ISHI & Kaori’s Oven

305 Cedar St, Champaign
(217) 254-5653

Recent Reviews

Sort by
Ebenezer Jeya

First omakase experience here and it was amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jinxin Zhang

I have eaten here three times now and I just love this place more and more. The omakase is out of this world. Ken is a true sushi master and the level of dedication and expertise can be tasted with every bite. The location is a bit of a hidden hole in the wall. The plaza is pretty nondescript but once you step through, the decor and vibe is full on authentic Japanese sushi bar. I am so tempted to keep this spot a secret so reservations won’t become too hard to get but honestly Ken deserves the shout out.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Michael Corrales

Everything was amazing and by far one of the best omakase experiences I’ve ever had. The chef was welcoming and loved to talk about his inspiration and where the fish came from. In terms of quality you’ll be hard pressed to find better quality anywhere in the mid-west let maybe even the country. The atmosphere of the restaurant is the definition of family owned and homey. I’ve been to Michelin star restaurants everywhere from Paris to Chicago and this food can go head to head with the best sushi I’ve had. Significantly better quality and experience than any omakase experience in Chicago with delicious homemade food. Even when I move to Chicago I would happily come down for a special dinner just to eat here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Samantha McCullough

The foood was amazing and the staff are so kind!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Samantha Schnorf

Quick and delicious! They are very kind and take time to explain whenever you have questions. I had a curry dish that was excellent!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Clark Chinn

OMG, what a fantastic restaurant! I have lived in in the Tokyo area for nearly 7 years of my life at various times, and this would be one of my very favorite Tokyo restaurants if it were there. It's incredible good fortune for everyone in C-U to have this restaurant in town!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Clyde Andrew Samson

VERY DELICIOUS. PERIOD. ENOUGH SAID.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Peter Stocks

A wonderful, delicious and genuine experience with a very talented and personable chef. Some of the best sushi I've had in the area and the best conversation and experience I've had anywhere. The dessert were also all impeccable. I can't recommend it enough.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lunch Omakase

J

Ken is the GOAT! Excellent food (both omakase and baked goods), once reservations become available the issue of wait times will be solved

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Iniya Rajamani

Recommend to everyone!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Miso Soup, Sashimi Appetizer, Cake, Poke

Angelle Ruguian-Difanis

The best Japanese restaurant in town!! My favorite place to eat, wonderful owners!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seared Foro Nigiri, Uni Hand Roll, Lunch Omakase, Mackerel, Toro Unagi, Toro Nigiri, Shiso Bacon Cream Cheese Wraps, Sushi, Sashimi Appetizer, Cake, Omakase Tasting Menu, Salmon Nigiri

Tiyomari Noronha

Delicious and authentic Japanese food. Highest quality ingredients. Here there is no mayonnaise and other disgusting dressings for sushi.The rice is cooked right and music is pleasant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rahim Raja

Best meal we've ever had. Not just food but a complete experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Christian Man

Michelin-grade cooking happening at this unassuming

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Aza Verove

I had the Omakase on 2/10/24. It was, without a doubt, the best dining experience I have had in years. Ken is an expert and extremely gracious host. His knowledge and explanation of the dishes as well as the casual and extremely enjoyable conversation made this a dinner to remember.This was my first visit to Ishi & Kaori and I have already told my friends about it. We are currently checking our calendars for future months in hopes of another experience. I hope to come back soon for the regular menu, as well as another Omakase.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Loading...