Itoko

Name: Itoko
Address: 3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, 60657-1417
Telephone: (773) 819-7672
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

481 Reviews

$31 to $50

Japanese

Make a booking

2 people

23 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 69 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem
Healthy

Situated in Lakeview's iconic Southport Corridor, Itoko is a neighborhood Japanese and robata restaurant from Gene Kato, Executive Chef of Momotaro. “Itoko” meaning “cousin” in Japanese, refers to the connection with Momotaro, located in the Fulton Market District. The menu features the high level of ingredients and technique that Chicago has come to expect from Chef Kato, alongside a beautiful interior curated for the Southport neighborhood. The menu itself features uniquely interpreted sushi rolls that allow the high-quality fish to be the star of the sushi experience. In addition, an innovative beverage menu with a focus on cocktails & highballs highlights the relationship between the technique of the food created by the kitchen and how this is complimented by the beverage selection.

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Japanese
Hours of Operation
Daily 16:30–22:00 Sat, Sun 10:30–14:00
Phone number
(773) 819-7672
Website
http://www.itokochicago.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Gene Kato
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Dining Coordinator: (773) 819-7672

Location
3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657-1417
Area
Lakeview / East Lakeview
Cross Street
N Southport Ave + W Henderson St
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Wine

Gift card

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Experiences

Omakase Sake Dinner
US$150.00 per person
Prepaid
11 Dec 2024 only
Join us for an exclusive evening in our Kinjo Room, where Chef Taylor and Sushi Chef Thanit present a six-course omakase menu crafted to highlight exquisite sake pairings. Each course, from delicate seafood to expertly prepared wagyu, is designed to elevate and harmonize with the sake selection, promising a memorable culinary experience in an inviting, atmospheric setting.
Holiday Ornament-Decorating Lunch!
US$30.00 - US$45.00 per person
Prepaid
15 Dec 2024 only
10:30
Join us for ornament-decorating fun at Itoko! Each ticket includes an ornament, all the decorating supplies you need to unleash your creativity, and a delicious bento box to keep you fueled. For the Adults: Enjoy a classic bento with a maki roll (chef's choice), 3-piece gyoza, miso soup, rice, and your choice of Negima, Skirt, or Salmon skewers. For the Kids: Choose from Shrimp or Chicken Katsu, Yakitori don, or a sushi set – perfect for our little artists! Spots are limited, so grab your tickets and let’s get into the Holiday spirit!

Popular dishes

Cucumber^US$12.00
seaweed, sesame seed, onion, spicy dressing
Crab SaladaUS$18.00
sweet crab, endive, kaiware, tempura onion
Tako KatoUS$18.00
sliced octopus, shiso, red onion, ponzu
Bluefin Tuna*US$18.00
apple, soy, ginger, puffed buckwheat
Scallop*US$16.00
serrano, avocado, nira oil, citrus
Spicy Salmon Dip*^US$14.00
salmon, perilla, fried garlic, spicy mayo, nori rice cracker

Hot

EdamameUS$8.00
MisoUS$8.00
fried tofu, maitake mushroom, scallion, wakame
GyozaUS$16.00
foie gras and pork filling, soy dipping sauce
ShishitoUS$12.00
black garlic mayo, bonito, lemon
Shaken Kato^US$16.00
crispy fried chicken wings, choice of original spice or fire spice
Hamachi KamaUS$26.00
aka miso glaze, daikon-shiso oroshi *subject to availability

Robata

Cooked Over Japanese Charcoal

ShiitakeUS$14.00
shiso, lemon
NegimaUS$14.00
chicken thigh, scallion, shiso
Salmon*US$15.00
teriyaki marinade
Slider*US$16.00
beef tsukune, bao bun, miso mustard
Skirt SteakUS$18.00
citrus ponzu, wasabi

Kazoku

Family Style Dishes

Whole BranzinoUS$32.00
shiso and shichimi crust, pickled bamboo shoot salad
Prime Striploin**US$38.00
8oz prime striploin, watercress salad, sukiyaki sauce
Tantan RamenUS$22.00
chicken broth, spicy pork, bean sprout, gailan, sesame seed
Oshima RamenUS$22.00
ginger miso broth, porkbelly, scallion, soy egg

Rice

Steamed RiceUS$4.00
Beef Chahan*US$22.00
wagyu beef, kaiware, maitake, soft poached egg
Chicken Katsu DonUS$18.00
crispy chicken cutlet, pickled carrot-daikon slaw, ginger mayo, katsu sauce, rice

Temaki Hand Rolls

Momo Jr.*US$9.00
tuna, spicy tako, pickled daikon, sweet soy
Shio Koji Salmon*US$10.00
avocado mousse, crispy salmon skin, trout roe
XO Scallop*US$10.00
diver scallop, xo sauce, scallion, puffed soba
Ebi Tom Yum^US$10.00
tiger shrimp, makrut lime, cilantro, crispy shallot
King Crab
ginger mayo, tempura shallot, lemon
- HalfUS$12.00
- FullUS$24.00
Mecha Kucha*
bluefin tuna, uni, kaluga caviar
- HalfUS$12.00
- FullUS$24.00
Three Piece Set*US$26.00
momo jr, x.o scallop, shio koji salmon

Specialty Maki Rolls

A5 Beef*US$24.00
maguro, asparagus, pickled onion, yuzu kosho
Momomaki*US$22.00
big eye tuna, spicy octopus, pickled daikon
YamaUS$22.00
crispy shrimp, snow crab, cucumber, sweet soy
Harumaki* ^US$22.00
(served riceless, wrapped in rice paper) lettuce, pickled daikon, hamachi, maguro, spicy shiso dressing

Chirashi Don*

Fish Over Rice

"TCD" Tuna ToroUS$35.00
kaluga caviar, pickled onion, sushi rice, nori
Jewel Bako "Chirashi Don Style"US$58.00
chef selection - 12 pieces of seasonal fish and caviar, with myoga salad, pickled watermelon radish, pickled ginger, nori sheet

Nigiri | Sashimi

Hamachi*
yellowtail
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$6.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$10.00
Madai*
sea bream
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$6.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$10.00
Hirame*
ikejime flounder
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$6.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$10.00
Sake*
faroe islands salmon
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$6.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$10.00
Akami*
bluefin tuna loin
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$7.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$12.00
Chutoro*
medium fat bluefin belly
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$10.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$18.00
Otoro*
fatty bluefin belly
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$12.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$22.00
Saba*
mackerel
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$6.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$10.00
Aji*
horse mackerel
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$6.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$10.00
Botan Ebi*
spot prawn
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$6.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$10.00
Yari Ika*
Japanese hokkaido squid
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$6.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$10.00
Hotate*
scallop
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$8.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$14.00
Uni*
sea urchin
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$10.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$18.00
Ikura*
marinated salmon roe
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$8.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$14.00
Unagi
barbecued freshwater eel
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$6.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$10.00
Tamago
sweet omelet
- Nigiri (1 Piece)US$4.00
- Sashimi (2 Pieces)US$6.00

Nigirizushi

Seared Japanese Mackerel*US$7.00
with daikon shoga ponzu
Seared Fatty Tuna*US$14.00
daikon, yuzu, sudachi ponzu
Hokkaido Hotate*US$11.00
scallop, uni, ikura
Kumamoto Beef To Hotate*US$22.00
garlic sauce, fried shiso

Makimono Classic Rolls

CucumberUS$8.00
AvocadoUS$8.00
KanpyoUS$8.00
Crispy ShrimpUS$10.00
Tuna*US$12.00
Spicy TakoUS$12.00
XO ScallopUS$12.00
Baby Shiitake MakiUS$12.00
Spicy Tuna*US$14.00
Negi Hamachi*US$14.00
Unagi CucumberUS$15.00
Negi Toro*US$16.00
King Crab CaliforniaUS$21.00

What 481 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Japanese
Chicago
Japanese

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Itoko offers an "amazing sushi" experience with fresh, creatively presented dishes. Guests praise the "fantastic service" and the vibrant, lively ambiance. While the food consistently delights, some diners note occasional service hiccups and a noisy atmosphere. Despite these, Itoko remains a "favorite Japanese restaurant" with standout dishes like the TCD Tuna Toro and inventive brunch offerings.

481 Reviews

T
Tomson
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had Miso Soup, Salmon Nigiri, Spicy Tuna Maki roll, and King Crab Maki roll. I loved my food but was then disappointed when I saw what the people next to me ordered. Looked phenomenal! Great service and I need to go back! :)
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W
Wendy
London
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on 13 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Love Itoko and frequent often. This visit was mixed. A $16 piece of nigiri was just not as good as prior visits. Tried a new roll with beef which was excellent. Our server forgot one of our dishes… even tho I reminded her of it when reviewing order. After food was served, no one checked in on us for solid 20+ minutes at which point we reminded her again (3rd time ordering dish). Server never apologized and it took another 15+ minutes to get item.
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C
Ciel
Philadelphia
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 13 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and attentive service! We love the shishitos with black garlic mayo and bonito flakes. The kabocha kakigori was very unique and perfect for fall. Dont miss the A5 specialty maki as well! The beef truly melts in your mouth.
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J
Jorge
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brunch was exceptional and I highly recommend anyone who wants to try some Japanese brunch. Plates are small so you'll be able share.
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K
Kathy
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went for a birthday celebration and it was perfect. Outstanding service, food was exceptional and it was made extra special by a personalized Birthday menu. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the finest in Japanese dining. You pay for quality, but it was worth every cent!
Is this helpful?
N
Nick
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 3 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Itoko his hands down one of my favorite elevated Japanese dining experiences in Chicago. From the food, the amazing service and amazing staff it’s just the best. A couple friends and I just love the food and are all still enjoying trying new things off the menu when we come. We took a friend that has never been. Sasha was very helpful and attentive everything was just amazing as always. Our friend was going back-and-forth and if he was gonna get a dessert or not and after not choosing one to our surprise Jay from front of house came over with a fall inspired pumpkin shaved ice cream with pumpkin seeds and pieces of brittle I believe. We didn’t even see this on the menu and it was just so perfect and so appreciated by us all. That’s an above and beyond thing that so unexpected and so much appreciated. Thank you Jay ☺️ Cannot wait to be back for more king crab and Tom yum hand rolls. I’m cracking me some foie gras gyoza, some of the best I’ve ever had. And I definitely gotta try some of that spice chicken in the bag next time 😄 Thanks 🙏 Itoko it’s always such a magical experience I love dining with you guys and cannot wait to be back!
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A
Axel
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 26 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food, amazing service, will be back. Run don’t walk to this restaurant!
Is this helpful?
K
Kevin
San Francisco
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on 20 October 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
I hope last night was an abberation but the service was poor. Our server disapppeared for long periods of time between first before taking orders for drinks, then again before asking for our food orders We never were and we had another long period we had to wave down a server to get our check. We were catching up with old friends so it wasn't like we were bored but the service wait time was a definite negative. The food was good and the setting was quite nice but neither good enough to overcome the feeling of neglect or motivate us to return. Too bad as I have liked this place before. PS: I am not usually a fussy diner in restaurants and rarely complain.
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Y
Yvonne
Chicago
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on 19 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It was fantastic! We loved every dish and thank you for making my friend’s birthday feel special with the printed birthday menu and the birthday treat with a candle!
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
Chicago
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 19 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service, ambience, and some of the best Nigiri I’ve had in Chicago.
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FAQs

Itoko is rated 4.7 stars by 481 OpenTable diners.

Itoko does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

23 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 69 times today

Experiences are available.

3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657-1417

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
N Southport Ave + W Henderson St
Area
Lakeview / East Lakeview
Hours of Operation
Daily 16:30–22:00 Sat, Sun 10:30–14:00
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Japanese
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Gene Kato
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Wine

Website
http://www.itokochicago.com/
Phone number
(773) 819-7672
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Dining Coordinator: (773) 819-7672

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Itoko

Make a booking

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Gift card

Omakase Sake Dinner

Holiday Ornament-Decorating Lunch!

Sushi Set

"TCD" Tuna Toro

Shishito

Cold

Cucumber^US$12.00

Crab SaladaUS$18.00

Tako KatoUS$18.00

Bluefin Tuna*US$18.00

Scallop*US$16.00

Spicy Salmon Dip*^US$14.00

Hot

EdamameUS$8.00

MisoUS$8.00

GyozaUS$16.00

ShishitoUS$12.00

Shaken Kato^US$16.00

Hamachi KamaUS$26.00

Robata

ShiitakeUS$14.00

NegimaUS$14.00

Salmon*US$15.00

Slider*US$16.00

Skirt SteakUS$18.00

Kazoku

Whole BranzinoUS$32.00

Prime Striploin**US$38.00

Tantan RamenUS$22.00

Oshima RamenUS$22.00

Rice

Steamed RiceUS$4.00

Beef Chahan*US$22.00

Chicken Katsu DonUS$18.00

Temaki Hand Rolls

Momo Jr.*US$9.00

Shio Koji Salmon*US$10.00

XO Scallop*US$10.00

Ebi Tom Yum^US$10.00

King Crab

Mecha Kucha*

Three Piece Set*US$26.00

Specialty Maki Rolls

A5 Beef*US$24.00

Momomaki*US$22.00

YamaUS$22.00

Harumaki* ^US$22.00

Chirashi Don*

"TCD" Tuna ToroUS$35.00

Jewel Bako "Chirashi Don Style"US$58.00

Nigiri | Sashimi

Hamachi*

Madai*

Hirame*

Sake*

Akami*

Chutoro*

Otoro*

Saba*

Aji*

Botan Ebi*

Yari Ika*

Hotate*

Uni*

Ikura*

Unagi

Tamago

Nigirizushi

Seared Japanese Mackerel*US$7.00

Seared Fatty Tuna*US$14.00

Hokkaido Hotate*US$11.00

Kumamoto Beef To Hotate*US$22.00

Makimono Classic Rolls

CucumberUS$8.00