Chicago · Sushi · casual
Lawrence Fish Market
JapaneseFish MarketSushiSashimiMakiAffordable Omakase
Chicago's original Japanese sushi fish market, Lawrence Fish Market has served Albany Park for over 40 years under the ownership of Master Chef Takashi Iida, offering sushi-grade fish, maki, and sashimi at supplier prices.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Albany Park
- Since
- 1982
- Chef
- Takashi Iida
Plate № 10
About
Founded in 1982, Lawrence Fish Market at 3920 W Lawrence Avenue is Chicago's longest-running Japanese-owned sushi and fish market, led by Master Chef Takashi Iida — the same revered Japanese sushi master who mentored Omakase Shoji's Chef Shoji Takahashi. The market pioneered the concept of a sushi-grade fish market in Chicago, importing directly from Japan and making top-quality seafood accessible to the general public at wholesale-adjacent prices. The full-service counter offers sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and party trays prepared by trained Japanese chefs, making it an unmatched value destination for authentic Japanese fish in the Chicagoland area. A second location opened in Bridgeport / Chinatown in late 2024.
Neighborhood & visiting
Lawrence Fish Market sits in Albany Park, 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 and operated by Master Chef Takashi Iida, one of Chicago's most legendary Japanese sushi figures and the mentor of Omakase Shoji's Chef Shoji Takahashi.
- Fish is directly imported from Japan with professional Japanese chefs inspecting every cut — the same sourcing standard as omakase restaurants, at fraction of the cost.
- Serving Chicago since 1982, Lawrence Fish Market is the city's oldest continuously operating Japanese-owned sushi destination.
Albany Park (original) location. Second location opened late 2024 at 234 W 31st Street, Bridgeport/Chinatown. Fish market format with full sushi counter.
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Frequently asked
About Lawrence Fish Market
- Is Lawrence Fish Market an authentic japanese restaurant in Chicago?
- Yes — Lawrence Fish Market 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 Lawrence Fish Market located?
- Lawrence Fish Market is located at 3920 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, Chicago, USA in the Albany Park neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Lawrence Fish Market?
- Lawrence Fish Market 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 Lawrence Fish Market?
- Lawrence Fish Market sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Chicago.
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