AraOn

Reviews 8

TH

Thomas Cameron

My wife and I brought our 6- and 10-year-old daughters to Chicago for spring break. We decided to check out AraOn because its right across the street from the JW Marriott where were staying. When we first walked in, the hostess came across as ever so slightly condescending when she asked if we had reservations - it was Monday night at about 8, and the place was *maybe* half full. She seated us, and she came back to take our order a few minutes later. I asked my wife if she was getting a weird vibe from the hostess/waitress, and my wife had the same impression I did. Nothing overt, but definitely a weird sort of "looking down her nose" feeling. We started with edamame for us, miso soup for my oldest daughter. The owner of the place came out to bring the edamame, and he was incredibly kind and gracious. The edamame was salted with the standard sea salt, and also spiced with a red crushed pepper. They were very good. I ordered the Sushi Combo Platter ($26) listed as "chefs selection of 6 pieces of nigiri and a spicy tuna maki." My wife ordered the Miso Yaki salmon bento box ($23). My 10-year-old daughter asked for crab rangoon for her entree, and my 6-year-old just wanted mac and cheese, so we ordered the smoked cheddar and bacon mac and cheese. The owner came out again to deliver the crab rangoon, and he brought an extra plate for my youngest - great touch to keep the kids from fussing. He was effusive in his welcome, and really nice to all of us. Then he came out and gave my wife and me a squid salad (not on the menu) to try. The squid was smoky and perfectly prepared, both of us were really impressed. When our meals came out, I was really blown away by the size of my plate. There was some really beautiful sashimi, tuna, salmon and (I think) yellowtail. There was also a really nice tempura shrimp roll, an eel roll, and five pieces of sushi (salmon, tuna, yellowtail, squid, and I cant remember the 5th piece, sorry). I was not expecting any sashimi at all, and only one roll. I was amazed at how light and flavorful the sashimi was, and how rich the sushi was. The tempura shrimp roll was perfect, and the eel roll was just... jaw dropping. A lovely touch was that they used sprinkles of real gold leaf on the tuna sashimi. My daughters were fascinated, and I will admit it impressed me. He claimed that eating the gold would purify me. No science to that, but it sounded great. Now, I am certainly not a sushi connoisseur, but Ive had really good sushi all over the globe. This was easily in the top five places at which Ive ever eaten sushi & sashimi. The owner came over a couple of times during the meal to check on us, and he chatted with my daughters easily, bringing them to laughter several times. He really, really did a great job of making us feel welcome. To top the meal off, he brought us a really unique dessert - an Asian pear sherbet in a bed of ground fresh ginger, resting in a shallow pool of pomegranate juice. He said that it would cleanse the mouth and aid in digestion. It was also really amazing. Ive never had a dessert like it before, and it was a beautiful end to a fantastic meal. When the check came, I finally put it together - I had ordered the "Sushi combo platter ($26)," but they had brought me (and charged me for) the "Ara-On Deluxe Platter ($46)." Normally, Id have been plenty upset that they brought me a meal almost twice the price of the one Id ordered, but between the comped squid salad, comped crab rangoon, comped desserts, and personal attention from the owner, I was really not upset about it at all. I choose to believe that it was an honest mistake. Even at nearly twice the price, the Ara-On Deluxe is absolutely worth it. All four of us walked away raving about the place. Ill definitely be back when I travel here next!

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DA

David Shih

Wow. What a wonderful experience. I didnt realize there was such a beautiful and elegant sushi restaurant in the Loop! My wife and I came for date night and I was immediately impressed by the spacious and really tasteful interior. The service was impeccable and our sushi was fresh and tasty. I felt the prices were about right for the level of service and quality of the food we had. But what made the experience standout was meeting the owner. He came by to see how we were doing and his friendly demeanor immediately made us feel like old friends. You can tell this place is his pride and joy and he works hard to make sure everyone has a top-notch experience. I highly recommend this restaurant for a business meal or a nice night on the town!

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GA

Gabrielle Penniman

One of the best sushi restaurants I have eaten at. I loved the French flare. The executive chef came to our table several times to see how we were doing and personally made us some yummy dishes to try that we hadnt ordered. Later we moved to the bar area and when our friend showed up to eat but the kitchen had already closed. The chef was walking out the door with his jacket and backpack for the night. He put everything down went into the kitchen and made 3 of the most delicious hand rolls for him at no charge. He said everyone deserves a good meal. We could not have had better service or a more delicious meal. Its a popular lunch spot so it was nice to have a quiet dinner with star treatment. I highly highly recommend!

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EU

Eunseong Kang

한국 음식이 먹고 싶을 무렵, 아라온에서 회덮밥을 맛있게 먹었습니다. 고추장과 김치도 맛있었구요. 서비스 좋습니다. 윌리스빌딩과도 가까운 시카고 금융가에 있으니까 접근성도 아주 좋습니다. 사장님이 한국분인데, 참 멋있게 사시는군요. 시카고를 방문하는 한국분들께 꼭 추천하고 싶습니다.

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A Private User

I was craving Sushi and was lured to Shikago by the reviews and proximity to my work but walked out sorely disappointed. I got the Windy City (Spicy Salmon, Cilantro, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Avocado, Topped with Sriracha) but for $12 and 30 minute wait, it wasnt worth it. The roll was tiny, two pieces didnt even have salmon in them, the spice overpowered all other flavors - including cilantro! I recommend going there for the atmosphere (inviting) but if youre serious about your sushi, youre better off going somewhere else.

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KI

Kihoon Cho

Great food. They have real Wasabi instead of regular horseradish with coloring. Sushi wasnt exquisite, but for the price, it was great. The service was just right that I find it very pleasant. The style of food is more Korean with Japanese tweak, but as a Korean, it was refreshing and tasty. Generally Korean food is very salty but this restaurant managed to make fusion Korean food with deep taste without overly making it salty. I would definitely visit again if I live around here.

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Robert Gallegly

The sushi was incredible. The owner kept bringing us special samples. Most definitely coming back here next time Im in town. Edit: Its the next time and I went back. It was well worth it!! Some of the sushi I had had kimchi in it. The thought of kimchi doesnt turn me on. But this was so good. The flavors blended so well. So far all that my coworkers and myself have tried has been incredible. That and the red velvet dessert!!

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Ashley Follenweider

GREAT experience at such a trendy, beautiful affordable place! The owner came over, introduced himself, and sent over two plates of free sushi! NYC vibes, friendly staff, perfect for young professionals and families alike. Extensive menu with lots to choose from- my dragon roll and sticky rice were my personal favorites but the waitress made stellar recommendations for my friends. Will DEFINITELY be back (:

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