Taste of Tokyo Introduce
For those in the Illinois region with a passion for Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi, finding a restaurant that offers both quality and a distinctive dining experience is often a top priority. In Buffalo Grove, one establishment has carved out a special niche for itself, becoming a beloved spot for its unique approach to serving fresh and delicious sushi: Taste of Tokyo. This restaurant isn't just about eating sushi; it's about experiencing it in an engaging and interactive way that sets it apart from many other local options.
Taste of Tokyo is celebrated for its signature "floating boat" or "conveyor belt" sushi system, which brings a dynamic and exciting element to your meal. This innovative presentation, combined with a commitment to excellent quality, taste, freshness, and presentation, has made it a standout. Locals consistently praise not only the delicious food but also the incredibly friendly and interactive staff who go the extra mile to make each visit memorable. Whether you're a long-time sushi aficionado or looking for a fun and flavorful dining adventure, Taste of Tokyo offers a compelling reason to visit for anyone in the Illinois area. It’s a place where you’re likely to see familiar faces, as the staff often remember their regular patrons, fostering a true community feel.
Taste of Tokyo is conveniently located at 159-163 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, USA. This prime location on a major thoroughfare in Buffalo Grove ensures excellent accessibility for residents throughout the village and the wider Illinois region. Situated within a commercial area, the restaurant typically offers ample parking, making visits hassle-free for those traveling by car.
The ease of access extends to its unique dining format. The sushi belt system allows for a smooth and immediate selection of dishes, enhancing the overall convenience of the dining experience. While primarily a dine-in establishment, the restaurant also provides takeout and delivery options through popular services like DoorDash and Grubhub, bringing the unique flavors of Taste of Tokyo right to your doorstep. This multi-faceted approach to accessibility caters to the diverse preferences and busy schedules of locals in Illinois, making it a convenient choice for various dining occasions.
Conveyor Belt / Floating Boat Sushi: This is the signature service, providing an interactive and exciting way to select your sushi, sashimi, and other small plates as they pass by on a circulating belt or in small boats.
Dine-In Experience: Taste of Tokyo offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere for in-restaurant dining, perfect for individuals, couples, or small groups looking for a unique meal out. The interactive nature of the sushi belt adds to the dining entertainment.
A La Carte Menu: Beyond the conveyor belt, customers can also order specific items from an a la carte menu, which includes hand rolls, regular rolls (like Kappa Maki, Spicy Salmon Roll), various salads (Seaweed Salad, Avocado Salad), and fried rice options (Vegetable Fried Rice, Shrimp Fried Rice).
Creative Dish Offerings: The staff at Taste of Tokyo are known to sometimes prepare and offer new and creative dishes for diners to try directly from the belt, adding an element of surprise and novelty to each visit.
Takeout Service: For the convenience of customers who prefer to enjoy their Japanese cuisine at home, Taste of Tokyo provides takeout options. Orders can be placed for pick-up directly from the restaurant.
Delivery Service: Partnering with third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Grubhub, Taste of Tokyo brings its fresh sushi and other delicious dishes directly to customers' doors within their delivery service area.
Unique Sushi Belt Experience: The "amazing floating boat/conveyor belt sushi experience" is the standout feature, providing an entertaining and interactive way to choose and enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes. This format is often a major draw for both new and returning customers.
Excellent Quality, Taste, and Freshness: Customers consistently praise the "quality, taste, freshness, and presentation of the sushi," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to delivering a high-caliber culinary product.
Super Nice and Interactive Staff: The staff at Taste of Tokyo receive high marks for their friendliness, attentiveness, and interactivity. They "checked in and interactive," and even "remember" locals, fostering a warm and welcoming environment.
Creative Dish Innovation: The staff's willingness to "make new creative dishes for you to try" adds an exciting and dynamic element to the dining experience, encouraging patrons to explore new flavors.
Local Favorite Status: The fact that "locals come in as well and the staff remember them" indicates a strong community connection and repeat business, solidifying its status as a beloved local spot.
Competitive Pricing on Some Items: While some plates on the belt may contain fewer pieces for the same price as others, the overall quality and the unique experience are often perceived as offering good value, especially when compared to similar establishments.
Based on the provided customer feedback, Taste of Tokyo primarily offers its unique sushi belt experience as its main value proposition, rather than traditional, rotating "promotions" or "special offers" in the sense of discounts or limited-time deals. The "floating boat/conveyor belt sushi" itself is a compelling feature that attracts diners seeking an interactive and entertaining meal.
While some customers note that certain plates on the belt might contain fewer pieces for the same price as others, the overall consensus points to the superior quality, taste, freshness, and presentation of the sushi as the primary incentive. This inherent quality serves as a continuous "special offer" for discerning diners. The experience of having "all the food delicious" and the opportunity to try "new creative dishes" that staff occasionally provide also act as strong draws for repeat visits. For any specific, current promotions or seasonal menu items, it is always recommended for patrons to inquire directly with Taste of Tokyo or check their online presence for the most up-to-date information.
Ready to embark on a unique sushi journey at Taste of Tokyo? Here’s how you can get in touch:
Address: 159-163 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, USA
Phone: (847) 459-1656
For residents across Illinois, particularly in the Buffalo Grove area, Taste of Tokyo offers a compelling and highly suitable dining experience for several key reasons. Its distinct approach to serving sushi, combined with a strong focus on quality and customer interaction, makes it a true local favorite.
The most significant draw is undeniably the "amazing floating boat/conveyor belt sushi experience." This unique method of serving food provides not just a meal, but an engaging and entertaining activity, which is perfect for families, friends, or even a solo diner looking for something beyond the traditional sit-down restaurant. This interactive element sets it apart and makes it a memorable destination.
Beyond the novelty, the "quality, taste, freshness, and presentation of the sushi are all excellent." This commitment to high-caliber food ensures that diners are getting delicious and fresh ingredients, a critical factor for any sushi enthusiast. Even with varying piece counts on some plates, the consistent quality makes it a worthwhile choice.
Finally, the "super nice and checked in and interactive" staff create a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The fact that "locals come in as well and the staff remember them" speaks volumes about the community connection and personalized service that Taste of Tokyo provides. This friendly and attentive approach, coupled with the delicious food and unique dining format, firmly establishes Taste of Tokyo as an excellent and highly recommended Japanese restaurant for anyone in the Illinois region seeking a delightful and distinctive sushi experience.
Taste of Tokyo Photos










Taste of Tokyo Location
Taste of Tokyo
159-163 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, USA
Taste of Tokyo Reviews
When comparing the same plate costing $3.65 at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, the Taste of Tokyo stands out as the better option.The quality, taste, freshness, and presentation of the sushi are all excellent.The only drawback is that some plates contain only one piece of nigiri or one roll, yet they are priced the same as those with more pieces. Overall, Taste of Tokyo is an excellent sushi belt restaurant.
Jan 20, 2025 · GUY LEEAn amazing floating boat/conveyor belt sushi experience! The staff were so nice and checked in and interactive! All the food was delicious! Staff will sometimes make new creative dishes for you to try. Locals come in as well and the staff remember them! I highly recommend them!
Nov 19, 2024 · Cody NievesUnique concept! FRESH, FRESH, FRESH sushi! It was absolutely delicious!Very interesting how they had everything set up. You can pick what you want when you want and they will prepare it for you right in front of you and put in on a boat that encircles the island of chefs with the patrons sitting on the outside. The ring of boats go in a circle so there is always a wide selection of tasty choices to choose from but of course anything you select off the menu is right there. Great for the kids and the sushi is phenomenal! It was the best I've had in years. I'm in the restaurant business and have had seafood from around the country. This place knows hospitality. You're greated with a traditional bow and smile. Very welcoming, Chef Joseph is very friendly and grateful for his customers. It's a pleasure to eat there. Very friendly staff, the patrons are light hearted and seem to be regulars and have been going there for years. I wish we had this restaurant in my neighborhood. It would definitely be my go to lunch place for sure (the wife doesn't do seafood otherwise it would be the perfect date night for us), but I would totally recommend this to gents that want to impress a girl on a first date. It's fun, all you can eat, the food is excellent and the pricing is more than fair. This is a hidden gem. Seating was about 90% full when I ate there so you know people eat there often.So far this is my favorite sushi place in Illinois to date. Enjoy! And thank you Chef Joseph for an excellent experience and I have never had scallops as good as yours. Those were positively mouth watering and the absolute best I have EVER HAD! Simple PERFECT! Thank you!🙏
May 15, 2025 · Coach GnoBest sushi around! Become friends with the staff and they will take care of you. Joseph and John are an amazing team.
Apr 26, 2025 · Mischa SchlichtingSaw this place on TikTok so decided to try. My order was messed up a bit but for better ( instead of my spicy scallop roll I got 4 toro nigiri 😊 not complaining ). Two weeks later I decided to order again and when I was picking up my order the sweet lady that works there somehow remembered that and included spicy scallop roll free of charge. How did she remember I have no idea but I was sooooo touched. And sushi here is yummy! Super fresh! A must try
Mar 22, 2025 · Nataliya Yatsenko
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