Order Casa Madai Takeout or Delivery
Casa Madai Photos
Business Info
Casa Madai Popular Dishes
CASA MADAI ATMOSPHERE
What's the vibe?
You might also consider
More like Casa Madai
Recommended Reviews - Casa Madai
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
4.5 stars. We tried the 15 course omakase last night and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Every course was very good with no duds. The cocktails were very tasty, as was the Mexican sauvignon blanc. The gentleman (manager?) who took care of our drinks and general well being was very personable and definitely an asset to the business. The chef wasn't terribly engaging but he prepared lovely food, so we didn't care. All in all a very nice way to pass a couple of hours. Recommended!
This is an interesting Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant, so it's nice to have both tacos and sushi on the same menu. The service was good and friendly, but the restaurant itself was very loud and surprisingly cold, which made it a little difficult to fully enjoy the meal. The food was definitely hit or miss. The miso soup was extremely salty--it honestly tasted like salt water, so we couldn't finish it. The Pilsen Roll was also way too spicy for us and unfortunately wasn't enjoyable. On the positive side, the tacos were really good! We tried both the short rib and fish tacos, and those were easily some of the better dishes. The sushi overall was just so-so, but the smaller rolls were fresh and had a nice rice flavor and texture. We also ordered the salmon donburi, but it never arrived. The staff apologized, so at least they handled the mistake politely. Overall, I like the concept of combining Mexican and Japanese food, and there were a few dishes we really enjoyed, especially the tacos and smaller sushi rolls. With more consistency in the food and a slightly calmer atmosphere, it could be a much better experience.
This place is a completely underrated GEM. We came in on a weekend and had no trouble getting a reservation and honestly that's a shame. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We tried a little bit of everything but the star of the show for me was the mole or the scallops. The LED strip lights under the bar are not necessarily the vibe for everyone, but this place is proof that it doesn't have to be a cookie cutter spot in west loop to be an excellent meal.
We ordered: 1. El Pilsen - Avocado, Micro Cilantro, Tuna, Salmon, Hamachi, Spicy Aioli, Chile de Arbol Oil, Lime 2. Short Rib Tacos - Corn Tortilla, Guacamole, Short Rib, Pico De Gallo, Cotija, Micro Cilantro, Salsa Roja 3. Sake Maguro Tostadas - Lean Tuna & Salmon tossed in Salsa Macha on Avocado Spread 4. Fish Tacos - Corn Tortilla, Tempura White Fish, Cured Onions, Purple Cabbage, Yuzu Kosho Mayo, Micro Cilantro 5. El Cangrejo - Soft Shell Crab Madai, Oba Cucumber, Wasabi, Ponzu, Spring Onions Sake maguro tostadas are a popular must-get appetizer. This dish and the El Pilsen roll really highlight the fresh fish. Tacos were solid; I'd recommend either. Idk if this was intentional but the El Cangrejo roll was brought out last and it was a light, refreshing finish to the meal. Our server, Juan, was great. Nothing positive or negative to speak about the ambience which is fine because the food and service were so good.
Went here for the omakase for our anniversary and wow what an amazing dining experience. Each piece of sushi was handmade with care. The marriage of Mexican and Japanese flavors was done thoughtfully such that neither dominated but each contributed to the experience. The cocktails just as the food had flavor profiles that playfully cleansed the palate after each bite. I highly recommend the oba and violet cocktails. The sushi chef Ismael and manager Juan rounded out our experience with excellent service and conversation. Arguably one of my favorite dining experiences in Chicago and I am looking forward to eating here again.
TL;DR: 10/10. Incredible fusion of Japanese and Mexican flavors, amazing atmosphere, genuinely spicy edamame, and some of the friendliest, most knowledgeable staff I've encountered. My new favorite sushi spot. I came here because I was curious about the Japanese-Mexican fusion, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere is fantastic--open, welcoming, and filled with great '90s rap and R&B that sets the perfect vibe. The menu is concise, but everything looked so good it was hard to choose. I ordered the Pilsen Roll and the spicy edamame. The edamame was actually spicy (not just coated in chili oil), with great seasoning and real heat. The Pilsen Roll was an easy 10/10. What impressed me most is how intentional the food feels. The Japanese and Mexican flavors complement each other instead of competing, and you can tell a lot of thought went into every dish. The staff was also incredibly knowledgeable and happy to explain the ingredients and flavor combinations. This was an outstanding experience from start to finish. I'll definitely be back--this is my new favorite spot.
Ambiance - casual, hidden neighborhood sushi spot in pilsen Service - staff was super nice & omakase courses didn't feel rushed Food - very fun + unique flavor pairings/toppings on the fish, a true mex-jap fusion omakase
The time spent here was amazing. First time sushi eater and the selections were amazing. Tasted so fresh and was given good recommendations by Jesus. Def recommend to come visit for a first timer.
I really wanted to like this place, but the fish quality was a real problem. Every piece tasted surprisingly similar despite being different types of fish, with an off, stinky quality and a mushy, post-defrost texture that made it clear nothing was fresh. For an omakase-style spot charging for quality nigiri, that's a dealbreaker. On top of that, the whole restaurant had a strong Fabuloso smell that lingered through the dining room around 6pm on a Tuesday, which didn't exactly help my appetite going into a sushi meal. The space itself is oddly split in identity too -- the entrance signage advertises "Mexican" and "Omakase" side by side, which left me confused about what kind of experience to expect. Adding to the strange atmosphere, the restaurant was completely empty by 7pm and I was the only customer in the entire place, which gave the whole visit an eerie, uneasy feeling. To be fair, I do want to give credit where it's due: the service was genuinely warm and attentive, and the plating was thoughtfully done, with a nice presentation on the wooden board. But between the questionable fish freshness, the cleaning-product smell, and the unsettling emptiness of the restaurant, I can't rate this above 2 stars.
I came in on a Monday a few months ago and was treated very well! It was a little awkward being the only one, but the service was attentive. I did the omakase and was really impressed by the tuna tostada - less so by the nigiri unfortunately. They were very beautiful but didn't have much flavor. Overall, good quality sushi that didn't break the bank.
For Valentine's Day, we tried the omakase table experience at Casa Madai and it was incredible. Everything was so fresh and delicious. The Japanese/Mexican fusion is well executed with each dish being a fun and unique take on traditional sushi. The chefs are so knowledgeable and entertaining, happily explaining everything you're eating and answering questions along the way. It's even BYOB so you can bring whatever you prefer to drink without being limited by a wine or cocktail list!
Casa Madai is a fantastic new sushi spot. You can go for a la carte options or my favorite, the omakase! I absolutely love how Chef Ismael is always trying something new and innovating traditional ways of preparing sushi. I love that every time I've been there I've been wowed with something I never tried before. It's such a fun experience, a friendly vibe and you feel right at home. One of my favorite spots in the city! PS I was at their inaugural sushi making class, pictures of the rolls we made before the omakase at the end!
The omakase and experience was just amazing! The flavor combinations were so unique, great cocktails, the chef is truly something! Will be back 100%, the service and sitting at the sushi bar was awesome
1 month ago
2 months ago
Stopped by Casa Madai for a birthday dinner! Located in Pilsen, you will need to find street parking as we did not find a separate lot for the restaurant. The restaurant's interior is built cozy and music is very audible. I did like how our server (Jose) was very knowledgeable about all the dishes on the menu. We started with the tostada, followed by a maki chutoro roll along with the pilsen roll. Ended our meal with the poke chirashi bowl. All the fish we tried were great! Quality was on point and portions were very generous. I loved the combinations of both Mexican and Japanese flavors in every bite. I would come back again to try more from the menu! read more
1 day ago
4.5 stars. We tried the 15 course omakase last night and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Every course was very good with no duds. The cocktails were very tasty, as was the Mexican sauvignon blanc. The gentleman (manager?) who took care of our drinks and general well being was very personable and definitely an asset to the business. The chef wasn't terribly engaging but he prepared lovely food, so we didn't care. All in all a very nice way to pass a couple of hours. Recommended! read more
28 days ago
This is an interesting Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant, so it's nice to have both tacos and sushi on the same menu. The service was good and friendly, but the restaurant itself was very loud and surprisingly cold, which made it a little difficult to fully enjoy the meal. The food was definitely hit or miss. The miso soup was extremely salty--it honestly tasted like salt water, so we couldn't finish it. The Pilsen Roll was also way too spicy for us and unfortunately wasn't enjoyable. On the positive side, the tacos were really good! We tried both the short rib and fish tacos, and those were easily some of the better dishes. The sushi overall was just so-so, but the smaller rolls were fresh and had a nice rice flavor and texture. We also ordered the salmon donburi, but it never arrived. The staff apologized, so at least they handled the mistake politely. Overall, I like the concept of combining Mexican and Japanese food, and there were a few dishes we really enjoyed, especially the tacos and smaller sushi rolls. With more consistency in the food and a slightly calmer atmosphere, it could be a much better experience. read more
This place is a completely underrated GEM. We came in on a weekend and had no trouble getting a reservation and honestly that's a shame. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We tried a little bit of everything but the star of the show for me was the mole or the scallops. The LED strip lights under the bar are not necessarily the vibe for everyone, but this place is proof that it doesn't have to be a cookie cutter spot in west loop to be an excellent meal. read more
We ordered: 1. El Pilsen - Avocado, Micro Cilantro, Tuna, Salmon, Hamachi, Spicy Aioli, Chile de Arbol Oil, Lime 2. Short Rib Tacos - Corn Tortilla, Guacamole, Short Rib, Pico De Gallo, Cotija, Micro Cilantro, Salsa Roja 3. Sake Maguro Tostadas - Lean Tuna & Salmon tossed in Salsa Macha on Avocado Spread 4. Fish Tacos - Corn Tortilla, Tempura White Fish, Cured Onions, Purple Cabbage, Yuzu Kosho Mayo, Micro Cilantro 5. El Cangrejo - Soft Shell Crab Madai, Oba Cucumber, Wasabi, Ponzu, Spring Onions Sake maguro tostadas are a popular must-get appetizer. This dish and the El Pilsen roll really highlight the fresh fish. Tacos were solid; I'd recommend either. Idk if this was intentional but the El Cangrejo roll was brought out last and it was a light, refreshing finish to the meal. Our server, Juan, was great. Nothing positive or negative to speak about the ambience which is fine because the food and service were so good. read more
Went here for the omakase for our anniversary and wow what an amazing dining experience. Each piece of sushi was handmade with care. The marriage of Mexican and Japanese flavors was done thoughtfully such that neither dominated but each contributed to the experience. The cocktails just as the food had flavor profiles that playfully cleansed the palate after each bite. I highly recommend the oba and violet cocktails. The sushi chef Ismael and manager Juan rounded out our experience with excellent service and conversation. Arguably one of my favorite dining experiences in Chicago and I am looking forward to eating here again. read more
3 months ago
TL;DR: 10/10. Incredible fusion of Japanese and Mexican flavors, amazing atmosphere, genuinely spicy edamame, and some of the friendliest, most knowledgeable staff I've encountered. My new favorite sushi spot. I came here because I was curious about the Japanese-Mexican fusion, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere is fantastic--open, welcoming, and filled with great '90s rap and R&B that sets the perfect vibe. The menu is concise, but everything looked so good it was hard to choose. I ordered the Pilsen Roll and the spicy edamame. The edamame was actually spicy (not just coated in chili oil), with great seasoning and real heat. The Pilsen Roll was an easy 10/10. What impressed me most is how intentional the food feels. The Japanese and Mexican flavors complement each other instead of competing, and you can tell a lot of thought went into every dish. The staff was also incredibly knowledgeable and happy to explain the ingredients and flavor combinations. This was an outstanding experience from start to finish. I'll definitely be back--this is my new favorite spot. read more
10 months ago
Ambiance - casual, hidden neighborhood sushi spot in pilsen Service - staff was super nice & omakase courses didn't feel rushed Food - very fun + unique flavor pairings/toppings on the fish, a true mex-jap fusion omakase read more
2 months ago
The time spent here was amazing. First time sushi eater and the selections were amazing. Tasted so fresh and was given good recommendations by Jesus. Def recommend to come visit for a first timer. read more
26 days ago
I really wanted to like this place, but the fish quality was a real problem. Every piece tasted surprisingly similar despite being different types of fish, with an off, stinky quality and a mushy, post-defrost texture that made it clear nothing was fresh. For an omakase-style spot charging for quality nigiri, that's a dealbreaker. On top of that, the whole restaurant had a strong Fabuloso smell that lingered through the dining room around 6pm on a Tuesday, which didn't exactly help my appetite going into a sushi meal. The space itself is oddly split in identity too -- the entrance signage advertises "Mexican" and "Omakase" side by side, which left me confused about what kind of experience to expect. Adding to the strange atmosphere, the restaurant was completely empty by 7pm and I was the only customer in the entire place, which gave the whole visit an eerie, uneasy feeling. To be fair, I do want to give credit where it's due: the service was genuinely warm and attentive, and the plating was thoughtfully done, with a nice presentation on the wooden board. But between the questionable fish freshness, the cleaning-product smell, and the unsettling emptiness of the restaurant, I can't rate this above 2 stars. read more
2 months ago
I came in on a Monday a few months ago and was treated very well! It was a little awkward being the only one, but the service was attentive. I did the omakase and was really impressed by the tuna tostada - less so by the nigiri unfortunately. They were very beautiful but didn't have much flavor. Overall, good quality sushi that didn't break the bank. read more
For Valentine's Day, we tried the omakase table experience at Casa Madai and it was incredible. Everything was so fresh and delicious. The Japanese/Mexican fusion is well executed with each dish being a fun and unique take on traditional sushi. The chefs are so knowledgeable and entertaining, happily explaining everything you're eating and answering questions along the way. It's even BYOB so you can bring whatever you prefer to drink without being limited by a wine or cocktail list! read more
3 months ago
Casa Madai is a fantastic new sushi spot. You can go for a la carte options or my favorite, the omakase! I absolutely love how Chef Ismael is always trying something new and innovating traditional ways of preparing sushi. I love that every time I've been there I've been wowed with something I never tried before. It's such a fun experience, a friendly vibe and you feel right at home. One of my favorite spots in the city! PS I was at their inaugural sushi making class, pictures of the rolls we made before the omakase at the end! read more
6 months ago
The omakase and experience was just amazing! The flavor combinations were so unique, great cocktails, the chef is truly something! Will be back 100%, the service and sitting at the sushi bar was awesome read more
2 years ago
This place is actually really get! I love the sushi options! I rarely get full but I was actually really full! The best thing I can say is you have to go for the full experience. The service was on point. They definitely answered all questions and let us BYOB fun have our time. Pics and vids will give a much better description that I can write. Ambiance was ok. Don't expect 5 star aesthetics but it's definitely a great place to look great in the neighborhood. Only gave 4 stars bc the rug crumbled by the only place to snap cute pics. Aesthetics are everything. Overall I would go back for pre-game experience. read more
9 months ago
Exceptional experience from start to finish. The entire team was warm and welcoming, and we were excited to try the drinks now that they've received their liquor license--excellent across the board. Chef Ishmael is the real standout. With over 17 years of sushi experience, his ability to blend traditional nigiri with Mexican spices and flavors is thoughtful and masterful. As someone who loves salsa machas, I was blown away by how seamlessly he incorporated them to elevate the fish without overpowering it. The omakase was outstanding--creative, balanced, and genuinely fun. A must-visit. read more
11 months ago
Casa Madai nestled in the south end of Pilsen offers refreshing and spicy Mexican fusion sushi fare. As they are quite close to my neighborhood, I decided to stop in for a low key dinner. They have plenty of seating and do not require reservations. I quite liked their Atlantico specialty roll! Be rest assured that quality ingredients are used to put together a flavorful, zeisty and creamy roll. Our waitor, Emmanuel, was very attentive and friendly to our needs and mentioned that his favorite is the El Pacifico, which I will try on my next visit. Definitely ask for recommendations as they know their offerings best! read more
1 year ago
The dining experience at Casa Madai was phenomenal! Chef Ismael was so inviting from the time we walked in until the time we left. He explained each and every item with such detail. The sushi was presented with such care and finesse. It really was the best sushi I have ever had. Highly recommend Chef Ismael and Casa Madai if you are looking for a 5 star sushi experience! read more
4 months ago
7 months ago
This was a fantastic meal. We were greeted in a gracious manner, coats taken and seated where we could watch the sushi chef at work. Our server, Jesús, was super knowledgeable about every item and every species of fish on the menu. Started with the Sake Maduro Tostadas which were interesting and delectable. The rolls were amazing, each unique and complementing the others. Mole Rosa with a Hokkaido scallop in red sauce was next-a real treat. Finished with one order of omakase nigiri, "dressed," which was out of this world. Can't wait to go back. read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
Casa Madai I really enjoyed our dinner here. We were sadly the only diners. Nice spot. I loved the plants, attention to detail on the decor and the food came out quickly. The music was surprisingly Hip Hop. Tostadas were sooo good. Had a kick so beware. Ordered the Mole Rosa which was a small entree of 3 scallops and cauliflower. Could've used some maybe something acidic to balance it. We got the ramen which was very filling. Came with two breaded shrimp and two seaweed sheets. Last entree was Poached Amberjack over rice which was delicious. Some entrees are small so you will want to order a roll or something else. I hope more people patronize this restaurant and I look forward to going back to try the fusion rolls. read more
2 years ago
This was a truly remarkable dining experience. Just a very whimsical and multi-dimensional fusion of omakase and the finest aspects of Mexican cuisine. The incorporation of many different chilis, chili reductions, molé, sauces, smoked elements. Each piece of sushi served to you violates the rule of "let just the flesh of the fish sing for itself" but in a very excellent way. There is no straightforward flavor here. Every bite has a surprise. An angle you didn't expect. Truly if you are a sushi lover and want to try something different for once, this is an experience you cannot miss. read more
5 months ago
Walked in on a late Friday night. The sake maguro tostadas were delicious. Big bold flavors. The oxacan flavor possibly trumped the Japanese flavors in the dish but it was a nice concept nonetheless. The shrimp was ok. I didn't think the jalapeño added nor took away from the dish but with some wasabi it actually tasted pretty decent. read more
1 year ago
Super cute BYOB restaurant with a fun spin to rolls. Every roll we tried was unbelievably delicious! We tried El Pacifico, El Atlantico and El Pilsen and each one of the rolls had SO much flavor! Topped it off with a yuzu cheesecake which was exceptional! Staff was super friendly and very attentive and gave so many great recommendations. We will definitely be back to try their special course meal they serve. So happy to find such a gem in Pilsen and wish them great success! read more
2 years ago
The food and atmosphere were good. The rolls are a little pricey, but very fresh and tasty. The corkage fees for BYOB were interesting. $15 for wine and beer isn't bad, but $25 for hard liquor without a variety of mixers seems off. However, many restaurants don't allow hard liquor for BYOB, so I'm not super familiar with what should be expected. read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
I was extremely excited about an omakase in Pilsen, I adore sushi and fun surprising omakase experiences. I am familiar with the omakase experience from other restaurants like Roka Akor and Nobu. Unfortunately the amount of food was so laughable it was almost a joke? I'm not exactly a big person by any means but needed to order pizza for dinner after my dinner plans at Casa Madai. read more
The best sushi I've had in a long time. And we were treated like royalty by the chefs and staff. We got the table omakase and a few a la cart items. I highly recommend the table omakase and coming here before it gets wildly popular and you can no longer get a reservation! FYI For now, it's byob, which I kind of love. read more
I don't know if I can fully describe how fantastic this place is! Sushi meets Mexican inspiration. Absolutely fantastic! The staff was friendly and attentive. Every bite was more interesting than the previous one! The space is small, but nicely decorated and suites the vibe very well. This place is a hidden gem, but I suspect it won't stay that way for long! read more
Page 1 of 2
