Ora

ora chicago illinois

### Introduction / Overview

For those in Chicago, particularly within the vibrant Andersonville neighborhood, Ora offers a truly indulgent and contemporary take on the traditional sushi experience. This Japanese restaurant distinguishes itself with its innovative approach to sushi, creating rolls that are not just delicious but also "creative and full of texture." Ora aims to provide more than just a meal; it's an experience designed for a "night out," blending a chic ambiance with a culinary journey that pushes the boundaries of conventional sushi.

At Ora, the focus is on crafting unique flavors and appealing presentations, making each dish a discovery. While it maintains roots in traditional Japanese cuisine, it embraces modern influences to offer something fresh and exciting. With its inviting atmosphere and a menu that encourages exploration, Ora is quickly becoming a go-to spot for locals seeking a memorable sushi dinner, whether for a romantic evening, a special celebration, or simply to enjoy high-quality, artfully prepared Japanese food in a sophisticated setting.

---

### Location and Accessibility

Ora is ideally situated in the charming and bustling Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago, making it a convenient destination for residents across the city. You'll find this contemporary sushi spot at:

5701 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660, USA

Located on North Clark Street, Ora benefits from Andersonville's lively commercial strip, which is known for its unique boutiques, diverse eateries, and vibrant community atmosphere. The area is well-served by public transportation, including CTA buses and nearby Red Line "L" stops, making it easily accessible for those relying on public transit. For drivers, street parking is often available in the surrounding blocks, though it can be competitive during peak hours. Its position within such a dynamic and walkable neighborhood enhances its appeal, allowing diners to enjoy the local charm before or after their meal. The ease of access makes Ora a practical and attractive choice for a Japanese dining experience in Chicago.

---

### Services Offered

Ora provides a refined and focused Japanese dining experience, specializing primarily in its innovative sushi and sashimi offerings. Their services are tailored to create a sophisticated and enjoyable evening out:

• Dine-in Experience: Enjoy your meal in a chic and inviting ambiance, perfect for a night out or a special occasion. The atmosphere is designed to be welcoming and aesthetically pleasing.
• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: Ora’s menu features a wide array of creative and contemporary sushi rolls, alongside traditional nigiri and sashimi:
  • Nigiri and Sashimi: Options often include classic choices like Yellowtail (Hamachi), Salmon (Namesake/Scottish), Bluefin Tuna (Hon Maguro Akami), Freshwater Eel (Unagi), and potentially more unique selections such as Red Shrimp (Aka Ebi) and Japanese Red Snapper (Madai). Seared options like Beni Toro (Seared Salmon Belly) are also available.
  • Contemporary Sushi Rolls (Makimono): A highlight, known for being "creative and full of texture." Popular and signature rolls include:
    • Surf 'n' Turf: Featuring seared ribeye over shrimp tempura with various toppings and sauces.
    • Wasabi Tale: Fresh yellowtail over chopped yellowtail, avocado, cucumber bacon salsa, and scallion vinaigrette.
    • Crispy Spicy Tuna: Spicy tuna over crispy rice with salsa, truffled aioli, and sweet soy.
    • Hotate Volcano: Cajun bay scallops over shrimp tempura with cucumber, scallions, lemon, and sweet soy.
    • Sakana: Described as a highlight, often featuring a combination of different fish with spicy mayo, cilantro, bell peppers, avocado, and citrus.
    • Kani Roll: Noted for a surprising lemon taste complementing the crab.
    • Other creative rolls like Snake Eye, Dynamite, Kouyou, and Tako Tuna.
  • Appetizers (Small Plates): A selection of starters designed to complement the sushi experience, such as:
    • Baked Oyster with Egg Custard (Oyster Motoyaki): A popular choice, often described as garlicky.
    • Beef Tataki: Seared togarashi ribeye with garlic soy and ginger vinaigrette salad.
    • Crispy Spicy Tuna: (also listed as a roll, can be a starter portion).
    • Edamame, Miso Soup, and Wakame Salad.
  • BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): Ora is a BYOB establishment, allowing guests to bring their own wine or beer (no hard liquor). There is typically a per-person corkage fee.
  • Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, Ora offers takeout services, and delivery is available through popular third-party platforms like Grubhub and Seamless.

  ---

  ### Features / Highlights

  Ora stands out in Chicago's dining scene with several distinctive features that contribute to its appeal for locals:

  • Creative and Contemporary Sushi Rolls: The restaurant's innovative approach to sushi is a major highlight. Rolls are designed to be "full of texture" and offer "surprising tastes," moving beyond standard options to provide unique flavor profiles.
  • Chic and Welcoming Ambiance: Ora boasts a "chic" vibe and "beautiful" decor, creating an atmosphere that is perfect for a night out or a special occasion. The comfortable setting enhances the overall dining experience.
  • BYOB Policy: A significant advantage for many diners, the "Bring Your Own Bottle" policy allows guests to bring their preferred wine or beer, which can personalize the dining experience and offer cost savings.
  • Attentive and Delightful Service: Customers frequently praise the staff, describing servers as "absolutely adorable" and providing "delightful service," making guests feel "welcome and taken care of."
  • Fresh Ingredients: While not explicitly stated in all reviews, a focus on "fresh" ingredients is implied by the nature of contemporary sushi and positive feedback on taste.
  • Signature Dishes: Specific items like the "baked oyster with egg custard" (Oyster Motoyaki) and various unique rolls (e.g., Kani roll, Sakana roll, Wasabi Tale, Crispy Spicy Tuna) are highlighted by patrons as must-try items.
  • Ideal for Date Nights and Special Occasions: The overall ambiance and unique menu make Ora a popular choice for romantic dinners or celebrating milestones.

  While some experiences with flavor consistency and value for cost can vary, the emphasis on creative, contemporary sushi in a stylish setting, coupled with excellent service and a BYOB option, solidifies Ora's unique position in the Chicago Japanese dining landscape.

  ---

  ### Promotions or Special Offers

  While Ora emphasizes its contemporary dining experience and quality, specific, ongoing promotions are best confirmed directly with the restaurant. However, based on the nature of similar establishments in Chicago and general dining trends, locals might find the following types of offers:

  • BYOB: As a core feature, the ability to bring your own bottle (with a per-person charge) is in itself a significant "offer" that can make the dining experience more affordable for those who enjoy pairing their meals with personal wine or beer selections.
  • Chef's Specials: Given the focus on "creative" rolls and innovative cuisine, Ora may feature daily or weekly chef's specials that highlight seasonal ingredients or new culinary creations. These are often presented as limited-time offerings.
  • Lunch Specials: Although Ora appears to primarily focus on dinner service, some high-end sushi restaurants offer specialized lunch menus with unique sets or bento boxes at a potentially more accessible price point. Their current online delivery information suggests evening hours for pickup and delivery (e.g., 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM for pickup, 5:30 PM - 9:45 PM for delivery), indicating their primary focus is dinner.
  • Online Ordering Deals: Occasionally, restaurants partnering with delivery platforms may offer discounts on orders placed through those apps (e.g., a percentage off first-time orders, or free delivery over a certain amount).

  For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current promotions, special events, or new menu items, locals are advised to contact Ora directly at (773) 754-8750. You can also check their listings on popular food delivery apps like Grubhub and Seamless for current menu and pricing details, or any specific online deals they may be running.

  ---

  ### Contact Information

  To make a reservation, place an order for takeout, or inquire about the menu and services at Ora in Chicago, please use the following contact details:

  • Address: 5701 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
  • Phone: (773) 754-8750

  Given its popularity and intimate setting, making reservations in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings. You can also find their menu and ordering options through popular online delivery platforms. Their hours currently appear to be focused on evening service, so it's always a good idea to confirm operating times before planning your visit.

  ---

  ### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

  Ora stands out as a highly suitable dining destination for locals in Chicago, particularly those in Andersonville, who are seeking a contemporary and elevated sushi experience. For Illinois residents looking beyond traditional sushi offerings, Ora delivers with its commitment to "creative and full of texture" rolls, providing a refreshing and innovative take on Japanese cuisine. This focus on culinary artistry means diners can expect unique flavor combinations and visually appealing dishes that contribute to a truly indulgent meal.

  The restaurant's "chic" ambiance and inviting atmosphere make it an excellent choice for a "night out," whether it's a romantic anniversary dinner or a special gathering with friends. The "delightful service" provided by an "adorable" and attentive staff further enhances the dining experience, ensuring guests feel welcome and well-cared for. Additionally, Ora's BYOB policy is a significant advantage for locals, allowing them to enjoy their preferred beverages while potentially managing dining costs, making a fine dining experience more accessible.

  While the pricing reflects the quality and contemporary nature of the cuisine, for Chicagoans who value innovative flavors, fresh ingredients, and a sophisticated yet comfortable setting, Ora offers a compelling reason to visit. It caters to those who view dining out as an experience, making it a valuable and cherished spot within the vibrant Andersonville neighborhood.

Ora

5701 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660, USA