Gaijin is a great all-day Japanese restaurant specializing in okonomiyaki and kakigori.

Sunda is an Asian-fusion restaurant in River North that’s been around for a while, but still has great food.

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

Strings is a casual walk-in spot for ramen in Lakeview.

Kai Zan is a BYOB sushi spot with one of the best and most affordable omakase options in the city.

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

Rakki is a Japanese soft serve shop in Wicker Park.

The Izakaya is the bar in the basement of Momotaro in the West Loop, and it has great drinks and Japanese small plates.

Toro is a casual BYOB sushi restaurant in Lincoln Park.

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

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

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

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

Sai is a casual sushi spot in Lincoln Park.

Butterfly is a casual BYOB sushi spot in West Town.

Sushi X is a BYOB sushi spot in River West that feels like you’re eating at a house party.