Jun 2, 2025

Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill Chicago

Creative BYOB sushi

""Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill" in Chicago is no typical Asian-inspired restaurant: this barbecue-themed place serves some of my favorite sushi around..."

Urban charisma meets authentic Japanese fare at this trendy Wicker Park restaurant. Since its opening in 2011, this spot has received continuous buzz and acclaim, appealing to local food gurus and sushi specialists alike.

Walking into the restaurant, I prepared myself to see the calming Asian-inspired décor typical to well-known sushi spots in the city – which is why, after entering what looked like an upscale barbecue bar, I was fearful we were at the wrong restaurant. After seeing the colorful sushi and sauce designs atop every table, my fears were quickly (and thankfully) squashed.

Upon being seated, I was eager to explore the menu and pair items with the deliciously displayed plates I almost grabbed while walking to our table. To accompany the lively atmosphere of the space, the menu including quirky names and descriptions for the various concoctions offered. With guidance from our server, we ordered the Breaking Bad and Moton Effect specialty rolls. We also ordered the Robata Sampler, which we learned was the restaurant’s most popular item.

Thankfully, the one similarity Yuzu does hold to some of my favorite sushi spots is the quality and consistency of the food served. Each dish offered an array of both traditional and unique flavors, allowing me to explore new tastes while savoring the flavors I’ve come to cherish in traditional Japanese fare.

The cherry (or tobiko) on top of this great spot is the restaurant’s BYOB alcohol policy, allowing diners to add their own personal touch to this unique trendy spot.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

1751 West Chicago Avenue

Motown Effect:

USD

17

3126664100

Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chicago guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago

aliveOne

Cozy music bar

aliveOne in Lincoln Park offers rock vibes, local music, a cozy atmosphere, pool, comfy couches, and the perfect spot to unwind or dance the night away.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Sophie

Amado

Jun 13, 2025

Side Street Saloon

Dive bar with pizza

Side Street Saloon in Lakeview is the perfect no-frills dive bar with a cozy Italian vibe in back, great pizza, pool, and a quirky neighborhood charm.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Sophie

Amado

Jun 13, 2025

KOVAL Distillery

Craft distillery

KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Sophie

Amado

Jun 12, 2025

Wormhole

Time-traveling coffee shop

Wormhole in Wicker Park, Chicago is my favorite coffee shop in the city. When you walk in, it feels like you have stepped back in time to the '80s...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Sophie

Amado

Jun 6, 2025

Dearborn Denim

Made in CHI, custom-tailored jeans

"Dearborn Denim" in Chicago has real, American-made denim jeans. They even lack the hems so you can have final stitches done on-site and custom for you!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 4, 2025

Chicago Magic Lounge

Serious magic... & cocktails

"Chicago Magic Lounge" is in a large theater, but here they also do magic right at the bar! I recommend staying for several sets: you too will be stumped!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 4, 2025

Bar Roma

Authentic Roman cuisine

"Bar Roma" in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area hands down! This is kind of a big deal, since Italian isn't even my favorite cuisine...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Lickity Split

Perfect treats!

"Lickity Split" in Chicago is my idea of perfect. If your favorite dessert is ice cream, as it is mine, you absolutely have to come get a 'concrete'...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Claire

Conway

Jun 2, 2025

Hopleaf

Beer enthusiast's delight

"Hopleaf" in Chicago started out as a tiny, dark tavern reminiscent of Belgium. They now also have a patio & restaurant, but beer still is the focus...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Int'l Museum Surgical Science

Medicine then & now

"Int'l Museum Surgical Science" in Chicago sounds a little creepy at first. It makes you grateful to be alive in the most recent era of modern medicine...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Cornelia Arts Building

Local artist studios

"Cornelia Arts Building" in Chicago is a converted industrial studio right by the train tracks -- it's been decades ahead of this art trend...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Sacred Art

Local art lover's paradise

"Sacred Art" is a 100% local art shop with paintings, jewelry, ceramics, dioramas, photography and more. I love how the owners are almost always there...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Heading to Chicago?

116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Chicago?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

116 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Chicago

Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
71
Filters