Oysy

When I first heard about Oysy (Oh-eee-she) Sushi I though, great, just what we need in downtown Chicago, another sushi restaurant. Seriously, we really desperately need another sushi restaurant downtown. For some odd reason the downtown area is void of all the worldly food options available around the city.

Instead, we suffer through expensive sandwich and burger places, not too mention all the chain restaurants that keep opening up. Eating lunch downtown has pricey but boring for some time. And sure, there are some sushi bars to choose from, like the basement of Benihana for inexpensive yet questionable sushi, or the beautifully remodeled Kamachi, with pretty decent sushi, but not great, if you want to pay $40 for lunch.

Oysy, right on Grand and Wabash, across from Nordstrom, is in a great location, has a very pleasing, Japanese minimalist atmosphere and a terrific sushi lunch menu. Their $12 daily bento box is served with a few standards; california and spicy tuna Maki, shrimp Tempura, tofu salad and Japanese green salad.

And if that were not enough, you can order from 7 different accompaniments ranging from the traditional grilled chicken Teriyaki to grilled white tuna with a sweet and fruity Yuzu dressing, or, just go for more sushi - chef's choice. I have friends that won't go out for sushi for lunch because they fear being hungry an hour later. I guarantee that if you order the special, that won't be the case. I actually took 1/2 of my bento box to go and ate it for dinner.

They also have an extensive sushi menu that won't break the bank - $5 for 2 pieces of Nigiri sushi and $5 Maki rolls. For those that are still skeptical of raw fish, they offer an extensive variety of grilled, Tempura or cooked fish and sea food, all for under $10. The specialty Maki rolls do get expensive - about $12 per roll, but for those who are looking for something different you won't be disappointed.

Most of there combinations I haven't seen anywhere else. Like the Emerald Maki - sautéed scallop, asparagus, cucumber, green caviar and spicy sauce. With over 20 different specialty Maki to choose from, all with unique presentations, I'm definitely curious enough to keep coming back for more.

Comments

[Matt Maloney]

The original OYSY ( Japanese for appetizer I think ) is at 9th and Michigan, just south of the Hilton Towers. Its really good too - far better than many of the chic spots and much less expensive. Their "Summer" roll should not be missed.

[Josh]

went back for the white tuna with Yuzu lunch special again...

[Pursuit]

Guys,

I went there Saturday night for Dinner before the Orchestra. I have to say, this place is extremely average in my view. We started with a soft shell crab tempura that was very disappointing. The tempura was greasy, and tasted as though the oil needed changing. I found the roles to be mushy and undestinguished - none of the taste definition and complexity that one gets at better sushi joints. I would not recommend this place at all, except to say if you're in the area and in need of a sushi fix, then it is not bad.

[Josh]

Pursuit... I have to agree with you. It seems like the downtown location has taken a few big steps back in the last few months. My last two lunches there have been actually below-average.

[Hilary]

The name of the restaurant looks like it sounds like the Japanese word for "delicious." While I was living in Japan, this was something you would say to a chef in appreciation for the meal or to friends when you saw something you'd like to eat.

I've never been to this location, so I cannot confirm if it actually is delicious or not. However, the clever and straight forward name might draw those who pick up on it.

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Feeling and not fraud, but it will determine.