Andrew J.

Sushi Ya is pretty much fantastic. I wasn't super impressed the first time I went, but I have been back many, many times, and I have enjoyed it more with every return visit. Service here is genuinely friendly, but a little slow. To be fair, I think that's more an issue with creating the sushi, than it is with the waitstaff. Sushi Ya has an ace up their sleeve though; the "avocado torch roll" is maybe one of the best things I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I could wait all day if I knew I was going to end up eating that particular maki roll. I cannot stress enough how much I love that roll. I love it so much. Also, my girlfriend agrees with me. You should too. Now, if you're looking for straight sushi, you would also be in luck because the fish just melts away in your mouth. It is super fresh, and the portions are nice. Sushi Ya also takes pride in their presentation- they create some really beautiful dishes. The restaurant is small but clean, has a fairly trendy decor, and seems very well maintained. Prices range, but are generally quite reasonable, especially considering the quality and flavor of the food. Especially the avocado torch roll. If you've got some time, you're Schaumburg, and you're looking for a cozy little spot for some great sushi, you would be doing yourself a huge disservice if you didn't go here.
(4)
Shane G.

Our favorite place to eat. Amazing sushi and friendly staff.
(5)
Jeff P.

Decent spot. Not near much, but this joint shined. Busy between lunch and dinner. Fresh fish. Tasty tempura. Good service.
(4)
Samuel H.

One of the best sushi restaurants in the suburbs. Ask for Kathy, as she is the best server who will direct you to delicious rolls and dishes.
(5)
Jeffrey M.

Decently priced lunch specials, fresh ingredients, awesome service. I got the Sashimi Bento Box for lunch on my visit. It was complete with 8 fresh (and large) pieces of Sashimi, a good serving of tempura (including shrimp), a small side of seaweed salad and calamari, a scoop of rice, and of course your default California Roll. All this for about $12! Complimentary Miso Soup is always a plus. I've passed this place up so many times before and I'm glad I finally stopped in. My first experience with them was great. The freshness of their ingredients tells me the wide variety of other rolls must be just as good!
(4)
Tiffany P.

Very good! A little (by a little, I mean A LOT, tight) but such good food! Very friendly staff and delicious food! Sushi is a-maz-ing and my boyfriend's stir fry was delicious! NOM NOM NOM
(5)
Melanie T.

Loved the place. Small..but cozy. We were seated right away, served right away, food is excellent, servers are friendly, and price is reasonable. I definitely will be a regular here.
(5)
Jess M.

Amazing place! It is very small--probably less than 20 tables of four--but it is cozy and inviting. Anything described as spicy or with tempura (crunchy) is spectacular. I absolutely loved it! While they don't really describe this, newcomers should know that they give you a piece of paper outlining the menu and a pen when you sit down; That is for you to check off what you want to order. It's an odd way to order for a sit down restaurant but the food is so fantastic it makes this restaurant a can't miss!
(5)
Richard B.

A really nice find. The fish used in the sushi is cut a good inch longer than the rice bed and is reasonably priced. Plain Jane but delicious. As we say in bartending school, a more-than-honest pour. A nice assortment of the usual subjects, such as tuna and salmon and eel: you don't expect this quality in the Mid West suburbs.
(3)
Laura L.

By far the best sushi I have had in he Chicagoland area. They are generous with the amount in the rolls. They staff is friendly and accomodating and most importantly the sushi is delicious! Fresh, and creative. I feel this place is also extremely reasonable!
(5)
Liliana V.

I have eaten here twice and I just think the food is ok. It's not the best sushi I have had but the worst might have been the sushi I got from Dominick's. It is slightly better than Dominick's. The restaurant is extra small. I will probably not return again.
(2)
Michele B.

Very clean. Waitress was very attentive, glasses were never empty and were asked several times if we enjoyed our selection. Our entrees and rolls were served quickly. Having Edamame to munch on during our wait was a nice touch. Yaki Udon was delicious. Vegetables and beef were cooked perfectly. Portion could have been a bit larger (or maybe it just tasted so darn good I wanted more!).
(4)
Manshu V.

I had the Miso soup, the Gyoza and the 6 piece Sushi plate, and everything was excellent.
(5)
Kim O.

So I flew into town for business and the first thing I do is see the highest rated restaurant in the area. I made my way to Sushi Ya and almost changed my mind a few times. So glad I didn't! Holy crap is this place good. AND....it's one of those small mom and pop places and has some really great sushi. I had the Diablo Maki and it was awesome! No wait, great service, great food....what are you waiting for? Go eat some Sushi Ya sushi FOOL!
(5)
Lisa S.

Really good sushi, really good service. The thing that stood out was a unique appetizer sushi that was rolled in sliced cucumbers. It might sound odd, but it was so refreshing and healthy. I'll be going back.
(4)
Erick P.

I went here on a friday night with my boss and a co-worker. I surprised at how small this place...but it was packed...the servers were nice but the food was just decent. It wasnt mind blowing good but at the same time it wasnt bad either. I just thought it was an average sushi joint and have experienced worst and have experienced better. Will i go back here? ehh prob not.
(3)
Mai T.

If you're an avid consumer of fresh, great tasting Sushi, I highly recommend this outstanding Japanese restaurant located right in Schaumburg. I, myself, am quite particular about sushi restaurants depicting their decor, traditions, chefs, quality of product, servers, and most importantly the cleanliness of the environment. I feel that a restaurant should upkeep the theme of the courses they provide in order to provide you the extra feeling in which you would feel as if you're sitting in Japan! Who can say they enjoy their meal if it the food isn't good!? Upon entering, I noticed the decor was simple yet pleasing to the eye and were generously treated with a traditional Japanese bowing gesture and a big smile! Though it was slightly hard to understand the server due to their strong accent, but it wasn't too tough where you would be unable to make out what was said. Enough with decor and servers, lets talk about the SUSHI! In my entire love-for-sushi-life (9 years), I have only experienced one other great tasting sushi restaurant (which I will leave for another post). I must say that I have tried several (a ton) of sushi restaurants since my move from Michigan and have only been impressed about Sushi Ya. Being that it was being located in a small little strip mall, don't belittle venues (as I do/did). After being seated, taking a look at the menu did make me nervous but as I sat and observed the other orders being presented to other tables, I was in awe. I can't remember the exact name of the dishes we had ordered (only because I have a bad memory), but it sure does make me want to go there to try everything else I was missing out on. I do remember that the rolls we ordered were worth your money as they were full of what you exactly ordered and nothing less (many menus deceive you of its description and what you really get). The rolls were made full of flavor, packed with ingredients, and appealing to your eye. The fish was fresh and bright in color as it laid within the roll as well as on top. I had ordered a Chirashi, which contains raw fish over a bed of rice, and to my astonishment, it was perfect. With this dish, you are able to depict the quality of the products the restaurant stands by. Another dish that we tried was a rice bowl (not sure of its name), but it was tasteful indeed. With the assortment of dishes we dove into on our first night, we knew we couldn't go wrong with anything else on the menu. The only downfall this restaurant has if that it is quite small, but still roomy enough for parties no bigger than 5.
(5)
Jennifer C.

I am pretty much a regular at this place for their take out sushi. I go in and order though just to watch them make it and socialize with them because they are just great, friendly people. When you walk in the door, they all greet you and find you a place to sit quickly (except some weekend nights when the line can be out the doors because it's simply that good!!!). For the food~ I have tried several of their rolls, and haven't met anything I don't love, but my personal favorite is the "Jennifer Roll". Yes, they make a roll just for me by special request because I love it. I'm sure if you go in though they will make the Jennifer Roll for you as well. :) They can do pretty much anything that you want with a roll, so long as you tell them. And their spicy mayo sauce is super yummy. I have tried to duplicate it at home, but can never get the ingredients right!!!! There is a really great appetizer they make on the cold menu, that's wrapped in cucumber... can't think of the name, but it's very good!!! A friend of mine recommended this place, and I'm forever grateful she did... I usually make a trip there at least once a week!
(5)
Max M.

Who would've thought that my best sushi experience to date would take place in Schaumburg? This cute Japanese spot dishes up some very respectable sushi at very competitive prices. I came here on a week night a week ago. There are roughly 10-12 tables and a sushi bar. The menu has an endless list of rolls. I usually try to stay away from rolls as I prefer the sensation of appreciating fresh pristine sashimi grade fish. The sushi portions here are generous with the fish. Here are some of the grades for the dishes we ordered: Spicy Tuna- A- (good heat & fresh texture; not too much mayo) Amaebi- B- (lacked sweetness) Hamachi- A (extremely fresh) Tuna- B Unagi- B Spider Roll- B calamari tempura- B+ tuna tataki with ponzu- C+ (Ponzu really lacked the citrus tang) I will definitely consider coming back here when I crave sushi again.
(4)
Thomas J.

Ate at this place while doing work for a nearby financial institution. A Chicago-area friend had recommended it and took us (wife was along on this business trip) there for dinner. Best. Sushi. Evar (and, having a travel-based job, I've had sushi all over the U.S.). This is the first place that I've ever had uni that was useful for more than a dare or hazing purposes. Actually, the uni here was *good*. ALL the food I had was good. I ordered the omakase sushi-plate and wasn't disappointed by anything.
(5)
Kelly O.

Yummy! Read the reviews here on Yelp first and had sushi before the Nickelback concert. (that was even Yummier. I digress.) Upon arrival, don't be surprised at how small this restaurant is. I'm guessing it could seat 50pp max perhaps. They are VERY VERY friendly upon arrival, this woman asked me to wait while she cleared the table "for the pretty lady"- hey, I'm totally down with getting compliments with my sushi ok? ;-) I downed some edamame while I waited for my friend, then ordered the Spicy Tuna. Excellent. I feel awful that I didn't take notes on the Special House Rolls we ordered but most were with Eel, which I love- and all the rolls were EXCELLENT. We had also ordered 2 seaweed salads which they forgot to bring, and later they realized this, so we said, no worries we have plenty of sushi. They comped a seaweed salad and brought it out to us, nice touch. Love good service. They kept filling up our green tea without interrupting our conversation- always nice. Genuinely grateful and nice- saying goodbye and thank you when we left. Highly recommend this hidden gem. ;-)
(4)
Jojo N.

When I visited Chicago, my cousins and I stopped by at their favorite sushi joint. To my surprise, I was quite impressed of their sushi! I honestly don't know what we ordered since they ordered for all of us, family style, but everything was fresh and delicious. The portions were a little small, but that's the only thing negative I can think of. When I come visit my cousins again, I can't wait to visit this place again!
(4)
Deepak N.

My all time favorite sushi place. Intimate environment. Super friendly & efficient service. Rolls taste fresh & better than all the other places I've been to.
(5)
Yelperrr J.

I challenge anyone to find better sushi in the chicago area. Great stuff - hard to get a table sometimes... go early for lunch and dinner.
(5)
Catherine X.

A for effort. You know it's going to be a cute place when your group walks in and all the workers stop what they're doing to greet you and bow. Adorable! This place is a cozy little restaurant tucked away in an unassuming little plaza. Is it a coincidence that all the staff seem to be little (under 5 ft) too? The drink selection leaves a little to be desired-- meaning boxed wines and Asian beers. The ice cubes that come with your drink make up for it though. Yet again-- adorable! The group of us were famished, so we had the seaweed salad and pork fried rice to start off with. The fried rice was very delicate and subtle, not drenched with soy sauce like most places. It helped that they used chives instead of green onions too. I've always been a fan of seaweed salad, and it was pretty good here. If this was Oregon Trail, the rations for the salad would be meager. I hope this was just a mistake, as it looked like they put the serving into a sauce bowl. The complimentary edamame was a little overcooked and soggy. Also, I'm used the way my mommy makes it with salt and a little spicy seasoning so I thought it was just ok. Same for miso. The sashimi platter was generous! This was definitely the highlight of the meal. All the fish was very fresh, and each flavor distinct. My favorite was the fatty tuna by far. I could've just eaten that by itself, and I would've been a happy camper. We also ordered some speciality rolls (whose names are failing me right now), but I noticed a trend in that my favorite had the fatty tuna on top. Everyone keeps raving about the Spicy Crunch roll, and maybe it was all the hype, but I was disappointed. The tuna was diced and piled in a conglomeration on top of the sticky rice, and when you bite down it feels like someone already chewed your fish for you. Then there's a surprise crunch in the middle of the rice. In spiciness, it does deliver though.
(4)
Danielle S.

Prices are reasonable for the portions and quality. Friendly staff who greet you as you enter and again when you leave. Equally friendly table service with not much of a wait. Delicious sushi - the avocado fire ball is great too. I will likely be back!
(5)
Todd M.

In a word, "generous". Since one word reviews don't give one much of a feel for a place (though I think I picked a good word) let me expand my thoughts... For the most part I stick to restaurants in the city. I happened to be in the suburbs doing some work-related training. (yes, I'm Harley B.'s friend) We both chose this location based upon mutual proximity and prior reviews. The staff were very friendly and attentive. They definitely gave me the impression they wanted us to come back again. The complimentary edamame and miso soup were a really good touch. I often have to become a regular at a place in the city to receive the same treatment. The maki and nigiri are on par with other sushi restaurants that I have been to. The portions seemed ample if not slightly larger, and more importantly the quality was spot-on. Then to top it all off, everything came within a few minutes of ordering. (even when the business picked up after we walked in) So there you have it. Will I return? When I find myself in that area, absolutely!
(4)
Kelli Ann L.

Best you will find - PERIOD! Great Food -Great Service - just all around terrific! Been to a bazillion Sushi places...including having Sushi from Chef Morimoto! And Sushi Ya blows them ALL away! :0)
(5)
Pari S.

Feel like sushi and live in the NW suburbs?? Go here. I've driven past this place many times. It has a small/medium-ish parking lot. Went here with my husband. As we walked in, the staff all greeted us in Japanese. Which was nice. It was clean and cozy... Did not have a lot of tables probably about 10 or so. Cute atmosphere. The sushi bar was situated in the corner. It was Friday night, and appeared a lil bit busy. However we were seated right away. We were given some nice menus to look at and was served ice water with a hint of ginger in it. I really didn't know what I wanted to eat here. But my husband was in the mood for sushi, so I tagged along. For appetizer, we got a shrimp and veggie tempura. Then we were given a sheet of paper to order some sushi rolls, which we got a spicy tuna roll, alaska salmon roll, crazy california roll, and 2 crab rolls. We also decided on a plate of beef short ribs and veggies. We were served some warm edamame and a bowl of miso soup each - which was ok. Our tempura was awesome though... Next we got a bowl of rice with our short ribs and veggies. Which was ok. The short ribs were well flavored, however it was a bit rubbery and very hard to eat, especially with chopsticks. And lastly, our sushi rolls were pretty good. They were definitely not skimpy on the fish and it was definitely fresh. Oh, we ordered a hot saki... which was really good. A small one ran for about $4. Over all, we spent about $55 here... and had plenty of left over to take home. I also wanted to mention that as we were there... a family of 4 came in. Since the place was a bit small, there is no waiting area. So I heard one of the staff told the customers to come back in 20 minutes, and they would be seated then. Which I dont know what to think about this... If it was me, I might of left and not come back. I also read some other yelpers complain about them being short staff here... which I agree with. Would I go here again? Sure... I would. It was a little bit more pricey here, but so far the best sushi place in this area of town. It comes down to, do I want to drive to the city and pay a little bit less or go here which is a few blocks away and pay a bit more.
(4)
Britica P.

Im from san diego ca and I was pretty worried about eating sushi in the midwest. We just moved here and was pleased to find great service and delish food. Hawaiian roll was wonderful! Would recommend this place for sure!
(5)
Scot G.

I don't know what is in that special mayo type sauce but it is way to sweet. Either skip those rolls or order them without the sauce. The Nigiri is pretty good and the portions are good. Service is okay. Nothing amazing but it is satisfactory.
(3)
Samantha R.

Clean, friendly, delicious, perfectly priced! A huge assortment of rolls Large portions YUM!
(4)
Katie S.

Love going there for sushi! Spicy scallop is my favorite! I think its amazing that the waitress can remember my order - esp since im not a frequent customer!
(5)
Michael V.

We have been here from California for six months now and this place has been reliable with sushi and service. We were worried we weren't going to find a nice sushi place in the Midwest after eating very nice fish in California for several years but this place is close. We like to go during the non rush times and enjoy the ceviche appetizer with chips. All the rolls that don't have eel are great. I am not a fan of eel. Looking to go back many more times.
(4)
Erin E.

The sushi here I think is just average, but I would eat here again. I think most of the items are priced a little high compared to some of the other places I like to get sushi. I do love that they have a lot of unique rolls to choose from. The service is on the slow side, but all of the workers are very friendly and professional. If you are planning on ordering take out make sure you call ahead of time. So overall not a bad place to eat, just not the best.
(4)
Christina V.

To find a great Sushi place with fresh food and reasonable prices is hard to come by. Great find in a strip mall. Small, quaint and nice on the inside. Service is good as well. Definitely will go back.
(4)
tanvi k.

The food & service was great! Everyone was really friendly! Our sushi was yummy!!! The only thing was: My husband and I like to order some sushi, enjoy it, and then order more. On a Friday night, this was not possible because they were too busy. When we tried to place an order for more sushi, we were told that we could not. We were very sad and left hungry:-(
(4)
Jason F.

I really wanted to find a good sushi place in the area and most of the reviews for sushiya here on yelp were extremely positive. I brought my girlfriend here during the lunch rush on a weekday and it was packed. The restaurant is absolutely tiny so there was only one table left to sit at. We stood at the door for about 5 minutes waiting to get seated and nobody even looked in our direction, so we sat down at the only available table. We then sat there for another 10 minutes waiting for someone to come over and talk to us. Eventually a group of four people came in the door and one of the waitresses immediately came over to us (before she even greeted the new people) and told my girlfriend and I that our table was meant for four people and we couldn't sit there.. despite the fact that it was the only table remaining. She was extremely rude and basically kicked us out, humiliating us. I hate giving bad reviews but this place deserves it.
(1)
Sarah K.

My husband and I ate here early on a Friday night. It was getting busy when we left around 6:30. Overall I thought the service and food was excellent. The prices were really reasonable and the sushi was awesome. My husband isn't a huge sushi fan so he ordered a noodle bowl and that was really good too.
(4)
Rebecca Huicha K.

Best sushi in the Burbs. hands down! I believe it's fairly new but they already have loyal customers. The staff is SUPER friendly and they're pretty heavily staffed considering the place is small. They provide complimentary edamame and miso soup which always makes me happy. Plus you don't find a lot of places that provide complimentary items like that anymore... We had the fire crunch and godzilla rolls along with a udong and some salmon pieces. The salmon pieces were melt in your mouth delish and fresh. 2 pieces for $3.95 and the pieces were pretty thick as well! The udong noodles were cooked perfectly and the soup wasn't salty (which is what I typically find). The fire crunch is a must have but the godzilla roll was just okay. To top it off, at the end of your meal, they provide some refreshing watermelon :) I cannot emphasize how awesome their customer service is. My cup of water was never empty and they checked up on us to make sure we were happy with our food. The owner even came to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. I'm a sucker for great service :)
(5)
Mirza B.

I went to Sushi Ya on a wintery night a couple of days ago. The streets were empty and the night was at its end. Luckily, I reached the place about 20 minutes before they close. The owners are the nicest people ever. Yes, I too have falled victim to their charms by sampling the free edamame. The staff was knowledgeble and attentive. They had some good recommendations. I typically have the Bento Boxes everywhere I go and Sushi Ya was no exception. The quantity provided was HUGE. I had beef, chicken, salmon, Tuna, tempura vegetables, california rolls, chopped calamari, salad and all of this was extremely affordable. I would also like to mention the owner who is this japanese woman who doesnt speak english too good. She was adorable. She took personal care of me and my date. Really hope this place does good. The suburbs need more places like these.
(5)
Shakeel K.

When I eat here I feel that I am eating healthy. I had their Salmon Teriyaki, which was good. They give you a decent size portion and presentation is good as well. During lunch time you also get the Miso soup with your order. I have also tried their vegetable and shrimp tempuras with sticky rice. I will recommend those as well. I am not big on sushi itself, but have tried the torched avocoda tuna makki roll (think that is what it's called)and thought it was good. Ah forgot to mention the highlight of the meal. If you are there order their Mochi ice-cream. I think you get two small cubes for less than two bucks. It is packed with flavor. Mango is my favorite. Thats it for now.
(4)
Anna B.

Very good sushi. They have a nice selection of the usual rolls like rainbow (my favorite and very good at Sushi Ya) as well fun local rolls such as the "Shaumburg" rolls. They provide edamame as a free appetizer. The staff is extremely nice, very attentive, quick to help out. The location is very new and decorated in a simple casual way. Prices are reasonable. Sushi Ya brings a nice sushi option to the area.
(5)
Julie L.

Have never been here before until the weekend. Prices seemed decent (I had two rolls and a speciality order). Told me it would be a 30 min wait for take out but when I got there it wasn't even ready. I would recommend for dine in only.
(4)
Jason H.

Went back for a second helping of Sushi Ya and I was NOT disappointed! -AMAZING service. So polite and friendly!!! -FOOD FRESH AS CAN BE and delicious. This place gets 5 stars yet again. Quite simply... A DELIGHT!
(5)
chrisa r.

i haven't been in a long time, i heard owners just changed, but i used to go frequently... LOVED IT. Miso (sp?) soup and edamame are always included while you wait to pick out your rolls. so friendly when you walk in the door. oh and almost forgot the cute cookies they give after the meal.
(4)
Rosa D.

Great sushi in Schaumburg with great prices! I love that you get soup and a dessert with every meal. The sushi is yummy, spicy tuna is amazing! Everybody that works there is really friendly and remember you once u have been in a few times. Also had A beef bowl and it was so yummy! I def recommend sushi ya
(5)
Todd M.

One of the best in the burbs. Everything tastes fresh and even their non-sushi items are great. No joke, they might have the best fried rice around.
(5)
kevin b.

absolutely perfect. super friendly and attentive service, incredible cuts of fish, very thorough menu, very reasonably priced. everything i've ever ordered has been nothing short of perfect. the pieces of nigiri have huuuge pieces of fish on them. also, free miso, edamame and green tea? done.
(5)
Tony M.

I really like the freshness, large cuts, and quality of the sushi at Sushi Ya. Typically no matter where I go I spend anywhere from $13-20 dollars on myself when it comes to Sushi. So I feel they are priced appropriately. This last time I ordered the Maki Combo, which had a shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, and a salmon roll. I was full in a good way after eating it. It was $12.95, which wasn't bad at all. This is my new sushi stop because it's close to home. I recommend trying it out.
(5)
Evelyn L.

The service was great. The friend silken tofu was tasty. Do not miss that dish!
(4)
Drew F.

Fabulous, I absolutely loved it! Service is great, very attentive and friendly staff. The sushi is unique with a lot of variation and neat combinations of ingredients. If you plan on coming for dinner you should try to make reservations ahead of time, the place gets kind of crowded.
(5)
Priya S.

I love this place! If you want a good laid back ambience and want to eat great tasting sushi, try this place. The sushi is the best quality I have eaten! Try the Hawaian roll or fire crunch- its awesome! The service is good. The lady who owns this restaurant is very amicable and friendly. They get to know you well and take care of you.
(5)
Harley M.

Great sushi place! We've dined here several times (only for lunch) and we'll definitely be back for more. I thought should put in a review for others. We've seen the dinner reviews in terms of service so for now we have stayed away. The food is great! We haven't had any problems with any of our orders. Great creativity with some of their rolls. The boxes are standard but they taste good and fresh. The place is very small for a restaurant, but we weren't crowded to eat. It was comfortable. The staff were all very friendly. The only draw back is that service is a little slow. I can only imagine what it would be like if it was crowded.
(5)
YS Z.

Excellent. Top quality food for the money. I have been here a couple of times. Never got disappointed. Be careful of ordering extra rice, which is pretty expensive.
(4)
Mary D.

The sushi was delicious, we were seated promptly and the service was very thorough. The server explained exactly what we were getting after each roll we ordered, our drinks were refilled quickly, and we received our order very fast. Not much for ambiance. No specialty theme or design. But great sushi. To the point.
(5)
Carmen N.

I've been here several times. Most of the time I order to go. The last time my sister and I tried to eat in we had to wait 20 minutes to get a table. I wish this place was bigger but its cute. I enjoy the service. I would definitely go back since they are so close from home.
(3)
Martin D.

Ate here yesterday after a few hours at Woodfield Mall and all other sushi places we Yelped were closed since it was a Sunday but really glad we did because this place is a gem. The only downside would be that it's so far if you live closer to the city. Walked in at 5:45 and were seated immediately with about the place half full, by the time we left it was packed. The service was quick and attentive and the rolls were VERY good and came out pretty quickly considering there were only 2 sushi chefs and the place starting filling up 10 minutes after we arrived. Bottom line, the place is a bit small but clean and nice, the service was attentive, and the food was excellent. The GF and I have eaten at a lot of sushi places and tried all kinds of rolls but this place was top 5 for sure. I know what your thinking... Shaumburg? Really? I was thinking the same thing as I was destroying maki rolls.
(5)
Simon C.

This is some of the best sushi I've ever had. The seafood is very fresh. Not fishy at all. The price is decent. Miso soup and edamame come with every meal. The staffs are very friendly. The place is very comfortable but it is very small. I say it holds 40 people so if you have a group of more than 6, you better call ahead. My favorite is definitely the scallop sushi. It's gigantic! The sweet shrimp is excellent as well. The Hellboy Maki is very nice, too!
(5)
Cindy R.

Adorable and fairly new sushi place in Schaumburg. Yes, it's a (somewhat) standard-in-the-suburbs strip mall location! Had many of our usual faves such as spicy tuna and rainbow roll. All were good, with one standout being a roll we don't usually order - it had cooked scallop on top (don't know its name). It was excellent & I will update if I figure out the name of it... Anyway, the long and short of it is this place is clean and serves fresh fish. Our rolls were all good & we expect to be going back soon!
(4)
janaynay n.

Service=A- Sushi=A++++ Environment=B+ Price=A This place has to be my ultimate sushi place so far. The sushi was definitely delicioussssss. The people there are very friendly too. We got free edamame with our miso soup which was pretty cool. The enviornment was very relaxing and peaceful but I would not recommend coming here if it is crowded. I don't think there would be enough seats to accomadate alot of ppl. As for price, the prices are pretty reasonable. Overall, I would recommend everyone to come to this place.
(5)
Samra M.

Went here for my brother's birthday to treat him out. Small space, bright yellow sign, you may miss it when you're on Roselle Road, so keep an eye out. The service was fast, but i can't really complain because there were only 2 more customers in the restaurant other than us haha. But they had really good edi mame, they're really soft that you can eat them whole and they had a good salt ratio. Miso was good and warm (always a good thing).Dinner is 12pm to close on sundays. We ordered the spider roll, diablo, shrimp tempura, green dragon and ebi. ALL were great tasting and fresh, no complaints and definitely a change from my regular sushi joints in the city (mainly because i usually go for buffet) price was substantial, not too bad. Overall we had a great experience.
(4)
Summer N.

I am so grateful I took a chance on a "strip mall sushi place." I absolutely love Sushi Ya. The price and quality is perfect!! My boyfriend and I go here at least once a week. The employees know us now. What's nice is the sushi is always fresh. Our sushi and meals are always tasty. The rolls and pieces are generous! I love how edamame is included no matter what you order, and even miso soup. Plus a nice treat for dessert. I have been to much more "trendy" sushi places that charge you for these goodies! I highly recommend their rolls (all are great) and their Bento Meals. Sooo good and LOTS of food! My boyfriend and I joke that we can't move too far away because we LOVE this place! We feel spoiled now and can't justify going anywhere else because the price here is great!
(4)
Eric B.

Great sushi, fresh, decent prices. Fried rice was good too. It was busy but that was no problem for us. I will return.
(4)
Dejan B.

It was delicious! Flavorful, rich, and smooth would be some adjectives I would use (as good as I had in Toronto, Canada which I hear is some of the best outside of Japan)...The environment was great. The service was nice if a little slow and hard to understand. My wife and I still being newbies to sushi (only my second time) and her first asked two different waitresses about what they would suggest and also about different aspects of the food and both of us had a very hard time understand even 50% of what they said...All that said I would still strongly suggest this place if you are fan of sushi!!
(4)
Diane N.

Let me start off by saying I'm not picky but I can tell the difference between so so sushi, and amazing sushi. I have never been disappointed by Sushi ya. The service is amazing, and quick. And the food ... to die for. Hands down 5 stars
(5)
Nali M.

This has become our favorite place for sushi! The staff here is so friendly and the food is so fresh. My favorite is the spicy tuna hand-roll. The place is pretty small with limited seatings. We've been here a couple of times on Saturday nights, and we had to wait about 10-15 minutes for a table. But it was definitely worth it!
(4)
Pavel S.

Great sashimi and very attentive staff for lunch
(5)
Harley B.

A friend of mine was doing some job training out in Rolling Meadows and we decided to meet for sushi. We kicked around a few ideas and finally settled on Sushi Ya, even though neither of us had ever been there. The Yelp reviews were positive, so I didn't have any reservations about going. Besides, I've gone farther for worse and paid more for less, and having dinner with an old friend was going to trump whatever ended up on my plate. Upon entering Sushi Ya we were loudly and happily greeted by everyone on staff. We were seated immediately (and we'd soon find out that we'd barely beaten an evening rush) and drink orders were quickly taken and filled. Beverage question aside, the first thing we were asked was if we'd been there before. Within minutes of telling them it was our first time there we were brought complimentary edamame and bowls of miso soup. Little things, unexpected things...but things I notice and appreciate. The sushi... beautiful maki and the cuts used for the nigiri were quite generous and noticeably thicker than what I've been served in many other places. Turnaround on orders was quick, even after business picked up, which was refreshing. Yes, Sushi Ya is small, but they treat their customers right and they serve good food -- just because it's tucked inside a shopping strip doesn't mean it's bad. Long story short, Sushi Ya was pure win from the moment I set foot inside to the moment I left the building. I'll most certainly be returning.
(4)
Wenyi L.

Fire crunchy roll, a must try!
(5)
Agnes T.

I used to love this place great sushi decent prices but lately they gotten really busy in such a small place owner is mean and rude the waitresses keep coming back as your deciding what to order and are really pushy when you order more than a couple rolls they look at you and say that's too much " hey let me decide when it's too much " one of my orders was missing and the boss lady argued with me that I'm wrong and later released I was right and said nothing by the way good luck with her on the phone she barely speaks English like I said I used to love it now I go there once in a while I prefer Nikko soju sarang in Arlington heights
(3)
Becky K.

i dont think this place deserved as many stars as it got... its a small mom-&-pop joint with lots of choices... we got a variety of different sushis (red dragon, unagi crunch, rainbow dragon, and spicy scallop) with a small side of seaweed salad--the best part of the meal unfortunately... **the unagi was messy and soggy; spicy scallop was the best out of all (IF i had to pick) and red dragon was the worst. wasnt sure if the quality of the fish was bad, or if we jus had the end of the batch, but the fish jus didnt seem fresh. they did serve edamame (appetizer) and refreshing watermelon slices (palette cleanser) on the house, which was nice :) other than that...im sure theres better sushi elsewhere. :X
(2)
Leah E.

Basically the best sushi and sashimi I have ever had and this is coming from someone raised in California where the fish doesn't get any fresher. Every time my boyfriend flies in from Phoenix we go here because of the great sushi and awesome service. It's a little surprising when you get greeted by everyone when you walk in but you also see the regulars get hugged so it's nice to know it's that kind of place. The prices are also extremely reasonable for the quality as well as the presentation which is usually overlooked unless you are someplace considered to be trendy.
(5)
J H.

Good variety! Great service from friendly staff. Place is small, yet quaint. I enjoyed the sushi VERY much. Had a creation called I Love Chicago (amongst others) ... Nice! Some of the sushi construction does unravel, however, it's from them stuffing them. Had some flavors here of sushi I'd never experienced ... recommend for sure!
(4)
Mel T.

friendly staff and well prepared sushi. There are also non-sushi entrees that deserve attention as well, such as the beef bowl. If looking for a decent sushi place in this neighborhood, sushi ya is as good as it gets.
(5)
Sarah R.

Delicious food at good prices. I recommend the Jo's special as an appetizer, it tastes like crab rangoon!! Really friendly servers too!
(5)
Selena P.

I wish I lived in Schaumburg because I would eat here all the time. The service was excellent and so was the food. My husband and I got sushi and it was very, very good. If I am ever in Schaumburg again, I will visit there again.
(4)
Sam G.

Never had a roll I didn't like. Love the tuna hulk maki, spicy tuna on steroids :)
(5)
Robert G.

Sushi ain't my specialty; just third place. In strip mall (as are most sushi and Thai joints out in these parts) on the East side of Roselle, parking in private lot more easily accessed by street immediately North. We were the first peeps there when it opened at 430pm today, so there was no problem getting away from the door where a slight breeze could be felt (incidentally, the door is not spring loading as I was expected, and opened it with gusto nearly toppling the doodad Asian thing in the breezeway...my bad). Pretty good menu options and I tried to match what I get at the other place we like, so I'd have some sorta frame of reference. Missing my token ginger chicken equivalent, I opted for the Shumai (beef, $4.50)--hold on--no beef? Granted, we had an immediate language barrier [which is OK at an ethnic restaurant, lends credibility methinks], but the chicka said no beef on Shumai (steamed dumplings) but could get beef on Gyoza (pan fried dumplings)---I said is "menu wrong or out of beef", and that was followed by a short discourse on Gyoza. Anywho, no steamed jammies with beef, so I got the PF equivalent and they were pretty good [forgot to take pic]: six in all and fairly tasty with the sweet soyish sesame dipping sauce. Pooh got the Ama-Ebi (Sweet Shrimp, $6 [pic]) which she loved--so much so ate the WHOLE darned shrimp noggin....usually such sucks the head matter out, but crunchy enough was the whole bugger down they went. I ordered the Avocado Torch Crunch ($11.95) which was pretty tasty, especially the torched mayo/sweet sauce (ate it plain)--roll was pretty good size [pic], but not really spicy as expected/advertised. Panraya got the Fire Crunch Maki ($11.95) which I didn't try, but she seemed to really like it [though not as much as appetizer. Ended with the token fruit dessert...seedless H2Omelon. Gratis edamame and miso while waiting for apps, though that seems pretty standard [though I've had salad instead of beans before]. Only open until 10pm which is fine on most occassions, but for late workers that's a bit of a bugger (see review of Nikkos in Arlington Heights). Also cans o' Coke as most people will note I tend to shy away from those as being pricey. Good service on H2O and Tea refills. We got nothing free beyond usual expectations and I really didn't think the service was beyond compare, though it was better than most places--perhaps since we were just 2 of 6 people there for the first hour. Prices weren't bad, just a skosh higher than the couple other places I've been. Guys bathroom big and clean, unusually so for a single operator--always a good thing to check out...
(4)
Maria C.

I was pleasantly surprised with this restaurant. It's small but cozy, cute and the service is outstanding. They brought some Edamame as courtesy of the house, we ate some delicious sushi and then they brought some watermelon again, as a courtesy. The price was very reasonable and I plan on being back for sure.
(4)
Dana C.

When it comes to sushi, most people go to the most expensive places, that are usually corporations. For me it has to be somewhere that knows how to make good sushi, somewhere where you will find Japanese people eating, cuz they know their sushi. For as small as this place is, not only are the prices great for what you you get, but I have never ordered anything there that I didn't like. The Fire crunch maki is amazing, and the miso soup is home made and awesome as well. I would definately suggest trying Sushi-ya if you want to try some good food, and fresh fish! :)
(5)
Kelly T.

I LOVE this place! They have the best service, along with the best food. My boyfriend and I always get the dragon roll, along with any other we may be in the mood for, and it is always amazing. Whenever we feel like sushi, this is where we go. Nothing else compares!
(5)
Sarah P.

Sushi Ya is the best sushi restaurant in the area. Don't be fooled by its small strip mall appearance. The food is great and the staff is very friendly. It is a BYOB spot but you are charged a extra 10 dollars for a corking fee.
(4)
Cam C.

Small location - So, if you're going for lunch, you want to arrive before noon to make sure you have a table. They have lunch combos with generous portions. Sushi are large and taste great - I've had their squid, salmon, and many others. Prices are very reasonable. Staff is friendly as can be, and they are incredibly fast. I will DEFINITELY be making this a regular lunch spot. Two people can expect to eat for $25~35, unless you're absolutely gorging yourselves. TRY OUT SUSHI YA!
(5)
Lulu C.

It seems like a small dive-y place from the outside, but the inside is nice and clean. The place isn't huge, so bigger groups won't really fit. Their sushi is delightful and they have some of the friendliest staff around!! I LOVE their fire avocado appetizer and they have awesome maki choices, and their fish has always been fresh! I wish they were closer to me so I could make them one of my regular places!!
(5)
Faye S.

Good value for sushi at Sushi ya. The rolls were alright but tend to fall apart. They gave out free miso and edamame. The service was alright. We went there at a busy time and felt that the restaurant was unorganized. We sat at the sushi bar and were served the food of a couple next to us. Overall, it is inexpensive and food was not bad. I cannot say that it's good though.
(3)
Lily K.

Imitation Crab Sticks. Not a fan.
(3)
Shaun S.

Best sushi I've had in the suburbs
(5)
shaun M.

I have been to many sushi places in my day and Sushi Ya easily rates as my favorite. For one you get free edamame, a definite bonus. Secondly, the staff is extremely nice and you can tell the sushi chefs put great care into the food that they make. The food is sooo delicious, i recommend trying the Schaumburg roll or the tuna hulk. On one occasion we had to wait a long time for our food because the place was SLAMMED but they were so nice and gave us some free calamari to eat while we waited. One last thing, I think they are starting to get to know us because me and my roomie went here after new years and they gave us a new years present!! We were on our way out and the waitress stopped us and gave us each a bottle of sake. I can't say enough good things about this place, go there and you will not regret it.
(5)
Jin Joo L.

For a sushi place, I'd say they have majority of the nigiri and sashimi sushi that I love. As much as I love their food here, I always seem to get food poisoning right after. And this happened to me twice. The rolls and food are all very good. The service was excellent too. I went on the weekend when it's not very busy and the sushi took forever. I always eat a ton when I go here. Yummmmm. So I hope the next time I go, I don't get sick because I do genuinely like the place and people and food.
(3)
Julia P.

Quick service, friendly staff, great sushi. I love sushi & I eat a lot of it, I'd say their sushi is definitely one of my top favorites for a quick meal or carry out. Dining in leaves something to be desired, not the best atmosphere & it feels kind of rushed.
(4)
Sarah G.

I love the food here; my boyfriend and I are regulars, dining in at least once a week. Unfortunately, this is one of the smallest restaurants I've ever eaten in; there is usually a wait and nowhere TO wait....making it a little awkward. I felt like I was invading the date happening at the table near the door. However, the food DOES make it worth the wait. The waitresses are all extremely friendly; although I can't quite figure out how they operate as all 3 or 4 of them are the server for every table. It is a little annoying to tell one waitress that you're not quite ready to order yet only to have two more waitresses come and ask within 30 seconds of each other....same with the bill. BUT the food IS wonderful and despite these little nuances I will continue to eat here.
(4)
Sophie Z.

I love this place! Me, my boyfriend, and my friends were very excited when this place opened since its really close to home. The waitstaff is very attentive and always makes sure you have everything you need. Last time we went there we were even given a small plate of sushi on the house to try - it was delicious! The atmosphere is nice and cozy - great for an evening with friends or a date night. The sushi is EXCELLENT and well priced. Each time we go we try a new roll, and we have not once been disappointed. We love the Sunset roll and the Green Dragon roll. I really recommend this place - excellent sushi, great value, in a comfy and welcoming environment.
(5)
Sissy J.

You would have no idea by the location how amazing this place is. (& I don't even like Sushi! Husband loves it.) Their food is fantastic. I am completely addicted to their Miso Soup & Beef Teriyaki. This is a complete hidden secret spot of deliciousness right here in the suburbs. Usually you'd have to drive downtown for one of these awesome spots. I don't get attached easily, but I would cry if Sushi Ya left Schaumburg. Whether you like Sushi or not--everyone should try this place.
(5)
K F.

This place was fantastic. We went here while staying in a nearby hotel on a visit to Chicago and were pleasantly surprised by how good the sushi was as well as the fantastic service. The place is clean, the hours are convenient and the sake selection is great. We got the avocado torch roll and it was one of the best pieces of sushi I have ever had. I would go out of my way to come back here again.
(5)
Sarah V.

The place is a little small, but there isn't anything wrong with that. You can hear people's conversations across the room but it's not distracting. The sushi is GREAT. The Alaskan Maki was awesome. Easily the best sushi I have ever had. The prices are fair... maki rolls are about $4-$7. Generous portions, miso soup, and pea pods with every meal :) They are extremely friendly and attentive as well. I would definitely go back. Actually.. I just went again today. It's awesome.
(5)
Kate S.

This place was fantastic!!!! This is the only place that I know that gives you edamamme and soup before your sushi! Talk about super reasonable, I ended up going with a couple cousin's and a friend and we ordered some Nigiri and six or seven rolls most of them being specialty rolls. Our total bill after tax and tip was less than $100! Everything was super delicious! My one and only small complaint is the rice was a little soft and our rolls ended up falling apart on us. Other than that this an excellent place and very very very reasonable! Can't wait to have another great night here!
(4)
J P.

LOVE this place. I came here for the first time after finding it on yelp as one of the better restaurants in the area. I feel like I've come to love all strip mall joints! IMO, I've had the best dining experiences here, better then the well known city establishments. On to the review - Upon entering, you are immediately greeted by ALL staff, the waitresses and even the sushi chefs at the bar. You can pick anywhere you want to sit and they gave us a menu. I ordered hot green tea and I loved how they kept refilling my mug, I must have drank like 5 mug fulls! And it was good and warm, perfect since it was harsh and windy outside. The place is brightly lit, yet still cozy. I ordered a hand roll and a california crazy roll (i know not so adventurous, but next time I will be!) and they were both very delicious! They also gave us a complimentary bowl of Miso Soup and Edamame and that was a nice little surprise. We ended up LOVING the Miso soup, we feverishly drank it, I wonder what the other patrons were thinking! All in all it was a great dining experience and SO SO SO SO affordable, our meal ended up only being $20 and we were stuffed. Even though we opted for the cheaper, not so "sushi" types of sushi, it was still a satisfying meal. A great place to take first timers, or skeptics! Next time I go (and I will be returning, many times) I'll be sure to try the fire crunch or the avocado torch!
(5)
Kharry D.

I`ve odered sushi rolls from this restaurant because it is highly rated online. My family enjoyed the rolls and they were reasonably priced. My husband loved Alaskan and Fire crunch rolls. The spice was right on, the heat did not overpower the flavors. I loved Chicago and Sushi Ya rolls. They were perfectly done. I highly reccomend this place to everybody.
(5)
Michael L.

Finding a sushi restaurant in the Schaumburg area WAS hard. If you are looking for reasonably priced sushi for pickup or sit-down in schaumburg, try Sushi Ya on Roselle Rd. Cozy atmosphere and a friendly staff that goes the extra mile to make sure you leave happy.
(5)
Jacquelyn Y.

excellent sushi i have ever had plus their best service ....definitely worth it for return!!! we had two rolls and one U-don and two appetizers. their rolls were outstanding, more than what i expected !!!!
(5)
Desmond W.

I'm a Chicago native, but had the pleasure of living on the West coast for a few years. As you can imagine, sushi out there is pretty fantastic. To my chagrin, finding decent sushi has proven to be quite difficult since returning to the Midwest (go figure). That's until I checked out Sushi Ya. Most places around here have pretty bland flavors and ingredients, as well as abysmal, chewy seaweed wrapping. Not here. Flavors were bright, varied and interesting. Presentation was excellent. Service was very friendly and quite good minus a somewhat lengthy wait-time for our check. I suppose my one gripe would be cost. It's a bit expensive for my tastes, but I think that's just something I'll have to get used to if I want decent sushi in a landlocked area. Bottom line: if you like your sushi, check this place out.
(4)
J D.

This place doesnt need my help in promoting, but they deserve it. We were skeptical at first, not for any reason in particular but just because we are always skeptical of trying somewhere unfamiliar to us. The guys behind the sushi bar paused from their work and greeted us, anywhere one said, as in "sit anywhere". My first choice was a bit too close to the bathrooms, my second choice was a bit too close to the entrance. Damn if I cant even decide on a place to sit then how the hell am i going to navigate my way through this menu. A nice older woman greeted us and gave us menus. The Decor is nice , some other reviewers said it was lacking but I found it to be perfect. Upscale without being Snooty, kind of sparse, but not barren. I like the fact that the walls were not crowded with cheap dragons or some other oriental stuff (although that can be fun at times). Nice dark wood tables to match the bar, Not too bright but by no means dark. perfect atmosphere. I asked for tea right away because it was cold outside. She returned with a mug of tea, I was expecting a kettle--now normally this would be a negative but this turned out to be a plus, because after the first time that I asked for more tea, i never had to ask again. Sometimes while I was inquiring about a menu item my tea would stealthily be filled by a hand that escaped my line of sight. I must have had like 10 cups of tea. Okay my review is not solely based on tea, so lets get into the food I had a dragon roll, she had a california roll and we shared some tempura vegetable/shrimp. They were all very good. I really liked the Unagi on the top of the dragon. Okay so we are sushi amateurs , we order the tame stuff, no octopus or sashimi but so what (this is my review, this is my song, this isnt your song, this is fascism.) Alrighty back on track here- After pondering long and hard about udon noodles i finally decded to follow up the dragon with a nice fried tofu soup thing that I cant quite remember the name although it is pictured in one of the other reviews. (It looks like a few sticks of butter centered in a bowl surrounded by broth.) It was really tasty, kind of a sweet taste to the tofu and a nice savory broth. It had a great bacon smell to it but oddly did not contain bacon or any pork to my knowledge. We also had another roll and a dish comprising of some delicious chicken and vegetables over rice, It was almost like a bourbon chicken of sorts but blew away anything comparable that Ive had in the past. We did enjoy the comp. edemame and the nice cookie thing at the end when they bring the check (which was pretty reasonable for the quality of food we enjoyed). The service and the food were way over par at Sushi Ya. Definitely be back to try the udon noodles..
(5)
Kimberly B.

It has been a couple months since I have visited Sushi Ya, so unfortunately I do not have any specific menu item critiques. I did want to add to their high ratings now before I forgot. I have always had a welcome and cheery greeting when entering the restaurant. The servers are always friendly and attentive. I find their menu items affordable and good quality. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because I find the music choice a bit odd. I think they usually have a pop/rock radio station on. It just throws me off.
(4)
S P.

Not sure what all the positive reviews are about, sushi was mediocre and overpriced for the suburbs. Great ambiance though. That was probably my last visit.
(3)
Matt P.

Great sushi ... terrific staff. No free refills on soft drinks.
(3)
Kamila T.

The fresh sushi and deliciously light and flaky calamari deserves a 5 star rating on its own. The restaurant is very small and there's not much privacy. The tables are tiny and placed right next to each other but its soo worth it!
(5)
Dee H.

Love this place. My husband & I have been to sushi places all over the chicago area & this is the # 1 spot. We don't even bother trying any new places for sushi because we feel like we're cheating on sushi ya, thats how much we love it! Cheap prices, fresh & yummy sushi. The place is small and shady looking, but the sushi makes up for it!
(5)
Willie S.

Visited the area last weekend - used Yelp to find the place. First night my son wanted a steak off the Hibachi menu (very picky - non sushi eater) - they had no steak. I asked for my nigiri sampler to go - had to get Taco Bell for the kid. Limited English skills made this a little awkward but this was our issue not theirs. The owner/manager was engaged from the moment we walked in - server was great. It was a busy Friday night - the place is not large. The nigiri portions were very big. Fish was very good. They have a Korean bent - I love Hwe dup Bap - had to come back for a try. So I returned without my son for dinner the next night to try the "spicy sashimi" - portion was huge - the sauce thick but not quite as hot as I like - they checked on the Anglo because they thought it was too hot. I knew what I was getting into. I like it hot. We worked it out. I love attention to detail and people who care about their service. High level of service here. Great chefs. Fun little place - 5 stars. Strip center without much fancy outside. Perfect set up inside. Highly recommended.
(5)
Mike I.

The best sushi I have ever eaten....and I got carry out! The plating was unbelievable as opening each stryrofoam container was like Christmas morning. The sushi was perfectly organized in each little container with as much detail as if you were eating it in their restaurant. The taste was out of this world. My wife, who's a HUGE sushi fan (and snob), claims that this is her new favorite spot....and it's in Schaumburg(!!??) The employees who work there seem to sincerely appreciate your business. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Butter D.

My daughter and I stopped over at sushi station to get a take out and was turned away because they were not going to open for another 15 mins. My daugther suggested Sushi Ya in Schaumburg, I think I have have heard about it before and actually have driven by this restaurant numerous times. Well desperate for sushi I decided to go ahead and order from them for the first time. Like some reviewers said the moment you walk in they welcome you immediately and make you feel appreciated. The waitress asked us to take a seat and gave us a menu to order from and even offered advice. While waiting for our order they gave us water and even edamame and to think we were just ordering for a take out. The sushi was delicious, ordered was the california rolls and the maki combo both were filling and tasted fresh. Will I come back for more??? YOU BETCHA! It's refreshing to feel as if our business was appreciated. Great job!
(4)
Esther P.

Bottom Line: I think service at a restaurant should be a top priority - it usually goes hand-in-hand, but at Sushi-ya, service didn't exist. In fact, the meaning of bad service was taken to new heights. Will I be returning? Definitely not. Sayounara Sushi-ya! What Happened: Went during lunch-time for a quick bite. Ordered a spicy tuna roll and an avocado roll (simple rolls). 20 min. passed since I sat down, but I still had not received my order. I was beginning to get a little bit suspicious b/c I knew that 2 rolls like mine dont take very long. The waitresses were scurrying around delivering food to table five here and table 7 there, but no one seemed to be paying much attention to me. There were others in the restaurant so despite these obvious signs that my order and I were being disregarded, I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. Suddently, I saw the waitress who was running around the place w/out a clue (that's what it seemed) hand my order menu to the sushi bar guy. It had been sitting for 20+min. by the cash register. I told myself not go get mad, but I was pretty pissed. I swallowed my thoughts and when my food came out 10 min. later, I ate quickly due to having to return to work. The spicy tuna was a little bit sweet (not sure if I liked that) and not very spicy (again, don't like). The avocado rolls were delicious tho. Anyway, the waitress took my cleared plates. I was expecting the bill to be delivered soon after she did that, but there was no bill. She resumed her tending to the other customers except me. Finally, I turned towards her as she was standing by the register and practically shouted "Can I get my bill?" and it was finally brought over. One of the other waitresses brought me watermelon, but the damage was done. You see, I used to work at a sushi restaurant for a year actually and I know that that a) it doesn't take long to make a spicy tuna roll or an avocado roll b/c there are few ingredients compared to let's say a spider roll. I also know that the service that I received at this restaurant would not have been tolerated at the restaurant that I worked at. Despite the good reviews from other customers, I will not go back there again. Who wants to be ignored while other customers are being treated? I think service at a restaurant should be a top priority - it usually goes hand-in-hand, but at Sushi-ya, service didn't exist. In fact, the meaning of bad service was taken to new heights. Will I be returning? Definitely not. Sayounara Sushi-ya!
(1)
Elaine C.

Darn good sushi. But, I still think Daruma is better.
(4)
Clark B.

Well, this was quite a surprise! Like so many other sushi restaurants, Sushi Ya occupies a portion of a suburban strip mall. However, once you walk through the doors, you're warmly greeted by any staff that can see you and the interior is much more pleasing that it's outside surroundings. Service is attentive and prompt. The rolls are LARGE and priced competitive with other suburban sushi restaurants. Between my fiancee and I we spent approximately $50 on drinks, five rolls, and edamame. While we ate seven regulars came to pick up their orders and were each greeted by name. Overall it felt like we were in a neighborhood sushi joint in the city.
(4)
Giselle V.

Sushi Ya has the BEST sushi in the area, at an affordable price! I have been to this establishment several times, and have never been disappointed. They get pretty busy on weekends, but even if they're super crowded I've never had to wait more than a few minutes for a table. I highly recommend the unagi (eel rolls), and the chirashi is the best I've ever had!
(5)
Ted W.

Great place if you have a taste for good sushi at a good price and don't care about the frills. It is in a strip mall and very plain inside, but all the rolls I had were excellent and the service was great. They also gave us free miso soup, a small edaname, and watermelon for dessert. Probably not a great place to impress a first date or client, but I'll pay a couple bucks less per roll to have it not served on a fancy plate.
(4)
Candyce P.

Sushi Ya is the type of place you'd only know about if you frequent pita house (in the same strip mall) or regularly drive up and down Roselle Road. I do both, so when Sushi Ya opened, I knew it was a place I'd like to try. Like a sucker though, I waited until others had tried and yelped about it before stepping foot inside. I know, I know... but sushi spots are either good or really bad and I wasn't going to risk my tummy. That being said, after reading reviews, it sounded like a worthwhile and good place to try. The hubby and I went on a random Thursday evening for dinner and were pleasantly surprised. It's a cute place with about 15 tables at most, plus seating at the sushi bar; 3 servers/hostesses and 2 sushi chefs; cozy decor and lighting and nice plateware and presentation. It was quite cold that evening and I apparently looked like a shiverring chihuahua, so our server immediately offered to bring us some hot tea and the complimentary edamame to start with. Nice touch. The edamame was fresh, hot and perfectly salted. The cup of hot tea was good and constantly refilled through the dinner. We ordered shrimp and veggie tempura, beef udon soup, a signature maki roll (which I cannot remember the name of, but included spicy scallop) and a spicy tuna roll. Everything was delicious. The tempura was hot and crispy, the udon soup broth was light and comforting and the sushi was perfect! (read: melt-in-your-mouth fish with slightly warm fresh sushi rice!) Total cost was about $40, and seriously a deal for the quality of food. The hubby said they have good lunch specials, but I was too busy eating to look at that menu. I noted that there were about half the tables filled on a Thursday night, so I hope people keep going to this place to keep it going. We'll definitely go back and try more sushi and nigiri. The overall feel of this place though, besides the great quality, is as though you're a guest in their house. It's lovely and charming.
(5)
Pat K.

Best sushi for the best price, hands down. Free delicious miso soup and edamame, I always get the spicy salmon rolls and they are great.
(5)
Marko G.

I had the chef special sashimi combo. Fresh fish, and well presented. The location is a bit to be desired for as well as the ambiance and the waiting staff.
(4)
Brian H.

A real delight. Great sushi, decent prices. As others have noted, not the fastest service, but attentive - and good sushi takes time.
(4)
Rachael C.

A few co-worker have raved about Sushi Ya and I finally got the chance to eat here. I must admit, I have a favorite sushi place and going to a strip mall sushi bar was not an appetizing thought. Boy did they prove me wrong! Everything was fresh, it tasted fantastic and I now have a new sushi place that is close to work. Only draw back was that I waited so long to try it.
(5)
Perry K.

Friday night at this place was pretty busy, but then again they only have 12 tables. After we ordered, they brought out a small bowl of edamame and a bowl of soup for free which I thought I was very nice since we didn't order an appetizer. We ordered five rolls and the waitress thought that was too much for my fiancÃ© and I, but we proved her wrong. They brought the rolls out one at a time as the chef was rolling em which I didn't really like but it was busy in there so I understand.
(4)
Steve b.

Hulk roll is Great! Bento box is fantastic. I'm from out of town but wish my hometown had a sushi place like Sushi Ya!
(5)
Irene O.

Yummo... great service... always start with complimentary edamame and soup
(5)
Jessica R.

I've been here twice now and was pretty impressed. I work at another sushi restaurant and am always looking to try other places. I went there yesterday with my friend. We had a California deluxe, Dragon roll and a spicy tuna roll. I also tried their unagi and salmon nigiri. I like the thick cut of both nigiri items and also how crunchy the unagi is. The staff was really friendly and helpful. I would recommend this place to anyone who loves sushi!
(4)
Cathy M.

I had lunch with my dearest friend today at Sushi Ya and we both loved it! I am very fussy about sushi and this place was amazing. We took the advice of another review and got the white and red dragon rolls. Really fresh and delicious. We also shared an order of seaweed salad that was so flavorful and a very pretty presentation. The service was very nice and pleasant. I don't live nearby but would definitely find a reason to go back again.
(5)
Josh L.

I went here on New Years Eve with my wife for dinner. We ordered Green Dragon rolls, Spider rolls, Spicy Tuna Rolls, and Tempura Udon. The Spider rolls were blah, the Green Dragon rolls were okay, the Spicy Tuna was pretty good, and the Tempura Udon was just okay. I don't know how all the other people that reviewed this place gave it 4 or 5 stars, since it was only mediocre. Oh, and the Miso soup was pretty good, but nothing to go crazy over.
(2)
Carlos F.

Great fun sushi restaurant. It was a little pricey, and by little I mean a lot. It was a nice Japanese throwback to be greeted coming in and leaving with a great konishiwa! They have a good formula going here.
(3)
Mark B.

great service great food advise anybody to go there and try it
(4)
Zaid M.

an excellent place to eat sushi at, selection is outstanding and the people who work there are really nice, its hard to understand there english sometimes but its worth it. and always after eating make sure to get the Mushmush Ice cream, velvet from the outside, ice cream form the inside. its just an incredible treat. for a small local sushi place, this place has made the list for sure.
(5)
Pree N.

Great place for a nice dinner! Very good price as well. Great staff, very friendly. GO TRY THIS PLACE!
(5)
Justin W.

The price for the quality of sushi is amazing, the staff is very nice and extremely accommodating, I highly recommend their spicy tuna rolls, and the green dragon.
(5)
Phil T.

The little things were done right here....All the small stuff that they do at Sushi Ya keeps you coming back. This quaint lil sushi joint hidden in a strip mall is quite the place I must say! Everything is true with what everyone is saying nice lil portion of edamame as an app and nice fresh watermelon slices when you are done w/ your meal is on the house. The staff is EXCEPTIONALLY nice here as well! Another nice thing is if you are not a sushi lover my poppi had a nice selection of hot entrees to choose from. He was very happy w/ the teriyaki chicken. Well down to the sush, I really enjoyed this place and all the lil things that this place does will keep me going back here. A++
(5)
S. L.

It's really random to find fresh fish and generous slices in a nondescript strip mall in Schaumburg, IL, but I suppose there are rarer things. Service was a tad inconsistent but generally fast and extremely attentive. It is a small space so it can get loud, but it's good food, good service, and also reasonably priced. Solid choice.
(5)
shelly s.

I was super impressed with Sushi Ya. I live in the city and love top notch sushi so I wasn't expecting that from this strip mall sushi place in the burbs. Super friendly service. The restaurant is open on Saturdays for lunch and you can't beat it. Complimentary edamame, miso soup and slice of watermelon for dessert with anything that you order. The rolls we loved were the tuna hulk, Avocado crunch and the fire crunch. The tuna was super fresh and the rolls had a great deal of fish in and out of them. The fire crunch has so much tuna piled on top that it almost looked like brushetta coming to our table. Even my dad, who is reluctant to eat sushi, tried our rolls and said next time he would forgo the typical order of fried rice that he orders when my mom and I drag him to a sushi restaurant. That says a ton for this place! If you live in the area or are visiting this is your place for sushi!
(5)
rob m.

Unlike some of my verbose reviews, i'll just reiterate what the others have said about this being a great place...the service has always been good and Very friendly and the lunch deal is amazing and very generous for a cheap cheap price..i would highly recommend it as a lunch spot for area workers...the flaming avocado is insanely good and must be tried.
(5)
Jenny C.

I LOVE this place, this is by far the best sushi place in burbs. The place is small but the sushi is super super fresh, rich and great texture. You get 2 pieces for each nigire order and the price is extremely reasonable (approx. $4 to $5 per nigire order). The size of the fish they give is decently thick. The sushi rice is very tasty (good texture and taste) and the rice portion per nigire is prefect (not too much, not too less). My husband loves the Beef Udong which is only $8. The only thing I would complain is the wait (for food) on Friday night. We waited 1 hour for our sushi but trust me, it is well worth it. If you are in rush, go there during weekdays. If you are looking for cheap, fresh, good, neighborhood feeling sushi place, this is it. You will not break your wallet when walking out there, stuffed! BTW, the wait staffs there barely speak english but they are super nice and always carry a smile on their face.
(5)
Roland B.

They make good sushi here. Presentation is good with the only exception that they don't have Uni (Sea Urchin). Price is reasonable for food and beer/Saki.
(4)
David A.

The service, food, and atmosphere were all very good. We were seated right away. I ordered a hot tea which was brought out quickly and refilled often. The maki menu is vast. We chose some of the specialty rolls and they were very tasty. It should be noted they are also very big. Some of the pieces were to big to eat with a normal size mouth and chopsticks but when its good food you find a way. The atmosphere is what you would expect in a strip mall type quick sushi sot but I did like that they played Top 20 throughout the dinner service. Definitely in my top 3 for sushi in the NW suburbs.
(4)
panitee j.

Service is so great. I ordered to go and they served me a piece of watermelon & edamame while waiting. I ordered 2 app, they were good. I'll try sushi next time.
(4)
bany e.

This is not a fancy place but the sushi is amazing!!!!! Loved every roll we ordered time after time
(4)
Luke J.

Fantastic service and some real thick pieces of fish. I'll definitely be returning!
(5)
s C.

wonderful nigiri! so fresh and the fish to rice ratio is VERY generous and delicious! We also had the avacado torch role which was too mayo-y for me and the agedashi tofu was generous, but just so-so. this will most likely become our regular sushi spot :)
(5)
Phil Q.

Ok, we recently went back. Ordered my usual 6 pieces of Salmon Nigiri. The salmon looked as if it was sliced with a bread knife. The shape of the fish on top of the rice, it's sort of supposed to mold around it. These pieces were cut like a rectangle, the edges of the fish were frayed, one end of the fish was noticeably thicker than the other, and it seems to be slapped right on the rice. Not sure if they hired a different sushi chef that had no skill? Affected the texture of the nigiri, and it did not taste fresh. Definitely not happy. The different rolls we ordered were still pretty good. Avoid the salmon chirashi. It is not the same as having sashimi on rice, unless this place has some really bad way of preparing it, and chirashi means crap in japanese. It was awful. Not sure what happened here...perhaps an off night? Spent $70 for two (including tip), and left pretty unhappy. Won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Melissa F.

My favorite Sushi spot! Reasonable prices and delicious sushi. I haven't had a bad roll. Along with having great food, the staff is phenomenal. It has a very small restaurant feel. You are always greeted with a big hello from the entire staff. A favorite spot to bring friends to!
(5)
SK S.

We arrived at Sushi Ya for a later, 2pm, lunch. It was my group and a two other tables. Therefore, we expect that the service be at least good, and it turned out to be great. We ordered the edamame, and for the price, which I believe that was around $4, our table received literally 10 bean pods. This was a slight disappointment, as I throughly enjoy edamame. I ordered two uni, a crunchy shrimp tempura roll, and a crazy California roll along with a side of eel or unagi sauce. The uni were of decent quality, although the rice didn't stick well. The crazy shrimp roll was just as I expected from a deep friend California roll, yum. Furthermore, the crunchy shrimp roll was also what I expected. The only negative that I have is that the unagi sauce tasted a bit like bbq mixed with traditional soy sauce. A great place to go if you know what you like out of your sushi.
(4)
rob v.

Hands down, the best sushi place around. You walk in and you are greeted by a wonderful wait staff. If you get take out during the summer, they will even give you a piece of watermelon. This place has THE best spider and dragon rolls I have ever consumed, and their volcano roll is pretty damn good too! I typically spend about $50 on food and 2 Irinkichibons.
(5)
Jo J.

Sushi is good here but during my last visit, they really ticked me off for something that is really a minor thing but is a matter of principle. This was the first time that I was told at a restaurant that you don't get the same dinner if you get it to go vs. eating it there. Was told when you order sushi to go, you only get the roll and you don't get the miso soup and the edamame. To top it off, the reasons given for why the owner does this was "cost are going up" and because "people don't tip when they pick-up". This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. They charge the same if you eat there or take it to go so what does cost of food or tipping (I usually tip even for pick-up but wasn't about to do so this time) have to do with not giving you a proper complete dinner? If the reason / excuse is that I wouldn't order a coke or drink to go which I would have if I ate there, I still don't agree with this based purely on the principle. The previous three times I went there, just my individual bill was $25-$60. I'm not sure how much soup (miso soup at that - just broth / stock) she will have to save to recover the cost of losing a good customer (and people he/she would bring in with them). I just don't get it when owners / managers think it is ok to nickel and dime you and think that you will keep coming back. I am a foodie but I still don't care how good the food is if you are going to charge me extra for something that normally comes with the entrÃ©e. BTW, the service and food has been great so far but really stupid stuff like this really turned me off. For a second I thought I was overreacting but most people would just put up with nonsense like this and not say a word...and that's even more ridiculous...
(1)
JT D.

I am so happy this place has moved in to schaumburg. Not only is everything fresh and delicious...the service and prices are unbelievable. Just thinking about the restaurant makes me want to go and have dinner there....don't miss it...it outbeats any other sushi spot in schaumburg...
(5)
Don O.

the food is great but i was annoyed with the noise of people. really you cannot take your intimate date here...
(3)
Nichole C.

First off, I SWEAR this place used to be on Roselle Road just past Golf Road. It used to be in the corner of a strip mall there and it was four times the size of this place. Whether it's the same owners, and/or they have moved or not, it's still not good. It is also SO SMALL. It seriously has like 10 tables and a tiny sushi bar. That's it. And it's always packed...which I just don't understand now that I've tried the food. Last time we tried to dine here there were people literally crowding around the tables of people dining by the door and filing out of the restaurant because there is also NOWHERE to stand if they are full. There's also no host stand so it's dog eat dog with the other crabby diners that are in there trying to get their sushi fix too. I wasn't about to throw elbows last time so I just left and went to Daruma...which in retrospect was the best choice I ever made. Fast forward to this time...we got sat right away (it was around 7 on a Thursday night) and were given the biggest menus I've ever seen at a sushi joint which I thought was a good sign. (Turns out, it may have been a "jack of all trades and master of none" situation which I will get to.) We also had a nice waitress but it seems like you can either have someone who hates your guts and doesn't hide their contempt for you or someone who adores you and your family and hugs and kisses you as you come in (I'm guessing if you're a regular here they really treat you right) judging by the tables' service around us. Anyway, she was nice, but not very accurate. We ALMOST got the wrong drinks (which my man took care of) and we did get the wrong order (which we didn't say anything about since it was only one roll off) even thought the waitress reviewed everything before she left our table. We were served miso soup and edamame right away though which was pretty sweet considering I was about to go from zero to HANGRY in a few more minutes (my fault not theirs). It was pretty much the only good part of the meal... On to the rolls. BLECH. I was excited because when she initially put the plate down I noticed that the rice to fish ratio looked good (I hate when there's tons of rice and a tiny dollop of fish in the middle) and some of the maki had decent sized chunks in them (spicy salmon and shrimp tempura crunch roll, I'm looking at you). BUT then I spied the spicy tuna and the spicy scallop and knew I was in for it. Both were mashed up, covered in mayo, and sprinkled with some kind of red spice. The spicy tuna was spicy, at least, but the spicy scallop? BARF. It was like eating fish-flavored, mayo-covered, chopped-up marshmallows. AND it wasn't spicy either. I put down all my rolls with a ton of wasabi like a big girl (minus two pieces of the scallop) and booked out of there vowing to never return. I suppose if you only get the spicy salmon or some of their more fancy rolls, you might be alright. They were cheap, and service was decent, but I sure as hell won't be returning just for those since there are better options that include good salmon and good service if you just keep on driving down Roselle Road. Sorry, Sushi Ya.
(2)
Krystal P.

Staying in the area for just one night and was looking for some descent sushi for dinner. Came across this little gem. The sushi was dynamite! The agedashi tofu was the best I have ever had as well. Really wish I could take this place back to Wisconsin with me.
(5)
Laura N.

Ever felt like an unwelcome customer in a restaurant? I felt like that here. Whenever I have a full hour for lunch (which is not very often), I always try to eat somewhere new. Sushi Ya has been on my to-do list for awhile. When I drove past it a few days ago, I did a quick turn into the parking lot as I knew that would be lunch for the day. An open parking spot near the door was waiting for me. Sweet. I knew from previous reviews it was small, but I was still surprised at how small it was, especially at the 'bar.' The place was pretty full, which was a good sign. An older lady motioned for me to sit at the bar and I was immediately handed a sheet of paper, pen, and menu without a word or smile. Um, OK. I wasn't quite sure what to do with the paper -- circle what I wanted? Write how many of the item I wanted? Make a paper airplane? Eat it? I scanned over the menu -- so many delicious options! I wanted a small, inexpensive meal, so I selected the AAC sushi rolls. I wrote a 'one' next to that item on the order sheet. While I sat there waiting, the guy/cook behind the counter eventually demanded the sheet of paper from me. If there is a way to demand something with your fingers, that is what he did. My order was demanded. Lovely. On top of that, he was confused by my order. The unsmiling lady came over, rolled her eyes at me, and highlighted the item I picked. Jeez. OK. To my delight, I was immediately given a bowl of miso soup and a small serving of edamame to start my meal. They were both yummy in my tummy! My sushi arrived quickly -- also very delicious. The highlight of my meal was the vanilla mochi ice cream I ordered. I love mochi ice cream and was very excited to see it here. The mochi I got was mango, not vanilla, but still did a happy dance in my mouth. The whole meal was just perfect for me -- perfect amount of food, perfect price, and perfect arrival on my table. I only paid about $7!!! Oh, but after I put my debit card in the checkbook, the unsmiling lady snapped something at me. I couldn't understand what she was saying, and she kept repeating it to me with an annoyed look on her face. A couple that had recently sat down at the bar near me were trying not to look at our conversation, but they were, and I was starting to get embarrassed. I finally pointed to my ears and shrugged. She rolled her eyes again, grabbed a piece of paper, and wrote "cash only under $10." OH. OK. I replaced the card with a $10 bill. When I got my change, I left a small tip and left as fast as I could. A smiling lady did come up to me during all that and ask for my drink order (water). She was probably the only person in the place that made me feel like a valued customer. Everyone else made me feel like I was an annoying, unwelcome presence. I was not happy about that. The food was good, but I'm hesitant to come back because of the lackluster customer service. Perhaps it was just a bad day to be there...
(3)
Amy K.

Nice Sushi spot in the burbs - very fresh fish. Will be returning!
(4)
Christina S.

Alert! Alert! Mean, table-pounding, sushi Nazi on the loose! Enter at your own risk! You prolly think I'm kidding. I'm not. Ok, I have no proof she was a Nazi, but she'd make Hitler proud, none-the-less. Don't be flattered sushi Nazi- it's no compliment. Having Nazi tendencies would usually drop my rating down to one star at best, but this was some good sushi. I'm a novice, but even the sushi afficiandos with me agreed it was good sushi. We arrived around 11:45 and were seated right away, as there were very few patrons. We were served complimentary miso soup after placing our orders, of which there were an amazing number of options! I enjoyed the miso, and I'm not usually a fan. And the shumai app for the table was also enjoyed. For our entrees, one of my friends and I shared the two rolls we had been eying, each at around $11 I believe. Again, being new to sushi, I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious the tastes and textures were with the Diablo Maki and the Tataki Crunch Maki. These opened me up to a world of possibilities. I was also able to sample others entrees including the Philadelphia roll and I liked, if not loved, each one. What a great start! During our dining experience, plates were promptly cleared and drinks refilled without having to ask. We lingered until about 1:30 as we were chatting and celebrating a birthday. The dining room got busier but not filled. We did not want to hold up a table so we were wrapping up, and making our individual trips to the ladies' room, as there was just one. My fellow diners began to notice the sushi Nazi's dirty looks in our direction. We had already seen her freak out when another patron knocked over their lamp as they entered the tiny foyer. While wrapping up, the sushi Nazi came over to our table, forced herself between me and my neighbor, looked around at we four occupying the table, slammed her fist down on the table, and said in a brisk, quick and rough manner, "OK! We will need this table now!" At this point, I was turned on. I like it rough, what can I say? Haha JK, I do like to keep my audience riveted. ;) So, I just shot back, "Yeah, we caught that from your dirty looks." One of my friends was waiting for the rest room, just past a shade that divides the restroom hallway from the dining room. It was dark, so she didn't want to be hidden and startle the occupant of the rest room as they would emerge, so she pulled back the shade to allow some light in. Apparently, this was too much for the Nazi and she quickly snatched the shade closed in my friend's face! Now, we are reasonable people. We can understand if a table is needed. (Btw, there were other tables still available and we were clearly leaving anyway.) But there is such a thing as courteousness, and decorum, and the Nazi had none. I guess there aren't many that do. ;) Still, it soured what was otherwise a lovely experience for all of us. We were a party of 4, and 3 of us will not be returning, and those three wanted 1-3 stars at most due to the Nazi. It was pretty bad. Not bad enough to keep me away, but maybe that's cuz I snapped right back at her, so I had closure. My other 3 diners will not likely step foot in there again. So, as I said before, enter at your own risk. Good sushi, nice servers, good lunch specials during the week, but...mean sushi Nazi still at large.
(4)
Gerardo L.

Place is small, but it is nice and intimate. I had the volcano & hellboy maki. I LOVED the volcano roll! The hellboy maki was big, but it had tons of tiny shrimp shells. NOT GOOD. They were very friendly, but I did not like the fact that they are always staring at you. Most likely to quickly service you, but still I was not a fan of that. I took away the final star for the shrimp shells inside my hellboy maki. I will most definately come back in the future.
(4)
Bob D.

I really wanted to like this place. We went here based on the positive reviews, but really it wasn't anything special compared to other places we've been to through out the suburb and Chicago's sushi bars. * Surprisingly in the suburbs, this place is very small. I would have expected a little more space between tables but it felt like I was in a Chicago restaurant with about 6-inches to the table next to us. This resulted in the noise levels to be high and difficult to have a conversation without upping the people beside you. * Our table rocked. Although I could have said something, I was surprised that as food was placed our table, no one bother to make adjustments to the rocking table. In the end, I had to fold up a napkin and us that to level the table. * Service was slow. It took at least 10-minutes before we got our menu, and it took a while (about 10-minutes) for the our serving lady to return back to ask what we've wanted. The food did come relatively quick (another 10-minutes), but instead of the appetizers that we've asked for, it all came out once. * Our miso soup was luke warm, and very boring. Our sashimi white tuna was nothing special, and neither were the other rolls. With the amount of food we've ordered, I was surprised at the little amount of wasabi and ginger that was given. Fortunately, it didn't take long for additional wasabi and ginger to arrive upon our request. But we also found out that we didn't have any soy sauce at our table, so that had to be requested. * We've ordered red and white (house) wine with our food. Both came in small glasses that lasted a few sips. And when we were finished our glasses, no one asked if we wanted more or if we wanted something else to drink like water. Again, that needed to be requested after wards. All in all, it was nothing special. 2.5 out of 5.0 stars for me, which needed to be rounded down to 2 because it was so over rated.
(2)
David B.

Pleased refer to my previous post. I have been here a dozen plus times. Never disappointed
(5)
Steve S.

I could sit here and write a long tirade about my experience, but its the morning and I'm tired. Instead, I'll say that on the plus side, this place is pretty cheap as far as Sushi goes. For the rest, I'll direct you to Nichole C's review. Its spot on. yelp.com/user_details?usâ€¦
(2)
Jennifer C.

Finally made it here. The food was delicious and the staff is outstanding. I had the crazy maki and the sunset maki, delicious. It is small inside so if you are going during the dinner rush be prepared. They gave us soup and edamame free. Really great sushi, the salmon quality was outstanding
(5)
Kamila D.

You really get a bang for your buck at this intimate little spot. Service is fast, we came late on a Saturday night and were in and out within the hour. We ordered 6 roles , and 2 would have have enough. Portions are huge. Everything was delicious! Recommend the diablo maki!
(4)
Amanda H.

Delicious!! One of my favorite places to eat. If only the restaurant was a little bigger.
(5)
Rita A.

My family and I went here on a whim, our regular place was closed early due to acute circumstances. So we made the trip, and we heard good thing about this place and given our love for sushi, why not. The atmosphere was very nicely decorated with modern and traditional aspects. Dark lacquered wood tables, cozy atmosphere. The inside is not very big at all, more of a store front size, the dinning area probably fits 30 people maximum. The waitresses were nicely dressed in traditional garbs and had pleasant demeanors. FYI don't sit by the windows, it is freezing by them. We ordered gyoza, soft shell crab and yaki for the kids, given there isn't really any kids items on the menu, the gyoza was not good and we had to order something else for one of the boys. The gyoza was not quite fried or steamed it was a little of both, it had a tough gummy texture that was not appetizing. The yaki we asked for it to be plain with only the panko breading, we received naked chicken marinated in soy sauce; either way my son ate it. The soft shell crab was approved by my kid but I did not think it had much taste. The miso soup, was not good, really bland taste, I think I am use to a different flavor though. My husband and I took part in five Maki rolls, we typically order anything that is not fried. We ordered the red dragon, white dragon, spider maki, four seasons, and crazy maki. Out of those five rolls I only appreciated the fresh taste of the crazy roll where you could actually see fish in it and it was the size of a specialty roll. My husband liked the smoky flavor of the white dragon, I didn't care for it. The other three rolls lacked taste and any real difference in flavor from each roll, there was a lot of rice rather than fish I felt. For the majority of rolls being specialty rolls; which were small; I was not impressed with the flavors or the overall creativity of the specialty rolls, which really stinks because I so wanted to like this place. Good notes, the service was good and food prep was timely. I found the sushi to be average, but the fish is fresh in taste. The price for the four of us, no alcohol, was $77 without tip. That is about 20 more than we normally pay at our regular place, I don't sincerely feel it was worth the price. All in all, this place wouldn't be on my list to revisit; its not terrible I just know of other good sushi places with more reasonable pricing.
(3)
Genevieve L.

The few times I've been here the service has been very consistent. It's a smaller space so I'm always worried we'll have to wait. Luckily, the staff is very attentive which makes their business model run efficiently to get you in and out fairly quickly. I went there with my bf and we got calamari, avocado torch roll, shrimp tempura maki and udon yakitori. All of it was delicious and the portions are pretty big.
(5)
Robert P.

Great food as usual , small place always busy,wait staff very attentive & very nice,.food is always fresh, finally able to write a review, been here quite a few times. Would recommend sushi ya to any one that wants awesome food . Keep up the good work, 5 star sushi restaurant
(5)
Victoria E.

I consider this a decent sushi joint. I've been here two times, and everything is decent. I'm not a big fan of their super crunch toppings. It's just a glob of deep fried something with mayo. Nothing new here for me, but it was good. If it's a Sunday, and my usual go to place is closed, I'll return.
(3)
Hayden C.

This is the best kept secret in sushi in all Chicagoland. The staff is top notch, as they recognize return guests, and make everyone feel like they are the most important people to them. I have have been to a large amount of sushi restaurants and I have still yet to find one that compares to Sushi Ya. I would HIGHLY recommend the Hawaiian Maki, I seriously can not get enough of this. Five Stars is easily earned by this suburban gem of sushi restaurants.
(5)
Abha S.

We were very eager to try this place out for celebrating an important event in our family but we were disappointed with the sushi rolls we ordered. They tasted fine but every single roll broke... even before we could put them on our plates. Not to mention that we had over 30-40 min waiting in a place which had no more than like 10 tables! We went in with high expectation after doing our research on yelp and sadly we think we wont be returning here very soon :(
(1)
Sarah T.

This is a small gem in a strip mall. This cozy restaurant had the most amazing sashami platter that I've ever had -- I'm still thinking about it days later. The miso soup and edamame are a nice touch. We also tried the tempura calamari and soft shell crab. I was hoping the crab was one large crab, but it was cut up. I suppose that makes sense from a serving standpoint.
(5)
JP J.

I have been to sushi ya 4 times in the last month. Each time the service has gotten worse. While my family and I have enjoyed the food as it is good, the service is rushed and not where you would want it to be. Overall its good, but don't go in expecting great service.
(3)
Misty S.

I've been trying to ween my mom off of Daruma (it's a far drive) and try a different place for sushi for a while now. As luck would have it, Daruma was closed for lunch on Sunday and I pulled up Yelp to show my mom how many great reviews Sushi Ya had since we were already in the area. She was skeptical at first, but was sold on the restaurant by the end of the meal. My mom loves her sake HOT, and always have to send it back at other places to get it hotter. Not here! She didn't even have to say anything, the sake was already at a perfect temperature when it came out. Piping HOT! My mom loves TONS of wasabi and this place scored 2 of 2 right off the bat. TONS of wasabi served with the sashimi deluxe she ordered. But then...she had to order a bowl of rice separately. Mom: "It doesn't come with a bowl of rice like Daruma." Me: "Yeah, but with the gas money you save from having to drive all the way to Daruma, you still come out ahead!" YES! I can't thank Sushi Ya enough for giving me an alternative (and closer) place to take my mom for sushi. The sashimi was delightful and served on a heap of shredded radish. We also received complimentary miso soup and edemame. Hot tea, although not free, is only $0.50. The Fire Crunch roll everyone talked about did not disappoint. The crunchiness came from the center as this roll was topped with a ball of tuna...fantastic! The Soft Shell Crab appetizer was too heavy on the tempura coating. I prefer the lightly coated soft shell crab style, so I won't be ordering this one again. Great food, great service, we'll be back!
(5)
Michael S.

I love this place. I've been here many times and never have a bad experience. Its a small place with a small number of tables. If you want an intimate dining experience this isn't the place for you (unless you do take out). And now the great: The miso soup is excellent, cant say that about too many places. The sushi is amazing....everything I have tried to date is always fresh and tasty. Even my parents are bringing feedback to their favorite sushi place in AZ. The owner and staff are always helpful, courteous and generous with their time. This is a great "neighborhood" experience....you may actually meet the people sitting next to you while you eat....I enjoy that aspect as much as I enjoy the great sushi.
(5)
Jon D.

They kicked us out 30 minutes before closing, with open tables, because they did not want to serve us. I even offered to tip upfront.
(1)
Carly D.

Best sushi around! I spent a few months in Japan and this is as close as it gets to the real thing! It's a quaint little family owned restaurant and while there isn't much seating, the place is always packed! (Which is a good sign) The waitstaff are very friendly and attentive, the owner is very polite and always ensures you're satisfied with your food. The sushi is so fresh and delicious, I could rave about it all day. The sushi chefs definitely know what they're doing. And even when the restaurant is really busy, the wait time for your food is never long! Do yourself a favor and come here for sushi.
(5)
Francisco R.

What a great local sushi place. So low key but so so good. Me and my girlfriend wanted to try some place new and came across sushi ya on yelp, we decided to give it a shot since we either go to the city for sushi or local favorites Nikko's and wild fish. We were not disappointed this place was great and they give you free edamame as well. I would recommended to anyone living in the Schaumburg area or close by. We will be going again soon to have another feast of the great sushi they have to offer. Must try is the avocado fireball, Diablo maki, Hawaiian maki, Alaska maki and one more that I can't remember but it doesn't matter because all were absolutely delicious. We can't wait visit again. The only downside to this place is that fairly small and tables can fill up quick, at one point they got so busy and we never got our drinks refilled. Again it was during lunch time and it really didn't bother me that much. Regardless this place is worth it.
(5)
Paul O.

Came back here to pick up some food to go; 30 minutes before closing on a Friday. Just got off work and I was craving some sushi. They happen to be on my way home. I figured with 30 minutes still, I could place a simple order of tuna chirashi. Nope. They tell me they are closed. The restaurant had all tables still full. Won't be back here again if customer service is like this.
(2)
Chris M.

Went here a couple weeks ago with some close friends from high school who live out of town....so I attempted to pay less attention to our dining experience and more so on the company of good companions. "Attempted" is the key word, and I will elaborate a bit more later. The food here is excellent and the prices are VERY reasonable for sushi. Of course, hot saki and large Sapporo's with good company make everything taste better :) But, the food was very good....not the best I've had, but probably better than 75% of the sushi places I've been to in the city, so that's saying something. We had all rolls and I don't remember all the names of what we had. I know we had the Fire Crunch roll and the spicy tuna to name a couple. There wasn't anything I tried that I didn't like. Our bill was about 85 bucks for the 3 of us. We must have had about 6-8 different rolls, an appetizer, a large saki and 4 large Saporros. That is a good price for what we got. Here's what I didn't like...and I see it now mentioned in other reviews. The staff is OVERLY attentive and distracting to the overall dining experience. There is such a thing in the restaurant industry called "seamless service", and it is not practiced here at Sushi Ya. For example, I don't need to be asked if my plate needs to be cleared the second after a plate is emptied....just take the plate away. Same with water refills and the 3-4 different people who asked if everything was good....YES, if you see people eating food and tied up in conversation and you've already done a check back to see if the food is to everyone's liking, then ya know what, EVEREYTHING IS FINE!!! After a while we felt annoyed and rushed a bit, and it was weird b/c we got there at 7 and left about 8:30, and the dining room is small but was half empty by the time we paid our bill. So, were they trying to rush us to turn the table and make more money? I think not, this is just the way they do things around here I suppose. Please Sushi Ya, I want to come back when I'm in the area. But the service aspect has to change a bit for me to do so. Other than that, thank you for the excellent sushi!!!!
(4)
Jenny V.

Im so glad i finally tried this place! It is super small in here, but luckily we got in before the rush. We got 6 different rolls, all of them were so good! Everyone should try the salmon skin maki (roll) ohhhh my god, so so so so so so sooooo good!!! They also gave us dessert, watermelon slices! don't worry you guys i will be back!!!
(5)
Eric G.

I decided to check out the Ya based on the reviews. The service is very good. I ordered carry out directly in the store and was prompted to an open table and was given a sheet and accompanying menu to select what I wanted. I ordered a salmon roll along with Shrimp tempura, California roll and a Spider Roll. The rolls were ready pretty quick and the food was tasty. Unfortunately I was dismayed by the spider roll order. I only was given 4 pieces and of those pieces only 2 had actual crab in it. The other two pieces had imitation crab. Also I thought it would be at least 5 or 6 individual pieces as opposed to 4. The sushi was tasty though.
(3)
Bradley P.

This sushi bar has the best sushi I have ever had. I hardly ever rate anything sushi four stars, but this is one of my few. If I had a way to describe this place, it is a great spot and is quite affordable. I highly recommend the spider and schaumburg maki. On the other hand, the young waitress with long hair is one to watch out for. If I had one on track word to describe sushi ya, it is: affordable.
(4)
Maureen R.

I looovvvee Sushiya!!! Their service is excellent and their food is great. I especially enjoy their rice bowls on the days I don't feel like eating sushi. Their shrimp tempura bowl for $9 is really good considering the price. You get complementary miso soup, edamame for appetizer like otherJapanese restaurants and a slice of fruit at the end of the meal. When I need some Sushi fix I come here. The only negative thing would be the small place that easily gets crowded regardless of the day of the week.
(4)
Chad S.

Highly recommend. Try the Hulk Spicy tuna roll and the Avacado Torch roll. Sushi is very fresh and loved everything I ordered. Didn't give it 5 stars because the place is very small and cramped, especially if they are busy.
(4)
Jennifer M.

This place has the best sushi by far in the Schaumburg area. The Schaumburg roll is amazing! We also got the fire crunch which is great too. Service is great and quick, they are all so nice. Gyoza is great too!!
(5)
Anastasia N.

Decided to go here for a nice lunch on Friday. Wanted to try a new spot instead of the usual sushi place we go to. Found Sushi Ya on Yelp and was intrigued. We got there a little after 12 and it was pretty full already. Its not that big of a place, but everything looked nice. Within minutes the place was packed. I'm not really sure who our server was because one lady asked us what we wanted to drink, another guy took our order, and a different lady gave us our check. After the lady that took our drinks came back we told her we were ready to order she told us to write it down. We had a piece of paper on our table with the list of sushi they had on the menu (like many other sushi places). I didn't think anything of it, but it made it take a little bit longer for us to get our food, since it took awhile before someone came back to see our piece of paper. The food came out fast. We got complimentary miso soups and edamame to start off with. Then came out our Alaskan Maki and Hawaiian Maki. Both were delicious. You would think that the Alaskan roll would be plain like any other Alaskan roll, but this one was so good. There was something about it from this restaurant that made is surpass any other restaurant's Alaskan roll. Next came out our Schaumburg Maki and our Diablo Maki. I'd have to say the Diablo Maki is my favorite from the four we ordered. All that food was for two people, but it definitely would have been enough to feed three or even four. Yet we still had one more dish to come out. Our Fire Avocado Ball. I'd have to say (as an avocado lover) it was one of the best inventions I have ever seen and tasted. It was salmon cooked in an avocado half with some sauce. Over all, I would be coming back here to try all the items on the menu. It has surpassed my usual spot for sushi. I would have given this place another star, but service was just not as smooth as I expected it to be. I get it though it was a super busy lunch.
(4)
Ryan M.

delicious and they serve beer. Packed on a Wednesday evening.
(4)
John M.

One of my favorite places for sushi I always look forward to coming here freshest fish I've had in the Midwest
(5)
Mira V.

Called for a 6:15 p.m. reservation for 3 with a child. Sushi Ya is quite small and in a strip mall. Sushi Ya went out of their way to give our 3 year old a plastic cup with water, some rubber banded together chopsticks and her own plastic plate for edamame and other items. Playing with the beans kept her busy for most of the evening along with episodes of Daniel Tiger. We were seated promptly and given a paper menu to put our order on. We tried the sunset roll, avocado torch roll, spicy tuna and salmon and the fire crunch roll. All of the rolls were large and the fresh was extremely fresh. My only gripe...the rice didn't hold together like a normal sushi roll so I lost a lot of rice in my soy sauce tray. Service was good with requests of super hot sake arriving quickly. We were stuffed to the gills and should have considered cutting our order like the table next to us. They had obviously over ordered past their point of comfortable and told the waiter not to make the 3 additional rolls they had ordered. I don't blame them. My fiance and I were at a stand off for the remaining 8 pieces and I started eating the nigiri sans rice because I had become so full. Dinner finished with 3 slices of watermelon which our daughter decided were all for her and no one else. She ate them and thought that was the best part of the meal. Besides the rice the air conditioning could have been pumped up a little and the avocado torch roll could have used 1/3 of the crunch that was piled on top of it. Overall a good meal, good service but it was a bit cramped and warm to get too settled and comfortable.
(4)
Xenny K.

I have eaten here MANY times. And it never skips a beat! Everything is always fresh and so tasty!! Not to mention their carry out is speedy and so yummy as if we were eating in house!
(5)
Katy P.

I've been here a couple times with boyfriend, and on a double date. Definitely a place I'd recommend for sushi fans in the area! The ladies are cute & sassy, and it's normally somewhat busy (I don't like crowded restaurants, but I also feel weird when no one else is dining.) The maki rolls are above average compared to other places I've been, and I'd say the prices are average.
(4)
Jim R.

This is the best sushi place in the NW suburbs, bar none!!! If you like to get seated quickly, come early or later off peak dinning times. It's a smaller place so it can fill up quickly, for more room maybe take a Carryout. This restaurant fills up because of the QUALITY of their dishes AND sushi! There really is a God, it's 2 miles from my home. Priceless!!!
(5)
Edward L.

Small hole in the wall place with amazingly good sushi! Staff is always hustling to make sure your well taken care of. Try the fire maki roll. You will not be dissapointed.
(5)
Tracy H.

Just had lunch here for the first time. So good! I was pulled in by their great reviews and I'm glad I went. I got the lunch sushi combo, with 5 pieces of Nigiri and a small cali roll. It also came with soup and edamame. Everything was great, and the quality of the Nigiri was extremely good and fresh. And with a drink all this was still like 13 bucks (that includes tip!) Super impressed, and will be back. My co-worker got the fried pork cutlet and that was also amazing. Was like schnitzel. Oh, and the servers were super nice! Very kind and attentive. I've got a new favorite lunch spot. :)
(4)
Real D.

Service is excellent. Decor and ambience extremely pleasant. Sushi, no. You can see some of the pics posted here. Our sushi was so loose it fell apart with one bite. I just kept thinking about why the French are so adamant about protecting the "Champagne" appellation and safeguarding native foods. The Japanese should do the same with the word "Sushi."
(2)
Noomi J.

We came in for dinner on a weeknight, and it was packed, but we were seated right away. Service was friendly and the food came out in a timely manner. Complimentary edamame and miso soup. We had the fire crunch roll, chicken teriyaki, and sashimi appetizer. The total came to around $40 for the two of us. Sashimi appetizer ($10.95) - 3.5 stars. Good, but I don't feel compelled to order it again. I'd rather try something else from their menu, like the Hulk haha. Fire crunch roll ($11.95) - 4 stars. Not at all spicy for me, but it was delicious nonetheless. I stuffed the first one into my mouth, and it made my cheeks bulge like a chipmunk o_o So for the next one, I took bites hehe. Chicken teriyaki ($13.95) - 3.5, maybe 4 stars. Seemed like it used chicken breast from the two pieces I tried; thankfully, it wasn't dry. The sauce was more of a runny consistency than a thickened glaze. I'm more partial to a thick sauce, so I'd rate it a 3.5, but my friend was a big fan of this dish. I liked the portions and the clean presentation, and that it came with some fruit pieces, along with vegetables & mushrooms in this soy sauce. To sum it up, great lil sushi place in the suburbs, but I wasn't wowed, so I'm still on the lookout for my go-to sushi place.
(4)
Jeff B.

Was in the Chicago burbs and looking for some good food. Sat at the bar and the whole experience was top-notch. Very high-quality food and very friendly and attentive staff.
(5)
Kristin L.

Sushi Ya is my go-to sushi restaurant. Their menu selection is huge and their fish is ALWAYS fresh. Everyone there is so nice. The location is small and get get pretty busy on Fridays, but they take reservations. Their miso soup is the best - can't beat it. I have had a number of their makis. I love the Green Dragon and Schaumburg Maki. I have also had the Avocado Fireball appetizer. Highly recommend it. When I go for Mother-Daughter dates, we usually split one of the Sushi combos or share a few makis. My fiancÃ© will not try sushi, but he loves going to Sushi for the miso soup and shrimp tempora or stir fry dishes. You must also have the flavored mochi for dessert! Love, love, love Sushi Ya!!! :)
(5)
Gaurav M.

Awesome sushi. The service was pretty good and it was just a perfect experience. The ambience is good enough for the place .. Most importantly, it does what it is supposed to do: Serve great food!!
(5)
Cristie F.

The strip mall that Sushi Ya and Pita House sits in offers me a couple varieties of places to eat, and often a difficult decision. Do I want sushi or falafel??? Let's go with sushi today. Enter Sushi Ya. At first glance, the restaurant is decorated in a very cute and chic way. You will also notice that it's the size of a shoebox. It's a very tiny restaurant, so dining during the peak hours might bring you a wait for a table. If you're set on eating right away, they do always offer carry out! I've always thought their sushi was really good. ((Well the veggie rolls anyhow)). They have an extensive menu of sushi rolls and offer many vegetarian rolls - which pleases me immensely. ((Raw fish, or fish in general - ewww)). Their menu also offers diners the option of passing on sushi and chowing down on your standard Japanese appetizers ((edamame, tempura, agedashi tofu, gyoza, etc...)), a variety of soups, Udon noodles, salads, or one of their signature entrees such as Chilean Sea Bass, Kobe Beef Steak, (insert meat here) Teriyaki, or Sushiya Crab Cakes. The prices are pretty standard for sushi. It's not super cheap, but it's not overly expensive either. My favorites: - Any veggie roll ((Shitake, CAA, Yasai)) - Miso Soup ((standard - duh)) - Vegetable Udon - Gyoza - Glass Noodles - Chicken Teriyaki Friends of mine who eat seafood rave about the quality of the fish. I trust in their judgement, so I'll go ahead and say that their rolls with seafood in them are also amazing. ((Don't quote me on that...)) I've always had great service when dining at Sushi Ya. Given the restaurant is very tiny, the servers are attentive and willing to make their customers happy. On a couple occasions, I've even received complimentary edamame and a house salad - nice!! Sushi Ya has it's shit together. I'm so glad to see that upon opening a few years ago, that it's still going strong. They have fab service an fab eats.
(4)
Paul C.

In town on business....looked for a place with at least 4.5 stars and found this place. Overall, good food and attentive service. Ordered the seaweed salad and the sushi deluxe. Complimentary miso soup and the small bowl of edamame hit the spot before the actual meal. Generous portions of fish and relatively small rice ball closely matches what I've had in Japan. Minor negatives are that the rice was not seasoned enough (for my taste), the sushi assortment did not include tako (octopus), and there was two variants of salmon (not a fan of salmon). Otherwise, fresh fish, generous portions, and good service made up for those shortcomings and gets a five star.
(5)
Blasian K.

I went here for my birthday recently and was pleasantly surprised by how fresh everything was. I highly recommend the crazy and spider maki. Im back & forth between asia and the US a few times a year and Id say this place comes the closest food wise. In short if it were possible to give this place more than five stars Id do it in a heartbeat.
(5)
Lefai K.

Place is small, but nice. Went there on a Saturday night and there was seating. We ordered the combo sashimi super delux and the combo sushi. It was delicious and came with miso (horny) soup (get the joke?). BATHROOM REVIEW: Interestingly, there's one of those plastic accordian-like sliding folding door that sections off the restrooms to the dining area. The Men's bathroom has a urinal and a toilet. You can look the bathroom for some extra privacy to contemplate whether you want to do a #1 or a big #2. The bathrooms were very nice and clean. It had the nice foamy soap that makes gets rid of any sushi smell from your finger tips. Sit or squat? SIT!!
(4)
Dariusz C.

Love this place! Food is always great and their prices are reasonable. Very good service as well. I highly recommend this place for all Sushi Lovers!
(5)
Bella W.

No offense, but people who like this place either don't know good sushi or just have low standards. I mean the service here's pretty good, but the sushi is sad. Every piece fell apart, the rice was under seasoned, and the rice was hard, it didn't taste like the under cooked rice but it tasted like hardened rice that were left overs. I love spicy tuna, but the spicy tuna here just tastes wrong. I'm very strict about my fresh sushi, so I won't be back
(2)
Nicole B.

I normally don't like sushi but this place has become my go-to. Really good pricing for the food. My favorite is the Shrimp Tempura Crunch. They also have this spicy mayo sauce that's on point. Their Fire Crunch is my second favorite. The waitresses are really sweet and the service in general is good. One thing I noticed is that the restaurant is very clean. Sometimes you walk in and the floors and tables are filthy but not here. Overall, great place for your spontaneous sushi cravings without breaking your wallet.
(5)
Candice G.

I'm all for finding danger in everyday scenarios, so it should come as no surprise to hear that thoroughly enjoyed sitting solo, belly up to the sushi bar, staring down the barrel of a fully loaded sushi torch gun. Literally, holstered less than 2-feet from my face and pointed right at my mug. No, don't worry. I think my health insurance covers fire-related incidents and restaurants known for serving raw cuisine. I mean, why wouldn't that be covered? Beyond the blow torch to my dome, I did thoroughly enjoy Sushi Ya, although I wouldn't say it's the most mind-blowing or original sushi in the world, it's not bad and it's certainly better than fine, especially considering the price + quantity + overall quality. I walked in to a totally packed, albeit tiny restaurant that seats probably around 30 persons, respectively. I was able to take the last available single seat at the sushi bar in between two couples who were readying to pay and leave, only to be replaced by a very loud older couple who would talk about you out loud to each other, and somehow felt that because they weren't looking right at me when they said it, that I couldn't hear them and another extremely loud Eastern European couple who, quite opposite the older couple, felt it was okay to sit pretty much on my nuts and stare right at me while I chewed, jotted down notes for my 'to-do' list and generally just tried to mind my own damn business while they'd (no joke) stare, point and laugh. They also pulled out a large wad of cash and started to wave it in a fanning motion and then count it at the sushi bar. I was trying to ignore every bit of them so I didn't directly see it, but the older couple on my left side spoke loud enough that I might as well have been reading the transcript to what was going down. Ugh. So much for a peaceful meal alone. And granted I was at the sushi bar, the rest of the place isn't that much bigger so the sound from everyone carries. If you're not adept in drowning out sounds, this may not be the place for you. As far the rest of the ambiance and atmosphere, the music quietly place top 40, which is kind of annoying, but again, it's really faint- especially over the sound of everything else around you and the general hustle and bustle of the busy and hectic yet efficient waitstaff. I made the decision to order the Fire Crunch Roll based on all the rave mentions on Yelp and though I wasn't disappointed in it, it certainly had more spicy tuna on top of it than I've ever seen on a single plate in my entire life, but--and I know I'm about to sound about as daft as a person can sound-- it was way crunchier than I anticipated. A little too crunchy and tempura-y and that crunchy texture + flavor somehow managed to overshadow the flavor of all that delicious tuna a little too much for me. I also passed up my usually obligatory spicy tuna roll for Sushi Ya's Tuna Hulk Roll. It's only 4 pieces, but each piece has a golf ball-sized amount of spicy tuna in it so it seemed like a decent trade off for regularity. Warning to those ordering: Not for the faint of heart. It's WAAAY more than a mouthful and there's a definite choking factor. So for those of you who would like to learn from me and not choke and die alone in a 30-person sushi restaurant in Schaumburg, cut that sh*t up before you try to eat it or bring a back up person who knows the Heimlich. My last roll was the spicy scallop, which wasn't my favorite of the bunch. It's ingredients were listed as spicy scallop, cucumber and sesame, but there's was for sure some kind of mayo in that mix and I wasn't the biggest fan. It wasn't a bad roll, it just wasn't what I typically look for in a roll. In the end my total bill came to just under $30 and I had to take some home because I knew I just needed some space to walk around and make just a tad more room. Of course, if I were a more reasonable person I would've stopped before I had to take my belt off at the sushi bar and foreign people started laughing and pointing, but I'm not so I just kept eating and pretended like I had someone to take the leftovers home to who wasn't myself. I'll defo be back as I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the service along with with packed rolls and complimentary miso and edamame bowl to boot.
(4)
Linh L.

The sushi wasn't the great. It was ok... I didn't like the eel so much. I think anything with spicy salmon at this place was good though. Service was also very slow. They kept forgetting our waters and they wouldn't take away the bowls/plates that we were clearly done with; however, they picked up the check right after we signed the receipt. I'm not sure if I would come back. Maybe I can try another sushi joint in the area.
(3)
Britt C.

I've passed by this place many times driving from work to hot yoga but for some reason there was no major alluring factor for me.... Totally should have checked this place out sooner. It's a tiny lil space, pretty chill. My kinda scene. Prices are reasonable and the sushi was good, even though I only had a few pieces...my dinner date approved. I must say the ladies working that night were cracking me up, one would come over and ask us if we were ready to order and then two seconds later the other lady would come by and ask the same thing. It happened all night, hilarious. I would definitely check this place out again, especially since it's so conveniently located.
(4)
Rebecca S.

This place is so unexpectedly good. Free edamame and miso soup. Great hot tea. Fresh sushi absolutely delicious. Must try the Cali Deluxe Roll and Avocado Torch. If you are a spicy tuna lover, gotta have the Fire Crunch. I am coming back to this place every chance I get. gotta try every rll on the menu. Absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ths place. My new sushi spot to go to every time I have a craving. Reasonably priced. The only thing I would recommend is making a reservation and if you don't there can be a long wait. The place is a bit crowded. They are very generous with their sushi portions, they do not skimp on the nigiri sushi. Love this place. Will be back soon!
(5)
Jennifer B.

Reading reviews ahead of time, we expected the close quarters. I did, however, feel uncomfortable as the wait staff seemed to not quite be communicating with each other on our visit. Even though the hostess/wait staff area is practically 10 feet away with someone standing there almost at all times, and the restaurant was not busy during our visit, we were asked twice about drink orders from 2 different staff members. Later, when I was asked by one waiter if I wanted a refill on my drink and said "no thank you," not thirty seconds later another staff member came out with a pitcher to refill my drink. We were asked several times if our meal was okay, when once, possibly twice would suffice. We were asked twice about whether we were ready to pay (after saying yes the first time). My friend and I ordered what we wanted, but the waitress/hostess who took the order stopped to make sure we knew what we were ordering by pointing at pictures on the menu to verify our choices. They may get a lot of people who order the wrong thing, but it felt a little condescending. Probably a difficult thing to find a balance when you want to keep customers happy while not wasting food... The food itself came quickly, and tasted fine, though the avocado was a little mushier than I am used to, and the Schaumburg roll (we make a point of trying the "city roll" when a sushi restaurant has one) was almost as big around as my wrist. A good value for the price, but awkward to eat delicately.
(3)
Taylor A.

If you are looking for some quick sushi to treat your cravings, Sushi Ya is your local place! The food is delicious, and free edamame and miso is an added bonus! I have been here at least 50 times within the past three years, and I enjoy it when I need something quick. I have had quite a bit of snafu's here in the past though. They mix up my order quite a bit, and there are far too many things on the menu with the same name, which makes it easy for it to be mixed up. Also, if they are super busy, when you are finished eating, they want you O U T. This isn't your typical low-key chill restaurant to sit and talk over drinks, this is a fast dining experience. Come to Sushi Ya expecting a quick dining atmosphere, and you will enjoy it!
(3)
Natasha P.

We managed to get a table for two almost immediately, in this tiny and very crowded sushi restaurant. My husband and I ordered a few rolls. The fish in them was extremely fresh and the rolls were very well made. I wish sushi restaurants would make smaller rolls, because I had to bite into all of them except one. The miso soup was very nice, but not hot enough, and the salad with the ginger dressing was tasty. One of the rolls we ordered was a spicy tuna, and the tuna was very fresh and very mild. A great little restaurant around the corner.
(4)
Sunita N.

So seeing the high rating online for this place we decided to give it a go. Well the place was cramped so we waited for 10 min right there. And we finally found our table we were pleasantly surprised by their tasty miso soup and edamame served as a complimentary items. Afterwords we ordered avocado torch maki and tatakis crunch maki. The avocado torch maki has crunchy fried rice on the top, and I could not get enough of that. We absolutely loved what we ordered. It was all worth a wait. Highly recommend it and we would love to go back there.
(5)
Alexa B.

Best place for sushi in the area, hands down. I've tried numerous others and still keep coming back to Sushi Ya. Service is always friendly and efficient and with delicious (and affordable!) food, there's really nothing else I could ask for. The Fire Crunch and Avocado Torch rolls are both out-of-this-world amazing. I've never been disappointed by anything on the menu, and I make it a point to try a new roll every time I go. I would highly recommend Sushi Ya with anyone without hesitation. It doesn't look like much in its unassuming strip mall but trust me - it is absolutely fantastic!
(5)
Lily R.

The best sushi place in the 'burbs!!! I had the dragon roll and shrimp tempura, DELICIOUS!!! AMAZING!!! Little spot in the burbs with ample parking lot and major Road to drive to. Great customer service with a culture feel of Japan. Keep up the great service and food!!! Totally recommend :)!
(5)
Christopher E.

This was the first place I ever tried sushi and my wife was the person responsible for taking me to this wonderful little restaurant. I enjoyed my visit and I love the food and the service was excellent! I definitely will be returning to this restaurant.
(5)
Dominic L.

I've probably eaten at at least 20 sushi restaurants in my life and this one is tied for first place. Service is great, fish always tastes like fresh fish, probably because they have so many customers and the fish is always getting cycled through instead of sitting in a fridge forever. Pretty awesome little spot.
(5)
Rose C.

Whenever I go down to Chicago, I always make it a point to stop by Sushi Ya. Of all the sushi places I've been to, this one has by far been the best and my favorite--the ingredients are fresh and masterfully made into artful, delicious pieces. The physical place itself is on the small side, which makes me worry about ever coming at the wrong time, but it gives the a cozy feel and semi-personal attention from the servers. Being able to watch the chefs work their magic at the bar (even if you're not at the bar) is a plus too. There hasn't been a roll of theirs that I didn't like. I can't decide on favorites, but I typically get the Dragons, Tiger, Godzilla, and/or Fire Crunch. (If you've yet to experience a "jumbo" roll, I'd recommend getting the Godzilla--it's tasty /and/ novel! A singular piece is larger than my mouth!) It's also cute how the rolls tend to bear some resemblence to their names (look for stripes on the Tiger roll!). For this visit, we had virtually no wait time; was seated right away, got drinks, got soup + pea pods (they always come with the meal), and our first roll came out before we even finished the soup. I don't recall other visits being any different. Fun tip: Listen carefully when you first enter--the chefs and staff will welcome you the traditional Japanese way. It's a nice, authentic touch. :)
(5)
Nelson M.

Back again for more, great sushi nice and fresh in my salmon Bento Box. Called again to reserve a table and it worked out nicely as there was no wait for us. Overall experience is getting better with each visit!
(4)
Ariel E.

I have eaten here at least 5 times and every time has been delicious with great service. I order the Sashimi dinner and have enjoyed it every time.
(4)
Brooke A.

My first 1 star sushi review... We split a Philadelphia roll, spicy tuna roll, and a cali roll. All rolls were put together very shabbily...falling apart, rice not all the way around. The tuna roll was mushy (chopped too finely) and had little flavor. The cali roll was almost inedible due to what we narrowed down to the avocado which was mushy and had a funny taste. The phili roll was passable. Everything had way too much toasted sesame on it. Service was hectic. They had a full room but only two waitresses and one Itamae. Price was usual. I will not be back, even though I am partially convinced it was an inexperienced Itamae's fault because I just can't see why there are so many positive reviews that are dead wrong. What ever the reason, we were both very disappointed.
(1)
Jordan W.

The food and the service here is exceptional. Hands down my favorite sushi place in the NW suburbs. I usually dine here or take out once a week. My favorite and recommendation is the avocado torch maki with a glass of Cabernet. The staff is very friendly and greets you immediately. They also take the time to make sure the presentation meets the exceptional standard of their food. Moral of the story- if you are looking for a new place to try out for lunch or dinner, look no further.
(5)
Connie L.

I read the previous reviews before coming so I ordered the fire crunch and it is worth the hype! I've tried spicy tuna from many other places and this is one of the best I've had so far. The service was pretty good--the waitresses kept coming around and checking on my table so my water and tea were refilled frequently. The place is relatively small so I do recommend calling ahead and making reservations if you have a large group.
(5)
Alison G.

Great sushi and great price as well. By far the best sushi place in whole Chicago. I don't care how small this place is, at least it's very clean and do not have unwanted smell or anything bad. Just some opinion I would suggest them to offer more variety of hot items on their menu, such as hamachi kama (grilled yellowtail fish). I'm glad that they are just about 15mins from where I live, and even if I am about to move out I will still be coming back.
(5)
J V.

One of the best sushi places that I have been to.. .def in my top 3. The waitresses are friendly especially if it's your first time in there. It's kind of a small place but it's nice. The food is fresh and SO GOOD.
(5)
Tommy G.

Went here last night based on yelpers and we loved it. It's a small mom and pop spot and they are so nice and the food is delicious. I would recommend it to anyone wanting sushi in the area.
(5)
Bill S.

Great, great place and the sushi is very good as well! When I am in town, I will be back for sure!!
(5)
Jason D.

Enjoy the Food, Dislike the Service. Yes it is Small, But there is NO REASON i should of been asked 15x in 12 Minutes if i was ready to order. I almost got up and walked out if they were to ask me again. Enjoy the Food, Dislike there time Management. Ordered and Appetizer and was told almost 20 minutes, I agreed and moved on to figuring out what i want and conversing with my company i was with. Before i could even put the pen down they were at my table asking if i was done ordering and they would go over it with me. Being hungry and being there already i just said yes. Now here is the Fun Part, I ordered 2 Rolls, Flamed Habichi Shrimp Entree and Some Tuna and Eel, Take a guess the First thing to show up, Yes my Entree, My Main Course before any appetizer or sushi. As i am sitting there eating my Entree cause it is warm my company is just looking at me like are you serious that your Entree comes before anything else??? I give 4 Stars for the Freshness, Good Food and Good Value. Just be Warned about the issues of Get you in and Get you out as soon as possible. There was no Line or Waite when we showed up, nor was there one throughout dinner or when we were finished. Just make sure you order in Stages if you want a entree.
(4)
Mary d.

This is a LEGIT sushi place...the proof is in the sashimi. I had both tuna and salmon sashimi. Perfect nuggets of cold, firm high-quality fish. Went great with a cold Asahi, and I loved the complimentary miso soup and edamame. The service was prompt and attentive, and the environment very much like the restaurants in small Japanese cities (I lived in one for over a year). The price is spot-on for the quality. Sugoi!
(5)
Andrea K.

Sushi Ya is good. We usually fo take out because the restaurant is very small and not ideal for families IMO. The quality of the sashimi is awesome. I wish they had more of a variety of maki.
(3)
Giovanni E.

Good service good food every time! The soup is amazing, quality sushi at a great price.
(5)
Kim B.

My boyfriend and I have been searching for a good sushi restaurant in the suburbs and I think we've found one! As other Yelp reviewers have said, the restaurant is tiny so I would recommend making a reservation. My boyfriend showed up on a Friday night and had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. The wait time wasn't so bad but it's a little uncomfortable because there is no room to stand. We were hovering over other tables as they ate dinner. We ordered 4 different types of raw sushi and the fire crunch roll. The fish was pretty fresh and the crunch roll was really good. I don't usually eat spicy food but this was worth it. At the end of our meal, we were pleasantly surprised because we ended up spending $35! Yes, $35 for sushi for TWO PEOPLE! I love this place and will definitely be back.
(4)
Lisse C.

The sushi was delicious and staff was friendly. It is a very tiny place so I imagine it fills up pretty easily. We arrived right at 430pm when they opened and were the only table for awhile. We had spicy tuna roll, red dragon roll, fire crunch roll and yakatori. The tuna was fresh, we especially loved the fire crunch. Nice little local sushi place to check out!
(4)
Brad E.

Best sushi in the suburbs! I've been a regular at Sushi Ya for almost a year now, and I can honestly say that it is my favorite sushi restaurant. The ingredients are incredibly fresh. In fact, the ingredients here are so fresh that it has ruined other sushi restaurants for me! The quality of the tuna and salmon is unbelievable, and the fish at other restaurants pales in comparison both literally and figuratively. My usual order consists of the sashimi appetizer, fire crunch maki, spicy tuna maki, dynamite maki, green dragon maki, and one "experimental" roll. The sashimi appetizer is simply outstanding and truly show cases the quality of Sushi Ya's ingredients. The app itself comes with four slices of tuna, salmon, yellow tail, and white tuna. Although simple, the flavor of the fish with a little bit of soy and wasabi is, in my opinion, the perfect bite: clean, spicy, and savory. Even though the sashimi here is outstanding, I have always judged sushi restaurants by their spicy tuna roll, and Sushi Ya does it better than anyone else. The roll comes with six pieces for around $4.00; a steal for quality sushi. The roll is packed with spicy tuna that is actually spicy, and I often "fight" with my girlfriend to get an extra piece ("Hey! That's only my second piece!" "No! That's your third; the last ones mine!). My only forced complaint is the wait. The place can be really busy (especially on weekends), and they do not take reservations for two people. On my birthday this year, I waited about 35 minutes for a table; however, the food here is great and worth waiting for. I look forward to returning soon. You MUST experience this place for yourself. Its a true suburban gem.
(5)
Robin W.

PLEASING...I've been coming to Sushi Ya since they opened. In fact, I think I was here the first night! There has been some ups and downs with my experiences there, however, all in All I love it! The fish is very fresh and and the staff is friendly. The only negative thing I could say about Sushi Ya is the atmosphere. It is too small and if you don't go early you won't get a seat. I do a lot of take-out!!
(4)
Crystal X.

Sushi - Ya on a Wednesday night (8:30 pm) Atmosphere: clean service: the staff was extremely helpful! I did not ask questions but I did over hear the conversation with the table next to me and their waitress. she was informative, energetic and full of options. She even highlighted what they ordered onto a to go menu for their next visit!!!! I didn't want tea (it was 8:30 pm) but asked for hot water. She refilled it three times! food: Free edamame!
(3)
Laimis U.

Great sushi,. Just be aware. rolls are huge. Spicy scallop hand roll my favorite. Very small place, call for reservation.
(5)
Jeff S.

Yet another great well-deserved review for this place. Word of mouth gets around and it shows. Food is consistently high quality. Everything on a plate or in a bowl is served with care and attention to detail. The waitstaff is super friendly and very accommodating. Tucked away in a strip mall, amidst competing neon lights, this is a very small eatery but it does not feel cramped. The dine in experience starts with freshly steamed edamame and miso soup which satisfy the appetite for a few minutes waiting for each dish to arrive. Great for couples and families w/kids who can dine in but also convenient for take out. Five takeout orders of sushi, two apps and two soups ready in 15 min is hard to beat. Highly recommended!
(5)
Eric R.

THIS PLACE SHOULD BE CALLED SUSHI YUM!!! I have eaten here over a dozen times and can say the food has ALWAYS been GREAT! I have tried many different rolls to broaden my appreciation for sushi and have NEVER been disappointed. I would also like to share my observations while dining here to address some of these negative reviews... THE PLACE IS SMALL... it is a sit down restaurant operating out of a stripmall. Are you people really that shocked and abhorred at the concept you will have to wait for a seat when you come to eat dinner during rush hour?!? ORDERING EXTRA ROLLS TOOK FOREVER.... so let me see if I understand this right, you are upset that while dining in a PACKED restaurant it will take a long time to get the extra rolls? Last time I checked this is America and we operate under the system of first come first serve and wait in line. If you get your food and eat it while everyone else who came in after you are waiting then guess what you will have to wait for their food to be made when you order more AFTER they have already ordered their meal! STAFF WAS RUDE OR RUSHING US.... every time I have eaten here I have watched staff greet EVERY person who walks in or out of here. Staff runs around asking customers if they need anything constantly. If you feel they are being rude or pushy then perhaps you should gain some perspective on life and realize the world does not revolve around you. Spending hours during rush hour at a table eating and chatting with friends is for large spacious restaurants NOT small ones. Get in, eat, and get out or next time just order to go and spend hours at your place socializing. Also, walking into a SUSHI restaurant 20 minutes before they close and expecting staff to fall over themselves to serve you HANDMADE food is unreasonable! This isn't fast food after all, plan YOUR time better or come a different day! I'm sorry if this seems more like a rant than a review but I am amazed at some of these negative reviews. IF YOU ARE A SELF CENTERED STUCKUP PERSON THEN YOU WILL NOT LIKE SUSHI YA. IF YOU WANT GREAT SUSHI AND ARE A REASONABLE PERSON THEN YOU WILL LOVE IT THERE!!! :)
(5)
Michelle R.

The staff was so nice I was on my lunch break and they got me in and out under an hour. I had the sashimi bento box and it came with so much food. If you like sushi you must try this place....
(5)
Brian W.

All the rolls are always perfect. Id have to say best in Nw burbs. The dinners are good too. Communication can be tricky sometimes, but nothing i'm not use too. Ive been going for a few years and consistently delicious.
(5)
Amy S.

Some of the best sushi I've had in the area! Rolls are reasonably priced and pretty large as well. It can get pretty busy especially since its such a small place but I am still a regular Sushi Ya customer :) The miso and edamame are mediocre, some days are better than others. I have tried many different rolls but my favorites are definitely green dragon (tons of avocado, eel, cucumber, and tempura), dynamite (scallop, tempura, and jalapeno sauce..light spicy and delish), and Schaumburg (HUGE roll with soft shell crab, eel, masago, avocado, and cucumber yummmm). Overall not the best sushi, but definitely a good spot.
(4)
Michelle F.

This was officially my first sushi experience, thanks to the lovely advice and company of one fellow Yelper Christie B!! I had always shied away from sushi in the past. The ordering system seemed complex, I didn't know where to start, and everything was Greek to me (but without the gyros). Enter in the Sushi Prowess of Christie!! She walked me through the menu, recommended her favorites (and she knew I was a meat-eater, so she was sweet enough to throw in some of those recommendations as well!) The actual food was DELICIOUS! She ordered something yummy (no, I STILL don't know what it is), I got California rolls, and for the table, we had spinach with sesame sauce, what looked like pot stickers, and chicken fried rice. I could have put the sesame sauce on everything! Everything, and I mean everything was amazing. I don't have one bad thing to say about any of it. And our waitress was really good, too. She was there without being overbearing. She was great about refills. Everything was fresh and hot. She was very sweet! And for all of that food, the total bill was $26. That's amazing!! I will DEFINITELY be back. Likely with Christie ;)
(5)
Phill C.

When the Hulk craves some tasty sushi, you better get out of his way. He'd definitely Hulk Smash you if you ever stole his Hulk Tuna roll. Each order only comes with 4 pieces, but these are much much larger than the spicy tuna rolls I'm used to. I'm usually not a huge fan of spicy tuna, but I now love me some spicy tuna. Oh man are these good, with a slight sweet sesame flavor with a nice kick. Definitely flavor country up in here. I also tried the Green Turtle roll, which had some eel, avocado, shrimp, topped with green masago & mayo. It was good, but I probably wouldn't order again. But the Hulk Tuna roll I'm getting every time. Anyways, the meal started off nice with complimentary miso soup & steamed/salted edamame. I also ordered the Agedashi Tofu, which was delicious. A generous portion of lightly-breaded deep fried tofu, in a hot seasoned broth. After seeing this and the size of the rolls, I was thinking "crap, I made the same mistake of ordering too much food last time!". Hopefully I remember next time. Located in a strip mall, you can't miss the bright yellow sign. It's a nice small joint , with a sushi bar area in the corner. The staff is super friendly and they all greet you in Japanese as you walk in (and when you leave). As the regulars started rolling in for dinner, the staff was happily greeting them on a first name basis. Like I said, super friendly.
(5)
Mellissa P.

Went here for dinner after seeing the 4 star rating and was pretty happy. It was a small mom and pop shop and the food was great. The place was really tiny and in a strip mall so it was hard to get comfy. We ended up sitting at the sushi bar to find out we couldnt speak with the sushi chefs, instead we had to order of some punch list. But again the food was really good so thats the most important thing. Other than the staf being a little rude i would go back and have the sushi... it was a winner!
(4)
Jenna R.

Went here to meet someone for the first time and we had a great time. the food is very flavorful, coming from someone who really likes sushi and is looking for that as an important aspect. I love sushi and this place diffidently did a job well done. the staff is very nice. surprisingly the prices are really good. all I had a good time and I would go back for sure.
(3)
Sarah S.

Sushi Ya has some amazing makis! I went last Wednesday for my second time. Sushi Ya is a small little place in a strip mall so there is a lot of parking. It works out great for me because my tanning place and my eyebrow place are both right there! I went tanning when we finished our meal and my friend was paying the bill and was back by the time he was walking out the door. Yay for convenience! :) We got the Agedashi Tofu for our appetizer...I didn't realize this was kind of a soupy appetizer. I wouldn't have eaten all of my miso soup! Yes, every meal starts off with some miso soup, followed by some edamame. So the agedashi tofu after that was extremely tasty! But I was all souped out. Next time I want to try the crab ball or the asparagus beef roll. I got the Alaskan Maki & the Philly Maki. The Alaskan is the same as a Philly maki except with smoked salmon instead of raw....plus my Alaskan was deep fried! Oh my goodness, both were soooo good! I just absolutely loved them. My Philly Roll was covered in fish eggs...like completely drenched in them which was something different & unusual. I was even quite adventurous and tried my friend's Green Turtle Roll and Hulk Spicy Tuna Roll...again both were just amazing! The food was all excellent, the service was all super friendly and super fast!
(5)
Q P.

Food is great but the service is to be desired. Seems they like to rush you out the door instead of letting enjoy the experience. Be ready to have the bill before you get your sushi. No soup for youuuuuuu!!!!!
(2)
Howard L.

We had a dinner outing here, and I really liked this place, and will go with about 4.5 stars for I had. I had the sushi/sashimi combo for $23.95 and it might have been the best value I've seen anywhere for quantity. Wife had Bento Box A for $17.95, and again the mostest we've ever seen we think per dollar. Others in the party had various rolls (quite large again), and chicken teriyaki. The rolls tried included rainbow dragon, sunset , and I Love Chicago. I heard the chicken teriyaki was a bit dried out, so reviews will vary with the individual meal. The sushi was not the best quality ever, but it was still very good I would say. A few of the rolls were really packed with wasabi for example. The dining space is small, so reservations recommended. At one point, the entire place was filled. The service was quick and friendly, and green tea and water replenished quite regularly. We will be back for sure.
(4)
Veronica B.

This the best sushi in burbs. Great service, great ambiance & super fresh. Every time I try some place else i end up sorry that I didn't come here. This is must try!!!!
(5)
Geoff F.

You get a good amount of sushi for reasonable prices. It's a bit more than Sushi Station but you get plenty and it's better quality.
(5)
Renita M.

It was time for another sushi adventure with Aimee M, and so we finally crossed Sushi Ya off our list. I would give it 4.5 solid stars for delicious food and reasonable prices. I wish I had looked over the reviews again before going because I wasn't quite ready for how small the place is. Maybe a dozen tables? Thankfully at 6:45 on a Saturday there were a couple tables left and we snagged one. The menu can seem a bit overwhelming at first -- lots of maki to choose from, and they clearly mark what's cooked and what's raw for the newbies. Good nigiri selection, too. There are also plenty of cooked entrees/options, but we were there for some fish! We settled on four rolls to share and also got complimentary miso soup and a small bowl of edamame. Nothing fancy, but it was tasty. White Dragon roll: My favorite -- a nice blend of fresh fish and spicy flavors. Lightly sauced but the fish shone. Spicy scallop roll: Slight sweetness from the scallop, fresh and mouth-melty. Shrimp tempura roll: Little bit of crunch, lots of flavor Tuna Hulk roll: we thought the name was fun, but these enormous pieces were quite hard to eat. maybe stick with a traditional spicy tuna roll instead. Service was pretty good although we didn't have chopsticks or napkins at first. But our water was refilled regularly and plates were cleared promptly. Our grand total was very reasonable -- I've spent that much on just myself for a big sushi night out. (OK, so we didn't get drinks or dessert, but we left pretty satisfied, I'd say.) All in all a great pick and I would absolutely come back.
(5)
Grace K.

Food was ok but the sushi man was soooo mean to the waitress. I went back about a month later and there was a new waitress and again he was soooo mean to her. I almost wanted to say something to the guy. He yelled at her and embarrassed her in front of people.
(1)
Anna K. S.

Sushi Ya. Yeah. This was good. Surprisingly. The service was great, and everything we ordered was so good, despite that we only ordered rolls. They were really good:)
(4)
Aimee M.

In honor of the movie Avengers coming out this weekend, and the fact that there is a roll called the Hulk Tuna Roll on the menu, and because of the fact that 2 super cool gals (me and Renita M) are just geek enough to know how the Hulk sounds when he talks, this review will be in Hulk-speak. Well, I'm gonna try anyway. Aimee and good friend Renita M want sushi. Aimee read reviews. Sushi here good. Plan 645 dinner on Saturday--place busy, very busy. Waitress walk fast, talk fast. No menu, no chopsticks, how Aimee eat? Service got better. Very busy, many people eating. Talk loud. Draft from door make Aimee cold. Menu BIG! Arggh! lots to read! Hard for Aimee decide. But nice to get free "Miss O" soup and green peas called "Ed's Mami." Nice. Make Aimee happy. Order Shrimp Tempura Roll, order Spicy Scallop Roll, order White Dragon Roll (maybe to find this White Dragon superhero!) and Hulk Tuna Roll. All rolls good. Aimee Favorite is White Dragon--Aimee will read "seared super white tuna and spicy oil" Makes Aimee tummy happy. Not too hot for Aimee mouth. Hulk Tuna Roll not good. too big, too mushy, rice fall 'part. Make Aimee sad. Fish fresh. Look nice on plate. Aimee not have to spend lots money. Aimee happy!
(4)
Tatiana G.

The sushi is so good and so fresh its awesome. They also shrimp fried rice that is really good.
(5)
Tom T.

I was out in the burbs and have been dying for sushi for a while now. Sushi Ya, a small sushi restaurant in a non-descript corner strip mall, fits my needs. From the moment you step in to the moment you leave, the staff there is super nice and accommodating. The sushi is absolutely delicious! The sashimi lunch is fresh and delicious and is a great deal. The spicy crunch roll is delicious and there's a lot of it. But the best surprise there is the agadashi tofu. If you love agadashi tofu, you'll love the big serving (enough for 2) of it in plenty of broth that you eat it like a soup. OMG!! So so good! For the 2 of us, we ate like there's no tomorrow. 2 sashimi lunches, 2 big rolls, agadashi tofu, miso soup, edamame came to $50!! You can't touch the amount of good sushi like that in the city for that price. What a great find! Thanks again Yelpers!
(5)
Kimberly M.

I made a reservation for 10 people at 6:30 on a Thursday night. We were seated promptly and the complimentary miso soup and edamame was served within 5 minutes of placing our order. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time, including the hot menu items some of my coworkers ordered. The sushi was absolutely fantastic. While the Volcano Roll was not the best version I've had before it was still very good. My absolute favorite was the Fire Crunch. It was SO delicious I wish I had one right now! All of my coworkers were very pleased with the service, drinks, food, and dessert. We were in and out in about an hour.
(5)
Indie Lou G.

Went here last week for the first time, they never brought the salad I ordered but still charged me for it. The two rolls I ordered tasted great but both fell apart immediately. Food also took forever to arrive. Based on all the great reviews I may give it one more shot.
(2)
Jo N.

I found this place on yelp and decided to try it! Well I was not disappointed! Everything was super fresh and tasted fantastic.
(5)
Derrick T.

Jealous. I'm jealous of all my friends who live in the north burb areas and have places like Sushi Ya to provide tasty-quality fish for a reasonable price. After I got over my jealousy, my wife and I enjoyed a delicious meal with some friends. Here's the skinny: Service: We arrived one hour before closing, and the service was still as happy to see us as ever. Smiles on faces, genuine welcomes. We were told that the kitchen will be closing in about 30 minutes, so just make sure to get all our order in. She even came back and gave us a last call to make sure we didn't need anymore! Ambience: Small strip mall location with nice interior, relaxed music. Nice for a simple double date in the burbs. Food: My wife and I are currently on the 30 day paleo challenge, so no miso, no edamame (soy), no rice, no sauces (sugar). Soy sauce is a somewhat allowed in minor quantities due to how much it's filtered, but no wasabi unless you can verify it's fresh. (Most places aren't). So we settled into some sashimi for dinner! Got ourselves the sashimi platter, and then ordered up a few pieces of tuna, salmon, super white tuna, scallop, mackerel, and yellowtail to round out the sashimi platter, which pretty much had most of those fish anyway. Every piece was a nice generous cut, sliced well, and tasted fresh. The mackerel here is likely within the top 3 I've had in Chicago area, so I'm not sure if they're making it in the back (lots of effort) or sourcing it... either way, worthwhile. Verdict: A clear winner in the burbs, tasty, and good value. We'd love to come back when we're in the area!
(5)
Alex R.

If I could give this place 0 stars, I would as it was easily the worst dining experience I've ever had. We came here on a Friday night at around 8:30. The place, as we expected, was packed, but since the restaurant has no waiting area, I was literally hovering over a couple at a table next to the door because there was just no room. My two dinner companions couldn't even make it into the restaurant and were left waiting in the small space between the front door and the door to the dining room. After more than 30 minutes of waiting, we were finally seated. Unfortunately, one of the appetizers (the name of which I've since forgotten because of how horrible our experience was) recommended to us by a friend was not available that evening for the dubious reason that the restaurant was simply too busy. Alright, on to the next one, I suppose. We went with the agedashi tofu, which was serviceable but certainly nothing special. That came out fairly quickly, but that was the last dish to come out on time. Before I placed the order for our rolls, I informed the server that I would be making a carry-out order later in our meal, and the server politely responded that it was quite alright and that she would take it later. We then ordered two rolls, one of which was their house special, and the other one I forgot, again because of the horrible service we had that evening. THE WAIT FOR THOSE ROLLS WAS ABSOLUTELY EXCRUCIATING. In the time we waited for our rolls, a group seated after us received their dishes and was being checked on frequently by the wait staff. We received the token attention given to a group of diners barely needed to keep them from walking out of the restaurant in frustration. By this time, I was already visibly frustrated but I restrained myself from making any harsh comments because I really just wanted to eat those rolls. I then thought that if the wait for our rolls in the restaurant was this long, I should probably make the carry-out order now in order to ensure that it was ready by the time we left. I informed another server who checked on us -- since our original server was nowhere to be found -- that I was ready to make a carry-out order. She then told me that it wasn't possible to take additional orders because of how busy the restaurant was. However, the restaurant was still accepting new patrons and the restaurant was more than half an hour away from closing. So tell me again why you can't take any additional orders? Finally, our rolls came out after what seemed like an eternity. Unfortunately, they were nothing special, and I can't even remember what was in them. They were simply an amalgamation of "just ok" ingredients and symbolic of the horrible service we received. I didn't think anything could make our experience any worse until I asked for our check. The wait just to get our check was about half the time (well, at least it felt that way) we waited just to get our food. Again, I noticed the wait staff being extremely attentive to the other tables, with one server going around to all the tables to ask how their meals were going. Conspicuously, she skipped our table. I can't understand why because we made no rude comments to the wait staff about any of the number of debacles they made. I understand that it was a busy night, but that's still no excuse not to give patrons the basic attention needed at a dinner service. I was particularly angered by the way in which the server gave me the runaround about the appetizer they couldn't serve and the carry-out order they couldn't take, both apparently because the restaurant was busy. I've been to busier restaurants, and I've gotten better service.
(1)
Gina S.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this is the best sushi I have had in the State of Illinois. It was so fresh that it's hard to believe you are in Schaumburg and not a coastal town. Every single items was unique and well prepared. The Red Dragon Maki is extraordinary. The restaurant is very small, so definitely make reservations or it will likely be a long wait. They have beer and wine, but not much of a selections. No hard liquor. Beware, some of the rolls are huge! The Tuna Hulk and Schaumburg will not fit in your mouth.
(5)
Joe P.

The restaurant is small and we had to wait to be seated. There wasn't much space to wait so we were kind of crowded up to a table that was already seated. The sushi was delicious, but it was a little spendy. We eventually sat at sushi bar. The service was mediocre but the food made up for that.
(3)
Jessica C.

Every roll was amazing! Staff was very attentive and the location is cozy in a good way.
(5)
Steve G.

Probably the best sushi I ever had. Not sure how this small place in Shaumburg does it but it is great. I had the raw scallops and it took forever. Not sure why it took so long, maybe they had to run to the store or catch the scallops ;) Let me tell you, it was worth the wait. Wow, so fresh and delicious. I have never been let down with anything. Always fresh and great!!!
(5)
Josh T.

Amazing Sushi- Wonderful Service. Highly Recommended. They should not change a thing. Excellent Value. Excellent Everything!! Seriously, go there!! It is wonderfully delicious!!!
(5)
Candice-Marie B.

Too bad we didn't try this place 4 years sooner... It was sooooo good! The place is tiny but the sushi is HUGE. We ordered 3 rolls at once and we were shocked when we saw the size of these things. I didn't quite know how to eat it and it wasn't really pretty when I tried to stick the whole piece in my mouth ~ but it was delicious! We figured out to cut each piece in half and then eat it. We also learned that 2 maki rolls is plenty! The servers were welcoming, friendly and efficient. We will most definitely be going back in the near future to enjoy sushi again at Sushi Ya.
(5)
Duely Y.

This is my new favorite sushi place to go whenever I'm around that area! The restaurant is really small, but the service and food are top notch. Our waitress was very kind and attentive, checking frequently if we were doing fine. The food was amazing! We ordered some Nigiri - Salmon and White Tuna, and they were FRESH! This is the only place that I know where they give us a bigger portion of the fish than rice. Then we had the Golden Baked Mussels, which was full of flavor! A must try for anyone that loves Mussels and cheese! The next time I'm here, I will definitely try some of the other delicious specialty rolls that other Yelpers had posted in the Photo section.
(5)
Dale L.

We went here for dinner on a Saturday night and it was great. The sushi was fresh and the staff was good. Pricing is reasonable too. We were able to sit down right away but the place was full. I would imagine there would be a wait during the busy times. We will be back there soon.
(5)
Peter R.

So last Friday my wife and I were tossing around ideas for what to eat for dinner. I wanted Italian, she wanted Mediterranean, and we listened to each others restaurant suggestions. The debate continued for a good 5-10 minutes, and we were at an impasse. All of a sudden when it was looking like we were going to end up at the KFC drive thru, she blurted "I want some sushi." I have mentioned on several reviews before that I am the only Pacific Islander in existence that doesn't like fish/seafood, but I love me some Katsu and Udon. We both agreed to find a good Japanese Restaurant in the area, and she left it up to my Yelp-pertise to find one. I brushed off the old dusty laptop and went on Yelp.com and started searching. On a totally unrelated topic, I just wanted to exclaim my love for "high speed internet." Please give me a moment while I hug my modem ((((hugs)))). OK back to the review. My fellow Yelpers seemed to really like this restaurant called "Sushi Ya" in Schaumburg, so the decision was made simple. I give a call to one of my best buds who was in the area to ask if he wanted to join us for some dinner, and he quickly agreed. We walked into Sushi Ya and was happily greeted by the staff with "Irasshaimase!!!" I felt like Norm entering Cheers, but there was no Sam, Carla, Woody, or Cliff in sight. I asked what the greeting was and our waitress simply said it means, "Welcome." The restaurant is small, I would guess it seats about 30+ with some extra seats by the sushi bar. We ask for a table for 3 and was quickly seated by the window. My friend BBM'd me that he was 10 minutes away, which is cryptic code for "I'll be there in 25." The wife and I decided to order, and she went straight for the sushi order sheet. I order the Beef Udong (Udon) for starters, and decided to go with Chicken Katsu. I don't know anything about sushi, but I think the wife went for California Rolls, Spider Rolls, and something else. As we were waiting for our food to arrive, our friendly waitress gave us some complimentary edamame to snack on. We also got our salads, and apparently I get miso soup with my dinner meal...so that was a pleasant surprise. Our entrÃ©es came shortly after we finished our starters. My Beef Udon was very good. The noodles were so soft, and the broth had a nice light flavor. The Chicken Katsu portion was pretty big, with a small bowl of rice and the dipping sauce. The Panko crumbs were so light and crispy, and the chicken was so tender. The stir fried veggies on the side was a very nice touch. The wife seemed to be delighted with the sushi, I can tell it by her eyes. My friend finally arrived in the middle of our meal, and was greeted with "Irasshaimase!!!" He quickly looked over the sushi menu and got Spicy Tuna something, and Eel something...again I know diddly squat about sushi. His order came out before we got done with our meals, and he quickly chimed in with the praises as well. He exclaimed that the tuna was so fresh and delicious. I will assume that he meant "fresh and delicious" in the non-urban dictionary sense. So let me recap our dining experience at Sushi Ya. Service: The service we received was excellent. We were greeted when we entered, and when we left. The service in between was friendly and attentive. Food: The food was the "bombdotcom." The sushi was "fresh and delicious." My Chicken Katsu and Beef Udong was exxxcellent...and yes I added 2 extra "x's" to emphasize my point. Ambiance: The restaurant is small, but very quaint and lively. Add all those in with good company and bubbly conversation, and it was a very good dining experience indeed. Now everybody sing along with me: "Throw your chopsticks in the ayyer and waive em' like you just don't cayyer. If you want fresh sushi, then go to Sushi Ya...somebody say, Oh yeaaaah!!!"
(5)
Katie D.

Cute little place in the suburb of Schaumburg. After trying lots of sushi spots in the city this place lived up to my expectations. Price just right and service can't get better (if you are really hungry) Sushi lovers, a must go!!
(4)
Daniel S.

Sushi rolls were pretty tight, figuratively. They kinda fell apart after dipping it in soy sauce but they were still pretty good. The size of the "crazy roll" is crazy big since it has about four different fish in it, but try and dip that thing in some soy sauce without it falling apart. You can make a game out of it.
(4)
Danielle S.

We have a winner! I've never seen such a big sushi menu in my life. Their menu is separated by cooked maki, raw fish maki, nigiri, stir fries/other entrees. The organization makes it much easier to choose, and they do a great job of explaining what is in each meal/roll. We ordered 3 sushi rolls (maki), and that came with miso soup and endamamme. Everything was very delicious and fresh. You can also see the sushi being made (always makes me feel better when I can see them cooking/making my food). I looked around and everyone seemed to be enjoying their meals as well, hardly any plates were left with food on them! The service is very friendly and prompt. The atmosphere is very small and quaint (they could actually use more seating/a bigger place). It was packed very quickly, so the earlier you get there the better. It's hard to find GREAT sushi places - this is one of them!
(5)
Chicago G.

Everything tasted great. Only problem for me, the rolls were too big! I could not fit a piece in my mouth without really stretching my jaw. Sticky rice falling out of my mouth and sticking to my lips... Maybe next time I will sneak in a fork and knife to eat this extra large maki :)
(3)
Adam D.

FANTASTIC! It's located in a small strip mall so seating is tight, and it fills up fast on the weekends, but the Sushi is FRESH and delicious. My friends are kind of celebrities to those that run it so we are treated like kings... that being said, the service is spot on. They've been in business for years and they have a strong following of customers. It maybe time to expand into an actual building of their own.
(5)
Lori B.

I love love love this place! It's a random location so I hope more people find this place to keep it in business. Anything on the menu is good but my personal faves are the avocado torch maki and shrimp tempura crunch maki. Hands down, best sushi spot in the suburbs.
(5)
Vijay S.

I went to the restaurant based on the rating andwas surely not disappointed. I have given it 5 stars. For a Tuesday this place was packed and had people waiting outside. Very cozy and lively atmosphere. The Sushi pieces were larger than other places. The Sushi quality was top shelf and was fresh. Looking forward to returning back soon.
(5)
Sahar A.

I absolutely love Sushi Ya. It's in a nondescript strip mall, and a very small establishment. I think there are 3 tables that seat two people, five that seat four people each, and one table that can seat up to eight. There is a small sushi bar area too. If you're going on a Friday or Saturday night I would certainly recommend calling for a reservation, they will not make a reservation for 2 or less people though. Your order of sushi comes with complimentary Miso Soup, the soup is simple and good, and generally very hot. The service here is very friendly, they have a bunch of ladies serving and assisting tables, and 2-3 sushi chefs at a time. Highlight Rolls: Fire Crunch - This is delicious it has a light crunch to it, a bunch of spicy tuna on top, and the pieces are bite size. Hellboy Roll - Omg, this is definitely in my top 2 favorite rolls here. The taste is so unique to Sushi Ya. The roll is generally HUGE though, so if you're shy about eating in public, I wouldn't recommend ordering this one -- it makes you look so silly while eating. White Dragon - a very simple, and not oversauced roll. The fish is the star in this one, and it shines bright! The delicious smoky taste is unexpected and yummy. Honorable Mentions - Dragon Roll, Crazy Maki, Dynamite Maki, and SushiYa Maki. They don't always have Mochi for dessert but it's great when they do. :) Their rolls are a reasonable price, I'm down to spend around $25 for quality sushi and leave stuffed. Overall, I love this place and am never disappointed. They're very friendly, they recognize you if you come in pretty often, and the chefs are super sweet if you sit at the bar and talk to them.
(5)
S K.

From the outside the place might look like a crapy little family restaurant and it is very tiny. Actually the first time I drove by the place, I decided not to go in because it is in a little strip mall that does not look so pleasing, so I assumed the food was bad. But do not be fooled by the looks, the sushi is great. Anytime I find myself in Schaumburg, this is where I go, it is also many times my reason for going to Schaumburg. Definitely one of my favorite Sushi Restaurants. They have the best spicy tuna roll I have ever had, and by far my favorite roll, not expensive either, about five bucks. Nice thing is you get free green tea, miso soup, and edamame. Rolls I highly recommend: Spicy Tuna/Salmon roll, Hawaiian Roll (amazing), Rainbow Roll, Fire Crunch Roll. I have tried other rolls, which were good, but these are my favorite, and I almost get them every time.
(5)
A J.

I have never had something that I didn't like here!! The Schaumburg Maki is one of my faves. The Salmon (another fave) is always fresh & tender. Yes, it's a very small place, and gets very crowded. We often get a ton of suhi & bring it home since we live close by. Sushi Ya - YUM!!!!
(5)
Ino S.

Great place to eat. Staff is very friendly and food is beyond great. Fresh and tasty.
(4)
Amy T.

I don't get it, and why everyone loves this place. It was very very average to me, and I'm a sushi aficionado. They use fake crabmeat like everyone else, and the rolls I ordered were not that fresh or big. Spider rolls typically have REAL fried soft shelled crab, so I ordered that to avoid the fake crab I saw at the sushi bar. The crab in my spider roll was also not freshly fried or made, and the raw fish didn't taste any worse or better than any average place. I ended up paying quite a bit for three mediocre rolls. I really hate seeing fake crabmeat at every sushi restaurant, but I guess this is Schaumburg, and fine sushi is somewhat of a rarity in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. The crowd there in such a small place had a bad atmosphere too, which I don't normally mind if the food is great, but this was not the case. The server was nice, so thee stars.
(3)
J J.

Best sushi place hands down- HUGE portions. We are so amazed that it's the first time we got so full by only three maki rolls. Highly recommend the spicy crunchy and the hell boy. They are crunchy and simply amazing. The hell boy roll is a beast- I can barely fit one sushi in my mouth. Great place- def our fav in Schaumburg area.
(5)
Jignesh P.

One word! Best sushi and best service!
(5)
Kevin G.

I really wanted to give this place only four stars but I couldn't think of anything that is bad about it. So I say five stars. Clean restaurant, very nice and attentive service. not overly decorated with gaudy Asian art. Decent contemporary music. Ordered gyoza, four pieces salmon sushi, Sashimi special something & Lunch Bento special. Edamame came out first, perfectly salted and warmed up. Wife had sashimi special and said it was just perfect with the amount daikon underneath. Gyoza is the best I have ever eatan at any restaurant ever. Ugh! I should got some to take home. Salmon sushi pieces were VERY fresh and served beatifully. Lunch Bento, This is where it gets interesting. This is the first time I have seen a restaurant serve a fusion of Korean and Japanese food on one plate and hit it perfectly. Seriously! Even the piece of Chicken breast was moist and served with a tasty sauce. Tempura was a hit. Kalbi Woah Momma! Octopus Salad - Oh Yeah! If you are in the area just go, you won't regret it.
(5)
Pari P.

Tired of overpriced sushi? Sushi Ya is a small Japanese restaurant located in a strip mall by downtown Schaumburg that can remedy your problem. Luckily for me, they are located within walking distance from my home. The sushi itself is done with quality and care without the gimmicks. They have some creative rolls but I appreciate that they don't go overboard with sauces or weird combinations. It's sushi done right where you can actually taste the fish. Sounds simple but there are so many other sushi restaurants that can't get it right. For the quality, you would be expecting to pay more. For all the spicy tuna lovers, order the Hulk roll. It's basically a supersized version of a regular spicy tuna roll. For the non-sushi fans, there have several entrÃ©s that will have you coming back for more such as the beef udon, teriyaki beef stir fried with rice noodles. The place is small so make sure to get there before it gets busy. Otherwise, you may end up having to wait awhile to be seated.
(4)
Shawn G.

Not what I expected... but I was VERY pleased! First, LOCATION: only 1 star!! But since we're accustom to some quite memorable experiences in some not so desirable locations (Ginza of Tokyo (The Dells), Iron Horse (Milwaukee), etc...) we didn't let that stop us... and we were RIGHT again! Next... we were there for Valentine's Day. Needless to say, there was a wait. CONVENIENCE: The people two couples ahead of us left after hearing there was an HOUR wait... we mentioned our 7:30p reservation and were seated within 5 minutes (note: PLEASE make reservations). The MENU... quite extensive and DELICIOUS. SERVICE was quick, friendly, knowledgeable and attentive, even on such a busy night. Dynamite Maki - DYN-O-MITE!! Avacado Torch Roll - Delish!!! Crazy Philly Maki - YUMMY... but VERY hot when brought to the table... be careful :) Spider Maki - good, but not my favorite We WILL be back, soon!!
(5)
Kejia Y.

We go here a lot. Most sushi are good except some fried ones. Udon is a disappointment. Never tried bentos yet. I guess this place is called Sushi Ya for a reason, so I will keep ordering sushi here.
(4)
Michele S.

I'm not really sure why people like this place. The food was average, and the service atrocious. The prices were reasonable, but so are the prices at many other sushi places within close proximity. The miso soup was actually rather gross. It had an odd underlying taste to it. It was something I wasn't familiar with and cannot accurately describe other than to say it didn't taste fresh. The rolls were pretty good, but not the best I've ever had. There were two of us in our party, and the waitress seemed annoyed that we ordered 4 rolls. "That's too much.", she said. Really? I know we are both overweight, but how about you just put the order in and let us worry about that. With so many decent sushi places cropping up, I see no need to go back to this establishment in the future.
(2)
Ron S.

Just got back from a lunch feast at Sushi Ya and they just earned their 5th star. My wife and I decided to branch out from the usual sushi and sashimi that we usually order and try some new things. Here's the rundown: Calamari Tempura - The most delicate calamari with the lightest batter that I have ever had. I know lots of people order Calamari in Italian restaurants but you have to try Calamari Tempura! Salmon Teriyaki - Prepared in a teriyaki sauce that my wife loved. She mentioned how most teriyaki preparations come across so salty. But not this one. Accompanied by stir-fry vegetables. 8 - piece Sushi Platter - Wonderful assortment of sashimi and California roll. (They actually gave me 9 pieces -- so nice!) Vegetable Fried Rice - Yeah, I know pretty boring selection but they prepare it so light and fluffy - not greasy at all. Don't forget that you get Miso soup and edamame. Cost for all of the above = just under $45. Great food at a great price!
(5)
Ania W.

looove the sushi!!!
(4)
Bryant H.

I took my girlfriend here for Valentines Day. The service here is very quick and friendly. Of course everyone here had the same idea celebrating valentines over sushi so the place was packed. Luckily the waitress placed us at the sushi bar away from the chaos. We had a nice view spectating the sushi chefs as they make our orders. I praise the waitresses for all their hardwork with the restaurant at full capacity and still managing to refill our waters & billing me a check without having to wait a long period of time due to being so busy. I loved the complimentary miso soup & the steamed peas. I try not to fill up on it & save room for the main course. Will be coming back here often 5 stars
(5)
Liz L.

I must be the only person who was not impressed by this place as much as everyone else was. Good: -We were seated right away -Service was friendly Not good but not horrible: -It isn't necessarily bad but I thought it would be bigger...I felt a little cramped I was almost sitting at someone else's table. -None of the sushi was that memorable, where I would say to myself wow I am going to come back and order that again. Or that I was going to come back at all. For me personally I would say if a group of my friends were wanting to come here for sushi I would go but I wouldn't tell people that this was a need to go to place. Or that I would pick this place to go for sushi.
(3)
Jess K.

This little sushi secret is amazing. I wish less people knew about it so that the wait would be shorter. I have come back over and over never to be disappointed. I love their turtle roll. In the winter the only thing is that it's a little cold by the windows, but order some hot sake and that will warm you right up.
(5)
Lauren B.

Most of the reviews on this place seem a little overly generous. The place only seats about 25 people. We ordered california rolls, Ontario roll (a Cali roll with cooked salmon-eh OK plain), dragon roll (Cali roll with eel - super disappointing! Not done the way a good dragon roll should be, the eel was OK but didnt habe thay bbq taste) and we also did a Hawain roll which actually was really good. It was nice that they paced the rolls out so we never waited once we finished one roll the next one came out. Last thing...the place was also freezing cold (ladies bring a sweater) .
(2)
Elena E.

There spicy tuna and spicy salmon maki was very good. What I really hated was their water... I don't know if they have some weird system or something but it had a very strange taste to it which made it unpleasant to drink. And their service was slow... We had to wait for them to do our whole check process for quite awhile when we had given her a card right away... Foods good, service is a little lacking, and their water sucked which completely killed it for me and my boyfriend.
(3)
Kit A.

My girl friend dragged me all the way from Rosemont to Schaumburg for some sushi. The 30+ minute drive was almost worth the delicious sushi, however the only let down was the service. There were only 2 women working all 10 tables and we had to wait for quite some time to get our food and then again to get our check... I'll give them the benefit of the doubt though, they were extremely busy for a Tuesday night! Definitely will try this place out again if I'm in the area!
(4)
Michelle M.

Sushi Ya is one of my very favorite suburban sushi places! I have to thank my parents for bringing me here the first time. It's so yummy! They have a lot of delicious specialty rolls- I agree with Andrew J., who raved about the avocado torch roll. It's really good! There's also a sunset roll that I enjoy, and a bunch of other things. Their spicy tuna is tasty and the plain fish is really fresh and good. They also give you miso soup and edamame to start off your meal and fresh fruit for dessert. You won't need an appetizer, but if you want one, the agedashi tofu is really good. Aside from the awesome food, the staff are really friendly and sweet. They always greet you warmly at the door; they bring a plate of fruit to people waiting for takeout orders; when I came with my parents around Christmas, they gave every table a bottle of sake as a gift. I think I will have to pay a visit to my parents in Schaumburg next week... and maybe sneak in a trip to Sushi Ya, too. ;)
(5)
Eugene K.

The Good: Probably the best piece of Hamachi I've eaten in Chicago! Service was fast and friendly. Plenty of regulars coming in and out, the owners know them by name and this is a very good thing! Free edamame and miso soup! The Bad: The sushi rice was a bit too sweet for me. Also aside from the nigiri/sashimi I didn't really care for the rolls. The Ugly: Please please please do not play hip hop music at a Japanese restaurant. It's just so damn confusing since this is not a posh/trendy place to dine for young socialites. You don't carry toro or and had no uni? I understand it's a cost issue with supplying the more expensive options. When I give this place three stars, I'm comparing it for what it is. No Sushi restaurant in Chicago warrants 5 stars. Sakura, Tsu Kasa, Tank, and a few others warrant 4 stars. For always consistently having excellent fish, rice, variety. Other than that, I have a great dining experience and would go again if it were closer to me. I was passing by the area and went in based on good reviews. Of most cuisines I probably judge sushi with an iron fist because I know it very well. Again their hamachi was pretty good for being the mid west, they must have an excellent supplier that either flew it in overnight on ice or they have better access to the frozen fish selection. If you're new to sushi or a veteran and have never tried Sushi Ya, don't be afraid, you won't be disappointed!
(3)
Nari H.

We came with a larger group (10+) of ladies on a Sunday night and had a very good time. We took up half the restaurant since this place is pretty tiny, but prices are decent and roll sizes are good. I'd recommend two things: 1) Try their Hawaiian Roll. Pretty good. :) 2) If you make reservations, call twice. Once to make the reservation, and a second time on the day of to confirm. This was helpful and they had their table ready for us. I wouldn't bring more than 20 people here unless you want to rent out the entire place. It's not super big.
(4)
B H.

We went for date night and now want to go back every night. I can see why this place has such high reviews - the food is DELICIOUS. From the complimentary edamame (cooked to perfection) and miso soup (not overly salty or miso-y if you catch my drift) to the maki and yaki udon, Sushi Ya delivers a quality product. What we ordered: Beef with Asparagus Rolls - so good, and that sauce! Yum. Yaki Udon with Beef - everything had that wonderful brown flavor you get from a well seasoned wok. We almost killed the whole plate. Philadelphia Maki - beautiful fresh salmon and avocado, plus how can you go wrong with cream cheese? Hawaiian Maki - in one word, GINORMOUS. In four words, GET IN MAH BELLY! (Also, the tempura crunch was nice and crunchy, the spicy tuna was amazing and avocado with mayo was so creamy. A+, really) California Salad Maki - nice twist on the typical California Roll. The krab was made into krab salad with mayo and seasoning before it was put in the roll with avocado and cucumber. Sweet and tasty. All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone I came in contact with. The price was right, the staff was very polite and welcoming and we can't wait to go back. Don't listen to the one guy who gave it a bad review. He apparently only likes fried chicken and bar food, so you wouldn't even want a recommendation from him about a sushi place anyway.
(5)
Caroline S.

This place is awesome! I love their food, especially Godzilla roll. The staff is super friendly every time i go there. Great local sushi, recommend to everyone!
(5)
Jennifer T.

I went here for a friend's birthday party back in March 2011. The place was nicely lit and decorated though it runs a little bit small. The service was friendly and they have a variety of rolls on their menu. Overall, the price was OK, not so cheap but it came out with very great presentation. I tried the "Dynamite Maki" as an entree which was probably my favorite. It was very flavorful and good and had about 6 pieces. The other dish was an appetizer called "Golden Mussels" which was basically mussels baked in a bit of a cheese-mayo filling sauce. It was good but tasted a bit salty and came with 4 mussels. It's safe to say that the portion aren't very generous but the food was tasty as it should be. I would visit again but just not too often as my wallet probably won't be able afford it.
(3)
Jennifer M.

Sushi Ya is a strong contender for becomiing my first choice place to have sushi in the NW Suburbs. I have to admit, this is a huge compliment for the Korean Sushi Chef, Joe Kim. I've always been prejudicial about who prepares my native cuisine and this Korean owned Japanese restaurant does a great job! The quality of their nigiri sushi rivals any other restaurant who offers it on their menu. The fact you get 2 pieces of nigiri sushi for the price of ordering just 1 piece elsewhere, means you don't leave dissatisfield and hungry for something more substantial. A plate of edamame, miso soup and watermelon slices are also included. About the service, it's been consistently good. We've only been here a handful of times but they're quick to remember us; at least that's the impression I get. Tonight, I was taken aback when our waitress asked me if I was Korean when I said something in Japanese. Huh?
(4)
Victoria W.

My partner and I love our sushi so we were pretty excited when this place opened in our general neighborhood. We weren't disappointed! As you walk in, every member of the waitstaff shouts welcome in Japanese with all the enthusiasm in the world. They thank you in a similar fashion when you leave. It's fun. The decor was elegant, modern, and clean, with fresh tulips on every table. The ambiance was fairly quiet and romantic until partway through our meal when the noisy family with the four kids came in. Oh well :) Our waiter was very polite and friendly. The food was wonderful! I'm a vegetarian, but I still found decent options. (For some of the best veggie sushi, try Yamado in Naperville.) I ordered the Agedashi Tofu, Vegetable Tempura Maki, Goma (spinach) Maki, and Vegetable Fried Rice. Of those, the Tempura Maki was particularly fantastic, and the spinach maki particularly so-so. Along with the Miso soup and salad that came with the fried rice, it was a ton of food and I had to take some home. I usually don't have Miso soup at sushi restaurants because of fish in the broth, but the waiter said theirs was vegetarian. This made it a rare and tasty treat for me. (For you other vegetarians out there, they also had asparagus, avocado, cucumber, and AAC rolls, as well as veggie tempura. Note that the Agedashi Tofu was topped with Katsuobushi (dancing fish flakes), but you could probably tell them to leave it off.) My partner ordered the Sushi Deluxe and the Schaumburg roll, both of which he enjoyed. I ordered an ice tea that arrived with ice that was molded to look like Lychee. Very cute, though it kind of made me crave actual lychee. My partner ordered a lychee Ramune (brand of Japanese soda) which was tasty, but he probably wouldn't get it next time -- we realized it was basically artificially flavored corn syrup (which I guess is generally true of sodas). For dessert we had one of each of their Mochi flavors -- red bean, strawberry, and mango. All delicious, but you've gotta try the red bean if you've never had it before. It was amazingly creamy and almost chocolatey. Freebies: Sushi Ya is all about giving away complimentary treats. During our meal we received one free salad and a 2-piece sushi sample. After dessert we were given 2 slices of watermelon (which I'm pretty sure everyone receives). I'm not sure if the freebies have to do with the newness of the place or the volume of food we ordered (or if everyone gets the same stuff), but we sure enjoyed them :) One thing I should mention -- they always seem to have the blinds closed. This adds to the niceness of the atmosphere but the restaurant (part of a strip mall) kind of looks closed if you miss the little neon OPEN sign. To summarize: Tasty food, great service; very nice sushi place overall. We'll definitely be back.
(5)
D'Arcy L.

I came here after reading the reviews and had an excellent meal. First to start off was the gomae which ranks up there as one of the tastiest I've eaten. Very generous with the dressing. Then I ordered 3 rolls which came out very tasty and excellent in size. The restaurant was quite busy when I came at 7PM. I was talking to a local who was enjoying sake at the sushi bar (in front of the chefs) and he said it is getting busier each time he comes. Took around 20 min for my food to come out but well worth the wait!
(4)
Kris D.

I don't know how this place gets such high reviews. I've tried this place twice and the sushi tasted unfresh. They seem to specialize in mayonnaise sauces to cover the taste.
(2)
Wedee K.

This place was a very nice surprise. When you first pull up to the strip mall, it looks kind of small, but once you enter, you are greeted by the chefs and waitresses and it gives it that "homey" feel. As we looked through the menu, we noticed that the music that was playing was the radio. It was a little distracting, but we were happy that a few of our favorite songs came on. Though it did contradict the entire feeling that we had when we first entered. Once we ordered, we immediately received miso soup and edamame. It was complimentary which in my opinion is always a nice touch. When I go to a sushi restaurant, I usually like to order some nigiri pieces so that I could see the sushi chef's knife skills and I was very happy with the white tuna to rice ratio. The fish also tasted really fresh. I had ordered the Tropical Maki which came in soy paper, deep fried shrimp, avocado, mango and masago. I thought it was okay. All I could taste was the mango. I also ordered the Sunset Maki which also a pretty decent roll. It came with crab, cucumber, avocado and was covered with salmon, salmon roe and this sweet sauce that was really tasty. I thought that the prices for these rolls were very appropriate. ($8-$9) My friend ordered the Crazy Maki and Schaumburg Maki both of which were a lot bigger than mine, but also more expensive. ($9-$13). The Crazy Maki had tuna, salmon, avocado, cucumber, crab, green onion, and flying fIsh egg. It was a wider roll that was very colorful, but a little harder to eat because it was rolled a different way. It tasted really fresh especially when you had to eat the fish pieces by itself because it fell apart. As for the Schaumburg Maki, it was tasty at first, but after a while, the eel on the outside became a little overwhelming. It came with soft shell crab and masago on the inside and avocado and eel on the outside. Overall, I would really recommend this place for its really fresh fish and yummy maki rolls. The soup and edamame is a great touch and the service is great.
(5)
Katie W.

Best. Sushi. Ever. My boyfriend and I have been regulars at Sushi Ya for about a year now because it is the best sushi we've had to date (even after living in CA for a few years). The fish is always super fresh and the rolls are done perfectly. It does get busy, but the service is great too. Complimentary miso soup and edamame are provided as a start to the feast. I absolutely love their miso! Must Order: Sashimi appetizer: delicious and fresh plate of salmon, crab, yellowtail, white tuna, and tuna sashimi. Simple and amazing with some wasabi/soy sauce. Fire crunch roll: Favorite roll! Spicy tuna roll topped with a large mound of spicy tuna. Sushi Ya's spicy tuna is amazing. The tuna actually has some heat to it, a great texture, and generously portioned. Dynamite roll: this roll consists of spicy scallops mixed in with panko. The heat and scallops are great, an the little bit of panko sets it off with the texture. Green dragon roll: eel roll, lots of avacodo, and the perfect amount of eel sauce. I've had one too many bad eel rolls, where the sauce is way too overpowering. Sushi Ya does it just right. We also usually get the regular spicy tuna roll (can't get enough), yellowtail roll (fresh, classic), and experiment with the last one. Can't go wrong here! The server usually looks at my boyfriend and I like we are crazy after finishing all this food, along with two large Sapporos. The sushi here is just that good. I will continue to fulfill my Sushi Ya cravings regularly!
(5)
Taylor M.

Ya I want SUSHI YA! I think it should be called sushi YUM! This was hands down the best and most affordable sushi I have had in the Chicagoland area... The service is top notch. Everyone is super friendly. They great you as you walk in and leave. They us free free miso soup and edemame with our order. The miso soup was yummy... not the watered down type that you typically find at restaurants. The edemame was warm, but could have use a little more salt (but I am a salt freak). We had the crab balls for an appetizer... although it came in the middle of our meal, which is cool cause I would rather get my food right away when different parts are ready. They were amazing... I would say my favorite dish of the night... but everything was amazing! For sushi we had the white dragon (my boyfriends favorite of the night), Ontario roll, Crazy Philli Roll (my favorite of the night... deep fried) and spicy tuna. All of the rolls were fantastic. We concluded our meal with Green Tea mochi which was delicious. The sushi chefs were talkative and gave us recommendations and the servers were on their A-game. My water was constantly being refilled and plates cleared right away. The bathrooms were very clean.. this is always a huge concern for me. I feel like the bathroom cleanliness depicts the overall cleanliness of a place. I will definitely come back here. This is my new favorite sushi place. I don't even mind the drive! The food was better than other sushi places I have been too and for a fraction of the price!
(5)
Mike B.

The hidden gem of sushi my sisters had to drag me out
(5)
Suvondal E.

This was my first time here and I will be back. The service was friendly and the food was great. They give you a fair amount of food for your money. Even though there are other Sushi restaurants in the area at lower cost I will definitely come back here!
(4)
Bob C.

First - service was far better than described by many. No complaints at all. Nice appearance and atmosphere. Sushi was tasty but very sloppy. The rolls fell apart, you needed a fork. It was if they were just pushing the food out to turn the tables. Would not return.
(2)
Alex B.

Food is excellent, fresh delicious sushi. Nice atmosphere on the inside, small and quiet. Wait staff is very attentive, food came quickly and was presented beautifully. Will definitely be coming back here in the future.
(5)
Emma O.

Such delicious and fresh sushi. Love the free edamame appetizer! I am not a big roll person. I just stick to sushi or sashimi. So the waitress suggested the Salmon Chirashi. sp??? OMG delicious. AND SO MUCH FOOD. AND ONLY LIKE 15 bucks?!?!?!? Wish this place was closer to my house or work cause I would be here like every other day. Went on a wednesday at like 9 pm. Nice and quiet. The place is very small so I could imagine a Friday or Saturday would be a long wait. Nom nom nom
(4)
Hannah D.

I was raised in the NW suburbs of Chicago. That was my excuse for never having experienced sushi till moving to the city. Sorry current NW suburbanites, you do not have that excuse anymore. You can thank Sushi.....Ya! A cute lil place nestled in a strip mall. We went kinda early on a Saturday and had no problem getting a nice corner table where we could OS (over-sushi) as much as we wanted without being judged. One thing we did notice was that it was very child-friendly. Did I feel inferior to them because they had better chopstick dexterity than I did? Yes. That was until I noticed that they had lil "training wheels" connecting them at the top to aid their lil paws in getting their food. Damn, where was this place when I was 3? The eel stood out as being extra yummy, as we realized we ordered two rolls that involved it. It was a tasty mistake. I also especially liked whatever mayo-esque creation of sauce they put on their crunch roll. The service was attentive and friendly and ended our meal with two cute pieces of watermelon. Note: Check out the wall art on your way to the bathroom. Particularly the one on the right. Tee hee hee.
(5)
Aga O.

I am completely in love with this place! I come here about twice a week. The sushi here is so fresh, I recommend the avocado torch and sunset maki. I've never been a fan of tuna until I tried it here. Their spicy tuna is out of this world! Delicious! In addition, the service is just spectacular, they are extremely friendly; every single employee will greet you walking in and on your way out. All their sushi orders come with miso soup and steamed edamame soybeans. The restaurant is particularly small so if you come in during rush hour I guarantee the wait will be worth it! I have dined at many sushi restaurants and this one tops them all with their sushi quality and service.
(5)
Ann B.

Hands down one of my favourite sushi spots! The selection of sushi, the taste, and the presentation were phenomenal! I was really happy with all of the 5 kinds of rolls we ordered and wished we had room for more. The only con is that it's very small and can get really crowded inside. It's best to go on a non-peak time. Even considering that, we adore this place.
(5)
Annie L.

Sushi ya fits the bill for Japanese food with fresh ingredients, amazing service, and a comfortable atmosphere. Some suggestions: 1. White dragon maki: crab, cucumber, and avacado roll with seared tuna and chili oil on top. 2. Red dragon maki: spicy crab roll with tuna and red tobiko on top. 3. Chicken teriyaki lunch special. I was impressed with the grilled vegetables and overall portions. The older hostess/waitress is my favorite. :)
(5)
Yane Y.

The suggestions that came from the server was: Avocado Crunch Roll (most popular) and Fire Crunch Roll (2nd popular) roll. We got the fire crunch roll, which was awesome. Wow. My friend who does not like tuna and raw stuff, loved it! Honestly, I don't like raw sushi either (sashimi is just not tasty for me. the texture just freaks me out!). Anyway, the taste of the tuna on the fire crunch roll was awesome. It had some sesame oil and who knows what else. Alls I can say is..that it was good. Anybody for some fire crunch roll? Yes, please! I think I will go back for some more... plus I'll give that avocado crunch roll a chance!
(4)
T N.

Second week in a row at Sushi Ya. We found this place on Yelp after a show and were very hungry. This place does not disappoint. Great rolls, very fresh fish. The goyza is melt in your mouth delicious. Last week we loaded up on rolls. This week sashimi. Come early because it is small and fills up fast. The service is sporadic. I had to cancel an item because the sushi bar was backed up. we found our new suburban sushi restaurant.
(4)
Mary F.

The portions are great for a sushi place! The fish was very fresh and the staff was friendly and very attentive to our needs during the whole experience. Overall, Sushi Ya is a great place to stop in and enjoy good sushi!
(4)
Christine R.

The food here is always fresh! My son wanted to go for his birthday. We had a reservation. Our order consisted of some tempura and fried rice for the kids, bento box for the hubby and 3 rolls for me. Everyone got their food but my rolls never came...as everyone is finishing their good and I am feeling lost I finally get the attention of a waitress. Mentioned I was waiting for my rolls....the looks I received, you would have thought I was trying to rob them! But my little plates and chopsticks were unused! After another 15 minutes the rolls came. Everyone now sat and watched me eat. Ordered and extra coke and the had the guts to adjust the bill and the $1 for the darn coke after forgetting half our order and treating me like a thief! Love the food but have not been back since!
(2)
Sylvia S.

Great sushi, friendly staff, always worth the wait! Our favorites: Spicy Salmon, White Dragon, Philadelphia, Alaskan Crazy and the fried rice is fresh and light!
(5)
Anya C.

good food. a bit Americanize though
(4)
Eliana C.

My new fave sushi spot! I've been to many different sushi restaurants but this one is definitively the best for the value. I've had their special roll, the "sushi ya" and it's delicious! My bf loves the godzilla roll. Pros: free miso soup and edamame when you dine in, decent prices, clean & friendly atmosphere. Cons: It's tiny! Try to avoid it on the weekends near dinner time, you may have to wait a long time for a seat. We usually eat there either around 4:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
(5)
Anastacia B.

There's a difference between attentive service.... and pushy service. This was pushy to the max. Wow was the pressure on to know what we wanted without even opening the menu. Interesting that there were plenty of open tables and no one waiting...at the end of the meal the "manager" lady even came over opened the bill fold and snapped it shut when she saw there was no form of payment yet. Yikes! Yet their miso soup is most likely the BEST miso soup I've ever had. I am not a big fan of it , but I couldn't get enough of this. It is included with your meal. The menu is vast and we decided to stick with sushi. Thankfully we only ordered 2 rolls because when they arrived they were GIANT. As in super awkward to eat because the pieces were at least 3 inches in diameter. So while yes it's super tasty it's a complete mess to eat. I abandoned my chopsticks and ended up just using my hands. So yeah if you're jonesing for sushi and are in the area it's fine but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
(3)
Phil S.

We came on an obscure weekday night but the place was packed at dinner time. They split up a longer table for us so we didn't have to wait. So far, so good. I notice they're speaking Korean and think to myself... great another Korean owned Japanese restaurant. Round eyes may not understand it so try imagining Chinese people running a French bistro. Korean and Japanese fare is that different, if you haven't noticed. Service was friendly but everything came out in the wrong order. Items that took a shorter time to make came out really really early while we waited for our appetizer to come out in the middle of our regular meal. Really? I don't care how busy you are, it is your responsibility to time the orders so that everything comes out in a reasonably organized manner. I should've known not to push my luck after that but we decided to finish off with a bowl of udon noodles.... what a huge mistake. The noodles tasted fine but the tempura came out AFTER we were done eating the noodles!!! Wow, just wow. We had enough at that point and had spent a decent buck on beer while waiting for items to come out throughout the meal so we asked for the check and then was promptly forgotten for a good 10 minutes. I had to flag someone else down and a little while later our original waitress brought our check. I guess they knew they messed up because all the way at the end after we paid and was right about to get up, an older woman who was probably a manager or owner asked if we spoke Korean. I replied in Korean and then she proceeded to half-ass apologize by giving me excuses for the crap service we had just experienced for the first time. Seeing no need to cause any drama since we were headed out the door anyways I brushed it off and left. I know a lot of you elite like this place but if you eat anything beyond the roll menu then you'll quickly realize that there is nothing really that great about this place. They have all the gimicky rolls that a typical round-eye loves so they get attention for being a few bucks cheaper. Gimmie a break, folks. Try other sushi restaurants first before you give such raving reviews.
(1)
Danielle B.

Ok, we tried again this past Saturday night and the service was much better! They had more people so that helped. I still got my sushi about 15 minutes after my husband got his (maybe I order complicated rolls? IDK?), but the sushi is fantastic and we'll be back!
(4)
Cynthia F.

I was honestly not in the mood for sushi but this place instantly changed my mind. The staff here is amazing. They were attentive and courteous. And the food: flawless. We ordered the Diablo Maki and the Tiger Maki along with a cucumber roll. As if our night couldn't have gotten better, we watched the staff handle an irrationally upset customer with total grace. All in all I can't recommend any place else for sushi. Go there. NOW
(5)
Jose L.

Sushi Ya is a great sushi joint. Prices are not bad, you get alot of bang for your buck and they don't skimp on quality. Service was great and fast. The waitresses are very accommodating. Go try this place out and order the rainbow roll, it is much better than the surrounding competition. You won't regret it. Don't listen to the bad reviews they are crazy. I have been to many restaurants by far this is the best one in the area.
(5)
Becky S.

Have you ever been asked to leave a restaurant before because they needed your table for other patrons? Yeah, this had never happened to me before either until this past Saturday night at Sushi Ya. Seriously?!? I'm not sure I've ever experienced such rushed, inattentive, and rude customer service at a restaurant before. Yes, this a small place and it was Saturday night but I swear it was like they were trying to kick us out of here from the moment we sat down.They tried to take our food away multiple times before we were done eating and to take our bill away before we even had a chance to whip out our wallets. The icing on the cake came when they literally asked us to leave because they needed our table. Wow. We had been there just over an hour. It wasn't like we were lingering there for 2-3 hours. I wouldn't be able to recommend this rude restaurant to anyone. On a side note, their sushi rolls were decent.
(2)
Donna R.

Decided to check out this highly rated sushi joint on Christmas Eve Eve with the bf and we were super pleased. Just as others have stated everyone greets you at the door and all of the waitresses checked on us during the meal. The only downfall was that they forgot about our diet cokes, but meh, it happens. We go the dynamite roll, the hurricane roll, and a spicy tuna roll. All of them were just wonderful, especially the hurricane! It was gigantic and had this fantastic wasabi mayo or something on the top--I highly recommend it. And the miso and the edemame in the beginning were a nice touch. Our meal was SUPER cheap, $29 for three rolls, soda, and free soup?!? You can't beat that. The place just kept on getting busier and busier throughout the night, so you know they are doing something right!!
(4)
Ashley H.

Great service, fresh and awesome tasting sushi. Don't let the strip mall location scare you, this place is great!
(5)
Somchai S.

What a gem this place is. My friend and I stopped in early Saturday night for dinner. The place is tiny but the service is extremely friendly and ATTENTIVE! We ordered a variety of cooked rolls and they were delicious. The only thing I wasnt a fan of was their green mussels. The mussels were drenched in soooo much sauce.
(4)
Tracy L.

for a sushi place in schaumburg, it's not that bad. Decent prices. Our favorites are the Diablo and the Hellboy since they have the scallops ontop...mmm...they're similar flavors but I think I like the Diablo better because the inside is shrimp tempura. Bf cannot get over their steak teriyaki. loves it like crazy. all his favorite vegetables, the grilled onion and zucchini...i'm sure there's another one in there i forgot. everything's sprinkled with seasame seeds and the rice is sticky. I have to admit, it's delish! and the dinner portions are enough to feed 2 people. Bento box is HUGE. salad, sushi, chicken AND "steak" (which is the ribeye) teriyakis, and tempura? dang. fatty. miso soup, nothing special. just more on the watery side than anything else.
(4)
Sharon P.

Is it the best sushi? No, but after dropping in here a few more times and ordering some take out, I honestly can say the staff is super friendly, and the sushi is very well priced. In the end - it's my go-to sushi place around the area. And I take back my original review, for a better 4/5 score.
(4)
Nisha P.

Delicious!! I am a vegetarian and it is very important to find a place that has vegetarian sushi options. There avocado rolls, sweet potato rolls and garden rolls are off the hook. I am definitely going back as soon as I can. My boyfriend loved this place too. Good dinner times!
(4)
DAN D.

I wanted to give Sushi ya 5 stars really bad.. but I just couldn't.... The main reason is because every time I'm there they're out of something. First they ran out of rice, then tuna, etc... I LOVE their food so don't get me wrong, I just think it's a bit silly that a sushi place runs out of rice. I'd have a hard time rating Oberweiss a 5 if they ran out of milk or ice cream. That being said this is about the only sushi place I'll go now. There food is beyond amazing, the staff is fantastic, and the prices are reasonable.
(4)
Dave P.

Can't believe I passed this sushi place up so many times while I attended school in Schaumburg, but I have finally stepped in. I believe I had my favorite sushi place nailed down, but this might be my new favorite. The sushi selection is by far one of the best, and they even had variations, such as the "deluxe california roll" that put a little twist on regular sushi. Service was great, and the wait for food wasn't very long at all. I tried the deluxe cali roll and the sushi-ya roll, both of which were delicious, and had great presentations. All of the rolls were very reasonably priced as well. I haven't tried the other asian dishes, so this review is based strictly on sushi, but either way you should stop in here.
(5)
Mark K.

I like this place very much. My fiancee and I have been here three times and ordered out once. Every time the rolls are fantastic. We usually get a couple California and Philadelphia rolls and I'll get some Nigiri. Everything is good and my fiance says the edamame is good, as well. The staff is so friendly. They seem to know a lot of their customers and even the sushi chefs say hi to people and are friendly. I would highly recommend this place. Especially, because the price is so reasonable. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Pete C.

One of the best sushi houses in the area Will go back again and again you will not be disappointed. with precision,artistry and the best ingredients these Sushi Chefs create some of the BEST sushi in town.
(5)
Nicole M.

It pains me to do this but I need to drop a star from sushi ya! I went there 7:50pm last Friday and we were seated by the bar about 5 mins after we walked in. We ordered our food right away and sat and sat and waited and waited and waited. I noticed the people around us had been there before us and were still waiting on their food. I think it was 9:10 and we finally got part of our sushi order and it was so sloppy looking and falling apart. The sushi it self was still good. They must have been short handed that night or something. Because waiting over an hour to get sushi is unacceptable to me. The Ladies that work there are nice and you could tell they felt bad. But I was a little upset when I saw others getting a free salad while they waited and we didn't. What the junk, I'm hungry too!
(3)
Prateek S.

My fav spot for sushi and sashimi!! The salmon and tuna nigiri and sashimi are always outstanding - fresh and delicious. Servers are attentive and friendly. I recently ate at a Japanese restaurant in Oahu and Sushi Ya is comparable if not better. Fire cracker, dragon and hawaiian rolls are yummmm.
(5)
Jonathan A.

We were immediately greeted by a waiter who sat us down. He didn't know what sake was available but he went to find out. He was new and it showed. We received our aladin bottle of sake (stay away) as he dropped off a menu and a paper for ordering. It took 5 minutes before getting a pen and 15 minutes before the sake glasses and water glasses arrived. In short, the service needs work. The food was ok. The Goma ae didn't taste like sesame but the spinach was boiled well. The edamame and miso soup were free, not sure if this is because we complained so much. The kani-su was lackluster but the soft-shell crab was cooked very well. The handrolls (spicy scallop and spicy tuna) were very good. I was a moron for ordering king crab in July; it was flavorless. The rice here is sweeter and nit as sticky as Japanese rice. The scallop nigiri was good and the ama ebi was great.
(3)
kim c.

Ok, I'm not an expert on sushi, but I really love it here! My favorite? The fire-crunch Maki Roll! The place is small, but comfortable, and I have always had a good experience here. Only thing that I wish is that they had full bar service.
(5)
Frank A.

So I've been feeling like having Japanese lately. Unfortunately, I didn't know where to go in the burbs. Enter Yelp! So I narrowed it down to 2 places on a Friday after work. Sushi Ya and Karumaya (I'll hit this place up next time...) Since I was near Sushi Ya, I decided to give it a try. Cute place! Upon entering, you'll be greeted in Japanese, nice touch. The dining are is small, but cute. You'll notice a sushi bar in the far left corner. We made it before the dinner rush but before long, it got pretty busy. The menus are really cute. It is sort of thick, like a hard cover book. The menu is fairly large. We ended up ordering the shrimp and veggie tempura, spicy tuna, salmon, alaskan crab and california roll (fried). We also ordered a short rib plate, which came with rice and veggies. We also had some hot Sake. Overall, I liked the sushi. There were generous portions of fish, which was really good. The tempura was super crispy and tasty. The short rib was seasoned well. As usual, we each had a bowl of miso soup. What was really cool was that we were served cold beans. I don't know what they're called but I grew up eating these, so I refer to them as grandma beans! YUM! We ended up paying around 50 for 4 kinds of sushi, dinner entre, appetizer and sake which wasn't bad. Overall, a really nice place close to work and pretty decent Japanese. I'll definitely hit this place up again!
(4)
Joe I.

"An overflowing bounty of mediocre fish" is the best description I can come up with for the Chirashi I had at lunch today. The yellow tail did not taste like any yellow tail I have ever had before. One of my friends got a bento box that looked good, and another got some rolls that looked great! Next time I'll try a roll or two.
(3)
Rachel B.

Best sushi place in the burbs hands down. This place is amazing. The staff is super friendly, their sushi is always great, and it is VERY reasonably priced. I will go to this place again and again. I refuse to eat anywhere else for sushi. Must try their dragon roll if you like spicy food! It is awesome! It is always super busy in there but they always get you seated really fast.
(5)
tatiana c.

My dad took me here for a birthday dinner last night. I was skeptical at first, given that I live in the Gold Coast and am used to fancier places than a strip mall sushi bar/Japanese restaurant. Unfortunately, most of our suburban outings have left me unhappy.....But since my dad swore he found a good place, I took his word. I was pleasantly surprised! Sushi Ya was awesome!!!! Our server was super friendly and our food came out quickly. I ordered a few rolls while my dad ordered a noodle dish. Delicious! The rolls were nice, but the noodle dish made me happy. I ordered the same to go and ate it tonight for dinner. It's a shame that in my neighborhood, we can't have a place as good as Sushi Ya. Many of the upscale sushi and Japanese places in the city are more about appearance than good food. We will definitely be back and I have already told friends who live in the Schaumburg area that they have to check Sushi Ya out for dinner.
(5)
Amelia I.

Went here on New Years Eve and they were super busy! We waited maybe ten minutes before we got a table. Everyone looked pretty happy with their sushi and maki so I thought it must be good right? We were given soup and edamame right away while we looked through the menu. This is only the second time for me eating sushi so I was still a bit nervous. We went with the crunchy shrimp tempura roll, their signature sushiya roll, spider roll, and something with white tuna for my friend. The cooked rolls were amazing! And I pretty much ordered a second roll of the shrimp tempura for myself :)) I dont get how people are complaining about the staff being pushy. They were all super nice and around exactly when I needed them. Its like they knew I wanted more shrimp tempura and instantly asked if I wanted more! Yes Please!!! My friend said the raw rolls were good too, though I didn't try them but they did look fresh. I wanted to come back the next day! I will be back for sure, though it was a bit pricey. For five rolls it was around $50 bucks plus a tip. I wouldn't say I left super full to justify spending that much money. But it was good so I can't complain too much. You get what you pay for here! Recommend it to all the sushi fans in the area!!!
(4)
John M.

Good food. Pricey but good. Strange characters in there though. Went in there right before they switched to Dinner menu. Didnt tell us anything, just said we are closed! with a packed house? all the customers in the store and the staff jsut stared at us, looking as if we were holding up the place! We waited two minutes for an explanation and had to ask what was going on? We finally figured it out on our own. So anyways the moral of the story is... they have a two hour lunch dinner switchover where they're closed for a couple hours and the staff are social fretadas.
(2)
Fate O.

Sushi's good, not wowza, but good. Teriyaki's sauce is a tad bit strong. Fried chicken is meh with sauce bland. They made a mistake with our order at first but corrected it. We liked our waitress but not so much the lady who was in charge of ringing up order (she didn't seem to understand English).
(5)
Gail G.

This rating is going strictly on the "Meh. I've experience better" choice. This place is very close to my house so I walked in and placed an order to-go. I was suprised at how small the entire dining room was. The lady offered me some water while I waited for my order, which was nice. I ordered a shrimp tempura roll, an order of maguro nigiri, an order of salmon nigiri, and a rainbow roll. Everything was so-so. Their to-go soy sauce is given in a small, round container instead of packets. Their soy sauce was not fresh at all! It seemed like it was years and years old! (I'm half Japanese so I know what soy sauce looks like when it goes stale and should be thrown out. It turns very dark and stains/leaves a dark film on the clear containers they're in.) When I showed my mom (the Japanese parent) the containers of soy sauce, she was appauled and I had a pretty good laugh. She tasted the sushi too and didn't think the fish was fresh. I had to agree. At the risk of sounding ethnocentric, I have to say that this place is Korean-owned and operated. That might not be important to Americanized tastebuds, but for people who have been to Japan, lived in Japan, and/or grew up eating authentic Japanese food, this is very important. Often when speaking to other Japanese about Japanese restaurants in the area, one of the first questions one asks is if it's Japanese-owned or not; it's THAT important. I mean, come on... "U Dong" noodles?? Seeing that on a menu is a bad sign. A very, very bad sign. From now on, I'll stick to Daruma and Kuruma-ya if I want Japanese food.
(2)
Don B.

I've seen this place for years, but never stopped in. I finally went on a recent Sunday night. They don't open until 4 PM, but it was perfect timing as I was in the area. We were greeted immediately by one of the waitresses. The interior is very small, but has a good amount of tables. The waitress brought over the menu and the search began. After 1 minute of looking, the waitress was back and asked if we were ready. I said "not yet"; she walked away as if I did something wrong. She then brought my water 2 minutes later and asked if I was ready to order again...not yet. 3 minutes later, she's back...this time, I was ready. Pretty intense waitressing in this place. Miso soup and edamame came out complimentary which was nice. The sushi came out in waves, not all at once. Everything was prepared perfectly with big pieces of fish. The Fire Crunch roll was awesome, but was huge...too big for one bite for most normal sized humans. There were some good choices on the menu and I'm not going to go through all, but everything tasted great. The one thing that didn't taste great was the water. It tasted like I was drinking a mushroom....what the hell!? Green tea also had a strange flavor...kind of like hot farts and mushrooms. I don't know what the deal was with the drinks. Otherwise, this place is good. Waitresses were kind of cold at first, but warmed up as the meal went on. One was even dancing to the music that was playing while filling up my mushroom water. Check this place out if you're in the area.
(4)
Meghan C.

I think this may be my new favorite Sushi place! I tried a couple of new dishes, the Volcano Roll, and the a deep-fried variation of the California roll. Both were absolutely delicious!!! It did take a little while for them to bring us our check and then pick it up again...but that is only a minor detail. I will be back again!
(5)
Mary B.

I'm not even a sushi lover and I liked this place. I had some of their other food besides sushi and it was great. I had teriaki pork and it came with veggies and a few other things. VERY tasty. My brother and sister were the sushi lovers and they loved it. My sister is usually pretty picky about where to eat sushi but she really loved everything there. I tried a few of their sushi rolls and I even liked them! Which is saying a lot for me. Cute little diner type of place and the staff was soo incredibly friendly. Our waitress took very good care of us and always asked us if we needed anything. It felt like it was a big family there! When we left, everyone who worked there, including the chefs, gave us a huge goodbye and a thanks! So sweet. Obviously this is a place for sushi lovers, but if you find yourself there and don't like sushi, don't worry, they still have a bunch of things for the non-sushi lovers. Go check it out! It was great!
(5)
June Y.

I wish yelp provide 'zero' star rating, because this is what this place deserve. I saw sushi-ya several times over Yelp, and this place has awesome review so I decided to stop by. It was Saturday night, and it was our first visit. I surprised because it was the smallest restaurant I've ever seen. and it was packed. I say, it's small so easy to be packed. There were three sushi chefs and three waitresses. There were no seats for us, so me and my husband just hovering around the table, since there were no waiting area. Like I said, this is tiny place. We were waiting about 15 minutes, and nobody say hi or hello. All of the workers acting like we are not there. I've been tons of different restaurants and I know busy places there are waiting. I don't mind for waiting at all. But what bothers me was NOBODY PAY ATTENTION TO THE WAITING CUSTOMERS. At least they should say 'please wait' or 'thanks for waiting' something like that. I saw several customers are done with their dinner and leaving. But nobody cleans the table. Exec use me? there are three waitresses. and I saw more workers inside the kitchen. What is wrong with them? There were other middle aged Asian couple behind us, waiting too. Well, nobody took care of them either, so at least this place treats customers equally.......in a very rude way. After about 20 minutes, we just walked out, and I don't care this place has best sushi in the world(which I doubt it), since this is the horrible place doesn't appreciate the customers.
(1)
Steve H.

trust me ! better than what you expect. diablo and volcano is my favorite.
(5)
Dani W.

Excellent food for the price. Wonderful unagi. The seating is somewhat cramped and the service can be slow, but the food is definitely worth the wait and the price.
(4)
Andrew S.

The Sushi is pretty fantastic. Aside from that, the first time the lady & I went here, we were kind of annoyed. When we go out for sushi we tend to order a few rolls and then order a couple more later. We almost always mention that to the server; so, when we asked if we could order a couple more rolls - our server just said no. Guess they were too busy. I've never had that happen even at better places in the city. I suppose the trick would be to go a bit earlier if you're doing dinner. The place is rather small anyway.
(4)
Sandra L.

Hello hello, Sushi Ya! Well I've been to Sushi Ya about five times. So I am no expert when it comes to this place. That being said I think it is a good thing I am not. Let's be serious here I am not here to give you a goody-goody review. I do like this place and their rolls but I must say their rolls are not memorable for me nor with my friends. Even though majority of my friends would pick this place over Nikkos, they themselves couldn't remember what we ordered/good. This is where the photos were very helpful. Here we go: Green Turtle Roll: very fulfilling. You can honesty just order this for two people and you will be good. It is not the quantity that fills you up but the quality of the creamy white sauce over the rolls. I want that sauce as a dipping side for the rest of the rolls. Its that good! Avocado Torch Roll: Now this is my favorite roll they offer (besides the newly found Green Turtle Roll but I will choose Torch over Turtle any day as well). It is something about that creamy crunch on top. I love when they do that! As you can tell I like the creamy stuff at Sushi Ya. I didn't know that until now. I am not much into thick heavy items but damn they make it good. As for the rest I just can't remember. I've had stuff here and there but to be frank I just don't remember. I had a mango something of another, that wasn't good. I had a cold shrimp roll, it was nasty. I realized I am into warm shrimp items after consuming one at Sushi Ya. One thing I really enjoy about Nikko over Sushi Ya is the young crowd and the homely miso soup. Each time I have gone to Sushi Ya it has either been completely empty or a much much older crowd, which is odd considering the hookha lounge in the same plaza. I don't mind that completely but sometimes as someone in my 20s, you just want something youthful. The amazing skins of the older ladies who own/work there can go so far. Damn! They got some nice skin! I can't forget Sushi Ya's miso soup isn't the greatest, actually isn't good at all nor is ever the right temperature (always cold). Get their plum wine. The pinky-reddish color one. REALLY good.
(4)
Jackie G.

So good!! The meal started with complimentary edamame and miso soup! The restaurant was crowded and we sat at the table by the door. As soon as a few others tables opened up the waitresses offered to move us. So nice! The sushi was fresh and the waitress recommended the Tataki crunch roll. Wow! Was that good!!! Some people in their reviews said the staff was mean but I felt everyone there was so nice! I'm already planning my next time I'm going there. For the price and quality, you can't beat it. I think they need a bigger restaurant, they would pack the house!
(5)
Gina G.

Fan freakin tastic. I was a little bit weary about a sushi place in a strip mall but am I glad we went. Three of us got there around 7:30 and we were seated at what they called the bar. The woman that waited on us was patient as it was our first time. After changing our order a few times, we decided on spider maki, avocado touch, and another I don't remember. All fantastic. We started with miso which we didn't care for... but not sure whether that's because I don't like miso at all or just didn't like it there.... I would recommend this place too anyone, anyway Any day. Everything was fresh, well prepared, and reasonably priced.
(5)
Alena K.

Very good fresh sushi and the staff is nice! The restaurant is fairly small so you would wait for a while before being seating on the weekends. There really isn't a waiting area either - you wait next to people's tables. That's the only downside. Don't expect cheap sushi here. It's regular priced but fresh.
(5)
Jacqueline W.

Great fresh sushi at an affordable price. They give you complimentary miso soup and edamame which I've never gotten anywhere else and because of that, ordering 1 rainbow roll fills me up. They are fast with both dining and carry out. The employees are very kind and always check on you.
(5)
Jacob K.

Great sushi in town. Prices are well below average and seafood is extremely fresh. It's a smal place and they don't take reservations however it is worth the wait.
(5)
Kristin M.

Great neighborhood sushi place! My husband and I frequent this restaurant often and have loved it every time. Service is fast and we've rarely had to wait for a table. We highly recommend the California Maki, Shrimp Tempura Maki, Shrimp Tempura Crunch Maki, Avocado Torch Maki and Fire Crunch Maki. Your meal always starts with edamame and soup. Tip: SushiYa is closed on Mondays.
(5)
Danny Y.

My expectations were a little low (as they always are for sushi), but this restaurant definitely earned all 5 stars. The sashimi lunch plate was a steal at just $10 for 10 pieces of fresh sashimi. I also ordered a chicken bowl, because from experience $10 sushi usually comes in snack sizes. But the sushi portions were generous, and as a result the chicken bowl became an awesome $7 left-over dinner. On a second visit, coworker ordered the spider roll and was disappointed to see only 5 or 6 pieces of sushi. Lesson learned: If you're hungry, either (A) don't order the spider roll, or (B) order 2 spider rolls.
(5)
Scott B.

Simply put, this little sushi restaurant hidden in a small strip mall has some of the best service, freshest sushi, and fairest prices I've seen in Chicagoland. Every part of our lunch there was top notch. Be sure to try this restaurant.
(5)
Josh M.

All I can say is WOW. I had a hunch that this place was going to be good but not this good. The quality of the fish and the service added together made for the best sushi experience I have had to date. I am picky when it comes to clean fresh tasting fish and I was not disappointed. You can see how large the slices of the salmon were in the pics and if it was stinky or fishy it would have not been a good ending. We ordered what seemed like half the menu and then to our surprise we were sent a bunch of free food to start. First came the miso soup. Very hot and very delicious. Then the chef's special rolls. I think it was a tempura tuna rolls. Then a small bowl or perfectly seasoned edamame. Then the rolls just kept on coming. I think we ordered everything with crunch on it and it was amazing - even the crunch roll that was just tempura and spicy mayo in the center or the maki (yes I'm a glutton and I love it!) Definitely try the deluxe cali roll and the fire crunch rolls. Only complaint is that the eel tasted strangely like dirt and possibly needed to be cleaned better. Overall the best place in the suburbs to get sushi hands down! The menu is huge with all the rolls sounding great. I will definitely be back and hopefully I see you there.
(5)
J R.

Great sushi at a an extremely reasonable price. We also got free soup and edamame. Don't leave without getting the $1.50 mango ice cream. Definitely will be revisiting this hidden gem!
(5)
Maria M.

This place is so fabulous that I almost don't want to tell you b/c you'll contribute to the crowdedness! The service is spectacular and the food has excellent serving size for the price. I was shocked to read Alex's feedback and sorry that he had such a bad experience... but I assure you that is not the norm! We love Sushi-ya!! Have to try the firecrunch - it's amazing.
(5)
John William V.

Just got back from here. Friend invited me to try it. I was a bit skeptical when I saw how tiny the place was. But when we stepped in, the inside was quite pleasant. More than what I expected from the outside. We ordered 4 dishes. All sushi. I don't remember the names that well but I think it was filafia? Dragon? Tiger? and something shrimp...? But all of them were very good. We definitely loved all of what we ordered. It was very fresh and pleasant. Everything was served very nicely and very presentable. Nothing was mushy, soggy or over-powering. We even asked for another order for one. The service was also very good. We even had some fun with the waitresses by playing with the handful of Japanese we knew. Turns out they were not fluent either. Super friendly though. Over all I would say this is the best sushi I have 'ever' had so far. Food is more than a mom and pops store. I would definitely recommend this place if you like sushi or Japanese food. And I would definitely come back when I have an urge for sushi.
(5)
Erik H.

Like going out to eat with your grandpa, good sushi requires fresh fish and a noted lack of anything difficult to chew. Sushi Ya has it all, and the confluence of taste, price and experience make it one of the best Japanese restaurants in Chicagoland, if not the best. The free miso soup, edamame and watermelon were great little perks (free green tea would seal the deal coughcough), but the sushi itself is really extraordinary. The Nigiri sushi was enormous and expertly cut while the maki were interesting and well crafted, with perfectly vinegared rice. Order a classic maki and then something crazy, like a Crazy Roll, to get the best of both worlds: the Japanese perfection in simplicity and the Japanese desire to make robot versions of everything. But hey, you already knew it was going to be good since it has the word "Ya" in the name.
(5)
Bob B.

Great Sushi! Kids loved the Japanese soda. We all loved the Sushi. It was fresh and well proportioned. Also our meal came with Miso soup and Endamame which was unexpected! Nice wait staff.
(4)
mauricio o.

Last time i reviewed sushi ya was when i still lived in schaumburg, they were fresh and i was fervent about their mentality, along with their sushi! I was there often and had no problem redirecting funds to from my stash to theirs. fast forward a year and half and have been back twice to notice inconsistency. what happens to small town restaurants like this is they come in out of nowhere, kick ass, then start cutting portions, trying to expedite the process in order to handle more business. I believe that they are slipping and i hope they don't succumb to the lure of having more business. This strategy will work for a little while, before people realize what has happened and then they wont return. It is still quite good. I would avoid going when they are busy. for the suburbs's sake i hope they don't botch it...suburban businesses need to be careful since suburbanites tend to flock around corporations
(3)
Erin S.

As a Chicago to Schaumburg transplant I was very glad to find out I live near this wonderful (unassuming) establishment. They were even happy to see me roll in for a "ladies lunch" with my two young sushi/miso loving daughters. Very helpful staff, speedy lunch service. Take-out is just as good as the real thing too =D Next time I want to try some of their many sake's!
(5)
Deonna L.

It's a hidden "gem" for sure! Very small inside, but as soon as I walked in, I was welcomed with greetings. The waitress was very attentive, as well as the other servers that walked around to fill your tea or water glasses. The waitress took her time to explain and answer our questions was good I had the Sushi combo and my friend had Maki. We did get complementary Miso soup and a small portion of edemame. The soup had great flavor, edemame portion could have been bigger. Over all I would recommend Sushi Ya!
(5)
Edward M.

I had the special roll called Tiger Roll or something. I always have a hard time remembering cuz they don't give out receipts that I have noticed cuz it is always stapled to the credit card receipt. Any how it was pretty good. I did like my dragon roll and the chicago roll better though. But they are very nice and provide good authentic food at reasonable prices. It's not cheap sushi but if you want something cheaper and want sushi, they have lunch specials that are actually really good deals.
(5)
Margreth C.

We randomly decided to stop by here for sushi, since I was craving it. I read some yelp reviews, and they were good so went to check it out! The service was awesome, they were so attentive, and polite. It got pretty busy for a Tuesday night, which I was impressed! We got the Dragon, Dynamite, and shrimp tempura maki, and it was delicious. So delicious that we ordered another roll of shrimp tempura. This place has been one of the best sushi places I've tried in a long time! I definitely recommend this place to everyone!
(5)
Michelle B.

loveeeeee this place! THEE best sushi in the STATE! (I've been to many...haha) The only thing is.......their service isn't that great. My boyfriend and I go to eat dinner there at least 4-5 times a month (can you tell we love sushi?). I would think they'd recognize us, but they don't. I'm Korean and the servers/sushi chefs are all Korean so every time I go, I always have to remind them that I'm Korean. That's not the part that bothers me. What bothers me is that because they're Korean and I'm Korean, I would think they'd be extra cool with us BUT they're not. Haha! The servers seem to looooooove American customers and the sushi chefs LOVE white people! When it comes to me and my bf, they just brush us off. But whenever I see them interact with Americans, they literally treat them 10x better than us! It's kind of crazy. But the food is so good that it makes up for it. HAHA.
(5)
Dan K.

Easily one of the best sushi restaurants in the Chicagoland area. The restaurant is small so it does get packed. Service can suck from time to time but it's worth it for the delicious sushi. Rainbow roll is my favorite.
(4)
Jenny C.

Giozaa, sushi, edamame, age dashi tofu..everything fresh and delicious, prices are low and customer service exceptional
(5)
Mary T.

AGEDASHI TOFU! That is all, sirs. Ok, I guess I should be a little more specific. 1. Sushi will never be my favorite. I'm never *dying* for a spicy tuna roll. 2. I don't like seaweed, unfortunately. Now that I have those disclaimers out of the way, let me tell you how awesome this place is. Super friendly service: on our first visit, the manager came over to our table to welcome us and thank us for eating at her restaurant. Very sweet. FABULOUS sushi. Their sashimi lunch platter is amazing. They give you plenty of fish, and it's fresh and clean and so delicious. They'll also fix rolls to your specifications when possible. Due to the aforementioned seaweed aversion, I have them wrap my rolls in soy paper. This is a revelation!!! I can eat rolls! Trust me: this is very exciting (to me, anyway). The rolls were amazing, and huge. Add to that the miso soup and edamame they serve with the meal, and you'll be all set. BUT WAIT! If you want more, head straight for the agedashi tofu. Seriously, it is so good that it makes me want to giggle-cry. It's amazing: salty and savory broth with crispy little tofu islands! The tofu is lightly fried on the outside but it all creamy deliciousness on the inside. I implore you: order this dish! You will not be sorry. And this unassuming restaurant is such a great value. We always leave stuffed and happy but without feeling punished by the check. Wonderful people, a nice, typical ambiance, and amazing food at a good price. Yes, please!
(5)
Insun M.

Came back and this time the food was much better. I stuck to just rolls and each one had a generous portion of fresh fish. Yum! The crazy roll was probably my favorite. The complimentary miso soup and edamame are pretty good. The miso soup can be a tad bit on the clearer side but its still good. I still had 2 complaints about my dinner. I wanted my tempura udon noodle soup to come at the same time as my sushi because I like to sip broth while I eat sushi but the sushi chef and waiter made a huge commotion on how they were busy and couldn't guarantee the timing. But isn't the udon pre-made? They just have to scoop the broth in a bowl and dump the noodles in? My other complaint was that all the workers there are korean and I understood everything they were saying. Let's just say they do not speak very kindly to each other and make up excuses to customers for mistakes. Not very professional.
(4)
Bgs B.

My expectations were high based on the high ratings. However, this place is nothing special. Sushi was good and tasted fresh. But the restaurant atmosphere and service were really bad. When I came into the restaurant with my wife no one greeted us or told us how long the wait will be - so we stood there for about 20 minutes until one of the employees said "two right?" and led us to the sushi bar. Then, after we set down, we had to wait another half hour until our orders were taken. While "preferred customers" who were seating next to us and got there after us had their orders served to them before our orders were taken. To me this is unacceptable, I think the waiters should try to provide the best service for everyone, no matter whether the customers are new or regulars. In this case they lost a potential regular customer because of poor service. Also, the waiters could not describe the items on their menu. I love sushi, but I am not a sushi expert and with so many items on the menu I would like to know what I am ordering. The least they could do is put some pictures on the menu. When we got our orders the server just dropped our plate in front of us and did not even tell us which order belongs to whom. When we asked her, she said something really fast and walked away. Again, the food was good quality, but nothing special, and that is why this place gets more than one star. However, the service and seating arrangements were very poor.
(2)
Ian D.

Not authentic Japanese food, it tastes different. This place is not big, it gets crowded quickly. I've been there only once, lunch time, food was okay.
(3)
Tai Z.

Sushi is one of my favorite foods so I'm probably not super picky on one hand, but also know a good place when I find one. Came here for the first time last week and was really impressed. As with most places I discover these days, I wish I had found out about it sooner. I've been a regular at Kyoto in Downers Grove and I have to admit that this has the edge. I'd say 4.5 vs 4. The portions are generous and prices are reasonable. Having only tried maki and nigiri so far, I can't comment much on the other food, but I definitely look forward to coming back.
(4)
Cj Q.

This place is amazing! Free edamame, free watermelon slices! Located in an old strip mall, at first glance it looks out of place. Once you walk in however, the ambiance takes over. Although a rather small interior, this place makes up for it with its robust flavors, maki's, hibachi's and udon's. The hibachi chicken, beef udon and spicy tuna are my faves and I def order one of each. Reasonably priced means you can enjoy excellent sushi at a small price. Definately the freshest best tasting in the area! This place gets packed at nights, not too sure on the reservation situation. Make sure you go early! The staff is beyond friendly and attentive.
(5)
Seraphina G.

This place is fun if you like trying out different rolls and just experimenting with them, but the reason why I have to give it just three stars is because of not only bad service, but I just wasn't a fan of some of the stuff I ate. I ordered some tuna roll, I don't remember what kind, and it was awful. They mashed it up and mixed it with other ingredients, which I was okay with, but the dang fishy taste wouldn't leave my mouth. I don't want to have to taste icky fish after I eat, which is just a sign that it wasn't fresh, meaning they probably used leftovers or something because their other stuff was ok. When we (my mom and I) were paying, we had to use a big bill since neither of us had change, and so we paid, and the waitress never gave us our change back. She just assumed all of it was for tip which, which was over $15, and my mom was so mad she just left since she said it was bad on the management for not teaching them correctly and it was very rude of her to not ask us if we wanted our change.
(3)
Ang C.

Went here to find someplace local with fresh, delicious sushi at a fair price and thought this would be it after reading reviews. It was not! The sushi had no flavor, and barely was held together. Not impressed at all. The service was not great either, I think we were forgotten. Might try it again, but it comes nowhere close to any of the low-key byo places in the city. We will keep searching!
(2)
Kristine W.

I've been noticing a lot of new reviews coming in, some negative due to the wait staff. I can understand the lose of stars due to it as I even feel it sometimes and I've had friends complain to me about it, but the food is still pretty amazing and most of the time they make up for the bad service with free food. My advice: go on an off day, so... not Friday or Saturday night - the service would be better (with free food) and you can truly get a taste of what Sushi Ya is really good for: tasty food in your stomach. If anyone here that is complaining or whatever have honest criticisms they think can help the restaurant, I would suggest speaking to Kathy (one of the servers with reddish hair usually in a ponytail) about suggestions on improving the quality of service, if you've got legitimate suggestions. Don't walk up to her (or anyone in the restaurant) just saying, "your service sucks, fix it" or I'll come get you myself. I try to suggest more staff, but I think that really wouldn't because it really is just a certain set of hours on those specific days. Did that make sense?
(5)
Hamza O.

When my friend and I drove up, I was a little skeptical of the oddly-named strip mall sushi joint. Later I found out that "ya" means "shop" in Japanese. So I guess it makes sense. When we walked in, we were quickly greeted very warmly by the staff and shown to our table. The place was decorated nicely and even the bathroom was spotless. We ordered godzilla, rainbow, and some shumai. We didn't have to wait long, and before the shumai arrived, we were served some complimentary miso soup and edamame, which were both very fresh. The service was prompt and helpful, and the sushi was fresh, delicious, and HUGE. Our combined 16 pieces felt more like 32. Personally, we preferred the rainbow roll a little more because it had less sauce and you could taste the fish better, but the godzilla roll was great too. All in all, this place definitely deserves the full 5 stars. It beat many sushi places we've tried in the city. Great find. For a price reference, it was about $12 for the rainbow roll, $13 for the godzilla roll, and like $4-5 for the shumai appetizer when we went.
(5)
Gabo B.

I sat down to get an order to go, and they gave me a glass of water (almost expected) and a slice of watermelon. Where else do you get a slice of watermelon for sitting down and ordering to go. NOWHERE. AWESOME.
(5)
Martin T.

By far my favorite sushi place. Really fresh and always a great taste. The tuna rolls are by far my favorite
(5)
Getafix O.

great sushi and service. Only problem for me was that the rolls were huge and made it hard to eat. The nigiri was great and the quality of fish was great. the rice in the nigiri (white tuna) appears to be sweetened a bit.. I think I prefer unsweetened.
(4)
Katie M.

Soooooo GOOD. Free edamame and miso soup with your order. Sometimes the service is a little slow or they bring you the wrong order but I don't care (you get to keep that wrong order too FREE :D ). This place is very very small. Definitely call ahead and make reservations if you can.
(5)
Mike O.

This place is great and it's nice to have the highest-rated Yelp restaurant just down the street! It's a mom and pop shop with genuine Japanese chefs and waitresses...so you know you're getting authentic stuff. My gf LOVES sushi and we go here or Sushi Station (farther but also good). We ate there again last night, great service, and free miso soup & edamame with our order. Most places charge extra of one or both. We had 3 rolls, two orders of nigiri, shrimp & vegetable tempura, and two sodas = $35 + tip. I guarantee you it would be at least 2x that in the city for the not-quite-as-good food. I need to check them out a lunch time and try their bento box. Next trip!
(5)
Debbie M.

I am a regular at Kampai Sushi Bar and tend to not like most other sushi places but this place was awesome. So fresh! Friendly staff. I just loved it. It's even closer to my house than Kampai. I can't wait to go back again.
(5)
Murali P.

AVOID this place at all costs. My girlfriend and I wanted to come in one night for dinner, and was surprised how bad the level of service was there. We came in on a Friday night, and we wanted to try a traditional Japanese food, because we usually go for Sushi at Sushi Station...(BTW I highly recommend that place) So my girlfriend ordered the Salmon Bento, and I ordered the Chicken and Steak Bento as well. Once we ordered, we're thinking this place is great, and seems like a lot of happy people enjoying their dinner. Also want to note when we came in, the place was packed, so we ate at the bar. So, after 30 minutes on refills of water and tea, we started wondering what was happening with our food. Same time, I figured what we ordered would take long, and think nothing of it after that. One hour roles around, and the waitress asked if we ate yet. I told her no, and we are still waiting. By this time we are getting agitated , and then 1.5 hour roles around and my girlfriend says lets leave. So I told the waitress that we are leaving and I had enough. The owner came out and said it's very busy and that it will be out in a minute. I said I understand it's busy, but the lack of communication to us on what's happening and long wait was enough for me to say no. The women was convincing to say the least, it's almost done and we stayed another 5 minutes. Soon after the meal finally came in. I asked the waitress would there be an incentive for us for the long wait. Keep in mind this is not a 5 star Japanese restaurant, and that the wait was worth it. When I received my steak, it was 50% bones, which was unusual to have the bones; considering the different Sushi places that I have been to. To say the least the food was not up to par, but the dumplings, spring rolls and sashimi was fantastic. So after our meal, the waitress brings the bill and classic it was the full amount, and no discount given. I was trying to be polite as possible to say that there should have been some discount and we should be taken care off. The owner came out and said the best she can do was take $5 off. The owner barely spoke English, and trying to communicate our dissatisfaction didn't register to her, she kept saying it was busy. To her point if it was busy; and if food didn't come on time, we should of be taken care off. after arguing for 5 minutes, I said this isn't worth it and I payed. So when the owner came back, she had charged one bill for $37 and another one at $32!!! So she told me the mistake and she wanted me to sign a copy of the $37 bill. I refused to sign the bill because I didn't agree on the amount, and on top of being charged twice. I signed for $32 but not the $37. So now I have to wait to for bank to reverse my charge of $37 to my account. Just avoid this place at all costs. This was NOT a good experience.
(1)
Dennis L.

I saw by their menu that they had certain dishes rated "hot" I asked for the hottest sushi they had to offer and I was given five choices. I then asked which two were the spiciest and, after convincing the waitress that I liked it very hot, she agreed to serve it. Neither roll was hot or even mildly spicy. I believe they have mayonnaise rated as 4 stars. If you are looking for spicy sushi this is not the place to go. Service was good and as it was the sushi tasted ok. I rated it a two because it came nowhere close to meeting my spice heat, expectations which I based upon their own ratings.. I will look elsewhere for my sushi fix.
(2)
Nicky S.

Tried Sushi Ya again and was pleased with the experience. The place was packed, but I got seated right away. I was early and waiting on two friends to join me. For the first 15 minutes I wasn't sure who my server was, because no one came to my table. They were very busy, but stopping by and asking for my beverage choice would have been nice. My friends joined me, and we waited a little bit longer for our drinks, and then a tad more before someone took our order. They did give us two free servings of edamame and one bowl each of piping hot miso, which was enjoyed. They got the soybeans right this time and they were not overcooked! We had some house wine (the cab is a bit astringent, but it did us well) and 5 maki rolls. Yeah, we probably could have done without one of them, but we like to over order at sushi houses. We tried the: White dragon - Very good, the white tuna topping was exceptional Diablo maki - Excellent! My second favorite. Not as spicy as it sounds Rainbow maki - Good assortment of fish in it, not stingy with portion Godzilla - Good, but not my favorite. I think the sweet sauce is off. Dynamite - AMAZING! If you are a fan of heat, get this. Not overwhelming, but actually has a kick, unlike most 'spicy' food that is advertised in menus. Should have gotten two of these! Service was good once the food started rolling in, and the workers really are working hard, so I won't discredit them. On a Thursday night the scene was packed with yuppies, and yuppies with their kids. Very different from the last time I went. Glad I gave the place a second chance. We all deserve them :) Tip - The bathroom is behind the wicker screen towards the back of the room. You have to pull it back, and there's no signs indicating it's there at all.
(4)
W S.

This is amazing sushi, seriously folks. Stopped here while visiting Chicago on business based on Yelp reviews. Let me say that I travel ALOT and eat sushi...ALOT. While this place wouldn't win an ambiance contest (not that it's bad, but it is located in a strip mall after all), the sushi is OFF THE CHARTS good. And the service was incredibly friendly and very attentive. But most importantly, amazingly fresh and generously cut sushi (I had yellowtail, salmon, eel). The Fire Crunch Roll was excellent as well. I would whole heartedly recommend this place to anyone looking for incredible sushi first and foremost, while not caring so much about fancy or hip surroundings. The negative reviews must have been written by their competition... :)
(5)
Sally W.

Wonderful little place, everyone there are very friendly and nice. You might not be impress how the place look, but the way they price everything is pretty reasonable. The presentation of everything is very nice as well. The fish portion of their makis are decent, you can really see the fish. Just don't ask for privacy, since we can hear other's conversation from the other side of the place.
(5)
Jes H.

We are pretty impressed by the service and foods over there. I am a big fans of sushi so I try out as many sushi restaurants as I can. Compared with Sushi Station in the same neighborhood, Sushi Ya has way better service and foods. We ordered a sushi combo, a Philadelphia maki, fire crunch maki and some sashimi. They are fresh and they have their own recipe that makes their foods outstanding. Not to mention they have the most friendly staffs. I will recommend this to my friends and definitely will come again!
(5)
Hans H.

Not to be a snobbish bastard or anything, but recently I feel like the reviews being posted on Yelp--especially in this geographical area--are being posted by people who don't quite have the experience in specific categories to give an accurate review of restaurants. Either that, or the rating system is completely flawed--or at least the perception of what a certain # star rating actually means. People, 5 stars means that it is the best of its kind, cream of the crop, the example of excellence. I'm not apologetic about saying that this place to me is actually 2 stars, by Yelp's rating description. Meh. I've experienced better. Let me break it down, and expound on it further down: Value: 2.5* - A bit expensive for what I'm getting, compared to other Japanese restaurants when considering food 'quality'. Service: 4* - Friendly, and attentive if a bit understaffed and therefore slowish at busy times. Food: 2.5* - Meh. M-e-h. Meh! Overall (not an average): 2 Yelp *s. Basically, it was a one off, and I probably won't be back because there's better food:value elsewhere. Good service and freebies help to make up for slow service, but unfortunately it does not make up for just mediocre food. I ordered an assortment of sushi pieces from the sushi bar. The wife had one of their bento boxes. Total bill, ~$34 for two. Edemame, miso soup and salad complimentary and part of the meal. I'm glad they aren't stingy on the things that are the cheapest. Problem is that the edemame was warm, mushy, and juicing all over the place. Edemame should be cool, firm, and refreshing. This was none of that. But it was free, you say! But it also gave me a bad feeling about the food to come. 2nd warning sign: Miso soup somehow managed to taste bland, watery, and salty--kind of like...chicken broth. The miso had definitely been overheated, and hardly any seaweed pieces--and what was in it was kinda tough. This is one of 3 standard litmus tests for ANY Japanese restaurant--you'd better know how to make miso soup (the other two being the tamago, and the sushi rice). 3rd warning sign: The (free) salad had a ginger/miso dressing. And I felt like it killed off tasting anything for the rest of the night. Much too sweet, no tang or zest of ginger, but just this flood of sweetness and salt. As the main plates came out, I tried to eat some of the pickled ginger to clean the palate, but it wasn't that great... Onward: Bento box came with teriyaki salmon which was pretty good, but the sauce was--again--too sweet. Seaweed salad was too sweet. The sunomono was too sweet. Tempura was actually pretty good! Light, crunchy and not soggy. Plenty of it in the bento. The egg roll and fried gyoza are pre-made, so don't expect anything spectacular there, just MSG. To the fish: Average to slightly above average cuts of fish. The fish in the sushi pieces were all cut quite nicely, no ragged edges and no stray strands of connective tissue. I was quite impressed by the cuts of salmon in the bento, actually. All around room temps, so it wasn't like eating ice cubes--excellent. So what's the problem? The sushi rice. The whole night while eating the sushi pieces and the rolls, I felt like I was eating candy. Everything is way too sweet. Sushi rice was just not quite right--a bit too wet and sticky, and definitely too sweet. It just brought everything good about the cuts of fish and rolls down several notches. It's been 3 hours and I still feel thirsty and over-sugared. It was at this point I looked around and realized that there wasn't a single Japanese person in this place. Rats. Service was pretty good overall. They were quite busy, and only had 2 servers on the floor, one of which was excellent, but the one who seemed to be the owner/manager lady definitely needs to stick to being in the manager and hostess role, and hire another server to do serving. Bottom line: Fish is good. Go with the sashimi here if you must come. Don't eat too much sushi rice, it will make you feel like you gorged on candy. Everything else can be found better elsewhere. Shameless plug: if you want to know what a real 5* Japanese restaurant looks like in the area that is packed with Japanese people all the time, look up Kurumaya in Elk Grove Village. yelp.com/biz/kurumaya-jaâ€¦ Sushi Ya would do well to learn from them.
(2)
Damian R.

I was there 100 times ... always good and fresh ... thank you
(5)
Jim K.

Tiffany M. : I'm not the owner, just an 8-year customer. My apologies if you felt my response to your review was bullying. Not my intention, and certainly not my style. You're entitled to your opinion, and I respect that. I think your review is wrong, but you're entitled to that opinion. I've posted a picture too, so you don't think I'm hiding. My wife and I again ate here in mid August, 2015. As usual, we received great service, great food, good portions, at a fair price.
(5)
Hassan G.

The food here is amazing, massive selection of sushi rolls, also complimentary edamame and miso soup Service was good, staff was very nice, very attentive. Place is a little small, but overall the atmosphere is great Want to fulfill your sushi craving? This is the place to go to.
(4)
Tiffany M.

Spent over $50 on dinner and they charge for Sirachia hot sauce, Seriously who does that? The place is so small I felt like a sardine in a box, the seats are made for very tiny people. Can not accommodate a large group or even a nice size family. The restroom is in a very awkward location right next to dining room table. Awkward. Waitress was not fluent in English and rather rude. She insisted on removing our dishes before we finished. Felt very rushed, hence the inadequate dining space. Won't be back.
(1)
Denna C.

Haven't been here in a while, and I miss my sushi ya! this is my number one place for BFF SUSHI night (Schaumburg IL) cozy little place, clean, and pretty generous with the sushi.
(5)
Marion A.

My favorite sushi place! Never disappointed! I love their all salmon chiraishi and salmon bento. All their rolls are fresh. The owner is super nice and the service is great! I highly recommend.
(5)
Kirsten C.

The best sushi in the area. The wait staff is always nice and the rolls are always fresh. Beautifully presented and just delicious.
(5)
Jay B.

Even though i only checked in once I've been here plenty of times and will continue to be a regular -small, nice, and quaint setting, sits about 30-40 people comfortably -service is great, always greeted with a smile and the staff is very attentive, and food is prepared relatively fast even when the place is full -every roll and piece of sushi I've eaten here is fresh and presented well, especially with sushi it is an acquired taste but even if you are picky with you're sushi you will enjoy the food -i haven't tried the dinner entrees (yet) but from everyone's reaction i can tell it is worth a try Overall this is a great option of you're in the area, i usually come here to satisfy my sushi cravings especially during the lunch special hour which is a pretty good deal as well considering all the food you get when compared to other similar places around. Definitely come here and see for yourself!
(5)
Angela P.

The Fire Crunch Roll is a must try! Piled high with spicy tuna, then there's some crunchy stuff, and I can't remember what else - but just try it. All of these Yelpers can't be wrong, right?! I also had the Tropical roll. It was good, but the pieces were too big. I felt like a snake unhinging its jaw every time I ate a piece. Service is friendly and welcoming. Sushiya is small, with only 10 or so tables. It's a casual place, so not a place I would take someone if I were looking to impress or dazzle them, but for what they lack in ambience they make up for in delicious sushi.
(5)
Susie C.

My friends and i came here for dinner on a Saturday evening. Thank goodness we made reservation because this is a very small and cozy Japanese restaurant. Even when I made reservation we had to wait 10 minutes or so for couple tables to clear up. There were 6 of us, and we did end up getting a table. The staff is very kind and nice. For food, we thought the sushi was okay. I give this place a 3 stars but my husband gives it 2 stars. We ordered many different rolls. These are really big rolls! Lots of tempura on top. We started with the chips and ceviche which was just okay. I had better at other sushi restaurants before. My friends ordered their chicken yikatori and they liked it. Also some veggie tempura. We also ordered one of their fireball appetizers but they said they couldn't make it for us because they were too busy. That's unfortunate. I wanted to try that! Miso soup is also free...thought it was a bit too bland for my liking. -Spicy scallop roll - this was decent. Their scallop roll was on par with other sushi restaurants. -Salmon avocado roll - this was good. Big chunks of salmon! -Avocado fire roll - too big for my liking. Too much tempura crunch on top - didn't get to enjoy the fish much. -Diablo roll - this was a good roll. I like the scallop on top! -Godzilla roll, red dragon, and Hell Boy rolls are ginormous! My friends ordered them but we didn't try it. We also ordered their beef fried rice. This was pretty good! I like it more than couple of the rolls we ordered! Overall, food is average. It is on the good end of sushi compared to other sushi restaurants. Good customer service - came around to fill our hot tea few times.
(3)
Joe J.

Really enjoy this place. It's rather small, which I like, but this can make getting a seat complicated during peak hours. Other than that, the food is great, the service is good, and the atmosphere is nice for eating this type of cuisine.
(4)
Andrea F.

It's a cozy, friendly, and delicious place to get sushi. I always come here when craving sushi and appreciate the friendly service as well as the freshness of their sushi. My favorite roll is the avocado torch maki! It's outstanding and no other place I've been to has it- give it a try.
(5)
Isabel K.

good food for the money - nice place local
(4)
Eden S.

I love this place. I typically am not a big fan of sushi but this place has so many options. In addition they have the best fried rice that I have ever had! Staff is nice, dining room is small and quaint but overall a great place!
(4)
Drew S.

I've been around the world at sushi bars and still find my favorite sushi right in my own backyard! I've been to sushi ya at least twenty times over the years. It's always fresh, tasty and a great place with impeccable service. Try the maki tolls. All are wonderful. Read the ingredients and pick what suits you. It's all fresh.
(5)
Rosanna L.

Did we just find our treasure chest? Ever since our all time favorite sushi joint closed we've struggled to find one to replace it. I mean how do you replace something so valuable? Well, Sushi Ya is slowly making it's way onto our favorite list. We'll definitely have to come back and give it a few more test drives, but on our first visit we hit gold. To sum up Sushi Ya it's a tiny gem in our treasure chest. It's small with a zen like demeanor, an atmosphere we enjoyed. We were greeted and seated and waited on and a bonus for me was my water glass was never empty (I drink a lot of water). Big kudos for the complimentary edamame and miso soup, I wish more restaurants would this, a cheap way of saying welcome and thank you. We started off with the beef asparagus roll ( yelp.com/biz_photos/sushâ€¦ ) that was over cooked. Since the asparagus is wrap with such a thin slice of beef often times restaurants overcooked it and this time it was no difference. The sauce was decent, but we're big medium rare eaters so we would of taken the slice beef off the grill within 30 seconds, that's how thin it was. We ordered four rolls: Godzilla, white tuna crunch ( yelp.com/biz_photos/sushâ€¦ ), Hell Boy and tuna tataki ( yelp.com/biz_photos/sushâ€¦ ). These rolls are gigantic! I enjoyed them all, although they kind of all blend in together because of the eel sauce they used on all the rolls. The Godzilla had just a bit too much rice and Hell Boy was my favorite with the mini scallops. They were heavy rolls so next time we'll balance it out more by ordering a few lighter ones. My jean's button was already unbutton as I ate the last piece I could manage and I was happy. I haven't had good sushi in awhile and my better half felt the same way. Unfortunately, we don't eat out as much anymore so we haven't been back to Sushi Ya, but it's marked now so a re-visit is in the works.
(4)
Cj Q.

Still an amazing place. The food is always top notch. The udon is superb, the sushi rolls are astounding. Did I mention that the miso soup and edamame is complimentary? The space is deceiving because it is small, but what it lacks in physical space it makes up for with its great attentive wait staff.
(5)
Scott R.

Every experience I have here is noteworthy. I can always expect fast service and fresh sashimi. Why would I go anywhere else?
(5)
Lorenzo S.

Out of the many sushi places I've tried in the suburbs, this was one of my personal favorites. The eel was phenomenal.
(5)
Mark D.

My daughter and her boyfriend turned my wife and I on to this place. They have a wide selection of sushi rolls which are quite large and very fresh sashimi. The waitresses are dressed in traditional japanese attire which adds to the dining experience i my opinion. The inside is nicely decorated as well. They don't have a lot of seating so you may have to wait for a table. However, my wife and I prefer to sit at the sushi bar so we can watch the chef's perform their traits. Will continue to patronize this restaurant.
(4)
Sameer R.

Came here with my colleagues. Finally we found great sushi in near our office. I highly recommend it.
(4)
Hollen E.

We were able to get a table fast despite there being only 10-15 tables in the entire restaurant. Our server was friendly and efficient. You know how some people have their sushi place and they sometimes wavier to test the waters at another sushi place, only to find none compare to their first choice? For a lot of people in Schaumburg, this is their first sushi choice. Each of the special rolls we ordered was better than what most places would offer and each had their own unique taste. They offered complementary edamame and miso soup with our meal which was nice. The miso soup was bare bones with scallion, very little chunks of tofu, and without seaweed, so take it for what it is. My husband ordered an Asahi lager and it came in a big bottle (500ml/17oz) and served with a glass. It's Japan's #1 domestic sell, so it does have a generic, mass produced flavor to it, but overall I found it to be lighter and crisper than US domestic beer. Rolls ordered: White Dragon Roll, Godzilla Roll, Diablo Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll Favorites (thus far): White Dragon Roll & Diablo Roll The Godzilla Roll is huge and could be a meal in and of itself.
(4)
Autumn W.

I have been to this restaurant with my family many times. Sushi Ya has the same quality of sushi as places that charge three times as much. I love salmon and there's is the freshest you can get, including some of the places I've been in downtown Chicago. I highly recommend their sake also! Employees are always nice and service is always prompt. Only complaint is that the servers have a tendency to over-check on you, if I was fine two minutes ago, I'm still fine now.
(5)
Charlene T.

LOVE this place! My fiance and I love sushi. We have tried many different sushi restaurants, and we always end up saying, "This place is not as good at Sushiya." We have our date nights on Tuesdays for the last couple of years, and almost every other Tuesday, you will find us ordering from Sushiya. They know us by our order now and are always happy to see us. Their food is delicious!!! I highly recommend Sushiya!
(5)
Bruce G.

Great place. Glad we went early because it got really crowded really fast Was in town for an event. The sushi here is as good as I have had anywhere. Fish was very fresh, rolls were very creative... Appetizers esp the spinach were great. Worth traveling for. Don't let the location fool you...
(4)
Nancy L.

Overall a great experience! Good atmosphere and fresh sushi. Can't wait to bring my friend here
(4)
Sydney C.

This place is amazing. So well priced and great service. The tempura is phenomenal and my fiancÃ© said the Phili roll was the best he ever had! I recommend this to everyone.
(5)
Ken K.

Very good sushi, reasonably priced, YUM
(4)
Drew C.

It's a really cute, family-run business and the sushi itself fresh and just as described. However, I'm not noticing any difference between nearly ANY sushi joint, so they'll all get 3-STAR ratings unless they go above and beyond. Sushi Ya was literally no different from Sushi City (in Bolingbrook), so how can the ratings be better or worse for sushi if everyone does the same thing a la a fast food operation, albeit with fresh fish and a high-quality experience? I thought they were fine and the free edamame was nice since others charge $4+ for it. In all honesty, you may as well spend $9 on a sushi tray at Whole Foods so you can skip a tip. Regardless, some of the most inventive and nicely trimmed sushi I've had is from Marianno's little in-house sushi hut in Palatine. The tempura shrimp sushi is the best I've ever had and the GREAT older Asian feller' (not the young teens occasionally on duty) adds like 5 extra items on top of the finished product. It looks gorgeous and tastes exceptional.
(3)
Emma S.

It was my first time ... At first it seemed really small and nothing special till we got greeted and set.... Very friendly even tho there was no seats available.. We set by the bar which was so much fun just to watch how they make your food . I ordered small combo thinking it may not be enough but it was plenty and tasted amazing . We got complimentary desert just because .im from Milwaukee but will go back there with my sushi lover friends.
(5)
Kevin L.

A favorite go-to place for sushi. Small strip mall location with decent service and good sushi. Gozilla roll (two bites big) and the octopus with spicy tuna are my favorites.
(4)
Tina L.

This place is really small, but we actually got seated pretty much right away for dinner. You can tell when a place is good if it's super packed. The sushi was pretty good and this is one of those places where they give you edamame and miso soup for free. Complimentary miso soup and/or edamame/salad should be standard for all sushi places. It costs them like nickels, and it goes so well with sushi. I don't understand places that charge like $3 for a little bowl of miso soup. It's just not worth it to me. It's like paying for banchan at a Korean restaurant. Sorry, I digress. We got a few different rolls, and I think they give a good amount of food for the price. Loved the udon bowl -- the noodles were cooked perfectly and it came with a lot of fried tempura (we asked for it on the side). It's pretty much like ordering two dishes! Overall, I really like this place and will come back again.
(4)
Jenni E.

This place was great! I went here because I had some time to get lunch and whenever I am in Schaumburg I always lean towards sushi because there are so many good choices here. The day I went it was lunchtime during the week and it was packed. My only option was to sit at the bar and I felt that it took longer than it should have to grab a quick lunch - I was there around an hour. However, the food was fantastic. Not really knowing anything about the food here I ordered two rolls and some pieces of sushi. While usually that is perfect for me, here it was way too much food. The rolls were great, I got the Fire Crunch Roll and another one that I don't remember - but it was good too. They were both huge and I finished half of each roll. I wished the waitress would have told me how much I was ordering, but it was my fault for not asking. The fish was fresh and delicious and I would definitely come back.
(4)
Khris L.

I love sushi. I've tried many sushi spots and I would have to say that this is my favorite. I don't think I'm alone on this since this place is packed everytime I come. You may have to wait in line if you come during the dinner rush, but trust me, it's well worth the wait! The food is delicious! I always get the sashimi combo platter and the golden mussels appetizer. My girl gets the alaskan roll and, sometimes, the spicy tuna or torch roll. All of these are delicious. The sashimi cuts are big and thick. (The sashimi combo is based on whatever they have available so it may not be the same everytime.) The golden mussels are baked with some type of delicious creamy topping and drizzled with a sweet soy sauce. The sushi rolls are generously sized and tasty. The fish don't have a fishy aroma, and seem to be fairly fresh. The service is another positive for this place. Each time I've been here, the servers were always friendly and helpful. Some of them may have a harder time communicating in English, but that's alright. That adds to the character of this place. All in all, if you're in the area and looking for a sushi spot, this is the place to go to. The prices are reasonable, the food is delicious and the service is friendly and accommodating. Stop by and check it out!
(5)
Elly L.

I love Sushi Ya. I have been here countless times and am never disappointed with the quality of the sushi, the variety of the menu, the always friendly service, and the totally reasonable prices. This is my favorite place to go when I'm craving some serious sushi knowing that I won't be let down. Good sushi place for beginners too. The sushi selection has not only many original to the restaurant makis but also selections for all raw and all cooked makis which I think is brilliant for those who are intimidated by the idea of sushi. If the service has ever been slow or perhaps a forgotten soup they are more than willing to appease the situation with no awkward discomfort. Sushi Ya rules!!
(5)
Mitch H.

Much smaller place than I imagined, very compact and cozy. Can't recommend the sushi, though. The sushsi was *very* sweet, I could tell they added sugar to the fish (or rice). I've had plenty of sushi from other places, and NEVER before have I tasted sushi that was this sweet. Each of the 6 different sushi varieties I tried were overly sweet. This reminds me of how pizza places add extra sugar to dough when children order, just so they will be more likely to eat it. Won't be going back under my own volition any time soon.
(1)
Kasey J.

Will never go here since they proved themselves unsanitary! Gave us our plate of sushi we ordered and one was wrong. They got us the correct sushi and took back the wrong sushi that was on the plate we were eating off of and put it back in the case. Gross!
(1)
Ndub C.

Seriously sucks! I get here and the two waitresses are talking to themselves and to the sushi makers in Japanese. I repeatedly asked her to just please take my order and return to whatever they were discussing after my order was taken. After my third time being ignored I got louder and actually said, "could you please take my order first?" Then there was a pricing issue one waitress said one price then the other said another. Disorganized and neglected the customer. Even if the food is gold I will never return! Please speak do social hour AFTER your customers are served!!!
(1)
Alison K.

I agree with the others who say this is the best sushi place in the 'burbs! I've been here quite a bit and it's been wonderful every time- you can't go wrong! I have a soft spot for small family-owned restaurants and this is certainly one of my favorites. As soon as you walk in, everyone stops what they are doing to look up and greet you with a warm smile and a wave. It's just such as welcoming atmosphere! Service has never been anything short of excellent. As for the food, I've tried many of their makis and I love them all. I'd say you could confidently order anything on the menu and it would all be delicious. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and just everything you want sushi to be. Can't say enough good things about this place. I highly encourage any sushi lover to check it out- chances are you'll never go anywhere else again.
(5)
Cathy R.

I absolutely love this place. It definitely ranks as one of the top sushi restaurants in my book among the burbs. I've been here multiple times, and fish quality is always nice and fresh - no weird mushy/fishy texture/smell/taste. My husband and I showed up about half an hour before they were closing on a Friday night, and they took us in without any dirty looks (as you would get from some places where they were already cleaning up to close). We ordered multiple nirgiri, your basic spicy tuna maki, and a hellboy special roll. They do NOT skimp out on the ingredients here, as the rolls were fairly sizable - definitely worth it. Prices were reasonable, especially taking into consideration the fact that the quality is very good. If you love sushi, and you're tired of having to drive up to the city to fight traffic and struggle to search for street parking, you have to check this place out!
(5)
Jessica P.

Agedashi ... deep fried tofu cakes in broth $5.50 -This is soo tasty and perfect on a cold/breezy day! It's a must try for first timers. It is bascially soup, kind of like miso soup, but more flavor with deep fried tofu cakes. Tuna Hulk Maki $5.95 -I always get this when I come here and it's filling at least for me. I would definitely recommend the Tuna Hulk Maki. I love Chicago maki $8.50 -My friend tried this and really enjoyed it. The fried pieces in the maki stayed warm for a long time so you know they just fried it and it's fresh! Customer Service has improved since I last came here. It seems like the servers are different from the last time I came here. They were attentive, but my friend did have to ask them a couple times to get her water refilled. I would say this is one of my favorite sushi places in the suburbs. The customer service is just ok, but the food is simply fresh and delicous which keeps me coming for more!
(5)
Thomas B.

We get sushi here all the time. Hands down the best sushi in the Northwest Suburbs. Its a small place and can get busy so make sure you keep that in mind when ordering. But for the quality of sushi its worth it and amazingly the prices are very reasonable. Our favorite is the white dragon roll. A roll topped with scorched white tuna...Mmm... If its a weekend, I suggest going/calling early and not waiting until the rush comes.
(5)
Steven M.

We stumbled upon this place on a drive out to Woodfield Mall one day and were so excited to have found our go to sushi place out that way. Sushi Ya is a small restaurant located on a strip mall, but don't let that fool you into thinking anything less of it. There are roughly 10 tables in there so it can get busy quickly, but trust me, if you are lucky to have an open table then you are going to have some of the freshest sushi in all of Chicagoland. Not only is the fish super fresh and the service super friendly, but the prices are great too! You definitely will not feel like you are overpaying, in fact after the quality you experience, you'll think you were under-billed. Notably, their Sake Don is extremely fresh and is a generous serving size. Some of our favorite rolls there are: Fire Crunch, Spicy Scallop, Green Turtle, and Rainbow Dragon. Oh - and the complimentary miso soup and edamame are a nice touch too! If you're in the area or shopping at Woodfield Mall, check out Sushi Ya, I promise you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Odranre B.

A very tiny, tiny place and they try to seat everyone that comes in the door so you will most likely be seating next to a stranger. Hopefully they will not be more "stranger" than you are. My son poked his sister twice with his chopsticks because we were seated so close together. This sounds like a joke, but it truly happened. The sushi were not good, big chunks of cut fish, not delicately served. The price is outrageously expensive. My two stars are for the staff that were super friendly, and nice.
(2)
Jim W.

Went on a Wednesday night and sat at the Sushi Bar. Place was quite busy with steady traffic. Service was prompt and attentive. Had the 8-piece Nigiri sushi (with california roll) which came with miso soup and edamame and was a good selection of fresh fish, though one of the white fishes seemed to have a consistency as if it had been frozen. Seaweed salad was good. Wasabi was fresh and flavorful. The place is convenient for the area and I would likely go back.
(3)
Hayley D.

Amazing experience! I've eaten sushi all over the world and this little place in the Chicago suburbs rivals them all. Service was superb and it was the best white tuna I've ever tasted. Wish I lived closer to this gem!
(5)
Damian R.

I was there 100 times ... always good and fresh ... thank you
(5)
Marion A.

My favorite sushi place! Never disappointed! I love their all salmon chiraishi and salmon bento. All their rolls are fresh. The owner is super nice and the service is great! I highly recommend.
(5)
Kirsten C.

The best sushi in the area. The wait staff is always nice and the rolls are always fresh. Beautifully presented and just delicious.
(5)
Jay B.

Even though i only checked in once I've been here plenty of times and will continue to be a regular -small, nice, and quaint setting, sits about 30-40 people comfortably -service is great, always greeted with a smile and the staff is very attentive, and food is prepared relatively fast even when the place is full -every roll and piece of sushi I've eaten here is fresh and presented well, especially with sushi it is an acquired taste but even if you are picky with you're sushi you will enjoy the food -i haven't tried the dinner entrees (yet) but from everyone's reaction i can tell it is worth a try Overall this is a great option of you're in the area, i usually come here to satisfy my sushi cravings especially during the lunch special hour which is a pretty good deal as well considering all the food you get when compared to other similar places around. Definitely come here and see for yourself!
(5)
Angela P.

The Fire Crunch Roll is a must try! Piled high with spicy tuna, then there's some crunchy stuff, and I can't remember what else - but just try it. All of these Yelpers can't be wrong, right?! I also had the Tropical roll. It was good, but the pieces were too big. I felt like a snake unhinging its jaw every time I ate a piece. Service is friendly and welcoming. Sushiya is small, with only 10 or so tables. It's a casual place, so not a place I would take someone if I were looking to impress or dazzle them, but for what they lack in ambience they make up for in delicious sushi.
(5)
Susie C.

My friends and i came here for dinner on a Saturday evening. Thank goodness we made reservation because this is a very small and cozy Japanese restaurant. Even when I made reservation we had to wait 10 minutes or so for couple tables to clear up. There were 6 of us, and we did end up getting a table. The staff is very kind and nice. For food, we thought the sushi was okay. I give this place a 3 stars but my husband gives it 2 stars. We ordered many different rolls. These are really big rolls! Lots of tempura on top. We started with the chips and ceviche which was just okay. I had better at other sushi restaurants before. My friends ordered their chicken yikatori and they liked it. Also some veggie tempura. We also ordered one of their fireball appetizers but they said they couldn't make it for us because they were too busy. That's unfortunate. I wanted to try that! Miso soup is also free...thought it was a bit too bland for my liking. -Spicy scallop roll - this was decent. Their scallop roll was on par with other sushi restaurants. -Salmon avocado roll - this was good. Big chunks of salmon! -Avocado fire roll - too big for my liking. Too much tempura crunch on top - didn't get to enjoy the fish much. -Diablo roll - this was a good roll. I like the scallop on top! -Godzilla roll, red dragon, and Hell Boy rolls are ginormous! My friends ordered them but we didn't try it. We also ordered their beef fried rice. This was pretty good! I like it more than couple of the rolls we ordered! Overall, food is average. It is on the good end of sushi compared to other sushi restaurants. Good customer service - came around to fill our hot tea few times.
(3)
Joe J.

Really enjoy this place. It's rather small, which I like, but this can make getting a seat complicated during peak hours. Other than that, the food is great, the service is good, and the atmosphere is nice for eating this type of cuisine.
(4)
Rosanna L.

Did we just find our treasure chest? Ever since our all time favorite sushi joint closed we've struggled to find one to replace it. I mean how do you replace something so valuable? Well, Sushi Ya is slowly making it's way onto our favorite list. We'll definitely have to come back and give it a few more test drives, but on our first visit we hit gold. To sum up Sushi Ya it's a tiny gem in our treasure chest. It's small with a zen like demeanor, an atmosphere we enjoyed. We were greeted and seated and waited on and a bonus for me was my water glass was never empty (I drink a lot of water). Big kudos for the complimentary edamame and miso soup, I wish more restaurants would this, a cheap way of saying welcome and thank you. We started off with the beef asparagus roll ( yelp.com/biz_photos/sushâ€¦ ) that was over cooked. Since the asparagus is wrap with such a thin slice of beef often times restaurants overcooked it and this time it was no difference. The sauce was decent, but we're big medium rare eaters so we would of taken the slice beef off the grill within 30 seconds, that's how thin it was. We ordered four rolls: Godzilla, white tuna crunch ( yelp.com/biz_photos/sushâ€¦ ), Hell Boy and tuna tataki ( yelp.com/biz_photos/sushâ€¦ ). These rolls are gigantic! I enjoyed them all, although they kind of all blend in together because of the eel sauce they used on all the rolls. The Godzilla had just a bit too much rice and Hell Boy was my favorite with the mini scallops. They were heavy rolls so next time we'll balance it out more by ordering a few lighter ones. My jean's button was already unbutton as I ate the last piece I could manage and I was happy. I haven't had good sushi in awhile and my better half felt the same way. Unfortunately, we don't eat out as much anymore so we haven't been back to Sushi Ya, but it's marked now so a re-visit is in the works.
(4)
Cj Q.

Still an amazing place. The food is always top notch. The udon is superb, the sushi rolls are astounding. Did I mention that the miso soup and edamame is complimentary? The space is deceiving because it is small, but what it lacks in physical space it makes up for with its great attentive wait staff.
(5)
Scott R.

Every experience I have here is noteworthy. I can always expect fast service and fresh sashimi. Why would I go anywhere else?
(5)
Lorenzo S.

Out of the many sushi places I've tried in the suburbs, this was one of my personal favorites. The eel was phenomenal.
(5)
Mark D.

My daughter and her boyfriend turned my wife and I on to this place. They have a wide selection of sushi rolls which are quite large and very fresh sashimi. The waitresses are dressed in traditional japanese attire which adds to the dining experience i my opinion. The inside is nicely decorated as well. They don't have a lot of seating so you may have to wait for a table. However, my wife and I prefer to sit at the sushi bar so we can watch the chef's perform their traits. Will continue to patronize this restaurant.
(4)
Sameer R.

Came here with my colleagues. Finally we found great sushi in near our office. I highly recommend it.
(4)
Hollen E.

We were able to get a table fast despite there being only 10-15 tables in the entire restaurant. Our server was friendly and efficient. You know how some people have their sushi place and they sometimes wavier to test the waters at another sushi place, only to find none compare to their first choice? For a lot of people in Schaumburg, this is their first sushi choice. Each of the special rolls we ordered was better than what most places would offer and each had their own unique taste. They offered complementary edamame and miso soup with our meal which was nice. The miso soup was bare bones with scallion, very little chunks of tofu, and without seaweed, so take it for what it is. My husband ordered an Asahi lager and it came in a big bottle (500ml/17oz) and served with a glass. It's Japan's #1 domestic sell, so it does have a generic, mass produced flavor to it, but overall I found it to be lighter and crisper than US domestic beer. Rolls ordered: White Dragon Roll, Godzilla Roll, Diablo Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll Favorites (thus far): White Dragon Roll & Diablo Roll The Godzilla Roll is huge and could be a meal in and of itself.
(4)
Autumn W.

I have been to this restaurant with my family many times. Sushi Ya has the same quality of sushi as places that charge three times as much. I love salmon and there's is the freshest you can get, including some of the places I've been in downtown Chicago. I highly recommend their sake also! Employees are always nice and service is always prompt. Only complaint is that the servers have a tendency to over-check on you, if I was fine two minutes ago, I'm still fine now.
(5)
Charlene T.

LOVE this place! My fiance and I love sushi. We have tried many different sushi restaurants, and we always end up saying, "This place is not as good at Sushiya." We have our date nights on Tuesdays for the last couple of years, and almost every other Tuesday, you will find us ordering from Sushiya. They know us by our order now and are always happy to see us. Their food is delicious!!! I highly recommend Sushiya!
(5)
Bruce G.

Great place. Glad we went early because it got really crowded really fast Was in town for an event. The sushi here is as good as I have had anywhere. Fish was very fresh, rolls were very creative... Appetizers esp the spinach were great. Worth traveling for. Don't let the location fool you...
(4)
Nancy L.

Overall a great experience! Good atmosphere and fresh sushi. Can't wait to bring my friend here
(4)
Sydney C.

This place is amazing. So well priced and great service. The tempura is phenomenal and my fiancÃ© said the Phili roll was the best he ever had! I recommend this to everyone.
(5)
Ken K.

Very good sushi, reasonably priced, YUM
(4)
Drew C.

It's a really cute, family-run business and the sushi itself fresh and just as described. However, I'm not noticing any difference between nearly ANY sushi joint, so they'll all get 3-STAR ratings unless they go above and beyond. Sushi Ya was literally no different from Sushi City (in Bolingbrook), so how can the ratings be better or worse for sushi if everyone does the same thing a la a fast food operation, albeit with fresh fish and a high-quality experience? I thought they were fine and the free edamame was nice since others charge $4+ for it. In all honesty, you may as well spend $9 on a sushi tray at Whole Foods so you can skip a tip. Regardless, some of the most inventive and nicely trimmed sushi I've had is from Marianno's little in-house sushi hut in Palatine. The tempura shrimp sushi is the best I've ever had and the GREAT older Asian feller' (not the young teens occasionally on duty) adds like 5 extra items on top of the finished product. It looks gorgeous and tastes exceptional.
(3)
Emma S.

It was my first time ... At first it seemed really small and nothing special till we got greeted and set.... Very friendly even tho there was no seats available.. We set by the bar which was so much fun just to watch how they make your food . I ordered small combo thinking it may not be enough but it was plenty and tasted amazing . We got complimentary desert just because .im from Milwaukee but will go back there with my sushi lover friends.
(5)
Kevin L.

A favorite go-to place for sushi. Small strip mall location with decent service and good sushi. Gozilla roll (two bites big) and the octopus with spicy tuna are my favorites.
(4)
Tina L.

This place is really small, but we actually got seated pretty much right away for dinner. You can tell when a place is good if it's super packed. The sushi was pretty good and this is one of those places where they give you edamame and miso soup for free. Complimentary miso soup and/or edamame/salad should be standard for all sushi places. It costs them like nickels, and it goes so well with sushi. I don't understand places that charge like $3 for a little bowl of miso soup. It's just not worth it to me. It's like paying for banchan at a Korean restaurant. Sorry, I digress. We got a few different rolls, and I think they give a good amount of food for the price. Loved the udon bowl -- the noodles were cooked perfectly and it came with a lot of fried tempura (we asked for it on the side). It's pretty much like ordering two dishes! Overall, I really like this place and will come back again.
(4)
Jenni E.

This place was great! I went here because I had some time to get lunch and whenever I am in Schaumburg I always lean towards sushi because there are so many good choices here. The day I went it was lunchtime during the week and it was packed. My only option was to sit at the bar and I felt that it took longer than it should have to grab a quick lunch - I was there around an hour. However, the food was fantastic. Not really knowing anything about the food here I ordered two rolls and some pieces of sushi. While usually that is perfect for me, here it was way too much food. The rolls were great, I got the Fire Crunch Roll and another one that I don't remember - but it was good too. They were both huge and I finished half of each roll. I wished the waitress would have told me how much I was ordering, but it was my fault for not asking. The fish was fresh and delicious and I would definitely come back.
(4)
Khris L.

I love sushi. I've tried many sushi spots and I would have to say that this is my favorite. I don't think I'm alone on this since this place is packed everytime I come. You may have to wait in line if you come during the dinner rush, but trust me, it's well worth the wait! The food is delicious! I always get the sashimi combo platter and the golden mussels appetizer. My girl gets the alaskan roll and, sometimes, the spicy tuna or torch roll. All of these are delicious. The sashimi cuts are big and thick. (The sashimi combo is based on whatever they have available so it may not be the same everytime.) The golden mussels are baked with some type of delicious creamy topping and drizzled with a sweet soy sauce. The sushi rolls are generously sized and tasty. The fish don't have a fishy aroma, and seem to be fairly fresh. The service is another positive for this place. Each time I've been here, the servers were always friendly and helpful. Some of them may have a harder time communicating in English, but that's alright. That adds to the character of this place. All in all, if you're in the area and looking for a sushi spot, this is the place to go to. The prices are reasonable, the food is delicious and the service is friendly and accommodating. Stop by and check it out!
(5)
Elly L.

I love Sushi Ya. I have been here countless times and am never disappointed with the quality of the sushi, the variety of the menu, the always friendly service, and the totally reasonable prices. This is my favorite place to go when I'm craving some serious sushi knowing that I won't be let down. Good sushi place for beginners too. The sushi selection has not only many original to the restaurant makis but also selections for all raw and all cooked makis which I think is brilliant for those who are intimidated by the idea of sushi. If the service has ever been slow or perhaps a forgotten soup they are more than willing to appease the situation with no awkward discomfort. Sushi Ya rules!!
(5)
Mitch H.

Much smaller place than I imagined, very compact and cozy. Can't recommend the sushi, though. The sushsi was *very* sweet, I could tell they added sugar to the fish (or rice). I've had plenty of sushi from other places, and NEVER before have I tasted sushi that was this sweet. Each of the 6 different sushi varieties I tried were overly sweet. This reminds me of how pizza places add extra sugar to dough when children order, just so they will be more likely to eat it. Won't be going back under my own volition any time soon.
(1)
Kasey J.

Will never go here since they proved themselves unsanitary! Gave us our plate of sushi we ordered and one was wrong. They got us the correct sushi and took back the wrong sushi that was on the plate we were eating off of and put it back in the case. Gross!
(1)
Ndub C.

Seriously sucks! I get here and the two waitresses are talking to themselves and to the sushi makers in Japanese. I repeatedly asked her to just please take my order and return to whatever they were discussing after my order was taken. After my third time being ignored I got louder and actually said, "could you please take my order first?" Then there was a pricing issue one waitress said one price then the other said another. Disorganized and neglected the customer. Even if the food is gold I will never return! Please speak do social hour AFTER your customers are served!!!
(1)
Alison K.

I agree with the others who say this is the best sushi place in the 'burbs! I've been here quite a bit and it's been wonderful every time- you can't go wrong! I have a soft spot for small family-owned restaurants and this is certainly one of my favorites. As soon as you walk in, everyone stops what they are doing to look up and greet you with a warm smile and a wave. It's just such as welcoming atmosphere! Service has never been anything short of excellent. As for the food, I've tried many of their makis and I love them all. I'd say you could confidently order anything on the menu and it would all be delicious. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and just everything you want sushi to be. Can't say enough good things about this place. I highly encourage any sushi lover to check it out- chances are you'll never go anywhere else again.
(5)
Cathy R.

I absolutely love this place. It definitely ranks as one of the top sushi restaurants in my book among the burbs. I've been here multiple times, and fish quality is always nice and fresh - no weird mushy/fishy texture/smell/taste. My husband and I showed up about half an hour before they were closing on a Friday night, and they took us in without any dirty looks (as you would get from some places where they were already cleaning up to close). We ordered multiple nirgiri, your basic spicy tuna maki, and a hellboy special roll. They do NOT skimp out on the ingredients here, as the rolls were fairly sizable - definitely worth it. Prices were reasonable, especially taking into consideration the fact that the quality is very good. If you love sushi, and you're tired of having to drive up to the city to fight traffic and struggle to search for street parking, you have to check this place out!
(5)
Jessica P.

Agedashi ... deep fried tofu cakes in broth $5.50 -This is soo tasty and perfect on a cold/breezy day! It's a must try for first timers. It is bascially soup, kind of like miso soup, but more flavor with deep fried tofu cakes. Tuna Hulk Maki $5.95 -I always get this when I come here and it's filling at least for me. I would definitely recommend the Tuna Hulk Maki. I love Chicago maki $8.50 -My friend tried this and really enjoyed it. The fried pieces in the maki stayed warm for a long time so you know they just fried it and it's fresh! Customer Service has improved since I last came here. It seems like the servers are different from the last time I came here. They were attentive, but my friend did have to ask them a couple times to get her water refilled. I would say this is one of my favorite sushi places in the suburbs. The customer service is just ok, but the food is simply fresh and delicous which keeps me coming for more!
(5)
Thomas B.

We get sushi here all the time. Hands down the best sushi in the Northwest Suburbs. Its a small place and can get busy so make sure you keep that in mind when ordering. But for the quality of sushi its worth it and amazingly the prices are very reasonable. Our favorite is the white dragon roll. A roll topped with scorched white tuna...Mmm... If its a weekend, I suggest going/calling early and not waiting until the rush comes.
(5)
Candice G.

I'm all for finding danger in everyday scenarios, so it should come as no surprise to hear that thoroughly enjoyed sitting solo, belly up to the sushi bar, staring down the barrel of a fully loaded sushi torch gun. Literally, holstered less than 2-feet from my face and pointed right at my mug. No, don't worry. I think my health insurance covers fire-related incidents and restaurants known for serving raw cuisine. I mean, why wouldn't that be covered? Beyond the blow torch to my dome, I did thoroughly enjoy Sushi Ya, although I wouldn't say it's the most mind-blowing or original sushi in the world, it's not bad and it's certainly better than fine, especially considering the price + quantity + overall quality. I walked in to a totally packed, albeit tiny restaurant that seats probably around 30 persons, respectively. I was able to take the last available single seat at the sushi bar in between two couples who were readying to pay and leave, only to be replaced by a very loud older couple who would talk about you out loud to each other, and somehow felt that because they weren't looking right at me when they said it, that I couldn't hear them and another extremely loud Eastern European couple who, quite opposite the older couple, felt it was okay to sit pretty much on my nuts and stare right at me while I chewed, jotted down notes for my 'to-do' list and generally just tried to mind my own damn business while they'd (no joke) stare, point and laugh. They also pulled out a large wad of cash and started to wave it in a fanning motion and then count it at the sushi bar. I was trying to ignore every bit of them so I didn't directly see it, but the older couple on my left side spoke loud enough that I might as well have been reading the transcript to what was going down. Ugh. So much for a peaceful meal alone. And granted I was at the sushi bar, the rest of the place isn't that much bigger so the sound from everyone carries. If you're not adept in drowning out sounds, this may not be the place for you. As far the rest of the ambiance and atmosphere, the music quietly place top 40, which is kind of annoying, but again, it's really faint- especially over the sound of everything else around you and the general hustle and bustle of the busy and hectic yet efficient waitstaff. I made the decision to order the Fire Crunch Roll based on all the rave mentions on Yelp and though I wasn't disappointed in it, it certainly had more spicy tuna on top of it than I've ever seen on a single plate in my entire life, but--and I know I'm about to sound about as daft as a person can sound-- it was way crunchier than I anticipated. A little too crunchy and tempura-y and that crunchy texture + flavor somehow managed to overshadow the flavor of all that delicious tuna a little too much for me. I also passed up my usually obligatory spicy tuna roll for Sushi Ya's Tuna Hulk Roll. It's only 4 pieces, but each piece has a golf ball-sized amount of spicy tuna in it so it seemed like a decent trade off for regularity. Warning to those ordering: Not for the faint of heart. It's WAAAY more than a mouthful and there's a definite choking factor. So for those of you who would like to learn from me and not choke and die alone in a 30-person sushi restaurant in Schaumburg, cut that sh*t up before you try to eat it or bring a back up person who knows the Heimlich. My last roll was the spicy scallop, which wasn't my favorite of the bunch. It's ingredients were listed as spicy scallop, cucumber and sesame, but there's was for sure some kind of mayo in that mix and I wasn't the biggest fan. It wasn't a bad roll, it just wasn't what I typically look for in a roll. In the end my total bill came to just under $30 and I had to take some home because I knew I just needed some space to walk around and make just a tad more room. Of course, if I were a more reasonable person I would've stopped before I had to take my belt off at the sushi bar and foreign people started laughing and pointing, but I'm not so I just kept eating and pretended like I had someone to take the leftovers home to who wasn't myself. I'll defo be back as I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the service along with with packed rolls and complimentary miso and edamame bowl to boot.
(4)
Giovanni E.

Good service good food every time! The soup is amazing, quality sushi at a great price.
(5)
Andrea F.

It's a cozy, friendly, and delicious place to get sushi. I always come here when craving sushi and appreciate the friendly service as well as the freshness of their sushi. My favorite roll is the avocado torch maki! It's outstanding and no other place I've been to has it- give it a try.
(5)
Isabel K.

good food for the money - nice place local
(4)
Eden S.

I love this place. I typically am not a big fan of sushi but this place has so many options. In addition they have the best fried rice that I have ever had! Staff is nice, dining room is small and quaint but overall a great place!
(4)
Drew S.

I've been around the world at sushi bars and still find my favorite sushi right in my own backyard! I've been to sushi ya at least twenty times over the years. It's always fresh, tasty and a great place with impeccable service. Try the maki tolls. All are wonderful. Read the ingredients and pick what suits you. It's all fresh.
(5)
Steven M.

We stumbled upon this place on a drive out to Woodfield Mall one day and were so excited to have found our go to sushi place out that way. Sushi Ya is a small restaurant located on a strip mall, but don't let that fool you into thinking anything less of it. There are roughly 10 tables in there so it can get busy quickly, but trust me, if you are lucky to have an open table then you are going to have some of the freshest sushi in all of Chicagoland. Not only is the fish super fresh and the service super friendly, but the prices are great too! You definitely will not feel like you are overpaying, in fact after the quality you experience, you'll think you were under-billed. Notably, their Sake Don is extremely fresh and is a generous serving size. Some of our favorite rolls there are: Fire Crunch, Spicy Scallop, Green Turtle, and Rainbow Dragon. Oh - and the complimentary miso soup and edamame are a nice touch too! If you're in the area or shopping at Woodfield Mall, check out Sushi Ya, I promise you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Odranre B.

A very tiny, tiny place and they try to seat everyone that comes in the door so you will most likely be seating next to a stranger. Hopefully they will not be more "stranger" than you are. My son poked his sister twice with his chopsticks because we were seated so close together. This sounds like a joke, but it truly happened. The sushi were not good, big chunks of cut fish, not delicately served. The price is outrageously expensive. My two stars are for the staff that were super friendly, and nice.
(2)
Jim W.

Went on a Wednesday night and sat at the Sushi Bar. Place was quite busy with steady traffic. Service was prompt and attentive. Had the 8-piece Nigiri sushi (with california roll) which came with miso soup and edamame and was a good selection of fresh fish, though one of the white fishes seemed to have a consistency as if it had been frozen. Seaweed salad was good. Wasabi was fresh and flavorful. The place is convenient for the area and I would likely go back.
(3)
Hayley D.

Amazing experience! I've eaten sushi all over the world and this little place in the Chicago suburbs rivals them all. Service was superb and it was the best white tuna I've ever tasted. Wish I lived closer to this gem!
(5)
Nichole C.

First off, I SWEAR this place used to be on Roselle Road just past Golf Road. It used to be in the corner of a strip mall there and it was four times the size of this place. Whether it's the same owners, and/or they have moved or not, it's still not good. It is also SO SMALL. It seriously has like 10 tables and a tiny sushi bar. That's it. And it's always packed...which I just don't understand now that I've tried the food. Last time we tried to dine here there were people literally crowding around the tables of people dining by the door and filing out of the restaurant because there is also NOWHERE to stand if they are full. There's also no host stand so it's dog eat dog with the other crabby diners that are in there trying to get their sushi fix too. I wasn't about to throw elbows last time so I just left and went to Daruma...which in retrospect was the best choice I ever made. Fast forward to this time...we got sat right away (it was around 7 on a Thursday night) and were given the biggest menus I've ever seen at a sushi joint which I thought was a good sign. (Turns out, it may have been a "jack of all trades and master of none" situation which I will get to.) We also had a nice waitress but it seems like you can either have someone who hates your guts and doesn't hide their contempt for you or someone who adores you and your family and hugs and kisses you as you come in (I'm guessing if you're a regular here they really treat you right) judging by the tables' service around us. Anyway, she was nice, but not very accurate. We ALMOST got the wrong drinks (which my man took care of) and we did get the wrong order (which we didn't say anything about since it was only one roll off) even thought the waitress reviewed everything before she left our table. We were served miso soup and edamame right away though which was pretty sweet considering I was about to go from zero to HANGRY in a few more minutes (my fault not theirs). It was pretty much the only good part of the meal... On to the rolls. BLECH. I was excited because when she initially put the plate down I noticed that the rice to fish ratio looked good (I hate when there's tons of rice and a tiny dollop of fish in the middle) and some of the maki had decent sized chunks in them (spicy salmon and shrimp tempura crunch roll, I'm looking at you). BUT then I spied the spicy tuna and the spicy scallop and knew I was in for it. Both were mashed up, covered in mayo, and sprinkled with some kind of red spice. The spicy tuna was spicy, at least, but the spicy scallop? BARF. It was like eating fish-flavored, mayo-covered, chopped-up marshmallows. AND it wasn't spicy either. I put down all my rolls with a ton of wasabi like a big girl (minus two pieces of the scallop) and booked out of there vowing to never return. I suppose if you only get the spicy salmon or some of their more fancy rolls, you might be alright. They were cheap, and service was decent, but I sure as hell won't be returning just for those since there are better options that include good salmon and good service if you just keep on driving down Roselle Road. Sorry, Sushi Ya.
(2)
Krystal P.

Staying in the area for just one night and was looking for some descent sushi for dinner. Came across this little gem. The sushi was dynamite! The agedashi tofu was the best I have ever had as well. Really wish I could take this place back to Wisconsin with me.
(5)
Gina G.

Fan freakin tastic. I was a little bit weary about a sushi place in a strip mall but am I glad we went. Three of us got there around 7:30 and we were seated at what they called the bar. The woman that waited on us was patient as it was our first time. After changing our order a few times, we decided on spider maki, avocado touch, and another I don't remember. All fantastic. We started with miso which we didn't care for... but not sure whether that's because I don't like miso at all or just didn't like it there.... I would recommend this place too anyone, anyway Any day. Everything was fresh, well prepared, and reasonably priced.
(5)
Laura N.

Ever felt like an unwelcome customer in a restaurant? I felt like that here. Whenever I have a full hour for lunch (which is not very often), I always try to eat somewhere new. Sushi Ya has been on my to-do list for awhile. When I drove past it a few days ago, I did a quick turn into the parking lot as I knew that would be lunch for the day. An open parking spot near the door was waiting for me. Sweet. I knew from previous reviews it was small, but I was still surprised at how small it was, especially at the 'bar.' The place was pretty full, which was a good sign. An older lady motioned for me to sit at the bar and I was immediately handed a sheet of paper, pen, and menu without a word or smile. Um, OK. I wasn't quite sure what to do with the paper -- circle what I wanted? Write how many of the item I wanted? Make a paper airplane? Eat it? I scanned over the menu -- so many delicious options! I wanted a small, inexpensive meal, so I selected the AAC sushi rolls. I wrote a 'one' next to that item on the order sheet. While I sat there waiting, the guy/cook behind the counter eventually demanded the sheet of paper from me. If there is a way to demand something with your fingers, that is what he did. My order was demanded. Lovely. On top of that, he was confused by my order. The unsmiling lady came over, rolled her eyes at me, and highlighted the item I picked. Jeez. OK. To my delight, I was immediately given a bowl of miso soup and a small serving of edamame to start my meal. They were both yummy in my tummy! My sushi arrived quickly -- also very delicious. The highlight of my meal was the vanilla mochi ice cream I ordered. I love mochi ice cream and was very excited to see it here. The mochi I got was mango, not vanilla, but still did a happy dance in my mouth. The whole meal was just perfect for me -- perfect amount of food, perfect price, and perfect arrival on my table. I only paid about $7!!! Oh, but after I put my debit card in the checkbook, the unsmiling lady snapped something at me. I couldn't understand what she was saying, and she kept repeating it to me with an annoyed look on her face. A couple that had recently sat down at the bar near me were trying not to look at our conversation, but they were, and I was starting to get embarrassed. I finally pointed to my ears and shrugged. She rolled her eyes again, grabbed a piece of paper, and wrote "cash only under $10." OH. OK. I replaced the card with a $10 bill. When I got my change, I left a small tip and left as fast as I could. A smiling lady did come up to me during all that and ask for my drink order (water). She was probably the only person in the place that made me feel like a valued customer. Everyone else made me feel like I was an annoying, unwelcome presence. I was not happy about that. The food was good, but I'm hesitant to come back because of the lackluster customer service. Perhaps it was just a bad day to be there...
(3)
Amy K.

Nice Sushi spot in the burbs - very fresh fish. Will be returning!
(4)
Christina S.

Alert! Alert! Mean, table-pounding, sushi Nazi on the loose! Enter at your own risk! You prolly think I'm kidding. I'm not. Ok, I have no proof she was a Nazi, but she'd make Hitler proud, none-the-less. Don't be flattered sushi Nazi- it's no compliment. Having Nazi tendencies would usually drop my rating down to one star at best, but this was some good sushi. I'm a novice, but even the sushi afficiandos with me agreed it was good sushi. We arrived around 11:45 and were seated right away, as there were very few patrons. We were served complimentary miso soup after placing our orders, of which there were an amazing number of options! I enjoyed the miso, and I'm not usually a fan. And the shumai app for the table was also enjoyed. For our entrees, one of my friends and I shared the two rolls we had been eying, each at around $11 I believe. Again, being new to sushi, I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious the tastes and textures were with the Diablo Maki and the Tataki Crunch Maki. These opened me up to a world of possibilities. I was also able to sample others entrees including the Philadelphia roll and I liked, if not loved, each one. What a great start! During our dining experience, plates were promptly cleared and drinks refilled without having to ask. We lingered until about 1:30 as we were chatting and celebrating a birthday. The dining room got busier but not filled. We did not want to hold up a table so we were wrapping up, and making our individual trips to the ladies' room, as there was just one. My fellow diners began to notice the sushi Nazi's dirty looks in our direction. We had already seen her freak out when another patron knocked over their lamp as they entered the tiny foyer. While wrapping up, the sushi Nazi came over to our table, forced herself between me and my neighbor, looked around at we four occupying the table, slammed her fist down on the table, and said in a brisk, quick and rough manner, "OK! We will need this table now!" At this point, I was turned on. I like it rough, what can I say? Haha JK, I do like to keep my audience riveted. ;) So, I just shot back, "Yeah, we caught that from your dirty looks." One of my friends was waiting for the rest room, just past a shade that divides the restroom hallway from the dining room. It was dark, so she didn't want to be hidden and startle the occupant of the rest room as they would emerge, so she pulled back the shade to allow some light in. Apparently, this was too much for the Nazi and she quickly snatched the shade closed in my friend's face! Now, we are reasonable people. We can understand if a table is needed. (Btw, there were other tables still available and we were clearly leaving anyway.) But there is such a thing as courteousness, and decorum, and the Nazi had none. I guess there aren't many that do. ;) Still, it soured what was otherwise a lovely experience for all of us. We were a party of 4, and 3 of us will not be returning, and those three wanted 1-3 stars at most due to the Nazi. It was pretty bad. Not bad enough to keep me away, but maybe that's cuz I snapped right back at her, so I had closure. My other 3 diners will not likely step foot in there again. So, as I said before, enter at your own risk. Good sushi, nice servers, good lunch specials during the week, but...mean sushi Nazi still at large.
(4)
Gerardo L.

Place is small, but it is nice and intimate. I had the volcano & hellboy maki. I LOVED the volcano roll! The hellboy maki was big, but it had tons of tiny shrimp shells. NOT GOOD. They were very friendly, but I did not like the fact that they are always staring at you. Most likely to quickly service you, but still I was not a fan of that. I took away the final star for the shrimp shells inside my hellboy maki. I will most definately come back in the future.
(4)
Alena K.

Very good fresh sushi and the staff is nice! The restaurant is fairly small so you would wait for a while before being seating on the weekends. There really isn't a waiting area either - you wait next to people's tables. That's the only downside. Don't expect cheap sushi here. It's regular priced but fresh.
(5)
Jim K.

Tiffany M. : I'm not the owner, just an 8-year customer. My apologies if you felt my response to your review was bullying. Not my intention, and certainly not my style. You're entitled to your opinion, and I respect that. I think your review is wrong, but you're entitled to that opinion. I've posted a picture too, so you don't think I'm hiding. My wife and I again ate here in mid August, 2015. As usual, we received great service, great food, good portions, at a fair price.
(5)
Hassan G.

The food here is amazing, massive selection of sushi rolls, also complimentary edamame and miso soup Service was good, staff was very nice, very attentive. Place is a little small, but overall the atmosphere is great Want to fulfill your sushi craving? This is the place to go to.
(4)
Tiffany M.

Spent over $50 on dinner and they charge for Sirachia hot sauce, Seriously who does that? The place is so small I felt like a sardine in a box, the seats are made for very tiny people. Can not accommodate a large group or even a nice size family. The restroom is in a very awkward location right next to dining room table. Awkward. Waitress was not fluent in English and rather rude. She insisted on removing our dishes before we finished. Felt very rushed, hence the inadequate dining space. Won't be back.
(1)
Denna C.

Haven't been here in a while, and I miss my sushi ya! this is my number one place for BFF SUSHI night (Schaumburg IL) cozy little place, clean, and pretty generous with the sushi.
(5)
Kamila D.

You really get a bang for your buck at this intimate little spot. Service is fast, we came late on a Saturday night and were in and out within the hour. We ordered 6 roles , and 2 would have have enough. Portions are huge. Everything was delicious! Recommend the diablo maki!
(4)
Amanda H.

Delicious!! One of my favorite places to eat. If only the restaurant was a little bigger.
(5)
Kristin M.

Great neighborhood sushi place! My husband and I frequent this restaurant often and have loved it every time. Service is fast and we've rarely had to wait for a table. We highly recommend the California Maki, Shrimp Tempura Maki, Shrimp Tempura Crunch Maki, Avocado Torch Maki and Fire Crunch Maki. Your meal always starts with edamame and soup. Tip: SushiYa is closed on Mondays.
(5)
Hayden C.

This is the best kept secret in sushi in all Chicagoland. The staff is top notch, as they recognize return guests, and make everyone feel like they are the most important people to them. I have have been to a large amount of sushi restaurants and I have still yet to find one that compares to Sushi Ya. I would HIGHLY recommend the Hawaiian Maki, I seriously can not get enough of this. Five Stars is easily earned by this suburban gem of sushi restaurants.
(5)
Abha S.

We were very eager to try this place out for celebrating an important event in our family but we were disappointed with the sushi rolls we ordered. They tasted fine but every single roll broke... even before we could put them on our plates. Not to mention that we had over 30-40 min waiting in a place which had no more than like 10 tables! We went in with high expectation after doing our research on yelp and sadly we think we wont be returning here very soon :(
(1)
Sarah T.

This is a small gem in a strip mall. This cozy restaurant had the most amazing sashami platter that I've ever had -- I'm still thinking about it days later. The miso soup and edamame are a nice touch. We also tried the tempura calamari and soft shell crab. I was hoping the crab was one large crab, but it was cut up. I suppose that makes sense from a serving standpoint.
(5)
JP J.

I have been to sushi ya 4 times in the last month. Each time the service has gotten worse. While my family and I have enjoyed the food as it is good, the service is rushed and not where you would want it to be. Overall its good, but don't go in expecting great service.
(3)
Misty S.

I've been trying to ween my mom off of Daruma (it's a far drive) and try a different place for sushi for a while now. As luck would have it, Daruma was closed for lunch on Sunday and I pulled up Yelp to show my mom how many great reviews Sushi Ya had since we were already in the area. She was skeptical at first, but was sold on the restaurant by the end of the meal. My mom loves her sake HOT, and always have to send it back at other places to get it hotter. Not here! She didn't even have to say anything, the sake was already at a perfect temperature when it came out. Piping HOT! My mom loves TONS of wasabi and this place scored 2 of 2 right off the bat. TONS of wasabi served with the sashimi deluxe she ordered. But then...she had to order a bowl of rice separately. Mom: "It doesn't come with a bowl of rice like Daruma." Me: "Yeah, but with the gas money you save from having to drive all the way to Daruma, you still come out ahead!" YES! I can't thank Sushi Ya enough for giving me an alternative (and closer) place to take my mom for sushi. The sashimi was delightful and served on a heap of shredded radish. We also received complimentary miso soup and edemame. Hot tea, although not free, is only $0.50. The Fire Crunch roll everyone talked about did not disappoint. The crunchiness came from the center as this roll was topped with a ball of tuna...fantastic! The Soft Shell Crab appetizer was too heavy on the tempura coating. I prefer the lightly coated soft shell crab style, so I won't be ordering this one again. Great food, great service, we'll be back!
(5)
Michael S.

I love this place. I've been here many times and never have a bad experience. Its a small place with a small number of tables. If you want an intimate dining experience this isn't the place for you (unless you do take out). And now the great: The miso soup is excellent, cant say that about too many places. The sushi is amazing....everything I have tried to date is always fresh and tasty. Even my parents are bringing feedback to their favorite sushi place in AZ. The owner and staff are always helpful, courteous and generous with their time. This is a great "neighborhood" experience....you may actually meet the people sitting next to you while you eat....I enjoy that aspect as much as I enjoy the great sushi.
(5)
Jon D.

They kicked us out 30 minutes before closing, with open tables, because they did not want to serve us. I even offered to tip upfront.
(1)
Carly D.

Best sushi around! I spent a few months in Japan and this is as close as it gets to the real thing! It's a quaint little family owned restaurant and while there isn't much seating, the place is always packed! (Which is a good sign) The waitstaff are very friendly and attentive, the owner is very polite and always ensures you're satisfied with your food. The sushi is so fresh and delicious, I could rave about it all day. The sushi chefs definitely know what they're doing. And even when the restaurant is really busy, the wait time for your food is never long! Do yourself a favor and come here for sushi.
(5)
Francisco R.

What a great local sushi place. So low key but so so good. Me and my girlfriend wanted to try some place new and came across sushi ya on yelp, we decided to give it a shot since we either go to the city for sushi or local favorites Nikko's and wild fish. We were not disappointed this place was great and they give you free edamame as well. I would recommended to anyone living in the Schaumburg area or close by. We will be going again soon to have another feast of the great sushi they have to offer. Must try is the avocado fireball, Diablo maki, Hawaiian maki, Alaska maki and one more that I can't remember but it doesn't matter because all were absolutely delicious. We can't wait visit again. The only downside to this place is that fairly small and tables can fill up quick, at one point they got so busy and we never got our drinks refilled. Again it was during lunch time and it really didn't bother me that much. Regardless this place is worth it.
(5)
Paul O.

Came back here to pick up some food to go; 30 minutes before closing on a Friday. Just got off work and I was craving some sushi. They happen to be on my way home. I figured with 30 minutes still, I could place a simple order of tuna chirashi. Nope. They tell me they are closed. The restaurant had all tables still full. Won't be back here again if customer service is like this.
(2)
Maureen R.

I looovvvee Sushiya!!! Their service is excellent and their food is great. I especially enjoy their rice bowls on the days I don't feel like eating sushi. Their shrimp tempura bowl for $9 is really good considering the price. You get complementary miso soup, edamame for appetizer like otherJapanese restaurants and a slice of fruit at the end of the meal. When I need some Sushi fix I come here. The only negative thing would be the small place that easily gets crowded regardless of the day of the week.
(4)
Chad S.

Highly recommend. Try the Hulk Spicy tuna roll and the Avacado Torch roll. Sushi is very fresh and loved everything I ordered. Didn't give it 5 stars because the place is very small and cramped, especially if they are busy.
(4)
Jennifer M.

This place has the best sushi by far in the Schaumburg area. The Schaumburg roll is amazing! We also got the fire crunch which is great too. Service is great and quick, they are all so nice. Gyoza is great too!!
(5)
Chris M.

Went here a couple weeks ago with some close friends from high school who live out of town....so I attempted to pay less attention to our dining experience and more so on the company of good companions. "Attempted" is the key word, and I will elaborate a bit more later. The food here is excellent and the prices are VERY reasonable for sushi. Of course, hot saki and large Sapporo's with good company make everything taste better :) But, the food was very good....not the best I've had, but probably better than 75% of the sushi places I've been to in the city, so that's saying something. We had all rolls and I don't remember all the names of what we had. I know we had the Fire Crunch roll and the spicy tuna to name a couple. There wasn't anything I tried that I didn't like. Our bill was about 85 bucks for the 3 of us. We must have had about 6-8 different rolls, an appetizer, a large saki and 4 large Saporros. That is a good price for what we got. Here's what I didn't like...and I see it now mentioned in other reviews. The staff is OVERLY attentive and distracting to the overall dining experience. There is such a thing in the restaurant industry called "seamless service", and it is not practiced here at Sushi Ya. For example, I don't need to be asked if my plate needs to be cleared the second after a plate is emptied....just take the plate away. Same with water refills and the 3-4 different people who asked if everything was good....YES, if you see people eating food and tied up in conversation and you've already done a check back to see if the food is to everyone's liking, then ya know what, EVEREYTHING IS FINE!!! After a while we felt annoyed and rushed a bit, and it was weird b/c we got there at 7 and left about 8:30, and the dining room is small but was half empty by the time we paid our bill. So, were they trying to rush us to turn the table and make more money? I think not, this is just the way they do things around here I suppose. Please Sushi Ya, I want to come back when I'm in the area. But the service aspect has to change a bit for me to do so. Other than that, thank you for the excellent sushi!!!!
(4)
Jenny V.

Im so glad i finally tried this place! It is super small in here, but luckily we got in before the rush. We got 6 different rolls, all of them were so good! Everyone should try the salmon skin maki (roll) ohhhh my god, so so so so so so sooooo good!!! They also gave us dessert, watermelon slices! don't worry you guys i will be back!!!
(5)
Eric G.

I decided to check out the Ya based on the reviews. The service is very good. I ordered carry out directly in the store and was prompted to an open table and was given a sheet and accompanying menu to select what I wanted. I ordered a salmon roll along with Shrimp tempura, California roll and a Spider Roll. The rolls were ready pretty quick and the food was tasty. Unfortunately I was dismayed by the spider roll order. I only was given 4 pieces and of those pieces only 2 had actual crab in it. The other two pieces had imitation crab. Also I thought it would be at least 5 or 6 individual pieces as opposed to 4. The sushi was tasty though.
(3)
Bradley P.

This sushi bar has the best sushi I have ever had. I hardly ever rate anything sushi four stars, but this is one of my few. If I had a way to describe this place, it is a great spot and is quite affordable. I highly recommend the spider and schaumburg maki. On the other hand, the young waitress with long hair is one to watch out for. If I had one on track word to describe sushi ya, it is: affordable.
(4)
Anastasia N.

Decided to go here for a nice lunch on Friday. Wanted to try a new spot instead of the usual sushi place we go to. Found Sushi Ya on Yelp and was intrigued. We got there a little after 12 and it was pretty full already. Its not that big of a place, but everything looked nice. Within minutes the place was packed. I'm not really sure who our server was because one lady asked us what we wanted to drink, another guy took our order, and a different lady gave us our check. After the lady that took our drinks came back we told her we were ready to order she told us to write it down. We had a piece of paper on our table with the list of sushi they had on the menu (like many other sushi places). I didn't think anything of it, but it made it take a little bit longer for us to get our food, since it took awhile before someone came back to see our piece of paper. The food came out fast. We got complimentary miso soups and edamame to start off with. Then came out our Alaskan Maki and Hawaiian Maki. Both were delicious. You would think that the Alaskan roll would be plain like any other Alaskan roll, but this one was so good. There was something about it from this restaurant that made is surpass any other restaurant's Alaskan roll. Next came out our Schaumburg Maki and our Diablo Maki. I'd have to say the Diablo Maki is my favorite from the four we ordered. All that food was for two people, but it definitely would have been enough to feed three or even four. Yet we still had one more dish to come out. Our Fire Avocado Ball. I'd have to say (as an avocado lover) it was one of the best inventions I have ever seen and tasted. It was salmon cooked in an avocado half with some sauce. Over all, I would be coming back here to try all the items on the menu. It has surpassed my usual spot for sushi. I would have given this place another star, but service was just not as smooth as I expected it to be. I get it though it was a super busy lunch.
(4)
Ryan M.

delicious and they serve beer. Packed on a Wednesday evening.
(4)
John M.

One of my favorite places for sushi I always look forward to coming here freshest fish I've had in the Midwest
(5)
Real D.

Service is excellent. Decor and ambience extremely pleasant. Sushi, no. You can see some of the pics posted here. Our sushi was so loose it fell apart with one bite. I just kept thinking about why the French are so adamant about protecting the "Champagne" appellation and safeguarding native foods. The Japanese should do the same with the word "Sushi."
(2)
Lefai K.

Place is small, but nice. Went there on a Saturday night and there was seating. We ordered the combo sashimi super delux and the combo sushi. It was delicious and came with miso (horny) soup (get the joke?). BATHROOM REVIEW: Interestingly, there's one of those plastic accordian-like sliding folding door that sections off the restrooms to the dining area. The Men's bathroom has a urinal and a toilet. You can look the bathroom for some extra privacy to contemplate whether you want to do a #1 or a big #2. The bathrooms were very nice and clean. It had the nice foamy soap that makes gets rid of any sushi smell from your finger tips. Sit or squat? SIT!!
(4)
Dariusz C.

Love this place! Food is always great and their prices are reasonable. Very good service as well. I highly recommend this place for all Sushi Lovers!
(5)
Mira V.

Called for a 6:15 p.m. reservation for 3 with a child. Sushi Ya is quite small and in a strip mall. Sushi Ya went out of their way to give our 3 year old a plastic cup with water, some rubber banded together chopsticks and her own plastic plate for edamame and other items. Playing with the beans kept her busy for most of the evening along with episodes of Daniel Tiger. We were seated promptly and given a paper menu to put our order on. We tried the sunset roll, avocado torch roll, spicy tuna and salmon and the fire crunch roll. All of the rolls were large and the fresh was extremely fresh. My only gripe...the rice didn't hold together like a normal sushi roll so I lost a lot of rice in my soy sauce tray. Service was good with requests of super hot sake arriving quickly. We were stuffed to the gills and should have considered cutting our order like the table next to us. They had obviously over ordered past their point of comfortable and told the waiter not to make the 3 additional rolls they had ordered. I don't blame them. My fiance and I were at a stand off for the remaining 8 pieces and I started eating the nigiri sans rice because I had become so full. Dinner finished with 3 slices of watermelon which our daughter decided were all for her and no one else. She ate them and thought that was the best part of the meal. Besides the rice the air conditioning could have been pumped up a little and the avocado torch roll could have used 1/3 of the crunch that was piled on top of it. Overall a good meal, good service but it was a bit cramped and warm to get too settled and comfortable.
(4)
Xenny K.

I have eaten here MANY times. And it never skips a beat! Everything is always fresh and so tasty!! Not to mention their carry out is speedy and so yummy as if we were eating in house!
(5)
Katy P.

I've been here a couple times with boyfriend, and on a double date. Definitely a place I'd recommend for sushi fans in the area! The ladies are cute & sassy, and it's normally somewhat busy (I don't like crowded restaurants, but I also feel weird when no one else is dining.) The maki rolls are above average compared to other places I've been, and I'd say the prices are average.
(4)
Jim R.

This is the best sushi place in the NW suburbs, bar none!!! If you like to get seated quickly, come early or later off peak dinning times. It's a smaller place so it can fill up quickly, for more room maybe take a Carryout. This restaurant fills up because of the QUALITY of their dishes AND sushi! There really is a God, it's 2 miles from my home. Priceless!!!
(5)
Edward L.

Small hole in the wall place with amazingly good sushi! Staff is always hustling to make sure your well taken care of. Try the fire maki roll. You will not be dissapointed.
(5)
Tracy H.

Just had lunch here for the first time. So good! I was pulled in by their great reviews and I'm glad I went. I got the lunch sushi combo, with 5 pieces of Nigiri and a small cali roll. It also came with soup and edamame. Everything was great, and the quality of the Nigiri was extremely good and fresh. And with a drink all this was still like 13 bucks (that includes tip!) Super impressed, and will be back. My co-worker got the fried pork cutlet and that was also amazing. Was like schnitzel. Oh, and the servers were super nice! Very kind and attentive. I've got a new favorite lunch spot. :)
(4)
Noomi J.

We came in for dinner on a weeknight, and it was packed, but we were seated right away. Service was friendly and the food came out in a timely manner. Complimentary edamame and miso soup. We had the fire crunch roll, chicken teriyaki, and sashimi appetizer. The total came to around $40 for the two of us. Sashimi appetizer ($10.95) - 3.5 stars. Good, but I don't feel compelled to order it again. I'd rather try something else from their menu, like the Hulk haha. Fire crunch roll ($11.95) - 4 stars. Not at all spicy for me, but it was delicious nonetheless. I stuffed the first one into my mouth, and it made my cheeks bulge like a chipmunk o_o So for the next one, I took bites hehe. Chicken teriyaki ($13.95) - 3.5, maybe 4 stars. Seemed like it used chicken breast from the two pieces I tried; thankfully, it wasn't dry. The sauce was more of a runny consistency than a thickened glaze. I'm more partial to a thick sauce, so I'd rate it a 3.5, but my friend was a big fan of this dish. I liked the portions and the clean presentation, and that it came with some fruit pieces, along with vegetables & mushrooms in this soy sauce. To sum it up, great lil sushi place in the suburbs, but I wasn't wowed, so I'm still on the lookout for my go-to sushi place.
(4)
Jeff B.

Was in the Chicago burbs and looking for some good food. Sat at the bar and the whole experience was top-notch. Very high-quality food and very friendly and attentive staff.
(5)
Kristin L.

Sushi Ya is my go-to sushi restaurant. Their menu selection is huge and their fish is ALWAYS fresh. Everyone there is so nice. The location is small and get get pretty busy on Fridays, but they take reservations. Their miso soup is the best - can't beat it. I have had a number of their makis. I love the Green Dragon and Schaumburg Maki. I have also had the Avocado Fireball appetizer. Highly recommend it. When I go for Mother-Daughter dates, we usually split one of the Sushi combos or share a few makis. My fiancÃ© will not try sushi, but he loves going to Sushi for the miso soup and shrimp tempora or stir fry dishes. You must also have the flavored mochi for dessert! Love, love, love Sushi Ya!!! :)
(5)
Gaurav M.

Awesome sushi. The service was pretty good and it was just a perfect experience. The ambience is good enough for the place .. Most importantly, it does what it is supposed to do: Serve great food!!
(5)
Bella W.

No offense, but people who like this place either don't know good sushi or just have low standards. I mean the service here's pretty good, but the sushi is sad. Every piece fell apart, the rice was under seasoned, and the rice was hard, it didn't taste like the under cooked rice but it tasted like hardened rice that were left overs. I love spicy tuna, but the spicy tuna here just tastes wrong. I'm very strict about my fresh sushi, so I won't be back
(2)
Nicole B.

I normally don't like sushi but this place has become my go-to. Really good pricing for the food. My favorite is the Shrimp Tempura Crunch. They also have this spicy mayo sauce that's on point. Their Fire Crunch is my second favorite. The waitresses are really sweet and the service in general is good. One thing I noticed is that the restaurant is very clean. Sometimes you walk in and the floors and tables are filthy but not here. Overall, great place for your spontaneous sushi cravings without breaking your wallet.
(5)
Cristie F.

The strip mall that Sushi Ya and Pita House sits in offers me a couple varieties of places to eat, and often a difficult decision. Do I want sushi or falafel??? Let's go with sushi today. Enter Sushi Ya. At first glance, the restaurant is decorated in a very cute and chic way. You will also notice that it's the size of a shoebox. It's a very tiny restaurant, so dining during the peak hours might bring you a wait for a table. If you're set on eating right away, they do always offer carry out! I've always thought their sushi was really good. ((Well the veggie rolls anyhow)). They have an extensive menu of sushi rolls and offer many vegetarian rolls - which pleases me immensely. ((Raw fish, or fish in general - ewww)). Their menu also offers diners the option of passing on sushi and chowing down on your standard Japanese appetizers ((edamame, tempura, agedashi tofu, gyoza, etc...)), a variety of soups, Udon noodles, salads, or one of their signature entrees such as Chilean Sea Bass, Kobe Beef Steak, (insert meat here) Teriyaki, or Sushiya Crab Cakes. The prices are pretty standard for sushi. It's not super cheap, but it's not overly expensive either. My favorites: - Any veggie roll ((Shitake, CAA, Yasai)) - Miso Soup ((standard - duh)) - Vegetable Udon - Gyoza - Glass Noodles - Chicken Teriyaki Friends of mine who eat seafood rave about the quality of the fish. I trust in their judgement, so I'll go ahead and say that their rolls with seafood in them are also amazing. ((Don't quote me on that...)) I've always had great service when dining at Sushi Ya. Given the restaurant is very tiny, the servers are attentive and willing to make their customers happy. On a couple occasions, I've even received complimentary edamame and a house salad - nice!! Sushi Ya has it's shit together. I'm so glad to see that upon opening a few years ago, that it's still going strong. They have fab service an fab eats.
(4)
Paul C.

In town on business....looked for a place with at least 4.5 stars and found this place. Overall, good food and attentive service. Ordered the seaweed salad and the sushi deluxe. Complimentary miso soup and the small bowl of edamame hit the spot before the actual meal. Generous portions of fish and relatively small rice ball closely matches what I've had in Japan. Minor negatives are that the rice was not seasoned enough (for my taste), the sushi assortment did not include tako (octopus), and there was two variants of salmon (not a fan of salmon). Otherwise, fresh fish, generous portions, and good service made up for those shortcomings and gets a five star.
(5)
Blasian K.

I went here for my birthday recently and was pleasantly surprised by how fresh everything was. I highly recommend the crazy and spider maki. Im back & forth between asia and the US a few times a year and Id say this place comes the closest food wise. In short if it were possible to give this place more than five stars Id do it in a heartbeat.
(5)
Linh L.

The sushi wasn't the great. It was ok... I didn't like the eel so much. I think anything with spicy salmon at this place was good though. Service was also very slow. They kept forgetting our waters and they wouldn't take away the bowls/plates that we were clearly done with; however, they picked up the check right after we signed the receipt. I'm not sure if I would come back. Maybe I can try another sushi joint in the area.
(3)
Britt C.

I've passed by this place many times driving from work to hot yoga but for some reason there was no major alluring factor for me.... Totally should have checked this place out sooner. It's a tiny lil space, pretty chill. My kinda scene. Prices are reasonable and the sushi was good, even though I only had a few pieces...my dinner date approved. I must say the ladies working that night were cracking me up, one would come over and ask us if we were ready to order and then two seconds later the other lady would come by and ask the same thing. It happened all night, hilarious. I would definitely check this place out again, especially since it's so conveniently located.
(4)
Rebecca S.

This place is so unexpectedly good. Free edamame and miso soup. Great hot tea. Fresh sushi absolutely delicious. Must try the Cali Deluxe Roll and Avocado Torch. If you are a spicy tuna lover, gotta have the Fire Crunch. I am coming back to this place every chance I get. gotta try every rll on the menu. Absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ths place. My new sushi spot to go to every time I have a craving. Reasonably priced. The only thing I would recommend is making a reservation and if you don't there can be a long wait. The place is a bit crowded. They are very generous with their sushi portions, they do not skimp on the nigiri sushi. Love this place. Will be back soon!
(5)
Jennifer B.

Reading reviews ahead of time, we expected the close quarters. I did, however, feel uncomfortable as the wait staff seemed to not quite be communicating with each other on our visit. Even though the hostess/wait staff area is practically 10 feet away with someone standing there almost at all times, and the restaurant was not busy during our visit, we were asked twice about drink orders from 2 different staff members. Later, when I was asked by one waiter if I wanted a refill on my drink and said "no thank you," not thirty seconds later another staff member came out with a pitcher to refill my drink. We were asked several times if our meal was okay, when once, possibly twice would suffice. We were asked twice about whether we were ready to pay (after saying yes the first time). My friend and I ordered what we wanted, but the waitress/hostess who took the order stopped to make sure we knew what we were ordering by pointing at pictures on the menu to verify our choices. They may get a lot of people who order the wrong thing, but it felt a little condescending. Probably a difficult thing to find a balance when you want to keep customers happy while not wasting food... The food itself came quickly, and tasted fine, though the avocado was a little mushier than I am used to, and the Schaumburg roll (we make a point of trying the "city roll" when a sushi restaurant has one) was almost as big around as my wrist. A good value for the price, but awkward to eat delicately.
(3)
Taylor A.

If you are looking for some quick sushi to treat your cravings, Sushi Ya is your local place! The food is delicious, and free edamame and miso is an added bonus! I have been here at least 50 times within the past three years, and I enjoy it when I need something quick. I have had quite a bit of snafu's here in the past though. They mix up my order quite a bit, and there are far too many things on the menu with the same name, which makes it easy for it to be mixed up. Also, if they are super busy, when you are finished eating, they want you O U T. This isn't your typical low-key chill restaurant to sit and talk over drinks, this is a fast dining experience. Come to Sushi Ya expecting a quick dining atmosphere, and you will enjoy it!
(3)
Natasha P.

We managed to get a table for two almost immediately, in this tiny and very crowded sushi restaurant. My husband and I ordered a few rolls. The fish in them was extremely fresh and the rolls were very well made. I wish sushi restaurants would make smaller rolls, because I had to bite into all of them except one. The miso soup was very nice, but not hot enough, and the salad with the ginger dressing was tasty. One of the rolls we ordered was a spicy tuna, and the tuna was very fresh and very mild. A great little restaurant around the corner.
(4)
Sunita N.

So seeing the high rating online for this place we decided to give it a go. Well the place was cramped so we waited for 10 min right there. And we finally found our table we were pleasantly surprised by their tasty miso soup and edamame served as a complimentary items. Afterwords we ordered avocado torch maki and tatakis crunch maki. The avocado torch maki has crunchy fried rice on the top, and I could not get enough of that. We absolutely loved what we ordered. It was all worth a wait. Highly recommend it and we would love to go back there.
(5)
Alexa B.

Best place for sushi in the area, hands down. I've tried numerous others and still keep coming back to Sushi Ya. Service is always friendly and efficient and with delicious (and affordable!) food, there's really nothing else I could ask for. The Fire Crunch and Avocado Torch rolls are both out-of-this-world amazing. I've never been disappointed by anything on the menu, and I make it a point to try a new roll every time I go. I would highly recommend Sushi Ya with anyone without hesitation. It doesn't look like much in its unassuming strip mall but trust me - it is absolutely fantastic!
(5)
Jacqueline W.

Great fresh sushi at an affordable price. They give you complimentary miso soup and edamame which I've never gotten anywhere else and because of that, ordering 1 rainbow roll fills me up. They are fast with both dining and carry out. The employees are very kind and always check on you.
(5)
Jacob K.

Great sushi in town. Prices are well below average and seafood is extremely fresh. It's a smal place and they don't take reservations however it is worth the wait.
(5)
Bob D.

I really wanted to like this place. We went here based on the positive reviews, but really it wasn't anything special compared to other places we've been to through out the suburb and Chicago's sushi bars. * Surprisingly in the suburbs, this place is very small. I would have expected a little more space between tables but it felt like I was in a Chicago restaurant with about 6-inches to the table next to us. This resulted in the noise levels to be high and difficult to have a conversation without upping the people beside you. * Our table rocked. Although I could have said something, I was surprised that as food was placed our table, no one bother to make adjustments to the rocking table. In the end, I had to fold up a napkin and us that to level the table. * Service was slow. It took at least 10-minutes before we got our menu, and it took a while (about 10-minutes) for the our serving lady to return back to ask what we've wanted. The food did come relatively quick (another 10-minutes), but instead of the appetizers that we've asked for, it all came out once. * Our miso soup was luke warm, and very boring. Our sashimi white tuna was nothing special, and neither were the other rolls. With the amount of food we've ordered, I was surprised at the little amount of wasabi and ginger that was given. Fortunately, it didn't take long for additional wasabi and ginger to arrive upon our request. But we also found out that we didn't have any soy sauce at our table, so that had to be requested. * We've ordered red and white (house) wine with our food. Both came in small glasses that lasted a few sips. And when we were finished our glasses, no one asked if we wanted more or if we wanted something else to drink like water. Again, that needed to be requested after wards. All in all, it was nothing special. 2.5 out of 5.0 stars for me, which needed to be rounded down to 2 because it was so over rated.
(2)
David B.

Pleased refer to my previous post. I have been here a dozen plus times. Never disappointed
(5)
Steve S.

I could sit here and write a long tirade about my experience, but its the morning and I'm tired. Instead, I'll say that on the plus side, this place is pretty cheap as far as Sushi goes. For the rest, I'll direct you to Nichole C's review. Its spot on. yelp.com/user_details?usâ€¦
(2)
Jennifer C.

Finally made it here. The food was delicious and the staff is outstanding. I had the crazy maki and the sunset maki, delicious. It is small inside so if you are going during the dinner rush be prepared. They gave us soup and edamame free. Really great sushi, the salmon quality was outstanding
(5)
Brooke A.

My first 1 star sushi review... We split a Philadelphia roll, spicy tuna roll, and a cali roll. All rolls were put together very shabbily...falling apart, rice not all the way around. The tuna roll was mushy (chopped too finely) and had little flavor. The cali roll was almost inedible due to what we narrowed down to the avocado which was mushy and had a funny taste. The phili roll was passable. Everything had way too much toasted sesame on it. Service was hectic. They had a full room but only two waitresses and one Itamae. Price was usual. I will not be back, even though I am partially convinced it was an inexperienced Itamae's fault because I just can't see why there are so many positive reviews that are dead wrong. What ever the reason, we were both very disappointed.
(1)
Rita A.

My family and I went here on a whim, our regular place was closed early due to acute circumstances. So we made the trip, and we heard good thing about this place and given our love for sushi, why not. The atmosphere was very nicely decorated with modern and traditional aspects. Dark lacquered wood tables, cozy atmosphere. The inside is not very big at all, more of a store front size, the dinning area probably fits 30 people maximum. The waitresses were nicely dressed in traditional garbs and had pleasant demeanors. FYI don't sit by the windows, it is freezing by them. We ordered gyoza, soft shell crab and yaki for the kids, given there isn't really any kids items on the menu, the gyoza was not good and we had to order something else for one of the boys. The gyoza was not quite fried or steamed it was a little of both, it had a tough gummy texture that was not appetizing. The yaki we asked for it to be plain with only the panko breading, we received naked chicken marinated in soy sauce; either way my son ate it. The soft shell crab was approved by my kid but I did not think it had much taste. The miso soup, was not good, really bland taste, I think I am use to a different flavor though. My husband and I took part in five Maki rolls, we typically order anything that is not fried. We ordered the red dragon, white dragon, spider maki, four seasons, and crazy maki. Out of those five rolls I only appreciated the fresh taste of the crazy roll where you could actually see fish in it and it was the size of a specialty roll. My husband liked the smoky flavor of the white dragon, I didn't care for it. The other three rolls lacked taste and any real difference in flavor from each roll, there was a lot of rice rather than fish I felt. For the majority of rolls being specialty rolls; which were small; I was not impressed with the flavors or the overall creativity of the specialty rolls, which really stinks because I so wanted to like this place. Good notes, the service was good and food prep was timely. I found the sushi to be average, but the fish is fresh in taste. The price for the four of us, no alcohol, was $77 without tip. That is about 20 more than we normally pay at our regular place, I don't sincerely feel it was worth the price. All in all, this place wouldn't be on my list to revisit; its not terrible I just know of other good sushi places with more reasonable pricing.
(3)
Genevieve L.

The few times I've been here the service has been very consistent. It's a smaller space so I'm always worried we'll have to wait. Luckily, the staff is very attentive which makes their business model run efficiently to get you in and out fairly quickly. I went there with my bf and we got calamari, avocado torch roll, shrimp tempura maki and udon yakitori. All of it was delicious and the portions are pretty big.
(5)
Robert P.

Great food as usual , small place always busy,wait staff very attentive & very nice,.food is always fresh, finally able to write a review, been here quite a few times. Would recommend sushi ya to any one that wants awesome food . Keep up the good work, 5 star sushi restaurant
(5)
Victoria E.

I consider this a decent sushi joint. I've been here two times, and everything is decent. I'm not a big fan of their super crunch toppings. It's just a glob of deep fried something with mayo. Nothing new here for me, but it was good. If it's a Sunday, and my usual go to place is closed, I'll return.
(3)
Jordan W.

The food and the service here is exceptional. Hands down my favorite sushi place in the NW suburbs. I usually dine here or take out once a week. My favorite and recommendation is the avocado torch maki with a glass of Cabernet. The staff is very friendly and greets you immediately. They also take the time to make sure the presentation meets the exceptional standard of their food. Moral of the story- if you are looking for a new place to try out for lunch or dinner, look no further.
(5)
Connie L.

I read the previous reviews before coming so I ordered the fire crunch and it is worth the hype! I've tried spicy tuna from many other places and this is one of the best I've had so far. The service was pretty good--the waitresses kept coming around and checking on my table so my water and tea were refilled frequently. The place is relatively small so I do recommend calling ahead and making reservations if you have a large group.
(5)
Alison G.

Great sushi and great price as well. By far the best sushi place in whole Chicago. I don't care how small this place is, at least it's very clean and do not have unwanted smell or anything bad. Just some opinion I would suggest them to offer more variety of hot items on their menu, such as hamachi kama (grilled yellowtail fish). I'm glad that they are just about 15mins from where I live, and even if I am about to move out I will still be coming back.
(5)
Jason D.

Enjoy the Food, Dislike the Service. Yes it is Small, But there is NO REASON i should of been asked 15x in 12 Minutes if i was ready to order. I almost got up and walked out if they were to ask me again. Enjoy the Food, Dislike there time Management. Ordered and Appetizer and was told almost 20 minutes, I agreed and moved on to figuring out what i want and conversing with my company i was with. Before i could even put the pen down they were at my table asking if i was done ordering and they would go over it with me. Being hungry and being there already i just said yes. Now here is the Fun Part, I ordered 2 Rolls, Flamed Habichi Shrimp Entree and Some Tuna and Eel, Take a guess the First thing to show up, Yes my Entree, My Main Course before any appetizer or sushi. As i am sitting there eating my Entree cause it is warm my company is just looking at me like are you serious that your Entree comes before anything else??? I give 4 Stars for the Freshness, Good Food and Good Value. Just be Warned about the issues of Get you in and Get you out as soon as possible. There was no Line or Waite when we showed up, nor was there one throughout dinner or when we were finished. Just make sure you order in Stages if you want a entree.
(4)
Mary d.

This is a LEGIT sushi place...the proof is in the sashimi. I had both tuna and salmon sashimi. Perfect nuggets of cold, firm high-quality fish. Went great with a cold Asahi, and I loved the complimentary miso soup and edamame. The service was prompt and attentive, and the environment very much like the restaurants in small Japanese cities (I lived in one for over a year). The price is spot-on for the quality. Sugoi!
(5)
Andrea K.

Sushi Ya is good. We usually fo take out because the restaurant is very small and not ideal for families IMO. The quality of the sashimi is awesome. I wish they had more of a variety of maki.
(3)
Kim B.

My boyfriend and I have been searching for a good sushi restaurant in the suburbs and I think we've found one! As other Yelp reviewers have said, the restaurant is tiny so I would recommend making a reservation. My boyfriend showed up on a Friday night and had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. The wait time wasn't so bad but it's a little uncomfortable because there is no room to stand. We were hovering over other tables as they ate dinner. We ordered 4 different types of raw sushi and the fire crunch roll. The fish was pretty fresh and the crunch roll was really good. I don't usually eat spicy food but this was worth it. At the end of our meal, we were pleasantly surprised because we ended up spending $35! Yes, $35 for sushi for TWO PEOPLE! I love this place and will definitely be back.
(4)
Lisse C.

The sushi was delicious and staff was friendly. It is a very tiny place so I imagine it fills up pretty easily. We arrived right at 430pm when they opened and were the only table for awhile. We had spicy tuna roll, red dragon roll, fire crunch roll and yakatori. The tuna was fresh, we especially loved the fire crunch. Nice little local sushi place to check out!
(4)
Brad E.

Best sushi in the suburbs! I've been a regular at Sushi Ya for almost a year now, and I can honestly say that it is my favorite sushi restaurant. The ingredients are incredibly fresh. In fact, the ingredients here are so fresh that it has ruined other sushi restaurants for me! The quality of the tuna and salmon is unbelievable, and the fish at other restaurants pales in comparison both literally and figuratively. My usual order consists of the sashimi appetizer, fire crunch maki, spicy tuna maki, dynamite maki, green dragon maki, and one "experimental" roll. The sashimi appetizer is simply outstanding and truly show cases the quality of Sushi Ya's ingredients. The app itself comes with four slices of tuna, salmon, yellow tail, and white tuna. Although simple, the flavor of the fish with a little bit of soy and wasabi is, in my opinion, the perfect bite: clean, spicy, and savory. Even though the sashimi here is outstanding, I have always judged sushi restaurants by their spicy tuna roll, and Sushi Ya does it better than anyone else. The roll comes with six pieces for around $4.00; a steal for quality sushi. The roll is packed with spicy tuna that is actually spicy, and I often "fight" with my girlfriend to get an extra piece ("Hey! That's only my second piece!" "No! That's your third; the last ones mine!). My only forced complaint is the wait. The place can be really busy (especially on weekends), and they do not take reservations for two people. On my birthday this year, I waited about 35 minutes for a table; however, the food here is great and worth waiting for. I look forward to returning soon. You MUST experience this place for yourself. Its a true suburban gem.
(5)
Robin W.

PLEASING...I've been coming to Sushi Ya since they opened. In fact, I think I was here the first night! There has been some ups and downs with my experiences there, however, all in All I love it! The fish is very fresh and and the staff is friendly. The only negative thing I could say about Sushi Ya is the atmosphere. It is too small and if you don't go early you won't get a seat. I do a lot of take-out!!
(4)
Crystal X.

Sushi - Ya on a Wednesday night (8:30 pm) Atmosphere: clean service: the staff was extremely helpful! I did not ask questions but I did over hear the conversation with the table next to me and their waitress. she was informative, energetic and full of options. She even highlighted what they ordered onto a to go menu for their next visit!!!! I didn't want tea (it was 8:30 pm) but asked for hot water. She refilled it three times! food: Free edamame!
(3)
Eric R.

THIS PLACE SHOULD BE CALLED SUSHI YUM!!! I have eaten here over a dozen times and can say the food has ALWAYS been GREAT! I have tried many different rolls to broaden my appreciation for sushi and have NEVER been disappointed. I would also like to share my observations while dining here to address some of these negative reviews... THE PLACE IS SMALL... it is a sit down restaurant operating out of a stripmall. Are you people really that shocked and abhorred at the concept you will have to wait for a seat when you come to eat dinner during rush hour?!? ORDERING EXTRA ROLLS TOOK FOREVER.... so let me see if I understand this right, you are upset that while dining in a PACKED restaurant it will take a long time to get the extra rolls? Last time I checked this is America and we operate under the system of first come first serve and wait in line. If you get your food and eat it while everyone else who came in after you are waiting then guess what you will have to wait for their food to be made when you order more AFTER they have already ordered their meal! STAFF WAS RUDE OR RUSHING US.... every time I have eaten here I have watched staff greet EVERY person who walks in or out of here. Staff runs around asking customers if they need anything constantly. If you feel they are being rude or pushy then perhaps you should gain some perspective on life and realize the world does not revolve around you. Spending hours during rush hour at a table eating and chatting with friends is for large spacious restaurants NOT small ones. Get in, eat, and get out or next time just order to go and spend hours at your place socializing. Also, walking into a SUSHI restaurant 20 minutes before they close and expecting staff to fall over themselves to serve you HANDMADE food is unreasonable! This isn't fast food after all, plan YOUR time better or come a different day! I'm sorry if this seems more like a rant than a review but I am amazed at some of these negative reviews. IF YOU ARE A SELF CENTERED STUCKUP PERSON THEN YOU WILL NOT LIKE SUSHI YA. IF YOU WANT GREAT SUSHI AND ARE A REASONABLE PERSON THEN YOU WILL LOVE IT THERE!!! :)
(5)
Michelle R.

The staff was so nice I was on my lunch break and they got me in and out under an hour. I had the sashimi bento box and it came with so much food. If you like sushi you must try this place....
(5)
Brian W.

All the rolls are always perfect. Id have to say best in Nw burbs. The dinners are good too. Communication can be tricky sometimes, but nothing i'm not use too. Ive been going for a few years and consistently delicious.
(5)
Michelle F.

This was officially my first sushi experience, thanks to the lovely advice and company of one fellow Yelper Christie B!! I had always shied away from sushi in the past. The ordering system seemed complex, I didn't know where to start, and everything was Greek to me (but without the gyros). Enter in the Sushi Prowess of Christie!! She walked me through the menu, recommended her favorites (and she knew I was a meat-eater, so she was sweet enough to throw in some of those recommendations as well!) The actual food was DELICIOUS! She ordered something yummy (no, I STILL don't know what it is), I got California rolls, and for the table, we had spinach with sesame sauce, what looked like pot stickers, and chicken fried rice. I could have put the sesame sauce on everything! Everything, and I mean everything was amazing. I don't have one bad thing to say about any of it. And our waitress was really good, too. She was there without being overbearing. She was great about refills. Everything was fresh and hot. She was very sweet! And for all of that food, the total bill was $26. That's amazing!! I will DEFINITELY be back. Likely with Christie ;)
(5)
Phill C.

When the Hulk craves some tasty sushi, you better get out of his way. He'd definitely Hulk Smash you if you ever stole his Hulk Tuna roll. Each order only comes with 4 pieces, but these are much much larger than the spicy tuna rolls I'm used to. I'm usually not a huge fan of spicy tuna, but I now love me some spicy tuna. Oh man are these good, with a slight sweet sesame flavor with a nice kick. Definitely flavor country up in here. I also tried the Green Turtle roll, which had some eel, avocado, shrimp, topped with green masago & mayo. It was good, but I probably wouldn't order again. But the Hulk Tuna roll I'm getting every time. Anyways, the meal started off nice with complimentary miso soup & steamed/salted edamame. I also ordered the Agedashi Tofu, which was delicious. A generous portion of lightly-breaded deep fried tofu, in a hot seasoned broth. After seeing this and the size of the rolls, I was thinking "crap, I made the same mistake of ordering too much food last time!". Hopefully I remember next time. Located in a strip mall, you can't miss the bright yellow sign. It's a nice small joint , with a sushi bar area in the corner. The staff is super friendly and they all greet you in Japanese as you walk in (and when you leave). As the regulars started rolling in for dinner, the staff was happily greeting them on a first name basis. Like I said, super friendly.
(5)
Mellissa P.

Went here for dinner after seeing the 4 star rating and was pretty happy. It was a small mom and pop shop and the food was great. The place was really tiny and in a strip mall so it was hard to get comfy. We ended up sitting at the sushi bar to find out we couldnt speak with the sushi chefs, instead we had to order of some punch list. But again the food was really good so thats the most important thing. Other than the staf being a little rude i would go back and have the sushi... it was a winner!
(4)
Jenna R.

Went here to meet someone for the first time and we had a great time. the food is very flavorful, coming from someone who really likes sushi and is looking for that as an important aspect. I love sushi and this place diffidently did a job well done. the staff is very nice. surprisingly the prices are really good. all I had a good time and I would go back for sure.
(3)
Sarah S.

Sushi Ya has some amazing makis! I went last Wednesday for my second time. Sushi Ya is a small little place in a strip mall so there is a lot of parking. It works out great for me because my tanning place and my eyebrow place are both right there! I went tanning when we finished our meal and my friend was paying the bill and was back by the time he was walking out the door. Yay for convenience! :) We got the Agedashi Tofu for our appetizer...I didn't realize this was kind of a soupy appetizer. I wouldn't have eaten all of my miso soup! Yes, every meal starts off with some miso soup, followed by some edamame. So the agedashi tofu after that was extremely tasty! But I was all souped out. Next time I want to try the crab ball or the asparagus beef roll. I got the Alaskan Maki & the Philly Maki. The Alaskan is the same as a Philly maki except with smoked salmon instead of raw....plus my Alaskan was deep fried! Oh my goodness, both were soooo good! I just absolutely loved them. My Philly Roll was covered in fish eggs...like completely drenched in them which was something different & unusual. I was even quite adventurous and tried my friend's Green Turtle Roll and Hulk Spicy Tuna Roll...again both were just amazing! The food was all excellent, the service was all super friendly and super fast!
(5)
Q P.

Food is great but the service is to be desired. Seems they like to rush you out the door instead of letting enjoy the experience. Be ready to have the bill before you get your sushi. No soup for youuuuuuu!!!!!
(2)
Howard L.

We had a dinner outing here, and I really liked this place, and will go with about 4.5 stars for I had. I had the sushi/sashimi combo for $23.95 and it might have been the best value I've seen anywhere for quantity. Wife had Bento Box A for $17.95, and again the mostest we've ever seen we think per dollar. Others in the party had various rolls (quite large again), and chicken teriyaki. The rolls tried included rainbow dragon, sunset , and I Love Chicago. I heard the chicken teriyaki was a bit dried out, so reviews will vary with the individual meal. The sushi was not the best quality ever, but it was still very good I would say. A few of the rolls were really packed with wasabi for example. The dining space is small, so reservations recommended. At one point, the entire place was filled. The service was quick and friendly, and green tea and water replenished quite regularly. We will be back for sure.
(4)
Veronica B.

This the best sushi in burbs. Great service, great ambiance & super fresh. Every time I try some place else i end up sorry that I didn't come here. This is must try!!!!
(5)
Kimberly M.

I made a reservation for 10 people at 6:30 on a Thursday night. We were seated promptly and the complimentary miso soup and edamame was served within 5 minutes of placing our order. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time, including the hot menu items some of my coworkers ordered. The sushi was absolutely fantastic. While the Volcano Roll was not the best version I've had before it was still very good. My absolute favorite was the Fire Crunch. It was SO delicious I wish I had one right now! All of my coworkers were very pleased with the service, drinks, food, and dessert. We were in and out in about an hour.
(5)
Renita M.

It was time for another sushi adventure with Aimee M, and so we finally crossed Sushi Ya off our list. I would give it 4.5 solid stars for delicious food and reasonable prices. I wish I had looked over the reviews again before going because I wasn't quite ready for how small the place is. Maybe a dozen tables? Thankfully at 6:45 on a Saturday there were a couple tables left and we snagged one. The menu can seem a bit overwhelming at first -- lots of maki to choose from, and they clearly mark what's cooked and what's raw for the newbies. Good nigiri selection, too. There are also plenty of cooked entrees/options, but we were there for some fish! We settled on four rolls to share and also got complimentary miso soup and a small bowl of edamame. Nothing fancy, but it was tasty. White Dragon roll: My favorite -- a nice blend of fresh fish and spicy flavors. Lightly sauced but the fish shone. Spicy scallop roll: Slight sweetness from the scallop, fresh and mouth-melty. Shrimp tempura roll: Little bit of crunch, lots of flavor Tuna Hulk roll: we thought the name was fun, but these enormous pieces were quite hard to eat. maybe stick with a traditional spicy tuna roll instead. Service was pretty good although we didn't have chopsticks or napkins at first. But our water was refilled regularly and plates were cleared promptly. Our grand total was very reasonable -- I've spent that much on just myself for a big sushi night out. (OK, so we didn't get drinks or dessert, but we left pretty satisfied, I'd say.) All in all a great pick and I would absolutely come back.
(5)
Grace K.

Food was ok but the sushi man was soooo mean to the waitress. I went back about a month later and there was a new waitress and again he was soooo mean to her. I almost wanted to say something to the guy. He yelled at her and embarrassed her in front of people.
(1)
Anna K. S.

Sushi Ya. Yeah. This was good. Surprisingly. The service was great, and everything we ordered was so good, despite that we only ordered rolls. They were really good:)
(4)
Aimee M.

In honor of the movie Avengers coming out this weekend, and the fact that there is a roll called the Hulk Tuna Roll on the menu, and because of the fact that 2 super cool gals (me and Renita M) are just geek enough to know how the Hulk sounds when he talks, this review will be in Hulk-speak. Well, I'm gonna try anyway. Aimee and good friend Renita M want sushi. Aimee read reviews. Sushi here good. Plan 645 dinner on Saturday--place busy, very busy. Waitress walk fast, talk fast. No menu, no chopsticks, how Aimee eat? Service got better. Very busy, many people eating. Talk loud. Draft from door make Aimee cold. Menu BIG! Arggh! lots to read! Hard for Aimee decide. But nice to get free "Miss O" soup and green peas called "Ed's Mami." Nice. Make Aimee happy. Order Shrimp Tempura Roll, order Spicy Scallop Roll, order White Dragon Roll (maybe to find this White Dragon superhero!) and Hulk Tuna Roll. All rolls good. Aimee Favorite is White Dragon--Aimee will read "seared super white tuna and spicy oil" Makes Aimee tummy happy. Not too hot for Aimee mouth. Hulk Tuna Roll not good. too big, too mushy, rice fall 'part. Make Aimee sad. Fish fresh. Look nice on plate. Aimee not have to spend lots money. Aimee happy!
(4)
Tatiana G.

The sushi is so good and so fresh its awesome. They also shrimp fried rice that is really good.
(5)
Tom T.

I was out in the burbs and have been dying for sushi for a while now. Sushi Ya, a small sushi restaurant in a non-descript corner strip mall, fits my needs. From the moment you step in to the moment you leave, the staff there is super nice and accommodating. The sushi is absolutely delicious! The sashimi lunch is fresh and delicious and is a great deal. The spicy crunch roll is delicious and there's a lot of it. But the best surprise there is the agadashi tofu. If you love agadashi tofu, you'll love the big serving (enough for 2) of it in plenty of broth that you eat it like a soup. OMG!! So so good! For the 2 of us, we ate like there's no tomorrow. 2 sashimi lunches, 2 big rolls, agadashi tofu, miso soup, edamame came to $50!! You can't touch the amount of good sushi like that in the city for that price. What a great find! Thanks again Yelpers!
(5)
J V.

One of the best sushi places that I have been to.. .def in my top 3. The waitresses are friendly especially if it's your first time in there. It's kind of a small place but it's nice. The food is fresh and SO GOOD.
(5)
Tommy G.

Went here last night based on yelpers and we loved it. It's a small mom and pop spot and they are so nice and the food is delicious. I would recommend it to anyone wanting sushi in the area.
(5)
Bill S.

Great, great place and the sushi is very good as well! When I am in town, I will be back for sure!!
(5)
Laimis U.

Great sushi,. Just be aware. rolls are huge. Spicy scallop hand roll my favorite. Very small place, call for reservation.
(5)
Jeff S.

Yet another great well-deserved review for this place. Word of mouth gets around and it shows. Food is consistently high quality. Everything on a plate or in a bowl is served with care and attention to detail. The waitstaff is super friendly and very accommodating. Tucked away in a strip mall, amidst competing neon lights, this is a very small eatery but it does not feel cramped. The dine in experience starts with freshly steamed edamame and miso soup which satisfy the appetite for a few minutes waiting for each dish to arrive. Great for couples and families w/kids who can dine in but also convenient for take out. Five takeout orders of sushi, two apps and two soups ready in 15 min is hard to beat. Highly recommended!
(5)
Geoff F.

You get a good amount of sushi for reasonable prices. It's a bit more than Sushi Station but you get plenty and it's better quality.
(5)
Amy S.

Some of the best sushi I've had in the area! Rolls are reasonably priced and pretty large as well. It can get pretty busy especially since its such a small place but I am still a regular Sushi Ya customer :) The miso and edamame are mediocre, some days are better than others. I have tried many different rolls but my favorites are definitely green dragon (tons of avocado, eel, cucumber, and tempura), dynamite (scallop, tempura, and jalapeno sauce..light spicy and delish), and Schaumburg (HUGE roll with soft shell crab, eel, masago, avocado, and cucumber yummmm). Overall not the best sushi, but definitely a good spot.
(4)
Alex R.

If I could give this place 0 stars, I would as it was easily the worst dining experience I've ever had. We came here on a Friday night at around 8:30. The place, as we expected, was packed, but since the restaurant has no waiting area, I was literally hovering over a couple at a table next to the door because there was just no room. My two dinner companions couldn't even make it into the restaurant and were left waiting in the small space between the front door and the door to the dining room. After more than 30 minutes of waiting, we were finally seated. Unfortunately, one of the appetizers (the name of which I've since forgotten because of how horrible our experience was) recommended to us by a friend was not available that evening for the dubious reason that the restaurant was simply too busy. Alright, on to the next one, I suppose. We went with the agedashi tofu, which was serviceable but certainly nothing special. That came out fairly quickly, but that was the last dish to come out on time. Before I placed the order for our rolls, I informed the server that I would be making a carry-out order later in our meal, and the server politely responded that it was quite alright and that she would take it later. We then ordered two rolls, one of which was their house special, and the other one I forgot, again because of the horrible service we had that evening. THE WAIT FOR THOSE ROLLS WAS ABSOLUTELY EXCRUCIATING. In the time we waited for our rolls, a group seated after us received their dishes and was being checked on frequently by the wait staff. We received the token attention given to a group of diners barely needed to keep them from walking out of the restaurant in frustration. By this time, I was already visibly frustrated but I restrained myself from making any harsh comments because I really just wanted to eat those rolls. I then thought that if the wait for our rolls in the restaurant was this long, I should probably make the carry-out order now in order to ensure that it was ready by the time we left. I informed another server who checked on us -- since our original server was nowhere to be found -- that I was ready to make a carry-out order. She then told me that it wasn't possible to take additional orders because of how busy the restaurant was. However, the restaurant was still accepting new patrons and the restaurant was more than half an hour away from closing. So tell me again why you can't take any additional orders? Finally, our rolls came out after what seemed like an eternity. Unfortunately, they were nothing special, and I can't even remember what was in them. They were simply an amalgamation of "just ok" ingredients and symbolic of the horrible service we received. I didn't think anything could make our experience any worse until I asked for our check. The wait just to get our check was about half the time (well, at least it felt that way) we waited just to get our food. Again, I noticed the wait staff being extremely attentive to the other tables, with one server going around to all the tables to ask how their meals were going. Conspicuously, she skipped our table. I can't understand why because we made no rude comments to the wait staff about any of the number of debacles they made. I understand that it was a busy night, but that's still no excuse not to give patrons the basic attention needed at a dinner service. I was particularly angered by the way in which the server gave me the runaround about the appetizer they couldn't serve and the carry-out order they couldn't take, both apparently because the restaurant was busy. I've been to busier restaurants, and I've gotten better service.
(1)
Indie Lou G.

Went here last week for the first time, they never brought the salad I ordered but still charged me for it. The two rolls I ordered tasted great but both fell apart immediately. Food also took forever to arrive. Based on all the great reviews I may give it one more shot.
(2)
Lily R.

The best sushi place in the 'burbs!!! I had the dragon roll and shrimp tempura, DELICIOUS!!! AMAZING!!! Little spot in the burbs with ample parking lot and major Road to drive to. Great customer service with a culture feel of Japan. Keep up the great service and food!!! Totally recommend :)!
(5)
Christopher E.

This was the first place I ever tried sushi and my wife was the person responsible for taking me to this wonderful little restaurant. I enjoyed my visit and I love the food and the service was excellent! I definitely will be returning to this restaurant.
(5)
Dominic L.

I've probably eaten at at least 20 sushi restaurants in my life and this one is tied for first place. Service is great, fish always tastes like fresh fish, probably because they have so many customers and the fish is always getting cycled through instead of sitting in a fridge forever. Pretty awesome little spot.
(5)
Rose C.

Whenever I go down to Chicago, I always make it a point to stop by Sushi Ya. Of all the sushi places I've been to, this one has by far been the best and my favorite--the ingredients are fresh and masterfully made into artful, delicious pieces. The physical place itself is on the small side, which makes me worry about ever coming at the wrong time, but it gives the a cozy feel and semi-personal attention from the servers. Being able to watch the chefs work their magic at the bar (even if you're not at the bar) is a plus too. There hasn't been a roll of theirs that I didn't like. I can't decide on favorites, but I typically get the Dragons, Tiger, Godzilla, and/or Fire Crunch. (If you've yet to experience a "jumbo" roll, I'd recommend getting the Godzilla--it's tasty /and/ novel! A singular piece is larger than my mouth!) It's also cute how the rolls tend to bear some resemblence to their names (look for stripes on the Tiger roll!). For this visit, we had virtually no wait time; was seated right away, got drinks, got soup + pea pods (they always come with the meal), and our first roll came out before we even finished the soup. I don't recall other visits being any different. Fun tip: Listen carefully when you first enter--the chefs and staff will welcome you the traditional Japanese way. It's a nice, authentic touch. :)
(5)
Nelson M.

Back again for more, great sushi nice and fresh in my salmon Bento Box. Called again to reserve a table and it worked out nicely as there was no wait for us. Overall experience is getting better with each visit!
(4)
Ariel E.

I have eaten here at least 5 times and every time has been delicious with great service. I order the Sashimi dinner and have enjoyed it every time.
(4)
Jo N.

I found this place on yelp and decided to try it! Well I was not disappointed! Everything was super fresh and tasted fantastic.
(5)
Derrick T.

Jealous. I'm jealous of all my friends who live in the north burb areas and have places like Sushi Ya to provide tasty-quality fish for a reasonable price. After I got over my jealousy, my wife and I enjoyed a delicious meal with some friends. Here's the skinny: Service: We arrived one hour before closing, and the service was still as happy to see us as ever. Smiles on faces, genuine welcomes. We were told that the kitchen will be closing in about 30 minutes, so just make sure to get all our order in. She even came back and gave us a last call to make sure we didn't need anymore! Ambience: Small strip mall location with nice interior, relaxed music. Nice for a simple double date in the burbs. Food: My wife and I are currently on the 30 day paleo challenge, so no miso, no edamame (soy), no rice, no sauces (sugar). Soy sauce is a somewhat allowed in minor quantities due to how much it's filtered, but no wasabi unless you can verify it's fresh. (Most places aren't). So we settled into some sashimi for dinner! Got ourselves the sashimi platter, and then ordered up a few pieces of tuna, salmon, super white tuna, scallop, mackerel, and yellowtail to round out the sashimi platter, which pretty much had most of those fish anyway. Every piece was a nice generous cut, sliced well, and tasted fresh. The mackerel here is likely within the top 3 I've had in Chicago area, so I'm not sure if they're making it in the back (lots of effort) or sourcing it... either way, worthwhile. Verdict: A clear winner in the burbs, tasty, and good value. We'd love to come back when we're in the area!
(5)
Gina S.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this is the best sushi I have had in the State of Illinois. It was so fresh that it's hard to believe you are in Schaumburg and not a coastal town. Every single items was unique and well prepared. The Red Dragon Maki is extraordinary. The restaurant is very small, so definitely make reservations or it will likely be a long wait. They have beer and wine, but not much of a selections. No hard liquor. Beware, some of the rolls are huge! The Tuna Hulk and Schaumburg will not fit in your mouth.
(5)
Joe P.

The restaurant is small and we had to wait to be seated. There wasn't much space to wait so we were kind of crowded up to a table that was already seated. The sushi was delicious, but it was a little spendy. We eventually sat at sushi bar. The service was mediocre but the food made up for that.
(3)
Jessica C.

Every roll was amazing! Staff was very attentive and the location is cozy in a good way.
(5)
Steve G.

Probably the best sushi I ever had. Not sure how this small place in Shaumburg does it but it is great. I had the raw scallops and it took forever. Not sure why it took so long, maybe they had to run to the store or catch the scallops ;) Let me tell you, it was worth the wait. Wow, so fresh and delicious. I have never been let down with anything. Always fresh and great!!!
(5)
Josh T.

Amazing Sushi- Wonderful Service. Highly Recommended. They should not change a thing. Excellent Value. Excellent Everything!! Seriously, go there!! It is wonderfully delicious!!!
(5)
Peter R.

So last Friday my wife and I were tossing around ideas for what to eat for dinner. I wanted Italian, she wanted Mediterranean, and we listened to each others restaurant suggestions. The debate continued for a good 5-10 minutes, and we were at an impasse. All of a sudden when it was looking like we were going to end up at the KFC drive thru, she blurted "I want some sushi." I have mentioned on several reviews before that I am the only Pacific Islander in existence that doesn't like fish/seafood, but I love me some Katsu and Udon. We both agreed to find a good Japanese Restaurant in the area, and she left it up to my Yelp-pertise to find one. I brushed off the old dusty laptop and went on Yelp.com and started searching. On a totally unrelated topic, I just wanted to exclaim my love for "high speed internet." Please give me a moment while I hug my modem ((((hugs)))). OK back to the review. My fellow Yelpers seemed to really like this restaurant called "Sushi Ya" in Schaumburg, so the decision was made simple. I give a call to one of my best buds who was in the area to ask if he wanted to join us for some dinner, and he quickly agreed. We walked into Sushi Ya and was happily greeted by the staff with "Irasshaimase!!!" I felt like Norm entering Cheers, but there was no Sam, Carla, Woody, or Cliff in sight. I asked what the greeting was and our waitress simply said it means, "Welcome." The restaurant is small, I would guess it seats about 30+ with some extra seats by the sushi bar. We ask for a table for 3 and was quickly seated by the window. My friend BBM'd me that he was 10 minutes away, which is cryptic code for "I'll be there in 25." The wife and I decided to order, and she went straight for the sushi order sheet. I order the Beef Udong (Udon) for starters, and decided to go with Chicken Katsu. I don't know anything about sushi, but I think the wife went for California Rolls, Spider Rolls, and something else. As we were waiting for our food to arrive, our friendly waitress gave us some complimentary edamame to snack on. We also got our salads, and apparently I get miso soup with my dinner meal...so that was a pleasant surprise. Our entrÃ©es came shortly after we finished our starters. My Beef Udon was very good. The noodles were so soft, and the broth had a nice light flavor. The Chicken Katsu portion was pretty big, with a small bowl of rice and the dipping sauce. The Panko crumbs were so light and crispy, and the chicken was so tender. The stir fried veggies on the side was a very nice touch. The wife seemed to be delighted with the sushi, I can tell it by her eyes. My friend finally arrived in the middle of our meal, and was greeted with "Irasshaimase!!!" He quickly looked over the sushi menu and got Spicy Tuna something, and Eel something...again I know diddly squat about sushi. His order came out before we got done with our meals, and he quickly chimed in with the praises as well. He exclaimed that the tuna was so fresh and delicious. I will assume that he meant "fresh and delicious" in the non-urban dictionary sense. So let me recap our dining experience at Sushi Ya. Service: The service we received was excellent. We were greeted when we entered, and when we left. The service in between was friendly and attentive. Food: The food was the "bombdotcom." The sushi was "fresh and delicious." My Chicken Katsu and Beef Udong was exxxcellent...and yes I added 2 extra "x's" to emphasize my point. Ambiance: The restaurant is small, but very quaint and lively. Add all those in with good company and bubbly conversation, and it was a very good dining experience indeed. Now everybody sing along with me: "Throw your chopsticks in the ayyer and waive em' like you just don't cayyer. If you want fresh sushi, then go to Sushi Ya...somebody say, Oh yeaaaah!!!"
(5)
Candice-Marie B.

Too bad we didn't try this place 4 years sooner... It was sooooo good! The place is tiny but the sushi is HUGE. We ordered 3 rolls at once and we were shocked when we saw the size of these things. I didn't quite know how to eat it and it wasn't really pretty when I tried to stick the whole piece in my mouth ~ but it was delicious! We figured out to cut each piece in half and then eat it. We also learned that 2 maki rolls is plenty! The servers were welcoming, friendly and efficient. We will most definitely be going back in the near future to enjoy sushi again at Sushi Ya.
(5)
Duely Y.

This is my new favorite sushi place to go whenever I'm around that area! The restaurant is really small, but the service and food are top notch. Our waitress was very kind and attentive, checking frequently if we were doing fine. The food was amazing! We ordered some Nigiri - Salmon and White Tuna, and they were FRESH! This is the only place that I know where they give us a bigger portion of the fish than rice. Then we had the Golden Baked Mussels, which was full of flavor! A must try for anyone that loves Mussels and cheese! The next time I'm here, I will definitely try some of the other delicious specialty rolls that other Yelpers had posted in the Photo section.
(5)
Dale L.

We went here for dinner on a Saturday night and it was great. The sushi was fresh and the staff was good. Pricing is reasonable too. We were able to sit down right away but the place was full. I would imagine there would be a wait during the busy times. We will be back there soon.
(5)
Katie D.

Cute little place in the suburb of Schaumburg. After trying lots of sushi spots in the city this place lived up to my expectations. Price just right and service can't get better (if you are really hungry) Sushi lovers, a must go!!
(4)
Daniel S.

Sushi rolls were pretty tight, figuratively. They kinda fell apart after dipping it in soy sauce but they were still pretty good. The size of the "crazy roll" is crazy big since it has about four different fish in it, but try and dip that thing in some soy sauce without it falling apart. You can make a game out of it.
(4)
Danielle S.

We have a winner! I've never seen such a big sushi menu in my life. Their menu is separated by cooked maki, raw fish maki, nigiri, stir fries/other entrees. The organization makes it much easier to choose, and they do a great job of explaining what is in each meal/roll. We ordered 3 sushi rolls (maki), and that came with miso soup and endamamme. Everything was very delicious and fresh. You can also see the sushi being made (always makes me feel better when I can see them cooking/making my food). I looked around and everyone seemed to be enjoying their meals as well, hardly any plates were left with food on them! The service is very friendly and prompt. The atmosphere is very small and quaint (they could actually use more seating/a bigger place). It was packed very quickly, so the earlier you get there the better. It's hard to find GREAT sushi places - this is one of them!
(5)
Chicago G.

Everything tasted great. Only problem for me, the rolls were too big! I could not fit a piece in my mouth without really stretching my jaw. Sticky rice falling out of my mouth and sticking to my lips... Maybe next time I will sneak in a fork and knife to eat this extra large maki :)
(3)
Adam D.

FANTASTIC! It's located in a small strip mall so seating is tight, and it fills up fast on the weekends, but the Sushi is FRESH and delicious. My friends are kind of celebrities to those that run it so we are treated like kings... that being said, the service is spot on. They've been in business for years and they have a strong following of customers. It maybe time to expand into an actual building of their own.
(5)
Sahar A.

I absolutely love Sushi Ya. It's in a nondescript strip mall, and a very small establishment. I think there are 3 tables that seat two people, five that seat four people each, and one table that can seat up to eight. There is a small sushi bar area too. If you're going on a Friday or Saturday night I would certainly recommend calling for a reservation, they will not make a reservation for 2 or less people though. Your order of sushi comes with complimentary Miso Soup, the soup is simple and good, and generally very hot. The service here is very friendly, they have a bunch of ladies serving and assisting tables, and 2-3 sushi chefs at a time. Highlight Rolls: Fire Crunch - This is delicious it has a light crunch to it, a bunch of spicy tuna on top, and the pieces are bite size. Hellboy Roll - Omg, this is definitely in my top 2 favorite rolls here. The taste is so unique to Sushi Ya. The roll is generally HUGE though, so if you're shy about eating in public, I wouldn't recommend ordering this one -- it makes you look so silly while eating. White Dragon - a very simple, and not oversauced roll. The fish is the star in this one, and it shines bright! The delicious smoky taste is unexpected and yummy. Honorable Mentions - Dragon Roll, Crazy Maki, Dynamite Maki, and SushiYa Maki. They don't always have Mochi for dessert but it's great when they do. :) Their rolls are a reasonable price, I'm down to spend around $25 for quality sushi and leave stuffed. Overall, I love this place and am never disappointed. They're very friendly, they recognize you if you come in pretty often, and the chefs are super sweet if you sit at the bar and talk to them.
(5)
S K.

From the outside the place might look like a crapy little family restaurant and it is very tiny. Actually the first time I drove by the place, I decided not to go in because it is in a little strip mall that does not look so pleasing, so I assumed the food was bad. But do not be fooled by the looks, the sushi is great. Anytime I find myself in Schaumburg, this is where I go, it is also many times my reason for going to Schaumburg. Definitely one of my favorite Sushi Restaurants. They have the best spicy tuna roll I have ever had, and by far my favorite roll, not expensive either, about five bucks. Nice thing is you get free green tea, miso soup, and edamame. Rolls I highly recommend: Spicy Tuna/Salmon roll, Hawaiian Roll (amazing), Rainbow Roll, Fire Crunch Roll. I have tried other rolls, which were good, but these are my favorite, and I almost get them every time.
(5)
A J.

I have never had something that I didn't like here!! The Schaumburg Maki is one of my faves. The Salmon (another fave) is always fresh & tender. Yes, it's a very small place, and gets very crowded. We often get a ton of suhi & bring it home since we live close by. Sushi Ya - YUM!!!!
(5)
Ino S.

Great place to eat. Staff is very friendly and food is beyond great. Fresh and tasty.
(4)
Amy T.

I don't get it, and why everyone loves this place. It was very very average to me, and I'm a sushi aficionado. They use fake crabmeat like everyone else, and the rolls I ordered were not that fresh or big. Spider rolls typically have REAL fried soft shelled crab, so I ordered that to avoid the fake crab I saw at the sushi bar. The crab in my spider roll was also not freshly fried or made, and the raw fish didn't taste any worse or better than any average place. I ended up paying quite a bit for three mediocre rolls. I really hate seeing fake crabmeat at every sushi restaurant, but I guess this is Schaumburg, and fine sushi is somewhat of a rarity in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. The crowd there in such a small place had a bad atmosphere too, which I don't normally mind if the food is great, but this was not the case. The server was nice, so thee stars.
(3)
J J.

Best sushi place hands down- HUGE portions. We are so amazed that it's the first time we got so full by only three maki rolls. Highly recommend the spicy crunchy and the hell boy. They are crunchy and simply amazing. The hell boy roll is a beast- I can barely fit one sushi in my mouth. Great place- def our fav in Schaumburg area.
(5)
Jignesh P.

One word! Best sushi and best service!
(5)
Kevin G.

I really wanted to give this place only four stars but I couldn't think of anything that is bad about it. So I say five stars. Clean restaurant, very nice and attentive service. not overly decorated with gaudy Asian art. Decent contemporary music. Ordered gyoza, four pieces salmon sushi, Sashimi special something & Lunch Bento special. Edamame came out first, perfectly salted and warmed up. Wife had sashimi special and said it was just perfect with the amount daikon underneath. Gyoza is the best I have ever eatan at any restaurant ever. Ugh! I should got some to take home. Salmon sushi pieces were VERY fresh and served beatifully. Lunch Bento, This is where it gets interesting. This is the first time I have seen a restaurant serve a fusion of Korean and Japanese food on one plate and hit it perfectly. Seriously! Even the piece of Chicken breast was moist and served with a tasty sauce. Tempura was a hit. Kalbi Woah Momma! Octopus Salad - Oh Yeah! If you are in the area just go, you won't regret it.
(5)
Pari P.

Tired of overpriced sushi? Sushi Ya is a small Japanese restaurant located in a strip mall by downtown Schaumburg that can remedy your problem. Luckily for me, they are located within walking distance from my home. The sushi itself is done with quality and care without the gimmicks. They have some creative rolls but I appreciate that they don't go overboard with sauces or weird combinations. It's sushi done right where you can actually taste the fish. Sounds simple but there are so many other sushi restaurants that can't get it right. For the quality, you would be expecting to pay more. For all the spicy tuna lovers, order the Hulk roll. It's basically a supersized version of a regular spicy tuna roll. For the non-sushi fans, there have several entrÃ©s that will have you coming back for more such as the beef udon, teriyaki beef stir fried with rice noodles. The place is small so make sure to get there before it gets busy. Otherwise, you may end up having to wait awhile to be seated.
(4)
Lori B.

I love love love this place! It's a random location so I hope more people find this place to keep it in business. Anything on the menu is good but my personal faves are the avocado torch maki and shrimp tempura crunch maki. Hands down, best sushi spot in the suburbs.
(5)
Shawn G.

Not what I expected... but I was VERY pleased! First, LOCATION: only 1 star!! But since we're accustom to some quite memorable experiences in some not so desirable locations (Ginza of Tokyo (The Dells), Iron Horse (Milwaukee), etc...) we didn't let that stop us... and we were RIGHT again! Next... we were there for Valentine's Day. Needless to say, there was a wait. CONVENIENCE: The people two couples ahead of us left after hearing there was an HOUR wait... we mentioned our 7:30p reservation and were seated within 5 minutes (note: PLEASE make reservations). The MENU... quite extensive and DELICIOUS. SERVICE was quick, friendly, knowledgeable and attentive, even on such a busy night. Dynamite Maki - DYN-O-MITE!! Avacado Torch Roll - Delish!!! Crazy Philly Maki - YUMMY... but VERY hot when brought to the table... be careful :) Spider Maki - good, but not my favorite We WILL be back, soon!!
(5)
Kejia Y.

We go here a lot. Most sushi are good except some fried ones. Udon is a disappointment. Never tried bentos yet. I guess this place is called Sushi Ya for a reason, so I will keep ordering sushi here.
(4)
Michele S.

I'm not really sure why people like this place. The food was average, and the service atrocious. The prices were reasonable, but so are the prices at many other sushi places within close proximity. The miso soup was actually rather gross. It had an odd underlying taste to it. It was something I wasn't familiar with and cannot accurately describe other than to say it didn't taste fresh. The rolls were pretty good, but not the best I've ever had. There were two of us in our party, and the waitress seemed annoyed that we ordered 4 rolls. "That's too much.", she said. Really? I know we are both overweight, but how about you just put the order in and let us worry about that. With so many decent sushi places cropping up, I see no need to go back to this establishment in the future.
(2)
Ron S.

Just got back from a lunch feast at Sushi Ya and they just earned their 5th star. My wife and I decided to branch out from the usual sushi and sashimi that we usually order and try some new things. Here's the rundown: Calamari Tempura - The most delicate calamari with the lightest batter that I have ever had. I know lots of people order Calamari in Italian restaurants but you have to try Calamari Tempura! Salmon Teriyaki - Prepared in a teriyaki sauce that my wife loved. She mentioned how most teriyaki preparations come across so salty. But not this one. Accompanied by stir-fry vegetables. 8 - piece Sushi Platter - Wonderful assortment of sashimi and California roll. (They actually gave me 9 pieces -- so nice!) Vegetable Fried Rice - Yeah, I know pretty boring selection but they prepare it so light and fluffy - not greasy at all. Don't forget that you get Miso soup and edamame. Cost for all of the above = just under $45. Great food at a great price!
(5)
Ania W.

looove the sushi!!!
(4)
Bryant H.

I took my girlfriend here for Valentines Day. The service here is very quick and friendly. Of course everyone here had the same idea celebrating valentines over sushi so the place was packed. Luckily the waitress placed us at the sushi bar away from the chaos. We had a nice view spectating the sushi chefs as they make our orders. I praise the waitresses for all their hardwork with the restaurant at full capacity and still managing to refill our waters & billing me a check without having to wait a long period of time due to being so busy. I loved the complimentary miso soup & the steamed peas. I try not to fill up on it & save room for the main course. Will be coming back here often 5 stars
(5)
Liz L.

I must be the only person who was not impressed by this place as much as everyone else was. Good: -We were seated right away -Service was friendly Not good but not horrible: -It isn't necessarily bad but I thought it would be bigger...I felt a little cramped I was almost sitting at someone else's table. -None of the sushi was that memorable, where I would say to myself wow I am going to come back and order that again. Or that I was going to come back at all. For me personally I would say if a group of my friends were wanting to come here for sushi I would go but I wouldn't tell people that this was a need to go to place. Or that I would pick this place to go for sushi.
(3)
Jess K.

This little sushi secret is amazing. I wish less people knew about it so that the wait would be shorter. I have come back over and over never to be disappointed. I love their turtle roll. In the winter the only thing is that it's a little cold by the windows, but order some hot sake and that will warm you right up.
(5)
Lauren B.

Most of the reviews on this place seem a little overly generous. The place only seats about 25 people. We ordered california rolls, Ontario roll (a Cali roll with cooked salmon-eh OK plain), dragon roll (Cali roll with eel - super disappointing! Not done the way a good dragon roll should be, the eel was OK but didnt habe thay bbq taste) and we also did a Hawain roll which actually was really good. It was nice that they paced the rolls out so we never waited once we finished one roll the next one came out. Last thing...the place was also freezing cold (ladies bring a sweater) .
(2)
Elena E.

There spicy tuna and spicy salmon maki was very good. What I really hated was their water... I don't know if they have some weird system or something but it had a very strange taste to it which made it unpleasant to drink. And their service was slow... We had to wait for them to do our whole check process for quite awhile when we had given her a card right away... Foods good, service is a little lacking, and their water sucked which completely killed it for me and my boyfriend.
(3)
Kit A.

My girl friend dragged me all the way from Rosemont to Schaumburg for some sushi. The 30+ minute drive was almost worth the delicious sushi, however the only let down was the service. There were only 2 women working all 10 tables and we had to wait for quite some time to get our food and then again to get our check... I'll give them the benefit of the doubt though, they were extremely busy for a Tuesday night! Definitely will try this place out again if I'm in the area!
(4)
Michelle M.

Sushi Ya is one of my very favorite suburban sushi places! I have to thank my parents for bringing me here the first time. It's so yummy! They have a lot of delicious specialty rolls- I agree with Andrew J., who raved about the avocado torch roll. It's really good! There's also a sunset roll that I enjoy, and a bunch of other things. Their spicy tuna is tasty and the plain fish is really fresh and good. They also give you miso soup and edamame to start off your meal and fresh fruit for dessert. You won't need an appetizer, but if you want one, the agedashi tofu is really good. Aside from the awesome food, the staff are really friendly and sweet. They always greet you warmly at the door; they bring a plate of fruit to people waiting for takeout orders; when I came with my parents around Christmas, they gave every table a bottle of sake as a gift. I think I will have to pay a visit to my parents in Schaumburg next week... and maybe sneak in a trip to Sushi Ya, too. ;)
(5)
Eugene K.

The Good: Probably the best piece of Hamachi I've eaten in Chicago! Service was fast and friendly. Plenty of regulars coming in and out, the owners know them by name and this is a very good thing! Free edamame and miso soup! The Bad: The sushi rice was a bit too sweet for me. Also aside from the nigiri/sashimi I didn't really care for the rolls. The Ugly: Please please please do not play hip hop music at a Japanese restaurant. It's just so damn confusing since this is not a posh/trendy place to dine for young socialites. You don't carry toro or and had no uni? I understand it's a cost issue with supplying the more expensive options. When I give this place three stars, I'm comparing it for what it is. No Sushi restaurant in Chicago warrants 5 stars. Sakura, Tsu Kasa, Tank, and a few others warrant 4 stars. For always consistently having excellent fish, rice, variety. Other than that, I have a great dining experience and would go again if it were closer to me. I was passing by the area and went in based on good reviews. Of most cuisines I probably judge sushi with an iron fist because I know it very well. Again their hamachi was pretty good for being the mid west, they must have an excellent supplier that either flew it in overnight on ice or they have better access to the frozen fish selection. If you're new to sushi or a veteran and have never tried Sushi Ya, don't be afraid, you won't be disappointed!
(3)
B H.

We went for date night and now want to go back every night. I can see why this place has such high reviews - the food is DELICIOUS. From the complimentary edamame (cooked to perfection) and miso soup (not overly salty or miso-y if you catch my drift) to the maki and yaki udon, Sushi Ya delivers a quality product. What we ordered: Beef with Asparagus Rolls - so good, and that sauce! Yum. Yaki Udon with Beef - everything had that wonderful brown flavor you get from a well seasoned wok. We almost killed the whole plate. Philadelphia Maki - beautiful fresh salmon and avocado, plus how can you go wrong with cream cheese? Hawaiian Maki - in one word, GINORMOUS. In four words, GET IN MAH BELLY! (Also, the tempura crunch was nice and crunchy, the spicy tuna was amazing and avocado with mayo was so creamy. A+, really) California Salad Maki - nice twist on the typical California Roll. The krab was made into krab salad with mayo and seasoning before it was put in the roll with avocado and cucumber. Sweet and tasty. All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone I came in contact with. The price was right, the staff was very polite and welcoming and we can't wait to go back. Don't listen to the one guy who gave it a bad review. He apparently only likes fried chicken and bar food, so you wouldn't even want a recommendation from him about a sushi place anyway.
(5)
Vijay S.

I went to the restaurant based on the rating andwas surely not disappointed. I have given it 5 stars. For a Tuesday this place was packed and had people waiting outside. Very cozy and lively atmosphere. The Sushi pieces were larger than other places. The Sushi quality was top shelf and was fresh. Looking forward to returning back soon.
(5)
D'Arcy L.

I came here after reading the reviews and had an excellent meal. First to start off was the gomae which ranks up there as one of the tastiest I've eaten. Very generous with the dressing. Then I ordered 3 rolls which came out very tasty and excellent in size. The restaurant was quite busy when I came at 7PM. I was talking to a local who was enjoying sake at the sushi bar (in front of the chefs) and he said it is getting busier each time he comes. Took around 20 min for my food to come out but well worth the wait!
(4)
Kris D.

I don't know how this place gets such high reviews. I've tried this place twice and the sushi tasted unfresh. They seem to specialize in mayonnaise sauces to cover the taste.
(2)
Jennifer T.

I went here for a friend's birthday party back in March 2011. The place was nicely lit and decorated though it runs a little bit small. The service was friendly and they have a variety of rolls on their menu. Overall, the price was OK, not so cheap but it came out with very great presentation. I tried the "Dynamite Maki" as an entree which was probably my favorite. It was very flavorful and good and had about 6 pieces. The other dish was an appetizer called "Golden Mussels" which was basically mussels baked in a bit of a cheese-mayo filling sauce. It was good but tasted a bit salty and came with 4 mussels. It's safe to say that the portion aren't very generous but the food was tasty as it should be. I would visit again but just not too often as my wallet probably won't be able afford it.
(3)
Jennifer M.

Sushi Ya is a strong contender for becomiing my first choice place to have sushi in the NW Suburbs. I have to admit, this is a huge compliment for the Korean Sushi Chef, Joe Kim. I've always been prejudicial about who prepares my native cuisine and this Korean owned Japanese restaurant does a great job! The quality of their nigiri sushi rivals any other restaurant who offers it on their menu. The fact you get 2 pieces of nigiri sushi for the price of ordering just 1 piece elsewhere, means you don't leave dissatisfield and hungry for something more substantial. A plate of edamame, miso soup and watermelon slices are also included. About the service, it's been consistently good. We've only been here a handful of times but they're quick to remember us; at least that's the impression I get. Tonight, I was taken aback when our waitress asked me if I was Korean when I said something in Japanese. Huh?
(4)
Nari H.

We came with a larger group (10+) of ladies on a Sunday night and had a very good time. We took up half the restaurant since this place is pretty tiny, but prices are decent and roll sizes are good. I'd recommend two things: 1) Try their Hawaiian Roll. Pretty good. :) 2) If you make reservations, call twice. Once to make the reservation, and a second time on the day of to confirm. This was helpful and they had their table ready for us. I wouldn't bring more than 20 people here unless you want to rent out the entire place. It's not super big.
(4)
Taylor M.

Ya I want SUSHI YA! I think it should be called sushi YUM! This was hands down the best and most affordable sushi I have had in the Chicagoland area... The service is top notch. Everyone is super friendly. They great you as you walk in and leave. They us free free miso soup and edemame with our order. The miso soup was yummy... not the watered down type that you typically find at restaurants. The edemame was warm, but could have use a little more salt (but I am a salt freak). We had the crab balls for an appetizer... although it came in the middle of our meal, which is cool cause I would rather get my food right away when different parts are ready. They were amazing... I would say my favorite dish of the night... but everything was amazing! For sushi we had the white dragon (my boyfriends favorite of the night), Ontario roll, Crazy Philli Roll (my favorite of the night... deep fried) and spicy tuna. All of the rolls were fantastic. We concluded our meal with Green Tea mochi which was delicious. The sushi chefs were talkative and gave us recommendations and the servers were on their A-game. My water was constantly being refilled and plates cleared right away. The bathrooms were very clean.. this is always a huge concern for me. I feel like the bathroom cleanliness depicts the overall cleanliness of a place. I will definitely come back here. This is my new favorite sushi place. I don't even mind the drive! The food was better than other sushi places I have been too and for a fraction of the price!
(5)
Mike B.

The hidden gem of sushi my sisters had to drag me out
(5)
Suvondal E.

This was my first time here and I will be back. The service was friendly and the food was great. They give you a fair amount of food for your money. Even though there are other Sushi restaurants in the area at lower cost I will definitely come back here!
(4)
Bob C.

First - service was far better than described by many. No complaints at all. Nice appearance and atmosphere. Sushi was tasty but very sloppy. The rolls fell apart, you needed a fork. It was if they were just pushing the food out to turn the tables. Would not return.
(2)
Alex B.

Food is excellent, fresh delicious sushi. Nice atmosphere on the inside, small and quiet. Wait staff is very attentive, food came quickly and was presented beautifully. Will definitely be coming back here in the future.
(5)
Emma O.

Such delicious and fresh sushi. Love the free edamame appetizer! I am not a big roll person. I just stick to sushi or sashimi. So the waitress suggested the Salmon Chirashi. sp??? OMG delicious. AND SO MUCH FOOD. AND ONLY LIKE 15 bucks?!?!?!? Wish this place was closer to my house or work cause I would be here like every other day. Went on a wednesday at like 9 pm. Nice and quiet. The place is very small so I could imagine a Friday or Saturday would be a long wait. Nom nom nom
(4)
Hannah D.

I was raised in the NW suburbs of Chicago. That was my excuse for never having experienced sushi till moving to the city. Sorry current NW suburbanites, you do not have that excuse anymore. You can thank Sushi.....Ya! A cute lil place nestled in a strip mall. We went kinda early on a Saturday and had no problem getting a nice corner table where we could OS (over-sushi) as much as we wanted without being judged. One thing we did notice was that it was very child-friendly. Did I feel inferior to them because they had better chopstick dexterity than I did? Yes. That was until I noticed that they had lil "training wheels" connecting them at the top to aid their lil paws in getting their food. Damn, where was this place when I was 3? The eel stood out as being extra yummy, as we realized we ordered two rolls that involved it. It was a tasty mistake. I also especially liked whatever mayo-esque creation of sauce they put on their crunch roll. The service was attentive and friendly and ended our meal with two cute pieces of watermelon. Note: Check out the wall art on your way to the bathroom. Particularly the one on the right. Tee hee hee.
(5)
Aga O.

I am completely in love with this place! I come here about twice a week. The sushi here is so fresh, I recommend the avocado torch and sunset maki. I've never been a fan of tuna until I tried it here. Their spicy tuna is out of this world! Delicious! In addition, the service is just spectacular, they are extremely friendly; every single employee will greet you walking in and on your way out. All their sushi orders come with miso soup and steamed edamame soybeans. The restaurant is particularly small so if you come in during rush hour I guarantee the wait will be worth it! I have dined at many sushi restaurants and this one tops them all with their sushi quality and service.
(5)
Ann B.

Hands down one of my favourite sushi spots! The selection of sushi, the taste, and the presentation were phenomenal! I was really happy with all of the 5 kinds of rolls we ordered and wished we had room for more. The only con is that it's very small and can get really crowded inside. It's best to go on a non-peak time. Even considering that, we adore this place.
(5)
Annie L.

Sushi ya fits the bill for Japanese food with fresh ingredients, amazing service, and a comfortable atmosphere. Some suggestions: 1. White dragon maki: crab, cucumber, and avacado roll with seared tuna and chili oil on top. 2. Red dragon maki: spicy crab roll with tuna and red tobiko on top. 3. Chicken teriyaki lunch special. I was impressed with the grilled vegetables and overall portions. The older hostess/waitress is my favorite. :)
(5)
Yane Y.

The suggestions that came from the server was: Avocado Crunch Roll (most popular) and Fire Crunch Roll (2nd popular) roll. We got the fire crunch roll, which was awesome. Wow. My friend who does not like tuna and raw stuff, loved it! Honestly, I don't like raw sushi either (sashimi is just not tasty for me. the texture just freaks me out!). Anyway, the taste of the tuna on the fire crunch roll was awesome. It had some sesame oil and who knows what else. Alls I can say is..that it was good. Anybody for some fire crunch roll? Yes, please! I think I will go back for some more... plus I'll give that avocado crunch roll a chance!
(4)
T N.

Second week in a row at Sushi Ya. We found this place on Yelp after a show and were very hungry. This place does not disappoint. Great rolls, very fresh fish. The goyza is melt in your mouth delicious. Last week we loaded up on rolls. This week sashimi. Come early because it is small and fills up fast. The service is sporadic. I had to cancel an item because the sushi bar was backed up. we found our new suburban sushi restaurant.
(4)
Mary F.

The portions are great for a sushi place! The fish was very fresh and the staff was friendly and very attentive to our needs during the whole experience. Overall, Sushi Ya is a great place to stop in and enjoy good sushi!
(4)
Christine R.

The food here is always fresh! My son wanted to go for his birthday. We had a reservation. Our order consisted of some tempura and fried rice for the kids, bento box for the hubby and 3 rolls for me. Everyone got their food but my rolls never came...as everyone is finishing their good and I am feeling lost I finally get the attention of a waitress. Mentioned I was waiting for my rolls....the looks I received, you would have thought I was trying to rob them! But my little plates and chopsticks were unused! After another 15 minutes the rolls came. Everyone now sat and watched me eat. Ordered and extra coke and the had the guts to adjust the bill and the $1 for the darn coke after forgetting half our order and treating me like a thief! Love the food but have not been back since!
(2)
Sylvia S.

Great sushi, friendly staff, always worth the wait! Our favorites: Spicy Salmon, White Dragon, Philadelphia, Alaskan Crazy and the fried rice is fresh and light!
(5)
Anya C.

good food. a bit Americanize though
(4)
Phil S.

We came on an obscure weekday night but the place was packed at dinner time. They split up a longer table for us so we didn't have to wait. So far, so good. I notice they're speaking Korean and think to myself... great another Korean owned Japanese restaurant. Round eyes may not understand it so try imagining Chinese people running a French bistro. Korean and Japanese fare is that different, if you haven't noticed. Service was friendly but everything came out in the wrong order. Items that took a shorter time to make came out really really early while we waited for our appetizer to come out in the middle of our regular meal. Really? I don't care how busy you are, it is your responsibility to time the orders so that everything comes out in a reasonably organized manner. I should've known not to push my luck after that but we decided to finish off with a bowl of udon noodles.... what a huge mistake. The noodles tasted fine but the tempura came out AFTER we were done eating the noodles!!! Wow, just wow. We had enough at that point and had spent a decent buck on beer while waiting for items to come out throughout the meal so we asked for the check and then was promptly forgotten for a good 10 minutes. I had to flag someone else down and a little while later our original waitress brought our check. I guess they knew they messed up because all the way at the end after we paid and was right about to get up, an older woman who was probably a manager or owner asked if we spoke Korean. I replied in Korean and then she proceeded to half-ass apologize by giving me excuses for the crap service we had just experienced for the first time. Seeing no need to cause any drama since we were headed out the door anyways I brushed it off and left. I know a lot of you elite like this place but if you eat anything beyond the roll menu then you'll quickly realize that there is nothing really that great about this place. They have all the gimicky rolls that a typical round-eye loves so they get attention for being a few bucks cheaper. Gimmie a break, folks. Try other sushi restaurants first before you give such raving reviews.
(1)
Danielle B.

Ok, we tried again this past Saturday night and the service was much better! They had more people so that helped. I still got my sushi about 15 minutes after my husband got his (maybe I order complicated rolls? IDK?), but the sushi is fantastic and we'll be back!
(4)
Cynthia F.

I was honestly not in the mood for sushi but this place instantly changed my mind. The staff here is amazing. They were attentive and courteous. And the food: flawless. We ordered the Diablo Maki and the Tiger Maki along with a cucumber roll. As if our night couldn't have gotten better, we watched the staff handle an irrationally upset customer with total grace. All in all I can't recommend any place else for sushi. Go there. NOW
(5)
Jose L.

Sushi Ya is a great sushi joint. Prices are not bad, you get alot of bang for your buck and they don't skimp on quality. Service was great and fast. The waitresses are very accommodating. Go try this place out and order the rainbow roll, it is much better than the surrounding competition. You won't regret it. Don't listen to the bad reviews they are crazy. I have been to many restaurants by far this is the best one in the area.
(5)
Eliana C.

My new fave sushi spot! I've been to many different sushi restaurants but this one is definitively the best for the value. I've had their special roll, the "sushi ya" and it's delicious! My bf loves the godzilla roll. Pros: free miso soup and edamame when you dine in, decent prices, clean & friendly atmosphere. Cons: It's tiny! Try to avoid it on the weekends near dinner time, you may have to wait a long time for a seat. We usually eat there either around 4:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
(5)
Anastacia B.

There's a difference between attentive service.... and pushy service. This was pushy to the max. Wow was the pressure on to know what we wanted without even opening the menu. Interesting that there were plenty of open tables and no one waiting...at the end of the meal the "manager" lady even came over opened the bill fold and snapped it shut when she saw there was no form of payment yet. Yikes! Yet their miso soup is most likely the BEST miso soup I've ever had. I am not a big fan of it , but I couldn't get enough of this. It is included with your meal. The menu is vast and we decided to stick with sushi. Thankfully we only ordered 2 rolls because when they arrived they were GIANT. As in super awkward to eat because the pieces were at least 3 inches in diameter. So while yes it's super tasty it's a complete mess to eat. I abandoned my chopsticks and ended up just using my hands. So yeah if you're jonesing for sushi and are in the area it's fine but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
(3)
Becky S.

Have you ever been asked to leave a restaurant before because they needed your table for other patrons? Yeah, this had never happened to me before either until this past Saturday night at Sushi Ya. Seriously?!? I'm not sure I've ever experienced such rushed, inattentive, and rude customer service at a restaurant before. Yes, this a small place and it was Saturday night but I swear it was like they were trying to kick us out of here from the moment we sat down.They tried to take our food away multiple times before we were done eating and to take our bill away before we even had a chance to whip out our wallets. The icing on the cake came when they literally asked us to leave because they needed our table. Wow. We had been there just over an hour. It wasn't like we were lingering there for 2-3 hours. I wouldn't be able to recommend this rude restaurant to anyone. On a side note, their sushi rolls were decent.
(2)
Donna R.

Decided to check out this highly rated sushi joint on Christmas Eve Eve with the bf and we were super pleased. Just as others have stated everyone greets you at the door and all of the waitresses checked on us during the meal. The only downfall was that they forgot about our diet cokes, but meh, it happens. We go the dynamite roll, the hurricane roll, and a spicy tuna roll. All of them were just wonderful, especially the hurricane! It was gigantic and had this fantastic wasabi mayo or something on the top--I highly recommend it. And the miso and the edemame in the beginning were a nice touch. Our meal was SUPER cheap, $29 for three rolls, soda, and free soup?!? You can't beat that. The place just kept on getting busier and busier throughout the night, so you know they are doing something right!!
(4)
Ashley H.

Great service, fresh and awesome tasting sushi. Don't let the strip mall location scare you, this place is great!
(5)
Somchai S.

What a gem this place is. My friend and I stopped in early Saturday night for dinner. The place is tiny but the service is extremely friendly and ATTENTIVE! We ordered a variety of cooked rolls and they were delicious. The only thing I wasnt a fan of was their green mussels. The mussels were drenched in soooo much sauce.
(4)
Tracy L.

for a sushi place in schaumburg, it's not that bad. Decent prices. Our favorites are the Diablo and the Hellboy since they have the scallops ontop...mmm...they're similar flavors but I think I like the Diablo better because the inside is shrimp tempura. Bf cannot get over their steak teriyaki. loves it like crazy. all his favorite vegetables, the grilled onion and zucchini...i'm sure there's another one in there i forgot. everything's sprinkled with seasame seeds and the rice is sticky. I have to admit, it's delish! and the dinner portions are enough to feed 2 people. Bento box is HUGE. salad, sushi, chicken AND "steak" (which is the ribeye) teriyakis, and tempura? dang. fatty. miso soup, nothing special. just more on the watery side than anything else.
(4)
Sharon P.

Is it the best sushi? No, but after dropping in here a few more times and ordering some take out, I honestly can say the staff is super friendly, and the sushi is very well priced. In the end - it's my go-to sushi place around the area. And I take back my original review, for a better 4/5 score.
(4)
Nisha P.

Delicious!! I am a vegetarian and it is very important to find a place that has vegetarian sushi options. There avocado rolls, sweet potato rolls and garden rolls are off the hook. I am definitely going back as soon as I can. My boyfriend loved this place too. Good dinner times!
(4)
DAN D.

I wanted to give Sushi ya 5 stars really bad.. but I just couldn't.... The main reason is because every time I'm there they're out of something. First they ran out of rice, then tuna, etc... I LOVE their food so don't get me wrong, I just think it's a bit silly that a sushi place runs out of rice. I'd have a hard time rating Oberweiss a 5 if they ran out of milk or ice cream. That being said this is about the only sushi place I'll go now. There food is beyond amazing, the staff is fantastic, and the prices are reasonable.
(4)
Dave P.

Can't believe I passed this sushi place up so many times while I attended school in Schaumburg, but I have finally stepped in. I believe I had my favorite sushi place nailed down, but this might be my new favorite. The sushi selection is by far one of the best, and they even had variations, such as the "deluxe california roll" that put a little twist on regular sushi. Service was great, and the wait for food wasn't very long at all. I tried the deluxe cali roll and the sushi-ya roll, both of which were delicious, and had great presentations. All of the rolls were very reasonably priced as well. I haven't tried the other asian dishes, so this review is based strictly on sushi, but either way you should stop in here.
(5)
Mark K.

I like this place very much. My fiancee and I have been here three times and ordered out once. Every time the rolls are fantastic. We usually get a couple California and Philadelphia rolls and I'll get some Nigiri. Everything is good and my fiance says the edamame is good, as well. The staff is so friendly. They seem to know a lot of their customers and even the sushi chefs say hi to people and are friendly. I would highly recommend this place. Especially, because the price is so reasonable. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Pete C.

One of the best sushi houses in the area Will go back again and again you will not be disappointed. with precision,artistry and the best ingredients these Sushi Chefs create some of the BEST sushi in town.
(5)
Nicole M.

It pains me to do this but I need to drop a star from sushi ya! I went there 7:50pm last Friday and we were seated by the bar about 5 mins after we walked in. We ordered our food right away and sat and sat and waited and waited and waited. I noticed the people around us had been there before us and were still waiting on their food. I think it was 9:10 and we finally got part of our sushi order and it was so sloppy looking and falling apart. The sushi it self was still good. They must have been short handed that night or something. Because waiting over an hour to get sushi is unacceptable to me. The Ladies that work there are nice and you could tell they felt bad. But I was a little upset when I saw others getting a free salad while they waited and we didn't. What the junk, I'm hungry too!
(3)
Prateek S.

My fav spot for sushi and sashimi!! The salmon and tuna nigiri and sashimi are always outstanding - fresh and delicious. Servers are attentive and friendly. I recently ate at a Japanese restaurant in Oahu and Sushi Ya is comparable if not better. Fire cracker, dragon and hawaiian rolls are yummmm.
(5)
Jonathan A.

We were immediately greeted by a waiter who sat us down. He didn't know what sake was available but he went to find out. He was new and it showed. We received our aladin bottle of sake (stay away) as he dropped off a menu and a paper for ordering. It took 5 minutes before getting a pen and 15 minutes before the sake glasses and water glasses arrived. In short, the service needs work. The food was ok. The Goma ae didn't taste like sesame but the spinach was boiled well. The edamame and miso soup were free, not sure if this is because we complained so much. The kani-su was lackluster but the soft-shell crab was cooked very well. The handrolls (spicy scallop and spicy tuna) were very good. I was a moron for ordering king crab in July; it was flavorless. The rice here is sweeter and nit as sticky as Japanese rice. The scallop nigiri was good and the ama ebi was great.
(3)
kim c.

Ok, I'm not an expert on sushi, but I really love it here! My favorite? The fire-crunch Maki Roll! The place is small, but comfortable, and I have always had a good experience here. Only thing that I wish is that they had full bar service.
(5)
Frank A.

So I've been feeling like having Japanese lately. Unfortunately, I didn't know where to go in the burbs. Enter Yelp! So I narrowed it down to 2 places on a Friday after work. Sushi Ya and Karumaya (I'll hit this place up next time...) Since I was near Sushi Ya, I decided to give it a try. Cute place! Upon entering, you'll be greeted in Japanese, nice touch. The dining are is small, but cute. You'll notice a sushi bar in the far left corner. We made it before the dinner rush but before long, it got pretty busy. The menus are really cute. It is sort of thick, like a hard cover book. The menu is fairly large. We ended up ordering the shrimp and veggie tempura, spicy tuna, salmon, alaskan crab and california roll (fried). We also ordered a short rib plate, which came with rice and veggies. We also had some hot Sake. Overall, I liked the sushi. There were generous portions of fish, which was really good. The tempura was super crispy and tasty. The short rib was seasoned well. As usual, we each had a bowl of miso soup. What was really cool was that we were served cold beans. I don't know what they're called but I grew up eating these, so I refer to them as grandma beans! YUM! We ended up paying around 50 for 4 kinds of sushi, dinner entre, appetizer and sake which wasn't bad. Overall, a really nice place close to work and pretty decent Japanese. I'll definitely hit this place up again!
(4)
Joe I.

"An overflowing bounty of mediocre fish" is the best description I can come up with for the Chirashi I had at lunch today. The yellow tail did not taste like any yellow tail I have ever had before. One of my friends got a bento box that looked good, and another got some rolls that looked great! Next time I'll try a roll or two.
(3)
Rachel B.

Best sushi place in the burbs hands down. This place is amazing. The staff is super friendly, their sushi is always great, and it is VERY reasonably priced. I will go to this place again and again. I refuse to eat anywhere else for sushi. Must try their dragon roll if you like spicy food! It is awesome! It is always super busy in there but they always get you seated really fast.
(5)
tatiana c.

My dad took me here for a birthday dinner last night. I was skeptical at first, given that I live in the Gold Coast and am used to fancier places than a strip mall sushi bar/Japanese restaurant. Unfortunately, most of our suburban outings have left me unhappy.....But since my dad swore he found a good place, I took his word. I was pleasantly surprised! Sushi Ya was awesome!!!! Our server was super friendly and our food came out quickly. I ordered a few rolls while my dad ordered a noodle dish. Delicious! The rolls were nice, but the noodle dish made me happy. I ordered the same to go and ate it tonight for dinner. It's a shame that in my neighborhood, we can't have a place as good as Sushi Ya. Many of the upscale sushi and Japanese places in the city are more about appearance than good food. We will definitely be back and I have already told friends who live in the Schaumburg area that they have to check Sushi Ya out for dinner.
(5)
Amelia I.

Went here on New Years Eve and they were super busy! We waited maybe ten minutes before we got a table. Everyone looked pretty happy with their sushi and maki so I thought it must be good right? We were given soup and edamame right away while we looked through the menu. This is only the second time for me eating sushi so I was still a bit nervous. We went with the crunchy shrimp tempura roll, their signature sushiya roll, spider roll, and something with white tuna for my friend. The cooked rolls were amazing! And I pretty much ordered a second roll of the shrimp tempura for myself :)) I dont get how people are complaining about the staff being pushy. They were all super nice and around exactly when I needed them. Its like they knew I wanted more shrimp tempura and instantly asked if I wanted more! Yes Please!!! My friend said the raw rolls were good too, though I didn't try them but they did look fresh. I wanted to come back the next day! I will be back for sure, though it was a bit pricey. For five rolls it was around $50 bucks plus a tip. I wouldn't say I left super full to justify spending that much money. But it was good so I can't complain too much. You get what you pay for here! Recommend it to all the sushi fans in the area!!!
(4)
Gail G.

This rating is going strictly on the "Meh. I've experience better" choice. This place is very close to my house so I walked in and placed an order to-go. I was suprised at how small the entire dining room was. The lady offered me some water while I waited for my order, which was nice. I ordered a shrimp tempura roll, an order of maguro nigiri, an order of salmon nigiri, and a rainbow roll. Everything was so-so. Their to-go soy sauce is given in a small, round container instead of packets. Their soy sauce was not fresh at all! It seemed like it was years and years old! (I'm half Japanese so I know what soy sauce looks like when it goes stale and should be thrown out. It turns very dark and stains/leaves a dark film on the clear containers they're in.) When I showed my mom (the Japanese parent) the containers of soy sauce, she was appauled and I had a pretty good laugh. She tasted the sushi too and didn't think the fish was fresh. I had to agree. At the risk of sounding ethnocentric, I have to say that this place is Korean-owned and operated. That might not be important to Americanized tastebuds, but for people who have been to Japan, lived in Japan, and/or grew up eating authentic Japanese food, this is very important. Often when speaking to other Japanese about Japanese restaurants in the area, one of the first questions one asks is if it's Japanese-owned or not; it's THAT important. I mean, come on... "U Dong" noodles?? Seeing that on a menu is a bad sign. A very, very bad sign. From now on, I'll stick to Daruma and Kuruma-ya if I want Japanese food.
(2)
John M.

Good food. Pricey but good. Strange characters in there though. Went in there right before they switched to Dinner menu. Didnt tell us anything, just said we are closed! with a packed house? all the customers in the store and the staff jsut stared at us, looking as if we were holding up the place! We waited two minutes for an explanation and had to ask what was going on? We finally figured it out on our own. So anyways the moral of the story is... they have a two hour lunch dinner switchover where they're closed for a couple hours and the staff are social fretadas.
(2)
Don B.

I've seen this place for years, but never stopped in. I finally went on a recent Sunday night. They don't open until 4 PM, but it was perfect timing as I was in the area. We were greeted immediately by one of the waitresses. The interior is very small, but has a good amount of tables. The waitress brought over the menu and the search began. After 1 minute of looking, the waitress was back and asked if we were ready. I said "not yet"; she walked away as if I did something wrong. She then brought my water 2 minutes later and asked if I was ready to order again...not yet. 3 minutes later, she's back...this time, I was ready. Pretty intense waitressing in this place. Miso soup and edamame came out complimentary which was nice. The sushi came out in waves, not all at once. Everything was prepared perfectly with big pieces of fish. The Fire Crunch roll was awesome, but was huge...too big for one bite for most normal sized humans. There were some good choices on the menu and I'm not going to go through all, but everything tasted great. The one thing that didn't taste great was the water. It tasted like I was drinking a mushroom....what the hell!? Green tea also had a strange flavor...kind of like hot farts and mushrooms. I don't know what the deal was with the drinks. Otherwise, this place is good. Waitresses were kind of cold at first, but warmed up as the meal went on. One was even dancing to the music that was playing while filling up my mushroom water. Check this place out if you're in the area.
(4)
Meghan C.

I think this may be my new favorite Sushi place! I tried a couple of new dishes, the Volcano Roll, and the a deep-fried variation of the California roll. Both were absolutely delicious!!! It did take a little while for them to bring us our check and then pick it up again...but that is only a minor detail. I will be back again!
(5)
Mary B.

I'm not even a sushi lover and I liked this place. I had some of their other food besides sushi and it was great. I had teriaki pork and it came with veggies and a few other things. VERY tasty. My brother and sister were the sushi lovers and they loved it. My sister is usually pretty picky about where to eat sushi but she really loved everything there. I tried a few of their sushi rolls and I even liked them! Which is saying a lot for me. Cute little diner type of place and the staff was soo incredibly friendly. Our waitress took very good care of us and always asked us if we needed anything. It felt like it was a big family there! When we left, everyone who worked there, including the chefs, gave us a huge goodbye and a thanks! So sweet. Obviously this is a place for sushi lovers, but if you find yourself there and don't like sushi, don't worry, they still have a bunch of things for the non-sushi lovers. Go check it out! It was great!
(5)
Fate O.

Sushi's good, not wowza, but good. Teriyaki's sauce is a tad bit strong. Fried chicken is meh with sauce bland. They made a mistake with our order at first but corrected it. We liked our waitress but not so much the lady who was in charge of ringing up order (she didn't seem to understand English).
(5)
Scott B.

Simply put, this little sushi restaurant hidden in a small strip mall has some of the best service, freshest sushi, and fairest prices I've seen in Chicagoland. Every part of our lunch there was top notch. Be sure to try this restaurant.
(5)
June Y.

I wish yelp provide 'zero' star rating, because this is what this place deserve. I saw sushi-ya several times over Yelp, and this place has awesome review so I decided to stop by. It was Saturday night, and it was our first visit. I surprised because it was the smallest restaurant I've ever seen. and it was packed. I say, it's small so easy to be packed. There were three sushi chefs and three waitresses. There were no seats for us, so me and my husband just hovering around the table, since there were no waiting area. Like I said, this is tiny place. We were waiting about 15 minutes, and nobody say hi or hello. All of the workers acting like we are not there. I've been tons of different restaurants and I know busy places there are waiting. I don't mind for waiting at all. But what bothers me was NOBODY PAY ATTENTION TO THE WAITING CUSTOMERS. At least they should say 'please wait' or 'thanks for waiting' something like that. I saw several customers are done with their dinner and leaving. But nobody cleans the table. Exec use me? there are three waitresses. and I saw more workers inside the kitchen. What is wrong with them? There were other middle aged Asian couple behind us, waiting too. Well, nobody took care of them either, so at least this place treats customers equally.......in a very rude way. After about 20 minutes, we just walked out, and I don't care this place has best sushi in the world(which I doubt it), since this is the horrible place doesn't appreciate the customers.
(1)
Steve H.

trust me ! better than what you expect. diablo and volcano is my favorite.
(5)
Dani W.

Excellent food for the price. Wonderful unagi. The seating is somewhat cramped and the service can be slow, but the food is definitely worth the wait and the price.
(4)
Andrew S.

The Sushi is pretty fantastic. Aside from that, the first time the lady & I went here, we were kind of annoyed. When we go out for sushi we tend to order a few rolls and then order a couple more later. We almost always mention that to the server; so, when we asked if we could order a couple more rolls - our server just said no. Guess they were too busy. I've never had that happen even at better places in the city. I suppose the trick would be to go a bit earlier if you're doing dinner. The place is rather small anyway.
(4)
Margreth C.

We randomly decided to stop by here for sushi, since I was craving it. I read some yelp reviews, and they were good so went to check it out! The service was awesome, they were so attentive, and polite. It got pretty busy for a Tuesday night, which I was impressed! We got the Dragon, Dynamite, and shrimp tempura maki, and it was delicious. So delicious that we ordered another roll of shrimp tempura. This place has been one of the best sushi places I've tried in a long time! I definitely recommend this place to everyone!
(5)
Caroline S.

This place is awesome! I love their food, especially Godzilla roll. The staff is super friendly every time i go there. Great local sushi, recommend to everyone!
(5)
Sandra L.

Hello hello, Sushi Ya! Well I've been to Sushi Ya about five times. So I am no expert when it comes to this place. That being said I think it is a good thing I am not. Let's be serious here I am not here to give you a goody-goody review. I do like this place and their rolls but I must say their rolls are not memorable for me nor with my friends. Even though majority of my friends would pick this place over Nikkos, they themselves couldn't remember what we ordered/good. This is where the photos were very helpful. Here we go: Green Turtle Roll: very fulfilling. You can honesty just order this for two people and you will be good. It is not the quantity that fills you up but the quality of the creamy white sauce over the rolls. I want that sauce as a dipping side for the rest of the rolls. Its that good! Avocado Torch Roll: Now this is my favorite roll they offer (besides the newly found Green Turtle Roll but I will choose Torch over Turtle any day as well). It is something about that creamy crunch on top. I love when they do that! As you can tell I like the creamy stuff at Sushi Ya. I didn't know that until now. I am not much into thick heavy items but damn they make it good. As for the rest I just can't remember. I've had stuff here and there but to be frank I just don't remember. I had a mango something of another, that wasn't good. I had a cold shrimp roll, it was nasty. I realized I am into warm shrimp items after consuming one at Sushi Ya. One thing I really enjoy about Nikko over Sushi Ya is the young crowd and the homely miso soup. Each time I have gone to Sushi Ya it has either been completely empty or a much much older crowd, which is odd considering the hookha lounge in the same plaza. I don't mind that completely but sometimes as someone in my 20s, you just want something youthful. The amazing skins of the older ladies who own/work there can go so far. Damn! They got some nice skin! I can't forget Sushi Ya's miso soup isn't the greatest, actually isn't good at all nor is ever the right temperature (always cold). Get their plum wine. The pinky-reddish color one. REALLY good.
(4)
Jackie G.

So good!! The meal started with complimentary edamame and miso soup! The restaurant was crowded and we sat at the table by the door. As soon as a few others tables opened up the waitresses offered to move us. So nice! The sushi was fresh and the waitress recommended the Tataki crunch roll. Wow! Was that good!!! Some people in their reviews said the staff was mean but I felt everyone there was so nice! I'm already planning my next time I'm going there. For the price and quality, you can't beat it. I think they need a bigger restaurant, they would pack the house!
(5)
Danny Y.

My expectations were a little low (as they always are for sushi), but this restaurant definitely earned all 5 stars. The sashimi lunch plate was a steal at just $10 for 10 pieces of fresh sashimi. I also ordered a chicken bowl, because from experience $10 sushi usually comes in snack sizes. But the sushi portions were generous, and as a result the chicken bowl became an awesome $7 left-over dinner. On a second visit, coworker ordered the spider roll and was disappointed to see only 5 or 6 pieces of sushi. Lesson learned: If you're hungry, either (A) don't order the spider roll, or (B) order 2 spider rolls.
(5)
Josh M.

All I can say is WOW. I had a hunch that this place was going to be good but not this good. The quality of the fish and the service added together made for the best sushi experience I have had to date. I am picky when it comes to clean fresh tasting fish and I was not disappointed. You can see how large the slices of the salmon were in the pics and if it was stinky or fishy it would have not been a good ending. We ordered what seemed like half the menu and then to our surprise we were sent a bunch of free food to start. First came the miso soup. Very hot and very delicious. Then the chef's special rolls. I think it was a tempura tuna rolls. Then a small bowl or perfectly seasoned edamame. Then the rolls just kept on coming. I think we ordered everything with crunch on it and it was amazing - even the crunch roll that was just tempura and spicy mayo in the center or the maki (yes I'm a glutton and I love it!) Definitely try the deluxe cali roll and the fire crunch rolls. Only complaint is that the eel tasted strangely like dirt and possibly needed to be cleaned better. Overall the best place in the suburbs to get sushi hands down! The menu is huge with all the rolls sounding great. I will definitely be back and hopefully I see you there.
(5)
J R.

Great sushi at a an extremely reasonable price. We also got free soup and edamame. Don't leave without getting the $1.50 mango ice cream. Definitely will be revisiting this hidden gem!
(5)
Maria M.

This place is so fabulous that I almost don't want to tell you b/c you'll contribute to the crowdedness! The service is spectacular and the food has excellent serving size for the price. I was shocked to read Alex's feedback and sorry that he had such a bad experience... but I assure you that is not the norm! We love Sushi-ya!! Have to try the firecrunch - it's amazing.
(5)
John William V.

Just got back from here. Friend invited me to try it. I was a bit skeptical when I saw how tiny the place was. But when we stepped in, the inside was quite pleasant. More than what I expected from the outside. We ordered 4 dishes. All sushi. I don't remember the names that well but I think it was filafia? Dragon? Tiger? and something shrimp...? But all of them were very good. We definitely loved all of what we ordered. It was very fresh and pleasant. Everything was served very nicely and very presentable. Nothing was mushy, soggy or over-powering. We even asked for another order for one. The service was also very good. We even had some fun with the waitresses by playing with the handful of Japanese we knew. Turns out they were not fluent either. Super friendly though. Over all I would say this is the best sushi I have 'ever' had so far. Food is more than a mom and pops store. I would definitely recommend this place if you like sushi or Japanese food. And I would definitely come back when I have an urge for sushi.
(5)
Erik H.

Like going out to eat with your grandpa, good sushi requires fresh fish and a noted lack of anything difficult to chew. Sushi Ya has it all, and the confluence of taste, price and experience make it one of the best Japanese restaurants in Chicagoland, if not the best. The free miso soup, edamame and watermelon were great little perks (free green tea would seal the deal coughcough), but the sushi itself is really extraordinary. The Nigiri sushi was enormous and expertly cut while the maki were interesting and well crafted, with perfectly vinegared rice. Order a classic maki and then something crazy, like a Crazy Roll, to get the best of both worlds: the Japanese perfection in simplicity and the Japanese desire to make robot versions of everything. But hey, you already knew it was going to be good since it has the word "Ya" in the name.
(5)
Bob B.

Great Sushi! Kids loved the Japanese soda. We all loved the Sushi. It was fresh and well proportioned. Also our meal came with Miso soup and Endamame which was unexpected! Nice wait staff.
(4)
mauricio o.

Last time i reviewed sushi ya was when i still lived in schaumburg, they were fresh and i was fervent about their mentality, along with their sushi! I was there often and had no problem redirecting funds to from my stash to theirs. fast forward a year and half and have been back twice to notice inconsistency. what happens to small town restaurants like this is they come in out of nowhere, kick ass, then start cutting portions, trying to expedite the process in order to handle more business. I believe that they are slipping and i hope they don't succumb to the lure of having more business. This strategy will work for a little while, before people realize what has happened and then they wont return. It is still quite good. I would avoid going when they are busy. for the suburbs's sake i hope they don't botch it...suburban businesses need to be careful since suburbanites tend to flock around corporations
(3)
Erin S.

As a Chicago to Schaumburg transplant I was very glad to find out I live near this wonderful (unassuming) establishment. They were even happy to see me roll in for a "ladies lunch" with my two young sushi/miso loving daughters. Very helpful staff, speedy lunch service. Take-out is just as good as the real thing too =D Next time I want to try some of their many sake's!
(5)
Deonna L.

It's a hidden "gem" for sure! Very small inside, but as soon as I walked in, I was welcomed with greetings. The waitress was very attentive, as well as the other servers that walked around to fill your tea or water glasses. The waitress took her time to explain and answer our questions was good I had the Sushi combo and my friend had Maki. We did get complementary Miso soup and a small portion of edemame. The soup had great flavor, edemame portion could have been bigger. Over all I would recommend Sushi Ya!
(5)
Edward M.

I had the special roll called Tiger Roll or something. I always have a hard time remembering cuz they don't give out receipts that I have noticed cuz it is always stapled to the credit card receipt. Any how it was pretty good. I did like my dragon roll and the chicago roll better though. But they are very nice and provide good authentic food at reasonable prices. It's not cheap sushi but if you want something cheaper and want sushi, they have lunch specials that are actually really good deals.
(5)
Victoria W.

My partner and I love our sushi so we were pretty excited when this place opened in our general neighborhood. We weren't disappointed! As you walk in, every member of the waitstaff shouts welcome in Japanese with all the enthusiasm in the world. They thank you in a similar fashion when you leave. It's fun. The decor was elegant, modern, and clean, with fresh tulips on every table. The ambiance was fairly quiet and romantic until partway through our meal when the noisy family with the four kids came in. Oh well :) Our waiter was very polite and friendly. The food was wonderful! I'm a vegetarian, but I still found decent options. (For some of the best veggie sushi, try Yamado in Naperville.) I ordered the Agedashi Tofu, Vegetable Tempura Maki, Goma (spinach) Maki, and Vegetable Fried Rice. Of those, the Tempura Maki was particularly fantastic, and the spinach maki particularly so-so. Along with the Miso soup and salad that came with the fried rice, it was a ton of food and I had to take some home. I usually don't have Miso soup at sushi restaurants because of fish in the broth, but the waiter said theirs was vegetarian. This made it a rare and tasty treat for me. (For you other vegetarians out there, they also had asparagus, avocado, cucumber, and AAC rolls, as well as veggie tempura. Note that the Agedashi Tofu was topped with Katsuobushi (dancing fish flakes), but you could probably tell them to leave it off.) My partner ordered the Sushi Deluxe and the Schaumburg roll, both of which he enjoyed. I ordered an ice tea that arrived with ice that was molded to look like Lychee. Very cute, though it kind of made me crave actual lychee. My partner ordered a lychee Ramune (brand of Japanese soda) which was tasty, but he probably wouldn't get it next time -- we realized it was basically artificially flavored corn syrup (which I guess is generally true of sodas). For dessert we had one of each of their Mochi flavors -- red bean, strawberry, and mango. All delicious, but you've gotta try the red bean if you've never had it before. It was amazingly creamy and almost chocolatey. Freebies: Sushi Ya is all about giving away complimentary treats. During our meal we received one free salad and a 2-piece sushi sample. After dessert we were given 2 slices of watermelon (which I'm pretty sure everyone receives). I'm not sure if the freebies have to do with the newness of the place or the volume of food we ordered (or if everyone gets the same stuff), but we sure enjoyed them :) One thing I should mention -- they always seem to have the blinds closed. This adds to the niceness of the atmosphere but the restaurant (part of a strip mall) kind of looks closed if you miss the little neon OPEN sign. To summarize: Tasty food, great service; very nice sushi place overall. We'll definitely be back.
(5)
Debbie M.

I am a regular at Kampai Sushi Bar and tend to not like most other sushi places but this place was awesome. So fresh! Friendly staff. I just loved it. It's even closer to my house than Kampai. I can't wait to go back again.
(5)
Jes H.

We are pretty impressed by the service and foods over there. I am a big fans of sushi so I try out as many sushi restaurants as I can. Compared with Sushi Station in the same neighborhood, Sushi Ya has way better service and foods. We ordered a sushi combo, a Philadelphia maki, fire crunch maki and some sashimi. They are fresh and they have their own recipe that makes their foods outstanding. Not to mention they have the most friendly staffs. I will recommend this to my friends and definitely will come again!
(5)
Hans H.

Not to be a snobbish bastard or anything, but recently I feel like the reviews being posted on Yelp--especially in this geographical area--are being posted by people who don't quite have the experience in specific categories to give an accurate review of restaurants. Either that, or the rating system is completely flawed--or at least the perception of what a certain # star rating actually means. People, 5 stars means that it is the best of its kind, cream of the crop, the example of excellence. I'm not apologetic about saying that this place to me is actually 2 stars, by Yelp's rating description. Meh. I've experienced better. Let me break it down, and expound on it further down: Value: 2.5* - A bit expensive for what I'm getting, compared to other Japanese restaurants when considering food 'quality'. Service: 4* - Friendly, and attentive if a bit understaffed and therefore slowish at busy times. Food: 2.5* - Meh. M-e-h. Meh! Overall (not an average): 2 Yelp *s. Basically, it was a one off, and I probably won't be back because there's better food:value elsewhere. Good service and freebies help to make up for slow service, but unfortunately it does not make up for just mediocre food. I ordered an assortment of sushi pieces from the sushi bar. The wife had one of their bento boxes. Total bill, ~$34 for two. Edemame, miso soup and salad complimentary and part of the meal. I'm glad they aren't stingy on the things that are the cheapest. Problem is that the edemame was warm, mushy, and juicing all over the place. Edemame should be cool, firm, and refreshing. This was none of that. But it was free, you say! But it also gave me a bad feeling about the food to come. 2nd warning sign: Miso soup somehow managed to taste bland, watery, and salty--kind of like...chicken broth. The miso had definitely been overheated, and hardly any seaweed pieces--and what was in it was kinda tough. This is one of 3 standard litmus tests for ANY Japanese restaurant--you'd better know how to make miso soup (the other two being the tamago, and the sushi rice). 3rd warning sign: The (free) salad had a ginger/miso dressing. And I felt like it killed off tasting anything for the rest of the night. Much too sweet, no tang or zest of ginger, but just this flood of sweetness and salt. As the main plates came out, I tried to eat some of the pickled ginger to clean the palate, but it wasn't that great... Onward: Bento box came with teriyaki salmon which was pretty good, but the sauce was--again--too sweet. Seaweed salad was too sweet. The sunomono was too sweet. Tempura was actually pretty good! Light, crunchy and not soggy. Plenty of it in the bento. The egg roll and fried gyoza are pre-made, so don't expect anything spectacular there, just MSG. To the fish: Average to slightly above average cuts of fish. The fish in the sushi pieces were all cut quite nicely, no ragged edges and no stray strands of connective tissue. I was quite impressed by the cuts of salmon in the bento, actually. All around room temps, so it wasn't like eating ice cubes--excellent. So what's the problem? The sushi rice. The whole night while eating the sushi pieces and the rolls, I felt like I was eating candy. Everything is way too sweet. Sushi rice was just not quite right--a bit too wet and sticky, and definitely too sweet. It just brought everything good about the cuts of fish and rolls down several notches. It's been 3 hours and I still feel thirsty and over-sugared. It was at this point I looked around and realized that there wasn't a single Japanese person in this place. Rats. Service was pretty good overall. They were quite busy, and only had 2 servers on the floor, one of which was excellent, but the one who seemed to be the owner/manager lady definitely needs to stick to being in the manager and hostess role, and hire another server to do serving. Bottom line: Fish is good. Go with the sashimi here if you must come. Don't eat too much sushi rice, it will make you feel like you gorged on candy. Everything else can be found better elsewhere. Shameless plug: if you want to know what a real 5* Japanese restaurant looks like in the area that is packed with Japanese people all the time, look up Kurumaya in Elk Grove Village. yelp.com/biz/kurumaya-jaâ€¦ Sushi Ya would do well to learn from them.
(2)
Wedee K.

This place was a very nice surprise. When you first pull up to the strip mall, it looks kind of small, but once you enter, you are greeted by the chefs and waitresses and it gives it that "homey" feel. As we looked through the menu, we noticed that the music that was playing was the radio. It was a little distracting, but we were happy that a few of our favorite songs came on. Though it did contradict the entire feeling that we had when we first entered. Once we ordered, we immediately received miso soup and edamame. It was complimentary which in my opinion is always a nice touch. When I go to a sushi restaurant, I usually like to order some nigiri pieces so that I could see the sushi chef's knife skills and I was very happy with the white tuna to rice ratio. The fish also tasted really fresh. I had ordered the Tropical Maki which came in soy paper, deep fried shrimp, avocado, mango and masago. I thought it was okay. All I could taste was the mango. I also ordered the Sunset Maki which also a pretty decent roll. It came with crab, cucumber, avocado and was covered with salmon, salmon roe and this sweet sauce that was really tasty. I thought that the prices for these rolls were very appropriate. ($8-$9) My friend ordered the Crazy Maki and Schaumburg Maki both of which were a lot bigger than mine, but also more expensive. ($9-$13). The Crazy Maki had tuna, salmon, avocado, cucumber, crab, green onion, and flying fIsh egg. It was a wider roll that was very colorful, but a little harder to eat because it was rolled a different way. It tasted really fresh especially when you had to eat the fish pieces by itself because it fell apart. As for the Schaumburg Maki, it was tasty at first, but after a while, the eel on the outside became a little overwhelming. It came with soft shell crab and masago on the inside and avocado and eel on the outside. Overall, I would really recommend this place for its really fresh fish and yummy maki rolls. The soup and edamame is a great touch and the service is great.
(5)
Katie W.

Best. Sushi. Ever. My boyfriend and I have been regulars at Sushi Ya for about a year now because it is the best sushi we've had to date (even after living in CA for a few years). The fish is always super fresh and the rolls are done perfectly. It does get busy, but the service is great too. Complimentary miso soup and edamame are provided as a start to the feast. I absolutely love their miso! Must Order: Sashimi appetizer: delicious and fresh plate of salmon, crab, yellowtail, white tuna, and tuna sashimi. Simple and amazing with some wasabi/soy sauce. Fire crunch roll: Favorite roll! Spicy tuna roll topped with a large mound of spicy tuna. Sushi Ya's spicy tuna is amazing. The tuna actually has some heat to it, a great texture, and generously portioned. Dynamite roll: this roll consists of spicy scallops mixed in with panko. The heat and scallops are great, an the little bit of panko sets it off with the texture. Green dragon roll: eel roll, lots of avacodo, and the perfect amount of eel sauce. I've had one too many bad eel rolls, where the sauce is way too overpowering. Sushi Ya does it just right. We also usually get the regular spicy tuna roll (can't get enough), yellowtail roll (fresh, classic), and experiment with the last one. Can't go wrong here! The server usually looks at my boyfriend and I like we are crazy after finishing all this food, along with two large Sapporos. The sushi here is just that good. I will continue to fulfill my Sushi Ya cravings regularly!
(5)
Mary T.

AGEDASHI TOFU! That is all, sirs. Ok, I guess I should be a little more specific. 1. Sushi will never be my favorite. I'm never *dying* for a spicy tuna roll. 2. I don't like seaweed, unfortunately. Now that I have those disclaimers out of the way, let me tell you how awesome this place is. Super friendly service: on our first visit, the manager came over to our table to welcome us and thank us for eating at her restaurant. Very sweet. FABULOUS sushi. Their sashimi lunch platter is amazing. They give you plenty of fish, and it's fresh and clean and so delicious. They'll also fix rolls to your specifications when possible. Due to the aforementioned seaweed aversion, I have them wrap my rolls in soy paper. This is a revelation!!! I can eat rolls! Trust me: this is very exciting (to me, anyway). The rolls were amazing, and huge. Add to that the miso soup and edamame they serve with the meal, and you'll be all set. BUT WAIT! If you want more, head straight for the agedashi tofu. Seriously, it is so good that it makes me want to giggle-cry. It's amazing: salty and savory broth with crispy little tofu islands! The tofu is lightly fried on the outside but it all creamy deliciousness on the inside. I implore you: order this dish! You will not be sorry. And this unassuming restaurant is such a great value. We always leave stuffed and happy but without feeling punished by the check. Wonderful people, a nice, typical ambiance, and amazing food at a good price. Yes, please!
(5)
Insun M.

Came back and this time the food was much better. I stuck to just rolls and each one had a generous portion of fresh fish. Yum! The crazy roll was probably my favorite. The complimentary miso soup and edamame are pretty good. The miso soup can be a tad bit on the clearer side but its still good. I still had 2 complaints about my dinner. I wanted my tempura udon noodle soup to come at the same time as my sushi because I like to sip broth while I eat sushi but the sushi chef and waiter made a huge commotion on how they were busy and couldn't guarantee the timing. But isn't the udon pre-made? They just have to scoop the broth in a bowl and dump the noodles in? My other complaint was that all the workers there are korean and I understood everything they were saying. Let's just say they do not speak very kindly to each other and make up excuses to customers for mistakes. Not very professional.
(4)
Getafix O.

great sushi and service. Only problem for me was that the rolls were huge and made it hard to eat. The nigiri was great and the quality of fish was great. the rice in the nigiri (white tuna) appears to be sweetened a bit.. I think I prefer unsweetened.
(4)
Katie M.

Soooooo GOOD. Free edamame and miso soup with your order. Sometimes the service is a little slow or they bring you the wrong order but I don't care (you get to keep that wrong order too FREE :D ). This place is very very small. Definitely call ahead and make reservations if you can.
(5)
Bgs B.

My expectations were high based on the high ratings. However, this place is nothing special. Sushi was good and tasted fresh. But the restaurant atmosphere and service were really bad. When I came into the restaurant with my wife no one greeted us or told us how long the wait will be - so we stood there for about 20 minutes until one of the employees said "two right?" and led us to the sushi bar. Then, after we set down, we had to wait another half hour until our orders were taken. While "preferred customers" who were seating next to us and got there after us had their orders served to them before our orders were taken. To me this is unacceptable, I think the waiters should try to provide the best service for everyone, no matter whether the customers are new or regulars. In this case they lost a potential regular customer because of poor service. Also, the waiters could not describe the items on their menu. I love sushi, but I am not a sushi expert and with so many items on the menu I would like to know what I am ordering. The least they could do is put some pictures on the menu. When we got our orders the server just dropped our plate in front of us and did not even tell us which order belongs to whom. When we asked her, she said something really fast and walked away. Again, the food was good quality, but nothing special, and that is why this place gets more than one star. However, the service and seating arrangements were very poor.
(2)
Ian D.

Not authentic Japanese food, it tastes different. This place is not big, it gets crowded quickly. I've been there only once, lunch time, food was okay.
(3)
Tai Z.

Sushi is one of my favorite foods so I'm probably not super picky on one hand, but also know a good place when I find one. Came here for the first time last week and was really impressed. As with most places I discover these days, I wish I had found out about it sooner. I've been a regular at Kyoto in Downers Grove and I have to admit that this has the edge. I'd say 4.5 vs 4. The portions are generous and prices are reasonable. Having only tried maki and nigiri so far, I can't comment much on the other food, but I definitely look forward to coming back.
(4)
Cj Q.

This place is amazing! Free edamame, free watermelon slices! Located in an old strip mall, at first glance it looks out of place. Once you walk in however, the ambiance takes over. Although a rather small interior, this place makes up for it with its robust flavors, maki's, hibachi's and udon's. The hibachi chicken, beef udon and spicy tuna are my faves and I def order one of each. Reasonably priced means you can enjoy excellent sushi at a small price. Definately the freshest best tasting in the area! This place gets packed at nights, not too sure on the reservation situation. Make sure you go early! The staff is beyond friendly and attentive.
(5)
Gabo B.

I sat down to get an order to go, and they gave me a glass of water (almost expected) and a slice of watermelon. Where else do you get a slice of watermelon for sitting down and ordering to go. NOWHERE. AWESOME.
(5)
Martin T.

By far my favorite sushi place. Really fresh and always a great taste. The tuna rolls are by far my favorite
(5)
Seraphina G.

This place is fun if you like trying out different rolls and just experimenting with them, but the reason why I have to give it just three stars is because of not only bad service, but I just wasn't a fan of some of the stuff I ate. I ordered some tuna roll, I don't remember what kind, and it was awful. They mashed it up and mixed it with other ingredients, which I was okay with, but the dang fishy taste wouldn't leave my mouth. I don't want to have to taste icky fish after I eat, which is just a sign that it wasn't fresh, meaning they probably used leftovers or something because their other stuff was ok. When we (my mom and I) were paying, we had to use a big bill since neither of us had change, and so we paid, and the waitress never gave us our change back. She just assumed all of it was for tip which, which was over $15, and my mom was so mad she just left since she said it was bad on the management for not teaching them correctly and it was very rude of her to not ask us if we wanted our change.
(3)
Ang C.

Went here to find someplace local with fresh, delicious sushi at a fair price and thought this would be it after reading reviews. It was not! The sushi had no flavor, and barely was held together. Not impressed at all. The service was not great either, I think we were forgotten. Might try it again, but it comes nowhere close to any of the low-key byo places in the city. We will keep searching!
(2)
Kristine W.

I've been noticing a lot of new reviews coming in, some negative due to the wait staff. I can understand the lose of stars due to it as I even feel it sometimes and I've had friends complain to me about it, but the food is still pretty amazing and most of the time they make up for the bad service with free food. My advice: go on an off day, so... not Friday or Saturday night - the service would be better (with free food) and you can truly get a taste of what Sushi Ya is really good for: tasty food in your stomach. If anyone here that is complaining or whatever have honest criticisms they think can help the restaurant, I would suggest speaking to Kathy (one of the servers with reddish hair usually in a ponytail) about suggestions on improving the quality of service, if you've got legitimate suggestions. Don't walk up to her (or anyone in the restaurant) just saying, "your service sucks, fix it" or I'll come get you myself. I try to suggest more staff, but I think that really wouldn't because it really is just a certain set of hours on those specific days. Did that make sense?
(5)
Hamza O.

When my friend and I drove up, I was a little skeptical of the oddly-named strip mall sushi joint. Later I found out that "ya" means "shop" in Japanese. So I guess it makes sense. When we walked in, we were quickly greeted very warmly by the staff and shown to our table. The place was decorated nicely and even the bathroom was spotless. We ordered godzilla, rainbow, and some shumai. We didn't have to wait long, and before the shumai arrived, we were served some complimentary miso soup and edamame, which were both very fresh. The service was prompt and helpful, and the sushi was fresh, delicious, and HUGE. Our combined 16 pieces felt more like 32. Personally, we preferred the rainbow roll a little more because it had less sauce and you could taste the fish better, but the godzilla roll was great too. All in all, this place definitely deserves the full 5 stars. It beat many sushi places we've tried in the city. Great find. For a price reference, it was about $12 for the rainbow roll, $13 for the godzilla roll, and like $4-5 for the shumai appetizer when we went.
(5)
Murali P.

AVOID this place at all costs. My girlfriend and I wanted to come in one night for dinner, and was surprised how bad the level of service was there. We came in on a Friday night, and we wanted to try a traditional Japanese food, because we usually go for Sushi at Sushi Station...(BTW I highly recommend that place) So my girlfriend ordered the Salmon Bento, and I ordered the Chicken and Steak Bento as well. Once we ordered, we're thinking this place is great, and seems like a lot of happy people enjoying their dinner. Also want to note when we came in, the place was packed, so we ate at the bar. So, after 30 minutes on refills of water and tea, we started wondering what was happening with our food. Same time, I figured what we ordered would take long, and think nothing of it after that. One hour roles around, and the waitress asked if we ate yet. I told her no, and we are still waiting. By this time we are getting agitated , and then 1.5 hour roles around and my girlfriend says lets leave. So I told the waitress that we are leaving and I had enough. The owner came out and said it's very busy and that it will be out in a minute. I said I understand it's busy, but the lack of communication to us on what's happening and long wait was enough for me to say no. The women was convincing to say the least, it's almost done and we stayed another 5 minutes. Soon after the meal finally came in. I asked the waitress would there be an incentive for us for the long wait. Keep in mind this is not a 5 star Japanese restaurant, and that the wait was worth it. When I received my steak, it was 50% bones, which was unusual to have the bones; considering the different Sushi places that I have been to. To say the least the food was not up to par, but the dumplings, spring rolls and sashimi was fantastic. So after our meal, the waitress brings the bill and classic it was the full amount, and no discount given. I was trying to be polite as possible to say that there should have been some discount and we should be taken care off. The owner came out and said the best she can do was take $5 off. The owner barely spoke English, and trying to communicate our dissatisfaction didn't register to her, she kept saying it was busy. To her point if it was busy; and if food didn't come on time, we should of be taken care off. after arguing for 5 minutes, I said this isn't worth it and I payed. So when the owner came back, she had charged one bill for $37 and another one at $32!!! So she told me the mistake and she wanted me to sign a copy of the $37 bill. I refused to sign the bill because I didn't agree on the amount, and on top of being charged twice. I signed for $32 but not the $37. So now I have to wait to for bank to reverse my charge of $37 to my account. Just avoid this place at all costs. This was NOT a good experience.
(1)
Mike O.

This place is great and it's nice to have the highest-rated Yelp restaurant just down the street! It's a mom and pop shop with genuine Japanese chefs and waitresses...so you know you're getting authentic stuff. My gf LOVES sushi and we go here or Sushi Station (farther but also good). We ate there again last night, great service, and free miso soup & edamame with our order. Most places charge extra of one or both. We had 3 rolls, two orders of nigiri, shrimp & vegetable tempura, and two sodas = $35 + tip. I guarantee you it would be at least 2x that in the city for the not-quite-as-good food. I need to check them out a lunch time and try their bento box. Next trip!
(5)
Nicky S.

Tried Sushi Ya again and was pleased with the experience. The place was packed, but I got seated right away. I was early and waiting on two friends to join me. For the first 15 minutes I wasn't sure who my server was, because no one came to my table. They were very busy, but stopping by and asking for my beverage choice would have been nice. My friends joined me, and we waited a little bit longer for our drinks, and then a tad more before someone took our order. They did give us two free servings of edamame and one bowl each of piping hot miso, which was enjoyed. They got the soybeans right this time and they were not overcooked! We had some house wine (the cab is a bit astringent, but it did us well) and 5 maki rolls. Yeah, we probably could have done without one of them, but we like to over order at sushi houses. We tried the: White dragon - Very good, the white tuna topping was exceptional Diablo maki - Excellent! My second favorite. Not as spicy as it sounds Rainbow maki - Good assortment of fish in it, not stingy with portion Godzilla - Good, but not my favorite. I think the sweet sauce is off. Dynamite - AMAZING! If you are a fan of heat, get this. Not overwhelming, but actually has a kick, unlike most 'spicy' food that is advertised in menus. Should have gotten two of these! Service was good once the food started rolling in, and the workers really are working hard, so I won't discredit them. On a Thursday night the scene was packed with yuppies, and yuppies with their kids. Very different from the last time I went. Glad I gave the place a second chance. We all deserve them :) Tip - The bathroom is behind the wicker screen towards the back of the room. You have to pull it back, and there's no signs indicating it's there at all.
(4)
W S.

This is amazing sushi, seriously folks. Stopped here while visiting Chicago on business based on Yelp reviews. Let me say that I travel ALOT and eat sushi...ALOT. While this place wouldn't win an ambiance contest (not that it's bad, but it is located in a strip mall after all), the sushi is OFF THE CHARTS good. And the service was incredibly friendly and very attentive. But most importantly, amazingly fresh and generously cut sushi (I had yellowtail, salmon, eel). The Fire Crunch Roll was excellent as well. I would whole heartedly recommend this place to anyone looking for incredible sushi first and foremost, while not caring so much about fancy or hip surroundings. The negative reviews must have been written by their competition... :)
(5)
Sally W.

Wonderful little place, everyone there are very friendly and nice. You might not be impress how the place look, but the way they price everything is pretty reasonable. The presentation of everything is very nice as well. The fish portion of their makis are decent, you can really see the fish. Just don't ask for privacy, since we can hear other's conversation from the other side of the place.
(5)
Dennis L.

I saw by their menu that they had certain dishes rated "hot" I asked for the hottest sushi they had to offer and I was given five choices. I then asked which two were the spiciest and, after convincing the waitress that I liked it very hot, she agreed to serve it. Neither roll was hot or even mildly spicy. I believe they have mayonnaise rated as 4 stars. If you are looking for spicy sushi this is not the place to go. Service was good and as it was the sushi tasted ok. I rated it a two because it came nowhere close to meeting my spice heat, expectations which I based upon their own ratings.. I will look elsewhere for my sushi fix.
(2)
Andrew J.

Sushi Ya is pretty much fantastic. I wasn't super impressed the first time I went, but I have been back many, many times, and I have enjoyed it more with every return visit. Service here is genuinely friendly, but a little slow. To be fair, I think that's more an issue with creating the sushi, than it is with the waitstaff. Sushi Ya has an ace up their sleeve though; the "avocado torch roll" is maybe one of the best things I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I could wait all day if I knew I was going to end up eating that particular maki roll. I cannot stress enough how much I love that roll. I love it so much. Also, my girlfriend agrees with me. You should too. Now, if you're looking for straight sushi, you would also be in luck because the fish just melts away in your mouth. It is super fresh, and the portions are nice. Sushi Ya also takes pride in their presentation- they create some really beautiful dishes. The restaurant is small but clean, has a fairly trendy decor, and seems very well maintained. Prices range, but are generally quite reasonable, especially considering the quality and flavor of the food. Especially the avocado torch roll. If you've got some time, you're Schaumburg, and you're looking for a cozy little spot for some great sushi, you would be doing yourself a huge disservice if you didn't go here.
(4)
Shane G.

Our favorite place to eat. Amazing sushi and friendly staff.
(5)
Jeff P.

Decent spot. Not near much, but this joint shined. Busy between lunch and dinner. Fresh fish. Tasty tempura. Good service.
(4)
Samuel H.

One of the best sushi restaurants in the suburbs. Ask for Kathy, as she is the best server who will direct you to delicious rolls and dishes.
(5)
Jeffrey M.

Decently priced lunch specials, fresh ingredients, awesome service. I got the Sashimi Bento Box for lunch on my visit. It was complete with 8 fresh (and large) pieces of Sashimi, a good serving of tempura (including shrimp), a small side of seaweed salad and calamari, a scoop of rice, and of course your default California Roll. All this for about $12! Complimentary Miso Soup is always a plus. I've passed this place up so many times before and I'm glad I finally stopped in. My first experience with them was great. The freshness of their ingredients tells me the wide variety of other rolls must be just as good!
(4)
Tiffany P.

Very good! A little (by a little, I mean A LOT, tight) but such good food! Very friendly staff and delicious food! Sushi is a-maz-ing and my boyfriend's stir fry was delicious! NOM NOM NOM
(5)
Melanie T.

Loved the place. Small..but cozy. We were seated right away, served right away, food is excellent, servers are friendly, and price is reasonable. I definitely will be a regular here.
(5)
Jess M.

Amazing place! It is very small--probably less than 20 tables of four--but it is cozy and inviting. Anything described as spicy or with tempura (crunchy) is spectacular. I absolutely loved it! While they don't really describe this, newcomers should know that they give you a piece of paper outlining the menu and a pen when you sit down; That is for you to check off what you want to order. It's an odd way to order for a sit down restaurant but the food is so fantastic it makes this restaurant a can't miss!
(5)
Richard B.

A really nice find. The fish used in the sushi is cut a good inch longer than the rice bed and is reasonably priced. Plain Jane but delicious. As we say in bartending school, a more-than-honest pour. A nice assortment of the usual subjects, such as tuna and salmon and eel: you don't expect this quality in the Mid West suburbs.
(3)
Laura L.

By far the best sushi I have had in he Chicagoland area. They are generous with the amount in the rolls. They staff is friendly and accomodating and most importantly the sushi is delicious! Fresh, and creative. I feel this place is also extremely reasonable!
(5)
Liliana V.

I have eaten here twice and I just think the food is ok. It's not the best sushi I have had but the worst might have been the sushi I got from Dominick's. It is slightly better than Dominick's. The restaurant is extra small. I will probably not return again.
(2)
Michele B.

Very clean. Waitress was very attentive, glasses were never empty and were asked several times if we enjoyed our selection. Our entrees and rolls were served quickly. Having Edamame to munch on during our wait was a nice touch. Yaki Udon was delicious. Vegetables and beef were cooked perfectly. Portion could have been a bit larger (or maybe it just tasted so darn good I wanted more!).
(4)
Manshu V.

I had the Miso soup, the Gyoza and the 6 piece Sushi plate, and everything was excellent.
(5)
Kim O.

So I flew into town for business and the first thing I do is see the highest rated restaurant in the area. I made my way to Sushi Ya and almost changed my mind a few times. So glad I didn't! Holy crap is this place good. AND....it's one of those small mom and pop places and has some really great sushi. I had the Diablo Maki and it was awesome! No wait, great service, great food....what are you waiting for? Go eat some Sushi Ya sushi FOOL!
(5)
Lisa S.

Really good sushi, really good service. The thing that stood out was a unique appetizer sushi that was rolled in sliced cucumbers. It might sound odd, but it was so refreshing and healthy. I'll be going back.
(4)
Mai T.

If you're an avid consumer of fresh, great tasting Sushi, I highly recommend this outstanding Japanese restaurant located right in Schaumburg. I, myself, am quite particular about sushi restaurants depicting their decor, traditions, chefs, quality of product, servers, and most importantly the cleanliness of the environment. I feel that a restaurant should upkeep the theme of the courses they provide in order to provide you the extra feeling in which you would feel as if you're sitting in Japan! Who can say they enjoy their meal if it the food isn't good!? Upon entering, I noticed the decor was simple yet pleasing to the eye and were generously treated with a traditional Japanese bowing gesture and a big smile! Though it was slightly hard to understand the server due to their strong accent, but it wasn't too tough where you would be unable to make out what was said. Enough with decor and servers, lets talk about the SUSHI! In my entire love-for-sushi-life (9 years), I have only experienced one other great tasting sushi restaurant (which I will leave for another post). I must say that I have tried several (a ton) of sushi restaurants since my move from Michigan and have only been impressed about Sushi Ya. Being that it was being located in a small little strip mall, don't belittle venues (as I do/did). After being seated, taking a look at the menu did make me nervous but as I sat and observed the other orders being presented to other tables, I was in awe. I can't remember the exact name of the dishes we had ordered (only because I have a bad memory), but it sure does make me want to go there to try everything else I was missing out on. I do remember that the rolls we ordered were worth your money as they were full of what you exactly ordered and nothing less (many menus deceive you of its description and what you really get). The rolls were made full of flavor, packed with ingredients, and appealing to your eye. The fish was fresh and bright in color as it laid within the roll as well as on top. I had ordered a Chirashi, which contains raw fish over a bed of rice, and to my astonishment, it was perfect. With this dish, you are able to depict the quality of the products the restaurant stands by. Another dish that we tried was a rice bowl (not sure of its name), but it was tasteful indeed. With the assortment of dishes we dove into on our first night, we knew we couldn't go wrong with anything else on the menu. The only downfall this restaurant has if that it is quite small, but still roomy enough for parties no bigger than 5.
(5)
Jennifer C.

I am pretty much a regular at this place for their take out sushi. I go in and order though just to watch them make it and socialize with them because they are just great, friendly people. When you walk in the door, they all greet you and find you a place to sit quickly (except some weekend nights when the line can be out the doors because it's simply that good!!!). For the food~ I have tried several of their rolls, and haven't met anything I don't love, but my personal favorite is the "Jennifer Roll". Yes, they make a roll just for me by special request because I love it. I'm sure if you go in though they will make the Jennifer Roll for you as well. :) They can do pretty much anything that you want with a roll, so long as you tell them. And their spicy mayo sauce is super yummy. I have tried to duplicate it at home, but can never get the ingredients right!!!! There is a really great appetizer they make on the cold menu, that's wrapped in cucumber... can't think of the name, but it's very good!!! A friend of mine recommended this place, and I'm forever grateful she did... I usually make a trip there at least once a week!
(5)
Michelle B.

loveeeeee this place! THEE best sushi in the STATE! (I've been to many...haha) The only thing is.......their service isn't that great. My boyfriend and I go to eat dinner there at least 4-5 times a month (can you tell we love sushi?). I would think they'd recognize us, but they don't. I'm Korean and the servers/sushi chefs are all Korean so every time I go, I always have to remind them that I'm Korean. That's not the part that bothers me. What bothers me is that because they're Korean and I'm Korean, I would think they'd be extra cool with us BUT they're not. Haha! The servers seem to looooooove American customers and the sushi chefs LOVE white people! When it comes to me and my bf, they just brush us off. But whenever I see them interact with Americans, they literally treat them 10x better than us! It's kind of crazy. But the food is so good that it makes up for it. HAHA.
(5)
Dan K.

Easily one of the best sushi restaurants in the Chicagoland area. The restaurant is small so it does get packed. Service can suck from time to time but it's worth it for the delicious sushi. Rainbow roll is my favorite.
(4)
Jenny C.

Giozaa, sushi, edamame, age dashi tofu..everything fresh and delicious, prices are low and customer service exceptional
(5)
Erick P.

I went here on a friday night with my boss and a co-worker. I surprised at how small this place...but it was packed...the servers were nice but the food was just decent. It wasnt mind blowing good but at the same time it wasnt bad either. I just thought it was an average sushi joint and have experienced worst and have experienced better. Will i go back here? ehh prob not.
(3)
Max M.

Who would've thought that my best sushi experience to date would take place in Schaumburg? This cute Japanese spot dishes up some very respectable sushi at very competitive prices. I came here on a week night a week ago. There are roughly 10-12 tables and a sushi bar. The menu has an endless list of rolls. I usually try to stay away from rolls as I prefer the sensation of appreciating fresh pristine sashimi grade fish. The sushi portions here are generous with the fish. Here are some of the grades for the dishes we ordered: Spicy Tuna- A- (good heat & fresh texture; not too much mayo) Amaebi- B- (lacked sweetness) Hamachi- A (extremely fresh) Tuna- B Unagi- B Spider Roll- B calamari tempura- B+ tuna tataki with ponzu- C+ (Ponzu really lacked the citrus tang) I will definitely consider coming back here when I crave sushi again.
(4)
Thomas J.

Ate at this place while doing work for a nearby financial institution. A Chicago-area friend had recommended it and took us (wife was along on this business trip) there for dinner. Best. Sushi. Evar (and, having a travel-based job, I've had sushi all over the U.S.). This is the first place that I've ever had uni that was useful for more than a dare or hazing purposes. Actually, the uni here was *good*. ALL the food I had was good. I ordered the omakase sushi-plate and wasn't disappointed by anything.
(5)
Kelly O.

Yummy! Read the reviews here on Yelp first and had sushi before the Nickelback concert. (that was even Yummier. I digress.) Upon arrival, don't be surprised at how small this restaurant is. I'm guessing it could seat 50pp max perhaps. They are VERY VERY friendly upon arrival, this woman asked me to wait while she cleared the table "for the pretty lady"- hey, I'm totally down with getting compliments with my sushi ok? ;-) I downed some edamame while I waited for my friend, then ordered the Spicy Tuna. Excellent. I feel awful that I didn't take notes on the Special House Rolls we ordered but most were with Eel, which I love- and all the rolls were EXCELLENT. We had also ordered 2 seaweed salads which they forgot to bring, and later they realized this, so we said, no worries we have plenty of sushi. They comped a seaweed salad and brought it out to us, nice touch. Love good service. They kept filling up our green tea without interrupting our conversation- always nice. Genuinely grateful and nice- saying goodbye and thank you when we left. Highly recommend this hidden gem. ;-)
(4)
Jojo N.

When I visited Chicago, my cousins and I stopped by at their favorite sushi joint. To my surprise, I was quite impressed of their sushi! I honestly don't know what we ordered since they ordered for all of us, family style, but everything was fresh and delicious. The portions were a little small, but that's the only thing negative I can think of. When I come visit my cousins again, I can't wait to visit this place again!
(4)
Deepak N.

My all time favorite sushi place. Intimate environment. Super friendly & efficient service. Rolls taste fresh & better than all the other places I've been to.
(5)
Yelperrr J.

I challenge anyone to find better sushi in the chicago area. Great stuff - hard to get a table sometimes... go early for lunch and dinner.
(5)
Erin E.

The sushi here I think is just average, but I would eat here again. I think most of the items are priced a little high compared to some of the other places I like to get sushi. I do love that they have a lot of unique rolls to choose from. The service is on the slow side, but all of the workers are very friendly and professional. If you are planning on ordering take out make sure you call ahead of time. So overall not a bad place to eat, just not the best.
(4)
Christina V.

To find a great Sushi place with fresh food and reasonable prices is hard to come by. Great find in a strip mall. Small, quaint and nice on the inside. Service is good as well. Definitely will go back.
(4)
tanvi k.

The food & service was great! Everyone was really friendly! Our sushi was yummy!!! The only thing was: My husband and I like to order some sushi, enjoy it, and then order more. On a Friday night, this was not possible because they were too busy. When we tried to place an order for more sushi, we were told that we could not. We were very sad and left hungry:-(
(4)
Catherine X.

A for effort. You know it's going to be a cute place when your group walks in and all the workers stop what they're doing to greet you and bow. Adorable! This place is a cozy little restaurant tucked away in an unassuming little plaza. Is it a coincidence that all the staff seem to be little (under 5 ft) too? The drink selection leaves a little to be desired-- meaning boxed wines and Asian beers. The ice cubes that come with your drink make up for it though. Yet again-- adorable! The group of us were famished, so we had the seaweed salad and pork fried rice to start off with. The fried rice was very delicate and subtle, not drenched with soy sauce like most places. It helped that they used chives instead of green onions too. I've always been a fan of seaweed salad, and it was pretty good here. If this was Oregon Trail, the rations for the salad would be meager. I hope this was just a mistake, as it looked like they put the serving into a sauce bowl. The complimentary edamame was a little overcooked and soggy. Also, I'm used the way my mommy makes it with salt and a little spicy seasoning so I thought it was just ok. Same for miso. The sashimi platter was generous! This was definitely the highlight of the meal. All the fish was very fresh, and each flavor distinct. My favorite was the fatty tuna by far. I could've just eaten that by itself, and I would've been a happy camper. We also ordered some speciality rolls (whose names are failing me right now), but I noticed a trend in that my favorite had the fatty tuna on top. Everyone keeps raving about the Spicy Crunch roll, and maybe it was all the hype, but I was disappointed. The tuna was diced and piled in a conglomeration on top of the sticky rice, and when you bite down it feels like someone already chewed your fish for you. Then there's a surprise crunch in the middle of the rice. In spiciness, it does deliver though.
(4)
Danielle S.

Prices are reasonable for the portions and quality. Friendly staff who greet you as you enter and again when you leave. Equally friendly table service with not much of a wait. Delicious sushi - the avocado fire ball is great too. I will likely be back!
(5)
Todd M.

In a word, "generous". Since one word reviews don't give one much of a feel for a place (though I think I picked a good word) let me expand my thoughts... For the most part I stick to restaurants in the city. I happened to be in the suburbs doing some work-related training. (yes, I'm Harley B.'s friend) We both chose this location based upon mutual proximity and prior reviews. The staff were very friendly and attentive. They definitely gave me the impression they wanted us to come back again. The complimentary edamame and miso soup were a really good touch. I often have to become a regular at a place in the city to receive the same treatment. The maki and nigiri are on par with other sushi restaurants that I have been to. The portions seemed ample if not slightly larger, and more importantly the quality was spot-on. Then to top it all off, everything came within a few minutes of ordering. (even when the business picked up after we walked in) So there you have it. Will I return? When I find myself in that area, absolutely!
(4)
Kelli Ann L.

Best you will find - PERIOD! Great Food -Great Service - just all around terrific! Been to a bazillion Sushi places...including having Sushi from Chef Morimoto! And Sushi Ya blows them ALL away! :0)
(5)
Pari S.

Feel like sushi and live in the NW suburbs?? Go here. I've driven past this place many times. It has a small/medium-ish parking lot. Went here with my husband. As we walked in, the staff all greeted us in Japanese. Which was nice. It was clean and cozy... Did not have a lot of tables probably about 10 or so. Cute atmosphere. The sushi bar was situated in the corner. It was Friday night, and appeared a lil bit busy. However we were seated right away. We were given some nice menus to look at and was served ice water with a hint of ginger in it. I really didn't know what I wanted to eat here. But my husband was in the mood for sushi, so I tagged along. For appetizer, we got a shrimp and veggie tempura. Then we were given a sheet of paper to order some sushi rolls, which we got a spicy tuna roll, alaska salmon roll, crazy california roll, and 2 crab rolls. We also decided on a plate of beef short ribs and veggies. We were served some warm edamame and a bowl of miso soup each - which was ok. Our tempura was awesome though... Next we got a bowl of rice with our short ribs and veggies. Which was ok. The short ribs were well flavored, however it was a bit rubbery and very hard to eat, especially with chopsticks. And lastly, our sushi rolls were pretty good. They were definitely not skimpy on the fish and it was definitely fresh. Oh, we ordered a hot saki... which was really good. A small one ran for about $4. Over all, we spent about $55 here... and had plenty of left over to take home. I also wanted to mention that as we were there... a family of 4 came in. Since the place was a bit small, there is no waiting area. So I heard one of the staff told the customers to come back in 20 minutes, and they would be seated then. Which I dont know what to think about this... If it was me, I might of left and not come back. I also read some other yelpers complain about them being short staff here... which I agree with. Would I go here again? Sure... I would. It was a little bit more pricey here, but so far the best sushi place in this area of town. It comes down to, do I want to drive to the city and pay a little bit less or go here which is a few blocks away and pay a bit more.
(4)
Britica P.

Im from san diego ca and I was pretty worried about eating sushi in the midwest. We just moved here and was pleased to find great service and delish food. Hawaiian roll was wonderful! Would recommend this place for sure!
(5)
Scot G.

I don't know what is in that special mayo type sauce but it is way to sweet. Either skip those rolls or order them without the sauce. The Nigiri is pretty good and the portions are good. Service is okay. Nothing amazing but it is satisfactory.
(3)
Samantha R.

Clean, friendly, delicious, perfectly priced! A huge assortment of rolls Large portions YUM!
(4)
Katie S.

Love going there for sushi! Spicy scallop is my favorite! I think its amazing that the waitress can remember my order - esp since im not a frequent customer!
(5)
Michael V.

We have been here from California for six months now and this place has been reliable with sushi and service. We were worried we weren't going to find a nice sushi place in the Midwest after eating very nice fish in California for several years but this place is close. We like to go during the non rush times and enjoy the ceviche appetizer with chips. All the rolls that don't have eel are great. I am not a fan of eel. Looking to go back many more times.
(4)
Jason F.

I really wanted to find a good sushi place in the area and most of the reviews for sushiya here on yelp were extremely positive. I brought my girlfriend here during the lunch rush on a weekday and it was packed. The restaurant is absolutely tiny so there was only one table left to sit at. We stood at the door for about 5 minutes waiting to get seated and nobody even looked in our direction, so we sat down at the only available table. We then sat there for another 10 minutes waiting for someone to come over and talk to us. Eventually a group of four people came in the door and one of the waitresses immediately came over to us (before she even greeted the new people) and told my girlfriend and I that our table was meant for four people and we couldn't sit there.. despite the fact that it was the only table remaining. She was extremely rude and basically kicked us out, humiliating us. I hate giving bad reviews but this place deserves it.
(1)
Sarah K.

My husband and I ate here early on a Friday night. It was getting busy when we left around 6:30. Overall I thought the service and food was excellent. The prices were really reasonable and the sushi was awesome. My husband isn't a huge sushi fan so he ordered a noodle bowl and that was really good too.
(4)
Rebecca Huicha K.

Best sushi in the Burbs. hands down! I believe it's fairly new but they already have loyal customers. The staff is SUPER friendly and they're pretty heavily staffed considering the place is small. They provide complimentary edamame and miso soup which always makes me happy. Plus you don't find a lot of places that provide complimentary items like that anymore... We had the fire crunch and godzilla rolls along with a udong and some salmon pieces. The salmon pieces were melt in your mouth delish and fresh. 2 pieces for $3.95 and the pieces were pretty thick as well! The udong noodles were cooked perfectly and the soup wasn't salty (which is what I typically find). The fire crunch is a must have but the godzilla roll was just okay. To top it off, at the end of your meal, they provide some refreshing watermelon :) I cannot emphasize how awesome their customer service is. My cup of water was never empty and they checked up on us to make sure we were happy with our food. The owner even came to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. I'm a sucker for great service :)
(5)
Mirza B.

I went to Sushi Ya on a wintery night a couple of days ago. The streets were empty and the night was at its end. Luckily, I reached the place about 20 minutes before they close. The owners are the nicest people ever. Yes, I too have falled victim to their charms by sampling the free edamame. The staff was knowledgeble and attentive. They had some good recommendations. I typically have the Bento Boxes everywhere I go and Sushi Ya was no exception. The quantity provided was HUGE. I had beef, chicken, salmon, Tuna, tempura vegetables, california rolls, chopped calamari, salad and all of this was extremely affordable. I would also like to mention the owner who is this japanese woman who doesnt speak english too good. She was adorable. She took personal care of me and my date. Really hope this place does good. The suburbs need more places like these.
(5)
Shakeel K.

When I eat here I feel that I am eating healthy. I had their Salmon Teriyaki, which was good. They give you a decent size portion and presentation is good as well. During lunch time you also get the Miso soup with your order. I have also tried their vegetable and shrimp tempuras with sticky rice. I will recommend those as well. I am not big on sushi itself, but have tried the torched avocoda tuna makki roll (think that is what it's called)and thought it was good. Ah forgot to mention the highlight of the meal. If you are there order their Mochi ice-cream. I think you get two small cubes for less than two bucks. It is packed with flavor. Mango is my favorite. Thats it for now.
(4)
Anna B.

Very good sushi. They have a nice selection of the usual rolls like rainbow (my favorite and very good at Sushi Ya) as well fun local rolls such as the "Shaumburg" rolls. They provide edamame as a free appetizer. The staff is extremely nice, very attentive, quick to help out. The location is very new and decorated in a simple casual way. Prices are reasonable. Sushi Ya brings a nice sushi option to the area.
(5)
Julie L.

Have never been here before until the weekend. Prices seemed decent (I had two rolls and a speciality order). Told me it would be a 30 min wait for take out but when I got there it wasn't even ready. I would recommend for dine in only.
(4)
Jason H.

Went back for a second helping of Sushi Ya and I was NOT disappointed! -AMAZING service. So polite and friendly!!! -FOOD FRESH AS CAN BE and delicious. This place gets 5 stars yet again. Quite simply... A DELIGHT!
(5)
chrisa r.

i haven't been in a long time, i heard owners just changed, but i used to go frequently... LOVED IT. Miso (sp?) soup and edamame are always included while you wait to pick out your rolls. so friendly when you walk in the door. oh and almost forgot the cute cookies they give after the meal.
(4)
Rosa D.

Great sushi in Schaumburg with great prices! I love that you get soup and a dessert with every meal. The sushi is yummy, spicy tuna is amazing! Everybody that works there is really friendly and remember you once u have been in a few times. Also had A beef bowl and it was so yummy! I def recommend sushi ya
(5)
Todd M.

One of the best in the burbs. Everything tastes fresh and even their non-sushi items are great. No joke, they might have the best fried rice around.
(5)
kevin b.

absolutely perfect. super friendly and attentive service, incredible cuts of fish, very thorough menu, very reasonably priced. everything i've ever ordered has been nothing short of perfect. the pieces of nigiri have huuuge pieces of fish on them. also, free miso, edamame and green tea? done.
(5)
Tony M.

I really like the freshness, large cuts, and quality of the sushi at Sushi Ya. Typically no matter where I go I spend anywhere from $13-20 dollars on myself when it comes to Sushi. So I feel they are priced appropriately. This last time I ordered the Maki Combo, which had a shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, and a salmon roll. I was full in a good way after eating it. It was $12.95, which wasn't bad at all. This is my new sushi stop because it's close to home. I recommend trying it out.
(5)
Evelyn L.

The service was great. The friend silken tofu was tasty. Do not miss that dish!
(4)
Drew F.

Fabulous, I absolutely loved it! Service is great, very attentive and friendly staff. The sushi is unique with a lot of variation and neat combinations of ingredients. If you plan on coming for dinner you should try to make reservations ahead of time, the place gets kind of crowded.
(5)
Priya S.

I love this place! If you want a good laid back ambience and want to eat great tasting sushi, try this place. The sushi is the best quality I have eaten! Try the Hawaian roll or fire crunch- its awesome! The service is good. The lady who owns this restaurant is very amicable and friendly. They get to know you well and take care of you.
(5)
Harley M.

Great sushi place! We've dined here several times (only for lunch) and we'll definitely be back for more. I thought should put in a review for others. We've seen the dinner reviews in terms of service so for now we have stayed away. The food is great! We haven't had any problems with any of our orders. Great creativity with some of their rolls. The boxes are standard but they taste good and fresh. The place is very small for a restaurant, but we weren't crowded to eat. It was comfortable. The staff were all very friendly. The only draw back is that service is a little slow. I can only imagine what it would be like if it was crowded.
(5)
YS Z.

Excellent. Top quality food for the money. I have been here a couple of times. Never got disappointed. Be careful of ordering extra rice, which is pretty expensive.
(4)
Mary D.

The sushi was delicious, we were seated promptly and the service was very thorough. The server explained exactly what we were getting after each roll we ordered, our drinks were refilled quickly, and we received our order very fast. Not much for ambiance. No specialty theme or design. But great sushi. To the point.
(5)
Carmen N.

I've been here several times. Most of the time I order to go. The last time my sister and I tried to eat in we had to wait 20 minutes to get a table. I wish this place was bigger but its cute. I enjoy the service. I would definitely go back since they are so close from home.
(3)
Dejan B.

It was delicious! Flavorful, rich, and smooth would be some adjectives I would use (as good as I had in Toronto, Canada which I hear is some of the best outside of Japan)...The environment was great. The service was nice if a little slow and hard to understand. My wife and I still being newbies to sushi (only my second time) and her first asked two different waitresses about what they would suggest and also about different aspects of the food and both of us had a very hard time understand even 50% of what they said...All that said I would still strongly suggest this place if you are fan of sushi!!
(4)
Diane N.

Let me start off by saying I'm not picky but I can tell the difference between so so sushi, and amazing sushi. I have never been disappointed by Sushi ya. The service is amazing, and quick. And the food ... to die for. Hands down 5 stars
(5)
Nali M.

This has become our favorite place for sushi! The staff here is so friendly and the food is so fresh. My favorite is the spicy tuna hand-roll. The place is pretty small with limited seatings. We've been here a couple of times on Saturday nights, and we had to wait about 10-15 minutes for a table. But it was definitely worth it!
(4)
Pavel S.

Great sashimi and very attentive staff for lunch
(5)
Harley B.

A friend of mine was doing some job training out in Rolling Meadows and we decided to meet for sushi. We kicked around a few ideas and finally settled on Sushi Ya, even though neither of us had ever been there. The Yelp reviews were positive, so I didn't have any reservations about going. Besides, I've gone farther for worse and paid more for less, and having dinner with an old friend was going to trump whatever ended up on my plate. Upon entering Sushi Ya we were loudly and happily greeted by everyone on staff. We were seated immediately (and we'd soon find out that we'd barely beaten an evening rush) and drink orders were quickly taken and filled. Beverage question aside, the first thing we were asked was if we'd been there before. Within minutes of telling them it was our first time there we were brought complimentary edamame and bowls of miso soup. Little things, unexpected things...but things I notice and appreciate. The sushi... beautiful maki and the cuts used for the nigiri were quite generous and noticeably thicker than what I've been served in many other places. Turnaround on orders was quick, even after business picked up, which was refreshing. Yes, Sushi Ya is small, but they treat their customers right and they serve good food -- just because it's tucked inside a shopping strip doesn't mean it's bad. Long story short, Sushi Ya was pure win from the moment I set foot inside to the moment I left the building. I'll most certainly be returning.
(4)
Wenyi L.

Fire crunchy roll, a must try!
(5)
Agnes T.

I used to love this place great sushi decent prices but lately they gotten really busy in such a small place owner is mean and rude the waitresses keep coming back as your deciding what to order and are really pushy when you order more than a couple rolls they look at you and say that's too much " hey let me decide when it's too much " one of my orders was missing and the boss lady argued with me that I'm wrong and later released I was right and said nothing by the way good luck with her on the phone she barely speaks English like I said I used to love it now I go there once in a while I prefer Nikko soju sarang in Arlington heights
(3)
Becky K.

i dont think this place deserved as many stars as it got... its a small mom-&-pop joint with lots of choices... we got a variety of different sushis (red dragon, unagi crunch, rainbow dragon, and spicy scallop) with a small side of seaweed salad--the best part of the meal unfortunately... **the unagi was messy and soggy; spicy scallop was the best out of all (IF i had to pick) and red dragon was the worst. wasnt sure if the quality of the fish was bad, or if we jus had the end of the batch, but the fish jus didnt seem fresh. they did serve edamame (appetizer) and refreshing watermelon slices (palette cleanser) on the house, which was nice :) other than that...im sure theres better sushi elsewhere. :X
(2)
Leah E.

Basically the best sushi and sashimi I have ever had and this is coming from someone raised in California where the fish doesn't get any fresher. Every time my boyfriend flies in from Phoenix we go here because of the great sushi and awesome service. It's a little surprising when you get greeted by everyone when you walk in but you also see the regulars get hugged so it's nice to know it's that kind of place. The prices are also extremely reasonable for the quality as well as the presentation which is usually overlooked unless you are someplace considered to be trendy.
(5)
J H.

Good variety! Great service from friendly staff. Place is small, yet quaint. I enjoyed the sushi VERY much. Had a creation called I Love Chicago (amongst others) ... Nice! Some of the sushi construction does unravel, however, it's from them stuffing them. Had some flavors here of sushi I'd never experienced ... recommend for sure!
(4)
Mel T.

friendly staff and well prepared sushi. There are also non-sushi entrees that deserve attention as well, such as the beef bowl. If looking for a decent sushi place in this neighborhood, sushi ya is as good as it gets.
(5)
Sarah R.

Delicious food at good prices. I recommend the Jo's special as an appetizer, it tastes like crab rangoon!! Really friendly servers too!
(5)
Selena P.

I wish I lived in Schaumburg because I would eat here all the time. The service was excellent and so was the food. My husband and I got sushi and it was very, very good. If I am ever in Schaumburg again, I will visit there again.
(4)
Sam G.

Never had a roll I didn't like. Love the tuna hulk maki, spicy tuna on steroids :)
(5)
Robert G.

Sushi ain't my specialty; just third place. In strip mall (as are most sushi and Thai joints out in these parts) on the East side of Roselle, parking in private lot more easily accessed by street immediately North. We were the first peeps there when it opened at 430pm today, so there was no problem getting away from the door where a slight breeze could be felt (incidentally, the door is not spring loading as I was expected, and opened it with gusto nearly toppling the doodad Asian thing in the breezeway...my bad). Pretty good menu options and I tried to match what I get at the other place we like, so I'd have some sorta frame of reference. Missing my token ginger chicken equivalent, I opted for the Shumai (beef, $4.50)--hold on--no beef? Granted, we had an immediate language barrier [which is OK at an ethnic restaurant, lends credibility methinks], but the chicka said no beef on Shumai (steamed dumplings) but could get beef on Gyoza (pan fried dumplings)---I said is "menu wrong or out of beef", and that was followed by a short discourse on Gyoza. Anywho, no steamed jammies with beef, so I got the PF equivalent and they were pretty good [forgot to take pic]: six in all and fairly tasty with the sweet soyish sesame dipping sauce. Pooh got the Ama-Ebi (Sweet Shrimp, $6 [pic]) which she loved--so much so ate the WHOLE darned shrimp noggin....usually such sucks the head matter out, but crunchy enough was the whole bugger down they went. I ordered the Avocado Torch Crunch ($11.95) which was pretty tasty, especially the torched mayo/sweet sauce (ate it plain)--roll was pretty good size [pic], but not really spicy as expected/advertised. Panraya got the Fire Crunch Maki ($11.95) which I didn't try, but she seemed to really like it [though not as much as appetizer. Ended with the token fruit dessert...seedless H2Omelon. Gratis edamame and miso while waiting for apps, though that seems pretty standard [though I've had salad instead of beans before]. Only open until 10pm which is fine on most occassions, but for late workers that's a bit of a bugger (see review of Nikkos in Arlington Heights). Also cans o' Coke as most people will note I tend to shy away from those as being pricey. Good service on H2O and Tea refills. We got nothing free beyond usual expectations and I really didn't think the service was beyond compare, though it was better than most places--perhaps since we were just 2 of 6 people there for the first hour. Prices weren't bad, just a skosh higher than the couple other places I've been. Guys bathroom big and clean, unusually so for a single operator--always a good thing to check out...
(4)
Maria C.

I was pleasantly surprised with this restaurant. It's small but cozy, cute and the service is outstanding. They brought some Edamame as courtesy of the house, we ate some delicious sushi and then they brought some watermelon again, as a courtesy. The price was very reasonable and I plan on being back for sure.
(4)
Dana C.

When it comes to sushi, most people go to the most expensive places, that are usually corporations. For me it has to be somewhere that knows how to make good sushi, somewhere where you will find Japanese people eating, cuz they know their sushi. For as small as this place is, not only are the prices great for what you you get, but I have never ordered anything there that I didn't like. The Fire crunch maki is amazing, and the miso soup is home made and awesome as well. I would definately suggest trying Sushi-ya if you want to try some good food, and fresh fish! :)
(5)
Kelly T.

I LOVE this place! They have the best service, along with the best food. My boyfriend and I always get the dragon roll, along with any other we may be in the mood for, and it is always amazing. Whenever we feel like sushi, this is where we go. Nothing else compares!
(5)
Sarah P.

Sushi Ya is the best sushi restaurant in the area. Don't be fooled by its small strip mall appearance. The food is great and the staff is very friendly. It is a BYOB spot but you are charged a extra 10 dollars for a corking fee.
(4)
Cam C.

Small location - So, if you're going for lunch, you want to arrive before noon to make sure you have a table. They have lunch combos with generous portions. Sushi are large and taste great - I've had their squid, salmon, and many others. Prices are very reasonable. Staff is friendly as can be, and they are incredibly fast. I will DEFINITELY be making this a regular lunch spot. Two people can expect to eat for $25~35, unless you're absolutely gorging yourselves. TRY OUT SUSHI YA!
(5)
Lulu C.

It seems like a small dive-y place from the outside, but the inside is nice and clean. The place isn't huge, so bigger groups won't really fit. Their sushi is delightful and they have some of the friendliest staff around!! I LOVE their fire avocado appetizer and they have awesome maki choices, and their fish has always been fresh! I wish they were closer to me so I could make them one of my regular places!!
(5)
Faye S.

Good value for sushi at Sushi ya. The rolls were alright but tend to fall apart. They gave out free miso and edamame. The service was alright. We went there at a busy time and felt that the restaurant was unorganized. We sat at the sushi bar and were served the food of a couple next to us. Overall, it is inexpensive and food was not bad. I cannot say that it's good though.
(3)
Lily K.

Imitation Crab Sticks. Not a fan.
(3)
Shaun S.

Best sushi I've had in the suburbs
(5)
shaun M.

I have been to many sushi places in my day and Sushi Ya easily rates as my favorite. For one you get free edamame, a definite bonus. Secondly, the staff is extremely nice and you can tell the sushi chefs put great care into the food that they make. The food is sooo delicious, i recommend trying the Schaumburg roll or the tuna hulk. On one occasion we had to wait a long time for our food because the place was SLAMMED but they were so nice and gave us some free calamari to eat while we waited. One last thing, I think they are starting to get to know us because me and my roomie went here after new years and they gave us a new years present!! We were on our way out and the waitress stopped us and gave us each a bottle of sake. I can't say enough good things about this place, go there and you will not regret it.
(5)
Jin Joo L.

For a sushi place, I'd say they have majority of the nigiri and sashimi sushi that I love. As much as I love their food here, I always seem to get food poisoning right after. And this happened to me twice. The rolls and food are all very good. The service was excellent too. I went on the weekend when it's not very busy and the sushi took forever. I always eat a ton when I go here. Yummmmm. So I hope the next time I go, I don't get sick because I do genuinely like the place and people and food.
(3)
Julia P.

Quick service, friendly staff, great sushi. I love sushi & I eat a lot of it, I'd say their sushi is definitely one of my top favorites for a quick meal or carry out. Dining in leaves something to be desired, not the best atmosphere & it feels kind of rushed.
(4)
Sarah G.

I love the food here; my boyfriend and I are regulars, dining in at least once a week. Unfortunately, this is one of the smallest restaurants I've ever eaten in; there is usually a wait and nowhere TO wait....making it a little awkward. I felt like I was invading the date happening at the table near the door. However, the food DOES make it worth the wait. The waitresses are all extremely friendly; although I can't quite figure out how they operate as all 3 or 4 of them are the server for every table. It is a little annoying to tell one waitress that you're not quite ready to order yet only to have two more waitresses come and ask within 30 seconds of each other....same with the bill. BUT the food IS wonderful and despite these little nuances I will continue to eat here.
(4)
Sophie Z.

I love this place! Me, my boyfriend, and my friends were very excited when this place opened since its really close to home. The waitstaff is very attentive and always makes sure you have everything you need. Last time we went there we were even given a small plate of sushi on the house to try - it was delicious! The atmosphere is nice and cozy - great for an evening with friends or a date night. The sushi is EXCELLENT and well priced. Each time we go we try a new roll, and we have not once been disappointed. We love the Sunset roll and the Green Dragon roll. I really recommend this place - excellent sushi, great value, in a comfy and welcoming environment.
(5)
Sissy J.

You would have no idea by the location how amazing this place is. (& I don't even like Sushi! Husband loves it.) Their food is fantastic. I am completely addicted to their Miso Soup & Beef Teriyaki. This is a complete hidden secret spot of deliciousness right here in the suburbs. Usually you'd have to drive downtown for one of these awesome spots. I don't get attached easily, but I would cry if Sushi Ya left Schaumburg. Whether you like Sushi or not--everyone should try this place.
(5)
K F.

This place was fantastic. We went here while staying in a nearby hotel on a visit to Chicago and were pleasantly surprised by how good the sushi was as well as the fantastic service. The place is clean, the hours are convenient and the sake selection is great. We got the avocado torch roll and it was one of the best pieces of sushi I have ever had. I would go out of my way to come back here again.
(5)
Sarah V.

The place is a little small, but there isn't anything wrong with that. You can hear people's conversations across the room but it's not distracting. The sushi is GREAT. The Alaskan Maki was awesome. Easily the best sushi I have ever had. The prices are fair... maki rolls are about $4-$7. Generous portions, miso soup, and pea pods with every meal :) They are extremely friendly and attentive as well. I would definitely go back. Actually.. I just went again today. It's awesome.
(5)
Kate S.

This place was fantastic!!!! This is the only place that I know that gives you edamamme and soup before your sushi! Talk about super reasonable, I ended up going with a couple cousin's and a friend and we ordered some Nigiri and six or seven rolls most of them being specialty rolls. Our total bill after tax and tip was less than $100! Everything was super delicious! My one and only small complaint is the rice was a little soft and our rolls ended up falling apart on us. Other than that this an excellent place and very very very reasonable! Can't wait to have another great night here!
(4)
J P.

LOVE this place. I came here for the first time after finding it on yelp as one of the better restaurants in the area. I feel like I've come to love all strip mall joints! IMO, I've had the best dining experiences here, better then the well known city establishments. On to the review - Upon entering, you are immediately greeted by ALL staff, the waitresses and even the sushi chefs at the bar. You can pick anywhere you want to sit and they gave us a menu. I ordered hot green tea and I loved how they kept refilling my mug, I must have drank like 5 mug fulls! And it was good and warm, perfect since it was harsh and windy outside. The place is brightly lit, yet still cozy. I ordered a hand roll and a california crazy roll (i know not so adventurous, but next time I will be!) and they were both very delicious! They also gave us a complimentary bowl of Miso Soup and Edamame and that was a nice little surprise. We ended up LOVING the Miso soup, we feverishly drank it, I wonder what the other patrons were thinking! All in all it was a great dining experience and SO SO SO SO affordable, our meal ended up only being $20 and we were stuffed. Even though we opted for the cheaper, not so "sushi" types of sushi, it was still a satisfying meal. A great place to take first timers, or skeptics! Next time I go (and I will be returning, many times) I'll be sure to try the fire crunch or the avocado torch!
(5)
Kharry D.

I`ve odered sushi rolls from this restaurant because it is highly rated online. My family enjoyed the rolls and they were reasonably priced. My husband loved Alaskan and Fire crunch rolls. The spice was right on, the heat did not overpower the flavors. I loved Chicago and Sushi Ya rolls. They were perfectly done. I highly reccomend this place to everybody.
(5)
Michael L.

Finding a sushi restaurant in the Schaumburg area WAS hard. If you are looking for reasonably priced sushi for pickup or sit-down in schaumburg, try Sushi Ya on Roselle Rd. Cozy atmosphere and a friendly staff that goes the extra mile to make sure you leave happy.
(5)
Jacquelyn Y.

excellent sushi i have ever had plus their best service ....definitely worth it for return!!! we had two rolls and one U-don and two appetizers. their rolls were outstanding, more than what i expected !!!!
(5)
Desmond W.

I'm a Chicago native, but had the pleasure of living on the West coast for a few years. As you can imagine, sushi out there is pretty fantastic. To my chagrin, finding decent sushi has proven to be quite difficult since returning to the Midwest (go figure). That's until I checked out Sushi Ya. Most places around here have pretty bland flavors and ingredients, as well as abysmal, chewy seaweed wrapping. Not here. Flavors were bright, varied and interesting. Presentation was excellent. Service was very friendly and quite good minus a somewhat lengthy wait-time for our check. I suppose my one gripe would be cost. It's a bit expensive for my tastes, but I think that's just something I'll have to get used to if I want decent sushi in a landlocked area. Bottom line: if you like your sushi, check this place out.
(4)
J D.

This place doesnt need my help in promoting, but they deserve it. We were skeptical at first, not for any reason in particular but just because we are always skeptical of trying somewhere unfamiliar to us. The guys behind the sushi bar paused from their work and greeted us, anywhere one said, as in "sit anywhere". My first choice was a bit too close to the bathrooms, my second choice was a bit too close to the entrance. Damn if I cant even decide on a place to sit then how the hell am i going to navigate my way through this menu. A nice older woman greeted us and gave us menus. The Decor is nice , some other reviewers said it was lacking but I found it to be perfect. Upscale without being Snooty, kind of sparse, but not barren. I like the fact that the walls were not crowded with cheap dragons or some other oriental stuff (although that can be fun at times). Nice dark wood tables to match the bar, Not too bright but by no means dark. perfect atmosphere. I asked for tea right away because it was cold outside. She returned with a mug of tea, I was expecting a kettle--now normally this would be a negative but this turned out to be a plus, because after the first time that I asked for more tea, i never had to ask again. Sometimes while I was inquiring about a menu item my tea would stealthily be filled by a hand that escaped my line of sight. I must have had like 10 cups of tea. Okay my review is not solely based on tea, so lets get into the food I had a dragon roll, she had a california roll and we shared some tempura vegetable/shrimp. They were all very good. I really liked the Unagi on the top of the dragon. Okay so we are sushi amateurs , we order the tame stuff, no octopus or sashimi but so what (this is my review, this is my song, this isnt your song, this is fascism.) Alrighty back on track here- After pondering long and hard about udon noodles i finally decded to follow up the dragon with a nice fried tofu soup thing that I cant quite remember the name although it is pictured in one of the other reviews. (It looks like a few sticks of butter centered in a bowl surrounded by broth.) It was really tasty, kind of a sweet taste to the tofu and a nice savory broth. It had a great bacon smell to it but oddly did not contain bacon or any pork to my knowledge. We also had another roll and a dish comprising of some delicious chicken and vegetables over rice, It was almost like a bourbon chicken of sorts but blew away anything comparable that Ive had in the past. We did enjoy the comp. edemame and the nice cookie thing at the end when they bring the check (which was pretty reasonable for the quality of food we enjoyed). The service and the food were way over par at Sushi Ya. Definitely be back to try the udon noodles..
(5)
Kimberly B.

It has been a couple months since I have visited Sushi Ya, so unfortunately I do not have any specific menu item critiques. I did want to add to their high ratings now before I forgot. I have always had a welcome and cheery greeting when entering the restaurant. The servers are always friendly and attentive. I find their menu items affordable and good quality. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because I find the music choice a bit odd. I think they usually have a pop/rock radio station on. It just throws me off.
(4)
S P.

Not sure what all the positive reviews are about, sushi was mediocre and overpriced for the suburbs. Great ambiance though. That was probably my last visit.
(3)
Matt P.

Great sushi ... terrific staff. No free refills on soft drinks.
(3)
Kamila T.

The fresh sushi and deliciously light and flaky calamari deserves a 5 star rating on its own. The restaurant is very small and there's not much privacy. The tables are tiny and placed right next to each other but its soo worth it!
(5)
Dee H.

Love this place. My husband & I have been to sushi places all over the chicago area & this is the # 1 spot. We don't even bother trying any new places for sushi because we feel like we're cheating on sushi ya, thats how much we love it! Cheap prices, fresh & yummy sushi. The place is small and shady looking, but the sushi makes up for it!
(5)
Willie S.

Visited the area last weekend - used Yelp to find the place. First night my son wanted a steak off the Hibachi menu (very picky - non sushi eater) - they had no steak. I asked for my nigiri sampler to go - had to get Taco Bell for the kid. Limited English skills made this a little awkward but this was our issue not theirs. The owner/manager was engaged from the moment we walked in - server was great. It was a busy Friday night - the place is not large. The nigiri portions were very big. Fish was very good. They have a Korean bent - I love Hwe dup Bap - had to come back for a try. So I returned without my son for dinner the next night to try the "spicy sashimi" - portion was huge - the sauce thick but not quite as hot as I like - they checked on the Anglo because they thought it was too hot. I knew what I was getting into. I like it hot. We worked it out. I love attention to detail and people who care about their service. High level of service here. Great chefs. Fun little place - 5 stars. Strip center without much fancy outside. Perfect set up inside. Highly recommended.
(5)
Mike I.

The best sushi I have ever eaten....and I got carry out! The plating was unbelievable as opening each stryrofoam container was like Christmas morning. The sushi was perfectly organized in each little container with as much detail as if you were eating it in their restaurant. The taste was out of this world. My wife, who's a HUGE sushi fan (and snob), claims that this is her new favorite spot....and it's in Schaumburg(!!??) The employees who work there seem to sincerely appreciate your business. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Butter D.

My daughter and I stopped over at sushi station to get a take out and was turned away because they were not going to open for another 15 mins. My daugther suggested Sushi Ya in Schaumburg, I think I have have heard about it before and actually have driven by this restaurant numerous times. Well desperate for sushi I decided to go ahead and order from them for the first time. Like some reviewers said the moment you walk in they welcome you immediately and make you feel appreciated. The waitress asked us to take a seat and gave us a menu to order from and even offered advice. While waiting for our order they gave us water and even edamame and to think we were just ordering for a take out. The sushi was delicious, ordered was the california rolls and the maki combo both were filling and tasted fresh. Will I come back for more??? YOU BETCHA! It's refreshing to feel as if our business was appreciated. Great job!
(4)
Esther P.

Bottom Line: I think service at a restaurant should be a top priority - it usually goes hand-in-hand, but at Sushi-ya, service didn't exist. In fact, the meaning of bad service was taken to new heights. Will I be returning? Definitely not. Sayounara Sushi-ya! What Happened: Went during lunch-time for a quick bite. Ordered a spicy tuna roll and an avocado roll (simple rolls). 20 min. passed since I sat down, but I still had not received my order. I was beginning to get a little bit suspicious b/c I knew that 2 rolls like mine dont take very long. The waitresses were scurrying around delivering food to table five here and table 7 there, but no one seemed to be paying much attention to me. There were others in the restaurant so despite these obvious signs that my order and I were being disregarded, I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. Suddently, I saw the waitress who was running around the place w/out a clue (that's what it seemed) hand my order menu to the sushi bar guy. It had been sitting for 20+min. by the cash register. I told myself not go get mad, but I was pretty pissed. I swallowed my thoughts and when my food came out 10 min. later, I ate quickly due to having to return to work. The spicy tuna was a little bit sweet (not sure if I liked that) and not very spicy (again, don't like). The avocado rolls were delicious tho. Anyway, the waitress took my cleared plates. I was expecting the bill to be delivered soon after she did that, but there was no bill. She resumed her tending to the other customers except me. Finally, I turned towards her as she was standing by the register and practically shouted "Can I get my bill?" and it was finally brought over. One of the other waitresses brought me watermelon, but the damage was done. You see, I used to work at a sushi restaurant for a year actually and I know that that a) it doesn't take long to make a spicy tuna roll or an avocado roll b/c there are few ingredients compared to let's say a spider roll. I also know that the service that I received at this restaurant would not have been tolerated at the restaurant that I worked at. Despite the good reviews from other customers, I will not go back there again. Who wants to be ignored while other customers are being treated? I think service at a restaurant should be a top priority - it usually goes hand-in-hand, but at Sushi-ya, service didn't exist. In fact, the meaning of bad service was taken to new heights. Will I be returning? Definitely not. Sayounara Sushi-ya!
(1)
Elaine C.

Darn good sushi. But, I still think Daruma is better.
(4)
Clark B.

Well, this was quite a surprise! Like so many other sushi restaurants, Sushi Ya occupies a portion of a suburban strip mall. However, once you walk through the doors, you're warmly greeted by any staff that can see you and the interior is much more pleasing that it's outside surroundings. Service is attentive and prompt. The rolls are LARGE and priced competitive with other suburban sushi restaurants. Between my fiancee and I we spent approximately $50 on drinks, five rolls, and edamame. While we ate seven regulars came to pick up their orders and were each greeted by name. Overall it felt like we were in a neighborhood sushi joint in the city.
(4)
Jessica R.

I've been here twice now and was pretty impressed. I work at another sushi restaurant and am always looking to try other places. I went there yesterday with my friend. We had a California deluxe, Dragon roll and a spicy tuna roll. I also tried their unagi and salmon nigiri. I like the thick cut of both nigiri items and also how crunchy the unagi is. The staff was really friendly and helpful. I would recommend this place to anyone who loves sushi!
(4)
Cathy M.

I had lunch with my dearest friend today at Sushi Ya and we both loved it! I am very fussy about sushi and this place was amazing. We took the advice of another review and got the white and red dragon rolls. Really fresh and delicious. We also shared an order of seaweed salad that was so flavorful and a very pretty presentation. The service was very nice and pleasant. I don't live nearby but would definitely find a reason to go back again.
(5)
Josh L.

I went here on New Years Eve with my wife for dinner. We ordered Green Dragon rolls, Spider rolls, Spicy Tuna Rolls, and Tempura Udon. The Spider rolls were blah, the Green Dragon rolls were okay, the Spicy Tuna was pretty good, and the Tempura Udon was just okay. I don't know how all the other people that reviewed this place gave it 4 or 5 stars, since it was only mediocre. Oh, and the Miso soup was pretty good, but nothing to go crazy over.
(2)
Carlos F.

Great fun sushi restaurant. It was a little pricey, and by little I mean a lot. It was a nice Japanese throwback to be greeted coming in and leaving with a great konishiwa! They have a good formula going here.
(3)
Mark B.

great service great food advise anybody to go there and try it
(4)
Zaid M.

an excellent place to eat sushi at, selection is outstanding and the people who work there are really nice, its hard to understand there english sometimes but its worth it. and always after eating make sure to get the Mushmush Ice cream, velvet from the outside, ice cream form the inside. its just an incredible treat. for a small local sushi place, this place has made the list for sure.
(5)
Pree N.

Great place for a nice dinner! Very good price as well. Great staff, very friendly. GO TRY THIS PLACE!
(5)
Justin W.

The price for the quality of sushi is amazing, the staff is very nice and extremely accommodating, I highly recommend their spicy tuna rolls, and the green dragon.
(5)
Phil T.

The little things were done right here....All the small stuff that they do at Sushi Ya keeps you coming back. This quaint lil sushi joint hidden in a strip mall is quite the place I must say! Everything is true with what everyone is saying nice lil portion of edamame as an app and nice fresh watermelon slices when you are done w/ your meal is on the house. The staff is EXCEPTIONALLY nice here as well! Another nice thing is if you are not a sushi lover my poppi had a nice selection of hot entrees to choose from. He was very happy w/ the teriyaki chicken. Well down to the sush, I really enjoyed this place and all the lil things that this place does will keep me going back here. A++
(5)
S. L.

It's really random to find fresh fish and generous slices in a nondescript strip mall in Schaumburg, IL, but I suppose there are rarer things. Service was a tad inconsistent but generally fast and extremely attentive. It is a small space so it can get loud, but it's good food, good service, and also reasonably priced. Solid choice.
(5)
shelly s.

I was super impressed with Sushi Ya. I live in the city and love top notch sushi so I wasn't expecting that from this strip mall sushi place in the burbs. Super friendly service. The restaurant is open on Saturdays for lunch and you can't beat it. Complimentary edamame, miso soup and slice of watermelon for dessert with anything that you order. The rolls we loved were the tuna hulk, Avocado crunch and the fire crunch. The tuna was super fresh and the rolls had a great deal of fish in and out of them. The fire crunch has so much tuna piled on top that it almost looked like brushetta coming to our table. Even my dad, who is reluctant to eat sushi, tried our rolls and said next time he would forgo the typical order of fried rice that he orders when my mom and I drag him to a sushi restaurant. That says a ton for this place! If you live in the area or are visiting this is your place for sushi!
(5)
rob m.

Unlike some of my verbose reviews, i'll just reiterate what the others have said about this being a great place...the service has always been good and Very friendly and the lunch deal is amazing and very generous for a cheap cheap price..i would highly recommend it as a lunch spot for area workers...the flaming avocado is insanely good and must be tried.
(5)
Jenny C.

I LOVE this place, this is by far the best sushi place in burbs. The place is small but the sushi is super super fresh, rich and great texture. You get 2 pieces for each nigire order and the price is extremely reasonable (approx. $4 to $5 per nigire order). The size of the fish they give is decently thick. The sushi rice is very tasty (good texture and taste) and the rice portion per nigire is prefect (not too much, not too less). My husband loves the Beef Udong which is only $8. The only thing I would complain is the wait (for food) on Friday night. We waited 1 hour for our sushi but trust me, it is well worth it. If you are in rush, go there during weekdays. If you are looking for cheap, fresh, good, neighborhood feeling sushi place, this is it. You will not break your wallet when walking out there, stuffed! BTW, the wait staffs there barely speak english but they are super nice and always carry a smile on their face.
(5)
Roland B.

They make good sushi here. Presentation is good with the only exception that they don't have Uni (Sea Urchin). Price is reasonable for food and beer/Saki.
(4)
David A.

The service, food, and atmosphere were all very good. We were seated right away. I ordered a hot tea which was brought out quickly and refilled often. The maki menu is vast. We chose some of the specialty rolls and they were very tasty. It should be noted they are also very big. Some of the pieces were to big to eat with a normal size mouth and chopsticks but when its good food you find a way. The atmosphere is what you would expect in a strip mall type quick sushi sot but I did like that they played Top 20 throughout the dinner service. Definitely in my top 3 for sushi in the NW suburbs.
(4)
panitee j.

Service is so great. I ordered to go and they served me a piece of watermelon & edamame while waiting. I ordered 2 app, they were good. I'll try sushi next time.
(4)
bany e.

This is not a fancy place but the sushi is amazing!!!!! Loved every roll we ordered time after time
(4)
Luke J.

Fantastic service and some real thick pieces of fish. I'll definitely be returning!
(5)
s C.

wonderful nigiri! so fresh and the fish to rice ratio is VERY generous and delicious! We also had the avacado torch role which was too mayo-y for me and the agedashi tofu was generous, but just so-so. this will most likely become our regular sushi spot :)
(5)
Phil Q.

Ok, we recently went back. Ordered my usual 6 pieces of Salmon Nigiri. The salmon looked as if it was sliced with a bread knife. The shape of the fish on top of the rice, it's sort of supposed to mold around it. These pieces were cut like a rectangle, the edges of the fish were frayed, one end of the fish was noticeably thicker than the other, and it seems to be slapped right on the rice. Not sure if they hired a different sushi chef that had no skill? Affected the texture of the nigiri, and it did not taste fresh. Definitely not happy. The different rolls we ordered were still pretty good. Avoid the salmon chirashi. It is not the same as having sashimi on rice, unless this place has some really bad way of preparing it, and chirashi means crap in japanese. It was awful. Not sure what happened here...perhaps an off night? Spent $70 for two (including tip), and left pretty unhappy. Won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Melissa F.

My favorite Sushi spot! Reasonable prices and delicious sushi. I haven't had a bad roll. Along with having great food, the staff is phenomenal. It has a very small restaurant feel. You are always greeted with a big hello from the entire staff. A favorite spot to bring friends to!
(5)
Giselle V.

Sushi Ya has the BEST sushi in the area, at an affordable price! I have been to this establishment several times, and have never been disappointed. They get pretty busy on weekends, but even if they're super crowded I've never had to wait more than a few minutes for a table. I highly recommend the unagi (eel rolls), and the chirashi is the best I've ever had!
(5)
SK S.

We arrived at Sushi Ya for a later, 2pm, lunch. It was my group and a two other tables. Therefore, we expect that the service be at least good, and it turned out to be great. We ordered the edamame, and for the price, which I believe that was around $4, our table received literally 10 bean pods. This was a slight disappointment, as I throughly enjoy edamame. I ordered two uni, a crunchy shrimp tempura roll, and a crazy California roll along with a side of eel or unagi sauce. The uni were of decent quality, although the rice didn't stick well. The crazy shrimp roll was just as I expected from a deep friend California roll, yum. Furthermore, the crunchy shrimp roll was also what I expected. The only negative that I have is that the unagi sauce tasted a bit like bbq mixed with traditional soy sauce. A great place to go if you know what you like out of your sushi.
(4)
rob v.

Hands down, the best sushi place around. You walk in and you are greeted by a wonderful wait staff. If you get take out during the summer, they will even give you a piece of watermelon. This place has THE best spider and dragon rolls I have ever consumed, and their volcano roll is pretty damn good too! I typically spend about $50 on food and 2 Irinkichibons.
(5)
Jo J.

Sushi is good here but during my last visit, they really ticked me off for something that is really a minor thing but is a matter of principle. This was the first time that I was told at a restaurant that you don't get the same dinner if you get it to go vs. eating it there. Was told when you order sushi to go, you only get the roll and you don't get the miso soup and the edamame. To top it off, the reasons given for why the owner does this was "cost are going up" and because "people don't tip when they pick-up". This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. They charge the same if you eat there or take it to go so what does cost of food or tipping (I usually tip even for pick-up but wasn't about to do so this time) have to do with not giving you a proper complete dinner? If the reason / excuse is that I wouldn't order a coke or drink to go which I would have if I ate there, I still don't agree with this based purely on the principle. The previous three times I went there, just my individual bill was $25-$60. I'm not sure how much soup (miso soup at that - just broth / stock) she will have to save to recover the cost of losing a good customer (and people he/she would bring in with them). I just don't get it when owners / managers think it is ok to nickel and dime you and think that you will keep coming back. I am a foodie but I still don't care how good the food is if you are going to charge me extra for something that normally comes with the entrÃ©e. BTW, the service and food has been great so far but really stupid stuff like this really turned me off. For a second I thought I was overreacting but most people would just put up with nonsense like this and not say a word...and that's even more ridiculous...
(1)
JT D.

I am so happy this place has moved in to schaumburg. Not only is everything fresh and delicious...the service and prices are unbelievable. Just thinking about the restaurant makes me want to go and have dinner there....don't miss it...it outbeats any other sushi spot in schaumburg...
(5)
Don O.

the food is great but i was annoyed with the noise of people. really you cannot take your intimate date here...
(3)
Ted W.

Great place if you have a taste for good sushi at a good price and don't care about the frills. It is in a strip mall and very plain inside, but all the rolls I had were excellent and the service was great. They also gave us free miso soup, a small edaname, and watermelon for dessert. Probably not a great place to impress a first date or client, but I'll pay a couple bucks less per roll to have it not served on a fancy plate.
(4)
Candyce P.

Sushi Ya is the type of place you'd only know about if you frequent pita house (in the same strip mall) or regularly drive up and down Roselle Road. I do both, so when Sushi Ya opened, I knew it was a place I'd like to try. Like a sucker though, I waited until others had tried and yelped about it before stepping foot inside. I know, I know... but sushi spots are either good or really bad and I wasn't going to risk my tummy. That being said, after reading reviews, it sounded like a worthwhile and good place to try. The hubby and I went on a random Thursday evening for dinner and were pleasantly surprised. It's a cute place with about 15 tables at most, plus seating at the sushi bar; 3 servers/hostesses and 2 sushi chefs; cozy decor and lighting and nice plateware and presentation. It was quite cold that evening and I apparently looked like a shiverring chihuahua, so our server immediately offered to bring us some hot tea and the complimentary edamame to start with. Nice touch. The edamame was fresh, hot and perfectly salted. The cup of hot tea was good and constantly refilled through the dinner. We ordered shrimp and veggie tempura, beef udon soup, a signature maki roll (which I cannot remember the name of, but included spicy scallop) and a spicy tuna roll. Everything was delicious. The tempura was hot and crispy, the udon soup broth was light and comforting and the sushi was perfect! (read: melt-in-your-mouth fish with slightly warm fresh sushi rice!) Total cost was about $40, and seriously a deal for the quality of food. The hubby said they have good lunch specials, but I was too busy eating to look at that menu. I noted that there were about half the tables filled on a Thursday night, so I hope people keep going to this place to keep it going. We'll definitely go back and try more sushi and nigiri. The overall feel of this place though, besides the great quality, is as though you're a guest in their house. It's lovely and charming.
(5)
Pat K.

Best sushi for the best price, hands down. Free delicious miso soup and edamame, I always get the spicy salmon rolls and they are great.
(5)
Marko G.

I had the chef special sashimi combo. Fresh fish, and well presented. The location is a bit to be desired for as well as the ambiance and the waiting staff.
(4)
Brian H.

A real delight. Great sushi, decent prices. As others have noted, not the fastest service, but attentive - and good sushi takes time.
(4)
Rachael C.

A few co-worker have raved about Sushi Ya and I finally got the chance to eat here. I must admit, I have a favorite sushi place and going to a strip mall sushi bar was not an appetizing thought. Boy did they prove me wrong! Everything was fresh, it tasted fantastic and I now have a new sushi place that is close to work. Only draw back was that I waited so long to try it.
(5)
Perry K.

Friday night at this place was pretty busy, but then again they only have 12 tables. After we ordered, they brought out a small bowl of edamame and a bowl of soup for free which I thought I was very nice since we didn't order an appetizer. We ordered five rolls and the waitress thought that was too much for my fiancÃ© and I, but we proved her wrong. They brought the rolls out one at a time as the chef was rolling em which I didn't really like but it was busy in there so I understand.
(4)
Steve b.

Hulk roll is Great! Bento box is fantastic. I'm from out of town but wish my hometown had a sushi place like Sushi Ya!
(5)
Irene O.

Yummo... great service... always start with complimentary edamame and soup
(5)
janaynay n.

Service=A- Sushi=A++++ Environment=B+ Price=A This place has to be my ultimate sushi place so far. The sushi was definitely delicioussssss. The people there are very friendly too. We got free edamame with our miso soup which was pretty cool. The enviornment was very relaxing and peaceful but I would not recommend coming here if it is crowded. I don't think there would be enough seats to accomadate alot of ppl. As for price, the prices are pretty reasonable. Overall, I would recommend everyone to come to this place.
(5)
Samra M.

Went here for my brother's birthday to treat him out. Small space, bright yellow sign, you may miss it when you're on Roselle Road, so keep an eye out. The service was fast, but i can't really complain because there were only 2 more customers in the restaurant other than us haha. But they had really good edi mame, they're really soft that you can eat them whole and they had a good salt ratio. Miso was good and warm (always a good thing).Dinner is 12pm to close on sundays. We ordered the spider roll, diablo, shrimp tempura, green dragon and ebi. ALL were great tasting and fresh, no complaints and definitely a change from my regular sushi joints in the city (mainly because i usually go for buffet) price was substantial, not too bad. Overall we had a great experience.
(4)
Summer N.

I am so grateful I took a chance on a "strip mall sushi place." I absolutely love Sushi Ya. The price and quality is perfect!! My boyfriend and I go here at least once a week. The employees know us now. What's nice is the sushi is always fresh. Our sushi and meals are always tasty. The rolls and pieces are generous! I love how edamame is included no matter what you order, and even miso soup. Plus a nice treat for dessert. I have been to much more "trendy" sushi places that charge you for these goodies! I highly recommend their rolls (all are great) and their Bento Meals. Sooo good and LOTS of food! My boyfriend and I joke that we can't move too far away because we LOVE this place! We feel spoiled now and can't justify going anywhere else because the price here is great!
(4)
Eric B.

Great sushi, fresh, decent prices. Fried rice was good too. It was busy but that was no problem for us. I will return.
(4)
Martin D.

Ate here yesterday after a few hours at Woodfield Mall and all other sushi places we Yelped were closed since it was a Sunday but really glad we did because this place is a gem. The only downside would be that it's so far if you live closer to the city. Walked in at 5:45 and were seated immediately with about the place half full, by the time we left it was packed. The service was quick and attentive and the rolls were VERY good and came out pretty quickly considering there were only 2 sushi chefs and the place starting filling up 10 minutes after we arrived. Bottom line, the place is a bit small but clean and nice, the service was attentive, and the food was excellent. The GF and I have eaten at a lot of sushi places and tried all kinds of rolls but this place was top 5 for sure. I know what your thinking... Shaumburg? Really? I was thinking the same thing as I was destroying maki rolls.
(5)
Simon C.

This is some of the best sushi I've ever had. The seafood is very fresh. Not fishy at all. The price is decent. Miso soup and edamame come with every meal. The staffs are very friendly. The place is very comfortable but it is very small. I say it holds 40 people so if you have a group of more than 6, you better call ahead. My favorite is definitely the scallop sushi. It's gigantic! The sweet shrimp is excellent as well. The Hellboy Maki is very nice, too!
(5)
Cindy R.

Adorable and fairly new sushi place in Schaumburg. Yes, it's a (somewhat) standard-in-the-suburbs strip mall location! Had many of our usual faves such as spicy tuna and rainbow roll. All were good, with one standout being a roll we don't usually order - it had cooked scallop on top (don't know its name). It was excellent & I will update if I figure out the name of it... Anyway, the long and short of it is this place is clean and serves fresh fish. Our rolls were all good & we expect to be going back soon!
(4)

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Address : 261 S Roselle Rd
Schaumburg, IL, 60193
Phone (847) 301-7742
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Sushi Ya

261 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL, 60193

Sushi Ya Menu

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