Chicago Restaurant Goes Viral for Gourmet Sushi in a Pizza Box

Stop me if you've heard this one before: sushi is an acquired taste. I never believe the folks who say, blanketly, they don't like sushi. That's like saying you don't like pizza, in my opinion. You might not like certain types of sushi, but it's such a vast category of food that, if you say you don't like sushi, I will just assume you haven't found one you liked yet.

A restaurant in Chicago has exploded in popularity in recent months with a novel and convenient way to present customers with a variety of sushi rolls. It's called the "Sushi-zza box" (pronounced: soo-SHE-za), and it boils down to several rolls of sushi served in a pizza box. Literally. The box itself advertises "delicious pizza," so you could pull a fast one on your friends at your next party.

When back in my hometown last weekend, I saw the restaurant behind the creation, Tanuki Sushi & Grill, profiled on WGN News. Tanuki is a small, cozy spot on North Sheffield Road in Chicago that has seen an explosion in popularity thanks to its "Sushi-zza" creation.

Tanuki's "Sushi-zza" box allows customers the ability to mix-and-match their choice of sushi rolls. With nearly 70 different varieties on the menu, you'll have no problem finding ones you like. The box can fit between six and eight rolls, and costs anywhere from $60 to $120 depending on the sushi rolls you purchase.

A viral trend of folks picking up a Sushi-zza box from Tanuki and taking it to Lake Michigan started in late summer 2024. Food influencer Erica Eats Everything on TikTok, who was featured in WGN News' story on Tanuki, tried it herself in a video, and further ignited the craze.

Prior to the popularity of their newest creation, Tanuki was a low-key Thai spot on Sheffield that allowed patrons to bring their own beer to enjoy with their entrees. Now, it's become a destination for Chicagoans, Illinoisans, and out-of-towners alike.

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One last important note: the Sushi-zza box is only available for carry-out or delivery.

Tanuki Sushi & Grill is open Sunday through Thursday for lunch from 11:30am - 3pm, then for dinner from 4:30pm - 9:45pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, lunch hours remain the same, but dinner is served from 4:30pm - 10:45pm.