KAI ZAN 🍣 – If I Could Only Recommend One Japanese Restaurant

I make a point to visit KAI ZAN every few months — just went again recently! For first-timers, go with the omakase — it’s a safe bet (though the shooter with a whole raw quail egg is a bit much for me 😅). The omakase menu stays pretty consistent (see last pic). Once you know what you like, ordering à la carte lets you enjoy most of the omakase highlights. My must-orders every time: 1️⃣ Escolar & Maguro Pearls – Both delicious — ask your server for 2 pieces of each. 2️⃣ Agedashi Tofu 3️⃣ Madai Carpaccio – Simple seasoning that really lets the red snapper shine.💕😊 4️⃣ Angry Crab & Orange Rush 5️⃣ Green Monster Maki – Creamy avocado + crispy tempura shrimp — amazing texture combo. Occasional picks: 3️⃣ Flaming Tuna Maki 5️⃣ Spicy Toro Maki Not my favorite: Their skewers — neither the pork belly in the omakase nor the short rib à la carte impressed me. Dessert: Matcha tiramisu is a sweet ending worth trying! #ChicagoEats #KAIZAN #JapaneseFood #Omakase #ChicagoFoodFinds #SushiLove 🍱✨