YOKO — Restaurant in Niles Township

The first thing that stood out to me and separates Yoko from other kosher restaurants in Chicago is the atmosphere. My wife and I went the other night. We really don't get to go traveling so much. Yoko's ambience makes you feel like you are on vacation over seas at a Destination restaurant. Over the bar is a fake cherry blossom tree that looks real. Trunk and all. If you are just going for drinks, it makes you feel like you are not in Chicago.

The next thing you notice is the back wall. It's a giant mural of Asian design. It gives it a very charming appeal.

When you sit down or even enter you may notice the basket lantern lights on the ceiling. They give you the feel that they are floating candles in a lantern. It's very intimate.

The price points at Yoko are another thing that set it apart. You can go to Yoko for dinner and break the bank, or you can go for some apps and drinks and come away without hurting your wallet.

My favorite Dishes so far are the Kung Pao chicken appetizer (good sized portions), the Yoko roll, which I feel might be the best sushi roll in town for quality, taste and price, finally I love the torpedo steak.

I probably won't do it Justice, but the Torpedo steak is laid on a bed of potatoes that are pretty similar to hash brown mash. They pair so well together.

The drinks are priced well and are yummy. My favorite is the Shogun. It taste like fruit punch mixed with rum. It was the perfect compliment to my meal.

I could honestly, write an essay about how good this place is but just go and find out. You...

Yoko offers an Asian fusion menu with a Mediterranean touch. I am a stickler when it comes the word "fusion" especially referring to Asian flavors, as all too often the flavors get muddled together, and overused with unnecessary amounts of soy and chili. I am happy to say that I did not find this to be true at Yoko.

I did ask for a traditional customized sushi roll (Negi Hamachi) as that is my favorite roll. The server was really accommodating and I am really appreciative of that. The roll had the right amount of fish, rice, and seaweed. Yoko also offers limited sashimi/nigiri pieces off menu. The sushi menu has a modern western style, which you might find at other popular Asian fusion concepts. And yes the restaurant is Kosher.

My family and I also ordered Egg Drop soup which was generously served, but wished it came with vegetables to counter all that egg. The broth is one of the best I've had though as it was rich, silky, and pure magic. The Chicken Lo Mien was made nicely with a strong effort. I only say that because the noodles weren't long as it usually is served, probably from being over worked in the wok. Still, it was really delicious.

Now the star of the show, I have to say was the cocktail, I ordered the Smoke on the Water, and it was so perfect! The pricing was fair, and if you are seeking a solid Asian fusion restaurant without traveling to downtown Chicago, I...

Exactly the type of place the community needs. The food is outstanding. The service is excellent. The decor is striking and exciting and the aura/ambience is very upscale, yet manages to somehow feel non-judgmental. You can dress up, or you can dress down, nothing snooty or snobby about the atmosphere here. If I have one little thing to say- it’s definitely loud in there (I must be getting old) which just means people are enjoying themselves and the place is busy. So that’s great. Last night was my second time there, all my friends told me to get the wagyu burger… I see why. Just out of this world (and it was massive, so I get to have it again for lunch today!) Sushi was decadent and artfully presented: “the kraken”. My mom got pad Thai- and she’s harder to impress than I am, she was wowed (with a massive amount taken to go, which I will excitedly enjoy again on her behalf). It’s trendy and hip without feeling judgey or pretentious. Perfect for a date, or just a Tuesday night with friends! Most simply put, Yoko is welcoming and convivial. I can’t wait to take my foodie brother, who lives in LA- as I know this will be the type of place he’ll love, as well. Thanks for a really memorable birthday dinner- oh yeah, that iron dome dessert is dangerous! Even though “the dome was missing” I don’t know what that meant but we devoured whatever they brought 🤩 thanks, Yoko! I can’t wait...