Fujiyama Japanese Restaurant
3057 Dundee Rd, Northbrook, IL, 60062
Fujiyama Japanese Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Northbrook for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
3057 Dundee Rd
Northbrook, IL, 60062 - Phone (847) 714-1319
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Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Carl F.
When I first walk in I was thinking this place was going to be a success. Now, I've been around to many Sushi type places, which includes living several years in Japan so I'm not a novice at this particular cuisine. When I looked over the menu there were the typical maki, however most of the rolls were what I would call, craft rolls. Meaning the owner here has their own set of rolls. I like this for it is always nice to come across a roll which my palate has never tasted before, so yet again I took this as another sign of good fortune. However, it all went down hill once the three rolls came to the table. Tried my first pice and it was overly bitter. Strike 1. Then I went to my second roll and it was loosely packed so it fell apart just at the mere pinch of the chop-sticks. Strike 2. The third roll looked really good, however, I found the salmon dry and not very fresh. Strike 3. I was hungary, so I had a few more pieced but I simply was not enjoying the meal and decided to cut my losses and left. (I satisfied my hunger cravings by ducking into Ted & Ed's, just next door.) On top of all this I personally found the prices several dollars more per roll than what one can find elsewhere. Sorry Fujiyama, but too many strikes in one visit for me to come back again.
(1)Faith L.
I read the good reviews of this place and decided to give it a shot while we were in the neighborhood. It was worth the trip into the burbs. People are right when they say it has a down home feel. It's small, cozy and simple. The fish is fresh and delicious. One of the things I liked most if all is they still include little touches like giving you the hot hand towels when you sit down and sweet sliced oranges when you are done. I wish this place was closer to where I live because it's the only place I would go to get sushi.
(4)Jody B.
I came here for lunch with a colleague. It's a great place to meet and talk. We shared a few types of maki. All were delicious and fresh. Irene steered us to our choices after she asked us a few questions about what we would like. I had a hot tea to drink, and someone was always there to make sure my cup was full. It was ver convenient, no hassle... All in all no complaints.
(3)Regina S.
Zero stars. Incredibly bad customer service. Waitress actually yelled at me when I asked for help re. not too spicy or fried sushi. I should have paid attention to all the reviews that complained about the poor, crass service from Irene the owner and waitress. This ruined my dining experience and it will be my first and last visit.
(1)Diana D.
This place is delicious! I've been here several times and each time the sushi is super fresh and the sashimi pieces are huge. The salmon and super white tuna sashimi are a must! Just wish the prices weren't so steep so I can enjoy the deliciousness more often. If it's your first time here, just ask Irene what she recommends..she won't steer you wrong!
(4)Danielle S.
This place is very small, family owned, and very friendly. Everyone who was eating there seemed to know the owners personally. The sushi was pretty good, but anything out of the ordinary and really interesting was likke $18/roll. My friend ordered a stew of some sort that I thought was pretty plain, but he liked it. I am also surprised they don't have carry out. It wasn't bad at all, but not my favorite place.
(4)Anna S.
This place is great. Irene is strict but nice as long as you don't give a load of bs to listen to. As far as take out goes, their policy is if its not busy, they will take an order. Just call and ask. I got take out for lunch today, when I called she said it was fine and they would do it. 30 minutes later when I got there, there wasn't a single open table but they still had our food all set to go within about 2 minutes! It was all hot (Chicken teriyaki) and the sushi was about as fresh as possible since I watched him cutting and packing it at the sushi bar. It's a small place with just Irene and another girl front of house and the owner as the sushi chef and someone in the kitchen in back. It's small but really popular, its always full when I go there for anything. Give them a break, when they can, they will help you out and do carry out.
(4)John V.
The best sushi around! A small place with good service. I won't eat sushi anywhere else!
(5)Joelle S.
By far the best sushi around! Irene and Paul, the owners are there at all times. He is the sushi master, she is the waitress. His artfully designed sushi rolls taste as good as they look. My favorites are the summer roll, super spider and I adore the shrimp tempura. The miso soup and salad are delish! Try the red bean ice cream for a tastey treat. The prices are a bit high, but the food is really top-notch quality. I don't go often but do love it when I get to treat myself!
(4)Collin M.
After reading the reviews here, I was expecting to be blown away; instead, I was merely satisfied. The sushi is decent and fresh. The rolls were falling apart in places, the ends tended not to be as filled as the middle, and there seemed to be many rolls with diced/mixed fish rather than whole slices. That being said, it was a fairly priced dinner as long as you don't order anything too fancy. The basic rolls are reasonably-priced (~$6), but the fancier one's are priced through the roof (~$18). The service was good: my water glass was never empty and we were never waiting. Atmosphere-wise, it's a nice quiet place to sit with a couple people and chat. If you're looking for trendy and hip, look elsewhere. Overall, it was a decent dinner at a good price; that being said, I probably won't be back as there is better sushi to be had at other places in the area.
(3)Marko V.
ARE YOU SERIOUS, IRENE?!?! How do you do it? The sushi is so incredibly good for a small joint in the North Suburbs of Chicago that I don't get how it is possible. It's as good as the best sushi in the city, but half the price (watch out, Mirai). Absolutely a hidden gem. I shouldn't even be writing this, I don't want more people to find out about it. Your dining experience at Fujiyama undoubtedly begins when you are greeted by Irene, 1/2 of the husband-wife ownership team. This place is small and thusly crowded quite often, but we were the only people in the restaurant at 8:15 on a Thursday (closes at 9). As mentioned in other reviews, there are many regulars, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours. Irene will take care of you if she likes you, no doubt. Just don't get on her bad side, because she means business. Lucky for me I have managed to stay in her good graces for a number of years. Pre-meal hot towels? Baller. Miso Soup? Hits the spot. Double Spicy, Crunch Midura....yes, I will eat you now and come back for more at a later date. Oh, AND I get an orange after my meal??? ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!
(5)Christopher S.
People on Yelp gave this place stellar reviews but I found it to be a little overpriced. So much so that I actually didn't get any sushi... I instead I got the fish stew and it was delicious. However it didn't knock me out of the park and the free side of edamame that we usually get at Hanabi would of cost us. All the other customers seemed to know the staff personally...which means they get a lot of regulars so the food must not be terrible... I just wasn't blown away. My wife got the sushi and said the same thing so I feel safe in saying you can get better value for sushi by looking else where. I suggest checking them out because they have a variety of menu options that are very Japanese and taste great but I wouldn't come back here for sushi. Summary: Good food Over priced Sushi Good staff Authentic
(4)Rachel S.
Ahhh Fujiyama....I miss you....Living in the city, I've never found a sushi place with as high quality fish as Fuji....Paul and Irene run a tight ship.....a small ship, so plan ahead...they get busy during meal times. I've always found both of them to be cordial and the customer service was always good. They have a nice variety of rolls and as I said the fish quality is top notch...places I would never try something like Tekka Don at, I tried it and loved it here. GREAT restaurant!!!!
(5)Chester W.
This place was excellent... your in Chicago so don't expect the greatest variety of fish, but it was all very fresh. Rolls looked good too, but I let the silly gaijin order that stuff.
(4)Cecilia T.
3.5 stars, maybe even 4 for the one dish that I tried. I ordered the Tempura Udon which isn't actually on the menu but is available for 10.95. I wasn't really expecting anything good because this place is just located in a strip mall and the ambience is a bit dingy for a sit down japanese restaurant and for their high prices. But surprisingly the Tempura Veggies and Shrimp was fried PERFECTLY. I was really really surprised at how fresh and lightly crisp their tempura tasted. The Udon broth flavor was very basic but still tasted good. Definitely the tempura was the standout. I'll have to come back and see if i like anything else here. I've never had their sushi.
(3)Emily E.
I called yesterday at 12:45pm, asking if they had Tonkatsu. They did, and when I proceeded to ask if I could order it for carry out, the woman who answered the phone told me they don't have carry out and hung up on me. What restaurant DOESN'T have carry out? I have an extremely busy schedule and cannot sit down and eat lunch, nor can I spend 15 minutes sitting in a restaurant waiting for it. They just lost a customer.
(1)Barry J.
stay away!!!!! i don't understand why and how this place has such high reviews??? the service is horrible, and the owner is this very unpleasant lady who makes the dining experience something out of a Seinfeld episode with the soup Nazi. down the street is a wonderful sushi restaurant Kamehachi, with excellent food, service, and decor, same pricing if its an issue. do yourself a favor and have a meal where you are appreciated as a customer and a person
(1)Rebecca G.
Yummmmy! Chef Paul, the owner, has come up with some great maki combinations. My favorite was the Sapporo role with fresh squid, salmon, cucumber and crunch on the outside. If I'm in Northbroook again anytime soon, I will definitely come back.
(4)Chris M.
Double Spicy Tuna Rolls, enough said!! Oh wait, no, there's alot more to this little family owned sushi joint. The service is excellent as the waitress, Irene, will help you pick out anything she thinks you might like. She is the only waitress who works there, and her husband is the only one who makes the rolls. So basically you know what you're getting everytime you go. Shrimp Tempura rolls are also a hit, but the double spicy is where it's at! I have not found a better roll in my life, and that stacks up against the likes of a lot of downtown sushi joints as well. Come to Fujiyama if you like sushi and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Adele S.
I'll admit I'm not that into sushi but my husband and daughter love it. It was worth it watching my daughter kill 12 pieces of unagi roll. I had the chicken teriyaki and it was the best I've had, at least at the 2 local Japanese restaurants I've been to. The portion was huge and I ended up sharing it with my husband and daughter. The service was very attentive, water always full, dishes removed promptly. The decor was understated but I'm not there for decor-I want tasty food, a clean table, a server who knows I'm there. I wasn't disappointed; we had a very pleasurable experience. I liked that the owner was on a first name basis with many of the families dining, it was very friendly and cozy. We will definitely return.
(4)Tim R.
Yose Nabe, the fish stew is delicious. The broth is always perfect and it can be split between two people easily while ordering a roll or two on the side. One downside is that this place is a bit on the pricier side, but it is conveniently located for me. The owner is also a bit "in your face" (overly talkative, at least for me)... some people may think of this as good service, but for people like me who like peace and quiet while eating, just a heads up of the service you can expect, because the restaurant is so small.
(3)Jessica S.
I went here with friend for lunch today. The food was good, it's a small restaurant that's in a strip mall so be prepared for that type of atmosphere. The sashimi platter looked like the best thing that was served. They have some very interesting rolls that are different then a lot of the places I have been lately. I would stay away from the Bento box I was not overly impressed. The teriyaki mackerel was great I had a bit of my friends. For a quick place to pick something up I would recommend this restaurant.
(3)Lisa M.
This is my favorite place to go for Sushi in the suburbs. The Double Spicy Roll is by far the best!! I don't know what exactly it is about it, but there are two rows each with a different creamy sauce on top that taste like heaven. The place is small, so there is sometimes a wait for a table.
(4)Peter S.
When my friends, my family and/or I want good authentic Japanese food or sushi, Fujiyama is first on our list. My folks and I have regularly eaten there since 1989, and always enjoy ourselves. The food is fantastic, because the ingredients are always fresh (I've been there to see them get a shipment before), and the preparation is genuine Japanese style with superior attention to detail. I regularly order their chirashi, but I'm also impressed with their cooked dinners as well. Having grown up steeped in Asian culture (and Japanese culture, in particular), I know how to conduct myself in a Japanese restaurant and always get very good service. In Japan, it's not unheard of for a respected sushi chef to toss a customer on their ear, for looking at something funny - they're the experts, and you're honored to have them prepare food for you. Luckily, they're not nearly as formal, but I'm still on my best behavior. My folks regularly engage the owners in conversation, when there's time, as do many of the other regulars. I too have had chances to talk with the owners at length, and they're quite friendly with my roommate and I. Having eaten at, and knowing employees of, many other local Japanese restaurants - I know that Fujiyama has a good reputation for no-nonsense, authentic fresh Japanese cuisine. Fujiyama a quaint small location, nestled in the end of a strip mall, with very spartan decor. Their menu selection is modest, but all VERY good. This is where you go when you want to have bona fide top-notch Japanese food, as the expert chef and cooks have intended. If you're a picky eater, who often needs to make lots of adjustments to their order, I cordially recommend going somewhere else (they'll gladly recommend Wildfish, Pacific Rim, Kegon, Sushi Kushi Toyo, and other local places better suited for such). If you're looking for million dollar ambiance or entertainment, you'll probably be left wanting (try Wildfish, Kegon, Benihana, or Ron of Japan). It's a VERY SMALL restaurant, with only 9 tables and a few seats at the bar, so there's a chance you might get turned away - it's first come, first served. The limited staff work very hard to serve you, but they don't always have time to explain the whole menu when it get's busy. Fujiyama is the kind of restaurant to visit if you're already familiar with Japanese dishes or seafood, and/or have faith in the cooks and sushi chef. For those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine at very competitive prices, I heartily recommend Fujiyama. I've never once been disappointed by their food or service. I'm always humble, when I visit, as I genuinely feel they're doing us a favor by staying in business. I enjoy most of the other Japanese restaurants in the area, for many reasons, but Fujiyama always stands out as having the best Japanese food.
(5)Laura G.
I went here the other day for lunch with a friend who raves about the fresh fish and delicious rolls. Although I was not blown away, the sushi is very fresh in a quaint setting. I really enjoyed the Tuna midori roll. We also got the Larry's special, which was tuna in a cup with scallions and some sort of spicy mayo sauce. While delicious, the tiny cup of tuna was overpriced. The brittle tuna at Sushi Kushi is very similar, and the portions are much more generous. A good suburban spot for a quick lunch date but make sure to look at prices before ordering!
(3)Mad D.
My favorite sushi place in Chicago metro area. Sushi selection is not as wide as in some other places that carry more exotic fish but what they do have is of uncompromised quality. It may not be a foofy place to impress a girl on a first date but if you are longing for some great quality sushi, look no further.
(5)Cori R.
I craze the spicy tuna roll in a soy wrap all the time. I laugh because I have actually gotten my kids hooked as well as many friends.
(4)Cami P.
If you like sushi with amazing quality do not miss out on Fujiyama! The restaurant is run by husband and wife- Paul (Chef) and Irene (Waitress) and it is excellent. It's a small place, often packed around dinner time, with exceptional sushi. You can see Paul making the sushi the entire time and it is so fresh and delicious. I always order the Summer roll and Spicy tuna- both are amazing. The Nigiri is also great- huge pieces of fish over a bit of rice. I love that this sushi place focuses more on the fish instead of the rice- such great flavors with every bite. And for dessert they give you a beautiful piece of fruit- an orange in the Summer and Cantaloupe near fall. Do not miss out!
(5)Michael C.
The best sushi in the Chicago area. I believe that they buy better quality fish than most. The menu has the classics and then a bunch of specials including many created by the guests like me who come here frequently. It's run by a husband and wife team and you can tell they really care and take pride in what they do. Wait service and bus service is prompt and courteous. Your water glass won't be empty for long. I go for the crunch spice tuna rolls. Fatty tuna is a worthwhile splurge when they have it. If you have someone in your party who is not a sushi lover, the chicken teriyaki is very good. I've snuck a bite from my daughter more than once. If you go there now than once, Rose will have have you on a first name basis and will have your favorites memorized.
(5)Kimberly B.
Small place, but it is really good. I generally go for quality. It was super yummy, not overpriced and it's definitely a popular sushi bar among the locals around here. I was visiting a friend and I have to say he was right. Visitors-- if they're open, check it out.
(4)Diana P.
Hands down one of the freshest sushi restaurants in the Northshore. Owners are always there and sushi rolls are unique, tasty and fresh. A tad much on the sauce for my twist but that's something I just ask for less of when ordering. Very small place in a strip mall, nothing fancy-very casual. They get a lot of repeat customers and the owner knows everyone who comes in a few times. Once you get hooked, you won't want to go elsewhere. Recently came here with 6 girls for a night out and we all enjoyed the food.
(4)Marshall D.
The food is always great. Some of the best in the North-shore!!!
(5)Natalie B.
An average restaurant that is completely underwhelming. I agree completely with Scott C's review. I wasn't impressed with anything here and frankly I'm unsure how anyone gave Fujiyama 5 stars.
(2)Matt D.
I thought long and hard about this one and settled on four stars for now. Let's start with the service that seems to be the topic of many reviews. Personally, I don't mind conversation with the staff when I'm in for a casual dinner. I found both owners to be friendly, but stern. They got a little cranky on the phone with people trying to order takeout, and they explained that it is a constant request that they only allow for regular customers. The reason: sushi is not good when it travels in the summer, and the owner does not want to compromise on the quality. I find it honorable that he doesn't want to compromise his high standards, but I'm sure it can be off-putting to many. I enjoyed all the sushi. I found the cuts to be extremely fresh and the cuts were large. Also, I really liked that he makes his spicy mixes to order. To me, the rice is nearly as important as the fish, and Fujiyama has excellent rice: sticky, a little flavor, and not too much of it. The miso soup is definitely homemade and has a pleasant, dark broth, while the salad and its dressing were excellent. If the special rolls are at the same level as the chef's special sushi, I'll be editing this to five stars.
(4)Russ A.
Not sure why one bad review esp. on service. Anyway, this restaurant is quite a gem. It is a family owned and operated by a husband, Paul, who is the head sushi chef and a wife, Irene, who takes care of the services in the front. They have been proudly serving high quality fresh sushi for so many years. Their tempura and teriyaki dishes are also head & shoulder above others. The service is outstanding, friendly and low-key. The restaurant is nice, clean with modest decoration and not pretentious. It is like having a meal at your friend's house. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant for your next sushi meal or cooked Japanese food like tempura, teriyaki, tonkatsu or udon.
(5)Natasha R.
Fujiyama deserves 5 stars for the sushi, because they are THAT delicious and incredibly fresh. I eat a lot of sushi and have been to many restaurants in the suburbs. I used to come here with my sister a long time ago and remember it was always good, but then we found Tatami (which has since gone down) and I stopped coming to Fujiyama. I decided to give it a try a few months back and came back again last week as I was craving it so bad. Out of all the sushi places in the 'burbs, Fujiyama has by far the freshest sushi ever. Their menu isn't too extensive, but that's how it should be in a real, authentic restaurant. The prices are fairly steep, but you pay for quality here. All the rolls I've had were delicious - Spicy tuna, ebiku, ebi tempura, Doba roll and Fujiyama roll. Last week, I ordered a roll that was pink around the fish, but I forgot the name - it was AMAZING! Service is pretty good, but last time, i had ordered 5 rolls and a few sushi pieces, but they never brought out the 5th roll because the busboy who wasn't supposed to serve us, took the sushi from the chef without checking. I didn't mention anything because we were full, but the check had the 5th roll on there, so of course, I asked to take it off. My other issue is that they don't really take carryout orders - i called once and they said they were too busy, which I find a tad ridiculous. When we were eating inside, a couple came in wanting to order for carryout, but they gave somewhat of an attitude at first, though they honored their request of two rolls. Take away the service issue, this is a 5 star restaurant in the suburbs and I highly recommend it to anyone who knows and loves their sushi.
(4)Julia Q.
This is the greatest sushi place in Northbrook if not the entire North Shore. You have to go here!!! the other sushi restaurants in NB/Glenview pale in comparison. BluFish- pretty good but no comparison Kamehachi - NASTY don't even know how this place still exists RA - great for happy hour cheap sushi and drinks but again not that great The fish is fresh and delicious I always get the double spicy roll and pieces of salmon. Irene is always waiting on people while her husband Paul makes the sushi. They have a great vibe but if you don't know them can be a bit cold, so be prepared for that. This is not the place for a fancy atmosphere - it's no frills sushi but some of the best I have ever had. Alcohol selection is very subpar but again this is a sushi focused place, you can get some wine and beer but thats about it. The sea urchin here is always beautiful and delicious as well. You HAVE to get the double spicy roll before you leave northbrook!! its essential
(5)Heidi L.
Great little authentic Japanese place in my neighborhood. We went on a Friday evening around 7pm because I was craving sushi. The place was packed but luckily there was one little table available for us. Since this place is authentic, don't expect your "fancy" rolls with cream cheese, melted cheese, or flaming alcoholic rolls that you see all over the menus at places like RA or BluFish. Since I am pregnant, I can only eat fully cooked rolls, so I ordered the tempura shrimp roll. The waitress noticed I was pregnant and asked if I wanted the caviar that comes on it, I said nope! Roll was delicious... creamy avocado and good rice to filling ratio (not too much rice!). For our mains my husband got the unagi bowl and I got the mustard (?) chicken. I was wanting something a little more spicy/mustardy, but it was more of a honey mustard sauce. It was actually pretty tasty still but I wish they did not drown the chicken in the sauce. It came with a side of plain shredded cabbage which complimented the sauciness. My husband's unagi bowl was good but there were many little bones in the fish. Overall I'm very excited that there is such an authentic Japanese restaurant near our home, but if I am ever craving a crazy roll, I will head to BluFish and endure the wait there.
(5)James S.
Best sushi in Northbrook. Best sushi in suburbs. Fish is always fresh. Specialty rolls always delicious. Service is top notch. Once you get to know Irene and Paul they treat you like family. Every other sushi place I've been to in the suburbs pales in comparison.
(5)Chris V.
This is by far my favorite sushi place hands down. The hostess is great, the sushi is fresh and the overall experience is way above any other sushi place I've been to ANYWHERE. Note, for all the goodness this place brings, it is also one of the more expensive sushi places around. If you are on a budget, eat less. It's worth it.
(5)Hugo S.
Worst sashimi I have ever had. I was very disappointed because my date raved about this place. To save face I did not say anything so as not to make her feel bad. The pieces were very small, dried out and just unpleasing to the eye and palette. Hopefully, the more pedestrian offerings that resulted in the more favorable reviews of others would be the route to take at this restaurant. I will not be back again given the number of excellent alternative's in the area.
(2)Jane L.
great food, great service, great people. and then there's more...sweet traditional kyoto-style sushi prepared by a man who really puts his all (to the very littlest detail!) into how the fish is prepared for his customers :) i really appreciate all of the time and effort the owners put into each day (at least each time i have visited) and always look forward to going there again soon. i hope everybody else gets to experience the same experience i have had~~!
(5)Mar L.
Was ok, not ok for the price!
(2)Benji R.
I have been going to this little joint since I was in junior high (26 now) and this place is awesome. The fish is what runs the show here; compared to all the other sushi restaurants in Northbrook this place has the freshest and best quality fish. The tuna is always blood red, never that pale pink color, and all the different flavors are delicious. The soft shell crabs that they use both for their rolls and their appetizers are enormous and succulent. *A note on Fujiyama's rice* Single handedly my favorite sushi rice in all of Chicago. Paul (chef) has perfected his rice; it is both flavorful, and of a very pleasant mouth feel, that does not overpower the fish. Many times the rice is either too mushy or too "al dente" but this rice is just right! Also you do not get that overly vinegary flavor that other places have. The service at Fujiyama is also remarkable. Your water/tea/beverage glass is always full, and tables are bussed perfectly. The waitress there is great, but she is a bit old school and is not afraid to give you attitude if you deserve it. When you go there, remember to say your 'please & thank you's' and she will be the dearest lady. *Note* They do not do carryout. They are a small restaurant, and only can service their dine-in guests. This place has A LOT of regulars, and it does get super busy during dinner. You are always told when ordering about how long it will take to prepare your sushi, but do not be surprised to have to wait during peak hours. Definitely worth a trip!
(5)Josh B.
Good sushi place. It is a smaller place with 7-8 tables and a small sushi bar. The few times I have been here I have got the bento boxes also a few rolls. The fish always seems fresh and is satisfying. One of the better sushi places in northbrook.
(3)Jacqueline J.
This place is fantastic. My husband and I go here once a year when we visit our accountant in the northern burbs. They actually remember us and specifically what my husband likes and doesn't. The quality is top-notch, as good or better than what I get in the city. Service is wonderful. Very attentive. My only problem is the location, since I live in Chicago. I need to make a point to go here more than once a year. For those of you who live closer, treat yourself. It's so worth it.
(5)Anne W.
I really like this place a lot since my friend introduced me to it. The food is more Americanized sushi (there is a lot of mayo and crunch) instead of traditional fare. The decor is not impressive and sometimes you have to wait about 50 minutes for your sushi (there is only one sushi chef.. but the owner tells you when you order).. but their food and service is pretty good. My water and green tea cups are always filled. Their special rolls is what is worth getting. Sapporo Crunch Roll is very good. I thinkt the Five Men Out and Double Spicy Rolls are pretty good too. Their sashimi is also pretty good too. Don't get anything in the regular menu.. just stick to the sushi menu. EDIT: The last few times when I have frequented.. I have noticed that the service and food has not been so good. I am lowering the number of stars. Although the water cups are filled.. you have this constant feeling they are trying to rush you. Also, their rolls and slices of sashimi are a lot smaller than before (for the same price). Oh.. and the Sapporo Crunch Roll is never available anymore. Too bad.. so sad. It's still okay I guess.. but I don't think it's a stellar place to go anymore
(3)Asdf A.
Fujiyama is a wonderful small Japanese Restaurant. The Good: Taste The Bad: Price Fujiyama is a wonderful small dine-in Japanese restaurant. Fujiyama's food is delicious and its atmosphere is wonderful. Miso soup they serve, while a bit salty for my taste, is a nice break from other wannabe miso soups. It's rich and flavorful. Their green tea is nice and hot and keep you warm while eating sushi. The fact that miso soup and green tea are free makes things much better. I tried rolls and nigiri (ingredient on top) at Fujiyama Roles were fresh and tasty. Midori crunch, which was rapped around by a sheet of green rice paper of sort, was a pleasure to look at and FujiYama had really fresh tuna in it. Though, Yabbi crunch (shrimp tempura) was rather disappointing because the tempura inside the roll was cold and soggy. I suspected the tempura was pre-made rather than made-to-order. Overall, eating rolls were a pleasant experience. Nigiri, on the other hand, didn't live up to the quality of roles. I had egg nigiri and tuna nigiri. The egg on the egg nigiri had the right flavor, but it was too cold and wasn't soft enough. Tuna nigiri, while I have to admit it was really fresh, was nothing special. Since I expected a lot from Fujiyama, an average quality nigiri was somewhat disappointing. Food will not blow you away, but they are pleasant and enjoyable. The atmosphere is another selling point of Fujiyama. Its small size and plain interior create calm and comfortable atmosphere, promoting a pleasant mood. It is definitely better than those trendy Japanese restaurants that keep restaurants unnecessarily dark and make you half blind. Customers are considerate enough to talk quietly and not disturb other people. The lady who works as a waitress is kind and friendly and pleasure to keep company. Though some people might feel she is bossy as other reviewers have stated. The price, like all other Japanese restaurant, is rather expensive. If you want to have a full meal at the place, make sure to check prices of what you are ordering. While Fujiyama doesn't work wonders, its fresh food and the calm atmosphere would definitely appeal to a large number of people
(4)Elina S.
I came here the other night because I was really really craving some sushi. I mean it was necessary. Everyone has those nights. The reason I chose this place is because I wanted something quick to carry out after work and it was on my way home. This was actually my first sushi place like 10 years ago, we used to go all the time when I was a little teenie bopper and we stopped going because the owner raised the prices and the service wasn't the best-never got a smile out of the owner if you know what I mean. However, since my carryout wasn't all about a dine in experience, I was really going to concentrate on the fish. I came in, placed my order, couldn't do it in advance because there is no menu online, kind of a bummer in my opinion. Get that menu up and running, but maybe they are just old school. My sushi rolls were ready in like 5 minutes since there was only one other table there who was ordering the chicken teriyaki thing. The prices are a little much, I mean for the burbs $6.95 for a simple spicy tuna and $6.95 for shrimp tempura is about a $1 more than most suburban places, but I have to say they were delicious. Very fresh, a lot more fish than rice ratio, which is very important to me. I gobbled all of it down and it was simply delicious. Not the best I've had, but one of the best in the north-shore burbs. Overall, I would have given them 3 stars, but the lady didn't charge me $1 for eel sauce like she technically was supposed to, but she felt like being generous so that ups them another star. I don't know if I'll go out of my way to come back here for dinner w/ the fam and friends but if I ever need a quick sushi run after work, I'll definitely carry out again. Some other rolls that looked awesome include: Doba (spicy tuna, green & orange roe, avocado, cucumber and crunch) $9.50, Sunset (fresh salmon, fried shrimp, unagi sauce, avocado, cucumber, green roe & spicy sauce) but that one is a whopping $18.00 so it better be to die 4. So overall, Fujiyami you offer some great quality sushi in Northbrook.
(4)Alyshia V.
Yuck! Wanted to try somewhere new by where I live. This place was horrible. Got there for a early dinner around 5:15. Waitress already told me that it would take a long time and that they were slow, there were only two other tables filled in the restaurant. Ordered four rolls. They all were pretty tasteless. The two that had spicy tuna in them had too much mayonnaise and were mushy. The one waitress working was very unpleasant with a snarl on her face. For $57.00 for two I would have wanted a more pleasurable meal. WILL NOT BE BACK.
(1)Tunaidi A.
As an update, I still believe that Fujiyama is the best sushi-serving restaurant in the Chicago area. It's cozy and welcoming and I've become a regular patron. My favorite appetizers are the soft shell crab, the stuffed mussels, and the fried tofu. The sushi is still just as great. It's definitely a great deal because the sushi chef puts a lot more fish than rice (unlike many other sushi restaurants) and charges probably 75% less than most other high class sushi places. As for those NBA players I've seen at Fujiyama, they were Omer Asik and Semih Erden. Sadly, Asik is no longer with the Chicago Bulls, and now are with the Houston Rockets...
(5)chad n.
I love the Udon noodle soups, fresh sushi (hamachi, sake), tempura anything, and box lunch Service is very attentive, food comes quick.
(4)Chris S.
I could have sworn I wrote a review for this but I'm taking the time out today to do it again because this place is a gem. At first you are going to go Chris... I follow you religiously on Yelp because your amazeballs and you send me to this sushi restaurant in a strip mall on a sleepy road in Northbrook. Well hold on tight baby birds because mama has got a big fat juicy night crawler and you haven't eaten in days. First, this is owned by the nicest and friendliest Japanese couple. They have a daughter who just graduated with her Master's and may pursue her PhD. That's right sports fans... I'm that f-in' friendly. Now to the food. I eat here once a week when I'm up in this area for work. You probably are saying, "Why Chris since you are an international man of mystery and global and renowned foodie?" First, he gets FRESH uni on Monday's and it is typically gone by dinner. If you don't know what uni is stop reading right now and enjoy your "cultured" California roll and leave the sushi eating for the pros. Rookie. Second, he has several specialty rolls that I have tried and you cannot go wrong with them. I actually prefer just allowing him to make me what he thinks is best and most fresh. I always get a little uni if he has it in stock and get a mixture of unagi and other assorted fish nigiri style but all on his recommendation. Third, his cuts of fish are so much bigger than what you will get at the trendy sushi places. He even mentioned to me once that a lot of the other places do provide small cuts of fish within their sushi which is 100% true after you eat at this joint. I feel like I have been had for many years after seeing the portions he carves up and serves to his customers. I'd say the best way to go is sit down and say I like this and don't like this (for me this is Mackerel) and let him educate your pallet. The service is very attentive and this is a place you feel good eating at because it is owned by people that actually care about what they do. If you don't eat here then you are no friend of mine.
(4)Jason R.
Tried this restaurant earlier this week and unfortunately was not impressed. After driving by and reading reviews we thought we'd give it a try. Coming in the location seemed clean, but had dated 80's style furnishings in addition to the obvious Japanese touches. The waitress who I believed to be the co-owner was not terribly friendly...as described in other posts I would say she was extremely to the point and made you felt like you were inconveniencing her to ask a simple menu question or two. Not flat out rude or mean, mind you, just not friendly or terribly helpful. As first time customers we would have really appreciated explanation as their menu had virtually no description of any of the Maki rolls. On a positive note, the bus staff, which normally doesn't make an impression, was very kind, fast, and personable. When the ordered food arrived the chicken teriyaki had almost no taste and appeared to have been baked chicken? We also ordered two rolls: crunchy spicy tuna and bagel roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese, etc) and while neither was awful, they were lacking in flavor or texture and were on the lower end in terms of taste and quality out of the fairly large number of sushi restaurants we've dined at. It was too bad, I do love small family businesses and love supporting them, but even if this place cut their prices in half I would not be inclined to return due mainly to the food, but also to the lack of friendly service by the wait staff. I only hope that great bus boy with a great work ethic and attitude is well paid or moves to a restaurant with friendlier folks.
(2)David C.
I have eaten sushi all over the world and I feel like this little place in a strip mall in Northbrook is the very best. It all comes down to the chef and knowing your fish, how to prep it and prepare it. Hands down, Paul is the best. He has an incredible memory so he always knows what his regulars like and he caters the meal to their tastes. I recommend sitting at the bar and getting to know him when it is not busy. I have been coming here since 1998 and I haven't ordered for myself in 18 years. Paul just prepares me what is fresh and gives me the experience he wants me to have. He is a true artist. Irene, his wife of 34 years runs the front of house. She is a dear friend. Do yourself a favor and realize that Paul and Irene run Fuji Yama on their terms with integrity. If they refuse a special request, it is because it will compromise their product. Bottom line, this place is the best and if you crave sushi, this should be your one and only stop.
(5)Brian D.
Was really excited to go here since we moved to town. It's a cute little place and walking distance. Unfortunately the service is poor. Let's start with what we now know locals call the "Sushi Nazi"--the mean, scary waitress who scowls at you and walks away before you're done ordering. Give the busboys credit for not-quite making up for her. The ambiance is "meh", not too clean as you'd expect from a Japanese restaurant, and the music piped in was horrific. As for the sushi, the rolls fell apart, had the thinnest pieces of fish imaginable, and only THREE thin rolls per order? Really? We decided not to order more and just leave. Oh...and they don't take reservations and you can't carryout. Never again. Anyone giving this more than 3stars is a shill or has never eaten at a nice Japanese restaurant. The next week we went to Wildfish in Deerfield and had the opposite experience--fantastic, creative, inventive, huge pieces of fish, really hip place with welcoming, warm service.
(1)Brigitte C.
I have been a regular here for over 20 years and since moving to Colorado I make it a point to go at least once when I am back in the Chicagoland area for the most delicious sushi anywhere! To be honest, I sometimes consider planning a trip just because I miss Paul's sushi that much. The fish is SO fresh, the cuts very generous and the rolls are very inventive but still maintain the integrity of the seafood. I don't know what they put in their spicy tuna sauce but it is absolutely delicious and addictive. If you love sushi you owe it to yourself to give it a try - you won't regret it!
(5)Neema P.
You order quick, but the wait time to get your food takes a lot longer. My co-workers and I came here during lunch, hoping we can be in and out quick, but that was definitely not the case. Two of us were vegetarians and got some veggie rolls, they were good, My other co-worker got egg rolls, which were ok and green hot tuna sushi rolls, which she liked. We would probably not go here again due to slow service, but overall the staff is generally nice. I would try other sushi restaurants in the area.
(3)Steve W.
The fish is fresh, and high quality, but that doesn't justify the rest of what I experienced. I dined here for dinner during one of the sweltering July days we've recently experienced. The room was tiny, and very cramped, with nowhere to stand without being in the way. We sat after about fifteen minutes, and got our order in immediately, since our server explained the chef was very backed up. Our sushi order, which consisted of one roll, twelve pieces of nigiri, and two hand rolls took just over an hour to arrive. The rice did not adhere well to the fish, which made for a sloppy dining experience. Everything was very tasty, but quite overpriced with little to no care for presentation. Beyond the price, and the room, and the wait, the main problem I had with my experience was when a women and her three kids walked in. The kids looked like they were about eight or nine years old, and the mother looked at her phone the entire time. These kids were so loud I couldn't hear my brother speaking across the table. They were jumping around, throwing stuff, and acting crazy. I guess I can't totally blame the mother, since she didn't see all of this; the mother walked out of the restaurant to talk on her phone and left the kids to terrorize the small dining room. Not once did the staff say a word to this woman or her kids, even though a few tables around them, including mine were noticeably bothered. If I could review the snotty, north shore mother I would give her 1 star, but since I can't the poor parenting skills will be reflected in the lack of control of the dining room by the staff. I got the impression that I was just dining at Fujiyama on an "off" night, but the total lack of control I witnessed in both the dining experience, and the rice doesn't deserve repeat visits. Sayonara!
(2)Jeremy D.
My wife and I really enjoyed our experience. It's a little restaurant and the food is fresh and tastes great. The maki were well formed and tasted great. We had the agedashi tofu which was in a really great broth as well. We will return!
(5)Scott C.
Fujiyama was OK. Again this was another lunch-time adventure to a nearby sushi restaurant in the area and I was underwhelmed by the experience. The restaurant itself is quite simple with a typical sushi bar setup and several tables. The wait staff was efficient and got the job done but not overly personable or friendly. The food was fine - there were some imaginative rolls on the menu along with the typical sushi and lunch combination options for a sushi restaurant. The fish itself was fresh and tasty based on the tuna and salmon sushi along with a couple of rolls that were eaten over lunch. What was disappointing were the prices which were typically $5 more than similar lunch combinations and options in the area. Considering other options in the area, we didn't feel that the prices were justified for the quality and freshness of the fish as it could be found elsewhere for less money. Based on the prices I think you can get the same quality for less money at other sushi joints in the area. If spending a couple more bucks for decent food or convenience isn't an issue, then give them a try.
(2)Lina N.
One star is for the freshness of the fish. Emphasis on terrible service. Rude, neglectful, and just simply unpleasant people to deal with.
(1)Daniel W.
This is one of those restaurants we stumbled upon (no, not *that* kind of Stumble) with a BMW GPS database. We wanted Japanese food before watching a movie, and this was the most interesting-sounding one. It is indeed tucked away in an unassuming strip mall, and the storefront itself is even more unassuming. From outside it doesn't look like much; in fact, it doesn't seem like much until you sit down. First, you get hot towels, which is a nice touch. And (I'm jumping over the boring parts) the food is great! In fact, better than any Japanese cuisine I can remember having in the past. I enjoyed tempura, teriyaki, salad, soup, and egg roll, and it was all delicious. (I just came off of five weeks on cafeteria food at Northwestern University, though, so perhaps my palate is skewed...) We found the service to be excellent: trash and used dishes were cleared away promptly, almost before we noticed that we'd finished with them. My only complaint would be our waitress's inability to say how many pieces of fish came with the sukiyaki appetizer. In summary: It's a great place to have dinner (at least when we went, off-peak, with only two or three other tables occupied), and the food is good.
(4)Faye G.
Although the fish was fresh, the prices were exorbitant...nickel and dime you hear for everything and the service was awful and rude. Way too many sushi places put up with this place.. Move on.. Bluefish up the road is even better.
(2)Ryan L.
Came here looking for some decent sushi and found it. However, the customer service couldn't be worse. The older woman, I'm told this is the owner, goes out of her way to make you feel stupid for asking questions. I would think that when your party of 4 spends $150, you treat them nicely. Not the case here. I will not be back.
(2)carol m.
I will admit that the food is actually not bad. Not outstanding or extraordinary but doesn't deserve much critisism either. However, the service is so ridiculous that even if it was the best sushi place it town I could not bring myself to go there. The place is run by a team of husband (sushi chef) and wife (server). The husband is pleasant but the wife is a witch. She yells at the worker and gets very irritated with cutomers (unless they are regulars) if they so much as ask a question. One of my friends asked a question about a dish. The response: if you never tried it don't order it. My friend: No i think this is what I would like to order. Waitress: (raises her voice) "OK I bring it to you but if you don't like it I wont take it off the bill". When we were brought the check, we put the cash in the folder and started to get up and gather our things. The waitress literally ran over and began quickly counting the money as if we were some teenage trouble makers who were going to run out on the bill! I didn't go back for a year after that and ended up there again out of pure convenience. I wont bore you with the details but suffice it to say the experience was no more pleasant than the first.
(1)Joshua K.
We've eaten at Fujiyama 4 or 5 times in the past several weeks - enough times, I think, to write an objective review. Overall, I'm giving them four stars. I've eaten at a number of other sushi restaurants in the area, and no other is worth more than two. I definitely recommend a visit. The quality of the sushi, the variety of rolls, and the overall presentation is top notch. The restaurant itself is small, but well maintained, for a husband and wife team, which this is. There are some complaints about the service... at Fujiyama, you get back what you give out. We've always been friendly, understanding of the fact that there is one sushi chef, and one primary server, and that they cannot be everywhere at the same time. The result of our approach is that the chef and primary server have been friendly right back. We've never experienced anything but perfectly fine customer service and we continue to return. The food is really quite good.
(4)james b.
Fujiyama is a classic Japanese sushi/sashimi restaurant. It is as close as one can get to a classic sushi restaurant in Japan. When I'm in Japan, I have favorite restaurants in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara. They carry on the tradition of classic sushi, and so does Fujiyama. Paul, the sushi chef-owner (with his wife Irene) does produce some fancy concoctions to meet the taste of customers who probably also want chop sui when they go to a Chinese restaurant. Skip these; go for the classic sushi and imagine you are in Japan. Fujiyama is the best classic sushi restaurant in rhe Chicago area. Foodie
(5)Tammy Q.
My fat friend and I came here this weekend and much to my surprise, the food was delicious. Since this place didn't offer many veggie options for my allergic self -- I opted for the chicken teriyaki. This was probably one of the best chicken teriyaki I've ever tasted at a Japanese restaurant. To end the meal, there were 2 slices of super sweet cantaloupe. The owner is a total character which makes the place all the more enjoyable. It's tucked in a strip mall -- and if you don't keep your eyes open, you will miss it.
(4)Joe L.
Definitely the best sushi I've had in Chicago since moving back 5 months ago. The rolls are outstanding and the white tuna melts in your mouth. The prices are very reasonable for the quality. The only downside is you leave with a full bladder... I drank about 2 gallons of water with my cup never less than half full. The service was outstanding. It's pretty small so go with only a few people to minimize your wait.
(5)R P.
There are better Japanese restaurants in the area that are not as expensive. Hostess/waitress a little crass
(1)Gina M.
Best sushi of the north suburbs for sure. Definitely better than Kamahachi. This tiny place is owned and run by a husband and wife...Paul makes the sushi and Irene waits on the customers. Despite the fact that its only the two of them, they are really fast. The food is authentic without all of that extra sauce used at more popular places like Kamahachi. Great place for a quick healthy lunch!
(5)Nikki S.
First of all, it is a simple, small, husband-and-wife run place. I wasn't sure what to expect, we read reviews here before going, and heard from a family member that yes, they don't really do carry-out when they are busy. So happy we decided to go anyway. We grabbed the last spot at the sushi bar and had to wait a long time to eat- it was completely worth it. The wife (Irene) is quick on her feet and direct, but I don't think she was rude. She explained that the wait would be long (due to a huge party that ordered custom rolls not on the menu) no problem, we ordered soup and edamame and snacked, talked, watched the sushi chef, Paul, working his magic. The prices were so reasonable. And the sushi? Sushi of my dreams. Light, buttery, sublime. My husband and I kept saying, "Wow...WOW. That is amazing." Eel is my favorite, and is so good here- very well done, and you can bite it off and chew with your gums. Everything was just so lovely. We got in the car and talked about when we could come back next! When you go, don't be upset or frustrated if your sushi takes longer than you expect. You are eating a piece of art, the product of a master sushi chef. Worth the drive from Chicago!
(5)Maxine G.
This place always has fantastic and creative sushi. It's definitely on the pricier side - even for sushi. The service is excellent, but the owner can be very short and even a bit rude. If you don't mind her coarseness, it's a great little place to get quality sushi.
(3)Diana D.
This place is delicious! I've been here several times and each time the sushi is super fresh and the sashimi pieces are huge. The salmon and super white tuna sashimi are a must! Just wish the prices weren't so steep so I can enjoy the deliciousness more often. If it's your first time here, just ask Irene what she recommends..she won't steer you wrong!
(4)Jane L.
great food, great service, great people. and then there's more...sweet traditional kyoto-style sushi prepared by a man who really puts his all (to the very littlest detail!) into how the fish is prepared for his customers :) i really appreciate all of the time and effort the owners put into each day (at least each time i have visited) and always look forward to going there again soon. i hope everybody else gets to experience the same experience i have had~~!
(5)Mar L.
Was ok, not ok for the price!
(2)Mad D.
My favorite sushi place in Chicago metro area. Sushi selection is not as wide as in some other places that carry more exotic fish but what they do have is of uncompromised quality. It may not be a foofy place to impress a girl on a first date but if you are longing for some great quality sushi, look no further.
(5)Cori R.
I craze the spicy tuna roll in a soy wrap all the time. I laugh because I have actually gotten my kids hooked as well as many friends.
(4)Marko V.
ARE YOU SERIOUS, IRENE?!?! How do you do it? The sushi is so incredibly good for a small joint in the North Suburbs of Chicago that I don't get how it is possible. It's as good as the best sushi in the city, but half the price (watch out, Mirai). Absolutely a hidden gem. I shouldn't even be writing this, I don't want more people to find out about it. Your dining experience at Fujiyama undoubtedly begins when you are greeted by Irene, 1/2 of the husband-wife ownership team. This place is small and thusly crowded quite often, but we were the only people in the restaurant at 8:15 on a Thursday (closes at 9). As mentioned in other reviews, there are many regulars, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours. Irene will take care of you if she likes you, no doubt. Just don't get on her bad side, because she means business. Lucky for me I have managed to stay in her good graces for a number of years. Pre-meal hot towels? Baller. Miso Soup? Hits the spot. Double Spicy, Crunch Midura....yes, I will eat you now and come back for more at a later date. Oh, AND I get an orange after my meal??? ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!
(5)Christopher S.
People on Yelp gave this place stellar reviews but I found it to be a little overpriced. So much so that I actually didn't get any sushi... I instead I got the fish stew and it was delicious. However it didn't knock me out of the park and the free side of edamame that we usually get at Hanabi would of cost us. All the other customers seemed to know the staff personally...which means they get a lot of regulars so the food must not be terrible... I just wasn't blown away. My wife got the sushi and said the same thing so I feel safe in saying you can get better value for sushi by looking else where. I suggest checking them out because they have a variety of menu options that are very Japanese and taste great but I wouldn't come back here for sushi. Summary: Good food Over priced Sushi Good staff Authentic
(4)Laura G.
I went here the other day for lunch with a friend who raves about the fresh fish and delicious rolls. Although I was not blown away, the sushi is very fresh in a quaint setting. I really enjoyed the Tuna midori roll. We also got the Larry's special, which was tuna in a cup with scallions and some sort of spicy mayo sauce. While delicious, the tiny cup of tuna was overpriced. The brittle tuna at Sushi Kushi is very similar, and the portions are much more generous. A good suburban spot for a quick lunch date but make sure to look at prices before ordering!
(3)Anne W.
I really like this place a lot since my friend introduced me to it. The food is more Americanized sushi (there is a lot of mayo and crunch) instead of traditional fare. The decor is not impressive and sometimes you have to wait about 50 minutes for your sushi (there is only one sushi chef.. but the owner tells you when you order).. but their food and service is pretty good. My water and green tea cups are always filled. Their special rolls is what is worth getting. Sapporo Crunch Roll is very good. I thinkt the Five Men Out and Double Spicy Rolls are pretty good too. Their sashimi is also pretty good too. Don't get anything in the regular menu.. just stick to the sushi menu. EDIT: The last few times when I have frequented.. I have noticed that the service and food has not been so good. I am lowering the number of stars. Although the water cups are filled.. you have this constant feeling they are trying to rush you. Also, their rolls and slices of sashimi are a lot smaller than before (for the same price). Oh.. and the Sapporo Crunch Roll is never available anymore. Too bad.. so sad. It's still okay I guess.. but I don't think it's a stellar place to go anymore
(3)Joe L.
Definitely the best sushi I've had in Chicago since moving back 5 months ago. The rolls are outstanding and the white tuna melts in your mouth. The prices are very reasonable for the quality. The only downside is you leave with a full bladder... I drank about 2 gallons of water with my cup never less than half full. The service was outstanding. It's pretty small so go with only a few people to minimize your wait.
(5)James S.
Best sushi in Northbrook. Best sushi in suburbs. Fish is always fresh. Specialty rolls always delicious. Service is top notch. Once you get to know Irene and Paul they treat you like family. Every other sushi place I've been to in the suburbs pales in comparison.
(5)Steve W.
The fish is fresh, and high quality, but that doesn't justify the rest of what I experienced. I dined here for dinner during one of the sweltering July days we've recently experienced. The room was tiny, and very cramped, with nowhere to stand without being in the way. We sat after about fifteen minutes, and got our order in immediately, since our server explained the chef was very backed up. Our sushi order, which consisted of one roll, twelve pieces of nigiri, and two hand rolls took just over an hour to arrive. The rice did not adhere well to the fish, which made for a sloppy dining experience. Everything was very tasty, but quite overpriced with little to no care for presentation. Beyond the price, and the room, and the wait, the main problem I had with my experience was when a women and her three kids walked in. The kids looked like they were about eight or nine years old, and the mother looked at her phone the entire time. These kids were so loud I couldn't hear my brother speaking across the table. They were jumping around, throwing stuff, and acting crazy. I guess I can't totally blame the mother, since she didn't see all of this; the mother walked out of the restaurant to talk on her phone and left the kids to terrorize the small dining room. Not once did the staff say a word to this woman or her kids, even though a few tables around them, including mine were noticeably bothered. If I could review the snotty, north shore mother I would give her 1 star, but since I can't the poor parenting skills will be reflected in the lack of control of the dining room by the staff. I got the impression that I was just dining at Fujiyama on an "off" night, but the total lack of control I witnessed in both the dining experience, and the rice doesn't deserve repeat visits. Sayonara!
(2)Jeremy D.
My wife and I really enjoyed our experience. It's a little restaurant and the food is fresh and tastes great. The maki were well formed and tasted great. We had the agedashi tofu which was in a really great broth as well. We will return!
(5)Scott C.
Fujiyama was OK. Again this was another lunch-time adventure to a nearby sushi restaurant in the area and I was underwhelmed by the experience. The restaurant itself is quite simple with a typical sushi bar setup and several tables. The wait staff was efficient and got the job done but not overly personable or friendly. The food was fine - there were some imaginative rolls on the menu along with the typical sushi and lunch combination options for a sushi restaurant. The fish itself was fresh and tasty based on the tuna and salmon sushi along with a couple of rolls that were eaten over lunch. What was disappointing were the prices which were typically $5 more than similar lunch combinations and options in the area. Considering other options in the area, we didn't feel that the prices were justified for the quality and freshness of the fish as it could be found elsewhere for less money. Based on the prices I think you can get the same quality for less money at other sushi joints in the area. If spending a couple more bucks for decent food or convenience isn't an issue, then give them a try.
(2)Cami P.
If you like sushi with amazing quality do not miss out on Fujiyama! The restaurant is run by husband and wife- Paul (Chef) and Irene (Waitress) and it is excellent. It's a small place, often packed around dinner time, with exceptional sushi. You can see Paul making the sushi the entire time and it is so fresh and delicious. I always order the Summer roll and Spicy tuna- both are amazing. The Nigiri is also great- huge pieces of fish over a bit of rice. I love that this sushi place focuses more on the fish instead of the rice- such great flavors with every bite. And for dessert they give you a beautiful piece of fruit- an orange in the Summer and Cantaloupe near fall. Do not miss out!
(5)Michael C.
The best sushi in the Chicago area. I believe that they buy better quality fish than most. The menu has the classics and then a bunch of specials including many created by the guests like me who come here frequently. It's run by a husband and wife team and you can tell they really care and take pride in what they do. Wait service and bus service is prompt and courteous. Your water glass won't be empty for long. I go for the crunch spice tuna rolls. Fatty tuna is a worthwhile splurge when they have it. If you have someone in your party who is not a sushi lover, the chicken teriyaki is very good. I've snuck a bite from my daughter more than once. If you go there now than once, Rose will have have you on a first name basis and will have your favorites memorized.
(5)Kimberly B.
Small place, but it is really good. I generally go for quality. It was super yummy, not overpriced and it's definitely a popular sushi bar among the locals around here. I was visiting a friend and I have to say he was right. Visitors-- if they're open, check it out.
(4)Diana P.
Hands down one of the freshest sushi restaurants in the Northshore. Owners are always there and sushi rolls are unique, tasty and fresh. A tad much on the sauce for my twist but that's something I just ask for less of when ordering. Very small place in a strip mall, nothing fancy-very casual. They get a lot of repeat customers and the owner knows everyone who comes in a few times. Once you get hooked, you won't want to go elsewhere. Recently came here with 6 girls for a night out and we all enjoyed the food.
(4)Marshall D.
The food is always great. Some of the best in the North-shore!!!
(5)Natalie B.
An average restaurant that is completely underwhelming. I agree completely with Scott C's review. I wasn't impressed with anything here and frankly I'm unsure how anyone gave Fujiyama 5 stars.
(2)Matt D.
I thought long and hard about this one and settled on four stars for now. Let's start with the service that seems to be the topic of many reviews. Personally, I don't mind conversation with the staff when I'm in for a casual dinner. I found both owners to be friendly, but stern. They got a little cranky on the phone with people trying to order takeout, and they explained that it is a constant request that they only allow for regular customers. The reason: sushi is not good when it travels in the summer, and the owner does not want to compromise on the quality. I find it honorable that he doesn't want to compromise his high standards, but I'm sure it can be off-putting to many. I enjoyed all the sushi. I found the cuts to be extremely fresh and the cuts were large. Also, I really liked that he makes his spicy mixes to order. To me, the rice is nearly as important as the fish, and Fujiyama has excellent rice: sticky, a little flavor, and not too much of it. The miso soup is definitely homemade and has a pleasant, dark broth, while the salad and its dressing were excellent. If the special rolls are at the same level as the chef's special sushi, I'll be editing this to five stars.
(4)Russ A.
Not sure why one bad review esp. on service. Anyway, this restaurant is quite a gem. It is a family owned and operated by a husband, Paul, who is the head sushi chef and a wife, Irene, who takes care of the services in the front. They have been proudly serving high quality fresh sushi for so many years. Their tempura and teriyaki dishes are also head & shoulder above others. The service is outstanding, friendly and low-key. The restaurant is nice, clean with modest decoration and not pretentious. It is like having a meal at your friend's house. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant for your next sushi meal or cooked Japanese food like tempura, teriyaki, tonkatsu or udon.
(5)Natasha R.
Fujiyama deserves 5 stars for the sushi, because they are THAT delicious and incredibly fresh. I eat a lot of sushi and have been to many restaurants in the suburbs. I used to come here with my sister a long time ago and remember it was always good, but then we found Tatami (which has since gone down) and I stopped coming to Fujiyama. I decided to give it a try a few months back and came back again last week as I was craving it so bad. Out of all the sushi places in the 'burbs, Fujiyama has by far the freshest sushi ever. Their menu isn't too extensive, but that's how it should be in a real, authentic restaurant. The prices are fairly steep, but you pay for quality here. All the rolls I've had were delicious - Spicy tuna, ebiku, ebi tempura, Doba roll and Fujiyama roll. Last week, I ordered a roll that was pink around the fish, but I forgot the name - it was AMAZING! Service is pretty good, but last time, i had ordered 5 rolls and a few sushi pieces, but they never brought out the 5th roll because the busboy who wasn't supposed to serve us, took the sushi from the chef without checking. I didn't mention anything because we were full, but the check had the 5th roll on there, so of course, I asked to take it off. My other issue is that they don't really take carryout orders - i called once and they said they were too busy, which I find a tad ridiculous. When we were eating inside, a couple came in wanting to order for carryout, but they gave somewhat of an attitude at first, though they honored their request of two rolls. Take away the service issue, this is a 5 star restaurant in the suburbs and I highly recommend it to anyone who knows and loves their sushi.
(4)Julia Q.
This is the greatest sushi place in Northbrook if not the entire North Shore. You have to go here!!! the other sushi restaurants in NB/Glenview pale in comparison. BluFish- pretty good but no comparison Kamehachi - NASTY don't even know how this place still exists RA - great for happy hour cheap sushi and drinks but again not that great The fish is fresh and delicious I always get the double spicy roll and pieces of salmon. Irene is always waiting on people while her husband Paul makes the sushi. They have a great vibe but if you don't know them can be a bit cold, so be prepared for that. This is not the place for a fancy atmosphere - it's no frills sushi but some of the best I have ever had. Alcohol selection is very subpar but again this is a sushi focused place, you can get some wine and beer but thats about it. The sea urchin here is always beautiful and delicious as well. You HAVE to get the double spicy roll before you leave northbrook!! its essential
(5)Heidi L.
Great little authentic Japanese place in my neighborhood. We went on a Friday evening around 7pm because I was craving sushi. The place was packed but luckily there was one little table available for us. Since this place is authentic, don't expect your "fancy" rolls with cream cheese, melted cheese, or flaming alcoholic rolls that you see all over the menus at places like RA or BluFish. Since I am pregnant, I can only eat fully cooked rolls, so I ordered the tempura shrimp roll. The waitress noticed I was pregnant and asked if I wanted the caviar that comes on it, I said nope! Roll was delicious... creamy avocado and good rice to filling ratio (not too much rice!). For our mains my husband got the unagi bowl and I got the mustard (?) chicken. I was wanting something a little more spicy/mustardy, but it was more of a honey mustard sauce. It was actually pretty tasty still but I wish they did not drown the chicken in the sauce. It came with a side of plain shredded cabbage which complimented the sauciness. My husband's unagi bowl was good but there were many little bones in the fish. Overall I'm very excited that there is such an authentic Japanese restaurant near our home, but if I am ever craving a crazy roll, I will head to BluFish and endure the wait there.
(5)Chris V.
This is by far my favorite sushi place hands down. The hostess is great, the sushi is fresh and the overall experience is way above any other sushi place I've been to ANYWHERE. Note, for all the goodness this place brings, it is also one of the more expensive sushi places around. If you are on a budget, eat less. It's worth it.
(5)Hugo S.
Worst sashimi I have ever had. I was very disappointed because my date raved about this place. To save face I did not say anything so as not to make her feel bad. The pieces were very small, dried out and just unpleasing to the eye and palette. Hopefully, the more pedestrian offerings that resulted in the more favorable reviews of others would be the route to take at this restaurant. I will not be back again given the number of excellent alternative's in the area.
(2)Elina S.
I came here the other night because I was really really craving some sushi. I mean it was necessary. Everyone has those nights. The reason I chose this place is because I wanted something quick to carry out after work and it was on my way home. This was actually my first sushi place like 10 years ago, we used to go all the time when I was a little teenie bopper and we stopped going because the owner raised the prices and the service wasn't the best-never got a smile out of the owner if you know what I mean. However, since my carryout wasn't all about a dine in experience, I was really going to concentrate on the fish. I came in, placed my order, couldn't do it in advance because there is no menu online, kind of a bummer in my opinion. Get that menu up and running, but maybe they are just old school. My sushi rolls were ready in like 5 minutes since there was only one other table there who was ordering the chicken teriyaki thing. The prices are a little much, I mean for the burbs $6.95 for a simple spicy tuna and $6.95 for shrimp tempura is about a $1 more than most suburban places, but I have to say they were delicious. Very fresh, a lot more fish than rice ratio, which is very important to me. I gobbled all of it down and it was simply delicious. Not the best I've had, but one of the best in the north-shore burbs. Overall, I would have given them 3 stars, but the lady didn't charge me $1 for eel sauce like she technically was supposed to, but she felt like being generous so that ups them another star. I don't know if I'll go out of my way to come back here for dinner w/ the fam and friends but if I ever need a quick sushi run after work, I'll definitely carry out again. Some other rolls that looked awesome include: Doba (spicy tuna, green & orange roe, avocado, cucumber and crunch) $9.50, Sunset (fresh salmon, fried shrimp, unagi sauce, avocado, cucumber, green roe & spicy sauce) but that one is a whopping $18.00 so it better be to die 4. So overall, Fujiyami you offer some great quality sushi in Northbrook.
(4)Alyshia V.
Yuck! Wanted to try somewhere new by where I live. This place was horrible. Got there for a early dinner around 5:15. Waitress already told me that it would take a long time and that they were slow, there were only two other tables filled in the restaurant. Ordered four rolls. They all were pretty tasteless. The two that had spicy tuna in them had too much mayonnaise and were mushy. The one waitress working was very unpleasant with a snarl on her face. For $57.00 for two I would have wanted a more pleasurable meal. WILL NOT BE BACK.
(1)Tunaidi A.
As an update, I still believe that Fujiyama is the best sushi-serving restaurant in the Chicago area. It's cozy and welcoming and I've become a regular patron. My favorite appetizers are the soft shell crab, the stuffed mussels, and the fried tofu. The sushi is still just as great. It's definitely a great deal because the sushi chef puts a lot more fish than rice (unlike many other sushi restaurants) and charges probably 75% less than most other high class sushi places. As for those NBA players I've seen at Fujiyama, they were Omer Asik and Semih Erden. Sadly, Asik is no longer with the Chicago Bulls, and now are with the Houston Rockets...
(5)chad n.
I love the Udon noodle soups, fresh sushi (hamachi, sake), tempura anything, and box lunch Service is very attentive, food comes quick.
(4)Chris S.
I could have sworn I wrote a review for this but I'm taking the time out today to do it again because this place is a gem. At first you are going to go Chris... I follow you religiously on Yelp because your amazeballs and you send me to this sushi restaurant in a strip mall on a sleepy road in Northbrook. Well hold on tight baby birds because mama has got a big fat juicy night crawler and you haven't eaten in days. First, this is owned by the nicest and friendliest Japanese couple. They have a daughter who just graduated with her Master's and may pursue her PhD. That's right sports fans... I'm that f-in' friendly. Now to the food. I eat here once a week when I'm up in this area for work. You probably are saying, "Why Chris since you are an international man of mystery and global and renowned foodie?" First, he gets FRESH uni on Monday's and it is typically gone by dinner. If you don't know what uni is stop reading right now and enjoy your "cultured" California roll and leave the sushi eating for the pros. Rookie. Second, he has several specialty rolls that I have tried and you cannot go wrong with them. I actually prefer just allowing him to make me what he thinks is best and most fresh. I always get a little uni if he has it in stock and get a mixture of unagi and other assorted fish nigiri style but all on his recommendation. Third, his cuts of fish are so much bigger than what you will get at the trendy sushi places. He even mentioned to me once that a lot of the other places do provide small cuts of fish within their sushi which is 100% true after you eat at this joint. I feel like I have been had for many years after seeing the portions he carves up and serves to his customers. I'd say the best way to go is sit down and say I like this and don't like this (for me this is Mackerel) and let him educate your pallet. The service is very attentive and this is a place you feel good eating at because it is owned by people that actually care about what they do. If you don't eat here then you are no friend of mine.
(4)Jason R.
Tried this restaurant earlier this week and unfortunately was not impressed. After driving by and reading reviews we thought we'd give it a try. Coming in the location seemed clean, but had dated 80's style furnishings in addition to the obvious Japanese touches. The waitress who I believed to be the co-owner was not terribly friendly...as described in other posts I would say she was extremely to the point and made you felt like you were inconveniencing her to ask a simple menu question or two. Not flat out rude or mean, mind you, just not friendly or terribly helpful. As first time customers we would have really appreciated explanation as their menu had virtually no description of any of the Maki rolls. On a positive note, the bus staff, which normally doesn't make an impression, was very kind, fast, and personable. When the ordered food arrived the chicken teriyaki had almost no taste and appeared to have been baked chicken? We also ordered two rolls: crunchy spicy tuna and bagel roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese, etc) and while neither was awful, they were lacking in flavor or texture and were on the lower end in terms of taste and quality out of the fairly large number of sushi restaurants we've dined at. It was too bad, I do love small family businesses and love supporting them, but even if this place cut their prices in half I would not be inclined to return due mainly to the food, but also to the lack of friendly service by the wait staff. I only hope that great bus boy with a great work ethic and attitude is well paid or moves to a restaurant with friendlier folks.
(2)David C.
I have eaten sushi all over the world and I feel like this little place in a strip mall in Northbrook is the very best. It all comes down to the chef and knowing your fish, how to prep it and prepare it. Hands down, Paul is the best. He has an incredible memory so he always knows what his regulars like and he caters the meal to their tastes. I recommend sitting at the bar and getting to know him when it is not busy. I have been coming here since 1998 and I haven't ordered for myself in 18 years. Paul just prepares me what is fresh and gives me the experience he wants me to have. He is a true artist. Irene, his wife of 34 years runs the front of house. She is a dear friend. Do yourself a favor and realize that Paul and Irene run Fuji Yama on their terms with integrity. If they refuse a special request, it is because it will compromise their product. Bottom line, this place is the best and if you crave sushi, this should be your one and only stop.
(5)Brian D.
Was really excited to go here since we moved to town. It's a cute little place and walking distance. Unfortunately the service is poor. Let's start with what we now know locals call the "Sushi Nazi"--the mean, scary waitress who scowls at you and walks away before you're done ordering. Give the busboys credit for not-quite making up for her. The ambiance is "meh", not too clean as you'd expect from a Japanese restaurant, and the music piped in was horrific. As for the sushi, the rolls fell apart, had the thinnest pieces of fish imaginable, and only THREE thin rolls per order? Really? We decided not to order more and just leave. Oh...and they don't take reservations and you can't carryout. Never again. Anyone giving this more than 3stars is a shill or has never eaten at a nice Japanese restaurant. The next week we went to Wildfish in Deerfield and had the opposite experience--fantastic, creative, inventive, huge pieces of fish, really hip place with welcoming, warm service.
(1)Brigitte C.
I have been a regular here for over 20 years and since moving to Colorado I make it a point to go at least once when I am back in the Chicagoland area for the most delicious sushi anywhere! To be honest, I sometimes consider planning a trip just because I miss Paul's sushi that much. The fish is SO fresh, the cuts very generous and the rolls are very inventive but still maintain the integrity of the seafood. I don't know what they put in their spicy tuna sauce but it is absolutely delicious and addictive. If you love sushi you owe it to yourself to give it a try - you won't regret it!
(5)Neema P.
You order quick, but the wait time to get your food takes a lot longer. My co-workers and I came here during lunch, hoping we can be in and out quick, but that was definitely not the case. Two of us were vegetarians and got some veggie rolls, they were good, My other co-worker got egg rolls, which were ok and green hot tuna sushi rolls, which she liked. We would probably not go here again due to slow service, but overall the staff is generally nice. I would try other sushi restaurants in the area.
(3)Lina N.
One star is for the freshness of the fish. Emphasis on terrible service. Rude, neglectful, and just simply unpleasant people to deal with.
(1)Carl F.
When I first walk in I was thinking this place was going to be a success. Now, I've been around to many Sushi type places, which includes living several years in Japan so I'm not a novice at this particular cuisine. When I looked over the menu there were the typical maki, however most of the rolls were what I would call, craft rolls. Meaning the owner here has their own set of rolls. I like this for it is always nice to come across a roll which my palate has never tasted before, so yet again I took this as another sign of good fortune. However, it all went down hill once the three rolls came to the table. Tried my first pice and it was overly bitter. Strike 1. Then I went to my second roll and it was loosely packed so it fell apart just at the mere pinch of the chop-sticks. Strike 2. The third roll looked really good, however, I found the salmon dry and not very fresh. Strike 3. I was hungary, so I had a few more pieced but I simply was not enjoying the meal and decided to cut my losses and left. (I satisfied my hunger cravings by ducking into Ted & Ed's, just next door.) On top of all this I personally found the prices several dollars more per roll than what one can find elsewhere. Sorry Fujiyama, but too many strikes in one visit for me to come back again.
(1)Faith L.
I read the good reviews of this place and decided to give it a shot while we were in the neighborhood. It was worth the trip into the burbs. People are right when they say it has a down home feel. It's small, cozy and simple. The fish is fresh and delicious. One of the things I liked most if all is they still include little touches like giving you the hot hand towels when you sit down and sweet sliced oranges when you are done. I wish this place was closer to where I live because it's the only place I would go to get sushi.
(4)Jody B.
I came here for lunch with a colleague. It's a great place to meet and talk. We shared a few types of maki. All were delicious and fresh. Irene steered us to our choices after she asked us a few questions about what we would like. I had a hot tea to drink, and someone was always there to make sure my cup was full. It was ver convenient, no hassle... All in all no complaints.
(3)Regina S.
Zero stars. Incredibly bad customer service. Waitress actually yelled at me when I asked for help re. not too spicy or fried sushi. I should have paid attention to all the reviews that complained about the poor, crass service from Irene the owner and waitress. This ruined my dining experience and it will be my first and last visit.
(1)Faye G.
Although the fish was fresh, the prices were exorbitant...nickel and dime you hear for everything and the service was awful and rude. Way too many sushi places put up with this place.. Move on.. Bluefish up the road is even better.
(2)Ryan L.
Came here looking for some decent sushi and found it. However, the customer service couldn't be worse. The older woman, I'm told this is the owner, goes out of her way to make you feel stupid for asking questions. I would think that when your party of 4 spends $150, you treat them nicely. Not the case here. I will not be back.
(2)Danielle S.
This place is very small, family owned, and very friendly. Everyone who was eating there seemed to know the owners personally. The sushi was pretty good, but anything out of the ordinary and really interesting was likke $18/roll. My friend ordered a stew of some sort that I thought was pretty plain, but he liked it. I am also surprised they don't have carry out. It wasn't bad at all, but not my favorite place.
(4)Anna S.
This place is great. Irene is strict but nice as long as you don't give a load of bs to listen to. As far as take out goes, their policy is if its not busy, they will take an order. Just call and ask. I got take out for lunch today, when I called she said it was fine and they would do it. 30 minutes later when I got there, there wasn't a single open table but they still had our food all set to go within about 2 minutes! It was all hot (Chicken teriyaki) and the sushi was about as fresh as possible since I watched him cutting and packing it at the sushi bar. It's a small place with just Irene and another girl front of house and the owner as the sushi chef and someone in the kitchen in back. It's small but really popular, its always full when I go there for anything. Give them a break, when they can, they will help you out and do carry out.
(4)Josh B.
Good sushi place. It is a smaller place with 7-8 tables and a small sushi bar. The few times I have been here I have got the bento boxes also a few rolls. The fish always seems fresh and is satisfying. One of the better sushi places in northbrook.
(3)Jacqueline J.
This place is fantastic. My husband and I go here once a year when we visit our accountant in the northern burbs. They actually remember us and specifically what my husband likes and doesn't. The quality is top-notch, as good or better than what I get in the city. Service is wonderful. Very attentive. My only problem is the location, since I live in Chicago. I need to make a point to go here more than once a year. For those of you who live closer, treat yourself. It's so worth it.
(5)Cecilia T.
3.5 stars, maybe even 4 for the one dish that I tried. I ordered the Tempura Udon which isn't actually on the menu but is available for 10.95. I wasn't really expecting anything good because this place is just located in a strip mall and the ambience is a bit dingy for a sit down japanese restaurant and for their high prices. But surprisingly the Tempura Veggies and Shrimp was fried PERFECTLY. I was really really surprised at how fresh and lightly crisp their tempura tasted. The Udon broth flavor was very basic but still tasted good. Definitely the tempura was the standout. I'll have to come back and see if i like anything else here. I've never had their sushi.
(3)Emily E.
I called yesterday at 12:45pm, asking if they had Tonkatsu. They did, and when I proceeded to ask if I could order it for carry out, the woman who answered the phone told me they don't have carry out and hung up on me. What restaurant DOESN'T have carry out? I have an extremely busy schedule and cannot sit down and eat lunch, nor can I spend 15 minutes sitting in a restaurant waiting for it. They just lost a customer.
(1)Barry J.
stay away!!!!! i don't understand why and how this place has such high reviews??? the service is horrible, and the owner is this very unpleasant lady who makes the dining experience something out of a Seinfeld episode with the soup Nazi. down the street is a wonderful sushi restaurant Kamehachi, with excellent food, service, and decor, same pricing if its an issue. do yourself a favor and have a meal where you are appreciated as a customer and a person
(1)Benji R.
I have been going to this little joint since I was in junior high (26 now) and this place is awesome. The fish is what runs the show here; compared to all the other sushi restaurants in Northbrook this place has the freshest and best quality fish. The tuna is always blood red, never that pale pink color, and all the different flavors are delicious. The soft shell crabs that they use both for their rolls and their appetizers are enormous and succulent. *A note on Fujiyama's rice* Single handedly my favorite sushi rice in all of Chicago. Paul (chef) has perfected his rice; it is both flavorful, and of a very pleasant mouth feel, that does not overpower the fish. Many times the rice is either too mushy or too "al dente" but this rice is just right! Also you do not get that overly vinegary flavor that other places have. The service at Fujiyama is also remarkable. Your water/tea/beverage glass is always full, and tables are bussed perfectly. The waitress there is great, but she is a bit old school and is not afraid to give you attitude if you deserve it. When you go there, remember to say your 'please & thank you's' and she will be the dearest lady. *Note* They do not do carryout. They are a small restaurant, and only can service their dine-in guests. This place has A LOT of regulars, and it does get super busy during dinner. You are always told when ordering about how long it will take to prepare your sushi, but do not be surprised to have to wait during peak hours. Definitely worth a trip!
(5)R P.
There are better Japanese restaurants in the area that are not as expensive. Hostess/waitress a little crass
(1)Joelle S.
By far the best sushi around! Irene and Paul, the owners are there at all times. He is the sushi master, she is the waitress. His artfully designed sushi rolls taste as good as they look. My favorites are the summer roll, super spider and I adore the shrimp tempura. The miso soup and salad are delish! Try the red bean ice cream for a tastey treat. The prices are a bit high, but the food is really top-notch quality. I don't go often but do love it when I get to treat myself!
(4)Collin M.
After reading the reviews here, I was expecting to be blown away; instead, I was merely satisfied. The sushi is decent and fresh. The rolls were falling apart in places, the ends tended not to be as filled as the middle, and there seemed to be many rolls with diced/mixed fish rather than whole slices. That being said, it was a fairly priced dinner as long as you don't order anything too fancy. The basic rolls are reasonably-priced (~$6), but the fancier one's are priced through the roof (~$18). The service was good: my water glass was never empty and we were never waiting. Atmosphere-wise, it's a nice quiet place to sit with a couple people and chat. If you're looking for trendy and hip, look elsewhere. Overall, it was a decent dinner at a good price; that being said, I probably won't be back as there is better sushi to be had at other places in the area.
(3)John V.
The best sushi around! A small place with good service. I won't eat sushi anywhere else!
(5)Rachel S.
Ahhh Fujiyama....I miss you....Living in the city, I've never found a sushi place with as high quality fish as Fuji....Paul and Irene run a tight ship.....a small ship, so plan ahead...they get busy during meal times. I've always found both of them to be cordial and the customer service was always good. They have a nice variety of rolls and as I said the fish quality is top notch...places I would never try something like Tekka Don at, I tried it and loved it here. GREAT restaurant!!!!
(5)Chester W.
This place was excellent... your in Chicago so don't expect the greatest variety of fish, but it was all very fresh. Rolls looked good too, but I let the silly gaijin order that stuff.
(4)Adele S.
I'll admit I'm not that into sushi but my husband and daughter love it. It was worth it watching my daughter kill 12 pieces of unagi roll. I had the chicken teriyaki and it was the best I've had, at least at the 2 local Japanese restaurants I've been to. The portion was huge and I ended up sharing it with my husband and daughter. The service was very attentive, water always full, dishes removed promptly. The decor was understated but I'm not there for decor-I want tasty food, a clean table, a server who knows I'm there. I wasn't disappointed; we had a very pleasurable experience. I liked that the owner was on a first name basis with many of the families dining, it was very friendly and cozy. We will definitely return.
(4)Tim R.
Yose Nabe, the fish stew is delicious. The broth is always perfect and it can be split between two people easily while ordering a roll or two on the side. One downside is that this place is a bit on the pricier side, but it is conveniently located for me. The owner is also a bit "in your face" (overly talkative, at least for me)... some people may think of this as good service, but for people like me who like peace and quiet while eating, just a heads up of the service you can expect, because the restaurant is so small.
(3)Daniel W.
This is one of those restaurants we stumbled upon (no, not *that* kind of Stumble) with a BMW GPS database. We wanted Japanese food before watching a movie, and this was the most interesting-sounding one. It is indeed tucked away in an unassuming strip mall, and the storefront itself is even more unassuming. From outside it doesn't look like much; in fact, it doesn't seem like much until you sit down. First, you get hot towels, which is a nice touch. And (I'm jumping over the boring parts) the food is great! In fact, better than any Japanese cuisine I can remember having in the past. I enjoyed tempura, teriyaki, salad, soup, and egg roll, and it was all delicious. (I just came off of five weeks on cafeteria food at Northwestern University, though, so perhaps my palate is skewed...) We found the service to be excellent: trash and used dishes were cleared away promptly, almost before we noticed that we'd finished with them. My only complaint would be our waitress's inability to say how many pieces of fish came with the sukiyaki appetizer. In summary: It's a great place to have dinner (at least when we went, off-peak, with only two or three other tables occupied), and the food is good.
(4)Peter S.
When my friends, my family and/or I want good authentic Japanese food or sushi, Fujiyama is first on our list. My folks and I have regularly eaten there since 1989, and always enjoy ourselves. The food is fantastic, because the ingredients are always fresh (I've been there to see them get a shipment before), and the preparation is genuine Japanese style with superior attention to detail. I regularly order their chirashi, but I'm also impressed with their cooked dinners as well. Having grown up steeped in Asian culture (and Japanese culture, in particular), I know how to conduct myself in a Japanese restaurant and always get very good service. In Japan, it's not unheard of for a respected sushi chef to toss a customer on their ear, for looking at something funny - they're the experts, and you're honored to have them prepare food for you. Luckily, they're not nearly as formal, but I'm still on my best behavior. My folks regularly engage the owners in conversation, when there's time, as do many of the other regulars. I too have had chances to talk with the owners at length, and they're quite friendly with my roommate and I. Having eaten at, and knowing employees of, many other local Japanese restaurants - I know that Fujiyama has a good reputation for no-nonsense, authentic fresh Japanese cuisine. Fujiyama a quaint small location, nestled in the end of a strip mall, with very spartan decor. Their menu selection is modest, but all VERY good. This is where you go when you want to have bona fide top-notch Japanese food, as the expert chef and cooks have intended. If you're a picky eater, who often needs to make lots of adjustments to their order, I cordially recommend going somewhere else (they'll gladly recommend Wildfish, Pacific Rim, Kegon, Sushi Kushi Toyo, and other local places better suited for such). If you're looking for million dollar ambiance or entertainment, you'll probably be left wanting (try Wildfish, Kegon, Benihana, or Ron of Japan). It's a VERY SMALL restaurant, with only 9 tables and a few seats at the bar, so there's a chance you might get turned away - it's first come, first served. The limited staff work very hard to serve you, but they don't always have time to explain the whole menu when it get's busy. Fujiyama is the kind of restaurant to visit if you're already familiar with Japanese dishes or seafood, and/or have faith in the cooks and sushi chef. For those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine at very competitive prices, I heartily recommend Fujiyama. I've never once been disappointed by their food or service. I'm always humble, when I visit, as I genuinely feel they're doing us a favor by staying in business. I enjoy most of the other Japanese restaurants in the area, for many reasons, but Fujiyama always stands out as having the best Japanese food.
(5)Gina M.
Best sushi of the north suburbs for sure. Definitely better than Kamahachi. This tiny place is owned and run by a husband and wife...Paul makes the sushi and Irene waits on the customers. Despite the fact that its only the two of them, they are really fast. The food is authentic without all of that extra sauce used at more popular places like Kamahachi. Great place for a quick healthy lunch!
(5)carol m.
I will admit that the food is actually not bad. Not outstanding or extraordinary but doesn't deserve much critisism either. However, the service is so ridiculous that even if it was the best sushi place it town I could not bring myself to go there. The place is run by a team of husband (sushi chef) and wife (server). The husband is pleasant but the wife is a witch. She yells at the worker and gets very irritated with cutomers (unless they are regulars) if they so much as ask a question. One of my friends asked a question about a dish. The response: if you never tried it don't order it. My friend: No i think this is what I would like to order. Waitress: (raises her voice) "OK I bring it to you but if you don't like it I wont take it off the bill". When we were brought the check, we put the cash in the folder and started to get up and gather our things. The waitress literally ran over and began quickly counting the money as if we were some teenage trouble makers who were going to run out on the bill! I didn't go back for a year after that and ended up there again out of pure convenience. I wont bore you with the details but suffice it to say the experience was no more pleasant than the first.
(1)Joshua K.
We've eaten at Fujiyama 4 or 5 times in the past several weeks - enough times, I think, to write an objective review. Overall, I'm giving them four stars. I've eaten at a number of other sushi restaurants in the area, and no other is worth more than two. I definitely recommend a visit. The quality of the sushi, the variety of rolls, and the overall presentation is top notch. The restaurant itself is small, but well maintained, for a husband and wife team, which this is. There are some complaints about the service... at Fujiyama, you get back what you give out. We've always been friendly, understanding of the fact that there is one sushi chef, and one primary server, and that they cannot be everywhere at the same time. The result of our approach is that the chef and primary server have been friendly right back. We've never experienced anything but perfectly fine customer service and we continue to return. The food is really quite good.
(4)james b.
Fujiyama is a classic Japanese sushi/sashimi restaurant. It is as close as one can get to a classic sushi restaurant in Japan. When I'm in Japan, I have favorite restaurants in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara. They carry on the tradition of classic sushi, and so does Fujiyama. Paul, the sushi chef-owner (with his wife Irene) does produce some fancy concoctions to meet the taste of customers who probably also want chop sui when they go to a Chinese restaurant. Skip these; go for the classic sushi and imagine you are in Japan. Fujiyama is the best classic sushi restaurant in rhe Chicago area. Foodie
(5)Tammy Q.
My fat friend and I came here this weekend and much to my surprise, the food was delicious. Since this place didn't offer many veggie options for my allergic self -- I opted for the chicken teriyaki. This was probably one of the best chicken teriyaki I've ever tasted at a Japanese restaurant. To end the meal, there were 2 slices of super sweet cantaloupe. The owner is a total character which makes the place all the more enjoyable. It's tucked in a strip mall -- and if you don't keep your eyes open, you will miss it.
(4)Jessica S.
I went here with friend for lunch today. The food was good, it's a small restaurant that's in a strip mall so be prepared for that type of atmosphere. The sashimi platter looked like the best thing that was served. They have some very interesting rolls that are different then a lot of the places I have been lately. I would stay away from the Bento box I was not overly impressed. The teriyaki mackerel was great I had a bit of my friends. For a quick place to pick something up I would recommend this restaurant.
(3)Lisa M.
This is my favorite place to go for Sushi in the suburbs. The Double Spicy Roll is by far the best!! I don't know what exactly it is about it, but there are two rows each with a different creamy sauce on top that taste like heaven. The place is small, so there is sometimes a wait for a table.
(4)Nikki S.
First of all, it is a simple, small, husband-and-wife run place. I wasn't sure what to expect, we read reviews here before going, and heard from a family member that yes, they don't really do carry-out when they are busy. So happy we decided to go anyway. We grabbed the last spot at the sushi bar and had to wait a long time to eat- it was completely worth it. The wife (Irene) is quick on her feet and direct, but I don't think she was rude. She explained that the wait would be long (due to a huge party that ordered custom rolls not on the menu) no problem, we ordered soup and edamame and snacked, talked, watched the sushi chef, Paul, working his magic. The prices were so reasonable. And the sushi? Sushi of my dreams. Light, buttery, sublime. My husband and I kept saying, "Wow...WOW. That is amazing." Eel is my favorite, and is so good here- very well done, and you can bite it off and chew with your gums. Everything was just so lovely. We got in the car and talked about when we could come back next! When you go, don't be upset or frustrated if your sushi takes longer than you expect. You are eating a piece of art, the product of a master sushi chef. Worth the drive from Chicago!
(5)Maxine G.
This place always has fantastic and creative sushi. It's definitely on the pricier side - even for sushi. The service is excellent, but the owner can be very short and even a bit rude. If you don't mind her coarseness, it's a great little place to get quality sushi.
(3)Asdf A.
Fujiyama is a wonderful small Japanese Restaurant. The Good: Taste The Bad: Price Fujiyama is a wonderful small dine-in Japanese restaurant. Fujiyama's food is delicious and its atmosphere is wonderful. Miso soup they serve, while a bit salty for my taste, is a nice break from other wannabe miso soups. It's rich and flavorful. Their green tea is nice and hot and keep you warm while eating sushi. The fact that miso soup and green tea are free makes things much better. I tried rolls and nigiri (ingredient on top) at Fujiyama Roles were fresh and tasty. Midori crunch, which was rapped around by a sheet of green rice paper of sort, was a pleasure to look at and FujiYama had really fresh tuna in it. Though, Yabbi crunch (shrimp tempura) was rather disappointing because the tempura inside the roll was cold and soggy. I suspected the tempura was pre-made rather than made-to-order. Overall, eating rolls were a pleasant experience. Nigiri, on the other hand, didn't live up to the quality of roles. I had egg nigiri and tuna nigiri. The egg on the egg nigiri had the right flavor, but it was too cold and wasn't soft enough. Tuna nigiri, while I have to admit it was really fresh, was nothing special. Since I expected a lot from Fujiyama, an average quality nigiri was somewhat disappointing. Food will not blow you away, but they are pleasant and enjoyable. The atmosphere is another selling point of Fujiyama. Its small size and plain interior create calm and comfortable atmosphere, promoting a pleasant mood. It is definitely better than those trendy Japanese restaurants that keep restaurants unnecessarily dark and make you half blind. Customers are considerate enough to talk quietly and not disturb other people. The lady who works as a waitress is kind and friendly and pleasure to keep company. Though some people might feel she is bossy as other reviewers have stated. The price, like all other Japanese restaurant, is rather expensive. If you want to have a full meal at the place, make sure to check prices of what you are ordering. While Fujiyama doesn't work wonders, its fresh food and the calm atmosphere would definitely appeal to a large number of people
(4)Rebecca G.
Yummmmy! Chef Paul, the owner, has come up with some great maki combinations. My favorite was the Sapporo role with fresh squid, salmon, cucumber and crunch on the outside. If I'm in Northbroook again anytime soon, I will definitely come back.
(4)Chris M.
Double Spicy Tuna Rolls, enough said!! Oh wait, no, there's alot more to this little family owned sushi joint. The service is excellent as the waitress, Irene, will help you pick out anything she thinks you might like. She is the only waitress who works there, and her husband is the only one who makes the rolls. So basically you know what you're getting everytime you go. Shrimp Tempura rolls are also a hit, but the double spicy is where it's at! I have not found a better roll in my life, and that stacks up against the likes of a lot of downtown sushi joints as well. Come to Fujiyama if you like sushi and you won't be disappointed.
(5)