YAYOI Palo Alto - Palo Alto (CA)

5 /5 Vinícius Lepca: Really liked it there. It might be a bit on the expensive side, but everything was tasty. I loved the side pickles

1 /5 Sherry Chiang: I ordered Ton Katsu. It’s $26. I was hoping to get a thick cut Ton Katsu, like the tasty one in Japan or Hawaii, but no. It took a while to get my food and the Ton Katsu wasn’t even hot. It felt like it’s been sitting there for a while. The food didn’t taste good either. The tableware they used was plastic. This place is definitely way overpriced. We’ll never come back!

2 /5 tanya angulo: This place used to be so great, which is why my most recent visit was such a disappointment. I hadn’t been in months since I moved and no longer live in the area, but I was nearby yesterday and decided to stop in because I missed the food. When I arrived, I asked for a table for one. The host said there was “table 34 over there” (pointing) or “this one.” I chose the one she pointed to, but she didn’t clearly indicate which table it was and went back to what she was doing at the register. When I asked for clarification, she seemed annoyed that she had to show me to my seat. Once seated, I was disappointed to find that I was given a physical menu instead of the self-service tablet. That was actually one of the main reasons I loved coming here. I was also seated very close to a family who kept staring at me, which made the experience uncomfortable, possibly due to how close the tables are. I ordered a Diet Coke, but it never arrived. When I let the server know that I had ordered one and no longer needed it, she simply said “oh” and walked away. The food, as always, was great — especially the karaage and the salmon bites. However, the service has noticeably gone downhill, which is really disappointing given how much I used to enjoy this place.

1 /5 조앤: I had lunch here with my family today, 12/6/25 around 1-2pm. I ordered the miso katsu and liked how it came out. The server said to be careful to my toddler sitting next to me as my order is hot. After I had my toddler settle down with his food, I had mine. I had a first bite on my miso katsu maybe 3-4 minutes after my son’s food came out. When I had the first bite, it was so hot that it burnt my lips and tongue. I wish my server did let me know how hot can it be because from the outside, I didn’t even see any steam coming out of it and just took a bite. When I let my server know, she didn’t really do anything and went and talked to her co-workers. Since I didn’t hear back from her until we asked for a check, I asked her if she did let her co-workers know about the issue and oh wow, her response was “since our food is cooked at the moment, it can be hot.” Do you think I don’t know? Of course I know ALL food can be hot. What I am saying that it was burning hot that it burnt my lips. We dine out always and never had this kind of thing happen. Do you think I have no idea that food is cooked at the time? What a response to somebody who’s lips and tongue are burnt? Overall food was good and the ambiance was okay, but the server’s reaction& response ruined everything.

5 /5 Tanya Tapia: My go-to spot! I absolutely love the concept of ordering from an iPad—its super quick and efficient, making the whole dining experience seamless. It’s also in a great location in downtown Palo alto, so you can walk around after your meal! I can proudly say this place has the best chicken karaage Ive ever tasted; its perfectly crispy and packed with flavor. The service is outstanding, with quick and friendly staff always ready to assist. Beyond the karaage, all the food is fantastic. I also highly recommend the ramen and sushi bites; both are consistently delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a leisurely dining experience, this place never disappoints. Highly recommend!