Yatai
Last inspected: Jul 8, 2025
86
Score
Going back to 2018, Yatai has 12 inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Jul 8, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around seven violations to closer to five violations per visit over the last few inspections.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged nine times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 8, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP ALONG SIDE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT- FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. 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
86
Jul 30, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 22, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES. APPROXIMATELY 4 LBS COOKED FISH WRAPPED IN TIN FOIL, BEING STORED INSIDE AND ON TOP OF A TOASTER OVEN THAT WAS NOT TURNED ON. FISH AT 112.8F AND 113.5F. ALL DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
21
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 9-18-23 REPORT #2581888 NOT CORRECTED.#39- FOOD CONTAINERS ARE STORED ON THE FLOOR INSIDE STORAGE AND WALK-IN COOLERS/FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.#55-: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS AT THE DISH WASHING AREA AND FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATIONS ISSUED.
60
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD HANDLER DRINKING BEVERAGES FROM OPEN CUPS IN THE SUSHI PREP AREA. MUST USE COVERED CONTAINERS OR CONSUME IN A DESIGNATED NON-FOOD PREP AREA.
6
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOODS NOT STORED IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE. NOT ON PREP SURFACES.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED KNIVES BEING IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN PREP COOLERS. MUST PROVIDE A WASHABLE KNIFE HOLDER OR STORE ON CLEAN SURFACE.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE SOILED LINENS HANGING ON THE FAUCET AND SNEEZE GUARDS OF THE SUSHI PREP HAND WASHING SINK.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED EXTREMELY SOILED CLOTH CURTAINS HANGING AND LEADING TO THE REAR HALLWAY WASHROOMS AND KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.-----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN EQUIPMENT ON THE COOKS LINE.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE.EXTREMELY DIRTY, BLACKENED UTILITY SERVICE SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS IN THE MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.-----NOTED BROWN SUBSTANCE DRIPPING DOWN THE WALL FROM A CEILING TILE AT THE REAR WALK-IN COOLER HALLWAY. MUST CLEAN, MAINTAIN AND RESOLVE LEAKING ISSUE. DIRTY, BLACKENED WALL AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.-----EXCESSIVE DUST/DIRT ON BOTH CEILING VENTS IN BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
50
Sep 18, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOOD CONTAINERS ARE STORED ON THE FLOOR INSIDE STORAGE AND WALK-IN COOLERS/FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS AT THE DISH WASHING AREA AND FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT.
55
86
Oct 19, 2022
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 EXCESSIVE GREASE ON CEILING TILES AT THE COOKS LINE. MUST CLEAN OR REPLACE.
55
95
Oct 11, 2022
Routine
4 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING HAND WASHING SINK ON THE COOK'S LINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND WASHING SINK, PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SOAP LOCATED AT THE FRONT SUSHI PREP HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS LOCATED AT THE FRONT SUSHI PREP AND DISHWASHING HAND WASHING SINKS. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: RAW MENU ITEMS SUCH AS RAW SUSHI ROLLS AND OTHER ASSORTED RAW FISH ARE NOT DISCLOSED AND REMINDED WITH A CONSUMER ADVISORY. MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON ALL MENUS THAT DISCLOSES AND REMINDS CONSUMERS OF SUCH FOOD ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
25
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: SPOON HANDLES FOR TOFU GREEN ONION MUST NOT BE STORED INSIDE THE FOOD PRODUCT. THE HANDLE MUST BE STORED UP OUT OF THE FOOD.
43
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IS LOCATED AT ANY HAND WASHING SINKS. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS, INCLUDING SPICES, MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE FOOD ITEMS OR FOOD CONTACT ITEMS IN THE CAR GARAGE WHERE AUTOMOBILES ARE STORED.----MUST NOT STORE DIRTY NOODLE CUTTING EQUIPMENT WITH CLEAN STORED ITEMS. MUST CLEAN MACHINE BEFORE STORAGE.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED FOOD ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS. FLOORS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED DUCT TAPE WAS USED AS A MEANS OF REPAIR FOR CRACKED/BROKEN PLASTIC FREEZER DOORS IN THE SMALL REACH-IN FREEZER. MUST PLACE BROKEN PLASTIC DRAWER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED LID FOR THE TOFU AND GREEN ONION FOR THE TOFU SOUP WRAPPED IN PLASTIC WRAP THAT IS PEELING AND SOILED. FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE DISH AND COOKS LINE. SHELVING MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD OR PLASTIC WRAP AS A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN EQUIPMENT OR ON COMPUTER EQUIPMENT ON THE COOKS LINE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN THE DISH AND KITCHEN PREP ARE EXTREMELY DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.-----EXCESSIVE GREASE ON CEILING TILES AT THE COOKS LINE. MUST CLEAN OR REPLACE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SOILED MOP HEADS MUST BE STORED INVERTED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK.
55
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED A LEAK ON THE LEFT NOZZLE OF THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK AND REPAIRED IT WITH A TOWEL. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR LEAK.
51
35
Jun 24, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED.(FLOUR, VINEGAR,ETC.)MUST LABEL.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND EXTERIOR OF DISHMACHINE NOT CLEAN. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT DRY STORAGE AREAS.MUST CLEAN.
55
86
Mar 17, 2020
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11-OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-202.18-OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATION ON VENTILATION HOOD IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION OF FOOD.
56
90
Jan 28, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT IS MISSING DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON MENU FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON BOTTOM OF MENU WITH AN ASTERIK IN THE FRONT STATING "THESE FOOD ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." THEN MARK AN ASTERIK ON THE FOOD ITEMS THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR LEAK AT PIPE BELOW HAND SINK ALONG WITH A SLOW DRAIN IN MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATION ON VENTILATION HOOD IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION OF FOOD.
56
78
May 2, 2019
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED (FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC.). MUST LABEL.
37
95
Jan 25, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE /PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
82
Dec 28, 2018
License
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILTY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE /PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST ON ALL WALK IN COOLER SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENTILATION SYSTEMS IN WASHROOMS NOT WORKING. REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY FO CHICAGO FOOD SANITIATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN
58
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Yatai last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Yatai on file is from Jul 8, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Yatai?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Yatai.
Has Yatai's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Yatai have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Yatai 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 Yatai inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Yatai is inspected around two times per year on average.
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