Sunda New Asian - River North

River NorthThis just might be the fanciest bowl of pho in Chicago/ever, as Sunda’s take on the dish is loaded with bison short rib, bone marrow, and sliced Wagyu. It's pretty different from what you’ll typically find at Vietnamese joints, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an excellent decision if you’re craving something hot and carb-y. The addition of rice noodles, sprouts, basil, mint, and cilantro lighten up this meat-heavy soup, creating a great balance of flavors.

After all, this Asian fusion spot opened in River North way back in 2009, before gluten was even invented. We’re here to remind you that though this place feels like old news, it still has great food and a dedicated gluten-free menu that includes some of the best dishes—like over-the-top rolls (like the Tail of Two Tunas) and entrees like the miso-bronzed cod. Will you be eating those things next to Morningstar Investment’s end-of-year team dinner?

In the heart of River North, Sunda is a hip restaurant with a cross-cultural Asian menu, blending cooking techniques and flavors from all over the continent, including the Philippines. The vast and wide-ranging menu has dim sum, Asian grill items, poke bowls and signature sushi, and the atmosphere buzzes with many large groups and an after-work crowd. They also have happy hour deals and a carry-out menu.

Pan-Asian stalwart Sunda knows how to pull out all the stops to impress. You can never go wrong with the signature crispy rice—topped with either wagyu or spicy tuna—but if you’re craving some rolls, there are terrific choices, too. The Gambler features spicy tuna, kani, cucumber, scallions, kampyo and avocado, plus ghost pepper sambal in a random single piece for those who like to be daring.

With a large statement chandelier made of sticks and bold and bright lights, the décor of Sunda almost looks like you’re walking through a Southeast Asian night market. Although they’re known for sushi, the menu is more Asian-fusion, with dishes like adobo braised pork belly, garlic crab noodles, and Chinese inspired dim-sum. Their signature sushi is a can’t miss — try the rainbow with king crab, tuna, salmon, or escolar, the “spicy tail of two tunas” made with yellowfin and escolar, or the crunchy pig, hidden lobster, made with soy paper, lobster, tempura crispies, and bacon.

Located at 110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60610, Sunda presents an upscale dining experience that captures the essence of Southeast Asia, all while maintaining a modern, chic vibe that resonates with the Windy City’s urban spirit. Specialties: Sunda truly shines with its creative fusion dishes. The crispy duck wontons drizzled in rich peanut sauce, and the tender grilled octopus bathed in aromatic coconut curry are some of the restaurant’s standout dishes, with diners returning for more.

📍 Location: River North, Chicago, IL ⭐ Must-Try: Sexy Bacon Roll & Lobster Dynamite Roll ✅ Why It’s Special: Sunda is known for its modern take on Japanese cuisine, blending traditional sushi techniques with bold, creative flavors. The chic ambiance and celebrity sightings make it a hotspot for sushi lovers. 📌 Pro Tip: Their signature rolls are a must-try, but don’t skip their sashimi flights for an elevated experience!

While this gorgeous Asian restaurant might not be vegan per se, they have an entire vegan-friendly menu, including complex, elegant vegan sushi (a rarity). Definitely one of the more upmarket establishments on this list, Sunda offers a fresh take on Chicago dining that’s bringing the flavours of Japan, Thailand, The Philippines and China to the tables of the Windy City. Upon arrival, make sure you ask for the Vegan menu.

Sunda is an upscale Asian fusion restaurant in River North offering an array of Southeast Asian cuisine with a modern twist. If you love sushi, you’re in luck as the dedicated gluten-free menu features colorful and fresh sushis with gluten-free soy sauce. They also serve classic Asian dishes like pad thai and panang chicken curry, as well as specialty cocktails.

If we had to choose one word to describe Sunda, it would be decadent fusion. The sushi here, like Roka, is non-traditional, but often made with explosive flavors. Ingredients such as fried sweet potatoes, fried foie gras, pear, potato chips, and jalapeno make frequent appearances, and there’s a separate menu for vegetarians.

For $18, you can enjoy one of the tastiest espresso martinis in Chicago from the beloved Sunda New Asian. Using 1800 reposado, espresso, hazelnut, and coffee liqueur, Sunda’s Espresso Martini features a refreshing nutty accent and is perfect for those who may not be feeling Vodka. Image Credit: Amanda Shepp

It got its name from a piece of land called Sunda Shelf and is, without a doubt, a go-to for some of the best sushi in Chicago. The menu extends to all-you-can-eat sushi, noodles, rice, nigiri sushi, and sashimi. People drive to Chicago from the suburbs to try main dishes done well, like garlic noodles.

Sunda New Asian's happy hour menu features twists on Asian cuisines, with gluten-free & vegetarian options + a selection of sushi. Happy Hour can be had Monday - Friday from 4 to 6pm and features $6 dishes bar bites, $6 sushi handrolls, $8 cocktails, $6 wine, $14 sake cans (180ML).

110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654312-644-0500 Visit Website. In calling themselves “New Asian,” Sunda has created its own style and taste that is highly sought. Asian fusion meals, sushi, and specialty cocktails meet Midwestern hospitality at this modern and classy restaurant.

The Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine meet in Sunda’s ever-expanding menu. The restaurant strives to mix the traditional dishes from Japan and Southeast Asia with modern ingredients and cooking methods. You will never run out of options for sushi when you dine in Sunda.

Not only does Sunda offer a dedicated vegetarian menu, but its sushi also pairs quite well with a pescatarian diet. With items like beets gunkan maki and veggie fried rice, you'll have something to enjoy and so will your meat-loving friends!

🍽️ Filipino, Asian Fusion | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (312) 900-0033. I’ve been to so many amazing restaurants in Chicago. But I’ll tell you: Sunda may have just shot to the top of my Chicago restaurant list.

Located in the touristy area of River North, this bustling Chicago sushi spot regularly makes the favorites list of even die-hard locals for its fresh ingredients, large menu and some of the best nigiri in Chicago.

Sunda, Chicago’s first high-end Filipino-forward restaurant offers an East Meets West take-home dinner of specialties like pork belly adobo, shishito mashed potatoes and street corn stuffing ($180/feeds four).

Diners can enjoy Filipino food year-round at the River North and Fulton Market spots including lumpia, adobo pork belly, and a Kamayan feast.