Deep in the heart of downtown Chicago, locals and tourists basque in the exotic atmosphere of Sushi Samba - the warm, colorful lights bring the hot, romantic nights of Little Rio to this chilly mid-west city.

On entering, patrons are greeted by an exciting first view of glistening faceted metal beads, lighted from above and below by MR16’s. In the bar area, “flame caldrons” mounted within glass floor boxes create a romantic light on the faces of those seated nearby. Floating bar bottle holders and a blue wash on the bar’s back wall creates the effect of a floating waterfall, hinting at the tropical environment within.

The main dining room is a striking contrast of color with vertically hanging blue bead curtain walls offset by warm, uplit, sweeping, curved surfaces. Internally lit pods float overhead, creating a modern day cloud ceiling. In the back room, bright lights highlight a large red wall, while marble tables are backlit by dimming fluorescents, creating a sexy, sultry atmosphere for private dining. Together, the lighting and interior design whisk patrons away to the bright lights of Rio!