Nobu
Last inspected: Jun 9, 2025
100
Score
Inspectors have visited Nobu 12 times, with records going back to 2020. The most recent report on file is from Jun 9, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near three violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” comes up most often, recorded seven times in the inspection record.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 9, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 2, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA AND SERVICE BAR AND LOWER LEVEL PREP KITCHEN. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS INSIDE OF THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES WHICH LISTS WHICH SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS AND FOODBORNE ILLNESSES MUST PREVENT EMPLOYEES FROM REPORTING TO WORK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE CORNER OF THE WALL OF THE LOWER LEVEL PREP KITCHEN WHERE THE FRP BOARD HAS COME LOOSE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
67
Feb 28, 2024
Reinspection
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-501.114 (A, B, C, D, E, F: 1 & 2) NOTED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING AT FIRST FLOOR BAR. THE SANITIZING STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER (CLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROPERLY SANITIZED AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. UNIT REMAIN TAGGED. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNIT UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. NO CITATION ISSUED.
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11 OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
82
Feb 26, 2024
Routine
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING AT FIRST FLOOR BAR. THE SANITIZING STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER (CLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROPERLY SANITIZED AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNIT UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 2 LBS OF SLICED VEGETABLES AT 51.3F MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 2LBS AT $95. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF REFRIGERATOR AT 50.1F AT FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN COLD HOLD UNIT. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TOUCH READY-TO-EAT FOOD (STEAK) WITH BARE HAND. FOOD EMPLOYEES MAY NOT CONTACT EXPOSED, READY-TO-EAT FOOD WITH THEIR BARE HANDS AND SHALL USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS, TONGS, SINGLE-USE GLOVES, OR DISPENSING EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
9
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED, AND SERVED, SUCH AS (CHICKEN, STEAKS, SUSHI, ETC.) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN FIRST FLOOR BAR PREP AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLERS OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR THE HAND SINK DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
1
41
Feb 2, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 25, 2023
Complaint
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD EMPLOYEE HANDLING READY-TO EAT FOOD (CHOCOLATE MOUSSE DESSERTS) WITH BARE HANDS. EMPLOYEE WAS GARNISHING MOUSSE CAKES WITH ADDITIONAL CHOCOLATE WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL READY-TO EAT FOODS MUST BE HANDLED WITH SUITABLE UTENSILS OR GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED. EMPLOYEE WASHED HANDS AND THEN PUT ON CLEAN GLOVES.
9
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HOT WATER DISH MACHINE BEING USED DURING INSPECTION AND NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. OBSERVED THE FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE AT 132F. MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 180F PROPERLY TO SANITIZE DISHES AND UTENSILS INSIDE THE DISH MACHINE. THE DISH MACHINE HAS BEEN TAGGED AND MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT THE HAND WASHING SINK AT THE FIRST FLOOR COFFEE/DRINK PREP STATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH SOAP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). SOAP NOW PROVIDED AT SINK.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES INSIDE THE 2ND FLOOR UNISEX WASHROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
53
64
Nov 2, 2022
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TUNA AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 47.3F INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. ALSO OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE. COLE SLAW FOUND AT 43.1F, GREEN SALSA FOUND AT 48.5F, CHOPPED COOKED ASPARAGUS FOUND AT 50.1F, SAUSAGE FOUND AT 48.7F, RAW SALMON FOUND AT 44.6F AND DICED SAUSAGE FOUND AT 46.3F. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0F OR BELOW. FOOD HAS BEEN VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 30 LBS AT A COST OF $175.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK INACCESSIBLE AT PREP LINE ON 1ST FLOOR. OBSERVED FOOD BEING THAWED UNDER RUNNING WATER AT HAND WASHING SINK MAKING IT INACCESSIBLE FOR EMPLOYEES TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS. HAND SINK MUST ONLY BE USED FOR HAND WASHING ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK AT 1ST FLOOR BAR. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE HANDLING GLASSWARE AND USING DISH MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE FOR CITATION.
10
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE RECORDED ON SHELLSTOCK TAGS FROM WHEN THE LAST ITEM WAS SOLD. The date when the last SHELLSTOCK from the container is sold or served shall be recorded on the tag or label. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
14
64
Jul 11, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 21, 2022
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-203.11--OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK AT SUSHI BAR ON 11TH FLOOR THAT IS CONNECTED TO CITY AND SEWAGE WATER LINE. MUST INSTALL HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER WHICH IS CONNECTED TO CITY AND SEWAGE WATER LINE. ALSO CAN REMOVE SUSHI BAR COMPLETELY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C).
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 4-301.16--OBSERVED NO PREP SINK AT SUSHI BAR ON 11TH FLOOR. MUST INSTALL.
51
86
Jun 16, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER WATER TEMPERATURE AT 90.6F AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT SUSHI PREP STATION(1ST FLOOR). OBSERVED IMPROPER WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND SINK AT 87.6F (TEMPURA STATION), WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND SINK AT DISH AREA 1ST FLOOR FOUND AT 89.2F, WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND SINK AT LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA FOUND AT 87.4F, WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND SINKS IN WOMEN'S LOCKER ROOM BATHROOMS FOUND AT 89.1F AND 89.4F. MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE MUST BE AT 100.0F OR ABOVE THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (LOBSTER, TUNA). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK AT SUSHI BAR ON 11TH FLOOR THAT IS CONNECTED TO CITY AND SEWAGE WATER LINE. MUST INSTALL HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER WHICH IS CONNECTED TO CITY AND SEWAGE WATER LINE. ALSO CAN REMOVE SUSHI BAR COMPLETELY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SHELLSTOCK TAG ATTACHED TO CONTAINER IN WHICH OYSTERS WERE BEING STORED. MUST HAVE SHELLSTOCK TAG ATTACHED TO CONTAINER UNTIL THE LAST OYSTER IS SOLD. OYSTERS HAVE BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT A COST OF $40.00. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
14
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: Observed no Consumer Advisory for raw or undercooked foods (OYSTERS, STEAK, TUNA, SUSHI, EGGS, LOX). Instructed to identify (Disclosure) such foods by asterisking them to a foot note that states: "Items can be served raw or undercooked or contain undercooked ingredients" and add a statement (Reminder) that says: "Consuming raw or undercooked animal products may increase your risk of food borne illness, especially if you have medical conditions". PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.
25
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM 6/26/2020, REPORT #2382311. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE RECENT SUMMARY REPORT POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PREP SINK AT SUSHI BAR ON 11TH FLOOR. MUST INSTALL.
51
50
Jun 26, 2020
Reinspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING WALL COVING ON THE SECOND FLOOR IN THE HALLWAY AREA OUTSIDE OF THE PRIVATE DINING ROOMS AND WASHROOMS; MUST PROVIDE COVING AT THE BASE OF THE WALL WHERE NEEDED.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
78
Jun 23, 2020
License
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THE MECHANICAL GLASS WASHER BEHIND THE BAR ON THE FIRST FLOOR WAS NOT CONNECTED DUE TO A MISSING PART. UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF MACHINE SANITIZES AT THE PROPER TEMPERATURE DURING THE RINSE CYCLE; MUST CORRECT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
51
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY; MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C).
38
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING WALL COVING ON THE SECOND FLOOR IN THE HALLWAY AREA OUTSIDE OF THE PRIVATE DINING ROOMS AND WASHROOMS; MUST PROVIDE COVING AT THE BASE OF THE WALL WHERE NEEDED.
55
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nobu last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Nobu on file is from Jun 9, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Nobu?
Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Nobu.
Has Nobu's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Nobu have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Nobu 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 Nobu inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Nobu is inspected around two times per year on average.
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