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SUMI Robata Bar Reviews List

SUMI Robata Bar

Welcome to Sumi Robata Bar. Chicago's first true Robatayaki (Japanese BBQ). Enjoy the highest quality ingredients cooked over Japanese charcoal and cooked in front of you! We look forward to seeing you soon.
See more SUMI Robata Bar details
137 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
(137 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 137 reviews
5 stars
(59)
4 stars
(50)
3 stars
(20)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(2)
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(101)
  • hot spot(55)
  • neighborhood gem(53)
  • special occasion(29)
  • vibrant bar scene(14)
  • romantic(10)
SUMI Robata Bar Reviews List
Review 1 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Girls Birthday Night Dinner at Sumi

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/22/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had a great early dinner at Sumi and our server was very helpful and friendly. As for the food, in my opinion, unless you are really into seafood, skip it, the portions (at least the two we tried) were really small and there wasn't much to them. However, the meat dishes were amazing. Definitely try the lamb and the sliders, they were amazing, as was the donut dessert. We will definitely be back, if not to just have several orders of lamb and sliders."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Grill Japanese Food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/20/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"New and comfortable sitting. Menus has great selection and well crafted food that is fresh and delicious.
Definitely love to come back to try more variety.
"
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 3 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

New favorite spot

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/20/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everything is thoughtful and done perfectly. I love this place. The flavors are deep and smart but so simple. Each dish is better than the last and the last dish was the best ever! Small plates, perfect to share and try as many as you can. You won't be disappointed! House made tofu! Like magic silken custard."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 4 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/16/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"When they say small plates... they really mean small plates! The food was good, there just wasn't enough of it. The hot appetizer sea bass and salmon teriyaki were the stand outs for me. The rest was a bit over salted for my liking. The only real problem for me though, was leaving the dinner table still hungry."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 5 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food--nice change.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We found the menu extensive and had many interesting and delicious options. The slider and ribeye were my favorites but all 11 dishes we had were delicious. I would definitely return."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Mind blowing tastes!

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/17/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Sitting at the Robata Bar was a treat in itself watching as the chefs cooked everything with precision and to perfection. The 100% Matsusaka Beef was incredible."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/13/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"One of the best restaurants I've been to in Chicago! We had to wait a little between courses, but the flavor was amazing and the ambiance too. Highly recommended"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/16/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was amazing. Had the best salmon I have ever tasted. Kitchen is flawless!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Unique dining experience

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We were delighted that Chicago magazine brought Sumi Robata to our attention. Unique tastes from the Robata grill are matched by a orderly dining room. We enjoyed each dish and felt the price ($125 for appetizers, two rounds of drinks and main course for two) was good value."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My new favorite restaurant

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food at Sumi is amazing. You cannot know what you're in for by the simple menu descriptions. So delicate and smart. Anything with their house made tofu will blow your mind. Every dish became our favorite. The staff is friendly and enthusiastic. Great spot. Can't say enough."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 11 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A MUST

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/06/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everything is FANTASTIC. If you like food you HAVE to go to SUMI."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 12 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 3
Energetic
"Very pleasant. Interesting food with beautiful presentation."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 13 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sumi Robata exceeded our expectatio

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Sumi Robata exceeded our expectations based on the quality of the food and we had great seats at the "grill bar" (kind of like a sushi bar only you watch them cooking everything). We felt fortunate to be sitting at the bar (glass between cooking and eating) because in the back at the tables was nothing special. Even super noisy back there. The service was wonderful and very attentive. Other reviews complained about the portions and I would absolutely agree. Too many of the plates were one skewer rather than two and we had to cut small portions in two in order to taste everything. Overall we were very glad we kept our plans to go there because the food and service were terrific."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I had a dream about going

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I had a dream about going back the day I went. Excited to return and try other menu items. I just kept wanting to order more."
Dined on 03/28/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A true Gem not to be missed

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Took rec from a friend, never looked back: Service was attentive, informative and knowledgable. Food, inventive, beautiful presentation, flavorful with right amount of seasoning. Each dish w/ components perfectly complimented but never overpowering. Dishes not to be missed, Saba (Japanese Mackerel), Gobo, Onsen Tomago, Ramps, Sea Bass and Pork Jowl, wish I was able to eat more. Dessert, O.K., I come from a pastry background, the Donut was very nice, but the Tofu Panna Cotta w/ Yuzu Curd and Candied Soy Bean was heaven. We were invited to enjoy the Charcoal Bar and were greeted by Choo and his apprentice. Both knowledgeable and inventive bar tenders. Strawberry Gazpacho, a Ginger drink all amazing. I love this place, will be back!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The mackerel sashimi, the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"The mackerel sashimi, the grilled mochi, the grilled duck, and the grill scallops tasted out of this world. So did the chocolate donut with green tea dipping sauce for desert. Service was top-notch. Terrific place with low-key atmosphere. I hugely appreciate it when I can enjoy a conversation over dinner (and not compete with a booming stereo)."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 17 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Succulent hypnosis

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Don't go, ignore the stars. Go to Boarding House down the street instead. I want this gem to myself."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2008
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Review 18 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sumi Robata has many small

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Sumi Robata has many small plate options with a few bites per plate; it's perfect to go with a group and try everything on the menu! The green tea mousse served with the doughnut dessert was delicious!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 19 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

For these prices,I expected

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"For these prices,I expected something special. I was sorely disappointed. The food all tasted the same: dry, salty and bland. The waiter kept recommending things that turned out to be worse than the things we picked ourselves. The bar at which patrons eat doubles as the corridor, so there is constant motion all around you. All-in, a real bummer."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2011
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Review 20 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Although the food was good

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Although the food was good and tasty, the portions were very small. It's hard to justify spending that much money and still feel hungry at the end of your night."
Dined on 04/03/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 21 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The food was great, but the

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was great, but the portions much too small for the price."
Dined on 04/02/2013
 2008
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Review 22 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Aiming for authenticity

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Sumi goes for the authentic feel of the small, neighborhood grill, with chefs greeting customers as they squeeze by the narrow seating in front of the kitchen. The food is fresh, the menu simple, and all is meticulously prepared. The steak ishi (a hot rock is brought to you so you can sear thin slices of beef yourself) is a great appetizer as is the chicken don with the freshly poached (in the shell) egg.The only miss was Kobe ribeye which was grilled medium instead of medium rare or rare which would have brought out the flavor. The service at the bar/kitchen was a bit awkward as you had constant traffic of people behind you and it was hard to turn 180 degrees to look at the server. Otherwise it was a pleasant, subdued atmosphere."
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 23 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Stepping into Sumi, I realized

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Stepping into Sumi, I realized that this was going to be a unique experience. I could see the chef manning the robata grill and attentively grilling skewered portions of meat and vegetables. The decor is modernist minimalism, classy, and pleasant. Our server was beyond awesome, and helped guide us through the exciting menu. Service was well-paced, and we never felt rushed or overwhelmed by the cadence of dishes we ordered. The flavors were beyond amazing. Simple, honest, and awesome. We will return many, many times."
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 24 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our new favorite place to

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Our new favorite place to bring friends. GREAT JOB."
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 25 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent spot. Cozy and intimate,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Excellent spot. Cozy and intimate, good music, yummy cocktails. We'll be back!"
Dined on 03/19/2013
 2011
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Review 26 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 27 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

ok...but.....

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was good - I just do not think for the price it was worth it. They also had interesting exciting things on their menu- but did not have it available to order which is always disappointing.
each skewer is a few bits and is only for 1 person and all of it is priced pretty high - like $5 for 1. You will most likely spend a decent amount of money here to be completely full - but wouldn't be a bad choice if you want to try something new and do no want to eat a ton.
Chizakaya was my favorite place for japanese grilled skewers but sadly it has closed.
Another thing to note was that this place is LOUD! With everyone talking it has hard to hear others at your table - and then you end up speaking loudly over all the noise."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 28 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Small space- be prepared to

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Small space- be prepared to wait even with a reservation.Food was delicious- I highly recommend the udon and the lamb."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 29 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The service was great and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The service was great and the food was delicious. I recommend the Maguro (tuna sashimi) and Ishi Yakima (marinated beef cooked on a hot stone at your table for appetizers. My favorite grilled items were the Wagyu beef and the lamb.
The restaurant is small and much of the seating is along a bar facing the kitchen. It was fun to see the cooks work, but might not be the best place for a group.
"
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 30 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Delicious! So happy we found

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Delicious! So happy we found this place ... Can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic
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Review 31 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Trying way to hard.

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We started our night downstairs at the bar which is dark and lacking ambiance. Our drinks took forever. I don't mind waiting for a craft drink. I understand they take time. We surpassed that amount of time by several minutes. After that back upstairs to our table at the bar where I could not keep from laughing as they grilled the smallest most expensive portions of meat ever. Our food was oddly timed and there were several large gaps between small plates. I honestly liked most everything I ate but it felt icontrived and I could have paid half as much for an exceptional dining experience at a dozen other restaurants. The staff was nice but trying way to hard so it came across as phony enthusiasm. Overall dissapointing evening."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2008
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Review 32 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Worth a try

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"If you are a vegetarian I wouldn't recommend it. If you are a meat lover this is your place to go! The service was impeccable and food delicious. The extensive sake list was a bit pricey but the bottle we chose was well worth the price."
Dined on 03/04/2013
 2010
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Review 33 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Yhumbs up

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Very attentive service, excellent presentation, variety of seating options, and nice drinks selection."
Dined on 02/27/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 34 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Definitely going back

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Had a great time with my friend. Cocktail list is exciting and delicious. Would recommend their pomegranate and rum special. Having been my first Robata experience I was most certainly pleased- lamb robata was the best hands down, but the beef tongue was also quite good. Didn't mind sitting at the chef-bar, it actually ended up being fun."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
0points
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Review 35 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Food without taste !

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Meet and chicken have no taste ! Very disappointing experience for me , Union is way better and cheaper , but not great ! Sorry, won't be back !"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2011
+1point
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Review 36 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I finally found this restaurant

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I finally found this restaurant that can be compared to places in New York that served very good small Japanese dishes. Highly recommended! It is so far my favorite Japanaese place in Chicago area. ( btw, I have yet to find a good sushi place though I have been to most of the japanese restaurants here).
It is not a sushi place, aside from grilled dishes, there are good cold and hot appetizers."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
-1point
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Review 37 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Buyer beware

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Have mixed emotions about my experience; The bad: I had a 8:30 reservation on Saturday night and was kept waiting for 1 hour for my table which is completely unacceptable. To add insult to injury, we were given no apology, no token comp, nothing but an excuse that someone showed up with more people in their party than they had reserved (hint, don't seat them), and that it was "really crazy" that night...Also, our waiter was also completely disinterested in serving us, which earned him the poor tip I left (you reap what you sow).
The good-excellent and hospitable bar man Matthew Lipsky is a credit to his profession. I would probably have something good to say about the food had the service not left such a bad taste in my mouth,but I can't
"
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2007
+1point
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Review 38 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Really great vibe. All dishes

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Really great vibe. All dishes done w care and precision. Stupendous cocktails"
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic, hot spot
-1point
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Review 39 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The bartender downstairs is

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The bartender downstairs is a genius. Everything else is a waste of time."
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
0points
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Review 40 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Japanese yakitoriya stands out

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Finally a Japanese yakitoriya restaurant that does it right. Food is perfect blend of traditional and mordern Japanese, free from the mayo and Asian fusion at most places in Chicago. Decor is stylish but not overwhelming. A great find."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
-1point
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Review 41 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great alternative to the normal

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great alternative to the normal sushi scene. Sea Bass was great."
Dined on 01/31/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
-1point
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Review 42 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The service was just "ok"

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The service was just "ok" and the food was the same. $18 for a tiny lobster tail seemed a bit high."
Dined on 01/29/2013
 2011
0points
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Review 43 for SUMI Robata Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding dining experience

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Outstanding dining experience in every way, a must visit!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
-1point
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Ratings-Only Reviews for SUMI Robata Bar
Based on the average of (94) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
15 out of 16 recommend this product
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic