Handcrafted udon served in house broth with toppings like sansai (mountain vegetables) or karaage (fried chicken).
Flavorful rice bowls including oyako donburi, yakiniku donburi, and spicy salmon donburi with fresh ingredients.
Japanese appetizers like karaage, temaki (hand rolls), and miso katsu for sharing or as sides.
Specialty drinks such as strawberry matcha lattes and a selection of Japanese-inspired desserts.
Relaxed table service in a spacious setting or convenient takeout options for meals on the go.
I have been coming here since the opening on a regular basis. It is SO GOOD!!! I am a big Udon fan (way better than ramen in my book) and have had it in Japan so can attest that this place measures up (and then some!). My go to order: SANSAI UDON with House Broth and KARAAGE. That is a lot for one person unless you are super hungry, but the Karaage I usually take half of it home (It reheats super well under the broiler to crisp it up again). I have also enjoyed KINOKO DONBURI and TEMAKI (Tuna & Salmon), which were great for takeout on one occasion (I added the Karaage for that order and had enough food for two meals). This place is one of the top restaurants in Minneapolis right now, I hope it stays that way. Recommendation: I like dining here with a friend or alone, but for the alone times I wish they would have some bar seating at the window or smaller tables (like for 2) so I am not taking up so much space if there are only big tables available.
Loved this place! The atmosphere was relaxed with a spacious dining area and the food was superb! They give you plenty of time to look at the menu before ordering at the counter. Food is then brought to your table. They also offer carry out. Very flavorful entrees. Big portions for the bowls and reasonable prices.
I have gone to Cafe Yoto quite a few times now since moving to North Loop this past August, and I can't recommend this place enough. If you enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine and happen to be looking for the BEST oyako donburi in the Twin Cities, you need to come to Cafe Yoto! They have an amazing selection of food, shareable's, and beverages. Every item I have tried so far has exceeded my expectations. (Photographed is the yakiniku donburi, miso katsu donburi, oyako donburi, and strawberry matcha latte. All are 10/10 without a doubt)
As a Northsider I appreciate having this casual Japanese dining space so close to us. My daughter is attending high school downtown and this cafe is very convenient to visit after school. We had karaage udon a the rib eye donburi. Both excellent dishes and filling. Such a cute space and conveniently located. I’m used to parking in Minneapolis so it is never really an issue for me. My son also works near the cafe so I hope to go back and try more dishes and desserts.
Amazing table service! Minimal decor but the space is very clean with beautiful plants. I utilized paid street parking when dining in. I ordered the match latte that was just as beautiful in person as it was online and the spicy salmon donburi. Which had a nice spice level and perfectly cooked rice. The salmon was delicious and the cucumbers gave it a nice crunch. I would definitely stop in again and try more of the menu.

Authentic Japanese udon & donburi in Minneapolis's North Loop.
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Cafe Yoto brings authentic Japanese comfort food to Minneapolis's North Loop, specializing in handcrafted udon noodles, flavorful donburi bowls, and shareable small plates. Our relaxed, spacious dining area and attentive service create a welcoming atmosphere for solo diners, friends, and families. With a 4.6-star rating from over 170 reviews, we're celebrated for dishes like sansai udon, karaage, and oyako donburi, all made with high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Dine in, carry out, or enjoy our matcha lattes and desserts.
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