ZipPicks Awards
Best Sushi in West Loop
Best Japanese in West Loop
Best Seafood in West Loop
Best Tasting Menus in West Loop
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in West Loop
Best Date Night Sushi in West Loop
Master Critic Review
Mako
9.1
A 22-seat, reservation-driven omakase built around pristine fish, tightly paced courses, and cooked interludes that keep the meal from becoming a pure nigiri parade. This is destination sushi for when you want chef-led progression, quiet focus, and a night that feels deliberately composed from first bite to dessert.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase tasting, Chawanmushi (seasonal savory custard), Braised abalone (cooked course)
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A chef-driven omakase with a serious cooked-course bench.
Who should go: Omakase loyalists celebrating something
When to visit: Midweek for the calmest counter
What to order: Omakase, chawanmushi, a cooked-course add-on
Insider tip: Book the counter and skip heavy pre-dinner snacks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the West Loop; paid garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are acceptable, but most guests opt for elevated date-night attire.
Noise level: Low—quiet, focused counter experience where conversation is easy and never rushed.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only; walk-in seating is extremely unlikely.
Weekday lunch: Not offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—can be accommodated with advance notice, but the experience is fish-forward by design.
Vegan options: Not recommended; this is a seafood-centric omakase.
Gluten-free options: Generally accommodating with advance notice; soy substitutions are typically available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for an intimate, high-trust experience. It’s quiet, focused, and conversation-forward—but better for someone who already enjoys omakase pacing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—plan ahead. Seats are limited and booked in advance, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? No. This is an adult-oriented, tasting-menu experience best suited for older teens and adults who can commit to the full pacing.
Best For
Better for: Chef-led progression, refined pacing, and a balanced mix of nigiri and cooked courses that feel composed rather than repetitive.
Skip if: You want à la carte sushi, a lively scene, or flexibility in timing—there are better options for casual or social sushi nights.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday5:30pm - 10:30pm
Thursday5:30pm - 10:30pm
Friday5:30pm - 10:30pm
Saturday4pm - 10:30pm
Sunday4pm - 10:30pm