JOMON Sushi and Izakaya
Intimate sushi restaurant and izakaya in Bucktown by celebrated chef
Interior Design: Chicago Common Studio
Photography: Michael Druce, styled by Lauren Rogala & Miscellanea, etc.
JOMON Sushi & Izakaya, a restaurant that transformed from a once dark, enclosed interior into a warm, light-filled space. Designed to support both daytime and evening dining, the restaurant’s distinct identity is rooted in materiality and a refined sense of hospitality. The name “Jomon” references Japan’s historic Jōmon period, known for its cord-marked pottery and early expressions of craftsmanship. This connection to heritage is woven throughout the project, grounding the restaurant in a deeper cultural context.
Guided by a deeply personal vision from the owners, the restaurant draws inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture, interpreted through a contemporary lens. Timber framing and plaster walls inform a restrained palette that emphasizes texture, rhythm, and subtle details. A coffered ceiling above the sushi bar introduces a sense of repetition and order, reinforcing the bar as the heart of the dining experience.
Framing the front of the restaurant, bespoke shelving displays a curated collection of pottery, vessels, and artifacts sourced by the owners during their travels across Japan and Thailand. These personal objects bring a sense of narrative and authenticity to the space, transforming it into a living gallery where memory and culture converge.
