Washoku Guide
Cities/Chicago/Sushi/Kamehachi (Old Town)
Chicago · Sushi · a la carte

Kamehachi (Old Town)

JapaneseSushiYakitoriTempuraChicago InstitutionWoman-OwnedJapanese-AmericanHistoric

Founded in 1967 by Japanese-American Marion Konishi as Chicago's very first sushi bar, Kamehachi Old Town is now run by her daughter Sharon Perazzoli and granddaughter Giulia Sindler—three generations of women preserving Chicago's oldest Japanese dining tradition. The menu spans classic sushi, yakitori skewers, tempura, and teriyaki.

Price
¥¥
Area
Old Town
Since
1967
Owner
Sharon Perazzoli / Giulia Sindler (Konishi family)
Kamehachi (Old Town) — authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago, Old Town
Plate № 08
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About
When Mrs. Marion Konishi opened Kamehachi on North Wells Street in 1967, Chicagoans had never encountered sushi—she is credited with introducing the city to the concept. More than five decades later, the restaurant remains under family ownership, now guided by Konishi's daughter Sharon Perazzoli and her granddaughter Giulia Sindler. The menu has evolved with the times—chef's specials, creative rolls, and a full bar—but the foundational respect for Japanese technique and ingredient quality that Konishi instilled remains. Old Town Chicago's neighbourhood association has recognised Kamehachi's multi-generational women's ownership as part of the cultural fabric of the street. As Chicago's oldest continuously operating sushi restaurant, it carries historical significance that no other Japanese dining establishment in the city can claim.
Neighborhood & visiting

Kamehachi (Old Town) sits in Old Town, one of Chicago's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused sushi counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Founded in 1967, Kamehachi Old Town is Chicago's oldest sushi bar—the restaurant that introduced the city to sushi under Japanese-American founder Marion Konishi.
  • Now in its third generation of family ownership, run by Konishi's daughter and granddaughter, preserving a 57-year tradition of Japanese-American culinary stewardship.
  • The North Wells Street Old Town setting places it among Chicago's most storied dining corridors, with a history that intersects with the city's postwar Japanese-American community.
  • A menu that balances classic Japanese staples—nigiri, teriyaki, tempura, yakitori—with contemporary rolls makes it accessible to first-timers and returning regulars alike.

Founded 1967 by Japanese-American Marion Konishi. Now run by Sharon Perazzoli (daughter) and Giulia Sindler (granddaughter). Confirmed by Old Town Chicago org and kamehachi.com/about.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →

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Frequently asked

About Kamehachi (Old Town)

Is Kamehachi (Old Town) an authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago?
Yes — Kamehachi (Old Town) is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in Chicago: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
Where is Kamehachi (Old Town) located?
Kamehachi (Old Town) is located at 1531 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60611, Chicago, USA in the Old Town neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Kamehachi (Old Town)?
Kamehachi (Old Town) accepts reservations online. For an authentic sushi experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Kamehachi (Old Town)?
Kamehachi (Old Town) sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Chicago.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Chicago →Sushi in Chicago →Authentic sushi worldwide →All cities →