Sushi & Dessert Recs in Evanston?

We're trying to plan a birthday dinner in Evanston, and I was wondering what folks' experiences with Evanston Japanese restaurants has been? We're looking for a pretty casual not to trendy place and would appreciate any recs or recent experiences. I've eaten at Daruma and New Japan but it was years ago. In particular, I'm aware of the following:

New Japan (used to eat there in college)

Daruma

Kunis

Koi Chinese/Sushi (the very combination makes me somewhat skeptical)

Sashimi Sashimi (not sure if it's a sitdown or sushi bar only)

Also, any recommendations on dessert in Evanston? - would be later in the evening around 9:30pm. I was thinking about Stained Glass Wine Bar but would appreciate any other recs.

Thanks much,
John

Hi

We love Kuni's for sushi and their cooked food is fine too - my dad loves their teriyaki steak. Sashimi sashimi isn't really sit-down, more like eating at a counter. Koi is fancier than Kuni's but the sushi is not as good (it's fine, but not good) - we haven't tried their cooked food. Both Koi and Kuni's will make a reservation for a larger group.

For dessert maybe you can try Ethel's Chocolate Lounge on Davis between Chicago and Hinman? I don't know how late they are open. I don't recall Stained Glass being known for their desserts

Kuni's is the best of those Japanese choices for sushi and it fits with the atmosphere you want.

For dessert, folks around here routinely drive up to Betisse in Plaza del Lago for the creme brulee. Betisse does a good bit of 'dessert only' business. For something closer, the spumoni at Va Pensiero has remained magnificent even as the restaurant has been variable. You might call to see if they would accomodate a late dessert party.

Alex

I really like Sea Ranch, but 1) they close early (7 pm) and 2) the atmosphere is very casual, not sure if that's what you're looking for.

I'll third the recommendation for Kuni's. It's probably my favorite choice for sushi in Evanston.

For dessert, you could do worse than a koulaj and the "Middle Eastern" coffee at Olive Mountain.

Kuni's
511 Main
Evanston
(847) 328-2004

Olive Mountain
610 Davis
Evanston
847 475-0380
http://olivemountainrestaurant.com/

Best,
Michael

New Japan is no more -- it's under new management and being converted to a Korean place (don't remember the name). The new menu was in the window when I walked past it about 2 weeks ago, but I haven't seen any sign of an opening. It looked like it will be Korean BBQ but not at the table.

I third the chorus for Kuni's. Also, you may want to check out the gelato at The Italian Coffee Bar on Sherman for a more informal dessert; top-quality stuff.

>>Brent

Daruma (Central Street) is also no more, which is sad for me because it was the first restaurant I ever ate sushi at, but that was a very long time ago. The last time I was there, maybe a couple of years ago, the quality was very poor.

I also cast my vote for Kuni's, but wouldn't pass a chance to go to Akai Hana, which is on Lake Street in Wilmette, across from Edens Plaza.

I live in Evanston and eat Sushi frequently. In my opinion, Kuni's is the hands down winner without a close runner up. Parking is a challenge, best to look for a spot on Chicago ave south of Main.