Takibi — Restaurant in Rogers Park Township

I visited Takibi on their second day of service, and I am looking forward to many future visits.

I ordered the large sashimi, and the Lollipop "Out" Special Roll Tasty (fresh salmon, fresh tuna, scallion, yuzu ginger truffle).

My arrival at the restaurant was warmly and graciously welcomed by both the hostess and the chef, and I immediately relaxed into the cozy yet spacious environment. While waiting for my to-go meal to be prepared, I realized that I would've equally enjoyed dining in-house; the ambiance was tranquil and peaceful, a notable contrast to the bustling energy of Sheridan Road.

After hurrying home to try my food, I sampled a bit of everything. No more than three savored bites into my solitary smorgasbord? I immediately called the restaurant and offered immense gratitude for them having some of the freshest, highest-quality sashimi I've tried in the Chicagoland area. Additionally, I mentioned that the flavor combinations they presented were nuanced, yet deliberate. I also reiterated that they would see me again in the very near future. I initially made that statement prior to trying their food, as I had a feeling it would prove true; I was pleased that my hypothesis was correct.

While it could be said that there are several restaurants offering similar types of Japanese cuisine in the Rogers Park area? It could also be said that they each provide a different representation of the same cuisine. I hope that Takibi finds their space within our neighborhood, as when I was at their home - and when I enjoyed their dishes in mine - I was transported to a place that felt like a different...

The place is quiet, intimate, with incandescent lighting, and I am all for that atmosphere! Not to mention the beautiful drawings that are put on the chalkboard beside the specials!

I don't often drop reviews right after a meal, but I can emphatically say that this is some of the best Japanese cuisine you'll find on the North side, and easily a go-to restaurant for me now. The service was warm and inviting, with welcoming smiles. The food is served with the kind of artistic finesse I'd expect to find at a fine dining establishment you'd make reservations for! The chefs are certainly talented. You'll never get a better bargain on a meal like this.

My personal recommendation: leave yourself some room for the Green Tea Cheesecake! It's served with a drizzle of chocolate syrup. The presentation is beautiful, and the taste lives up...

I was in the mood for some ramen and so glad I tried this new restaurant in Roger's Park.

I ordered the Cha Cha Ramen- you can choose between spicy and mild- and I chose spicy. It was served with a knock-out presentation and tasted just as amazing. The braised pork belly had a nice, sweet bbq taste and was super tender. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The spicy broth was savory with a hint of spice and went great with the pork belly. The bean sprouts in it give it a subtle yet fresh taste. Noodles were springy and slurpable too. Ramens are for dine-in only but I saw many sushi options available for to-go as well.

I can't wait to return to try the other ramen and their sushi dishes!

August update: Went back for sushi and was again blown away by the quality, presentation, taste, price,...