CafeYoto: A Flavorful Journey in Fast-Casual Japanese Dining!

Let’s be honest: I absolutely hate going to restaurants alone. I’m the kind of person who needs a partner-in-crime for my culinary adventures. But hey, as the world keeps spinning, solo dining has become a bit more common—at least that’s what I discovered during my time in Korea.

Now that I’m back in Minnesota, I still prefer the company of a fellow foodie. Sometimes, I have to give myself a little pep talk to go solo, but most of the time, I’m dragging someone along for the ride. This particular Saturday, I wrangled my younger siblings into joining me for a quick lunch outing.

The sun was shining bright, the birds were chirping (probably celebrating the end of last week’s random snowstorm), and we were on our way to Cafe Yoto—a newly opened fast-casual Japanese restaurant that promised a delightful experience.

As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and the bustling energy of the kitchen. I love watching the staff work diligently to whip up our meals—it just adds to the whole vibe!

Now, let’s talk food. We may have gone a bit overboard for just three people, but I wanted to sample everything! My sister? She didn’t hold back and picked the most expensive items on the menu. I guess I’ve officially earned the title of “sugar sister.”

Karaage Kozara

The chicken pieces were tender and bursting with flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice took it to the next level. And that pinkish-orange sauce? It reminded me of Thousand Island dressing in the best way possible. Just a heads up: be cautious with the powder dip—it can get salty if you go overboard!

Ebi Ten Udon

This dish looked so appetizing in the photo because my sister did the plating magic. I loved that they served the tempura separately to keep it crispy. Genius!

Niku Udon

Now, I know udon is supposed to be light and refreshing, but I found myself wishing for a drizzle of chili oil. Still, it was super tasty!

Yakiniku Donburi

This bowl was a party for the eyes! My little brother devoured it in record time—definitely a hit!

Unajyu Donburi

I’ve been feeling a bit sluggish lately, especially after my marathon 20-hour sleep fest. I thought eel might be the magic potion to boost my energy. It was cooked to perfection—so tender it practically melted in my mouth. Fun fact: eel is packed with health benefits! 

Temaki

Salmon Avocado

Pretty straightforward, but oh-so-delicious! A generous slice of salmon and creamy avocado wrapped in crunchy seaweed? Yes, please!

Spicy Tuna

Just look at that generous portion of tuna! I kinda wish I had ordered this one too. My little brother gobbled it up like a champ.

Kado

This was the splurge of the temaki—loaded with salmon, tuna, and masago. My sister, who isn’t a fan of raw fish, still decided to give it a go. Let’s just say her first bite was quite the sight! I finished it off and thought it was exquisite.

Kani

Refreshing crab with mayo, like a kani salad on rice! My sister loved it, especially after her Kado adventure didn’t go as planned.

For dessert, my sister snagged the Isapahan Cream Puff. It was adorably delicate. Definitely a light and sweet treat.

If you find yourself around the area, do yourself a favor and check out Cafe Yoto! My siblings and I made some unforgettable memories there—let’s just say my sister had her fair share of “fails,” but the light and casual atmosphere made everything feel perfectly okay.

So whether you’re looking for a simple lunch with friends or family, Cafe Yoto is the spot to hit!

Peach out! 🍑