Fab Review: Mozu Sushi & Izakaya

Mozu Sushi & Izakaya is a contemporary Korean-Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Glenview, inside a strip mall on Milwaukee Avenue. Yes, a strip mall. I know what you are thinking but it’s a place that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Although I am a city girl, I grew up in the Chicago northern suburbs (specifically Skokie and Glenview), so seeing restaurants like Mozu Sushi & Izakaya in the neighborhood makes me happy. People assume eating in the ‘burbs mean chain restaurants and subpar food but you’ll be surprised at how many good restaurants you can find. Did I mention FREE parking? There is a parking lot so no worrying about paying the meter.

{Ambiance}
Mozu Sushi & Izakaya has city vibes with modern décor and sleek wooden tables and chairs. There is a nice openness to the restaurant while still being warm and cozy.

The nicely maintained sushi bar seats seven people and can be seen right as you walk through the main entrance.

{Food}
The highlight of the menu is the fresh fish including sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls, which is flown in from all over the world. The master chef has over 30 years of experience in creating unique Japanese dishes and puts careful thought into the fish he selects and the presentation. Isn’t it just so beautiful?

My favorite appetizer to start off with is the Kani-su {Alaskan king crab wrapped in cucumber with rice vinegar dressing}. It’s light, refreshing, and easy on the palette. And, nothing says fancy eating than gold flakes on your dish.

Our Kani-su was made to shine. 📷: Alaskan king crab wrapped in cucumber with sunomono and topped with gold flakes. #mozusushi

A post shared by mozusushi (@mozusushi) on Jan 21, 2018 at 7:00pm PST

A crowd favorite is the Crispy Spicy Tuna. The bottom rice has a crispy texture, which is topped with spicy tuna, unagi sauce, red tobiko, jalapeño, and citrus mayo. It has a little bit of heat with a nice acidic finish and crunchy texture.

One dish that shouldn’t be missed is the Nagasaki Noodle… Japanese seafood noodle soup. At first glance, you may assume the soup is bland due to the color but it has a lot of bold flavors and spice. It’s the perfect cold weather cure. I don’t know if you’ve ever had jjamppong, a Korean-Chinese seafood noodle dish (although my husband who is Chinese says it’s not really a Chinese dish), but it’s very similar. The owner is Korean so you’ll see a lot of Korean-influenced dishes on the menu.

Speaking of Korean influences, how about some Kimchi Fries? Kimchi + bacon + melted cheese + french fries = pure happiness. These are featured on the Izakaya section of the menu along with some other delicious snacks.

Celebrate fry-day with these delicious Kimchi Fries. 📷: Kimchi 🍟 with kimchi, bacon, and melted cheese. #mozusushi

A post shared by mozusushi (@mozusushi) on Jan 5, 2018 at 3:00pm PST

Like the Takoyaki… the crispy… fried… round shaped…. octopus treats are topped with dancing bonito flakes. Order it and see what I am talking about.

Now for my favorite part… the sushi and sashimi. As mentioned, the fish is flown in from all over the world based on the freshness. The shipments come in every 2-3 days to ensure the highest quality.

Tropic like it’s hot with the Hawaiian Salmon Roll. Beach vacation, anyone?

tropic like it’s hot. {hawaiian salmon roll at @mozusushi} || 🍣 #fabfoodchicago

A post shared by Chicago Food & Travel (@fabsoopark) on Jan 4, 2018 at 6:59pm PST

Eat the rainbow. Mozu Sushi & Izakaya’s interpretation of the Rainbow Roll is topped with various colored tobiko. How can you not be in a good mood eating this?

I’m obsessed with uni so a little snobby about it. The owner introduced me to the Uni King Crab nigiri and I was pleasantly surprised. I’ll take 10, please!

They offer lunch specials during the week so grab a co-worker or friend and head on over. Get 8 pieces of nigiri plus a spicy tuna roll for just $16. See other lunch specials here.

FAB TIP: Enter their monthly drawing by dropping in your business card or filling out a survey for a chance to win a $20 gift card or 20% off your next check.

If you’re not into raw fish, they have a lot of kitchen entrées to chooses from as well.

{Experience}
Overall, it’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a laid-back place in the ‘burbs to get good sushi and snacks in a modern atmosphere. The service is great and the owner accommodating. Check it out the next time you are looking for a spot in the northern suburbs for a date night out, girls’/guys’ night out, family get together, or lunch with co-workers.

FAB TIP: Private dining space available and can accommodate up to 8 people.

{Location}
Mozu Sushi & Izakaya
Glenview || 1669 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL || P: (224) 938-9024

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

 

Where are some of your favorite suburban spots? Share with me below.

Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo

Note: This meal was complimentary. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.