Diners are wild about Wild Tuna, a contemporary sushi bar and lounge in Naperville. Since opening in 2005, owners Gene and Lena Chiang have been providing customers with fresh and flavorful dishes, including traditional sushi, eclectic creations and everything in between.
“You got to be creative with sushi,” Gene Chiang said. “We are changing our menu all the time to stay creative.”
Along with a creative menu, Gene said it’s the fresh fish that sets them apart from other establishments. The menu board in the dining room alerts guests to specialties of the day and their respective price.
“I am known for the fresh fish in Naperville,” he said. “I get deliveries every day; fish that comes from Hawaii, Japan, Alaska, New Zealand and other places. I have built a relationship with the fish market over the past 13 years and that matters.”
Here’s the dish on this local favorite.
What’s on the menu? From a wide selection of fresh fish, sushi and sashimi (think sushi but without the rice), Asian-inspired entrees and nabemono (a popular Japanese dish that is cooked in a pot), there is plenty to choose from. The menu changes based on seasonal items, and each item indicates whether it contains raw or cooked ingredients, which makes ordering a breeze.
About the owners: Plainfield residents Gene and Lena Chiang moved from South Korea to the United States in 1978. Gene worked in a number of restaurants around the globe and throughout the U.S. before deciding to open his own venture in 2005. They chose the location because Lena’s parents lived in Naperville at the time, and Lena and her daughter picked the name Wild Tuna. The Chiangs’ son and daughter also work at the restaurant.
Decor: Tucked into a strip mall on the east side of Route 59 (just south of 95th Street), Wild Tuna uses bold colors and Asian accents to create a contemporary and sleek feel to the restaurant. A long black granite bar flanks the entry way and provides an inviting place to have a cocktail and sushi.
Food specialties: Gene said the tuna tower is quite popular, which includes sushi rice, spicy king crab, wasabi-avocado and tuna tartare layered in a way that makes it look like a work of art. And when you are ready to roll, choose the wild tuna maki, which is tempura crunch, cucumber and tobiko (the Japanese word for flying fish roe) roll topped with fresh tuna, thinly sliced jalapeno and their special cilantro-ponzu dressing. Or try the Godzilla maki which includes shrimp tempura, crabstick, avocado, cucumber, cream cheese, scallions and tobiko in a spicy and crunchy giant roll with spicy mayo and unagi sauce.
We’re different because: It’s the fresh fish and creativity that makes Wild Tuna a standout in the area.
Extras: Carry-out and catering are available and they accept reservations. Outdoor dining is available in the warmer months.
Price range: Lunch specials (which include miso soup and a fresh salad) range from $9-$18 and dinner entrees (served with miso soup, salad, fresh veggies and rice) range from $14 -$32. Nabemono (hot pot dishes) range from $12-$16, and sushi (a la carte) starts at $5 (two pieces) and sashimi (three pieces) starts at $7. Maki specials range from $9.25 (vegetable)-$26 (lobster).
Logistics: Wild Tuna is located at 3344 S. Route 59 #104 in Naperville. They are 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fridays, noon-10:30 p.m. Saturdays and 4-9 p.m. Sundays. Call 630-420-8801 or go to www.wildtunasushi.com.
Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
More Top Picks Best Dinnerware Sets For Families