Yao Yao

The story

Yao Yao: Michelin-Recommended Chinese Pickled Fish in Chicago

Fresh Pickled Fish, Every Day

At Yao Yao in Chicago’s Chinatown, the focus is clear: Chinese pickled fish cuisine, made fresh daily. The kitchen prepares its signature pickled fish in-house, a labor-intensive process that defines the restaurant’s identity. This dedication to a single, authentic craft earned Yao Yao a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026, a nod to its uncompromising quality in a city full of Chinese dining options.

A Menu Built on Tradition

The house specialties reflect a kitchen that knows its strengths. The Yao Yao Fish leads the lineup, a dish that showcases the tangy, lightly spicy depth of the restaurant’s house-fermented pickles. Beyond the fish, the menu offers Spice Chicken in Chili Oil, where tender poultry meets a fragrant, numbing chili dressing, and Deep Fried Pork Strips, a crispy counterpoint to the brighter, brinier plates. There is also a straightforward Spice Chicken for those who want the heat without the oil. The selection extends to seafood and vegetable dishes, all built on the same promise of fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning.

Quality and Atmosphere

Yao Yao describes itself as an authentic pickled fish Chinese restaurant, and the commitment shows in the details. The team emphasizes high-quality food choices that are both delicious and healthy, served at reasonable prices. The space is equipped with air conditioning and offers flexible reservations, catering, and takeaway—making it a comfortable stop for a quick dinner or a relaxed meal with friends. Whether you dine in or order out, the food arrives with the same care: a taste of China, prepared fresh each day.