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Yao Yao is a Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Chicago, IL, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes to suit every taste. Our menu features Chinese cuisine, all made with the freshest ingredients and prepared with care by our talented team of chefs. At Yao Yao, we believe that dining out should be an experience, which is why we have created a warm and inviting atmosphere for you to enjoy. Our friendly staff is here to ensure you have a memorable meal, whether you’re joining us for a quick bite or having a meal with your family or friends.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 230 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 929-4279
Website: https://www.yaoyaochicago.com/
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Yao Yao | 230 West Cermak Road Chicago | Order Online
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Yao Yao – Chicago – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Yao Yao pickled fish is the signature dish here, and it comes in three sizes (extra-large feeds up to six people!). Fiery and potent, this plate delivers a one …
Yao Yao is a Chinese Restaurant in Chicago, IL 60616
Yao Yao is a Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Chicago, IL, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes to suit every taste.
Reviews
J C (61)
so many people recommending this place online, so we decided to give it a try. The restaurant was very clean, and the male staff was super friendly. We asked if the portion would be enough, and he said, “If not, just order more!” but three of us ordered the two-person set plus two side dishes, and it was more than enough!
The sauerkraut fish was perfectly tangy, my mom absolutely loved it! The fish was tender and silky, though there were a few small bones, so be careful. It went amazingly well with rice. The side dishes were decent, but the brown sugar mochi was freshly fried, crispy on the outside and soft inside, absolutely delicious!
We loved everything about it and will definitely come back next time!
… moreThe sauerkraut fish was perfectly tangy, my mom absolutely loved it! The fish was tender and silky, though there were a few small bones, so be careful. It went amazingly well with rice. The side dishes were decent, but the brown sugar mochi was freshly fried, crispy on the outside and soft inside, absolutely delicious!
We loved everything about it and will definitely come back next time!
Jess BoYd
I visited Yao Yao today and the experience was quite memorable. The restaurant has a bright, clean look with turquoise panels and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs cooking. It feels casual, friendly, and lively.
The highlights for me were definitely the dishes. The crawfish bowl was full of flavor spicy, aromatic, and coated in a rich sauce. It was the kind of dish that keeps you going back for another piece. The pickled fish soup came in a huge sharing bowl, very comforting with a deep broth and a good balance of tangy and spicy notes.
I also enjoyed the cold appetizer with clams and cilantro. It was refreshing and helped balance out the heavier dishes. The fried items, like the crispy beef pieces, were crunchy and fun to snack on. The noodle dish was also hearty and paired well with everything on the table.
Service was straightforward and quick. The food came out fast and the portions were generous, especially for groups. If you’re coming with friends or family, I recommend ordering a few big dishes to share that’s definitely the best way to enjoy this place.
Overall, Yao Yao is a great spot if you love bold Sichuan flavors, big portions, and a casual atmosphere. I’d come back again to try more dishes.
… moreThe highlights for me were definitely the dishes. The crawfish bowl was full of flavor spicy, aromatic, and coated in a rich sauce. It was the kind of dish that keeps you going back for another piece. The pickled fish soup came in a huge sharing bowl, very comforting with a deep broth and a good balance of tangy and spicy notes.
I also enjoyed the cold appetizer with clams and cilantro. It was refreshing and helped balance out the heavier dishes. The fried items, like the crispy beef pieces, were crunchy and fun to snack on. The noodle dish was also hearty and paired well with everything on the table.
Service was straightforward and quick. The food came out fast and the portions were generous, especially for groups. If you’re coming with friends or family, I recommend ordering a few big dishes to share that’s definitely the best way to enjoy this place.
Overall, Yao Yao is a great spot if you love bold Sichuan flavors, big portions, and a casual atmosphere. I’d come back again to try more dishes.
Zachary Zhu
Came here Sunday for lunch to get my fix of Sichuan food and I did not leave disappointed! We ordered the dry pot cauliflower and the Chongqing chicken, both of which were delicious. Feel like the flavor of the dry pot and chicken both hit the spot, though I could have done with a bit more pork belly in the dry pot. Easy to get a seat, decent service, decent prices (pretty cheap for the portions you get) – strongly recommend!
… moreZayoodi Anthony
I found Yao Yao on the Michelin Guide, and I believe the recognition is well deserved. The restaurant’s décor is elegant, minimal, and squeaky clean — the soothing color palette contrasts beautifully with the vibrant dishes, making the food look even more appetizing.
Service was excellent. Our server was kind and attentive, even warning us about the spice levels (which I appreciated, though I love spicy food — and it was perfect).
We ordered the Szechuan fish soup and green beans with garlic. The perch in the soup was incredibly fresh, and the broth was rich, fragrant, and carried just the right amount of mala heat. The green beans were equally delicious — crisp, garlicky, and full of flavor.
I’ll definitely be coming back!
… moreService was excellent. Our server was kind and attentive, even warning us about the spice levels (which I appreciated, though I love spicy food — and it was perfect).
We ordered the Szechuan fish soup and green beans with garlic. The perch in the soup was incredibly fresh, and the broth was rich, fragrant, and carried just the right amount of mala heat. The green beans were equally delicious — crisp, garlicky, and full of flavor.
I’ll definitely be coming back!
Liang Lim
Pickled fish was excellent, the pickles had an amazing punchy tangy taste, the broth had a great pepper flavor, and the fish was tender and absorbed lots of flavor. Humungous portions=great deal, awesome service, very nice environment
… moreZainab Lakhani
Service was great!
Ambiance was also very unique … very modern, loved the vibes.
However, quality of meats wasn’t the best, hence 3/5 stars for food. If the quality of ingredients would improve, I’d highly recommend this place!
Last concern for the amount of oil, after requesting minimal, and then willing to accommodate … the food was still drowning in oil.
… moreAmbiance was also very unique … very modern, loved the vibes.
However, quality of meats wasn’t the best, hence 3/5 stars for food. If the quality of ingredients would improve, I’d highly recommend this place!
Last concern for the amount of oil, after requesting minimal, and then willing to accommodate … the food was still drowning in oil.
Adwoa Kankam
My mom and I were in Chinatown looking for a place to have some great fried rice. Yao Yao came up when we searched Google and then we stumbled on it as we were walking so we decided to give it a try. It was clean, spacious and the decor was so cute! Upon reading the reviews further, we found out that this place’s specialty is their pickled fish and that it’s a Michelin star restaurant but we didn’t end up getting it. We ordered their shrimp fried rice with extra veggies, their shrimp Lo mein and their chili chicken. We were disappointed about the fried rice as it barely had any flavor and the shrimp for both the fried rice and Lo mein was lacking in flavor. We kept adding soy sauce and chili oil to make the rice taste decent but the other dishes were good! The chili chicken was very delicious and full of flavor!! We would go back again for the Lo mein, the chili chicken & to try the pickled fish next time but not the fried rice.
… moreScott Wang
The service was very good and prompt. The dishes were served quickly, and they tasted good as well.
… moreSuhail Peer
I went here with a couple friends, one of which is from China and was excited to try some Chinese seafood in Chicago.
We had good expectations and they were satisfied. The fish seemed fresh and the broth was flavorful and spicy. My friend really loved the Dry Chilly Chicken dish we got over the fish. The dessert we tried was delicious and refreshing. My other friends who doesn’t really like fish also noted that the fish was tender and she enjoyed it. I’d say if you’re someone who doesn’t love sour food; I’d recommend trying something other than the fish.
The service was good and nothing bad to note about. Our server was helpful in explaining the menu to us. Overall, a good spot in Chinatown to visit again to try some of their other authentic dishes.
… moreWe had good expectations and they were satisfied. The fish seemed fresh and the broth was flavorful and spicy. My friend really loved the Dry Chilly Chicken dish we got over the fish. The dessert we tried was delicious and refreshing. My other friends who doesn’t really like fish also noted that the fish was tender and she enjoyed it. I’d say if you’re someone who doesn’t love sour food; I’d recommend trying something other than the fish.
The service was good and nothing bad to note about. Our server was helpful in explaining the menu to us. Overall, a good spot in Chinatown to visit again to try some of their other authentic dishes.
Mona
There are tons of excellent options in Chinatown for every budget point, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, Yao Yao is the place to go (it’s also Chinatown’s first Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant). For my group of 9, it ended up being ~$31 per person after tax/tip, which felt fair for the quality ingredients, vibrant Szechuan flavors, efficient service, and fresh ambience. The pickled fish and spicy chicken were my favorite dishes from what I ordered, but everything was tasty and flavorful.
Food I tried:
– Pickled Fish XL (4.7/5): Pricey but massive, filled with spice and tender fish— the sour taste was robust and the pickled veggies were delicious. You get 3 free sides with the XL; we got enoki, dry bean curd skin, and qianye tofu.
– Spicy Chicken (4.7/5): This was my favorite appetizer; the chicken was incredibly tender and flavorful.
– Golden Fried Crispy Pork (4.4/5): True to the name, it was super crispy.
– Spiced Beef & Maw Szechuan Style (4.5/5): This classic Szechuan appetizer doesn’t disappoint— packed with spice and flavor.
– Eggplant in Garlic Sauce (4.6/5): Biased because this is my favorite Chinese veggie dish, but it was delicious— the eggplant is soft, creamy, and flavorful.
– Spicy Gluttonous Bullfrog (4.3/5): I liked this one less than other dishes, but it was still good. The bullfrog meat was kind of sparse.
… moreFood I tried:
– Pickled Fish XL (4.7/5): Pricey but massive, filled with spice and tender fish— the sour taste was robust and the pickled veggies were delicious. You get 3 free sides with the XL; we got enoki, dry bean curd skin, and qianye tofu.
– Spicy Chicken (4.7/5): This was my favorite appetizer; the chicken was incredibly tender and flavorful.
– Golden Fried Crispy Pork (4.4/5): True to the name, it was super crispy.
– Spiced Beef & Maw Szechuan Style (4.5/5): This classic Szechuan appetizer doesn’t disappoint— packed with spice and flavor.
– Eggplant in Garlic Sauce (4.6/5): Biased because this is my favorite Chinese veggie dish, but it was delicious— the eggplant is soft, creamy, and flavorful.
– Spicy Gluttonous Bullfrog (4.3/5): I liked this one less than other dishes, but it was still good. The bullfrog meat was kind of sparse.