Ai Japanese Restaurant & Lounge

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358 W ONTARIO STREET, Chicago, IL, 60654

1-312-335-9888

Good

Comments Good food minus the tuna shooters! YIKES! I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Not good. The overall menu was good and the $22 ...read more

05/28/12 By ERNESHA P

Perfect Post Concert Dinner

Comments What a find! Chef Morimoto's offerings from the generous sake pour to the amazing spicy tuna were outstanding, as was the service. Can' ...read more

02/28/12 By Lyn F

Comments Food was quite good in a lovely setting. Service however was a little lacking as we were left waiting for awhile before we saw a menu.

09/23/11 By Letitia C

Excellent

Comments The food and service were excellent. We will return.

07/29/11 By Rick W

Ai (the Japanese word for love) is where the East meets West. Ai offers authentic Japanese cuisine artfully prepared with an innovative twist. Our Executive Chef, Toyoji Hemmi, creates a menu that features an extensive array of freshly flown in fish, contemporary maki, and modernistic Japanese-influenced entrees that will cater to the connoisseur and the novice alike. The menu features delicious items such as toro tartar, wasabi-rubbed filet mignon, and ice sake whitefish fondue. Ai’s exceptional signature nigiri sushi and sashimi options are available individually or in unique tasting flights.

A glass water fountain wall, complete with a fish tank, welcomes our guests to the main dining room. Guests can enjoy their meals in our intimate dining room with lavish décor, while listening to relaxing jazzy beats. The centerpiece of the room is an octagon-shaped marble counter, featuring Chicago’s only sake bar with a rotating selection of over thirty different premium sakes from several different prefectures in Japan. Large, floor to ceiling wood-trimmed windows look out onto the city lights. Wood floors, exposed brick, semi-private round banquettes, glass-filled cherry cabinetry, and dramatic accents set the tone for a classy yet modern dining experience. Ambient tones and soft lighting are also found in the Ai Lounge, offering a variety of creative signature martinis and cocktails with an izakaya lounge menu. The izakaya menu consists of small share style plates and is offered in the lounge everyday. Ai Lounge is also available for semi-private dining and during the beautiful summer months, guests can dine alfresco in our sidewalk patio.

Details

Neighborhood:

River North/ Gold Coast

Cuisine:

Sushi/Japanese