Talay
Last inspected: Feb 26, 2026
100
Score
Public records show 17 inspections at Talay stretching back to 2013. On Feb 26, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around one violation, down from roughly five violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “proper cooling methods used”, showing up six times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Talay is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 26, 2026
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jul 19, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 17, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations.
View 3 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 51.2F AT SUSHI DISPLAY CASES. 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
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISREPAIR AND LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
51
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 1LB CRAB AT 49.1F, 1LB OF SHRIMP AT 50.2F, AND 1LB OF FISH EGGS AT 51.2F. THE MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL OF 3LBS AT $200. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
64
Aug 3, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MENU WITH A FOOTNOTE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU AND MISSING DISCLOSURE FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED ANIMAL-BASED FOOD ITEMS OFFERED (EX. RAW TUNA, SUSHI ITEMS ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. MANAGEMENT UPDATED MENUS DURING INSPECTION.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 1-COMPARTMENT SINK USED FOR SANITIZER BUCKETS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH HAND SOAP AND HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. MUST REMOVE AND ONLY PROVIDE HANDWASHING AIDS AT DESIGNATED HANDWASHING SINKS.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE KITCHEN AND BAR HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN GASKETS ON THE GLASS DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER LOCATED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE, AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR TILES MISSING GROUT IN THE REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO THE WOK STATION. MUST REGROUT FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATION ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS LOCATED OVER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
Oct 12, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE INSIDE OF COOKING FRYER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE UNDER VENTILATION HOOD IN KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE WATER PURIFIER DEVICE FROM HAND SINK FAUCET IN KITCHEN.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO DEAD COCKROACHES ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING GRILL AND IN OVEN. MUST REMOVE.
38
82
Mar 4, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MENU WITH A FOOTNOTE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU AND MISSING DISCLOSURE BY ASTERICKS FOR RELATED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNCOOKED ANIMAL-BASED FOOD ITEMS OFFERED (EX. RAW TUNA, SUSHI ITEMS ETC.). (REFER TO ONLINE CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY GUIDE - LINK IN BELOW COMMENTS). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ROLLED EATING UTENSILS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO AVOID CONTAMINATION BY INVERTING UTENSILS WITH HANDLES EXPOSED AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
44
78
Jul 12, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP IN REAR BACK DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN TILE IN KITCHEN PREP ON FLOOR NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TO MAKE FLOOR SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE GAP BETWEEN WALL AND FLOOR IN MEN AND WOMENS RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND ENCLOSE TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
55
86
Mar 19, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL STORAGE SHELVES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING: FLOORS IN MAIN PREP AREA UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. WALLS AT MAIN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Nov 19, 2018
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES ON SITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KIT & PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON-SITE. INSTRUCTED O PROVIDE HE CITY'S HEALTH FORM, OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MUST POST DISCLOSURE AND POST REMINDER INFORMATION REGARDING CONSUMER ADVISORY STATEMENT. REFER TO ABOVE LANGUAGE, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST DATE MARK TCS OR RTE FOODS THAT HAVE BEEN PREPARED OVER 24 HRS AND HELD IN THE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATE AND MAINTAIN.
23
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6.501.114 MUST REMOVE OR ORGANIZE CLUTTER THROUGHOUT PREMISES; BEHIND FRONT COUNTER AND IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. 6.201.11 MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4.202.18 MUST DETAIL CLEAN GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM HOOD FILTERS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. 6.202.11 MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE LICENSE AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
58
61
Feb 2, 2018
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR DETACHED WALL TRIM AND HOLE IN WALL IN MOP SINK CLOSET IN REAR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INCREASE HOT WATER PRESSURE AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN MENS TOILET ROOM
38
90
Jan 26, 2018
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BLACK SLIME LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE, SUBSTANCE LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USING MACHINE UNTIL SERVICED, CLEANED AND SANITIZED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DISCONTINUE STORING FOOD IN GROCERY BAGS IN WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER. USE CLEAR FOOD GRADE BAGS INSTEAD.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DUST AND DEBRIS FROM FRONT WINDOW SILLS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR DETACHED WALL TRIM AND HOLE IN WALL IN MOP SINK CLOSET IN REAR. CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM KITCHEN HOOD AND FILTERS. CLEAN DUST ACCUMULATION FROM WALL VENT ON NORTH WALL ABOVE PREP TABLE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS/SUBSTANCE FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INCREASE HOT WATER PRESSURE AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN MENS TOILET ROOM.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE OR ORGANIZE EXCESSIVE CLUTTER FROM THROUGHOUT THE FRONT SERVICE AREA, OFFICE, AND REAR PREP AREA. ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
41
67
Feb 17, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT KITCHEN AND FRONT PREP AREA, AND GROUND AREA OUTSIDE BACK DOOR NOT CLEAN, INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: ATTACHED LIGHT SHIELDS KITCHEN AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING THERMOMETERS FOR FRONT PREP COOLER. PROVIDE SAME.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER BY REAR DOOR KITCHEN AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE WANTED ITEMS,
41
78
Sep 30, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR TOP OF ICE MACHINE WITH LIME/CALCIUM BUILD UP. INSTD TO DE LIME AND MAINTAIN. CHEMICAL DISPENSING LINES AT REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK SUBSTANCE AT INTERIOR OF LINES. INSTD TO REPLACE LINES AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF HOOD WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND IN CORNERS BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS/GREASE. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL SURROUNDING UTILITY SINK IN POOR REPAIR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING THERMOMTERS FOR PREP COOLERS. PROVIDE SAME.
40
78
Apr 12, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD-UP. INSTD TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN SAME.
33
90
Jul 15, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOODS NOT LABELED IN PREP COOLER AND WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK FOOD THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CUTTING BOARD NOT STORED PROPERLY BY THE SUSHI AREA. INSTRUCTED TO WASH, SANITIZE AND PROPERLY STORE ALL CUTTING BOARDS.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAN OPENER WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS IN THE CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS TO REMOVE DEBRIS IN CORNERS. OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES ABOVE THE GROUND TO PROPERLY CLEAN FLOORS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BURNT OUT LIGHT OVER THE DISH WASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN.
36
78
Sep 12, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DISH MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING TILES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTILATION UNIT ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
86
Jan 22, 2013
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A PARTITION TO SEPARATE STORAGE/PREP AREA FROM CUSTOMERS BATHROOMS. ALSO WALLS AT BAR AREA WHERE BLENDER WILL BE USED, MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK TO SEPARATE PREP AREA AND HAND WASHING AREA.
38
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Talay last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Talay on file is from Feb 26, 2026. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Talay?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Talay.
Has Talay's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Talay have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Talay 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 Talay inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Talay is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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