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Itoko
Modern Japanese dining where fresh sushi meets chic ambiance in Chicago.
4.2(5 reviews)
japanese
$$
Modern Japanese dining where fresh sushi meets chic ambiance in Chicago.
Itoko is a stylish Japanese restaurant in Chicago's Southport Corridor, offering a refined dining experience with a focus on fresh sushi, creative cocktails, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Known for its excellent happy hour, gluten-free options, and dishes like kabocha pancakes and steak and eggs, Itoko blends traditional flavors with modern twists. Perfect for dates, celebrations, or casual gatherings, it provides attentive service in a beautifully designed space.
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Fresh, high-quality fish served as nigiri, sashimi, and creative rolls in a modern setting.
Discounted drinks and appetizers at the bar, featuring cocktails like the Itoko old fashioned and select sushi.
Weekend brunch with standout dishes such as egg soufflé, honey butter toast, and kabocha pancakes.
Celiac-safe menu items, including Ebi Tom Yum and other tailored dishes for dietary needs.
Craft cocktails and martinis in a chic bar area with comfortable seating and attentive service.
Group bookings and special events in a stylish, intimate atmosphere for celebrations or gatherings.
For my girlfriend’s birthday, we wanted to give Itoko a try. We had walked by a couple times and thought it looked super cute. When we came inside, we were greeted by a gorgeous dining room. Itoko has a gluten-free menu that is celiac-safe. My girlfriend particular loved the Ebi Tom Yum. I thought the yellowtail nigiri was also ferocious. For dessert, they have a soy milk panna cotta that is really delicious and refreshing as well.
Itoko absolutely nails it. From the moment you walk in, the space feels calm, warm, and intentional. The bar is beautiful without trying too hard. Soft lighting, clean lines, and a relaxed energy that makes you want to linger, whether you are there for brunch or a long conversation over drinks. The food is where things really shine. The egg soufflé is light, fluffy, and deeply comforting, with just enough richness from the cheese and bacon to feel indulgent without being heavy. The honey butter toast is a standout. Perfectly toasted bread, creamy honey butter, and roasted strawberries that bring just the right balance of sweetness and acidity. It is simple in concept and executed flawlessly. The kabocha pancakes are incredible. Tender, lightly spiced, and paired with a pecan praline sauce that feels thoughtful rather than overpowering. They manage to be both cozy and refined. The deviled eggs are elevated and playful, with curry, bacon, and chives coming together in a way that makes you want to order another plate immediately. The steak and eggs deserve special mention. Perfectly cooked steak, kimchi fried rice with real depth, and a sunny side egg that ties everything together when the yolk breaks. It is bold, satisfying, and beautifully plated. Even the smaller details impress. The early bird menu is smart and welcoming, the presentation is lovely across the board, and everything arrives looking as good as it tastes. Nothing feels rushed, and nothing feels like filler. Itoko is one of those places that feels special without being precious. Thoughtful food, a great atmosphere, and a clear sense of care in every detail. An easy five stars and a spot I will happily return to again and again.
Great happy hour sushi! I came in with some friends for happy hour at the bar and we were glad to find seating, as it got quite busy. We were glad to have a wide variety of options for happy hour, including the Itoko, which appeared to be like their take on an old fashioned! For starters, we had a cucumber salad and gyoza, both of which were super yummy, though the crispy skirt on the gyoza was unevenly cooked (as pictured). The star of the show, however, was the fish - really fresh and great quality! On some of the pieces I ordered, I found the rice to be unevenly cooked, with some of it being cooked nicely and some of it being slightly undercooked. Bar seating was a bit cramped, but the high chairs themselves were comfortable and had good lumbar support. Service at the bar was top notch, attentive and diligent. I’ll definitely need to go back soon!
We came here for Happy hours menu, but not what we were expected. The food is good but the portions is tiny for the price. Our bill was over $300 for 3 people. I have eaten at high end restaurant for Happy hours meals, but never paid more than $50 per person including two cocktails. Parking is horrible for nonlocals.
3 Stars – Great ambiance, but a few disappointments Itoko looks like a fantastic dining spot with a chic, stylish atmosphere, and I came in during happy hour excited to try it out. Unfortunately, two things brought the experience down for me. First, the service at the bar was underwhelming. I had a hard time getting the bartender’s attention, and it felt nearly impossible to make eye contact when I needed something. That alone cost a star. The second issue was the pricing. For a happy hour menu, the prices didn’t feel discounted at all—$16 for a medium-sized burger with a handful of fries is basically regular pricing. Gyoza at $10, shishito peppers at $9, and a $13 martini also felt high for happy hour. The sushi, however, was excellent: very fresh fish, great flavor, and the prices for those items seemed much more aligned with what a happy hour deal should be. As for the food, the burger was dry and lacked flavor, and the charcoal bun didn’t add much. The shishito peppers were good—above average—but nothing memorable. Overall, Itoko has a beautiful space and excellent sushi, but the service and happy hour value missed the mark for me.
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