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Japonais Reviews List
Japonais
Located along the River, Japonais offers its guests contemporary Japanese Cuisine & Sushi. Designed by Jeffrey Beers, it features two distinct dining rooms featuring a limestone waterfall, 15 ft fireplace on the first level in the spirit of Industrial Japan. The Riverwalk level features a bustling lounge & bar adjacent to a plush Riverwalk Café.
Our Lounge offers the restaurant’s full menu of critically acclaimed contemporary Japanese Cuisine & Sushi. Between 5PM-8PM Sunday-Wednesday, the Lounge also features our Tasting Menu. Exclusively featured in the Lounge our Tasting Menu highlights some of our more popular sushi dishes along with $7 small plates, paired with wine, sake or Absolut cocktails. The Lounge at Japonais also features a lively bar amidst a picturesque Riverwalk Café.
To make a reservation in our Lounge where we feature our FULL DINNER MENU please indicate in your reservation notes.
See more Japonais details
Our Lounge offers the restaurant’s full menu of critically acclaimed contemporary Japanese Cuisine & Sushi. Between 5PM-8PM Sunday-Wednesday, the Lounge also features our Tasting Menu. Exclusively featured in the Lounge our Tasting Menu highlights some of our more popular sushi dishes along with $7 small plates, paired with wine, sake or Absolut cocktails. The Lounge at Japonais also features a lively bar amidst a picturesque Riverwalk Café.
To make a reservation in our Lounge where we feature our FULL DINNER MENU please indicate in your reservation notes.
319 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 319 reviews
5 stars
(139)
4 stars
(118)
3 stars
(42)
2 stars
(12)
1 star
(8)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(168)
- special occasion(155)
- hot spot(142)
- romantic(119)
- good for groups(111)
- vibrant bar scene(86)
Japonais Reviews List
Review 1 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a great experience, server was great, helpful!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 2 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We are regulars at Japonais. My daughter had just come home from college and really wanted the tuna tuna salmon that is usually on the menu. We were told that it was too labor intensive and was removed from the menu. Needless to say we were very disappointed. It is difficult when you are craving something and then can not enjoy your craving."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 3 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The place is just great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Rock is the signature dish. A Must have. The spicy Octopus roll is fantastic. Any Hamachi sashimi or roll are definitely great here. Our service was excellent. Also had the lamb chops which were cooked perfectly. A great dinner. It is not cheap. This kind of fine sushi is never that cheap."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service, attention to details, wonderful staff and excellent food. Very engaging staff and the food was superb! I would highly recommend."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food quality is good, but not great. There has been a decline. At this price point, since the food is not great, I don't see myself going back"
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 6 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing Amazing Amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My first time dining at Japonais and I loved every minute of it. The food is amazing. The portions are small, that you are not overwhelmed with the amount of food. You are left satisfied, but not overly stuffed. I recommend the Floating Orchid drink, pure delish :-)"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good Sushi with a nice vibe!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The staff is great, the food is awesome and for some reason this place is a better fit in Chicago than NYC. I really like the location along the river and during the summer sitting outside is a treat!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 8 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Japonais is Outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outstanding food, great atmosphere, excellent service!!! Did I say outstanding food?!! I highly recommend Japonais to all food lovers. The rolls (and I typically only eat sashimi) were delicious. The presentation and flavor of the food was top notch!! They have a solid wine list and a great drink list as well. Thank you!!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 9 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
When we arrived they didn't
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"When we arrived they didn't seat us but sent us to the bar lounge down stairs and as soon as we reached the bottom of the stairs the lady sent us back up because our seats suddenly became available. Drinks are very delicious and the food is superb! However teh portions are small. The enviornment is beautiful and the chairs are very comfortbale; however we did get seated right by the door. That wasn't the best because I'm prone to being cold and the draft from the door was a bit chilling. Aside from that it is a very beautiful restaurant that has very strong and delicious unique cocktails (the floating orchid is a good one for the ladies), and a very fine dine menu. We ordered the Salmon Japonais and Seabass that came witha bit of caviar"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Meal was delicious. I really liked the ebi ebi roll, and the short ribs."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 11 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Although we had a reservation
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Although we had a reservation and tables were empty, we were sent to the basemenr bar - this is unacceptable. Noise level was so high conversation was impossible. We left. Go there lnly if you are into club scenes."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
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Review 12 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Oh what an experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was great, it's been a while since I've had such a great dining experience. My date hasn't stopped talking about what a great place for a wonderful evening out."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 13 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our server, Annie, was breathtaking
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server, Annie, was breathtaking!!!!!!!! (-:"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2004
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Review 14 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I love this restaurant and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love this restaurant and always have but the only complaint I have is that when I checked my online banking I noticed my account was charged 3 times the amount of my bill. They rectified the issue but it took them 4 days."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, hot spot
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Review 15 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We've been to Japonais many
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've been to Japonais many times and love it, but this time was not good. After an hour and a half, some of the food we ordered still had not arrived. The waitress was not responsive and we had to ask support staff several times to tet our server's attention so we could order more drinks.
The manager bought us dessert and made a big point that he was not going to charge us for the food that didn't come. Ah, yeah!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 16 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Reliable. Went for quick lunch,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Reliable. Went for quick lunch, told server of our time constraint and he recommended the Business Prix Fixe. Good call! Sushi starter was very good, and Asian stuffed chicken was perfect."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The overall experience was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The overall experience was very good, the staff attended us very well. The only things we didn't like were the shrimp head decorations on the Japonais salmon plate, they make the dish less attractive and the salad plate is too little to share. The desserts and quality of the food are awesome though. It is a great place for any night in Chicago."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: late-night find, special occasion
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Review 18 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We have been here many times
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been here many times and we loved the food but they changed the menu and they "tweaked" the items we usually order. It was disappointing."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
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Review 19 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great for a date
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful time! Fresh sushi and you must try "the rock""
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The few items out group ordered...
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The few items out group ordered... were okay, maybe the sushi rolls were too generic, but they were extremely pricy for how tasteless they were. The 'rock' appetizer was good... as was the edamame. I know I have had good items there before, maybe the group was just not adventurous enough... the spider roll I ordered was blah."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2005
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 21 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A great place to eat!!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is my second time here and both times were very good! I will say their steaks are extremely thin which just makes them look like they are under serving you buy really its plenty of food! The Hot Rock app is great, the first time I had it the steak was cut very thin, the last time it was thicker and wasn't as good. The staff is extremely nice, great bar below, amazing decorations and the taste of the good overall was very good! Finally the price was slightly lower than I thought it would have been, a nice surprise!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 22 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Lobster spring rolls were
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lobster spring rolls were good, everything else so so. Staff was very attentive."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2007
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Review 23 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent Sushi, cool and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent Sushi, cool and trendy atmosphere."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 24 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
David H
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent as always. Food was superb. Try the hot rock/beef appetizer - it's delicious and fun. Of course this is a pricey place, but I still think worth it. Enjoy!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 25 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Terrible service. Wrote in
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Terrible service. Wrote in instructions on OpenTable that it was a diner's 18th birthday and gave a description: nothing, not even a candle on the dessert that we ordered. Had to call for the waiter through the water pourers several times. (If you're looking for great water pouring service and nothing else, this is the place.) Food is decent if overpriced. I was here five or six years ago, and now I remember why I didn't go back. It's far enough away yet close enough from/to downtown that the tourists feel like it's a "spot", and that's how Japonais probably survives. Hopefully my memory will be better this time to remind me not to go back."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
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Review 26 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I'm in love with the yellow
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I'm in love with the yellow tail roll and the Ebi Ebi roll we ordered....and re-ordered probably 5 times each. Delicious! Thanks for the great food!
My only complaint is the price is super high and the wine list price options are a bit extreme. $50 for a bottle I can get at the grocery store for $15?"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
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Review 27 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Went for Chef's week. Great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went for Chef's week. Great pick. The prefix menu was great as were the drinks. Great price for all of it. Excellent find."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 28 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The BEST mashed potatoes (pureed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The BEST mashed potatoes (pureed they call 'em) I've ever had, as well as the BEST pumpkin cheesecake to grace my tongue. Really pleased by Japonais as many high-end restaurants tend to be over hyped. They deliver (not literally)."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our experience was incredible.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our experience was incredible. The food was over the top, as well as the service. We are definitely returning."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 30 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I had heard that Japonais
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had heard that Japonais was really good so was quite disappointed. While the decor was lovely to look at, the food was mediocre, at best, except for the steamed pork buns which were delicious. The sushi was especially diappointing as bland with very little fish or rice and lots compared to amount of kelp used to wrap it. The service was attentive but pretentious. The price point for this restaurant is high and the quality offered just doesn't measure up."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
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Review 31 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food and service!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food and service!! Love "the rock"....we try to make it here each time we travel to Chicago!!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, small portions
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"While the overall food experience was excellent, the portion size was often small. The entree sea bass seemed like an appetizer portion. The sushi bar is not coordinated with the main kitchen, so one of us didn't eat until the rest of us were finished. To their credit, the sushi roll was comped."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2010
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Review 33 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place for late dining.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place for late dining. Will return again and again."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
Special Features: late-night find, romantic, special occasion
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Review 34 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 35 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic dining experience!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fantastic dining experience! The food was really interesting and delicious!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 36 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
If you like beef, try The
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If you like beef, try The Rock. Thin slices of prime beef that you cook on a blazing hot stone at the table."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 37 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is my go to place when I want a great meal. I recently took a couple of out of town guest there. They loved it, as did I. This is my second review of the place, and if you have not tried it, you really should! Fun appetizers, like the rock, solid sushi and entrees, and my favorite dessert.....coffee and donughts."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 38 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Still amazing after all these years
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was the third visit in the last month after re-discovering Japonais following a too long hiatus. The food and service is better than ever and still as creative as I remember. The bao buns are surely the best in the US."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 39 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Unsatisfactory birthday night
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Japonais for my boyfriend's birthday this past weekend. In the reservation notes I put that we were celebrating a birthday and their best table for two would be much appreciated. The host took us to a decent table but it was right next to a service station. The server came to us and took our drink order then left and came back 5 minutes later and asked for our IDs, which seemed unprofessional to not do it the first time and come back and ask us. He seemed very rushed with us. He brought out our appetizer and before we were even finished he brought out only my entree. Usually both entrees are brought out together. When we finished through the very small portions, we weren't even offered dessert or anything special for his birthday"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
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Review 40 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
celebrating a special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"celebrating a special occasion - we had been looking forward to this reservation for a long time, it was as fantastic as we had hoped. We asked the waitress to basically select food for us until we were full. she did a fantastic job and we really got a chance to sample a great piece of everything. Fantastic food."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 41 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The ambiance was disappointing.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The ambiance was disappointing. Noisy. bad lighting (orange mercury vapor street lights from outside was very distracting) and there was a table 24" inches from my table with 3 little kids that made it feel like a Chucky Cheeses. it was very disappointing and killed the ability to connect with my companion."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 42 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This is my second visit to
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is my second visit to Japonais and the experience was on par with the first. The service is attentive without being hovering and the food was again, good. It isn't great, but it is good. The ambiance would perhaps have been rated much higher had we not had the misfortune of being seated just above the water station. The sounds of ice digging and clinking all night was a distraction, not to mention the bus team yelling above the din to communicate.
Overall, definitely recommend and I will go back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 43 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good but not great
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I used Japonais for a corporate affair last fall and they did a great job so I thought I would bring my wife there for dinner. The waiter started by explaining that they had a cold kitchen for things like sushi and a hot kitchen so they had little control over when things come out. Huh. I guess I could go along with it but my wife's entree was hot (sea bass) and her side dish (tempura brussel sprouts) came after she had finished her entree. No appology. That's just how they do it.
As far as the food goes, I would have to say it was fairly good with some things being just OK and some being very good. Sea bass and tempura brussel sprouts were very good. Sushi was just OK and the tuna flatbread was edible but not much more."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
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Review 44 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fresh Fish and well cut portions.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fresh Fish and well cut portions."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 45 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Crispy Shrimp and Salmon Roll
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Crispy Shrimp and Salmon Roll wasssssss awesome"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 46 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was the first date my
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was the first date my now Wife and I went on and so it was great to be able to revisit it with great friends and reminisce."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 47 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fun place for a special night out
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a great place for fun, drinks, and to share appetizers and sushi, but I don't recommend it if you're looking for a fine dining or romantic experience. The service and ambiance were quite nice, as well as the timing and progression of the meal. The Wagyu Ribeye was overpriced and served well done even though we ordered it medium rare. We consider ourselves foodies, so we have an understanding of Wagyu beef, but we found ourselves questioning the quality of this particular beef. It was sent back, and the restaurant was fair about taking if off our bill. Overall, a fun place for a special night out."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 48 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A tale of two meals. I rate
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A tale of two meals. I rate my dining experience as excellent. I loved the manju buns and short ribs. My wife was very let down. She started with the butternut squash soup. She felt it wasn't thick enough and didn't have a lot of flavor. I tasted it and found it enjoyable. For her main entree she had the lobster teriyaki. The lobster was very chewy (over cooked). I tried this as well and had to agree with her. She was very let down as she was really looking forward to going here for our first time. Both upstairs and downstairs have a great decor. Wait service was fantastic. Cocktails were very good. The place started buzzing as early as 6pm on Saturday. The seats seemed a little low to the ground which made me a little uncomfortable."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 49 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good meal, good evening
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very energetic restaurant. Great bar. Get the steamed buns, get the duck."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 50 for Japonais
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing in every way!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is the second time I've been to Japonais since moving to the city and it is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite places! The ambiance is super chic, the plates are delicious and fun to share, and the service is impeccable. The experience is even better in the summer when the outdoor lounge is open and me and my girlfriends can dine with the river as our guest, welcomed by the sweeping linens and plush lounge seating. Highly, highly recommend!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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