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Yao Yao
Master Critic Review
Yao Yao
8.4
Yao Yao’s Michelin-recognized Szechuan kitchen centers its service around big-format pickled fish platters and shareable spicy mains that naturally become a family-style chef’s feast. Tables often build their own progression—snacks, cold plates, then massive cauldrons of fish and beef—turning the meal into a communal, course-like experience a few steps from the Cermak-Chinatown stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pickled Fish XL, Spicy Chicken, Garlic Eggplant
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A Michelin-noted Szechuan spot where oversized pickled fish pots and hot dishes are designed for multi-course, family-style sharing.
Who should go: Spice-seeking groups ready to share large-format Szechuan plates.
When to visit: Weekend dinners and late evenings when the room is lively but not overloaded.
What to order: Pickled Fish XL to anchor the table, plus Spicy Chicken and Garlic Eggplant.
Insider tip: Order the extra-large pickled fish and build the rest of the meal around it; staff can help balance heat levels and portion sizes for your group.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking around Wentworth and Cermak; small paid neighborhood lots nearby. Street parking can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests wear jeans and everyday attire.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but peak hours can feel energetic and loud for larger groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for large parties during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; occasional short wait during nearby event days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several cold appetizers, vegetable dishes, and tofu plates; confirm sauces if strict.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable and tofu dishes may be adapted (ask to avoid egg or oyster sauce).
Gluten-free options: Partial — some dishes can be prepared without wheat-based sauces, but cross-contact is likely in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or activity-style dates — the big shared platters and lively room work well for conversation over food, but it’s not a quiet or intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for small groups, especially off-peak; larger parties and weekend dinners should reserve or expect a wait for big tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families comfortable with spicy food and shared platters; portions are large, seating is casual, and high chairs are typically available, though noise levels can be high at peak times.
Best For
Better for: Large-format Szechuan sharing feasts, bold spice, value-driven portions, and communal meals built around signature pickled fish pots.
Skip if: You prefer mild flavors, a quiet or romantic atmosphere, small individual entrées, or strict gluten-free dining with zero cross-contact risk.