YAYOI Palo Alto: Authentic Japanese Teishoku with Modern Convenience

YAYOI Palo Alto Introduce

YAYOI Palo Alto, situated at 403 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA, is a Japanese restaurant that brings an authentic taste of Japan to the local community. You can contact them at (650) 494-4437 or via mobile at +1 650-494-4437. For local users accessing a "Doctor Near Me" platform, YAYOI Palo Alto, while not a medical service, can be positioned as a provider of wholesome, balanced, and comforting meals that contribute to overall well-being. Their focus on traditional Japanese "Teishoku" (set meals) that are nutritionally balanced offers a culinary "prescription" for a satisfying and authentic dining experience, supporting a healthy lifestyle through fresh and thoughtfully prepared food.

Environment and Ambiance

YAYOI Palo Alto offers a dining environment that is described as "calm" and conducive to a pleasant meal, making it a "favourite restaurant in the area for a calm dining." Despite being busy, even on a Saturday night where "most of the tables were occupied," customers noted "no need to wait," suggesting efficient management of seating or a comfortable waiting area. This indicates a well-organized space that handles customer flow effectively.

A distinctive feature of YAYOI's ambiance and service model is the integration of technology: "there are tablets near each table to go through the menu and order more when needed." This self-ordering system provides a streamlined and unhurried experience, allowing diners to "focus on carefully choosing what you want without being rushed." This modern approach to ordering enhances convenience and empowers customers to take their time Browse the menu. The overall atmosphere aims for authenticity combined with modern comfort, with a clean and inviting aesthetic. The staff are described as "good and polite," further contributing to a positive and welcoming environment.

Services and Features

YAYOI Palo Alto primarily offers authentic Japanese cuisine, with a strong emphasis on the "Teishoku" concept. Teishoku refers to a traditional Japanese set meal, typically including a main dish, steamed rice, miso soup, and several side dishes, designed to be nutritionally balanced. This makes YAYOI a great option for those seeking a complete and satisfying Japanese meal. Their commitment to authenticity ensures that the flavors and preparations feel genuinely Japanese.

Key features and popular offerings include:

Diverse Menu: The restaurant offers "a good choice for different Japanese dishes, snacks and drinks," catering to a wide array of preferences. Their menu includes various main dishes such as Wagyu Yakiniku Ju (Japanese-style BBQ American Wagyu beef over rice), Sukiyaki (American Wagyu beef hot pot), Tonkatsu (pork cutlet), Teriyaki Salmon, Karaage (Japanese crispy fried chicken), and various ramen and curry dishes.
Fresh and Simple Ingredients: Customers praise the food for being "fresh and simple ingredients, no greasy and non healthy toppings." This commitment to quality and a less-is-more approach to ingredients highlights a dedication to traditional Japanese culinary principles where the natural flavors of the components are allowed to shine.
Authentic Flavors: The food "feels authentic," a testament to their traditional cooking methods and sourcing.
Sushi Rolls (Newly Added): A particularly exciting development highlighted by a loyal customer is the recent addition of "sushi rolls to the testing menu." These rolls are described as "really great! Fresh and simple ingredients... amazing seared salmon on top ✨🍣 Just. Simple. Delicious. Rolls." This expansion of their menu to include quality sushi rolls adds a significant new dimension to their offerings, catering to a broader audience who might also be looking for sushi alongside their Teishoku.
Tablet Ordering System: As mentioned, the self-ordering tablets at each table are a standout feature, providing efficiency and a stress-free ordering process. This also means staff can focus more on service delivery rather than order taking, contributing to the positive perception of "good and polite" staff.
Popular Dishes: Beyond the general menu, specific items garner high praise, such as the "small bowl with salmon and sushi bites," which is a personal favorite for one reviewer, and now the newly added "simple. Delicious. Rolls." Their Wagyu dishes, Tonkatsu, and Chicken Katsu Curry also frequently appear as highly-rated options on their menu.

Promotional Information and Customer Insights

The customer reviews for YAYOI Palo Alto are overwhelmingly positive, providing excellent organic promotional material. The lack of a long wait on a Saturday night, despite the restaurant being busy, is a subtle but effective promotional point, indicating efficient service and a pleasant dining experience even during peak hours. The "calm dining" atmosphere is a significant draw, appealing to those seeking a relaxed meal rather than a bustling, noisy environment.

The praise for the "authentic" feel of the food and the "good overall" quality positions YAYOI as a reliable choice for genuine Japanese cuisine. The enthusiastic recommendation of the new "sushi rolls" — described as "Fresh and simple ingredients, no greasy and non healthy toppings, amazing seared salmon on top ✨🍣 Just. Simple. Delicious. Rolls. Highly recommend 👍" — is a powerful direct endorsement. This highlight of a new, high-quality offering is a key promotional message, especially for existing customers or those who might have overlooked YAYOI for sushi in the past.

While explicit promotional offers like discounts are not detailed, the inherent value of a diverse and authentic menu, combined with a comfortable atmosphere and efficient service through the tablet system, serves as its own strong promotion. For local users on a "Doctor Near Me" platform, YAYOI Palo Alto is a highly recommended destination for a reliable, authentic, and calm Japanese meal. It offers a solution for those looking for nutritious and delicious prepared food that supports a balanced diet and provides a moment of culinary enjoyment and relaxation. It's a place where one can consistently find satisfying and authentic Japanese dishes, making it a valuable resource for maintaining a sense of well-being through quality food.

YAYOI Palo Alto Menu

Pick-up / Delivery
2 Pound Karaage US$48.80
2 pound Japanese crispy fried chicken (boneless chicken).Choose Mayo or Spicy Mayo sauce.
2 dozen Gyoza US$24.80
2 dozen Pork & Chicken dumplings
Large Edamame US$8.00
Extra Edamame
Wagyu Yakiniku Ju US$22.50
Japanese-style BBQ American Wagyu beef over rice, w/ miso soup.
Una Ju US$25.80
BBQ eel over rice, w/ miso soup.
Wagyu Sukiyaki (w/rice & Miso soup) US$25.50
American Wagyu beef hot pot comes with assorted vegetables
Wagyu Sukiyaki (A LA CARTE) US$21.50
American Wagyu beef hot pot comes with assorted vegetables
Ton Katsu (w/rice & Miso soup) US$20.80
Pork cutlet with fresh panko, spring mix
Ton Katsu (A LA CARTE) US$16.80
Pork cutlet with fresh panko, spring mix
Chicken Katsu (w/rice & Miso soup) US$20.80
Chicken cutlet (thigh meat) with fresh panko, spring mix
Chicken Katsu (A LA CARTE) US$16.80
Chicken cutlet (thigh meat) with fresh panko, spring mix
Tonkotsu Ramen US$13.80
Tonkotsu broth, Chashu pork, Special blend Red paste (Mild Chili Paste), Fragrant garlic oil, Green onion and sesame.
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen US$14.80
Tonkotsu broth,Chashu pork,Special blend Red paste (Mild Chili Paste),Fragrant garlic oil, Special spicy miso ball,Green onion and sesame
Wagyu Niku Udon US$14.80
Hot udon noodle soup topped with American Wagyu beef sukiyaki
Curry Rice US$11.00
Japanese style curry sauce and rice. (Vegen welcomed)
Pork Katsu Curry US$18.50
Pork katsu, Japanese style curry sauce and rice.
Chicken Katsu Curry US$18.50
Chicken katsu, Japanese style curry sauce and rice.
Shoga Yaki (w/rice & Miso soup) US$20.80
Stir-fried pork belly with ginger soy sauce, spring mix
Shoga Yaki (A LA CARTE) US$16.80
Stir-fried pork belly with ginger soy sauce, spring mix
Teriyaki Chicken (w/rice & Miso soup) US$18.80
Chicken steak caramelized with thick teriyaki sauce, spring mix
Teriyaki Chicken (A LA CARTE) US$14.80
Chicken steak caramelized with thick teriyaki sauce, spring mix
Teriyaki Salmon (w/rice & Miso soup) US$25.00
Stir-fried salmon and vegetables with teriyaki sauce, spring mix
Teriyaki Salmon (A LA CARTE) US$21.00
Stir-fried salmon and vegetables with teriyaki sauce, spring mix
Kara age (w/rice & Miso soup) US$18.80
Japanese crispy fried chicken, spring mix
Kara age (A LA CARTE) US$14.80
Japanese crispy fried chicken, spring mix
Niku Yasai itame (w/rice & Miso soup) US$20.80
Stir-fried vegetables and pork belly.
Niku Yasai itame (A LA CARTE) US$16.80
Stir-fried vegetables and pork belly.
Saba Shio (w/rice & Miso soup) US$19.80
Salt-grilled mackerel, spring mix
Saba Shio (A LA CARTE) US$15.80
Salt-grilled mackerel, spring mix
Shima Hokke (w/rice & Miso soup) US$23.80
Grilled semi-dried Atka mackerel, spring mix.
Shima Hokke (A LA CARTE) US$19.80
Grilled semi-dried Atka mackerel, spring mix.

Recommended
Wagyu Sukiyaki US$27.50
American Wagyu beef hot pot with assorted vegetables
Hitsumabushi US$27.50
BBQ eel over rice served with a side of dashi broth. Nagoya style
YAYOI Gozen US$28.50
Signature deluxe set meal comes with salmon salad, pork cutlet, salmon teriyaki and American Wagyu beef sukiyaki
Nasu Miso & Saba US$24.80
Eggplant, pork belly, and vegetables with miso sauce, served with grilled mackerel

Sushi
Ikura sushi-bite US$4.90
Salmon roe, Shiso-leaf
Eel sushi-bite US$4.90
Grilled Eel, Green onion
Baby Scallop & Masago sushi-bite US$4.30
Baby Scallop and Capelin Caviar marinated with Mayo, Green onion.
Spicy Salmon US$3.90
Salmon, Green onion, Spicy mayo sauce
Spicy Tuna US$3.90
Tuna, Green onion, Spicy mayo sauce

Ramen
Tonkotsu Ramen US$13.80
Tonkotsu broth, Chashu pork, Special blend Red paste (Mild Chili Paste), Fragrant garlic oil, Green onion and sesame.
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen US$14.80
Tonkotsu broth,Chashu pork,Special blend Red paste (Mild Chili Paste),Fragrant garlic oil, Special spicy miso ball,Green onion and sesame

Beef & Pork
Niku Yasai Itame US$20.80
Stir-fried vegetables and pork belly
Shoga yaki US$20.80
Stir-fried pork belly with ginger shoyu
Mix toji US$21.80
Pork cutlet, fried shrimp, and American Wagyu beef simmered in sauce and egg
Katsu toji US$21.30
Pork cutlet simmered in sauce and egg

Chicken
Namban US$21.50
Egg-coated fried chicken steak, topped with sweet and sour sauce and homemade Tartar sauce
Chicken Katsu US$20.80
Chicken cutlet (thigh meat) with fresh panko
Chicken Katsu Toji US$21.30
Chicken cutlet (thigh meat) simmered in sauce and egg
Teriyaki Chicken US$18.80
Chicken steak caramelized with thick teriyaki sauce
Kara Age US$18.80
Japanese crispy fried chicken
Chicken Katsu YAYOI Gozen US$28.50
Signature deluxe set meal comes with salmon salad, chicken thigh cutlet, salmon teriyaki and American Wagyu beef sukiyaki

Seafood
Teriyaki Salmon US$25.00
Stir-fried salmon and vegetables with teriyaki sauce
Shima Hokke US$23.80
Grilled semi-dried Atka mackerel
Saba shio US$19.80
lt-grilled mackerel

A la carte
Chicken Katsu (A LA CARTE) US$16.80
Chicken cutlet (thigh meat) with fresh panko
Chicken Katsu Toji (A LA CARTE) US$17.30
Chicken cutlet (thigh meat) simmered in sauce and egg
Chicken Katsu YAYOI Gozen (A LA CARTE) US$24.50
Signature deluxe set meal comes with salmon salad, chicken cutlet, salmon teriyaki and American Wagyu beef sukiyaki
Kara Age (A LA CARTE) US$14.80
Japanese crispy fried chicken
Katsu toji (A LA CARTE) US$17.30
Pork cutlet simmered in sauce and egg
Miso Katsu (A LA CARTE) US$17.30
Pork cutlet in miso sauce. Drop the slow-cooked egg over the pork cutlet
Mix toji (A LA CARTE) US$17.80
Pork cutlet, fried shrimp, and American Wagyu beef simmered in sauce and egg
Namban (A LA CARTE) US$17.50
Egg-coated fried chicken steak, topped with sweet and sour sauce and homemade Tartar sauce
Nasu Miso (A LA CARTE) US$17.80
Eggplant, pork belly, and vegetables with miso sauce
Niku Yasai itame (A LA CARTE) US$16.80
Stir-fried vegetables and pork belly
Saba shio (A LA CARTE) US$15.80
Salt-grilled mackerel
Shima Hokke (A LA CARTE) US$19.80
Grilled semi-dried Atka mackerel
Shoga yaki (A LA CARTE) US$16.80
Stir-fried pork belly with ginger shoyu
Teriyaki Chicken (A LA CARTE) US$14.80
Chicken steak caramelized with thick teriyaki sauce
Teriyaki Salmon (A LA CARTE) US$21.00
Stir-fried salmon and vegetables with teriyaki sauce.
Ton Katsu (A LA CARTE) US$16.80
Pork cutlet with fresh panko
Wagyu Sukiyaki (A LA CARTE) US$23.50
American Wagyu beef hot pot comes with assorted vegetables.Dip the beef with the slow-cooked egg. Finish up the sukiyaki with udon noodles.
YAYOI Gozen (A LA CARTE) US$24.50
Signature deluxe set meal comes with salmon salad, pork cutlet, salmon teriyaki and American Wagyu beef sukiyaki

Ju
Una Ju US$25.80
Unagi (BBQ eel) over rice with miso soup
Wagyu Yakiniku Ju US$22.50
Japanese-style BBQ American Wagyu beef over rice with miso soup
Katsu Toji Ju US$19.80
Rice topped with pork cutlet, egg, and condiments with miso soup
Oyako Ju US$18.30
Rice topped with chicken, egg, and condiments with miso soup

Don
Salmon & Ikura Don US$23.00
5pc Salmon Sashimi and Salmon Roe, over rice. Miso soup.
Salmon Don US$19.80
Salmon sashimi over rice. Miso soup
Omaze Don US$19.80
Salmon Sashimi, Okura, Tororo(Grated mountain yam), Natto, Egg, Seaweed and Slow-cooked egg. Mix all and enjoy the gooeyness. Rice and miso soup

Udon
Wagyu Niku Udon US$16.80
Hot udon noodle soup topped with American Wagyu beef sukiyaki

Curry
Curry rice US$11.00
Japanese style curry sauce and Rice
Pork Katsu Curry US$18.50
Pork Katsu, Japanese style curry sauce and Rice
Chicken Katsu Curry US$18.50
Chicken Katsu, Japanese style curry sauce and Rice

Kids Meal
Kids meal US$9.90
Udon noodle soup, Karaage, Crispy shrimp, edamame and sweet corn. Fruit juice, bottled water or Calpico mini. Japanese custard pudding.

Sides
Salmon Carpaccio US$13.50
Salmon sashimi with a drizzle of citrus shoyu dressing
6pc Salmon Sashimi US$11.00
Sashimi grade atlantic salmon(6pcs)
3pc Salmon Sashimi US$6.00
Sashimi grade atlantic salmon(3pcs)
Tofu Salad US$13.00
Organic greens topped with tofu, bonito flake with shoyu based vinaigrette dressing
Salmon Salad US$15.00
Organic greens topped with fresh salmon. Citrus flavored shoyu dressing
Takoyaki US$9.50
Fried octopus dough balls
Ikageso Kara Age US$7.50
Deep-fried squid legs
Gyoza 3pcs US$5.00
Pork & Chicken dumplings(3pcs)
Gyoza 6pcs US$8.50
Pork & Chicken dumplings(6pcs)
Veggie Gyoza(VG) 3pcs US$5.00
Vegetables and Edamame soy beans dumplings(3pcs).
Veggie Gyoza(VG) 6pcs US$8.50
Vegetables and Edamame soy beans dumplings(6pcs)
Chicken Karaage Petite 2pcs US$4.50
Japanese Crispy fried chicken
Chicken Karaage Platter 10pcs US$17.50
Japanese Crispy fried chicken
Age-dashi Tofu US$5.80
Deep fried tofu served with fish broth, grated radish, ginger and nori seaweed.
Tamago yaki US$8.50
Japanese style omelette roll
Side Udon US$6.50
Half-size udon noodle soup
Edamame US$6.00
Lightly boiled green soybeans
Tororo US$5.50
Grated mountain yam
Natto US$2.50
Fermented soybeans
On-tama US$2.00
Japanese slow cooked egg. Runny egg yolk and white.
Medium Size Curry Sauce US$5.80
Japanese style curry sauce. (VG)
Asari miso soup US$5.50
Clam miso soup
Miso soup US$2.50
Miso soup
Gohan US$2.50
Steamed rice
Mini Una Don US$8.00
Grilled eel over rice

Dessert
Coco Jelly Anmitsu US$8.30
Green tea ice cream with azuki beans, coco jelly, and fruit, served with black sugar syrup
Matcha Tiramisu US$7.50
Green tea tiramisu served with sweet beans and whipped cream
Mathca warabi mochi US$5.00
Dessert Jelly made from bracken starch coated with green tea powder
Shiratama mochi Zenzai US$8.30
Sweet red bean soup with Shiratama Mochi
Vanilla mochi ice cream US$2.50
Mochi ice cream Vanilla flavor
Matcha mochi ice cream US$2.50
Mochi ice cream Matcha flavor
Black sesame mochi ice cream US$2.50
Mochi ice cream black sesame flavor
Red Bean mochi ice cream US$2.50
Mochi ice cream Red Bean flavor
Dorayaki with matcha ice cream US$8.00
Matcha (green tea) ice cream with Dorayaki Japanese pancake sandwich bun filled with sweet beans. Served with whipped cream and sweet red beans.

Soft drink
Oi Ocha US$3.40
Oi Ocha is the best-selling brand for Japanese tea Drinks.Brewed from premium Japanese loose tea leaves, Oi Ocha has no sugars or artificial sweeteners, flavoring or coloring.
Calpico US$3.40
Calpico has a light, milky, slightly acidic flavor, similar to plain or vanilla flavored yogurt.
Ramune US$4.00
Ramune is a lemon lime flavored carbonated drink that is sealed with a marble. To enjoy the drink, please use the included plastic piece to push the marble into the neck of the bottle.
Sparkling water US$3.50
SAN PELLEGRINO
Coke US$2.60
Diet Coke US$2.60
Sprite US$2.60
Matcha Iced tea US$3.50
Crafted with green tea powder made from Japan's treasured matcha, finely milled from high quality green tea leaves.
Kokuto Matcha Iced Latte US$4.00
Crafted with green tea powder made from Japan's treasured matcha, finely milled from high quality green tea leaves. Serve with whipped cream and brown sugar syrup.
Sen Cha Hot Tea for 2-3 person US$6.00
Fresh aroma and a mild sweetness that's balanced by a slight underlying bitterness.
Matcha Genmai Cha Hot Tea for 2-3 person US$6.00
Roasted rice, which gives it a deep body, nutty fragrance, and mildly sweet flavor
Hoji Cha Hot Tea for 2-3 person US$6.00
Woody flavor with a strong toasty aroma
Sakura Sen Cha Hot Tea for 2-3 person US$6.00
The sweet taste and the aroma of the cherry blossom petals and leaves compliment the smooth taste

Alcoholic
Sapporo Draft Beer
Sapporo brews premium lagers using the highest-quality ingredients we can find giving each of our beers our signature crisp, refreshing flavor and clean finish. SM $6.00 / LG $7.50
Sapporo Premium Light 12oz US$6.00
Smooth, refreshing and well-balanced with fewer calories than Sapporo Premium Beer
Junmai Hatsumago
Light, smooth, crisp and clean finish. Great palate cleanser. This sake is very unique, and very difficult to create. Glass $8 / Carafe $22 / Bottle $50
Ginjo Okunomatsu
Soft and smooth entry. A wonderfully balanced, classical styled Ginjo. Wide range of flavor, depth and clean finish. Glass $8 / Carafe $22 / Bottle $50
Aizu Homare Junmai Daiginjo
Its beautifully dry taste overflows with elegant sweetness and crisp quality. Glass $13 / Carafe $40 / Bottle $90
Champion Sake Tasting Flight (1.5oz x3) US$15.00
Junmai Hatsumago, Ginjo Okunomatsu, Aizu Homare Junmai Daiginjo Black Label
YAYOI Sake Lychee Martini US$4.00
Sake Lychee Martini
Sparkling Sake PEACH 250ml US$12.50
Fresh peach flavor bursts with sparkling sake
Sparkling Sake YUZU 250ml US$12.50
Fresh Yuzu citrus flavor bursts with sparkling sake

YAYOI Palo Alto Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Healthy options
Small plates
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
University students

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free multi-storey car park
Free parking lot
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

YAYOI Palo Alto Photos

YAYOI Palo Alto Location

YAYOI Palo Alto

California Santa Clara County Palo Alto Downtown North University Avenue

403 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

YAYOI Palo Alto Reviews

We were happy to know there is no need to wait on Saturday night, however most of the tables were occupied.The ordering process helps to focus on carefully choosing what you want without being rushed, there are tablets near each table to go through the menu and order more when needed.The food is good overall, a good choice for different Japanese dishes, snacks and drinks, feels authentic.Staff is good and polite.
March 02 · Roman S
My favourite restaurant in the area for a calm dining.I specially like their small bowl with salmon and sushi bites. But always was wondering why they didn’t serve the rolls.And now they’re adding the sushi rolls to the testing menu. They’re really great!Fresh and simple ingredients, no greasy and non healthy topings, amazing seared salmon on top ✨🍣Just. Simple. Delicious. Rolls.Highly recommend 👍
January 08 · excapurity El
Love this cute restaurant in Palo Alto! It’s a chain so you can find the same menu in their other locations. You can order food digitally from the table and get paid with the iPad. The menu offers wide range of dishes at economic price.
November 29 · Lingchao Mao
Good ramen with great soup base. Loved the matcha drink. Besides the ramen, the rest of the menu is quite pricy.
March 18 · S T
My go-to spot! I absolutely love the concept of ordering from an iPad—it's 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 I've ever tasted; it's 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!
October 29 · Tanya Tapia