KAI ZAN CHICAGO

Came to KAI ZAN for a birthday dinner and ordered the omakase. I found the transfer of least fatty to most fatty nigiri'sf an excellent touch for them repeating dishes. The adventurous and strange dishes were an welcome bold statement to the night. I don't want to spoil any of the other dishes but I do recommend KAI ZAN specifically for it's omakase as it's such great value for the price and the quality of the food. Service could be leveled up.

We came here for our wedding anniversary and they did not disappoint! The omakase was wonderful and intimate. From the salmon skin crisp (my husband will dream about this forever) to the flaming oyster, everything has its own charm. I love how attentive their staff was. They even overheard we were celebrating our anniversary so that so sweet of them to adorn the occasion. Wonderful experience, amazing food, I wish them nothing but the best!

I have mixed feelings about this place. The omakase menu is good, the fish is very fresh, and a few dishes from the tasting—like the oyster shooters and clams on fire—are quite unique. The atmosphere is intimate, and the noise level allows for comfortable conversation. Now, the downsides—and they are significant. Serving an 11-course tasting menu in 1.5 hours is simply not an appropriate timeframe. Being asked to leave because the table is booked next is also unheard of at most restaurants offering this type of dining experience. Imagine paying $500 for three guests, being rushed through your meal, and then asked to leave—it takes away from what should be an enjoyable, paced experience. At times, it felt more like a production line than a dinner. I found myself trying to keep up with the pace just to avoid having multiple plates stack up on the table—which, in fact, happened. For an omakase experience, reservations should allow at least 2.5 hours to properly enjoy the meal. Also, sparkling wine should be served colder than regular white wine. It’s surprising how often this basic detail is overlooked even at a fancier looking places. Had this meal cost $70/person, I would have given it 4 stars, but given the price we paid 3 stars feel more appropriate.