Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Kayao

    4.4 (131 reviews)
    Closed 4:30 pm - 9:30 PM

    Kayao Photos

    Business Info

    KAYAO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Upscale

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Kayao

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Nikhita T.

    My friends and I went to Kayao for brunch. We had a reservation, and luckily we were able to get a table for a big group. We all decided to try the tasting menu. For drinks, we ordered mimosas and Bloody Marys. For my first course, I tried the yucas trufadas and lion's mane. My friends tried the ceviche and oysters. Everyone loved their first course. The lion's mane dish was surprisingly really good. For my second course, I had the chaufa, and it was delicious. Overall, all the dishes we tried were very good. For dessert, we had the panna cotta and sorbet, which were both great. My absolute favorite was the guacamole, which they made fresh right in front of us. We loved it so much that we almost ordered six rounds of guac and chips! The chips were yuca chips(i think)which felt like a healthier option. I'm really impressed with this restaurant and their service. Our server was really nice. Some of our friends were late, yet they catered to their needs too. Everything was amazing. Definitely a must try!

    Monica N.

    I originally came here for restaurant week and I loved it so much that I am so happy that I was able to come back! Snacks: the guacamole is so good and so fresh! The oysters during restaurant week were bigger but they are so yummy with the different "dressings" they put on there Cold: Ceviche clasico and Ceviche are chefs kiss! The ceviches are a must here. The Roll acevichado really surprised me - it was a very well balanced roll and the tuna tartare didn't feel like it was skimped on Hot: yucas trufadas are so good! Mains: the Lomo Saltado was so so good. The beef was cooked to perfection and all the flavors were fantastic. The grilled branzino is also my favorite! It's a perfectly cooked fish with this insanely delicious sauce Drinks: The pisco sour and espresso martini's are also a great/well made cocktail. It'd love to come back for happy hour because the HH deals are a steal! The service has been amazing both times. The interior is beautiful and intimate. Their outdoor patio is super cute and very insulated for the winter months. Kayao has become one of my favorite places in Chicago.

    Short Rib
    Amelia B.

    Any time the server personally explains the dish, I'm a happy diner. Took advantage of happy hour and tried the bartender's surprise cocktail. My party was drawn to the steak and short rib entrees. The winner of the night was the Lomo Saltado stole the show. Great flavor and perfectly cooked steak pieces. Authentic feel to the decor and vibe of the restaurant fusing China, Japan and Peru.

    Ceviche con palmitos
    Andrés W.

    ​Restaurant Week provided an amazing deal to finally cross this place off my bucket list. We went on a Sunday for lunch and truly enjoyed the beautiful weather the city was finally having after weeks of cold. ​We started with the yuca trufada, which was superb. It had an amazing crust and a savory sauce, and the cheese on the inside was melted to perfection, hot enough to be gooey but not so hot that you'd burn yourself. The ceviche was also incredible; you could really taste the quality of the ingredients in the leche de tigre. It wasn't excessively sour like at other places I've tried, though I have to admit it would have been amazing if I'd had some chips or fried yuca to accompany it! ​To drink, we had an Espresso Martini and a Pisco Sour. While the martini was pretty standard, the Pisco Sour was totally different from what I'm used to and I liked it a lot. ​For our main dishes, the arroz con mariscos was incredibly good with a creamy texture similar to a risotto and very fresh seafood. We felt a little extra lemon juice would have made the plate even greater. We also had the tallarines salteado and loved the flavor, especially how juicy the chicken was. The Chinese influence on the flavour combined with the Latino sauce used for garnish gave the dish a perfect kick. ​The service was marvelous from start to finish. Even after the restaurant got packed, the staff stayed attentive, keeping an eye on our water and napkins while still finding time for a little chitchat. I will definitely be back to try other things that caught my eye, like the octopus!

    Acevichado roll, ceviche
    Isabel R.

    Food: amazing taste, flavorful, true to Peruvian cuisine. Nice presentation. Small portions though Service: slow Ambient: has a nice bar area, heated outdoor seating area. Great for date night, low lit light and elegant.

    Guacamole
    Clarissa C.

    I LOVED Akiro Handroll bar, and the waiter there mentioned that Kayao is the sister restaurant. Peruvian cuisine is super unique because it has many Asian influences given the amount of Japanese people that live there. I LOVE fusion food!!! Was so excited to see this on the restaurant week lineup! We tried the $30 lunch. The vibes are so luxurious inside, and I love the nods to Peruvian culture on every wall. Started off with the ceviche clasico con palmito - four tiny slices of fish marinated in tiger's milk, red onions, served with corn. I normally really like Peruvian ceviche and this didn't disappoint. Their yucas trufadas was a yuca fritter with mozzarella and "truffle huancina" but I didn't taste too much truffle. We couldn't resist getting the tableside guac off the regular menu. Oh my goodness we were obsessed!! The taro chips are so thin and addicting and add a nice spin. They're generous with the chip portion too!! Guac was served with tiger's milk, and that was definitely my favorite dish of the lunch!! For the mains we tried the tallarín saltado con pollo, which came with such tender pieces of chicken, and fettucine stir fried in soy sauce. I loved the fusion flavors here, though note the portion sizes are on the smaller side. Final main was arroz con Mariscos. Wow the flavors here were so perfect and creamy! Literal perfection. Overall, I LOVED Kayao!! I think the restaurant week menu was a steal!

    Vibe
    Ria P.

    Honestly one of my personal favorites now out of the fancy chicago restaurants. It's definitely overpriced so share a couple things and expect a lighter meal. The salmon skewers and lions mane mushroom hot plates were both great. The fried rice was very good with the fish soup, but on its own is standard. Fish soup was very yummy and not too strong.

    Arroz con mariscos
    Debangana S.

    We had gone to Kayao on a Saturday afternoon, and decided to go for their tasting menu. I tried their ceviche kayao for the first course and arroz con Moriscos for the second course. I paired my food with Bloody Marys. Both the dishes were fantastic, and I really loved the cocktail prepared by Miguel - it had the perfect zing. The seafood risotto was creamy and delicious and left me wanting more. Finally ended the meal with the panna cotta, which was a little tart and the fruity flavours shone through. We had also called for guac and chips for the table. The guac was super fresh and the taro chips paired really well with the guac. Our server was kind and took good care of us. All in all it was a lovely experience and we had a really good time at Kayao. Highly recommend this restaurant for seafood lovers like myself.

    Divya V.

    I have been meaning to write a review for this place since a while now. Kayao hands down is my fav place in Chicago for Peruvian food! My friends and I had a holiday lunch at this place and it was amazing!! We tried their brunch tasting menu and also ordered a bunch of drinks. Bloody mary was everyone's fav, absolutely delicious! We also ordered mimosas, and old fashioned, it was a boozy lunch! The table side guacamole definitely served us well! We also tried yuca trufadas and lions mane for the apps. Lions mane was my fav out of all the dishes we tried, grilled mane mushrooms with tad bit of spice, what is there to not like? For main course I tried a chaufa which was pretty good too! By the time it was time for deserts, we all were pretty tipsy but I remember still relishing the panna cotta and lucuma ice cream. We randomly stumbled upon this place but I'm sure to be back to this place again!

    Shania W.

    I live very close to Kayao and was also so curious to try them out whenever I passed them. I finally had the opportunity to on a Wednesday evening and absolutely loved my experience. I made a reservation ahead of time, but there was plenty of seating available as well. We ordered the Oysters, Ceviche Kayao, Tuna Acevichado, Lion's Mane, Short Rib, and Bronzino. Everything was PHENOMENAL. I loved how complex the flavors were in every dish, and the ingredients were incredibly fresh. My favorites were the Lion's Mane mushrooms and short rib. The mushrooms were so savory and flavorful, and the short rib's texture was perfect. Despite being on the pricier end, I do think it is still worth it considering the quality of the food, The waiter was very helpful in recommending his favorite dishes! The wait staff was also very attentive in making sure we had our waters filled. The ambiance is also great! It would be a good date spot for sure. I will be recommending this spot!

    Chaufa
    Rahima J.

    Came in for Chicago restaurant week but did not end up trying it because it was more of a tasting menu than an eating menu. We tried two different mains; the chaufa was delicious but the pasta salteada did not hit as much as we'd like. We were also seated in the back of the entire restaurant away from other patrons when there were many other tables available. Otherwise the restaurant is very vibey and a cute date or dinner spot. Would love to come back and have a better experience as I've heard a lot of people say how good it is.

    Erica K.

    Went here for restaurant week. It was $30 for the lunch course, and you got a choice of apps and an entree. The ceviche was tasty as an appetizer, and I liked the yucca starter dish we got as well. Unfortunately I found the Tallarin saltado con pollo to be wayyy too salty for my taste. Overall, a decent place for fancy Peruvian food

    Mayuri A.

    We were excited to try Kayao and it DELIVERED! The ambience is very chic and upscale but they do have limited seating. We had a prior reservation. We tried their brunch tasting menu and ordered some drinks on the side. We ordered the mimosas, bloody marys and an old fashioned. We also got some table side guac. It was exciting to see the guac being made right in front of us. For the tasting menu, we tried the yucas trufadas, oysters, ceviche and lions mane for the first course. For the second course we tried the chaufa and arroz con mariscos. For the third course, we tried the Lucuma ice cream and the panna cotta. Overall, the food was outstanding. Every one of the dishes was exceptionally made and very delicious. The quality and the delivery was top notch. The cocktails were amazing too and the server was really sweet and friendly. I am very amazed by the restaurant and can't wait to see it get either a Michelin bib gourmand or even a star in the future.

    Bar vibes

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J B.
    11
    77
    15

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vee D.
    0
    27
    45

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam F.
    2
    76
    12

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vanessa R.
    30
    99
    199

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Kayao Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Kayao

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Peruvian 2,382 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery - BRATWURST  beer-braised, veal + pork bratwurst, bacon sauerkraut, bavarian mustard, on a pretzel roll |

    Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery

    4.5(357 reviews)
    0.7 miRiver North, Near North Side
    $$

    My friend (shoutout to Hunter) has been grilling me to check this place out, and now I totally get…read morethe hype. The service was genuinely friendly, and the ambiance gives off such a welcoming, cozy vibe. There's even a fireplace you can sit by during cold Chicago winters, which is a really nice touch. I sat at the bar, and the bartenders -- honestly, the entire staff -- were super personable. You can crack jokes and they'll play right along with you, which makes the whole experience feel relaxed and fun. I ordered the pulled pork skillet and it did not miss. They make your eggs however you want (within reason), and everything came out perfectly. While not the cheapest in town, the value is absolutely there given the quality of the beers and food -- prices feel totally reasonable for River North. Shoutout to Tessa, Tony, and the whole crew -- they really make you feel like a regular. As Tessa would say: Go Birds!

    Bavarian Pretzel was incredible. Happy Hour beers are a bit of a sham. They have $6 pints, but out…read moreof the ~50 beers on the menu, only 3 of them are pints.... the rest are odd sizes that you'd need to pay full price for. Great ambience for some bar food and an evening of trying unique beers. They have a great hosting space upstairs too for grad parties, work events, etc. Main reason for my lower rating was our waitress was insanely slow for a light Thursday crowd. Waited 20 minutes before seeing anyone after being sat, waited 30 minutes for the check, waited another 20 minutes for her to run the check so we could leave. I've never experience service quite that bad... would recommend sitting at the bar if you have a small party.

    Photos
    Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery - Bar shot

    Bar shot

    Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery - Bombest fries

    Bombest fries

    Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery - Westmalle Trappist Dubbel (Brouwerij Westmalle) - Belgian

    See all

    Westmalle Trappist Dubbel (Brouwerij Westmalle) - Belgian

    Bar Sotto

    Bar Sotto

    4.4(28 reviews)
    1.7 miThe Loop

    We visited Bar Sotto during Chicago Restaurant Week and had a really enjoyable overall experience…read more The space has a cozy, dimly lit, intimate vibe perfect for a date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. It feels upscale but still comfortable. Service was attentive and paced well, especially considering it was Restaurant Week and fairly busy. The Restaurant Week menu offered a great variety. We started with the crispy arancini, which were perfectly golden on the outside and creamy inside with a rich glaze that added a nice depth of flavor. The wild mushroom risotto had great earthy flavor and was very rich, definitely a heavier dish but satisfying if you are in the mood for something indulgent. The gnocchi were soft and pillowy with fresh basil and roasted tomatoes that brightened the dish nicely. For entrées, the filet mignon was cooked beautifully, tender and medium rare with a flavorful sauce that complemented it well. The chicken parmesan had a solid crisp and good seasoning, though it leaned more classic than standout. Portions overall felt fair for the prix fixe price. Dessert was a sweet finish. The tiramisu was light, creamy, and not overly heavy, which we appreciated. Overall, 4 stars. Great ambiance and solid execution across the board. While nothing completely blew us away, it was a well done Restaurant Week experience and I would definitely come back to try more from their regular menu.

    It's a really cool place as you walk in. The ambiance is dark and sultry. We were only stopping…read morein for a few drinks so we sat at the bar. The bartenders were friendly. Why a lower rating? We ordered a cocktail off of their menu and asked for it without one ingredient (simple syrup). They said they might be able to do it, but they would have to make it from scratch. Wait, does this mean their cocktails are all premade sitting in a jar under the bar? If I'm ordering a cocktail from a bar downtown & paying downtown prices, I'd like to think they're all going to be made from scratch by my bartender. The drink turned out pretty weak. We also had a smoked bourbon cocktail that was really nice, smoked in the glass at the bar with you.

    Photos
    Bar Sotto - Lounge

    Lounge

    Bar Sotto
    Bar Sotto

    See all

    Clark Street Ale House - Spooky Halloween vibes

    Clark Street Ale House

    4.0(344 reviews)
    0.7 miNear North Side, River North
    $$

    Had my first date with my wife here 25 years ago. At least this was part one of my three part…read moredating strategy then. Went here for the beer flights, it allowed for conversation and each person had an easy exit after finishing the five little beer tastes. Off to sushi was part 2 because while Clark St. showed we could click talking I was looking for someone non vanilla food wise. Then at the time we finished at the 3rd coast wine bar down the street on rush street(gone now). This was while Daley was in charge and 9/11 had hit and the city was beautiful, almost no gatherings of homeless, just the regulars. The viagra triangle was in full steam. Maggie had beautified the city with plants and flowers. It was such a good first date I left her a message afterwards telling her so, so she could get it when she got home.

    Really nice combination of dive bar and haut beer destination. There's dirty hipsters and vested…read morefinance bros in the same place, and the best part is they seem fine enjoying each others company. Right on. Actually the best part is the beer selection. There are some very choice finds that all the untappd and beer advocate faithful are seeking out. I was pleased and then some, even getting some nice recs from the bartender based on some newer brewery offerings and my taste profile. The place was easy to get in and find a good spot on a Tuesday night at prime time. Easy to order, easy to settle up. Did I say it was easy?! Some Tool was playing when I drank my stout. Appropriate. Other 90s nu metal and grunge followed. The free popcorn wasn't bad either. Prices are appropriate depending upon the beer you get. I shall return!

    Photos
    Clark Street Ale House - Bar

    Bar

    Clark Street Ale House
    Clark Street Ale House

    See all

    Kayao - peruvian - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...