YAYOI
YAYOI, a Japanese comfort food restaurant located in Palo Alto, CA, offers a unique dining experience with its modern approach to traditional dishes. With a variety of options such as Wagyu Sukiyaki, Wagyu Yakiniku Ju, Hitsumabushi, and YAYOI Gozen, this restaurant is a great choice for those looking to explore authentic Japanese flavors.
Customer reviews praise the efficiency of the ordering system through tablets and the quick service. The Chicken Katsu Curry, Chicken Gyoza, and Takoyaki are highly recommended dishes that deliver on taste and quality. The restaurant's minimalistic decor and streamlined processes create an atmosphere reminiscent of dining in Japan.
While some customers mention the prices being on the higher side, the overall dining experience at YAYOI is worth the cost for the quality of food and service provided. Whether you're craving a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, YAYOI offers a range of options suitable for individuals, groups, and families alike.
Experience the taste of Japan at YAYOI and indulge in delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic Japanese comfort food.
YAYOI Menu
Location
Address: 403 University Ave Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: (650) 494-4437
Business info
- Offers DeliveryYes
- Offers TakeoutYes
- Vegan OptionsYes
- Limited Vegetarian OptionsYes
- Wheelchair accessibleYes
- Accepts Credit CardsYes
- Accepts Android PayYes
- Accepts Apple PayYes
- Accepts CryptocurrencyNo
- CasualYes
- Moderate NoiseYes
- Good for GroupsYes
- Good For KidsYes
- Good for Lunch, DinnerYes
- Street ParkingYes
- Waiter ServiceYes
- Beer & Wine OnlyYes
- Gender-neutral restroomsYes
- Offers CateringNo
- Wi-FiNo
- Happy HourNo
- Dogs Not AllowedNo
- TVNo
- Plastic-free packagingYes
- Bike ParkingNo
Last Reviews
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Author: Naomi C.
We came here on a Saturday evening around 6 and the space is pretty big. It was busy but there was still plenty of spaces left available as the restaurant itself was quite large (well larger than I thought it was!) You order through a tablet that they provide and then the food comes via a robot (or a human!). To be fair, I liked the humans better. Overall, my review is that the food is good but it is quite pricey. We ended up spending around $40 per person (we got 2 apps + 2 drinks as well) Wagyu Sukiyaki: this was my favorite out of the things that I got to try (from other people's plates). It was slightly sweet, the noodles were bouncy, the meat was delicious. It was well balanced. Wagyu Yakiniku Ju: I ordered this and it was good. The wagyu was slightly tender (don't expect much! this is american wagyu - NOT japanese wagyu!) but the sauce/marinade was delicious. It also had a great meat to rice ratio. Usually, they tend to pile up the rice and give you a thin layer of meat. Hitsumabushi: it is WAYYY smaller than you think it is, ok? So do not be too disappointed! Still fairly filling but really all bark and only small bites. YAYOI Gozen: the two people on our table that had this enjoyed it. I do think it is quite a bang for your buck if you want a little sampler. Takoyaki: where is the octopus??? Is there an octopus shortage I didn't know about??? It's mostly batter but I'm not complaining, I LOVE the batter, but just a warning! Use a microscope to find the octopus!
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Author: Anna A.
This is a nice place for a quick lunch or dinner for Japanese comfort food. You wait to be seated but order through a tablet which was quick and easy. I ordered the Chicken Katsu Curry, a classic comfort food. The chicken came out piping hot and incredibly crispy! The curry is vg which I appreciated as I can't eat beef and most places pre-batch it. It's such a classic and will always be so delicious. The food comes out quickly. We arrived 30 min before closing (7:30) and left right at 8pm!
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Author: Jason F.
Pop in here every now and again when I'm craving some Japanese cuisine. Human-less ordering system with touch screen menu built right into the table partition.Pretty cool! Semi private both style seating and larger tables for fams and groups. Food is very good with decent portions. 3.8/5 for pricing. Little on the high side. Great service!
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Author: Dorothy Z.
The genuinely felt like what I envision a restaurant in Japan to be like. The inside is adorn with pretty minimalistic decor which gives a clean feel. And all food is ordered from the ipad through a very streamlined process--there was almost no interaction with the server and the food came quite quickly. The food had an amazing presentation, with seperate dishes for miso soup, condiments, and the main. I got the Tori Mabushi and my friend got the Ton Katsu (each $20-30). What made the experience unique was the beautiful layout of dishes---I loved the kettle-like dish for the dashi and the set just to grind the sesame seeds. That being said, the portions were not very generous, and the flavor wasn't special. For the price, I was expecting more. Overall solid place, and nice experience, but we likely wouldn't go back.