Things sure have changed in Campustown since my student days. I swear it looks like downtown Chicago landed from the sky with all of the tall buildings and fancy lampposts and well-dressed Millennials hanging out. Gone are so many traditions, such as the Coed Theaters or Mabel's, while others like Garcia's and Record Service have been trundled off to the nether regions of Chambana.
And while the 80's may have belonged to the Illini, they certainly didn't include sushi. If sushi were available, I doubt it would have been of the amazing quality that is offered today at Sakanaya. With a cozy, warm but modern theme, Sakanaya is tucked in along Green Street and serves the campus community with the best sushi in town.
Amazing sushi requires both absolute freshness and skilled preparation, and this place delivers both. Those with a fish fetish will find the chirashi to be quite delicious with large portions of fish put forth with artistry and flair. The nigiri sushi is just as good with buttery slabs of hamachi (yellowtail) and sake (salmon) piled upon seasoned rice. Kitchen preparations are also good. My favorite is the tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) served traditionally with shredded cabbage and rice. I haven't tried ramen or soba here but I look forward to doing that soon.
Service is attentive generally speaking. Prices aren't cheap but good food generally isn't. The only problem I have is that now that I'm no longer a student, it can be hard to find parking nearby. For me though, that's a minor quibble. Sakanaya is well worth the journey to Campustown. Highly recommended.