Niu B

Niu B is one of a few Japanese restaurants in the South Loop and is a perfectly acceptable option when you want a low-key meal of sushi or ramen. Neutral tones everywhere help contribute to the mellow vibe—brown leather seats, wood accents, decor, menus, even the beige light fixtures that look like something out of a dystopian fungi universe. In fact, the only place you’ll probably see color are the sushi rolls, which have names like mellow yellow and red dragon. These signature maki are fine, and between the sushi options, larger plates like miso black cod, and ramen bowls, there’s enough variety on the menu that everyone at the table will find something to eat. Niu B’s proximity to Grant Park means that it can sometimes be overrun with tourists—use the opportunity to visit the much better Umai just a few blocks away.