0 Followers
Madai at Time Out Market Chicago
Master Critic Review
Madai at Time Out Market Chicago
7.6
Madai is a sushi counter inside Time Out Market Chicago where chef-driven maki, nigiri, and chirashi bowls put pristine fish at the center of a busy food hall. It’s a flexible way to work high-quality seafood into a group visit, from quick salmon rolls to more elaborate specialty maki.
Must-Try Dishes:
El Baja specialty roll, Salmon avocado roll, Chirashi bowl
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Chef-led sushi counter serving inventive seafood rolls inside a curated food hall.
Who should go: Seafood fans dining with mixed-taste groups at Time Out.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before peak food hall crowds.
What to order: El Baja roll, salmon avocado roll, chirashi bowl.
Insider tip: Grab sushi from Madai then head upstairs for rooftop seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking and limited metered street parking nearby; availability varies with West Loop events.
Dress code: Casual and food-hall friendly; anything from jeans to athleisure works.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak times due to open food hall layout.
Weekend wait: 5–20 minutes depending on crowd levels at the sushi counter.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie rolls and some sides available.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of plant-based sushi options.
Gluten-free options: Some rolls and nigiri can work gluten-free if you skip soy sauce; cross-contact possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if you’re going for casual, low-pressure, and flexible. It’s not ideal for long, quiet conversations since it’s inside a busy food hall.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Time Out Market seating is communal and first-come-first-served. You order at the counter, then grab an open table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the food hall setting is relaxed and families are common, especially earlier in the day. Best for school-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: High-quality sushi in a casual, flexible food hall environment — great for groups with mixed tastes.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional sushi bar experience or full table service.