42 Best Japanese Restaurants near Highland Park

“Insanely delicious and fresh sushi.“

“A Big Shout Out to Happi Sushi in Highland Park. We were lucky enough to try a number of their apps and rolls. Every single thing we got was SO delicious 😋. Their sushi was fresh, tasty, and so yummy. The apps are unique and full of flavor. We just love this family owned restaurant. The staff goes above and beyond for each patron. Please try Happi Sushi, Friends. You will not be disappointed!!“

“I cannot say enough good things about Koya. I was so happy to find this restaurant. Everything we ordered, tempura, tempura udon soup, kids bento boxes, and sushi was incredibly good. Can't wait to go back!

Kid-friendliness: The bento box options for the kids were great! My 2 and 5 year olds loved it.“

“Great place to hangout and good sushi“

“I really like this place! I had the Tantanmen ramen and chicken karaage and both were bomb. Great service too. We were seated quickly and our food came out in under 10 mins. 5/5 stars in my book!“

“perfect foods...great decorations.. nice price...“

“One of the best sushi spots in the suburbs 😍“

“Manooben is the cutest little hole-in-the-wall! It's cozy, homey, and owned by the sweetest Korean mama and papa. The kind of place that makes you feel at home. The name of the restaurant is an acronym for maki, noodle, and bento lol. So cute.

I tried the hand roll combo. Two massive hand rolls, packed with fresh ingredients, and a bowl of homemade udon that hit all the spot. The broth was simple but flavorful. It was clean and refreshingly light. The hand rolls were absolutely perfect. I'd go weekly for this combo if this place was near my workplace.

I also tried the spring train maki. The texture and flavors were solid, but those rolls are so fat and hearty, it will fill your whole mouth with every bite. You can really feel the love from the papa chef with those fat cuts.

Lastly, I tried the sashimi rice (Hwedupbap). The bowl was massive, and I wanted one at home so bad. This dish is also very simple, fresh sashimi over rice, drizzled with their homemade sauce. I love a good homemade sauce. I ended up squeezing that sauce onto every bite cause I love my food saucy.

Such a small place, full of love! I can't wait to go back.“

“Great food, fresh ingredients… worth every penny!“

“A great find! Dishes are quite different than typical Japanese restaurant menu items, maybe a bit intimidating if you aren't familiar with the ingredients or style of cooking but rewarding for the curious or adventurous. Definitely coming back.“

“Good food with good asmosphere. I really recommend this restaurant if you are in a mood of craving yummy food!“

“Excellent Ramen. Excellent bartender in Helen Try the Mango Tango Vegi Roll.“

“The widest selection of Sushi grade seafood Ive seen on a menu in a Long time- all very fresh and very generously portioned! Octopus and salmon Sashimi were the dessert orders from our kids 😂 We will definetly be returning, and highly recommend. Servers, Host, Owner, entire staff was extremely attentive- and to top it all they were happily and safely able to accomodate my childs severe dairy and peanut allergies (first sushi experience for him, and we Love seafood, so huge win for the whole family 🙌🏼)“

“Can I give 6 stars?

1. Asked questions of Shoju, the owner brings beautiful bottle to show you and give a taste! This is better service than last night at 5 star Park Hyatt restaurant!

2. The Izakaya grill chicken skin & spicy pepper, 5 star presentation and taste. 5/5

3. The chilled tofu, 6 star presentation on an iced bucket, and for a steal price. 6/5

4. The simmer fish bone, good amount of fish collar, again nice presentation. 4/5

5. Fatty Salmon Nigiri, 5/5 So what’s the secret of make JP restaurant level sashimi VS the supermarket sashimi? Different level fish, or different knife cutting technique?

6. JP music at background and nice sushi bar seat, deco is 5/5.

I’ll be back for more. A new Gem in Chicago suburb. Must try, please. I’m concerned, they don’t have enough customer to sustain their current food quality / service / price level.

People, this newly renovated new owner restaurant is a must try.“

“We liked very much. We strongly recommend“

“I’ve been coming to this Japanese restaurant since I was young. The place looks a bit dated, but they stay true to the basics. Stopped by while in Highland Park for my kid’s sports practice, and it was a nice, simple meal. I honestly wish this place were busier—it deserves more love.“

“My family and I got several bowls from Koya. We loved all of the customizable toppings it offers as well as the complimentary miso soups and cookies that come with the bowls. The ingredients were fresh, and portions were pretty large. The food was very reasonably priced.“

“I thank 5th ave sushi for kicking me out of their establishment as I looked elsewhere and found this 💎.
My goodness, the service was outstanding. The ramen was delicious and the sushi just melted in your mouth. Our server was so kind and I believe she was the owner although not our server (Park) was warm and welcoming. I will definitely be coming back and telling everyone about this place!“

“We had a lovely birthday celebration for my husband. We were able to sit outside on warm fall night and ended special attention and delicious food. There were four of us and we each had a scrumptious meal! No leftovers, we enjoyed it that much!!“

“I am not local, this is a regular go-to place for a friend, so when I visit with her, she wants to bring me. I had a Chinese Eggplant with chicken dish, flavorful and spicy. Also had some nigiri sushi, all very good. The Black Tobiko was plentiful and fresh. The Tamago and Inari, which are types of sushi that are deceptively simple seeming but really show a chef's knowledge and artistry, were excellent. I'm sure I will go again.“

“Love this place. Very fresh sushi!“

“Yummy food and good service.“

“Always great entertainment and food!!!“

“Akai Hana has been in business for over 30 years, and the steady traffic means the sushi is fresh and safe, offered at a good price. However, the ambiance is lacking, with an outdated, cafeteria-like vibe and cheap-looking menus. It’s a solid spot for a quick, no-frills sushi meal, but not the place for a special dining experience.“

“Fresh, Fresh, Fresh Seafoods! Great Service! Tasty foods.“

“What a great experiences! The food was amazing! The family enjoyed themselves in the beautiful restaurant and wonderful staffs! Definitely reminded my daughters of grandma's cooking! 🫰“

“good goodàaassssssssssssss“

“The lady behind the counter was ready to take my order as soon as I walked up, she was very pleasant. I ordered #1 teriyaki with white rice and veggies + extra protein. It came out to 13.33$, more than fair price for the portion I recieved. Cook got to working it right away and it came out fresh. I could barely close the plate with how much chicken was on it. Everything was hot and great tasting just how I remember Sarku to be. Shame this is one of the last few locations available. I’ve been to this location once or twice before but definitely will keep it in mind more often.“

“Excellent Ramen. Excellent bartender in Helen Try the Mango Tango Vegi Roll.“

“My favorite sushi place! Love their Spicy Salmon Maki! Nice cozy place.“

“Food was excellent. Highly recommend.“

“The best sushi spot in Evanston. They flew in a 200 lb tuna from Japan.“

“Stopped by on Wednesday 02/06! And was greeted and attended by Mercedes. She was SUPER kind and attentive with my order! Very grateful she took my needs seriously since I fast on Wednesday's/Friday's & can only eat vegan. She went above & beyond to make sure my needs were meet! & as I was waiting I noticed how clean the area is. & once I got my order it came out so fresh; plan on visiting again! & thank you for the great experience!“

“My first time at a hibachi restaurant and it was amazing and such a great experience, Food was Delicious!!!!“

“Our family has been coming here for over a decade; at least a couple of times/month. Every single time the food has been consistently great and the sushi is fresh. The staff know exactly who I am when I am there and always get the “Red Carpet” treatment.“

“Folks with celiac disease are often out of luck at Japanese restaurants, but Jimoto makes dining a total joy. Items are clearly marked with allergens, and tamari sauce is available in lieu of soy. Everything was very tasty, particularly the hamachi sashimi and the Chicago fire roll. Presentation is quietly elegant. Our new favorite north shore restaurant.“

“Really good place! I was expecting generic Chinese but I was pleasantly surprised. I asked the owner if the egg foo young was made with real eggs, or eggs from a carton. He was kind of shocked at the notion he would use eggs from a carton and assured me it was made with fresh eggs and freshly-made vegetables, like he would not be caught dead doing it any other way. That gave me a good feeling about the place - he clearly had pride in what he does. We had a vegetarian and a celiac in the party and he was very understanding and respectful of their needs. We are picky eaters but were all very happy with our meals, which were really good. Big portions too!“

“My all time favorite sushi place! Owners are such incredible people who are working so hard and they have so many regular customers for a reason. If you haven’t tried this spot you really should.

My must haves are mussels and volcano roll but of course I always order another roll accompanied by miso soup. Sometimes if there is space and you want something sweet you should try mango maki.“

“When I tell you all..this is the BEST Asian restaurant i have ever tried, I MEAN IT!!! I got the wonton soup, thai tea, and the mango sticky rice. They were all exquisite and the flavors were AMAZING!! I gave my family to try some and they kept asking for more 😂! I am DEFINITELY coming back!!! The service was quick and the lady has such a good welcoming attitude! I love this place 10/10!!“

“Nobori Sushi is a sleek, welcoming spot that blends traditional Japanese charm with a modern, relaxed vibe. The sushi here is consistently fresh and beautifully presented — every roll feels thoughtfully crafted rather than rushed. The Nigiri and sashimi stand out in particular, with melt-in-your-mouth texture and clean, balanced flavors.

Service is polite and attentive without being overbearing, and the staff seems genuinely proud of what they serve. The menu offers a nice mix of creative rolls alongside classic favorites, and the prices feel fair for the quality you’re getting.

The ambiance is calm and intimate, perfect for either a quiet dinner or a casual night out. If anything, a few of the cooked dishes could use a touch more seasoning, but that’s a minor note in an otherwise excellent meal.

Overall, Nobori Sushi earns a solid four stars — a dependable go-to for quality sushi, great service, and a pleasant dining experience.“

“great place to eat, very good service and very large portions. loved it here“

“Top Notch!! Soon fun!! Staff is great, atmosphere is great... fun for kids and family and friends. Highly recommend!!“