Raw F./ Barrington, IL, 7/10/2009
Note: I am eating this food as I write the review.

I've lived in Palatine for three years now and have never tried this place. I finally stopped by on one of my few lunch breaks and ordered food to take back to work with me. I was starved, so I ordered alot. While I waited, I noticed signs for specials on the wall that were some crazy, eclectic makis that I wish I saw before, but I'll have to save that for another day. The service was very friendly and quick-my order was ready much faster than they said it was going to be.
I started with the chicken teriyaki lunch special that came with miso soup and salad. The chicken was a little dry on the outside and the texture was close to tofu. The rice was nice and sticky and the veggies were steamed yet still crisp. The miso soup was ok, I've never been a miso connoisseur- I just slurp it down. The salad was ok and the dressing was a ginger and maybe peanut mix, I liked it.
On to the sushi:
I ordered the Yum-Yum roll (spicy crab) and the Spider roll. These were some FRESH rolls! The Yum-Yum pieces all held their shape, but when you put them in your mouth, they melted into this wonderful bite. I'm surprised this roll was only $5.50 considering this doesn't taste like imitation crab.
And for the piece de resistance: the Spider roll-this is the most interesting spider roll I've ever eaten. There's not only fried soft shell crab in here, oh no, there's also fish egg and lettuce (?) as well. Now, I'm totally down with the fish egg, but the lettuce was strange to see in it and I wouldn't even have noticed if wasn't sticking out as much as the crab's legs were.
Everything got my approval, but I can't believe I ate the whole thing. Now I'm drowsy and full and wanting a nap. unfortunately, I'm still at work so I'll have to wait until later. I'm so stuffed I'd say "I'm never eating again"....but who am I kidding?

Sebo C./ Tucker, GA , 8/21/2009
This restaurant is probably the thing I miss the most from Chicago. I lived in Chicago suburb for 4 years before moving to ATL.
This is a great small "hole in the wall" restaurant but it is as good as any sushi restaurant I been to around the entire country.
Sato-san is a great sushi chef and VERY generous with his cuts of fish. The fish is very fresh and I have never had a bad meal in the 30+ times I been there.
I make sure to visit Asahi Sushi each time I return to Chicago (about 8 times a year or so). My recommendations are the wasabi Shu Mai as a starter, very good and quite unusual and the Seared tuna roll, absolutely amazing.
If you have a chance, do not hesitate to go to this restaurant, you will not be dissapointed!

Raw F./ Barrington, IL, 11/30/2006
My wife and I love this hole in the wall. Especially because one night it was snowing really bad and we really wanted sushi so we called them and they said they were open. We walked over and got served. Only later did our waitress tell us that they were going to be sent home because of the storm, and because we came they served us. We tipped well and were happy walking home in 12 inches of snow.

Update 02/09/2007
My wife and I came back in here and wish we could give this place an extra star. Just wonderful!

Justin B./ Palatine, IL, 3/6/2009
This is a great hole in the wall. I wish the sushi bar was larger because the regulars always seem to have the front row seats. The chefs are engaging and makes the sushi experience with the large cuts of fish that much better. This is a great addition to the other sushi locations in Palatine. Don't forget about to get the fried bananas.

Jeff S./ Palatine, IL, 1/8/2009
i go to this place at least once a week!: I am from Southern California originally so i have a pretty discerning taste for fresh fish. The sashimi cuts are generous and brought in fresh daily. By far one of the top "Undiscovered" sushi bars in the Chicagoland area. It rivals Sushi Wabi and Sushi Sambario in food, but the atmosphere is far less fancy. The owner is great and very funny at times. Just watch his face after he drinks beer.

Liz F./ West Chicago, IL, 4/29/2009
I would give this place 10 stars if I could. Its small, but incredibly fresh and tasty. I have eaten things here I never thought I would (eel) and loved it. Hidden gem- the Tuna tartar- its like if Mexican and Sushi had a baby and it was delicious! They serve the tartar with pico de gallo, a homemade spicy (mayo) sauce and homemade chips. Their maki rolls are amazing, and check out the specials boards behind the bar- they have some different stuff you might not find everywhere- try the spicy Lava roll!

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Lizzie, 01/21/09
Really quite and authentic.
I like their food and serving staffs.

Quite enough to have a serious discussion with my friend.

Very fresh food. Recommend to everyone.

GPie, 12/12/08
Asahi is like an Asian Cheers, where everybody knows your name. While it is a local favorite, all guests are greeted and treated as if they've been coming for years. The food is excellent, the staff warm, friendly and inviting, and the prices can't be beat! Recommended to anyone who likes good food, as they have more than just sushi. You'll be glad you tried it.

EE1985, 10/02/08
Outstanding food! Sushi and lunch specials where out of this world, great quality and portions!

By Agnes, 05/28/08
Love this place from day 1 . Love their sushi !
Chef is amazing !
Recomended highly to everyone !

Our Regular Sushi Joint
The best sushi place around. The staff is warm and friendly. Asahi carries a number of sakes, including unfiltered and high end. Many of the customers are regulars so if you sit at the sushi bar you might become involved in a converstation. Save a little room and order the fried ice cream dessert! The resturant is very small so call ahead if you have a large party. Make sure you look at the specials board (try the monkfish liver when they have it)!

by D Gordon
I highly recommend Asahi Japanese Restaurant. Since moving into the Palatine area over two years ago now, I have been a regular customer going in 2-3 times a week. The sushi is always fresh and delicious.. I especially recommend the sashimi deluxe dinner with the ginger dressing.. The two gentlemen and all of the waitresses are always friendly. Other sushi establishments have opened in this area, but I always return to Asahi! You will not regret patronizing this great sushi bar.

by Fireman
Our Regular Sushi Joint: The best sushi place around. The staff is warm and friendly. Asahi carries a number of sakes, including unfiltered and high end. Many of the customers are regulars so if you sit at the sushi bar you might become involved in a converstation. Save a little room and order the fried ice cream dessert! The resturant is very small so call ahead if you have a large party. Make sure you look at the specials board (try the monkfish liver when they have it)!

by TC
Great Sushi!: This is the first place I ever had sushi and I try different places, usually that cost more, but I always come back to this one!

by bigtime007_98
I go to this place 3 times a week!: I am from Southern California originally so i have a pretty discerning taste for fresh fish. The sashimi cuts are generous and brought in fresh daily. By far one of the top "Undiscovered" sushi bars in the Chicagoland area. It rivals Sushi Wabi and Sushi Sambario in food, but the atmosphere is far less fancy.

by Brian
great sushi at a great price: friendly staff and good food. highly recommended!

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