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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
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Hours
| Sunday | 9:30 AM–2 PM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Monday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–2 PM, 4:30–10 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–2 PM, 4:30–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 819-7672
Website: https://www.itokochicago.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Itoko | Chef Gene Kato | Lakeview, Chicago IL
Situated in Lakeview’s iconic Southport Corridor, Itoko is a neighborhood Japanese and robata restaurant from Gene Kato, Executive Chef of Momotaro.
Menu | Itoko, Lakeview Chicago IL | Chef Gene Kato
Experience Chef Gene Kato’s Japanese cuisine with fresh sushi, Robata, Temaki hand rolls, and desserts at Itoko in Lakeview’s Southport Corridor.
Itoko – Chicago – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Located in Lakeview, Itoko occupies a modern, sleek space. Guests are welcomed into this bright space with plenty of natural light, hardwood floors and wood …
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Reviews
Phoebe Chiang
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.
… moreThis 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.
Sergio D
Great happy hour sushi! I came in with some friends for happy hour at the bar and we were glad to find seating, as it got quite busy. We were glad to have a wide variety of options for happy hour, including the Itoko, which appeared to be like their take on an old fashioned! For starters, we had a cucumber salad and gyoza, both of which were super yummy, though the crispy skirt on the gyoza was unevenly cooked (as pictured). The star of the show, however, was the fish – really fresh and great quality! On some of the pieces I ordered, I found the rice to be unevenly cooked, with some of it being cooked nicely and some of it being slightly undercooked. Bar seating was a bit cramped, but the high chairs themselves were comfortable and had good lumbar support. Service at the bar was top notch, attentive and diligent. I’ll definitely need to go back soon!
… moreJordan Gary
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.
… moreNow, 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.
Sanjay Murthy
We live in the neighborhood and have eaten here several times. When it first opened we thought the food was just ok, and not quite worth the price. However, our two more recent experiences have been very positive and our last stop for happy hour was absolutely delicious. We had the ramen and rice bowl and several pieces of nigiri all of which were outstanding. We will definitely be back.
… moreManja Petrov
3 Stars – Great ambiance, but a few disappointments
Itoko looks like a fantastic dining spot with a chic, stylish atmosphere, and I came in during happy hour excited to try it out. Unfortunately, two things brought the experience down for me.
First, the service at the bar was underwhelming. I had a hard time getting the bartender’s attention, and it felt nearly impossible to make eye contact when I needed something. That alone cost a star.
The second issue was the pricing. For a happy hour menu, the prices didn’t feel discounted at all—$16 for a medium-sized burger with a handful of fries is basically regular pricing. Gyoza at $10, shishito peppers at $9, and a $13 martini also felt high for happy hour. The sushi, however, was excellent: very fresh fish, great flavor, and the prices for those items seemed much more aligned with what a happy hour deal should be.
As for the food, the burger was dry and lacked flavor, and the charcoal bun didn’t add much. The shishito peppers were good—above average—but nothing memorable.
Overall, Itoko has a beautiful space and excellent sushi, but the service and happy hour value missed the mark for me.
… moreItoko looks like a fantastic dining spot with a chic, stylish atmosphere, and I came in during happy hour excited to try it out. Unfortunately, two things brought the experience down for me.
First, the service at the bar was underwhelming. I had a hard time getting the bartender’s attention, and it felt nearly impossible to make eye contact when I needed something. That alone cost a star.
The second issue was the pricing. For a happy hour menu, the prices didn’t feel discounted at all—$16 for a medium-sized burger with a handful of fries is basically regular pricing. Gyoza at $10, shishito peppers at $9, and a $13 martini also felt high for happy hour. The sushi, however, was excellent: very fresh fish, great flavor, and the prices for those items seemed much more aligned with what a happy hour deal should be.
As for the food, the burger was dry and lacked flavor, and the charcoal bun didn’t add much. The shishito peppers were good—above average—but nothing memorable.
Overall, Itoko has a beautiful space and excellent sushi, but the service and happy hour value missed the mark for me.
John
We came here for Happy hours menu, but not what we were expected. The food is good but the portions is tiny for the price. Our bill was over $300 for 3 people. I have eaten at high end restaurant for Happy hours meals, but never paid more than $50 per person including two cocktails. Parking is horrible for nonlocals.
… moreNeil Larimore
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.
… moreThe 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.
Clay Goldman
For my girlfriend’s birthday, we wanted to give Itoko a try. We had walked by a couple times and thought it looked super cute. When we came inside, we were greeted by a gorgeous dining room.
Itoko has a gluten-free menu that is celiac-safe. My girlfriend particular loved the Ebi Tom Yum. I thought the yellowtail nigiri was also ferocious. For dessert, they have a soy milk panna cotta that is really delicious and refreshing as well.
… moreItoko has a gluten-free menu that is celiac-safe. My girlfriend particular loved the Ebi Tom Yum. I thought the yellowtail nigiri was also ferocious. For dessert, they have a soy milk panna cotta that is really delicious and refreshing as well.
Courtney Jones
Went for restaurant week and the food was delicious, specifically the lychee sangria, curry deviled eggs and the HONEY BUTTER TOAST. Omg that was delicious. I do feel that the entrees were meh, but everything else was great.
… moreMelba CastilloJung
It was festive on an early Friday evening. We caught the last 30 minutes of happy hour and were seated at the sushi counter, tucked all the way in the corner at the end against the wall. The small nook muffled the music and the sound of all the diners. For us, it was ideal, we could speak without raising voices.
The nigiri and maki were excellent. We tried an ebi tom yum hand roll which was packed with so much flavor. The robata grilled salmon and skirt steak were delicious. Both were perfectly cooked. It was a plenty of food and the drinks were great. We’d like to go back and try the wings and charcoal burger. Itoko has been on my list of places and I’m so glad we finally got to try it.
… moreThe nigiri and maki were excellent. We tried an ebi tom yum hand roll which was packed with so much flavor. The robata grilled salmon and skirt steak were delicious. Both were perfectly cooked. It was a plenty of food and the drinks were great. We’d like to go back and try the wings and charcoal burger. Itoko has been on my list of places and I’m so glad we finally got to try it.