Best Group Dining Gatherings Japanese Restaurants in Loop
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Umai
A rare South Loop spot that balances ramen-and-katsu comfort with sushi orderability in one kitchen.
Notable Picks
#1
Umai
8.4
A Printer’s Row Japanese all-rounder that’s strongest when you mix one ramen with a tight set of nigiri or rolls. The room is modern and lively without feeling chaotic, and the kitchen’s appeal is dependable comfort—katsu, curry, noodles—paired with sushi that keeps regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Roasted Garlic Pork Ramen, Katsu Kare, White Tuna Jalapeño
What Makes it Special: A rare South Loop spot that balances ramen-and-katsu comfort with sushi orderability in one kitchen.
#2
Sushi Nova
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Business Lunch Power Players
Sushi Nova’s Loop location runs an all-you-can-eat format where maki, nigiri, appetizers, and dessert come at a fixed price. Diners lean on value and breadth here, moving from carpaccio and tuna tartar to specialty rolls and mochi in a straightforward dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Angry Dragon Roll, Tuna tartar appetizer, Mochi ice cream or banana tempura
What Makes it Special: All-you-can-eat sushi and apps in the Loop with strong value.
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
A Hyatt Regency steakhouse format with a real sushi lane, built for business dinners and hotel-bar convenience. The best experience comes from committing to either sushi-first with one hot main, or steakhouse classics with a single roll for contrast—don’t try to cover the whole menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sunset Roll, Dragon Roll, Black Miso Cod
What Makes it Special: A steakhouse-with-sushi setup that works well for hotel-driven dining.