Sai Cafe is a Japanese sushi restaurant at 1114 W. Armitage Ave. in Lincoln Park, just west of Seminary Avenue and about two blocks west of the CTA Armitage Brown and Purple Line station. Chef and owner James Bee runs the restaurant, and its website currently says it is celebrating 40 years.
What it’s known for
For decades Sai Cafe stood at 2010 N. Sheffield Ave., the address older Time Out Chicago and Infatuation reviews still give. Classic Chicago Magazine reports that the restaurant moved about two blocks to its current Armitage storefront when its lease ended, taking over the former Dee’s Restaurant space, which is owned by the owner’s sister. The new space has a patio.
The menu centers on sushi, sashimi and seafood. Time Out Chicago has pointed to thick-cut sashimi, sea urchin, escolar and kani su, a cucumber-and-crab salad, and The Infatuation notes cooked options such as chicken, beef and fish teriyaki and noodle dishes for diners who don’t eat raw fish.
Good to know
- Service: Dinner service. The restaurant offers carryout and delivery through online ordering, plus catering.
- Private events: OpenTable lists private dining for parties of up to 30; the restaurant’s website also invites event bookings.
- Reservations: OpenTable lists Sai Cafe as not bookable on its network, so call (773) 472-8080.
- Price: OpenTable places it in the $31 to $50 per person range.
- Neighbors: Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian is next door at 1112 W. Armitage, and Klein’s Bakery & Cafe is a few doors west.
For more stops nearby, see our Armitage Avenue walking guide.
Sources: saicafesushi.com, classicchicagomagazine.com/where-to-eat-along-armitage-ave-in-lincoln-park, timeout.com/chicago/restaurants/sai-cafe, theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/sai-cafe, opentable.com/r/sai-cafe, transitchicago.com/station/armi
