This Iconic West Town Sushi Restaurant Is Closing After 14-Year Run

The last day the restaurant will be open is August 31.

Photo byArami / Instagram

(CHICAGO) Fourteen years ago, before sushi was as trendy as it is today, Ty and his brother Troy Fujimura opened a Japanese restaurant in West Town. Arami, located at 1629 W. Chicago Avenue, offers hot and cold dishes but is best known for creative sushi rolls.

A Chicago staple for first-rate sushi, Arami was named one of the Best Japanese Restaurants in Chicago by the Michelin Guide. "Make your way to this urban enclave—replete with a cherished counter and soaring skylights—for impressive sushi, small plates, and specialty Japanese cocktails. Kick things off with a spicy tako maguro maki filled with octopus, tuna, eel sauce, and chili oil; or marinated tuna-wrapped zuke maguro kani."

This Reddit user said, "Arami has real Wasabi and excellent rice. I went recently and it had the best fish selection in the city." While this commenter agreed, "Arami's rice is on point!"

The question is, why is such a beloved Chicago sushi restaurant closing? Ty Fujimura told Eater Chicago, "We struggle like any other restaurant — especially a small restaurant — and [it’s hard to] kind of make ends meet without having to compromise. So we’re in that position now where I think the restaurant, I know the restaurant has run its course.”

You still have the chance to dine at Arami for the rest of the month. The restaurant closes its doors on Saturday, August 31st.

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