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  5. Lakeview / East Lakeview
Itoko, Chicago, IL

Itoko

4.7
4.7
481 Reviews
$31 to $50
Japanese

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2 people
20:30
Booked 60 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Healthy
Situated in Lakeview's iconic Southport Corridor, Itoko is a neighborhood Japanese and robata restaurant from Gene Kato, Executive Chef of Momotaro. “Itoko” meaning “cousin” in Japanese, refers to the connection with Momotaro, located in the Fulton Market District. The menu features the high level of ingredients and technique that Chicago has come to expect from Chef Kato, alongside a beautiful interior curated for the Southport neighborhood. The menu itself features uniquely interpreted sushi rolls that allow the high-quality fish to be the star of the sushi experience. In addition, an innovative beverage menu with a focus on cocktails & highballs highlights the relationship between the technique of the food created by the kitchen and how this is complimented by the beverage selection.
Private dining

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (773) 819-7672
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Gene Kato
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Dining Coordinator: (773) 819-7672
Gift card

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Experiences

  • Omakase Sake Dinner

    US$150.00 per person

    Prepaid

    11 Dec 2024 only
    Join us for an exclusive evening in our Kinjo Room, where Chef Taylor and Sushi Chef Thanit present a six-course omakase menu crafted to highlight exquisite sake pairings. Each course, from delicate seafood to expertly prepared wagyu, is designed to elevate and harmonize with the sake selection, promising a memorable culinary experience in an inviting, atmospheric setting.
  • Holiday Ornament-Decorating Lunch!

    US$30.00 - US$45.00 per person

    Prepaid

    15 Dec 2024 only
    10:30
    Join us for ornament-decorating fun at Itoko! Each ticket includes an ornament, all the decorating supplies you need to unleash your creativity, and a delicious bento box to keep you fueled, and a special meet + greet with Hello Kitty! For the Adults: Enjoy a classic bento with a maki roll (chef's choice), 3-piece gyoza, miso soup, rice, and your choice of Negima, Skirt, or Salmon skewers. For the Kids: Choose from Shrimp or Chicken Katsu, Yakitori don, or a sushi set – perfect for our little artists! Spots are limited, so grab your tickets and let’s get into the Holiday spirit!

What 481 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Japanese

  • Chicago

    Japanese

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Itoko offers an "amazing sushi" experience with fresh, creatively presented dishes. Guests praise the "fantastic service" and the vibrant, lively ambiance. While the food consistently delights, some diners note occasional service hiccups and a noisy atmosphere. Despite these, Itoko remains a "favorite Japanese restaurant" with standout dishes like the TCD Tuna Toro and inventive brunch offerings.

481 Reviews
  1. Tomson

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had Miso Soup, Salmon Nigiri, Spicy Tuna Maki roll, and King Crab Maki roll. I loved my food but was then disappointed when I saw what the people next to me ordered. Looked phenomenal! Great service and I need to go back! :)

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  2. Wendy

    London

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 13 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Love Itoko and frequent often. This visit was mixed. A $16 piece of nigiri was just not as good as prior visits. Tried a new roll with beef which was excellent. Our server forgot one of our dishes… even tho I reminded her of it when reviewing order. After food was served, no one checked in on us for solid 20+ minutes at which point we reminded her again (3rd time ordering dish). Server never apologized and it took another 15+ minutes to get item.

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  3. Ciel

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 13 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food and attentive service! We love the shishitos with black garlic mayo and bonito flakes. The kabocha kakigori was very unique and perfect for fall. Dont miss the A5 specialty maki as well! The beef truly melts in your mouth.

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  4. Jorge

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Brunch was exceptional and I highly recommend anyone who wants to try some Japanese brunch. Plates are small so you'll be able share.

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  5. Kathy

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went for a birthday celebration and it was perfect. Outstanding service, food was exceptional and it was made extra special by a personalized Birthday menu. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the finest in Japanese dining. You pay for quality, but it was worth every cent!

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  6. Nick

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 3 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Itoko his hands down one of my favorite elevated Japanese dining experiences in Chicago. From the food, the amazing service and amazing staff it’s just the best. A couple friends and I just love the food and are all still enjoying trying new things off the menu when we come. We took a friend that has never been. Sasha was very helpful and attentive everything was just amazing as always. Our friend was going back-and-forth and if he was gonna get a dessert or not and after not choosing one to our surprise Jay from front of house came over with a fall inspired pumpkin shaved ice cream with pumpkin seeds and pieces of brittle I believe. We didn’t even see this on the menu and it was just so perfect and so appreciated by us all. That’s an above and beyond thing that so unexpected and so much appreciated. Thank you Jay ☺️ Cannot wait to be back for more king crab and Tom yum hand rolls. I’m cracking me some foie gras gyoza, some of the best I’ve ever had. And I definitely gotta try some of that spice chicken in the bag next time 😄 Thanks 🙏 Itoko it’s always such a magical experience I love dining with you guys and cannot wait to be back!

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  7. Axel

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 26 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, amazing service, will be back. Run don’t walk to this restaurant!

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  8. Kevin

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 October 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    I hope last night was an abberation but the service was poor. Our server disapppeared for long periods of time between first before taking orders for drinks, then again before asking for our food orders We never were and we had another long period we had to wave down a server to get our check. We were catching up with old friends so it wasn't like we were bored but the service wait time was a definite negative. The food was good and the setting was quite nice but neither good enough to overcome the feeling of neglect or motivate us to return. Too bad as I have liked this place before. PS: I am not usually a fussy diner in restaurants and rarely complain.

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  9. Yvonne

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on 19 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It was fantastic! We loved every dish and thank you for making my friend’s birthday feel special with the printed birthday menu and the birthday treat with a candle!

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  10. Michael

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 19 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, ambience, and some of the best Nigiri I’ve had in Chicago.

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FAQs

Itoko is rated 4.7 stars by 481 OpenTable diners.

Itoko does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 60 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Itoko

3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657-1417

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    N Southport Ave + W Henderson St
  • Area
    Lakeview / East Lakeview
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Gene Kato
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options
  • Phone number
    (773) 819-7672
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Dining Coordinator: (773) 819-7672
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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