AO Sushi

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the picturesque North Shore village of Wilmette, there’s a culinary destination that consistently delivers on freshness, flavor, and convenience: AO Sushi. This beloved local establishment has earned a stellar reputation for its top-notch quality sushi and Japanese fare, offering an impressive array of options from expertly crafted hand rolls to vibrant poke bowls. Whether you're seeking a quick, satisfying lunch, a delightful dinner, or catering for a gathering, AO Sushi provides an outstanding experience that combines gourmet taste with everyday accessibility. It’s the kind of place that comes to mind whenever a sushi craving strikes, offering amazing flavor at a reasonable price point.

AO Sushi is conveniently located at 3217 Lake Ave #5C, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA. This address places it within West Lake Plaza, a local hub across from the well-known Edens Plaza. Its prime spot on Lake Avenue ensures easy accessibility for residents of Wilmette and surrounding North Shore communities. Lake Avenue is a significant thoroughfare, making navigation to the restaurant straightforward whether you're coming from nearby neighborhoods or other parts of the North Shore.

Being in a plaza, AO Sushi benefits from readily available parking, which is a key convenience for customers looking for a quick pick-up or a relaxed dine-in experience. The business has a long-standing history in this location, evolving from a renowned fish house, which speaks to its deep roots in the community and its trusted reputation for quality seafood. The clear signage and accessible location make it easy to spot and visit, ensuring a smooth experience from arrival to departure.

AO Sushi has adapted its services over its 40-year history to meet the evolving needs of its customers, focusing heavily on convenience and quality.

• Takeout & Online Ordering: This is the primary service offered, constituting "98 percent of our business" according to the owner. Customers can easily order online through their dedicated app or website, ensuring a smooth and efficient pickup process. This service was particularly vital during the pandemic and has continued to be a major strength.

• In-Store Selection (To-Go Sushi): For immediate gratification, AO Sushi offers a selection of pre-made sushi in a refrigerated section. Customers praise the quality of "the to-go sushi in the fridge," highlighting its freshness and convenience for spontaneous cravings.

• Order at the Counter: In addition to pre-made options, customers can order "specialized sushi" at the counter, allowing for fresh preparation of their desired items.

• Full Sushi Bar for Dine-In: While predominantly a takeout business, AO Sushi maintains a "full sushi bar" where patrons can dine in. This allows for a more traditional sushi experience for those who prefer to enjoy their meal on-site.

• Fresh Fish Market: Reflecting its origins as Rainbow Fish House, AO Sushi continues to offer top-grade fish for sale, allowing customers to "create sushi and sashimi at home." They also sell cuts of fish suitable for cooking or adding to soups.

• Japanese Groceries: The establishment provides a selection of "Japanese pickles and other items necessary to create sushi at home," as well as "a small number of Japanese non-fish grocery items," making it a convenient stop for authentic ingredients.

• Party Trays: AO Sushi offers various pre-assembled party trays, like the "Blossom Tray," "Love For Two Party Tray," and "Large Deluxe Party Tray," perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or family meals. These trays come in different sizes and combinations to suit various needs.

AO Sushi's longevity and popularity are a testament to its compelling features and commitment to quality.

• Exceptional Freshness and Quality: This is the most consistent praise from customers. Reviews repeatedly state, "Sushi is SO FRESH and delicious 😋" and "The quality here is top notch." This dedication to fresh, high-grade ingredients, stemming from its history as a fish purveyor connected to True World Foods, is a significant draw.

• Diverse and Extensive Menu: AO Sushi boasts an impressive array of options beyond just standard rolls.

  • Specialty Rolls: "So many options for specialty rolls" including customer favorites like "Godzilla roll" (praised as "top tier and well assembled"), "Spicy Tuna special roll" (described as "creamy and light"), "Dragon Balls," "Caterpillar roll" (noted for "nice crunch"), "Chicago Fire Roll," "Rainbow Roll," and many more.

  • Nigiri and Sashimi: The "nigiri is unreal and has the proper amount of fish to rice ratio," indicating mastery in the art of traditional sushi. They offer a wide selection of individual pieces and combo sets.

  • Hand Rolls: Customers specifically "loved the hand rolls because they were huge and so fresh," providing a substantial and satisfying option.

  • Poke Bowls: A modern and customizable option for those seeking a fresh and healthy bowl-based meal.

  • Vegetarian Options: They cater to various dietary preferences, including dedicated "vegetarian options."

  • Desserts: Sweet treats like "mochi" are available and described as "so good," offering a delightful end to the meal. Other Japanese snacks like Pocky and Hello Panda are also sold.

  • Ramen and Other Cooked Dishes: Beyond raw fish, they offer satisfying hot options like various Ramen bowls (Shoyu, Chicken Katsu, Creamy Pork) and Teriyaki bowls (Chicken, Una-Don).

• Reasonable Prices & Great Value: Customers find the pricing to be "reasonable" and offer "amazing taste!" You truly get "your $$'s worth," making high-quality sushi accessible for regular enjoyment.

• Consistent Quality (Takeout Focus): Even for takeout, the quality holds up. One reviewer noted that while spicy salmon in packaging wasn't perfect, "Most of the items will be repeats for me," showing high satisfaction with repeat orders. Their 98% takeout business model during and after COVID-19 underscores their proficiency in delivering quality food for consumption at home.

• Dedicated and Long-Term Staff: The business prides itself on its "remarkably unchanged" personnel roster of around 25 people, some with decades of experience. This consistency in staff contributes to reliable service and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Authenticity: Rooted in a history of providing high-quality fish, and with a connection to a major Japanese food distributor (True World Foods), AO Sushi has built a reputation for authenticity. As a former owner noted, "People would see in the store, and say 'OK, this is authentic.'"

AO Sushi in Wilmette has demonstrated a history of offering special deals, particularly for takeout and party options, making their high-quality sushi even more accessible.

• Party Trays & Combo Boxes: They frequently offer various party trays ("Love For Two Party Tray," "Hana Tray," "Large Deluxe Party Tray") that provide excellent value for groups and families. Their extensive "Combo Box" menu also offers pre-selected sets at appealing prices, such as the "Sushi Deluxe Combo Box" or "Combo Box #3" (California, tuna, and salmon rolls).

• Weekly Specials: Keep an eye out for specific day-of-the-week promotions. For instance, they have been known to offer "Thursday special featuring 3 different kinds of sushi rolls in a convenient grab-and-go box" for a very attractive price.

• Loyalty Program: The business's history mentions a "loyalty program" as part of their successful takeout strategy. It's advisable for regular customers to inquire about this program to maximize savings.

• Seasonal or Holiday Offerings: As mentioned, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are their busiest times, suggesting they may offer special platters or items for these popular occasions.

To discover the most current promotions and special offers, local Illinois users are encouraged to visit AO Sushi's website (which supports online ordering), check their social media presence (like their TikTok mentioned in search results), or simply call them directly.

To experience the fresh and delicious offerings at AO Sushi, here's how to connect:

• Address: 3217 Lake Ave #5C, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA

• Phone: (847) 256-4404

Their general operating hours are:

• Monday - Thursday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM

• Friday - Saturday: 10:30 AM - 8:30 PM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

(Note: Hours may vary slightly, especially on holidays, so calling ahead or checking their website is always recommended.)

For residents across Illinois, and especially those in the Wilmette area, AO Sushi stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished destination for Japanese cuisine. Its four-decade history, deeply rooted in providing premium quality fish, directly translates into "SO FRESH and delicious" sushi, sashimi, and other offerings. This unwavering commitment to fresh ingredients is paramount for discerning sushi lovers and ensures a consistently top-notch dining experience.

What makes AO Sushi particularly appealing for locals is its remarkable blend of quality and convenience. Whether you're grabbing ready-to-go options from the fridge, placing a customized order at the counter, or utilizing their highly efficient online ordering and pick-up system (which accounts for 98% of their business), AO Sushi seamlessly fits into busy North Shore lifestyles. The "huge" and fresh hand rolls, the "top tier" specialty rolls like the Godzilla, and the perfectly balanced nigiri all contribute to a highly satisfying meal.

Moreover, the "reasonable price and amazing taste" truly make it a value proposition, allowing locals to enjoy gourmet-quality sushi without breaking the bank. The addition of complimentary mochi for dessert and a wide range of menu options, including vegetarian choices and even hot dishes like ramen, ensures there’s something for every craving and dietary need. AO Sushi isn't just a restaurant; it's a dependable, high-quality, and community-focused establishment that has perfected the art of delivering fresh, delicious Japanese food right to your table, or your home. It’s no wonder it’s the go-to spot "whenever I crave quick sushi" for so many in the North Shore.

AO Sushi

3217 Lake Ave #5C, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA