We have been meaning to go to YaYa’s for months now because we have heard so many raving reviews about their delicious and high quality food. My dad was out of town for the week so we took advantage of having a night with just the two of us. We enjoyed our relaxing date night out and got to spend time chatting with the manager and learning all about the restaurant and their mission. (Miriam)
Overall Rating ★★★★
Food ★★★★★
We now understand why so many of our friends have recommended YaYas, because their food is absolutely delicious. We were pleased with the wide selection of food they had on the menu including pasta, pizza, meat, seafood, and salads. We ordered the salmon dinner, which we requested to be with vegetables instead of couscous, and the gluten free margarita pizza.
Since I am gluten free I was excited to see that there were so many gluten free items on the menu, labeled “gf”. In addition to the menu items labeled gluten free, many items that were not could easily be made to order if requested. We were also told that their gluten free items are cooked in a completely separate kitchen to avoid cross contamination so it is very safe for those with allergies or sensitivities to gluten.
While we were waiting for our food we were ecstatic when they brought out carrot and celery veggie sticks and eggplant puree dip in replacement of bread (we are so used to restaurants having no alternative)! The seasoning on everything was pretty mild, but we still thought everything tasted great.
Tried and True Favorites:
- Roasted Beet Salad
- Cobb Salad with Chicken
- Salmon Dish
- Gluten Free Margherita Pizza
- Chocolate Souffle
On our second visit to YaYa’s we splurged and got their flourless chocolate soufflé with vanilla ice cream. Miriam and I split it and it was amazing. It takes 20 minutes to make and warm the souffle and it was a great taste combination with the ice cream. We also enjoyed their home made vegetarian zucchini and tomato soup. (Michelle)
Quality ★★★
Their menu changes seasonally so you know that you are getting the freshest ingredients possible all year long. The manager and a waiter explained to us the long standing relationship the restaurant maintains with several local farmers. While much of the produce is not certified organic, many produce items are locally grown, which increases the nutrient density and decreases the negative environmental impact of energy used for long travel distances. They try and obtain organic produce whenever possible.
While I am accustomed to carrying my own filtered water from home, the restaurant manager enthusiastically shared with us details of the filtration system used for their water, which is served in a nice glass serving container on the table.
When I asked about the salmon source, we were told that their fish is all flown in overnight from specific sources which are high quality. The salmon is not wild, but it is wild farmed, which means the fish eat a natural diet from the ocean while contained in very large areas.
Their meat is antibiotic free with no added chemicals, sourced from local farmers. They are not fed certified organic, GMO free feed and are not totally grass fed, but certainly much improved compared to standard fare offered at most restaurants. The chicken is free range and the cows have access to local pasture. One of their farmers is Mr. Benne’s in Saint Charles. Consumers can visit the farm and see their back yard chickens. See Benne’s Best Meat to learn more.
The oils used are canola and extra virgin olive oil. They will prepare foods with healthier olive oil, if requested.
The gluten free pizza is made from rice, corn starch and eggs and was delicious! The manager did not believe the ingredients were organic, but we were glad the primary ingredient was rice and not corn. (Michelle)
Service ★★★★★
The service at YaYa’s has been excellent with good attention to detail. The wait staff are professional and take pride in their restaurant. They are familiar with the restaurant’s food and specials.
Price $$$
The prices for the food were fair for the quality of food and high end atmosphere that the restaurant provides. Dinner entrees range from 10 to 30 dollars.
Atmosphere ★★★★★
The restaurant has an upper scale, rustic and modern décor. It has a very nice outdoor seating area with small fires that are sometimes lit.
Location
YaYa’s is in Chesterfield off of Olive Street Road, near Highway 40 and Clarkson Road.
Address: 15601 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63017
See YaYas for more information.
