Yao Yao
Chinese restaurant · South Loop
230 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
Highlights
Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient for authentic Szechuan seafood
Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient for authentic Szechuan seafood
"Guests visit this Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient for one reason — the house special pickled fish. The dish is available in three sizes and can feed up to six people; it arrives in a broth of choice with optional sides like tofu, enoki mushrooms, and dry bean curd skin. Complement the tangy fish fillets with chilled chicken in chili oil or fried pork strips." - Jeffy Mai
"Suan cai yu, a Sichuan fish specialty served spicy broth and pickled mustard greens, is the star of the show at Yao Yao, which first debuted in 2021 in Chinatown. This is the first year that Michelin named it a Bib Gourmand." - Eater Staff
"A Chinese restaurant offering a menu of traditional and modern Chinese dishes." - MICHELIN Guide
"Yao Yao specializes in seafood in broth served with pickled veggies. In 2023, the Chinatown restaurant earned a place on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes quality food for good value. This is Sichuan food presented in a way that’s unique to the Chicago audience." - Ashok Selvam
"We’re not really sure why there are cartoony bear-fish creatures on Yao Yao’s light blue walls, but we do know their specialty pickled fish is fantastic. This Chinatown Sichuan spot is often packed with friends and families digging through giant bowls of their vibrantly green signature dish. The pieces of bass filet are light, tender, and float in a tart and slightly spicy broth full of peppercorns and mustard greens. If you want more variety, split bowls let you order a second broth-filled dish like spicy boiled beef or fish in tomato broth. We also love the cold sides, like smacked cucumber salad and spicy chicken." - john ringor, adrian kane
