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Kamehachi Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Category: Restaurants Sushi Bars Sushi Bars [Edit]
1320 Shermer Rd(at Meadow Rd)
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 562-0064
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
34 reviews for Kamehachi Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Review Highlights
"do not miss the unagi and the dragon roll."
(in 4 reviews)
"...did; they have delicious Japanese food at reasonable prices."
(in 3 reviews)
"It was a bit loud, but the staff was very knowledgeable."
(in 3 reviews)
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34 reviews in English
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Review from Steve L.
Des Plaines, IL
10/26/2011 8 Check-ins Here
I love this place. I usually eat there once every week or two.
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Review from Steve S.
Chicago, IL
10/10/2011
I came here for a dinner meet with a couple of friends and we were craving sushi that wasn't too far. We chose Kamehachi because it was about 5 minutes away from the glen.
Just walking through the door I already had a bad feeling that this restaurant was going to be bad. The decor is gaudy, stereotypical, and the lights are nonexistent. It just screams RUN AWAY and that is what I wanted to do but I always give a restaurant one shot before I judge.
Management is not one of the highest priorities for this place. The waiters / waitresses just carry conversation with one another rather than serving their customers. Trying to get their attention for about 40 seconds, we got someone to come over and take our order. The waitress took our order and left.
So we waited... and waited... and waited some more and our food finally came out.
We started out with asparagus beef rolls and vegetable tempura. The asparagus beef tasted plain and had no flavor. I would have preferred just asparagus by itself than have it ruined with their cooking process. The vegetable tempura was nothing to get excited about. It was decent and would have been surprised if they messed it up.
Many of my friends ordered the soba and udon. None of them finished their dish because of how it tasted. I personally did not taste it so I could not tell you why they did not.
I got the spicy salmon deluxe and green turtle roll. The spicy salmon was half salmon and half sauce. I want the star of my sushi roll to be sushi not some sauce you mixed in with salmon. That is just my opinion though. The green turtle roll was decent but I could have done without the avocado. It seemed like it was prepared in the morning and served at night... it was dry...
To sum it up.. it is another Japanese restaurant owned / run by Koreans. that says enough about the place... it is not authentic and the way they prepare food is not even good enough to call sub-par. They have low quality fish and jack up the price. Go somewhere else. -
Review from Priscilla M.
Whiting, IN
1/22/2012
It was my husband's birthday and we drove from Indiana to lunch at this restaurant in Northbrook. We have limited knowledge about Sushi but wanted to try different types. Our server, Peter, sat down at our table and explained the types of sushi and the different menu items that they offer. He was very helpful and attentive during our entire meal. We enjoyed our food and will bring friends with us next time so they can also enjoy. Peter was great at listening to our needs and even brought out green tea ice cream with a candle in it for my husband. It was a great dining experience and we even talked with the manager, Colin about our waiter and the food.
Can't wait to plan another trip and bring friends!!! -
Review from S A.
Highland Park, IL
11/8/2011
The portions are rather large here - but that's likely due to an optical illusion made via gratuitous amounts of shredded jicama towering a foot high off of every plate.
Brian and I have been here twice. Both times it was Sunday night when the restaurant was more or less empty.
Service both times was okay - nothing over-the-top. Just a server to bring food and more or less walk away and leave us be.
For some reason the atmosphere doesn't really beg us to stay and enjoy the evening. The tables are neat on the main floor and the paintings are interesting... but we still feel like we're just in a cafeteria, not dinner guests.
Nevertheless there were at least four chefs at the sushi bar so we didn't feel like we were keeping anybody... too much.
We ordered a bento box (19.95) and a sort of sushi platter with at least 10 or 15 pieces of sushi on it (24.00). In addition it had piles and piles and piles of shredded jicama, parsley, and decoration.
The platter was enormous - my husband and I couldn't finish our meal with our two ferocious appetites.
The Bento Box had Tempura, an enormous, generous roll topped with roe and a mayonnaise, some sort of fried dumplings and fried fish, towering piles of shredded jicama, and a few pieces of sashimi.
Brian likes his fish plain but I enjoy nigiri because the rice soaks up my wasabi sauce. Unfortunately, between the two of us we were given very little rice and the waitress shied away after we received our food.
Huge plus - our water glasses were filled about every 5 minutes.
Surprisingly we made it out this time for less than $100. This is probably due to the fact that my husband stuck to H20. He had a tough experience last time ordering, and finishing, a whole bottle of Saki.
The Malbec I had before the meal was pretty yummy for an $8.00 glass.
The restaurant layout is one sprawling long room split up with the bars in the middle. It would probably feel way swankier if the lighting were better and there were other patrons besides us each time we came!
Both times we came, however, we felt like we were just there to eat - we didn't really feel like 'guests' but 'patrons', rather.
The server we had the first time was much more genial, welcoming.
So... all in all it's not like we're dying to go back. Some of the fish was outstanding but some was blech - like the salmon sashimi - it was very fatty!
I asked the server specifically for Roe (any kind, smelt, salmon, etc.) and octopus but there was just one shred of octopus on the plate and no roe. I would have been happier ordering individual pieces probably. My fault perhaps. -
Review from John S.
Northbrook, IL
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
By far my favorite sushi bar. Great food and service.
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Review from Luke S.
1/14/2011
I began coming here with my grandparents when I was in high school. It's very good quality sushi and a nice selection of Japanese menu items. Their Nabayeka Udon is out of this world. To be fair to Kamehachi I haven't tried any of their nontraditional sushi items. Next time I go I will be sure to get something off the beaten path.
Our service has always been good, but one time we were stuck at a table that had water dripping over us. They were very apologetic and I believe they took a few items off the bill. I'm not sure you will find a sushi/Japanese restaurant that is better in the area. -
Review from Keith A.
Wilmette, IL
1/14/2011
meh really does sum it all up best. Its okay sushi, nothing really spectacular and certainly edible, but its pretty darn expensive for just meh sushi.
I ordered up a variety of sushi and sashimi for a friend and I as he was in town. We got delivery from them and it took a bit as they are further away then wilmette, but no big deal. I got a sushi and sashimi platter that had a variety of tuna, salmon, whitefish and shrimp. The salmon and the tuna were good, but the whitefish and shrimp were pretty forgettable.
I also got 3 pieces of salmon sushi and 3 pieces of flounder. Again, the salmon was good and was the fastest to go, but the flounder was a bit tough.
The delivery got here right around the time that they said it would and they were very easy to deal with on the phone. The only real problems are that the prices are expensive and that its okay sushi. I think i'd rather find some other places that may offer up some better sushi the next time I'm getting the crave and I'm stuck in the burbs -
Review from Little Miss L.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2008
So...I may be a little biased here but...
Phooey to those beasties that say that this place isn't great. We are regulars there to the point that we have "our" server-Usa, and she is a phenom. She remembers all of the things we like and always brings us something new to try. She is funny, sweet and efficient.
I have traveled all over and have had sushi that was good and sushi that was dire (we will NOT go into detail here, folks...) The only place I have had better sushi was in Hawaii which was ruined by a Pauly Shore sighting (and YES...he did say "You DO know who I am don't you?" Dear God, we haven't heard from the Weee-----sel since like '91 right?)
Anyhoo...do not miss the unagi and the dragon roll...the bar is quite an experience too. The chefs are awesome, I usually just give them the reigns and end up leaving fat and happy. Even the sushi-weary populous would find something tasty on their menu. Seriously...try it. -
Review from J C.
Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL
3/11/2008
I've been to Kamehachi quite a few times and I really enjoy it. It has a nice atmosphere (although is sometimes a little loud, depending on how many people are there).
Before you get your food they serve you a small dish of this seaweed-like stuff with peas. I'm not sure what it is, but it's really delicious.
Usually when I go there I order the dragon roll or anago/unagi sushi. It's very refreshing and tasty.
I also highly recommend getting the green tea ice cream for dessert! It has a really nice flavor to it, and does not have that weird bitter taste that some green tea ice cream has. Try it! -
Review from Ericka A.
6/9/2010
As others mentioned, it has qualities similar to a well prepared grocery store roll. My Sunset Roll was edible, neither horrible nor memorable. While the rolls aren't much more expensive than anywhere else, I did see some items that were a bit pricey considering what you get.
The server and busboy were both pleasant and quick about their job. My soup and tea came out immediately and the roll followed shortly after. Tea was the best of the experience. The miso is alright, but a bit too watery for my taste. My roll was fresh, but simply lacked the amount of flavor I am used to from other sushi bars.
I liked the decor; it was probably the most true to what I imagine when I think of a Japanese restaurant. It was delightfully traditional and tastefully modern. However, the music was horrible - John Mayer and some cheap jazz bar type stuff. Not a fan. Why don't more places play music that seems more fitting?Listed in: I Think I'm Turning Japanese
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Review from Tricia L.
7/10/2009 1 photo
A spacious restaurant with plenty of tables inside, Kamehachi now has an outdoor patio on what used to be part of their parking lot. The entrance has always been in the back.
I've had sushi and some hot entrees from here, and they've been so-so. Go with teriyaki and tempura - hard to mess up. Prices are a little high. -
Review from Adam R.
12/4/2009
My grandfather fought in World War II, and I think secretly harbors resentment towards Japanese food as a result. I'll never be able to prove this, but it's my theory.
Anyway, I somehow was able to convince him to get sushi with my and my father one night when I was in town. He was skeptical, but I think just wanted to make me happy, as grandfathers tend to do.
Wouldn't tell him what was in the rolls, just told him to eat. Couldn't get him to use chop sticks, just his fingers. Was amused when he was overly liberal with his use of soy sauce. But pleasantly surprised when he ordered seconds.
Since that meal, he denies liking sushi or even having eaten it in the past. But I'll always remember the night when Kamehachi turned my grandfather into a sushi-eater, even if it was only for a few hours. -
Review from Kevin S.
Chicago, IL
3/17/2008
My family goes to Kamehachi a lot, mainly because it is good Japanese food at a reasonable price. While there are other Japanese places in the northwest suburbs that are better, they are also more expensive.
The food here is pretty good and I like the atmosphere of the place. Everyone here is pretty friendly, too. If you're in the area and are craving some Japanese food, give this place a shot. -
Review from Anne W.
8/13/2007
Ehhh... another sushi place that is okay.. but not great.
The best specialty rolls are really too creamy (aka mayo-ey) for my taste. Not bad.. but not really creative.
Reasonable prices though. Service is mediocre. -
Review from Skazoo M.
Northbrook, IL
1/14/2007
Right in downtown Northbrook so parking is easy and I've never seen it more than half full. The interior is clean and quite nice - panels divide the room into different sections without making you feel closed off from the rest of the restaurant and the lighting "pools" around the tables giving a greater sense of space.
Service is also excellent - quick, knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive.
So why only 3 stars? To be fair, I'd give them 3.5 stars if I could. But I can't give it 4 stars because the sushi is just OK. I've never had bad sushi from Kamehachi (the dreaded "bait taste") but their sushi just isn't as wonderfully flavorful as other restaurants I've been to. Not to be mean, but I've had OK sushi from the grocery store that tasted on par with Kamehachi.
So when I want some good sushi, I usually opt for Sushi Kushi instead. -
Review from Chris M.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2007
I've read the other reviews and their is a reason why the place is never more than half full....it ain't the greatest sushi in town. I've never had a bad time here, and I've never had a bad meal either. I've just never had anything outstanding at Kamahachi....except for the dragon roll that's surrounded by avocado goodness. This is the winner here for me.
I'll say it again, if you live in the area and want great sushi, go to Fujiyama on Dundee just east of Landweir. Best Sushi ever. -
Review from Donn A.
Chicago, IL
7/10/2007
I had what I call "the staples" when I had dinner at Kamehachi - a sushi platter and cha soba (green tea noodles with dipping sauce) - food that really don't leave much room for error unless they use substandard sushi rice and it all falls apart or screws up rolling the noodles. Being my staples though, I'd say the cha soba was pretty good, and the sushi well prepared.
We had the shrimp and vegetable tempura and agedashi tofu for appetizers. Again, dishes that a professional chef can't really screw up. (Dip in batter and fry, for crying out loud.) My friend had the gindara which she said tasted really fresh, the flesh being firm and all that.
The ambiance was quiet enough to carry good conversation, but not so that you can hear the conversation two tables down without consciously eavesdropping. It's not as easy on the pocket (what good Japanese restaurant is?), but it's not gregariously overpriced either for the quality and portions. -
Review from Joanne B.
1/13/2010
The Quest for sushi with a $50 Groupon:
We arrived at 5 pm to a 1/4-filled restaurant. Before we can say we had a reservation, we were seated at a table for two by the window. A few seconds later, the hot towels and some seaweed arrived. The mostly courteous staff let us look over the menu while my fiance and I tried to figure out what to use with our $25 each.
After quite a bit of time contemplating what tasty morsel to partake, the waiter came by and took our order. I ordered the Combination dinner and a tuna roll. My raw fish-fearing fiance ordered the pork katsu, gyoza, and a single tamago. Our first course, miso soup, came out shortly after. The soup was ok, but lacked tofu. The rest of our meal came out soon afterwards.
The busboys seemed to be having a contest on who could pick up plates the fastest. The second we were done with a course or even using a napkin, they would come at warp speed and take our dishes aways. This gave a feeling of being somewhat rushed. They also kept on refilling our waterglasses every 10 minutes.
The food itself was great. There was a lot of it. My tempura was a little greasy and the sushi rolls seemed a little on the small end. My fiance ended up taking home a lot of his pork katsu.
We were quite stuffed afterwards when our waitress came out and told us we had $1 left and we had to use it. The whole, now half-full, restaurant must of heard us grown. We had to get dessert. We decided on mochi because it was the smallest thing possible. The mochi was nothing special.
Our journey was finally complete. -
Review from Elena A.
Queens, NY
1/7/2009 5 Check-ins Here
I am a regular here and love everything. Not only is the food consistently delicious, but the service (servers, sushi chefs, bussers, bartenders, managers) are all amazing. Kamehachi has a "Cheers"-like atmosphere for me - I'm on a name-basis with much of the staff & they always remember me even if I've been gone for a while.
Whenever I come home, I always make it a point to stop by Kamehachi. -
Review from Michele B.
Long Grove, IL
12/13/2010
I dined her as well as had it at a catered event and was not blown-away. The restaurant decor was really nice and clean. It was a bit loud, but the staff was very knowledgeable. We were here for a graduation dinner and the chef prepared a very unusual dish, that to this day I still don't know what I tried. The effort was great, but I was not a fan of the dish. I thought it was a bit pricey as well. I had several varieties of rolls at the catered event and tho fresh and tasty, I thought there was more rice than filling. My quest for great sushi continues.
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Review from Marion J.
Northbrook, IL
6/6/2007
I would not say it was awful, but considering the price, it was real bad.
I would say, it was edible, I ate it all. but I was expecting WAY better.
If I did not know it was $22 for 2 rolls, and I tastedi t, I would have said it was a really good supermarket sushi. I have seen the chefs at the restaurant and I dont mean to be disrespectful but it really felt like those industrial sushi in a little better.
(FYI,I had the dragon roll and the summer roll)
For those interested, the restaurant's decor and atmosphere was pretty nice. -
Review from Randy S.
Deerfield, IL
1/12/2011
Best Sushi restaurant on the North Shore. I eat at many different Sushi joints, and enjoy the variety and different presentations so I don't pick just one, but Kamehachi Northbrook's sushi quality is top-notch. Service at time is very slow but the food quality is worth the wait. Prices can be high.
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Review from Richard O.
Northbrook, IL
2/12/2009
Pretty good food and I really like the restaurant everything is new and comparable. It is a strange lay out the front of the restaurant is actually the back they have it in reverse creating confusion. The chicken wing appetizer was really big it didn't appear Japanese style. The sushi was good and the seafood was also good. Overall it was a good restaurant and I may come back the prices are reasonable.
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Review from David S.
Northbrook, IL
12/16/2006
We probably go to this place the most after Akai Hana. My mother-in-law really loves their seaweed pre-course. It's very tasty. Their parking is very good, the only thing I miss is their Japanese garden and koi pond. If you want some sushi and you're in downtown Northbrook, give this place a try.
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Review from Vicky C.
2/12/2009
I'm impressed of their decor, very nice and its a big restaurant, I feel so comfortable when I was sitting in there, good selection menu of Sushi, nice rolls selection, if you are not too into sushi they still have a plenty of Japanese dishes selection for you like beef, chicken, seafood and bento..etc, I really need at least 5 minutes to read their menu! Service was good, I tried some of their rolls, taste pretty good! Appetizer I'm not suggest to order Japanese style fried chicken wings, taste just so so, overcooked and too much breading they used. I got their seafood combination for entrees, big portion, taste pretty good! Their price is reasonable, I guess it's good to have Kamehachi of Tokyo in northbrook area.
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Review from Kim C.
Chicago, IL
10/13/2008
I usually go to the location in downtown Chicago, but was in the suburbs one day and really wanted some Japanese food. Kamehachi is reasonable Japanese food at reasonable prices. I've been there often enough and have tried a pretty good variety of things, from sashimi to rolls to entrees.. Nothing is truly knock-your-socks-off amazing, but then again I come from the San Francisco Bay Area where Japanese food is both authentic and cheap. All in all, this place does a good job of satisfying my Japanese food cravings without burning a hole in my wallet.
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Review from Alan R.
5/4/2007
Kamehachi half full? I can't imagine when that would ever happen. It has always been packed when I have been here. I LOVE their seaweed salad that is placed at everyone's table when you are sat. The fact that I am usually the only one in the party that eats also bodes well for me. I have never actually had their sushi, but their regular Japanese entrees are very good. My last time there I had the Salmon Teriyaki. They also have tasty Miso soup, a good salad and the shumai and pot stickers are a good option for apps. A good place for a casual and reasonable date, or for carry out for a night in. Northbrook is becoming a very good restaurant town.
Listed in: Asian
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Review from Cindy R.
Chicago, IL
3/23/2007
This is a city-style place in the suburbs... Their sushi is excellent and the decor quite nice. The prices are fairly high but for quality sushi it's recommended.
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Review from Jessica H.
Philadelphia, PA
3/22/2009
So THIS was the Kamehachi that we had hoped to find in the last Chicago excursion. This time I was playing in the 'burbs with my friend and she took me here for dinner (who knew that sushi made for great hang-over food)? We let her husband control the ordering and we ended up sharing 8 maki among 4 of us. Presentation was great, ingredients were fresh, and satisfaction was had. The seaweed salad that was served when we sat down was different and very enjoyable - I could have had a larger bowl. The price was downright cheap too.
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Review from Ken H.
Lincolnwood, IL
2/15/2010
I've eaten here a couple of times and have enjoyed it. The setting is pretty nice overall. The dining room is spacious and comfortable - so very different from the cramped quarters at the Wells location. The look is upscale, but still casual. The service was very good as well, even on a fairly busy night. The bus staff is very quick to take away empty dishes and refill water glasses.
The food was good, if a bit pedestrian. We had sushi and the quality seemed to be fine. I thought the portions were a bit small compared to other Japanese places I frequent. The selection overall looked excellent, with several creative rolls, if you are looking for that sort of thing.
The value is ok. It's not a steal, but you leave feeling like you got your money's worth.
I'd give it another half a star if I could, but it's not a four star place in my book. It's a nice setting with good food and service. It's nice for a quiet dinner after a movie kind of place. -
Review from Eric W.
Evanston, IL
6/26/2008
A best friend introduced me to Kamehachi, and I am sure glad she did; they have delicious Japanese food at reasonable prices. Being a vegetarian, I do love vegetable sushi but so many places use dry bland vegetables with rice... how boring is that? Kamehachi makes the best vegetable maki I have ever had... Fresh crisp vegetables, marinated shitake mushrooms, and avocado all wrapped up!!! It's really great! I also love their vegetable spring rolls which have the same marinated shitake mushrooms, fresh veggies, rice noodles, and cilantro all wrapped in colorful rice paper and served with delicious dipping sauce and lime. Being across from the Village Green park, my friend and I usually get takeout and eat in the park when it's nice... although eating inside is great also since it has a very nice atmosphere and the staff is very friendly. Kamehachi is a gem!
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Review from Bob B.
Highland Park, IL
11/11/2010
So-so. That says it all. Service was very good, decor was fine, place was a little loud but not terrible. But the sushi was just OK. Same for the portions. The miso soup was weak and uninteresting. It's easy enough to find better , more creative sushi for the same price nearby, so, except for the nice ambience, why bother?
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Review from C T.
Chicago, IL
11/11/2010
Best spicy scallop roll I've tried at any Japanese restaurant. These guys have fresh fish. I've been back many times... and they have been consistent every time.
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Review from Scott C.
Glenview, IL
12/14/2007
I have eaten here twice. The menu featured your basic selection of Sushi items. I ordered basic Nigiri choices and some Salmon Sashimi. The kids had rice rolls and chicken teriyaki. Overall the food was good and the fish was fresh. The only downside for me is that I really like specialty rolls and the selection here was not too strong.
