Japonais
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 822-9600
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Larrabee Street
- Directions:
- Bus: 8 to Halsted
- Specialties:
- Fine Dining, Japanese Food, Sushi
- Best of Citysearch:
- People Watching 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm, Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11:30pm, Sat 5pm-11:30pm, Sun 5pm-10pm
Message from Japonais
Japonais Fuses Japanese Traditions with European Elegance
- Chic and Elegant Setting
- Diverse Sushi Selection
- Global Wine List
Paid advertisement by Japonais.
Editorial Review for Japonais – by Alice Van Housen
The Scene
Gold draping, slate steps, red tiles and waterfall wall only hint at the myriad design elements of Japonais, which blends industrial decadence with stylish understatement. Trendy, sophisticated Chicagoans revel in four dramatic environments: red (tables, with sushi bar) and green (lounge-y, with wall of flames) rooms; subterranean lounge; and riverfront terrace, a dream-like setting of draped daybeds and candlelight (enclosed in winter).
The Food
The menu takes creative license with traditional Japanese fare. Think ultra-fresh sushi and top-shelf ingredients (multiple grades of tuna; monkfish liver; Kobe beef "prime rib"), and creative maki rolls (crunchy soft-shell crab tempura; unagi roll with baked unagi and sweet unagi sauce). Six seafood "tartares," each dressed differently, arrive in a sizzling pan, paired with single maki rolls topped with various roes. Tender marinated New York strip slivers are served with a hot river rock for tabletop grilling; lobster tempura teriyaki is lobster heaven with a sweet-spicy kick.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoArrive early for your reservation to enjoy the mood-setting lounge or terrace.
What to DrinkGreat beverage options include "Floating Orchids" and other cocktails, extensive sake selections and a global wine list.
Save MoneyThe lunch menu features a prix-fixe option with appetizer, entree and beverage for $20.03.
When to GoThe lounge is open Mon-Wed till 1am; Thu-Fri 2am; Sat 3am; Sun 12am
User Reviews for Japonais
08/29/2008 Posted by smartdiner85
I loved the food at Mirai (Japonais' sister restaurant), and always ordered the tuna tuna salmon and spicy mono. With that said, I have taken my boyfriend to Japonais a few times, however with the lack of quality customer service by the wait/bar staff and management he has grown a strong hatred for this infamous River North sushi spot. Its such a shame because I love Mirai, but I live in the River North, and we cannot even enjoy one single night at Japonais without feeling judged or becoming upset. If anyone is looking for Japonais' sushi, go to Mirai! They offer the same menu (with some additions and exceptions like the rock) without the pretentious atmosphere. Its my favorite sushi restaurant in town and I always take advantage of the upscale dining lounge upstairs. Don't waste your time, money, and energy investing in a restaurant that does NOT deserve to be open! If there are any good reviews on this site, its probably because the managers posted them or made their staff do it. Oh, yes and one more thing...they recently got busted a little over a week ago for flies in the kitchen and on the prepped food. YIKES!
Pros: tuna tuna salmon, spicy mono, kani nigiri
Cons: everything else
07/23/2008 Posted by dmaris13
I've dined at most of my fair city's finest places. I have also been to several real Asian restaurants. I've been to Japonais a couple of times for cocktails but never ate there because everyone I know has told me it is average at best. I had a friend in town. She had read about it in and wanted to try it, so we went. Lets start with the positive aspects, the decor (It is a beautiful place with atmosphere) and the Host and Server were polite. That's it. Now, let me share the negatives of my experience. We started at the bar where I was served a drink in a broken glass the cut my lip. With bloood running down my chin, I brought the issue to the bartender’s attention. She gave me a napkin for my cut, replaced my drink and she may have mumbled "sorry" but she said it and turned and walked away so fast that I couldn’t tell. This was at 5:15 pm . They open for dinner at 5pm, so it wasn't like she was busy. I think she really didn’t care. My friend was so taken by the atmosphere that she wanted to stay for dinner, so we did. Now lets talk about the food. The potions are ridiculously small. That wouldn’t have been an issue if the food was great, even good, but it was just bad. The Lobster Spring Rolls and Crab Cakes had a nasty freezer burnt taste. The Maki rolls were falling apart, had little meat and were dry. 3 of the 5 the Oysters Gratin seemed to have no oyster in them. The Koby beef tasted like skirt steak. I like skirt steak but the entree cost $75. Similar steak is available down the block, on a bun, with fries and a drink for $8. Better Asian food can be found throughout the Chicagoland area for half the price. Don't go to Japonais.
Pros: Place looks great
Cons: Just bad food, and I love Asian food
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