West Town is about to get a taste of traditional Japanese omakase with a twist. Omakase Shoji is setting up shop on Chicago Avenue with a unique offering that combines the exclusivity of an omakase-style service with the casual vibe of an izakaya-style bar. This fresh concept comes from the minds of Japanese-born executive chef Shoji Takahashi and his mentor chef Takashi Iida, who intend to create a dining experience that stands apart from the city’s elaborate omakase establishments.
According to Eater Chicago, the restaurant’s philosophy orbits around "original taste"—a pursuit of an authentic Japanese experience that dares to defy Chicagoland's current omakase scene. “When we say Japanese, we’re talking about not just the things you can see, but the preparation aspect, the methodology behind the fish, making sure every step of the way is pristine and up to quality standard,” Takahashi stated through a translator.
The details of the unveiling have been hushed, but filings uncovered by What Now Chicago reveal the new dining spot's location at 1641 W Chicago Ave. Housed in a structure built back in 1919, with updates in 2015, Omakase Shoji boasts 1,800 square feet of dining space adorned with terrazzo floors, high ceilings, and an intriguing rooftop deck designed for summertime dining ventures.
Inside, guests are poised to be greeted with a curated list of over 40 selections of ginjo and daiginjo sakes, alongside premium whiskies like Hibiki 21 and Hibiki 30. The novel omakase spot will offer a traditional 17 to 25-course dinner in a minimalist 10-seat dining room, with frequently changing dishes featuring fish imported from Japan's markets, including the renowned Tokyo's Tsukiji Market. Takahashi also plans to infuse the element of luxury with an opulent menu option adding caviar and Japanese wagyu. Moreover, the kappo cuisine aims to marry the chef-led precision of traditional omakase with an assortment of nostalgic staples and seasonal highlights in a spirited atmosphere.
While specifics of the launch date are still under wraps, Omakase Shoji is anticipated to open its doors soon, according to Sandy Yang, listed as the business manager in county filings. With preparations underway and a rooftop bar offering expected in the upcoming summer, Omakase Shoji is readying to serve as a bridge between Chicago and Japan, one meticulous dish at a time.
