Sushi Samba Rio
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 595-2300
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Illinois Street
- Directions:
- El: Brown/Purple Line to Merchandise Mart
- Best of Citysearch:
- Outdoor Bar 2007, See and Be Seen Bar 2007, People Watching 2004
- Hours:
- Sun-Tues 11:45am-12am, Weds-Thu 11:45am-1am, Fri-Sat 11:45am-2am
Message from Sushi Samba Rio
Celebrate the Cuisine & Culture of Japan, Brazil & Peru
- Samba Brunch
- Private Party Spaces
- Rooftop Lounge
Paid advertisement by Sushi Samba Rio.
Editorial Review for Sushi Samba Rio – by J.P. Anderson
The Scene
Chic young Chicagoans flock to this energetic, clubby restaurant, whose blend of pulsing salsa rhythms and Asian influence is already a hit in New York and Miami. The cavernous room is divided into several areas, each with its own over-the-top personality: from a sleek, circular front sushi bar to the "mod pit"--a sunken red-leather alcove with plum shag carpeting and glittery hanging beads. Service is generally smart, fast and friendly.
The Food
Japanese-Brazilian fusion food could easily be a mess of mismatched flavors and textures, but the extensive menu of Asian-tinged seviches, spicy sushi rolls and artfully presented small plates makes you wonder why no one thought of it before. Tuna sashimi seviche with orange and jalapeno is succulent and spicy-sweet; Samba Rio roll stuffed with shredded guava-glazed short ribs and sweet pepper is simply inspired. Finish with fresh fruit and yogurt, or moist, rich tres leite cake, each a scrumptious ending.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitSit at a perimeter table for prime people-watching. Communal tables are cramped, with back-less stools that make for a sore back. At night, head to the rooftop lounge for a cocktail.
Save MoneyDaily 11:45am-3:30pm, get bento box specials with sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, miso soup and seasonal field greens for $15-$20.
Look GoodSneak up to the mezzanine lounge for a bird's-eye view of the action.
What to DrinkSpecialty cocktails include mojitos, caipirinhas and creative martinis; sake and wine lists are extensive and not terribly overpriced, with several bottles in the $30-$40 range.
ParkingValet parking is offered in front of the building. There are also two parking lots a block away at Hubbard and Wells.
User Reviews for Sushi Samba Rio
07/15/2008 Posted by tnoves
My family has gone here two years in a row for the new year celebration. It is simply amazing. They have so much entertainment (brazilian samba dancers, and capoeira performers). Great music. A beautiful bar. Great food, the salted edamame appetizer is delicious. Stunning decoration and atmosphere. It's a huge room, but you still feel intimate with your party. The waiters are very attentive and friendly also. I only have great things to say about this restaurant. It's a must for everyone, and definitely the best party for new years. Everybody is very interactive and dances, and they pass out tons of party favors.
Pros: Decor, new years party, service
Cons: Better to go in a group
06/25/2008 Posted by southsider25
This is a very cool place very trendy with lots to look at. That is the best compliment I can give sushi samba rio. I made a reservation for 5 people and when we arrived they had lost our reservation. Instead apologizing or anything close to it we were seated very quickly –felt rushed – at what seemed to be the worst possible table in the restaurant. As I said the ambiance was very cool would be a fun place to come on a weekend for some drinks and maybe a few appetizers, but that’s it. Our waiter was very nice tried to help as best he could in recommendations, but overall the food was just bad. I had the tuna ceviche and all I could taste was onions and jalapeño and I am pretty sure onions weren’t even supposed to be in it. I also tried the samba rio roll which was horrible. All I could taste was cucumber and bad cucumber at that. All of my guests had similar experiences with their food as well little or no taste. The worst part of the dinner came when the bill arrived. WAY TO EXPENSIVE!! So not worth the money. If you are looking for a cool place to go for ambiance and a few drinks by all means go have fun, if you are looking for a decent meal I would go to burger king before I would ever go here again.
Pros: fun ambience
Cons: bad food sevice drinks and pretty much everything else
Users Like You Also Viewed
17 West at the Berghoff
17 W Adams St
Chicago, IL 60603
