Review: Shoji - A 4.8⭐ Google-Rated Japanese Gem in Chicago

Originally, I just wanted to join the Chicago Restaurant Week buzz and try some upscale spots I normally can’t afford — but I accidentally booked the Chef’s Table instead! 😅 The two chefs ended up serving us a full omakase experience right in front of us. The manager kindly offered two cups of matcha tea as a gesture (though they made it clear the booking was non-refundable — we could either eat or still pay). We decided to stay… and it turned out to be a delightful surprise! The food was truly delicious, and we both left absolutely stuffed — definitely worth recommending! 👌🍣 Highlights from the chefs’ live performance: A whole box of sweet, fresh uni (sea urchin) 🧡 Wagyu beef expertly torch-seared, with excess— so rich yet not greasy at all 🥩🔥 📜 Picture 4 shows the day’s menu — it changes seasonally. 📸 The rest of the photos are what we actually ate: from small appetizers, sashimi, sushi, hand rolls, to a lovely little dessert. 20 courses in total. As someone who’s tried omakase a few times (still an amateur!), my take is: ✨ Highly creative | 📦 Fresh ingredients | ✂️ Meticulous preparation Compared to typical Restaurant Week menus — it’s a world of difference. Of course, the price isn’t in the same range 🤑, but for an omakase experience, it’s quite reasonably priced. Overall — an unexpected but thoroughly satisfying experience! 🎉 #Omakase #JapaneseCuisine #RestaurantWeek #ChicagoEats #EvanstonFood #NorthwesternLife