Momotaro
Last inspected: Oct 1, 2025
86
Score
Momotaro appears in inspection records 15 times, starting in 2014. The most recent visit was on Oct 1, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.
“Insects, rodents, & animals not present” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing nine times across the record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Momotaro is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 1, 2025
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 REPAIR THE WATER LEAK FROM THE HIGH TEMPERATURE CONVEYOR DISHMACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREA.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA UNDER THE PREP COOLERS AND IN THE CORNERS UNDER EQUIPMENT. CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 REPAIR THE FLOORING UNDERNEATH THE PREP COOLER NEAR THE EXPO STATION AT THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.
55
86
Sep 22, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX. 75 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS IN THE 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT FOOD PREP, DRY STORAGE AND DISH WASHING AREAS, AND IN THE STAIRWELL LEADING TO THE ALLEY AND BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE TRAP AND DRAIN LINES LOCATED NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE WATER LEAK FROM THE HIGH TEMPERATURE CONVEYOR DISHMACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREA.
51
82
Mar 8, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGN AT FIRST FLOOR BAR AREA HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
90
Feb 17, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT INCLUDED ON THE IZAKAYA MENU CONSUMER ADVISORY. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ADD A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CURRENT ADVISORY: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. " PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. MANAGEMENT UPDATED MENUS AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, AND THEY NOW INCLUDE A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CUTTING BOARD WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS IN THE BASEMENT BAR. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED THE CUTTING BOARD.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT CUSTOMER WASHROOM (#1) SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT ON THE WALK-IN FREEZER FLOOR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Feb 16, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONLY 1 ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. ESTABLISHMENT HAS NUMEROUS OF CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
95
Sep 4, 2019
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS (RICE WATER VINEGARS, CRAB MEAT, LAMB MARINADES, PREPARED WATERMELON RADISHES, COOKED SUSHI RICE, BABY OCTOPUS , VARIOUS HOUSE SAUCES, ETC STORED IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN FACILITY WITH IMPROPER LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATE LABEL ON ALL READY TO EAT, REFRIGERATED, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION .7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE RESTROOMS IN NEED OF A CLOSED LID GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
86
Aug 26, 2019
Suspected Food Poisoning
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS (RICE WATER VINEGARS, CRAB MEAT, LAMB MARINADES, PREPARED WATERMELON RADISHES, COOKED SUSHI RICE, BABY OCTOPUS , VARIOUS HOUSE SAUCES, ETC STORED IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN FACILITY WITH IMPROPER LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATE LABEL ON ALL READY TO EAT, REFRIGERATED, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION .7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 35 SMALL BLACK LIVE FRUIT FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES... APPROXIMATELY 8 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN BAR LOCATED IN BASEMENT FLYING THROUGHOUT AND AROUND IN PLACE LIQUOR BOTTLE STORAGE UNITS, 20 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN 1ST FLOOR SUSHI PREP AREA FLYING THROUGHOUT ON EXTERIOR REFRIGERATION UNITS, 7 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN 1ST FLOOR BAR AREA FLYING AROUND DRAINS AND EXPOSED SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONAL AND MINIMIZE SMALL BLACK LIVE FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECEIPT FROM ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE PROVIDED BY "DEMOS FRUIT FLY GUY" WITHOUT PROPER REQUIRED LOG BOOK FOR REVIEW ON PREMISES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. LOGBOOK MUST INCLUDE ALL CONTENT PRESCRIBED IN THE RULES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. THEY ARE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ... COPY OF PEST CONTROL ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LICENSE NUMBER ,WRITTEN VERIFICATION OF CERTIFIED PEST TECHNICIAN RESPONSIBLE FOR USING PESTICIDES, A RECORD OF ALL VISITS TO THE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT,ETC. PER MANAGER, SERVICE IS PROVIDED FROM SAID PEST CONTROL PROVIDER WEEKLY FOR SMALL BLACK LIVE FLY ACTIVITY. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE LOGBOOK AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE RESTROOMS IN NEED OF A CLOSED LID GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
70
May 29, 2018
Suspected Food Poisoning
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED FOR SUSHI ITEMS AND STEAKS WHICH ARE SERVED RAW AND/OR COOKED TO ORDER. OPERATOR WAS PROVIDED A PLACARD DURING INSPECTION AND POSTED IN DINING ROOM.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOIL LINING THE ROBATA GRILL FRAME AND GREASE TRAP LID. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN GRILL EQUIPMENT AND GREASE TRAP LID TO BE SMOOTH, DURABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DARK BLACK MOIST SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL AND BASEBOARD SURROUNDING THE LEAKY BASEMENT BAR WATER FILTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT THE WATER FILTER AT THE BASEMENT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
82
Mar 3, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PITTED CUTTING BOARD IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE,
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND FAN GUARD IN WALK-IN COOLER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FAUCET IN POOR REPAIR AT EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND SUSHI BAR, AND SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
38
86
Aug 4, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WORK CAULKING WITH BLACK/PINK SUBSTANCE AT BASE OF ALL EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN PREP AREAS, BOTH LARGE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS AND AT DISHMACHINE LINE. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION AT UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTD TO CORRECT SAME. RUST ACCUMULATION AT EXTERIOR TOP OF GREASE TRAP AT 1ST FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR AT FRONT GRILL AREA IN POOR REPAIR, UNEVEN, WORN SURFACE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENTS ABOVE DISHMACHINE, IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, AND BASEMENT WAIT STATION NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME. WALL UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND DISHMACHINE NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS ACCUMULATION, CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Jul 28, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: HEAVY LEAKS AT PIPES UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, CURRENTLY IN USE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME, FREE OF LEAKS. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 SERIOUS.
24
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT NOT DISPLAYED OR VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSTD TO DISPLAY AND HAVE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010B SERIOUS.
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WORK CAULKING WITH BLACK/PINK SUBSTANCE AT BASE OF ALL EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN PREP AREAS, BOTH LARGE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS AND AT DISHMACHINE LINE. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION AT UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTD TO CORRECT SAME. RUST ACCUMULATION AT EXTERIOR TOP OF GREASE TRAP AT 1ST FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR AT FRONT GRILL AREA IN POOR REPAIR, UNEVEN, WORN SURFACE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENTS ABOVE DISHMACHINE, IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, AND BASEMENT WAIT STATION NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME. WALL UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND DISHMACHINE NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS ACCUMULATION, CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT PIPE UNDERNEATH SCRAP SINK AT DISHMACHINE AREA. REPAIR SAME.
38
74
Mar 24, 2015
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL STORAGE RACKS AND SHELVES IN ALL DRY-GOODS AND NON-FOOD STORAGE AREAS(DIRT BUILDUP). CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA.
38
90
Feb 5, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOTED 9-18-14 ON REPORT # 143550 NOT CORRECTED: -32-BRICK WALL IN MAIN PREP AREA AND WOOD BEAMS IN SUSHI PREP AND BASEMENT BAR NOT PROPERLY COVERED. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. NON COMPLIANT SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE SIDES OF COOKING STOVES AND REAR EXTERIOR OF OVEN NEAR DISH WASHING AREA IN BASEMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL STORAGE RACKS AND SHELVES IN ALL DRY-GOODS AND NON-FOOD STORAGE AREAS(DIRT BUILDUP). CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN DUST BUILD-UP FROM LIGHT SHIELDS UNDERNEATH HOODS, AND HOOD ABOVE DISH MACHINE IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALL PLASTIC HOSES CONNECTED TO TROUGHS ON BAR IN BASEMENT THAT ARE RUNNING INTO HANDSINKS AND 1 COMP. SINKS MUST BE TAPPED INTO FLOOR DRAINS IN SAME AREA. REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR BEARD RESTRAINTS WHEN HANDLING OPEN FOODS.
42
70
Sep 22, 2014
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BRICK WALL IN MAIN PREP AREA AND WOOD BEAMS IN SUSHI PREP AND BASEMENT BAR MUST BE COVERED. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
32
95
Sep 18, 2014
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: ALL REACH IN COOLERS MUST BE ON AND AVAILABLE FOR TESTING.
2
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: ALL HANDSINKS AND WASHBOWLS IN NEED OF SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
6
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: LOGBOOK ON SITE HOWEVER NO PEST SERVICE CONDUCTED. ALL DOORS MUST BE RODENT PROOFED.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BRICK WALL IN MAIN PREP AREA AND WOOD BEAMS IN SUSHI PREP AND BASEMENT BAR MUST BE COVERED. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER TO THE TOP OF THE FROZEN DESSERT MACHINE.
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Momotaro last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Momotaro on file is from Oct 1, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Momotaro?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Momotaro.
Has Momotaro's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Momotaro have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Momotaro means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Momotaro inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Momotaro is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants