Kayao Restaurant
Chicago
At a glance
Situated at 1252 N Wells St, Kayao Restaurant brings an unexpected twist to Chicago's vibrant culinary landscape with its unique fusion of Peruvian, Japanese, and Chinese influences. At the heart of Kayao's offerings is an homage to the flavors and techniques brought to Peru by Japanese and Chinese immigrants a century ago. This confluence of cultures creates a dining experience that showcases a range of tastes from the South Pacific. The atmosphere at Kayao is one of casual elegance, ideal for anyone looking to explore a tapestry of flavors in a relaxed yet refined setting.
Diners can enjoy a variety of dining experiences throughout the week. From Sunday to Thursday, dinner service is available in the evening, extending until later on weekends. For those who prefer to begin their culinary exploration earlier in the day, weekend brunch offers a change to sample the eclectic menu options. Additionally, the Monday to Friday happy hour, known as the 'golden hour', is perfect for unwinding after a day's activities. The vibrant bar and patio counter provide a perfect backdrop for enjoying fine drinks and lighter fare with friends or family.
Kayao is particularly well-suited to adventurous palates enthusiastic about discovering how traditional Peruvian dishes can be elevated with the subtle finesse of Asian culinary traditions. It's a destination that appeals to both locals and visitors looking to uncover the complexities of a lesser-known side of Peruvian cuisine. Whether visiting with a group or planning a special event, Kayao offers an exquisite taste journey through its well-curated menu.
Reviews
A real gem of a place. I did the Peruvian tasting menu for $75. The dishes were really good! Started with a yucca and oyster dish (4star), 3 seafood ceviche (5star), octopus and potatoes (5star), seafood risotto (5star), and finally an ice cream (4star). Every dish was a hot and coursed out appropriately. I would highly recommend!
The food was INCREDIBLE. Our server Jenny was so knowledgeable and steered us towards an absolutely phenomenal meal. We had 2 ceviches, the guacamole, the branzino, the seafood risotto, and the Tallarin Saltado (seafood). All were amazing but I literally licked the spoon to make sure I got every last bite of risotto. It was a little embarrassing. The manager is a gem. I live in the neighborhood but this was my first visit and I will definitely be back.
From the moment you walk into Kayao, you're welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere that immediately makes you feel comfortable. While the ambiance is wonderful, the food is the true highlight. Every dish is beautifully presented, but it's the incredible flavor that really stands out—fresh, vibrant, savory, and deeply satisfying. The five-course tasting menu is absolutely exceptional. Each course feels thoughtfully crafted, with every dish bringing something unique and somehow surpassing the one before it. The service is equally impressive, with attentive and professional staff who make you feel genuinely cared for throughout the entire meal. Overall, Kayao delivers an unforgettable dining experience with outstanding food, exceptional hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of restaurant you'll want to return to, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
All the items we ordered were perfect! Fresh ceviche with carefully selected ingredients. Remarkable! I could eat it every day. Flavorful and sophisticated without being pretentious or overwhelming. Aji de gallina FTW! Lomo was an instant classic. Juan Carlos, the general manager welcomed us and made us feel at home, an important item that elevates the ambience and experience. Jenny took care of us the entire evening and answered all of our questions. Great pisco! Great food! Great service! Coming back soon!
Kayao is a so classy and creative. The flavors are layered beautifully and has dimension. We ordered the oysters, Wantaco tartare, Ceviche Kayao, Purpose al Olivo, Cerviche Nikkei, Aji de Gallina Curry, Lomo Saltado, and the Midnight Corazones. Everything was superb. We came back for the oysters, ceviches, and the Aji De Gallina Curry a second time. The service was excellent and they describe your dish beautifully when it arrives. Definitely a favorite in spot in the city and I will be back.
