Washoku Guide
Cities/Chicago/Sushi/Kuni's Japanese Restaurant
Chicago · Sushi · a la carte

Kuni's Japanese Restaurant

JapaneseTraditional SushiSashimiTempuraUdonBento

Evanston's most celebrated Japanese restaurant since 1986, Kuni's was founded by Tokyo-trained Chef Yuji Kunii — who began his sushi education at age 15 — and is now stewarded by his nephew Jun Chung, preserving a tradition that local diners liken to dining in Japan.

Price
¥¥
Area
Evanston
Since
1986
Chef
Jun Chung
Owner
Yuji Kunii
Kuni's Japanese Restaurant — authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago, Evanston
Plate № 09
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About
Kuni's Japanese Restaurant at 511 Main Street in Evanston has been a cornerstone of authentic Japanese dining in the Chicago suburbs since 1986. Founder Yuji Kunii began his sushi training at age 15 in Tokyo under a master chef, worked for seven years in Chicago, and then opened his own restaurant, becoming one of a handful of truly Japanese-trained sushi chefs in the Chicagoland area. After Kunii's retirement, his nephew Jun Chung — who trained under him since 2004 — took over the kitchen, continuing the tradition of nigiri served with freshly grated wasabi, housemade dashi, and fish cut with Japanese precision. Regulars and Japanese expatriates consistently describe the experience as the closest approximation to a neighborhood sushi restaurant in Japan found anywhere in the Chicago area.
Neighborhood & visiting

Kuni's Japanese Restaurant sits in Evanston, one of Chicago's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Founded by Yuji Kunii, who began his sushi apprenticeship at age 15 in Tokyo — one of the few classically trained Japanese sushi masters in Chicagoland.
  • Now led by Kunii's nephew Jun Chung, trained at the master's side since 2004, ensuring an unbroken chain of authentic Japanese sushi tradition since 1986.
  • Japanese diners and Evanston residents consistently describe Kuni's as the most Japan-like sushi dining experience in the greater Chicago area.

Open since 1986. Yuji Kunii (founder) has retired; current chef is nephew Jun Chung. Some sources refer to the current chef as a 'son-in-law' — website describes Jun as Kunii's nephew. Evanston, IL (north of Chicago city limits).

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →

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Frequently asked

About Kuni's Japanese Restaurant

Is Kuni's Japanese Restaurant an authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago?
Yes — Kuni's Japanese Restaurant 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 Kuni's Japanese Restaurant located?
Kuni's Japanese Restaurant is located at 511 Main St, Ste A, Evanston, IL 60202, Chicago, USA in the Evanston neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Kuni's Japanese Restaurant?
Kuni's Japanese Restaurant does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular sushi restaurants in Chicago we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Kuni's Japanese Restaurant?
Kuni's Japanese Restaurant sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Chicago.
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