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312 Fish Market

2105 S Jefferson St Fl 2, Chicago, IL 60616
$$$
Hidden Gems , Japanese

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Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)

312 Fish Market 8.8
East Pilsen / 88 Marketplace
Tucked on the second floor of 88 Marketplace in East Pilsen, 312 Fish Market is a sushi counter known for tuna flights, pristine nigiri, and a 17-course omakase that punches above its food-court surroundings. Opened in 2020 by Jackson Chiu and chef Joe Fung, it’s become one of the city’s most talked-about spots for higher-end fish without full fine-dining formality.
Must-Try Dishes: Tuna Flight, Chirashi Bowl, Spicy Octopus Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 8.5 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Market-side sushi bar delivering near-omakase-quality flights inside 88 Marketplace.
Who should go: Sushi fans prioritizing fish quality over décor and white tablecloths.
When to visit: Earlier evenings before the market gets crowded and seating tight.
What to order: Tuna Flight, chirashi bowl, spicy octopus hand roll.
Insider tip: Book the 17-course omakase in advance; walk-ins rarely snag seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site surface lot at 88 Marketplace; generally available evenings and weekends, but check posted signage for time limits. Street parking in surrounding industrial blocks is limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sweaters are common; no formal dress required.
Noise level: Moderate — it’s a small counter inside a market, conversation is possible but background market noise is present.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for counter seats without a reservation; omakase is reservation-only and typically books out in advance.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short wait, except during peak market rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and sides, but most of the menu centers on raw fish.
Vegan options: Very limited — may be able to assemble a small meal from cucumber/avocado rolls and sides; no dedicated vegan preparations.
Gluten-free options: Possible with care — many nigiri/sashimi items are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten; ask staff and bring your own tamari if strict.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you both love sushi and don’t mind a casual, market-side setting — the focus is on the fish rather than ambiance or privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — counter and market seating are first-come for à la carte orders, but the 17-course omakase almost always requires an advance reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally better for adults and older teens who enjoy sushi; seating is limited and there are no kid-specific amenities or menus.
Best For
Better for: High-quality nigiri, tuna flights, and omakase-level fish at a more casual, lower-frills price point than full fine-dining sushi counters.
Skip if: You want a formal dining room, cocktails, or a quiet, linger-friendly experience — choose a traditional sit-down sushi restaurant instead.
312 Fish Market 8.8
Pilsen / 88 Marketplace
On the second floor of 88 Marketplace, 312 Fish Market runs a counter-style sushi bar where tuna flights, hand rolls, and chirashi bowls lean closer to omakase quality than neighborhood takeout. Regulars build dinners around tightly made rolls and pristine fish, using the food-court seating for surprisingly serious sushi in 60616.
Must-Try Dishes: Tuna Flight, Spicy Octopus Hand Roll, Chirashi Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 8.3 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 9.2 Atmosphere: 7.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Market-side sushi bar delivering tuna flights and hand rolls inside 88 Marketplace.
Who should go: Sushi fans prioritizing fish quality over room design.
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8 p.m. before the market fully peaks.
What to order: Tuna Flight, Spicy Octopus Hand Roll, Chirashi Bowl.
Insider tip: Ask about tuna or uni specials at the counter before you order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site surface lot and attached garage at 88 Marketplace; usually available on weeknights, tighter during weekend peak hours.
Dress code: Casual — market environment; comfortable attire is appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — food-court seating with steady ambient market noise, but conversation is still manageable at most tables.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes for counter ordering during peak market flow; seating is first-come within the food-court area.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with easy access to counter seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — vegetable rolls, avocado/cucumber maki, and occasional seasonal sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few simple vegetable rolls; most items include seafood or mayo-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Select nigiri, sashimi, and rice bowls may work if you avoid soy sauce — ask at the counter about sauces and marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or low-key date — the quality of fish is high, but the seating is food-court style rather than intimate restaurant dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating in the market; arrive a bit early on weekends if you want seats near the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally kid-friendly due to open seating and quick service, though portions and menu lean sushi-focused with few non-seafood items.
Best For
Better for: High-quality tuna flights, hand rolls, and chirashi at casual pricing — great for solo diners or sushi fans who care most about fish quality.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, large hot entrées, or a quiet, formal sushi bar experience.
312 Fish Market 8.4
Pilsen / 88 Marketplace
On the second floor of 88 Marketplace, 312 Fish Market is a counter-style sushi bar turning out omakase-style nigiri and specials that outperform the food-court setting. Diners come for pristine cuts, toro flights, and focused omakase at a price that feels sharp for the quality of fish.
Must-Try Dishes: Chef’s omakase nigiri set, Negi toro gunkan, Otoro nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 8.9 Atmosphere: 6.7 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Food-hall sushi counter delivering omakase-level fish quality in casual surroundings.
Who should go: Sushi obsessives prioritizing fish and nigiri over room design.
When to visit: Early evenings or off-peak lunch to avoid omakase sellouts.
What to order: Omakase set, negi toro gunkan, torched specialty piece of the day.
Insider tip: Grab a counter seat to chat through specials and customize your omakase progression.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Onsite garage and surface lot parking at 88 Marketplace; typically easy on weekdays, lighter competition earlier evenings on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — comfortable attire is fine; no formal dress expectation.
Noise level: Moderate — food-hall bustle but counter seats still allow easy conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–25 min for counter seats during peak hours; omakase items may sell out later in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though specials can run out toward closing.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — vegetable rolls and select nigiri; menu is primarily seafood-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — a few vegetable rolls only; most offerings include fish or seafood.
Gluten-free options: Many nigiri and sashimi pieces are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten — ask at the counter for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re both sushi fans — the counter format is intimate and focused on food quality, but it’s more casual than a full-service restaurant.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come at the counter and nearby market tables; arrive earlier for the best selection of specials.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids who enjoy sushi; there’s open seating in the market, but limited menu options for picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier fish quality and omakase-style nigiri at a lower price than most full-service sushi restaurants.
Skip if: You want full table service, a long sit-down meal, or a wide cooked-entrée menu — this is best for sushi-centric diners.
312 Fish Market 8.5
Pilsen / 88 Marketplace
Hidden on the second floor of 88 Marketplace, 312 Fish Market pairs a compact sushi counter with party trays, specialty rolls, and a reservation-only omakase that outperforms its food-court setting. With hundreds of strong Google and Yelp reviews praising fish quality and value, it’s become a go-to for serious sushi in an otherwise casual complex.
Must-Try Dishes: 17-Course Omakase, Toro Flight, B1 Nigiri Party Tray
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 6.7 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Counter-service sushi bar inside 88 Marketplace delivering omakase-level fish and generous party trays.
Who should go: Sushi fans prioritizing fish quality over polished dining rooms.
When to visit: Early evenings or weekdays to avoid food-hall peak rush.
What to order: 17-course omakase, toro flight, B1 nigiri party tray.
Insider tip: Reserve omakase in advance and ask to sit at the counter to watch fish being sliced.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site parking is available in the 88 Marketplace garage/lot; usually manageable on weekdays but can tighten during weekend dinner hours. Check posted signage for any time limits.
Dress code: Casual to neat-casual — it’s a counter-style setting inside a food hall, but many omakase guests lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate — the food hall can be lively at peak times, but counter seating still allows normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Omakase typically requires a reservation; takeout trays and counter orders may see short waits (10–25 minutes) during peak rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait for counter orders; omakase availability depends on prior reservations.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and sides, but the menu is primarily fish-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect only a small number of simple vegetable rolls.
Gluten-free options: Some items are naturally gluten-free (plain nigiri/sashimi), but soy sauce and sauces may contain gluten — ask staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re both sushi-focused and comfortable with a casual food-hall environment — the omakase counter offers the most intimate, experience-driven setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for counter orders and trays — seating is first-come within the food hall. The omakase experience generally requires an advance reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — the food hall has open seating and a casual vibe, but the menu skews toward raw fish; best for older kids who already enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: High-quality fish and omakase-style cuts at a more casual, lower-frills setting than most full-service sushi restaurants.
Skip if: You want a formal dining room, extensive cooked entrées, or broad vegetarian/vegan options.
312 Fish Market 8.1
East Pilsen
Inside 88 Marketplace on the border of Chinatown and Pilsen, 312 Fish Market runs a counter-style sushi bar where a reservation-only 17-course omakase brings high-end nigiri and sashimi to a casual food-hall setting. Regulars praise the fish quality, tuna flights, and omakase value as a way to experience tasting-menu sushi without a formal dining room.
Must-Try Dishes: 17-course omakase experience, Tuna Flight, Spicy Octopus Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Food-hall sushi counter offering reservation-only 17-course omakase.
Who should go: Sushi fans prioritizing fish quality over formal surroundings.
When to visit: Early evenings or lunchtime to avoid weekend market crowds.
What to order: 17-course omakase experience, tuna flight, spicy octopus hand roll.
Insider tip: Arrive early to park, then explore 88 Marketplace before or after.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site parking lot at 88 Marketplace is usually available on weekdays; expect heavier congestion and slower turnover on weekends. Limited nearby street parking.
Dress code: Casual to neat-casual; most guests wear relaxed attire suitable for a food-hall setting.
Noise level: Moderate — ambient market noise nearby, but conversation at the counter is generally comfortable.
Weekend wait: Omakase is reservation-only; walk-ins for counter service may face 20–40 minutes at peak times.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait for counter seating; omakase still requires advance booking.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — the omakase is seafood-focused with only a small number of non-fish items.
Vegan options: Not recommended — menu centers almost entirely on fish and seafood.
Gluten-free options: Some nigiri and sashimi can be gluten-free, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten; request modifications and confirm with the chef.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date enjoys sushi and intimate counter-style dining — the experience is focused, quiet, and chef-driven rather than formal or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? For the 17-course omakase, no — reservations are required. Walk-ins may order à la carte at the counter when seats are open, but availability is limited at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited to adults and older teens who enjoy sushi and longer tasting formats; there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: High-quality fish and omakase value in a casual setting, especially for solo diners or small parties who prioritize sushi craftsmanship over atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a formal dining room, a broad cooked-food menu, extensive substitutions, or a highly customizable tasting experience.
312 Fish Market 8.5
Pilsen / 88 Marketplace
On the second floor of 88 Marketplace, 312 Fish Market runs a compact sushi counter where chefs put high-end product into both a 17-course omakase and focused nigiri flights. It’s more polished than a typical food-court stall, drawing sushi obsessives for BYOB omakase, weekly tuna breakdowns, and casual counter seats that feel like a chef’s table without the formality.
Must-Try Dishes: Salmon Don, Tuna Flights, Spicy Octopus Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.9 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A BYOB sushi counter inside 88 Marketplace offering a 17-course omakase and high-quality nigiri that feel like a chef’s table in a food hall.
Who should go: Sushi fans who prioritize fish quality over fancy decor.
When to visit: Early evening omakase bookings or off-peak lunch to linger at the counter.
What to order: Reserve the 17-course omakase, plus Tuna Flights and Salmon Don on repeat visits.
Insider tip: Omakase requires advance booking by email or phone; if you’re walk-in only, sit at the counter and build a custom nigiri flight around the day’s specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site parking lot at 88 Marketplace, generally available on weekdays; weekends can tighten during peak grocery hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — relaxed but neat; counter seating is informal, but many guests lean slightly dressy for omakase.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation-friendly at the counter, with some ambient market noise in the background.
Weekend wait: Omakase is reservation-only; walk-in nigiri flights may see 20–40 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait for counter seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few veggie maki and appetizers; omakase is primarily seafood-driven.
Vegan options: Very limited — best suited for diners comfortable with seafood-focused menus.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be gluten-friendly if you avoid soy sauce and tempura; notify the chef in advance for better accommodation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate counter setup and chef interaction create a focused, conversation-friendly experience, especially for sushi-loving couples.
Can I get a table without a reservation? For omakase, reservations are required; walk-ins can usually build a nigiri flight at the counter, but availability varies during peak evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — seating is counter-style and the menu is omakase- and nigiri-focused; older teens who enjoy sushi will do better here.
Best For
Better for: High-end fish quality, intimate counter interaction, and omakase-style precision without the formality of a traditional fine-dining sushi bar.
Skip if: You want broad entrée-style sushi rolls, a large dining room, or robust vegetarian/vegan options.