YAO

The space is large, cozy, and the interior is strongly inspired by Chinese culture — the color red, symbolizing good fortune, dominates the space, murals on the walls that immediately signal what type of cuisine are you in for, and the lighting is so well tuned that it could easily be the setting for a modern Asian noir. The atmosphere is casual, but with a touch of sophistication.

What’s on the menu?

The kitchen is an extension of that story. The menu is created by chef Yao, after whom the restaurant was named, and each plate clearly showcases the man's extensive knowledge of Chinese gastronomy. His approach is modern, interpretative, but never over the top: authenticity is the foundation, and modernity is the tool. The emphasis is on the freshness and quality of produce. Handmade noodles and soups with deep flavors are just some of the authentic dishes interpreted through modern techniques. Premium produce such as various types of meat, delicious tiger shrimps, fresh vegetables and in-house pasta all mix in to create one of the best Asian restaurants in Zagreb. The drinks on offer follow the same vibe: thoughtful but not pretentious; varied but focused; cool enough for an enjoyable evening out, elegant enough to fit into a business lunch. Yao is a place for various occasions — it can be a daily pitstop, an evening out, hanging out with friends or a solo lunch when you want something different and a little bit edgy.

What did our chefs try?

While we were there, we tried a few Asian cuisine staples, and very quickly realized that Yao does not do things half-way. Moreover, each plate has its own character, deep flavors and various textures, which instantly made Yao one of our new favorites. Meat spring rolls are perfectly crispy, chicken with mushrooms and bamboo is the definition of Asian umami, and Mongolian beef, that is, spicy black angus with leek, dethroned even our beloved broccoli beef. An added value of the dishes is definitely the handmade noodles, which take each dish to a new level. Everything we tried was ideally seasoned — umami, deep, spicy, and with a nice amount of perfectly cooked vegetables. Yao is definitely this round's surprise.

The restaurant is open every day except Sundays, and in addition to à la carte, it also offers delivery — the perfect solution when you want quality Asian without leaving your apartment or office. The location is great. The proximity of the British and the Ban Jelačić Squares ensures an influx of a variety of guests, and an additional bonus is the parking lot in the immediate vicinity, which is a rare and precious currency in the center of Zagreb. Because of its authenticity, accessibility, casual style, modern techniques, great food, and a space that looks like it's designed for people who love a good vibe, Yao is definitely the new foodie address.