Ai Japanese Restaurant, the hottest sushi bar in River North, features Chicago’s only sake bar, offering sakes from various prefectures of Japan. A unique variety of sushi and sake flights are signatures to Ai. The softly lit lounge with a warm fireplace provides an intimate setting for a relaxing cocktail. Open for lunch Monday to Friday, and late night on Friday and Saturday. Carryout and delivery are welcome.

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Reservations for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

47 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

(47 Reviews)

Rating Breakdown 47 reviews

5 stars

(12)

4 stars

(24)

3 stars

(7)

2 stars

(3)

1 star

(1)

Food

(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

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Diners classify this restaurant as:

fit for foodies(19)
good for groups(18)
special occasion(17)

neighborhood gem(12)
romantic(9)
hot spot(7)

Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge Reviews List

Review 1 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Always Great

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/12/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"This is my third trip to Ai Japanese (the second for Mother's Day). The food is always good, although it took a little long to get some of our dishes. Our waitress was friendly, a little shy but that's alright. She took her time taking our orders and was very patient with our party. Overall I love this place and will always recommend it for all sushi lovers"

Dined on 5/12/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion

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Review 2 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Top 500 Contributor

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 4/30/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Very good Japanese restaurant to which we returned a second time during a visit to Chicago. There is a wide selection of sushi, and the ones we ordered were well-made. The service is commendable."

Dined on 4/30/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 3 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

There were a couple Maki rolls

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/27/2013

2006

Dined on 04/27/2013

2006

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"There were a couple Maki rolls that were tasty but over half our selection were bland compared to the same rolls at other favorite Sushi restaurants (i.e. Coast, RA...).

Our biggest issue was the street parking. After 6pm on Saturday no paid receipts were required (even though we tried, the machine was nice enough to say not required). We received 2 parking tickets due to 'Permit Required' even though we did not see any signs stating the requirement...turned our downtown birthday dinner into a very expensive night out!"

Dined on 04/27/2013

2006

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Review 4 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Went there for lunch for my

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/09/2013

2013

Dined on 04/09/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Went there for lunch for my husband's bday with a couple of friends - great place, at 1pm it was super quiet and cozy. Sushi was excellent and my hubby got an extra bday treat - highly recommend it!"

Dined on 04/09/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch

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Review 5 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Nice Sushi

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/13/2013

2011

Dined on 04/13/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Very good sushi for River North"

Dined on 04/13/2013

2011

Special Features: good for groups

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Review 6 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Great...but

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/04/2013

2011

Dined on 04/04/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Food was great! Service was great! Amazing sushi! We went very close to close and they were very accompdating. Only problem was, my credit card was charged for my bill and a other tables bill! When I called to notify them I was just told to wait for the charge to be reversed. And a brush off "sorry about that." How about exceeding my expectations? How about making it up to the customer for an inconvenience?"

Dined on 04/04/2013

2011

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Review 7 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I love this place for sushi

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/03/2013

2007

Dined on 04/03/2013

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I love this place for sushi lunch. It's the best value in the city for the freshest sushi. Service is great. Easy to get a table at lunch."

Dined on 04/03/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch

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Review 8 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Cool lounge area but we were

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/20/2013

2009

Dined on 03/20/2013

2009

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Cool lounge area but we were the only ones in there. Lounge is hidden because it is in the rear of the restaurant.
Only complaint was that everyone's meals came out at different times."

Dined on 03/20/2013

2009

Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion

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Review 9 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

If u don't have mango offer

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/20/2013

2012

Dined on 03/20/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"If u don't have mango offer to replace it by strawberry Its even betterDelicious signature sushis"

Dined on 03/20/2013

2012

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, great for lunch

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Review 10 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

This was my second visit to

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/16/2013

2011

Dined on 03/16/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"This was my second visit to AI and it did not disappoint. Due to a total absence of available taxis on that night, I had to walk a great distance to arrive and was running. They were nice about accomodating us. The ingredients were fresh and flavorful. The presentation was beautiful. Our server, Ronn, was kind and timely."

Dined on 03/16/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion

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Review 11 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Beautifully prepared and presented

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/08/2013

2003

Dined on 03/08/2013

2003

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Beautifully prepared and presented maki and sushi specialties in a mellow River North setting. The saki flights are an excellent way to sample and build your expertise in the nuances of saki."

Dined on 03/08/2013

2003

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 12 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Say Hi to Ai

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/25/2013

2011

Dined on 02/25/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Our server Ronn knew the menu well and made fantastic recommendations. The ingredients were very fresh and just the right blend of flavors to have a party in our mouths. I do wish they offered more wine by the glass for those who are wine drinkers, but the Malbec I had was sufficient. It was my first visit to Ai, but I enjoyed the food very much and plan to soon return."

Dined on 02/25/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 13 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Me and my friends thoroughly

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/23/2013

2011

Dined on 02/23/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Me and my friends thoroughly enjoyed the quality of the sushi we received at this place - we all agreed it was some of the best sushi we had in a while. Getting reservations was easy and the service was great."

Dined on 02/23/2013

2011

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Review 14 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food! We had an awesome

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/17/2013

2008

Dined on 02/17/2013

2008

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Great food! We had an awesome server!"

Dined on 02/17/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 15 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

We have been to AI in the

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/16/2013

2007

Dined on 02/16/2013

2007

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We have been to AI in the past and have loved it, great food and great atmosphere. Unfortunatly the food was not as good as it was in the past, which was a big disappointment. I am not sure if this was an off night or if they have changed chefs but we are not sure if we will return again."

Dined on 02/16/2013

2007

Special Features: special occasion

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Review 16 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

It was an enjoyable ambiance.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/16/2013

2007

Dined on 02/16/2013

2007

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"It was an enjoyable ambiance. The menu wasn't especially impressive, nor the food that we ordered. It wasn't bad by any means, but I would not spend that amount of money on food if its just mediocre in my opinion. i know people that love this place, and it is absolutely possible i ordered wrong."

Dined on 02/16/2013

2007

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

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Review 17 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best sushi on the planet

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/15/2013

2013

Dined on 02/15/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"The Spicy Hawiian Crab maki roll is now my favorite roll, period! My gf and I went there for our anniversary, and couldn't have had a better experience. As self proclaimed sushi snobs, we have eaten our fair share of sushi at all different kinds of spots. Ai is an absolute treasure. The ambience, service, presentation, and food was superb. The Tabenyaki is also high recommended as long as you don't mind cooking for yourself! Lol"

Dined on 02/15/2013

2013

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot

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Review 18 for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

No better place for Chicago Sushi!!

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/14/2013

2010

Dined on 02/14/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The attention to detail for each plate; sushi, shashimi, maki roll, or something from the kitchen assures you will have a visual feast before the food even touches your lips. And once the food does touch your lips, you will not be disappointed in the taste sensations. The staff is very attentive from the moment you walk in the door, during the meal, and right through until you leave. A friendly place with a touch of class, and even better food."

Dined on 02/14/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion

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Ratings-Only Reviews for Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Based on the average of (29) ratings-only reviews

Overall