Best Sushi in Naperville: Kiku Japanese Steak House & Sushi Lounge Wins the Friday Poll!

Naperville has no shortage of sushi options, which makes this week's Winner Friday result all the more telling. Kiku Japanese Steak House & Sushi Lounge on Aurora Avenue has been the standard by which the rest of the city measures itself since 2005, and the community just made that official with the top vote in the Best Sushi category.

Two Decades of Getting It Right

Kiku opened in 2005 with a clear intent: to bring contemporary Japanese cuisine to Naperville with the kind of atmosphere and execution that made a dinner there feel like an occasion. It has earned a 2020 OpenTable Diners' Choice Award, a Best of Naperville recognition, and more than 1,000 five-star reviews across platforms — a track record that doesn't accumulate by accident. The menu spans sushi, sashimi, and hibachi creations, with a full bar stocked with wine, sake, and traditional cocktails rounding out the experience.

The Space Itself Is Part of the Draw

Kiku isn't a single-room restaurant. Guests can choose between the main dining room, a dedicated 30-seat sushi dining room, a 16-seat lounge with its own bar energy, or a private dining room that seats up to eight — each with a different feel depending on what kind of night it is. The kitchen's attention to presentation matches what comes out of it, and the bar area has developed a following of its own among locals who stop in for a cocktail and fresh sushi without a full dinner reservation. Reservations are available through OpenTable, and online pickup orders can be placed through ChowNow.

Runner-Ups Worth a Visit

• Blue Sushi Sake Grill — Situated along the Riverwalk in the Water Street development in downtown Naperville, Blue Sushi brings a lively, modern energy to its menu of creative rolls, sake selections, and shareable small plates.
• Shinto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Lounge — A Naperville staple known for its teppanyaki tableside cooking and a sushi bar that draws regulars for both the quality and the show.
• U Sushi Club Rotary — A newer entry on the scene at 175 Jackson Ave, U Sushi runs a conveyor belt system with robot train delivery — a genuinely fun format that pairs well with fresh, well-priced rolls and classic Japanese dishes.
• Yaba Sushi & Asian Cuisine — A neighborhood favorite that pairs approachable sushi with a broader Asian menu, keeping regulars coming back for both the food and the relaxed, welcoming vibe.

Where to Find Kiku

Kiku Japanese Steak House & Sushi Lounge is located at 2764 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540. Dinner is served Monday through Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with extended hours until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; Sunday hours begin at noon. Reservations are recommended and can be made at mykiku.com or by calling (630) 305-3355. Follow along on Facebook for specials and updates.

The Winner Friday poll keeps rolling — follow Life in Naperville and Ruth Sheahan to stay in the loop on next week's category!

Source: Kiku Japanese Steak House & Sushi Lounge, Life in Naperville - Facebook Page
Header Image Source: Life in Naperville - Facebook Page