312 Fish Market

A food court might be the last place you would look for high-end sushi, yet 312 Fish Market, tucked inside the 88 Marketplace grocery emporium, plays with this notion. While the focus is squarely on the quality of the seafood, which is imported directly from Japan, the result is an ambitious sushi destination. The unusual setting belies a serious commitment to pristine ingredients and precise preparation.\nThe kitchen’s philosophy is to serve high-quality product without elaborate sauces or toppings that might obscure natural flavor. This thinking is evident across a selection of nigiri, sashimi, and maki that highlights the purity of the main ingredient. The establishment has developed a reputation for its large party platters, as well as for offerings like Konbujime-cured madai and various donburi bowls topped with ingredients ranging from salmon and pickled radish to A5 wagyu with truffle salt.\nA notable feature of this spot has been its occasional public butchering of whole bluefin tuna, sourced from a sustainable purveyor in Spain. This event draws a crowd and underscores the establishment’s strong connection to its ingredients, showcasing the journey from a whole animal to a finished plate. This practice is more in line with a dedicated seafood specialist than a typical food court tenant, highlighting the surprising contrast at the heart of this Chicago counter.