Based on 84 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.9 stars. Price
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
305 Cedar St, Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 254-5653
Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–2 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–2 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–2 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–2 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Reviews
Wendy Mountainbear
Wonderful a la carte Sunday lunch in Champaign with Ken and Kaori! It was our first visit and admittedly I was very nervous about the counter seating with our kids but Kaori was very welcoming and explained there were options for the kids – okonomiyaki and omu-curry. It was incredible to be able to enjoy the counter experience and I will remember it for some time. Ken is very skilled and uses only the best ingredients – a large restaurant group in Chicago has not been able to get uni for months so to find uni don here was serendipitous and speaks volumes of his supplier relationships!
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Weifang L.
Food was exceptional. We had the Omakase. The fish was of premium quality. I was truly amazed by the tuna and uni we had that day. The macha cake and roll cake were also amazing! The place is small with only eight seats, so make reservations early. Best sushi place in town and very reasonably priced. Highly recommended to sushi lovers!!
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Bianca Xu (Bianca)
My friend from Japan and I are so glad that we finally have an authentic Sushi place to go during weekend! The quality of the fish is beyond our expectations, and actually proves that you only need very little seasoning to make a good dish if your ingredients are fresh! And Kudos to Kaori and her cream pastries. Love them! Please offer online reservation in future!
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Jessica Kim
This is a second review I’m making for ISHI simply because I went two more times after my first and wanted to share how each experience got better and better each time. Chef Ken tries to incorporate new kinds of fish in his menu and finds new ways to enhance and compliment different flavors being used. I was impressed with the new items he presented even just after a month after I last visited! Please consider checking out ISHI if you are in the area! Quality of fish is incredible every time and Kaori’s desserts (cheesecake and matcha cake) are ALWAYS delicious!!
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Eunwoo Lim
I’ve known Ken for quite some time now, and I’m honored to know such a talented chef who cooks with integrity and passion. He imports fish from all over the world including Japan, and you can taste the high quality and uncompromised freshness. Ken is a chef with a mission and genuine love for sushi, and it is an understatement to say that every dime you spend here will be worth it. I moved to Los Angeles from Champaign about six months ago, and I would put up ISHI against all the sushi places I’ve been in LA and choose ISHI 100% of the time. ISHI is an anomaly not only for Champaign, but for Midwest.
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Rachel Yang
Absolutely had an amazing dinner time here at ISHI. I’m so glad now they are taking reservations for omakase! The owners were really welcoming. I was surprised how fresh everything tasted. The chef admitted that it’s ready hard to find seafood here in Champaign, but he manages to source one of highest quality ingredients that provides an authentic Japanese food experience in town. I will definitely come visit again!
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Chantal Chiu
Really a hidden gem in Champaign! It’s basically a very tiny kitchen run by a Japanese couple. There are only 8 seats, and they only take walk-ins on Sunday, so you’d better arrive by 11:45am. Every bite is exquisite and authentic, you can tell the chef/owner really cares about his cuisine and customers. The menu is very limited, though, totally depending on what they have that day. When we were there today they didn’t have omakase, and there were only 2 bakery items, but everything was so delicious.
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Joseph Dillier
Ishi has best nigiri in town. The seafood was so fresh and flavorful. The bakery items were incredible. We sat at the counter and talked to the owners. They’re very knowledgeable about what they make and super fun to talk to. Overall it was a wonderful restaurant experience.
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Alvin Wang
Best nigiri & sushi place in town. The fish is very fresh, fantastic taste. But I would only give 4 stars because the Okonomiyaki is too salty and the beef steak is a little hard to chew. They provides omakase on Friday & Saturday, which I would highly recommend!
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Jenny Kwak
Thank you for the most exquisite meal ever! You brought the best of Japan to Champaign-Urbana. We love your hospitality making us feel comfortable and right at home while eating such delicious food! We will be back!!!
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