Cocoro Restaurant, Chicago, IL

Rating:

 4.5

Cost:

Casual, dimly lit eatery serving Japanese dishes such as sushi, ramen, teriyaki & shabu shabu.

Cocoro Restaurant

Discover Cocoro in Chicago, IL

Cocoro Restaurant in Chicago, IL, stands out as a go-to spot for fresh Japanese cuisine among the city's vibrant sushi options. This casual eatery features a diverse menu with highlights like sushi, ramen, and other traditional dishes, all served in a welcoming atmosphere that includes table and counter service. Accessibility is a key feature, with options like wheelchair-friendly entrances and seating making it easy for everyone to enjoy a meal. The moderate pricing and variety of offerings cater to those seeking authentic Japanese flavors without the formality of upscale dining. Whether you're exploring sushi places near me or looking for japanese places near me, this spot delivers a satisfying experience with its blend of classic and creative eats.

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What Guests Are Saying About This Sushi Gem

Folks often rave about the authentic Japanese dishes at this spot, highlighting the flavorful variety that goes beyond standard sushi rolls to include tasty options like curries and noodles. Many appreciate the quick service and cozy vibe, making it a solid choice for a casual meal with friends or family. While some mention that prices lean towards the higher end, the overall experience is generally seen as worthwhile for the quality and freshness of the food. It's clear that diners enjoy the unique menu items that keep them coming back, offering a refreshing take on Japanese dining in the area. If you're hunting for top rated sushi or the best sushi near me, this place gets nods for its genuine flavors and welcoming feel, though it's always good to keep expectations in check for value.

Summarized by AI using the Grok-3-Mini model.

Address & Phone

River North
668 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 943-2220

Wheelchair Accessiblility

Entrance:Restroom:Seating:

Parking Options

Valet parking:

Payment Options

Accepts credit cards:Accepts debit cards:Accepts nfc:

Reviews

  • Kelly Dean-Bailey  5

    Pleasantly surprised by this small yet authentic Japanese restaurant. Loved the menu, as it had many Japanese dishes beyond the typical Americanized sushi offerings. Didn’t get pictures of the sushi we ordered, but see pics of the Tonkatsu Curry and Saba. Both were excellent.

  • K J  3

    Tonkatsu was very nice and crispy. The eel in the eel rice bowl was a bit cold and the bboo they used for plating had many holes in them which made the rice fall down through the hole. While not a lot of rice still doesn’t feel great to waste, easy fix that I recommend they take. Miso soup and salads were good. Seems pretty authentic compared to a lot of other japanese restaurants and there were a lot of asian customers there. They’ve been around for a long time but the store feels pretty cozy and home style. The price point was pretty high but overall experience was not bad. Food was served in 5-10 minutes. I would revisit but not very frequently because of the price point.

  • Inae Jiang  4

    This may be the most authentic Japanese restaurant that offers a unique menu other than the typical sushi or ramen in Chicago. Plus it's actually managed by Japanese staff which is rare to see in the city. Favorites were chawanmushi, agedashi tofu and nagasaki champon noodles. The katsu curry is delicious too but the meat can vary in tenderness. Black sesame pudding is a great cherry on the top. Still thinking about it everyday so will definitely go back for more. I wouldn't come here looking for the best sushi or ramen in town. Try the atypical menu items!

  • Ben Wong  4

    First time trying and pleasantly surprised. The food might look uninteresting but the tastes are great. The ramen is good with delicious charshu (the sliced pork) and yummy bamboo shoots. The avocado tuna roll is really good 😋😋 Overall is great, just a tad pricey.

  • Vann V  3

    Good friendly service BUT food wasn’t worth the price at all. It taste like a step up from the sushi you get at a Chinese buffet… udon was bland. the spicy scallop did taste fresh though. Green tea cheesecake was good. I regret not going to another sushi place 😑