Shō Omakase

Shō opened in 2026 on North Wells Street in Old Town, and it carries two of Chicago's deepest Japanese-dining bloodlines. The kitchen is run by Mari Katsumura — the Michelin-starred chef and daughter of Yoshi Katsumura, who ran the long-running Yoshi's Café — in partnership with Adam Sindler, a fourth-generation owner of the Kamehachi sushi family. The format is a ten-course omakase at $145 a seat, served at a counter with a deliberate, music-themed swagger.

Katsumura's omakase is not a straight sushi progression. The ten courses move between hot and cold, composed and interactive, and reach past nigiri into the global, technique-driven plates she became known for at the starred Yūgen. The menu changes seasonally, and select courses can be upgraded with premium supplements. The pricing is the surprise: at $145 for ten courses, Shō undercuts much of Chicago's high-end omakase while putting a Michelin-level chef directly across the counter.

The room is small and counter-led, with a soundtrack that gives the meal its 'remix' identity — less reverent hush, more curated playlist. That makes it an easier first omakase than the city's more solemn rooms, and a natural seat for a solo diner who wants to watch the work. Book ahead; counters this size and this new fill quickly once word travels.

A counter omakase is the best seat in the house for eating alone, and Shō makes it easy. Every guest faces the same ten courses, the chef sets the pace, and the music fills the space where small talk would otherwise sit. You watch each plate built in front of you, ask questions when you want, and leave having had a full evening's meal without needing a companion. Book a single counter seat and arrive on time.

Shō works for a first date because the format does the heavy lifting. There is no menu to negotiate and no ordering envy — the same ten courses arrive for both of you, paced over a couple of hours, with the soundtrack easing any silences. At $145 it is a real treat without a punishing bill, and the counter puts you side by side watching the same thing. Mention the occasion when you book.

Not for a big group or a quick bite — this is a small, fixed-time counter with a set ten-course menu, so it rewards two or three diners who can commit a full evening. Skip it if you want à la carte sushi or a loud, casual izakaya night.

Is Shō in Chicago worth it? For omakase fans, yes. Mari Katsumura is a Michelin-starred chef, the Kamehachi and Yoshi's Café lineage behind the room runs deep, and at $145 for ten courses it is strong value for that pedigree. The music-themed counter makes it a less intimidating omakase than Chicago's more formal rooms. Go for a solo dinner, a first date or a small celebration.

What should I expect on the menu at Shō? A ten-course omakase that changes with the season and moves beyond sushi into hot and cold, composed and interactive dishes. It reflects Katsumura's global, technique-led style more than a traditional Edomae progression. Select courses can be upgraded with premium supplements, so tell the team upfront if you want to trade up.

How much does Shō cost? The omakase is $145 per person for ten courses, with optional premium supplements on certain courses and drinks on top. That makes it one of the better-value high-end omakase counters in Chicago given the chef's Michelin background. Reserve ahead, since the counter is small.

Where is Shō and who is the chef? Shō is at 1533 North Wells Street in Old Town, Chicago. The executive chef is Mari Katsumura, the Michelin-starred daughter of Yoshi's Café founder Yoshi Katsumura, working with Adam Sindler of the Kamehachi sushi family. It opened in 2026.