Categories: Restaurants

At The Table: Seafood

Author: Jody Robbins

It's a little pricey, but for sushi that's as good as any you can get in Chicago, visit Mirai  , an anchor restaurant in the string of eateries along this bustling strip of West Division Street. It's stylish, and chef/partner Jun Ichikawa ensures that your toro (primo tuna) will be as good as any you've ever had. Meanwhile, the main seafood attraction at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab  are the cracked stone crab claws and mustard sauce. You can order them in different sizes: the bigger the better, we say. In a nod to Chicago 's steak culture, this Florida import also has a selection of prime steaks to go with the claws.

Kamehachi Café  was serving sushi before sushi was cool, and is still doing a very good job of it at multiple locations. Our favorite is in the Old Town neighborhood. The service here is gracious and crisp, while the sushi chefs work their magic behind the bar, and there is a very generous menu of cooked fare for those who are only dipping a toe in the sushi pool. Variety is the name of the game at Catch 35  , which offers 35 seafood specials on a daily basis. Get a look at your prospective meal at the display cases, which anchor the beautiful space occupied by this perennial standout.

The very original sushi served at Kaze  is served with unique toppings, ranging from shitake mushrooms in a butter-and-black-pepper sauce, or the fried lobster topped with sliced strawberries and served with wasabi. Set in the Roscoe Village , this is a cutting-edge spot hidden away on the North Side of Chicago . A seafood chain that doesn't feel like a chain, McCormick & Schmick's  set up shop in the Gold Coast area, and has been one of Chicago's premier seafood destinations ever since. More than 30 varieties of fresh seafood are featured daily, including a nice selection of oysters-on-the-half-shell.

Stellar sushi is served in a non-pretentious atmosphere at Naniwa , a spot where you'll see locals galore taking in the made-to-order creations served here. Not far away is a behemoth of a seafood restaurant, Fulton 's on the River  . Both sushi and more traditional seafood (including a well-stocked raw bar) is on the menu here, and summer-time diners love the outdoor café tables overlooking the Chicago River .

For trendy-as-trendy-gets, visit always-crowded Japonais  . The edgy, flash design of the space mixes well with the menu's blend of Asian and French culinary techniques. Crab cakes and Kobe carpaccio exist alongside the lobster spring roll and kani nigiri (baked King crab). And for classic-as-classic-gets, turn your attention to the Cape Cod Room in the Drake Hotel. Opened in 1933, the dimly lit ambience here is just what you'd expect, and classic dishes like rich, decadent lobster Thermidor are given special treatment here.

Check out places of interest near At The Table: Seafood:

676 Restaurant & Bar
676 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

Located on the fourth floor of the Omni Chicago Hotel, 676 offers gorgeous views of Michigan Avenue through the dining room’s expansive windows.

Ai
358 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60610

This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007.  From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.

 

Alinea
1723 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Chef/owner Grant Achatz's Alinea has quickly proven itself one of America's most unusual, provocative, challenging, and sought-after restaurants.

Bonefish Grill
9310 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

A restaurant designed to help guests know where their fish comes from, how it's cooked, and how to make it all fun.

Braxton Seafood Grill
3 Oakbrook Ctr, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
700 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Down home southern cooking themed after the movie “Forrest Gump” is available, offering, you guessed it, shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp. Other options include baby back ribs and other seafood. Kids meals are also available.

Catch 35
35 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

This seafood-focused eatery is a popular business lunch destination, and also is a good pre-theater spot with its proximity to the Oriental and Goodman Theaters.

Crofton on Wells
888 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

This contemporary American restaurant headed by executive chef Suzy Crofton, a long-time and much-acclaimed Chicago chef. Expert a nicely balanced menu pulling on French and other influences in style and with an emphasis on organic ingredients.

Devon Seafood Grill
39 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Selecting only the best aquatic cuisine, Devon Seafood Grill features creative dishes from Chef Scott Barrow.

Gabriel's Restaurant
310 Greenbay Road, Highwood, IL 60040

French and Italian cuisine fill the menu of this fine-dining restaurant in one of Chicago's suburbs.

Holy Mackerel!
70 Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL 60148

From the Harry Caray family comes this new seafood restaurant located inside the Westin Hotel in Lombard.

Il Mulino
1150 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This high-level Italian fine-dining spot isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Set in the Gold Coast neighborhood a couple blocks away from the Rush Street nightlife scene, it's impressive for a date or a business dinner.

Joe's Crab Shack
2000 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

Joe's Stone Crab
60 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Joe's is a marriage between Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) and the legendary Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach.

Kamehachi
1400 N. Wells, Chicago, IL 60610

This two-story sushi hotspot has ample selections of sushi, sashimi and maki rolls, plus an extensive cooked menu that includes soba and udon noodles, chicken katsu and salmon teriyaki

Kaze Sushi
2032 W. Roscoe,, Chicago, IL 60618

KAZE's seasonal cuisine, comfortable décor and knowledgeable service will provide you and your guests a dining experience that is both entirely satisfying and highly memorable.

Kohan Japanese Restaurant
730 W. Maxwell St., Chicago, IL 60607

Sushi and traditional Japanese dishes are offered in an authentic, but laid-back setting.

 

McCormick & Schmick's
41 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611

This Chicago outpost of this Oregon-based chain features an ever-changing menu of about 30 varieties of fresh seafood, with multiple presentations.

Mirai Sushi
2020 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

The stylish two-level sushi spot offers a minimalist earth-toned lower level with a sushi bar, and an upper level space featuring a more modern vibe geared towards lounging.

Nick's Fishmarket
51 S. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60603

This upscale Loop seafood restaurant is a popular pre-theater option, with its close proximity to the LaSalle Bank Theatre (formerly the Schubert Theatre).

Nick's Fishmarket
10275 W. Higgins Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018

This upscale eatery is spin-off of the Loop original, and with its close proximity to O'Hare International Airport and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, it's a convenient spot for out-of-towners.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
921 Pasquinelli Dr, Westmont, IL 60559

This seafood house, which has multiple outposts in the United States, features Cajun and Creole-inspired seafood in a lively nautical-meets-the-Bayou space.

R.J. Grunts
2056 N. Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614

A comfortable atmosphere with American fare is served at this historic restaurant--historic because it was the very first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, the company founded by culinary entrepreneur Rich Melman. Another interesting note is that R.J. Grunts was the original restaurant to establish the theme that has been followed by other, more commercial "flair" restaurants.

 

Ra Sushi
1139 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This outpost of Ra, a chain of contemporary, if somewhat commercial, sushi restaurants, is conveniently located along Steakhouse Row in the Viagara Triangle area of the Gold Coast--a lighter alternative to the heavier fare nearby.

 

Ra Sushi
310 Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL 60148

Located in the new and fabulous Shops on Butterfield, this latest RA Sushi location has happy hour Monday through Friday 4-7.

Rainforest Cafe
605 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Kids love this restaurant. The menu contains a mish-mash of fusion fare, but the real attraction to this scene is the tropical fauna and animals feigning life through mechanistic motions.

Red Light
820 W. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

A pan-Asian eatery with a focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes.

 

Redstone American Grill
13 Lincoln Court, Oak Brook Terrace, IL 60181

Steaks, chops, and chicken cooked in a woodburning grill, rotisserie, and an open-air kitchen.

RL
115 E. Chicago Ave. , Chicago, IL 60611

All the sophistication of Ralph Lauren and his style-making career come into play at this Mag Mile restaurant. American fare is served and executed by the kitchen at a high level. Service is always on its game and the hanging-everywhere art collection is all over the place and featureds some of Lauren's personal collection.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Roditys
222 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661

One of Chicago's long standing Greek restaurant, expect classics and old school service, as well.

 

Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Room 21, late-night dining/drinking spot dripping with the mystique of Al Capone and Chicago's old red light district, is the latest outpost from colorful restaurant mogul Jerry Kleiner.

RoSal's Cucina
1154 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607

This contemporary Southern Italian restaurant features dishes like broccoli and shells, chicken cacciatore, eggplant Parmesan and spinach lasagna.

Roy's
720 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This Hawaiian fusion spot has outposts all over the world. It serves American cuisine with a Hawaiian cultural viewpoint.

 

Russian Tea Time
77 E. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

This full-of-frills tea house has been giving visitors to Chicago a taste of Russian culinary luxury for years now; a great spot for a special meal or snack with that special someone.

 

Saloon Steakhouse
200 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611

A top Chicago steakhouse right off Michigan Avenue, expect a classic steakhouse when you stop in here. It's not all about the steaks, though; expect lighter choices, as well.

Salpicon
1252 N. Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614

This eatery serves contemporary Mexican fare in a colorful and cozy dining room, plus there's outdoor dining in the form of a covered sidewalk cafe in the summer months. Executive chef Priscilla Satkoff turns out some of the best Mexian and Latin food in Chicago while her husband, Vince, manages the wine list and an excellent tequila selection.

Salseria Cantina & Grill
233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606

Full service Mexican restaurant brought to you by the people behind Taco Fresco and Fuego Loco: Cantine & Salseria. 

Santorini
800 W. Adams St, Chicago, IL 60607

Known in Chicago's Greektown neighborhood for its focus on seafood, Santorini is casual, affordable and tasty. In Chicago, you have to try the saganaki, a.k.a. fried cheese at any Greek restaurant and get ready for a surprise.

Schwa
1466 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

A crashingly original BYO restaurant headed by Food & Wine Best New Chef Michael Carlson. The surroundings are simple, yet elegant, and the food is of a level with top kitchens practicing avant garde dining mixed with a dose of molecular gastronomy. If that confuses you, this might not be the right experience for you unless you're heartily open to new things.

 

Shochu
3313 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Named after the famed Japanese liquor, Shochu, this restaurant is trendy in nature with their Asian-inspired small plate recipes. 

 

Shor
2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616

This classic, Chicago-style grill operates out of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. It's a perfect, convenient stop for those attending a convention or a performance at the Arie Crown Theater.

Smith & Wollensky
318 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This steak location is a Chicago outpost of the New York-based steakhouse chain, which specializes in on-premise dry-aged beef, with choices like a bone-in rib-eye and porterhouse.

Spring
2039 W. North Ave. , Chicago, IL 60647

Superstar chef Shawn McClain has made this Asian-influenced seafood restaurant a must-stop when it comes to Chicago fine-dining. 

Tapas Las Ramblas
5101 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640

This traditional Spanish tapas restaurant is perfect for kicking back and relaxing. Set in a casual neighborhood away from glitz and glam, feel free to stroll in wearing jeans and a T-shirt and enjoy culture that won't break your wallet. 

Weber Grill Restaurant
539 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

For a relax atmosphere filled with the smells of a great barbeque, eat at Weber’s Grill. The open kitchen shows the chefs cooking your order over an open flame on actual Weber grills.

Zest
525 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

This globally influenced contemporary American restaurant is located in the luxurious Intercontinental Chicago hotel.

Ai
358 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60610

This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007.  From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.

 

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Room 21, late-night dining/drinking spot dripping with the mystique of Al Capone and Chicago's old red light district, is the latest outpost from colorful restaurant mogul Jerry Kleiner.

Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the  daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz. 

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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!

Watch our latest video offering and take a quick, two-minute narrated tour through the highlights at Navy Pier, stern to bow.