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Having spent time in Japan, I know what to expect when coming to a service industry such as a restaurant. The place was empty and it was at 5pm on a weeknight. Japonica had minimal welcoming appeal from the waitress. The food was decent but the service really made the entire experience sub par.

This is a great BYOB sushi joint in the middle of Little Italy. My friend and I tried it out last week and the food is very tasty, especially the Lorenzo roll and the Japonica house roll. We ate so much and it didn't cost us more than $50! Certainly a place we'll revisit.

Not too many sushi choices in Oak Park where I live so I figured I'd try carry out from the west side.... The place is just OK -- I don't think I'd make the 30min round-trip drive just to go again. I would maybe stop on my way by. A few specific observations: When I called to order there was confusion about the price of a small salmon sashimi. Either the menu is wrong or the order taker was. Not a real big deal but not a great way to start the relationship either.... Nice vibe driving up and walking in, greeted nicely too. Food was not great. Best part was Tempura Udon. Ikura was not the freshest. It, as well as the ginger and the cucumber had just a bit of funky aftertaste. Food looked OK, but it didn't really sizzle. And, it didn't look all that fresh either. Salmon sashimi cut unevenly, a couple of uplesantly thick pieces. Also, c'mon, throw in a little sushi rice with the sashimi, or feature it in the low-carb section!The salmon wasn't bad but somewehat bland. It didn't have the great salmon taste the really amazing sushi places go for. This is a pleasant enough little spot on Taylor and I may give them a chance to wow me another time. For now, it's just OK.

I just ate at this sushi restaurant this weekend (and I go to alot of sushi joints...). It is a great BYOB joint with excellent sushi at a reasonable price. The service was great and the kitchen staff was very friendly. The music is interesting and the open kitchen is beautiful. We will be going again.

these reviews seem like they were written by the management... I've been there twice and the food is nothing special (I've been to many Japanese restaurants). The hot foods are mediocre and the sushi quality is not that great. It might be a little cheaper than some other sushi places, but it lacks in the quality and presentation. Just thought I'd share an honest review.

We dropped in one night when traffic was a mess and couldn't wait to eat; we're both not up on Sushi so asked a few questions to make our decision. Our waiter was great - had no problem explaining what each thing was, so we ordered a Bento platter with the more common items like chicken teriyaki and shrimp tempura (neither were common - but awesome!) just in case we didn't like the sushi - but we LOVED the "Black Dragon" and have been converted! Can't wait to try the rest of the huge menu! Excellent service and food!

We just moved to the area, and are trying take-out from all of the local restaurants. The sushi here is very fresh! I also had a bento box and it was great. So much food I ate it for lunch the next day. Highly recommended!