Mako
22 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/chicagofood, r/AskChicago, r/chicago27 comments cited below
The comments cited below are a sample of the full tally across 17 threads.
What people say, in short
Mako attracts repeat recommendations, including one diner who loved both visits. Another enjoyed the sushi courses more than the small plates but found fish quality uneven and some slices thin. Other diners find the meal good rather than memorable, prefer Kyoten Next Door, or feel it has declined. Cost is a further reservation, despite the strong praise from its supporters.
Address
Mako, 731 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
At a glance
- Price
- Premium
- Opinions divided
- Yes
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to Mako, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Mixedu/elynias in r/chicagofood · Dec 2024taste
Preferred the sushi courses to the other dishes; had a pleasant visit but said once was enough.
- Mixedu/Busy_Visual_92 in r/chicagofood · Jan 2025
Thought it was good but unremarkable, and it didn't leave them wanting to return.
- Recommendsu/dorkycomplex in r/chicagofood · Jan 2024
Names Mako as another omakase option on their list, without saying they've been.
- Recommendsu/kmmccorm in r/chicagofood · Nov 2025
Calls Mako fantastic, similar in vibe to Kyoten Next Door, and convenient for downtown visits.
- Recommendsu/gimme_the_hotsauce in r/chicagofood · Sep 2026
Implies Mako is their top pick, with the other spot coming second.
- Recommendsu/mees_echo in r/chicagofood · Aug 2025
Says they've been to Mako and enjoyed it.
- Caveatu/mg63105 in r/chicagofood · Dec 2024consistency
Long-time regular who feels Mako has declined and is resting on past success; fish quality still fine, prefers another omakase now.
- Recommendsu/Booyakasha1201 in r/chicagofood · Mar 2026
Gives Mako as a one-word suggestion with no further detail.
Show all 27 cited comments
- Recommendsu/Throwaway-929103 in r/chicagofood · Jun 2025
Went twice and loved Mako both times, despite seeing criticism online.
- Mixedu/otp1140 in r/chicagofood · Nov 2025taste
Has visited several times; finds it fancier-feeling but says its food falls short overall.
- Caveatu/SlinkDogg in r/chicagofood · Jun 2025
Was let down by Mako.
- Recommendsu/Iwillhavetheeah in r/chicagofood · Jun 2025
Enjoys Mako but notes it is another costly splurge.
- Recommendsu/warygang in r/chicagofood · Aug 2024taste
Suggested as a splurge choice for sushi if the budget allows.
- Recommendsu/Gastronautmike in r/chicagofood · Jan 2024taste
Found Mako fantastic on their visit.
- Recommendsu/chithrowaway17 in r/chicagofood · Nov 2023
Says it came out ahead of Suite 202 in their experience.
- Recommendsu/bucknut4 in r/AskChicago · Oct 2026taste
Notes Mako is the only starred sushi spot locally and calls it fantastic.
- Recommendsu/greenandredofmaigheo in r/chicagofood · Sep 2026taste
Praises Mako as outstanding while admitting they are not a sushi expert.
- Recommendsu/Such_Cheetah_3851 in r/chicagofood · Sep 2026service
Calls Mako incredible and praises its welcoming feel and service.
- Recommendsu/jm44768 in r/chicagofood · Apr 2026
Names Mako as a sushi pick.
- Recommendsu/bradyb530_ in r/chicagofood · Mar 2026taste
Describes Mako as outstanding.
- Recommendsu/bronyraur in r/chicagofood · Mar 2026
Lists Mako among highly regarded omakase choices.
- Recommendsu/secondpresident in r/chicagofood · Jun 2025
Calls Mako their top pick in Chicago so far.
- Recommendsu/CoatBoring in r/chicagofood · Jan 2025
Lists Mako among top picks for the best-omakase question.
- Recommendsu/Barbie_and_KenM in r/chicagofood · Jan 2025ambience
Enjoyed the music and the option to add more dishes.
- Caveatu/orionus in r/chicagofood · Dec 2024
Feels Mako pushed to reach a higher tier than suits it; favors Juno instead.
- Recommendsu/wimbs27 in r/chicago · Feb 2024
Names Mako as a direct answer to the real-wasabi question.
- Recommendsu/notapresident in r/chicagofood · Jan 2024taste
Calls Mako unbelievable, conditional on being willing to accept its cost.
More maps in Chicago, United States
- Places to visit in Chicago
- Best restaurants in Chicago
- Best steak in Chicago
- Museums in Chicago
- Best pizza in Chicago
- Best burgers in Chicago
- Best cafés in Chicago
- Best breakfast in Chicago
- Best bars in Chicago
- Best ramen in Chicago
- Indian restaurants in Chicago
- Best brunch in Chicago
- Best seafood in Chicago
- Bookstores in Chicago
- Parks in Chicago
Did this page answer your question?
Freshness
Details last checked 11 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.