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Young Fish
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Young Fish
8.4
Young Fish focuses on Sichuan-style fish in brothy hot pots and clay bowls, with sauerkraut fish and chili-oil broths as the headliners. The space feels more modern than many nearby spots, with enough polish for casual dates while still working for small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Suancai fish hot pot (pickled mustard greens fish), Garlic pepper grilled whole fish, Chongqing-style spicy boiled fish fillets
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: Modern Sichuan restaurant centered on bold, broth-based fish dishes.
Who should go: Spice lovers craving rich, chile-heavy seafood.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends to avoid longer waits.
What to order: Suancai fish, spicy boiled fish, grilled whole fish.
Insider tip: Adjust the spice level down one notch if heat-shy guests join.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on surrounding avenues; can be challenging after 6pm, rideshare recommended for dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops work, but slightly polished for dates.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable stir-fries and tofu-based options available
Vegan options: Very limited — possible to customize select vegetable dishes
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free broths and grilled fish, but soy-based sauces are common
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the modern space, shareable hot pot-style dishes, and cozy lighting make it engaging without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible early in the evening or on weeknights, but reservations are strongly recommended for busy weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids and teens who can handle spice; younger kids may struggle with the heat-forward menu.
Best For
Better for: Bold Sichuan fish broths with more polish and date-night appeal than traditional no-frills seafood halls
Skip if: You want mild flavors, classic Cantonese-style seafood, or a large banquet-style dining room
Young Fish
8.2
Young Fish is a modern Sichuan restaurant on 8th Avenue built around sauerkraut fish, with bright broths, polished plating, and a dining room that skews younger and more design-conscious than many nearby spots. It lands squarely in the trendy-but-comforting lane, drawing both date nights and small groups working through big bubbling fish pots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Golden sauerkraut fish, Green Sichuan peppercorn sauerkraut fish, Sweet tomato fish hot pot
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Sichuan sauerkraut fish served in a polished, contemporary room.
Who should go: Spice-curious diners wanting something cozier than hot pot.
When to visit: Evenings when the room fills with date nights and small groups.
What to order: Golden sauerkraut fish, peppercorn sauerkraut fish, tomato fish.
Insider tip: Portions run large; split one big fish and add a couple of sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along 8th Avenue and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm but usually possible with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sneakers, and date-night outfits all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No wait typically or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and sour soup options without meat.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with tofu, greens, and broth modifications if requested.
Gluten-free options: Some options possible — sauerkraut fish broths and stir-fries can often be modified, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it feels trendy and intimate without being awkwardly quiet, and sharing a big bubbling fish pot makes for an easy, interactive meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays and earlier evenings; on busy weekend nights, expect a short wait or arrive before peak dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids and teens who can handle spice and shared dishes; not ideal for very young children due to heat and bubbling pots.
Best For
Better for: More polished, date-friendly sauerkraut fish experience than traditional, bare-bones Sichuan spots nearby.
Skip if: Choose traditional hot pot or old-school Sichuan banquet spots instead if you want extreme spice, huge group tables, or a louder party atmosphere.