Van's Sushi Cafe — Restaurant in Vernon Hills

I came across this place only because I saw the rave reviews on Google. There are many pretty decent Japanese restaurants in Vernon Hills/Libertyville area (Blufish, Shaku, Osaka) who serve similar Maki and Sushi plates so I wasn’t really buying into the hype. The store is tiny, only standing tables inside. There are two people in the kitchen off to the side of the room constantly preparing orders and a refrigerator next to the register for premade grab and go orders. I ordered, CA Maki, Salmon Philly Roll, Real crab roll, Crab Imari, Nippon sushi and maki. As I waited my order, I asked a woman who was also waiting if she had tried this place before. She said she did and loved it. She lives in Northbrook and drove all the way up here for this. Ok, after trying their food I have to agree. It’s pretty darn amazing! First, the value is unbeatable. They have $5 specials that would cost twice as much at other restaurants. Second, they don’t skimp on contents by stuffing it with rice. You order salmon maki and you get plenty of salmon. Third, sushi fish and ingredients are fresh. Specially salmon sushi was tender with just enough chewiness and rice that had a good balance of acidity from vinegar. Lastly, they acknowledge you. Sounds dumb but the owners actually greet you when you come in and leave. And you feel good knowing you’re also supporting a local small business. I enthusiastically...

As a family of compulsive chefs, cooks and bakers who never eat out for fear of less-than-average food and sus cleanliness, we only eat out if: We can meet the owners We can see how clean it is We don't get the rangus We will try anything. if we like it we try it again. If we still like it we make it ourselves. But some foods, like sushi or pizza, are such a shlep and hassle that we enjoy knowing there's someone out there who does what we do here at home- Top notch ingredients Personal but not over-the-top recipes Made with love We found Van and his fam through Woodmans. His brother-in-law was running the sushi counter in Kenosha and we were blown away by his consistency and quality. After some years he moved on. His replacement was his sister and her husband Van, who were just as kind and good to us as her brother. When we found out they were opening a spot, we were thrilled! And finally, my dream has come true; one that Sushi With Gusto couldn't get right- the sushi burrito! And it's better than I imagined! so im leaving in a moment for Vans to get sushi burritos for me and my family and I just cut 3 acres of lawn so BRING IT ON! Spicy tuna, easy on the Philly. Please....

A very pleasant experience!

I heard about a new sushi restaurant opening with grab and go freshly prepared sushi and decided to give it a try.

The first thing I noticed was how tidy it was. Everything was very neat and you could tell they cared about the presentation of their food. Portions were generous and food was deffinately fresh.

The family who owns it was very friendly and open to answering any questions even between phone calls. The prices are comparable to that of a grocery stores sushi, but I found the quality to be far above.

I got 2 rolls the spicy shrimp and the crunch California and I, a decent sized male, felt quite content after 1.5 rolls. I would certainly have paid double the price to have a similar experience at other well established sushi shops and will deffinately be back soon!

Would deffinately recommend you give it a try, but call in if your looking for something specific.

For a quick lunch or a nice meal with the family at home the quality and price are top notch.

I...