I showed up to this restaurant with a reservation and it was CLOSED. We called and waited outside, ultimately we left and ate somewhere. Very unprofessional and very sad because we were so excited.
Nicole
I reserved a table for a Thursday at 5:30. It's supposed to open at 5pm, but was closed! No email about my reservation. I called and left a voicemail. No call back either. Pretty bummed, was really looking forward to it.
Went her with my wife for our anniversary. Amazing spot and food tucked away on the Elston corridor. Without a doubt one of the top quality food restaurants in Chicago. Can't wait to go back!
CWL615
Gustavo was wonderful. Unfortunately, the sous chef who was working next to him needed a lot of help. Gustavo was constantly at her station remolding the unsatisfactory nigiri. The wait staff was piled up at the pick up station because she was working so slow. A few times Gustavo stopped service for the omakase and helped make nigiri and maki. The food was fantastic, but seeing this sous chef struggle the whole night turned the ambiance sour. I would return, but before ordering anything from the sushi bar, I would make sure this sous chef is not the one to prepare my food.
A Messner
Awesome place, I can’t wait to go back. The happy menu kills it. The drinks exceptional and service a “10” Try the Wagu sliders and lamb goyza.
Matt Nicolay
The omakase was amazing. The sushi was excellent, the staff were amazing and very nice, and it was a lot of fun getting to discuss each dish with the chef as he made them. Their sake selection was large and the staff was very knowledgeable about each one. They also had excellent cocktails that worked very well with the sushi. I highly recommend this place.
Jordan Stellakis
Best date night we’ve had in Chicago in a long time. We’ve lived in the city for over 15 years and have seen a ton of places come and go, and this place is great. Service, atmosphere, quality of food - all solid. Can’t wait to make this our new regular spot. And come back and try the Omakase!
Brandon Van Heyde
Gustavo and Zach did an incredible job on the omakase with drink tasting. I could write a long, detailed review but just go and enjoy. Amazing hospitality and high quality
Daniel Goers
Loved this place. Wanted to try something new when we were in Chicago and it was extraordinary! Really unique dishes and the flavors were mind-blowing. You can tell each dish was crafted with a superior attention to detail. The drinks and service were amazing and the ambiance felt exclusive but inviting. We will definitely be back soon!
s.w. lin
Choose to go with an open mind, with a sense of whimsical lightness but be smart about it. There's an amazing opportunity to learn from everyone there. The knowledge of sips and bites is worth paying attention to. Therefore if you don't learn about the delicate food or the libations they are serving, well, you will have missed out on the complete experience. You'll just have to go back again:)
What a great spot for a date! Inside is uniquely beautiful, cocktails were perfectly balanced, and all the food was wonderful. We ordered a few apps and each our own entrees. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive. Well definitely be back.
EYL1967
Outstanding Omakase with phenomenal wine and sake pairing. Highly recommend HS to anyone who loves sushi. Chef Gustavo and the GM - Zak are both incredibly aware of providing an outstanding experience!!!
Jake Marmulstein
On trips to the recently closed Local Foods market, we kept passing by this place in curiosity. Located in the midst of old concrete and brick industrial buildings, Hinoki Sushiko stands out. Its location and entrance is mysteriously tucked away. I asked myself, "what kind of restaurant makes itself hard to find?" After surviving the pandemic and receiving many high reviews, the only answer that makes any sense is "a damn good one".Now for context, I come from a restaurant background and have come to appreciate the quirks and imperfections as much as the attention to detail owners and staff put into the overall experience. This restaurant is run by passionate people who aim to provide an exceptional guest experience. They are not perfect.We got a 7:30p reservation on a Saturday in their ground floor dining area. If there's 30 seats in this area, it was ~70% occupied at the time. Our waiter came within a few minutes to greet us, provide paper menus and water. They have a decent menu for sake, wine and cocktails. While we were contemplating ordering a bottle, our waiter suggested starting with a couple glasses of sake. On his recommendation, we got the Chibi Zumo, Little Sumo and the Rihaku, Dreamy Clouds. The Chibi Zumo is too strong and floral for my liking while the Dreamy Clouds is more dry and subtle, which I enjoyed. The staff kindly gifted us a portion of Chicken Karaage as a courtesy while we enjoyed our drinks and studied the menu. We ordered Kizami Salmon, Miso Butter Mushrooms, and Nasu Dengaku to start off.I liked everything but would say the Nasu Dengaku stands out. The eggplant is made very tender and flavorful without loosing its texture. The Kizami Salmon might be somewhat adventurous if you're not into fish eggs but it was fresh and came with a delicious sauce. Portion size was quite reasonable. You can't really go wrong with Miso Butter Mushrooms. It wasn't dry and it had the flavor you would expect. It's a crowd pleaser.Our waiter checked in with us for more drinks or food orders periodically. I personally appreciate when the wait staff gives me a little space, but never felt inconvenienced. I could see their small staff being stretched if it were 100% occupied though. The owner came over and checked in as well. We started talking about sake. He generously gave us some tastes from sample bottles and educated us on their origins and craft. It was a lot of fun but certainly wouldn't expect to be treated like this. I think it shows that they are trying to build a great business, learn from their customers, and spread their appreciation for the craft.After a few more sake tastings, we ordered the Sweet potato Maki and the Gaijin Wafu Pasta. The maki was good but the pasta was a hit and came with big clams. Highly recommend.Tip: If you want to try sake only available by bottle, ask if the owner will let you buy a glass from any already open bottles. My favorite was the Kawatsuru, Crane of Paradise.Closing remarks:I had a 5 star experience but I know had I ordered different items or come in on a busier day, that might change. There's raw talent here with obvious passion and good will. Opportunity comes to the prepared mind. I'll definitely be back with friends.
This is a fantastic restaurant run by an incredibly warm and knowledgeable staff. Every dish is insanely good and we always feel very welcomed. The tree in the middle of the restaurant is so cool and the sake menu is amazing. The staff takes this place to the next level and we love to celebrate special events here!
Vasilios Skoullos
The 15 piece tasting and pairing experience was excellent and thoughtful. All prepared and served by the owner. Will definitely repeat.
I showed up to this restaurant with a reservation and it was CLOSED. We called and waited outside, ultimately we left and ate somewhere. Very unprofessional and very sad because we were so excited.
I reserved a table for a Thursday at 5:30. It's supposed to open at 5pm, but was closed! No email about my reservation. I called and left a voicemail. No call back either. Pretty bummed, was really looking forward to it.
Went her with my wife for our anniversary. Amazing spot and food tucked away on the Elston corridor. Without a doubt one of the top quality food restaurants in Chicago. Can't wait to go back!
Gustavo was wonderful. Unfortunately, the sous chef who was working next to him needed a lot of help. Gustavo was constantly at her station remolding the unsatisfactory nigiri. The wait staff was piled up at the pick up station because she was working so slow. A few times Gustavo stopped service for the omakase and helped make nigiri and maki. The food was fantastic, but seeing this sous chef struggle the whole night turned the ambiance sour. I would return, but before ordering anything from the sushi bar, I would make sure this sous chef is not the one to prepare my food.
Awesome place, I can’t wait to go back. The happy menu kills it. The drinks exceptional and service a “10” Try the Wagu sliders and lamb goyza.
The omakase was amazing. The sushi was excellent, the staff were amazing and very nice, and it was a lot of fun getting to discuss each dish with the chef as he made them. Their sake selection was large and the staff was very knowledgeable about each one. They also had excellent cocktails that worked very well with the sushi. I highly recommend this place.
Best date night we’ve had in Chicago in a long time. We’ve lived in the city for over 15 years and have seen a ton of places come and go, and this place is great. Service, atmosphere, quality of food - all solid. Can’t wait to make this our new regular spot. And come back and try the Omakase!
Gustavo and Zach did an incredible job on the omakase with drink tasting. I could write a long, detailed review but just go and enjoy. Amazing hospitality and high quality
Loved this place. Wanted to try something new when we were in Chicago and it was extraordinary! Really unique dishes and the flavors were mind-blowing. You can tell each dish was crafted with a superior attention to detail. The drinks and service were amazing and the ambiance felt exclusive but inviting. We will definitely be back soon!
Choose to go with an open mind, with a sense of whimsical lightness but be smart about it. There's an amazing opportunity to learn from everyone there. The knowledge of sips and bites is worth paying attention to. Therefore if you don't learn about the delicate food or the libations they are serving, well, you will have missed out on the complete experience. You'll just have to go back again:)
Restaurantji Recommends
What a great spot for a date! Inside is uniquely beautiful, cocktails were perfectly balanced, and all the food was wonderful. We ordered a few apps and each our own entrees. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive. Well definitely be back.
Outstanding Omakase with phenomenal wine and sake pairing. Highly recommend HS to anyone who loves sushi. Chef Gustavo and the GM - Zak are both incredibly aware of providing an outstanding experience!!!
On trips to the recently closed Local Foods market, we kept passing by this place in curiosity. Located in the midst of old concrete and brick industrial buildings, Hinoki Sushiko stands out. Its location and entrance is mysteriously tucked away. I asked myself, "what kind of restaurant makes itself hard to find?" After surviving the pandemic and receiving many high reviews, the only answer that makes any sense is "a damn good one".Now for context, I come from a restaurant background and have come to appreciate the quirks and imperfections as much as the attention to detail owners and staff put into the overall experience. This restaurant is run by passionate people who aim to provide an exceptional guest experience. They are not perfect.We got a 7:30p reservation on a Saturday in their ground floor dining area. If there's 30 seats in this area, it was ~70% occupied at the time. Our waiter came within a few minutes to greet us, provide paper menus and water. They have a decent menu for sake, wine and cocktails. While we were contemplating ordering a bottle, our waiter suggested starting with a couple glasses of sake. On his recommendation, we got the Chibi Zumo, Little Sumo and the Rihaku, Dreamy Clouds. The Chibi Zumo is too strong and floral for my liking while the Dreamy Clouds is more dry and subtle, which I enjoyed. The staff kindly gifted us a portion of Chicken Karaage as a courtesy while we enjoyed our drinks and studied the menu. We ordered Kizami Salmon, Miso Butter Mushrooms, and Nasu Dengaku to start off.I liked everything but would say the Nasu Dengaku stands out. The eggplant is made very tender and flavorful without loosing its texture. The Kizami Salmon might be somewhat adventurous if you're not into fish eggs but it was fresh and came with a delicious sauce. Portion size was quite reasonable. You can't really go wrong with Miso Butter Mushrooms. It wasn't dry and it had the flavor you would expect. It's a crowd pleaser.Our waiter checked in with us for more drinks or food orders periodically. I personally appreciate when the wait staff gives me a little space, but never felt inconvenienced. I could see their small staff being stretched if it were 100% occupied though. The owner came over and checked in as well. We started talking about sake. He generously gave us some tastes from sample bottles and educated us on their origins and craft. It was a lot of fun but certainly wouldn't expect to be treated like this. I think it shows that they are trying to build a great business, learn from their customers, and spread their appreciation for the craft.After a few more sake tastings, we ordered the Sweet potato Maki and the Gaijin Wafu Pasta. The maki was good but the pasta was a hit and came with big clams. Highly recommend.Tip: If you want to try sake only available by bottle, ask if the owner will let you buy a glass from any already open bottles. My favorite was the Kawatsuru, Crane of Paradise.Closing remarks:I had a 5 star experience but I know had I ordered different items or come in on a busier day, that might change. There's raw talent here with obvious passion and good will. Opportunity comes to the prepared mind. I'll definitely be back with friends.
This is a fantastic restaurant run by an incredibly warm and knowledgeable staff. Every dish is insanely good and we always feel very welcomed. The tree in the middle of the restaurant is so cool and the sake menu is amazing. The staff takes this place to the next level and we love to celebrate special events here!
The 15 piece tasting and pairing experience was excellent and thoughtful. All prepared and served by the owner. Will definitely repeat.
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