Jinsei Motto
★ 4.7 · 298 reviews Chicago Opened April 2026
Dry-aged sushi with a wood fire behind it
Chefs Patrick Bouaphanh and Eric Blanck ran Jinsei Motto out of CH Distillery before taking over the former Testaccio space on North California in April 2026. It's their first storefront of their own, and the first with a real kitchen.
The nigiri and maki still center on dry-aged fish, the thing the restaurant built its name on. What the new room adds is fire: a wood-burning oven turns out edamame, broccolini, mushrooms, and a dry-aged wagyu picanha that the old space could never have handled.
What guests say
Reviews by Google-
Vanessa Lee 7 reviews 30 May 2026
We tried the omakase and it was fantastic. I normally don’t love salmon, but the marinated king salmon was out of this world. We loved sitting at the counter and talking to Patrick. It’s a really comfortable and welcoming space. The service was excellent and we loved the cocktails and sake.
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Michael Mishkin 36 reviews · Local Guide 24 May 2026
All of the sushi was, as expected, incredibly good. Also some of the best miso soup I’ve ever had. The robata cabbage was served with some whipped white goop on it and covered with black charcoal (?) powder and was one of the least appetizing presentations I’ve maybe ever encountered. I should’ve taken a picture but I was too stunned by the ectoplasm in front of me to think to document it. Unfortunately this space is deafeningly loud. For this price point, I expect some sound dampening measures. I could hear every other table’s conversation better than my own, and it just made me want to finish and rush out of there. I’d like to try eating here again, but it’ll have to be during off hours. And please, rethink the cabbage dish.
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Emily Hagerty 28 reviews · Local Guide 21 May 2026
What a gem! so many things make Jinsei stand out. Along with the warm and friendly staff & gorgeous ambiance, the quality and creativity behind their menu is unmatched! Every time we go, the food & service is impeccable, and this last time was incredible. My husband & I were celebrating my 2nd year of being cancer free, and I mentioned it when one of the owners, Allyn (i think her name was!) and she gave us a celebratory shot which was so very thoughtful and generous of her!! and delicious! (thank you bartenders!) This speaks volumes to how Jinsei really cares about the community - it was such a special way to celebrate an important milestone! Can’t recommend it enough!
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Joshua Tully 68 reviews · Local Guide 19 April 2026
From start to finish an absolutely Michelin level experience! The best customer service you could ask for. Johnny the cook was slinging some of the tastiest sushi I’ve ever had. We were personally greeted and served by the owner Patrick, who is an absolute legend. Cannot say enough good things about this spot. A must see if you are in Chicago. The most unique thing we were able to try was their take on “steak and eggs” ( aged wagyu from Australia +caviar from the Netherlands) and it was life changing. I expect to see more of these all over the country soon 10/10.
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Abraham Barrientos 10 reviews · Local Guide 16 April 2026
It’s clear that after relocating every aspect of this restaurant has been thought out. The quality of the fish used, the rice, the uniform cuts of every piece of fish nigiri or sashimi. Let alone the welcoming ambience of the servers/bartenders & management, that was so great to see in Logan Square. Chefs that clearly have heart for what they do & passion for the food they are making for you. You tie that with the aesthetic they spent months curating, you get a 10/10 , 5 stars all across the board restaurant. I can’t wait to experience the other aspects of this restaurant that are coming soon. Thank you to chef , servers and manager working on Wed April, 15th. What a great experience and quality restaurant.
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