minimalism with warm hospitality: clean lines, soft lighting, and a calm, inviting table setting that allows the finesse of the sushi to shine.
Check for specials, new rolls, and limited-time presentations, and consider a multicourse tasting or a chef-driven menu; it’s a great way to sample the kitchen’s range. Inquire about veggie-forward rolls and prepared dishes that complement fresh produce with umami-rich sauces.
ELMWOOD PARK
Inari Sushi
7428 West North Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL
Inari Sushi offers a full range of traditional maki, sushi, and sashimi, ideal for those who appreciate the classics. For more adventurous diners, however, the chef specialty maki menu is where Inari Sushi truly shines. Creations such as the Flaming Dragon and Mango Tango, feature intricate toppings, house-made sauces, and unique textures, such as torched fish or a spicy tempura crunch. Moderately priced lunches, including the pick-two and pick-three maki combos and the hearty bento boxes, are served with miso soup.
Save room for dessert! The warm coffee cream donuts, freshly fried and filled with a rich, cool coffee-infused cream, offer a memorable finish that further distinguishes Inari from other sushi spots.
New Star Restaurant
7444 West North Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL
A spacious local favorite, New Star Restaurant brings time-honored Chinese, Japanese, and Thai flavors together under one roof, in a distinctively retro setting with neon accents, fish tanks, and a supper-club vibe. Enjoy generous portions of classic Chinese dishes such as General Tso’s chicken and Mongolian beef, spicy and aromatic Thai staples like pad thai and green curry; and fresh sushi, house-special maki, and hibachi-grilled dishes prepared at your table with a dramatic flair.
Beyond the dining room, New Star has a full-service bar known for tiki cocktails including mai tais and Scorpion Bowls, popular karaoke nights, and late-night hours, making it a go-to for lively entertainment and after-hours dining.
FOREST PARK
White Crane Creative Thai and Sushi
819 South Harlem Avenue, Forest Park, IL
A hidden gem located just off Madison Street’s Restaurant Row, White Crane is popular for its generous portions of traditional and inventive Thai cuisine and fresh sushi, available for dining in, delivery, or picking up. Warm lighting and an eye-catching hand-painted mural of dancing white cranes on a bright pink wall contribute to the dining room’s cozy, unpretentious atmosphere.
Mix standout Thai dishes like rich panang curry and tom yum fried rice with popular sushi options including the deep-fried Inferno Maki Roll and local favorite the Holy Cow Roll. Families appreciate the welcoming staff and versatile menu, which offers plenty of nonspicy, kid-friendly options such as chicken satay and fried rice as well as smoothies and bubble tea.
LA GRANGE
Sushi Ukai
120 B West Calendar Avenue, La Grange, IL
Sushi Ukai pairs a sleek, upscale dining experience with a welcoming neighborhood vibe, resulting in a spot sophisticated enough for a date night and relaxed enough for a family dinner. There’s a mix of standard tables, cozy booths, and a sushi bar where you can watch the chefs at work. Attentive servers are knowledgeable and willing to make recommendations for both novices and gourmands.
The extensive menu encompasses sashimi, classic hand rolls, bento boxes, and chef’s specials. Start out with the Shanghai dumplings, then try the Chicago Fire Roll with spicy tuna, seaweed, and ponzu sauce. Sushi combos and the seven-course omakase option put you in the chef’s capable hands. For those who don't eat raw fish, steak teriyaki, chicken tempura, and udon noodle soups are solid options.
Woow Sushi
33 South La Grange Road, La Grange, IL
Vibrant and modern in design, Woow Sushi presents an impressive selection of both traditional and inventive Japanese dishes celebrated for their fresh ingredients, complex flavors, and artistic presentation. Standouts among the creative specialty rolls include the spicy Woow Roll with tuna, asparagus, yellowtail, and jalapeño and the 007 Roll with deep-fried white tuna and avocado topped with lobster salad and black tobiko.
Beyond sushi, the kitchen delivers excellent hibachi, teriyaki, and tempura, complemented by a full bar offering sake and craft cocktails. It's a top choice for a swanky night out or a casual all-you-can-eat lunch with friends.
RIVERSIDE
Asiano Thai & Sushi Bar
2728 South Harlem Avenue, Riverside, IL
Asiano Thai & Sushi Bar in Riverside is convenient for dine-in and takeout on weeknights. The menu showcases bold and fiery Thai street-food favorites such as lava noodles along with classics like tamarind-infused pad thai and pad see ew with tender beef and rich gravy. The sushi selection includes inventive handcrafted rolls made with premium ingredients.
The scene is relaxed, with a steady flow of locals and visitors enjoying meals. It’s a welcoming spot perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
EXPLORE SUSHI RESTAURANTS IN OAK PARK & BEYOND
You’ll find a variety of sushi dining experiences, from cozy neighborhood spots to stylish venues, with fresh, high-quality rolls, nigiri, and creative specialties—as well as options for diners who prefer their Asian favorites cooked—in Oak Park and beyond.
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SUSHI
Sushi comes in many varieties, each with its own unique style and preparation.
Nigiri: hand-pressed rice beneath a slice of fish or other toppings, sometimes bound with a thin strip of seaweed; it emphasizes the balance between the vinegared rice and its topping.
Sashimi: sliced raw fish served without rice, highlighting the fish's quality and flavor.
Maki: rice and fillings wrapped in nori seaweed, then sliced into bite-size pieces.
Temaki: cone-shape rolls wrapped in nori and filled with rice, fish, vegetables, and sauces; designed for easy eating by hand.
Uramaki: similar to maki, but the seaweed wraps the filling with the rice on the outside.
Tempura: seafood or vegetables coated in a light, airy batter and deep-fried, creating a delicate, crispy texture that retains the natural flavors.