NoMI offers one of Chicago’s most beautiful rooftop dining settings. Located just steps from Michigan Avenue inside the Park Hyatt, its elevated garden terrace on the 11th floor is filled with colorful blooms and comfortable seating. Recently the Windy City Blogger Collective hosted an intimate dinner there so we could sample NoMI’s new sushi menu. The terrace includes its own bar and a mix of seating options—smaller tables clustered toward the center and taller communal tables along the edge—making it a flexible spot for both casual drinks and celebratory dinners. Our group of bloggers took a long table along the terrace rail, which provided a pleasant view and plenty of room for sharing dishes.
I’ve been warming up to sushi over the past few years, and NoMI’s preparations are the kind that make even cautious diners enthusiastic. The sushi and sashimi are thoughtfully composed, showcasing clean flavors and attractive presentations that beg to be photographed. The kitchen also offers large shared platters—perfect for groups—and those platters were part of our tasting evening.
We opened the meal with a Sparkling Rosé Sangria, a light and fruity cocktail that felt especially right for a sunny rooftop. NoMI’s cocktail program is notable—balanced, well-presented drinks that work as afternoon refreshers or as a start to a longer dinner.
For starters we enjoyed a ceviche composed of mixed seafood brightened with scallion, cilantro, and lime. The dish was lively and fresh, a nice contrast to the richer bites that followed. Next came the Salmon Tataki, one of the evening’s highlights. The salmon was seared briefly on one side, then topped with scallion, shallot, and thinly sliced peppers. The result was a delicate interplay of textures and a gentle, nuanced salmon flavor that landed exactly between raw and cooked.
After those starters we moved on to sashimi. The sashimi platter included scallops, salmon, yellowtail, and salmon roe, presented in generous portions. Over the course of the evening we sampled a wide variety of nigiri and sashimi—tuna, salmon, snapper, yellowtail, eel, shrimp, sea urchin, salmon roe, and tamago—each piece showcasing fresh fish and careful slicing.
The sushi lineup that followed featured several signature rolls. We tried the Dragon Roll, the Tiger Roll, and the Garden Roll. The Garden Roll stood out for its bright, vegetal profile—filled with asparagus, avocado, shiitake, and squash—offering a satisfying, textural alternative to the more classic seafood rolls. It’s an especially good choice for anyone looking for a vegetable-forward option without sacrificing complexity.
We finished the meal with two light desserts that complemented the evening. A raspberry and Greek yogurt dessert offered a creamy, tangy finish—ripe fruit and silky yogurt in balance—while a cherry tart on a sesame pastry delivered a creative interplay of sweet fruit and nutty pastry flavor. Both desserts felt restrained and polished, a thoughtful end to a multi-course tasting.
Overall, NoMI is a versatile dining destination. In addition to its extensive sushi and sashimi offerings, the restaurant maintains a full dinner menu with seasonally inspired meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, making it a reliable choice for groups with varied tastes. The garden terrace is especially appealing in fair weather—great for photos, conversation, and leisurely meals—and the large sharing platters make it easy to sample a wide range of preparations.
If you haven’t visited NoMI, it’s worth a stop whether you’re planning a special evening or a relaxed lunch—the kitchen serves both. The restaurant is located at 800 North Michigan Avenue, and reservations are accepted, which can be helpful for weekend evenings or larger parties. For a memorable rooftop meal with a focus on thoughtful sushi and elegant seasonal plates, NoMI is a strong choice in the heart of the city.
