Itoko

“Breath taking in every sense. Best sushi I’ve ever had hands down, unbelievable creativity to the dishes, everything on the menu is good. I wish I could’ve ordered every dish! The flavors are so pure, organic and robust. You can definitely tell there is love, care, and passion being put into the dishes. Would highly recommend as best place in Chi!!”

“Love this cute place. We went for happy hour time which is good options in the menu. We tried many dishes and it all great. Drinks are great too. we have red, white and lynchee martini (signature here). Service was amazing, they are on top of everything. We sat at the bar. Love to go back again.”

“We hit up Itoko for Sunday brunch and honestly, we probably could have skipped the last-minute reservation—they had us seated before I could even check my coat. The kitchen is clearly operating on a "speed of light" policy, which would be great if the service didn't feel so wonky. Our appetizers and entrees staged a full-scale "plate pile-up" on our table before the drinks even arrived. Pro tip: avoid the corner of the counter unless you’re looking to be invisible; our server basically disappeared after the food drop and only resurfaced to hand over the check. Now, let’s discuss this "lychee sangria." Can you legally call something a sangria if it has zero wine and exactly one piece of fruit? Regardless of the identity crisis, it was delicious, went down way too easy, and I can see why people go hard on the bottomless offer. The food was a bit of a mixed bag; the deviled eggs were great with a subtle, non-offensive curry, but the seaweed on the rice crackers for the spicy tuna dip was so aggressive it basically bullied the tuna off the plate. If you order the cucumber salad, just know it’s bringing some serious, non-negotiable heat—come prepared. As for the mains, the brunch version of the chicken katsu don was solid, though it was crying out for a bit more sauce. Then there’s the continental egg soufflé. It’s been three days and I’m still waiting for it to cool down to a temperature safe for human consumption, but once it hits 180°C, I’m sure it’ll be a delight. It's massive and filling, and while I skipped the tomato jam on the toast, you do you. Overall, a tasty spot if you don't mind a "blink and you'll miss it" dining pace.”

“Itoko absolutely nails it. From the moment you walk in, the space feels calm, warm, and intentional. The bar is beautiful without trying too hard. Soft lighting, clean lines, and a relaxed energy that makes you want to linger, whether you are there for brunch or a long conversation over drinks. The food is where things really shine. The egg soufflé is light, fluffy, and deeply comforting, with just enough richness from the cheese and bacon to feel indulgent without being heavy. The honey butter toast is a standout. Perfectly toasted bread, creamy honey butter, and roasted strawberries that bring just the right balance of sweetness and acidity. It is simple in concept and executed flawlessly. The kabocha pancakes are incredible. Tender, lightly spiced, and paired with a pecan praline sauce that feels thoughtful rather than overpowering. They manage to be both cozy and refined. The deviled eggs are elevated and playful, with curry, bacon, and chives coming together in a way that makes you want to order another plate immediately. The steak and eggs deserve special mention. Perfectly cooked steak, kimchi fried rice with real depth, and a sunny side egg that ties everything together when the yolk breaks. It is bold, satisfying, and beautifully plated. Even the smaller details impress. The early bird menu is smart and welcoming, the presentation is lovely across the board, and everything arrives looking as good as it tastes. Nothing feels rushed, and nothing feels like filler. Itoko is one of those places that feels special without being precious. Thoughtful food, a great atmosphere, and a clear sense of care in every detail. An easy five stars and a spot I will happily return to again and again.”

“I visited on November 23, 2025, and the experience was extremely disappointing. This was the first time in my life that I encountered both fish scales and fish bones in sashimi, and they were not from the same piece. After biting into fish scales, I informed the server. The restaurant replaced the piece, which I appreciated. However, shortly after that, I encountered a fish bone in another slice of sashimi. At that point, I was honestly stunned and chose not to raise the issue again. For a restaurant with high pricing, this level of quality control is completely unacceptable. Our total bill, including tip, was around $400, which makes this experience even more frustrating. Proper sashimi preparation is basic and fundamental. Finding fish scales and bones in multiple pieces reflects carelessness and poor standards. To put this into perspective, even inexpensive sashimi from H Mart has never contained fish scales or bones in my experience. That comparison alone says a lot. Given the price point, this was far below expectations. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for quality Japanese food, and I will not be returning.”