Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Yaya's Cookbook

    4.1 (570 reviews)
    ModerateAsian Fusion, Thai
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Yaya's Cookbook Photos

    Business Info

    YAYA'S COOKBOOK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Loud

    You might also consider

    More like Yaya's Cookbook

    Recommended Reviews - Yaya's Cookbook

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Dried beef
    Kathleen D.

    I really enjoyed my experience at Yaya's last Thursday. We popped in around dinnertime before a nearby comedy show and sat at the bar. It's well-decorated for the holidays and feels cozy. Do note you'll probably need to keep your coat on sitting at the bar, as the door opens right on it without a buffer. Bartenders were so nice. They were out of our first choice for a cookie shot, so we ordered the peppermint patty shot. Well-named, very good. We also ordered two of their holiday cocktails, the drunken beef app, and later, pork fried rice to go (me, on a whim ha). The fried rice lasted me three meals and was soooo good. Prices were reasonable given the quality. I'd definitely stop back sometime!

    Chicken drunken noodles, Thai deviled eggs, spicy shrimp roll....margarita and a Mean Girl!!!
    Rita D.

    It was so nice outside that we sat on the patio. The crowd was lively (graduation) and the place was packed but you could walk up and grab a seat or have a very short wait. We came for adult beverages but got a few appetizers to enjoy. YaYa's never misses!!

    Pork Gyoza
    Hannah S.

    Yaya's Cookbook is one of my absolute favorite local Thai restaurants. My daughter & I ventured out there for Lunch this week & per usual we were not disappointed. The food was delicious. The service welcoming & attentive & the ambiance was boisterous but not overwhelming. We were seated in the Back dining area, which was quieter than the main dining room & we found being seated in this area worked well for us as we just wanted to relax, hang & talk. Every dining experience I have had at Yaya's has been enjoyable & this experience was no exception. I definitely recommend checking them out if you like Thai food & Sushi options. Their menu is quite expansive and overall very budget friendly.

    Candy cane shooter!
    Rita R.

    A few friends and I came here after the movies for drinks. This was my first time here and I really appreciate that they let us come in despite the fact they were about to close soon so thank you guys! First of all I love the Christmas decor adorable! I had the margarita which was just how I like it, and shout out to the bartender for not watering it down as some places do. They also have Christmas themed shooters I had the candy cane which was not only visually appealing but absolutely delicious! I hope to come back and try the food, I was spying on the table next to us and whatever they had looked and smelled amazing! I'll be back!

    Yaya's Roll - 10/10
    Wolf P.

    Excellent choice for Thai classics and sushi options with a unique spin. We tried a variety of dishes and they were all delicious. The cocktails aren't too complex but complement the food extremely well.

    Drunken noodles with chicken

    Integrity!! Renecca, manager noticed a guest left their credit card and she ran to the door to return it to the guest!! YaYa still has great food and service. Malaya was an attentive server. I still love the drunken noodles with chicken. Great food with honesty!

    Sushi with a fun drink
    Michele F.

    I finally made it to Yaya's and I can't believe I waited so long to try it. Some friends and I met for dinner on a Saturday night. We arrived before 5pm and got seated right away. I got a Rainbow roll and a Philly roll, and washed it down with a delicious drink that had a flower in the ice cube, so cool! The server was friendly and even though the restaurant was busy, she checked in with us often. By the time we left, the amount of people waiting to be seated was huge so it's best to get there early like we did.

    Rupa B.

    The fly flying and sitting on my food. When I told them, they have sent some one with a flat fly killing bat. ( what is it called? ) forgot. But there was ABSOLUTLY NO URGE to change my food. It was my birthday, I was very hungry after work, I ate those fly sitter sushi's. Sushi quality was not good either. Very dry rice. Eel was ok. The drink was good. That's the reason they got 3*

    We had a hankering for some Orange Chicken, but wanted something different from the 500 take out restaurants in the city. We decided on YaYas. The first thing I noticed was how jam packed it was, which is a good sign. Surprisingly, there was no wait to get seated (tho, I think we did get the last table available. Sorry, group behind us). Our waitress was excellent. Our sodas never went less than half full. Our beer (her cider) came out quickly. We had the calamari as an appetizer, which was delicious! Really crispy, and the sauce was to die for. It wasn't a super large portion, but it worked out perfectly, because we had the orange chicken, and the portion was huge. And, I'm being perfectly truthful here, it was literally the best orange chicken I've ever had. The atmosphere was great. Very festive and colorful. A few too many hipsters eating there, but that's not really the restaurant's fault. This is the same group that owns MPM Tiki Bar, which is also amazing! 10/10, will definitely be back.

    Everything was delicious as usual. We had the pad tai chicken and crab fried rice. This place never disappoints. Happy birthday to me!!
    Erica C.

    This place food never disappoints. The chicken pad Thai and crab fried rice are a hit. The consistency in the food has been amazing!

    Aurora H.

    When I am in Richmond, I try to make it here because I love their food! We ended up going on a Weds evening and it was jampacked like it was a Friday night! We had to wait 30 minutes before being seated and there were no seats at the bar. We did not mind waiting because the food is very good and the staff is very friendly! Once we were seated, our food came out very quickly as normal. Our waitress was super friendly, which I appreciated because they were jampacked. I would recommend a reservation even during the weekday.

    Pad Thai with Tofu
    Lauren D.

    Visited Yaya's on a VERY busy Friday night for drinks and a good dinner. The bar was packed wall to wall with people, and tables were a 45 minute - hour wait. We were able to snag seats at the bar and ordered cocktails, and some custom mocktails. The bartender was great and made some delicious and creative mocktails. Service was good and we had no problem ordering food, which came fast, or getting water. The food - we had sushi, brussel sprouts, and Pad Thai. The Pad Thai came looking a little bit bare but wow! The flavor was amazing and was some of the best I've had in ages. I ate nearly the entire plate! Would highly recommend, but make sure to get there early to snag a table or you may be waiting a while for a seat, although it's well worth the wait!

    Coconut Tom Yum Kai Hot Pot Soup. Delicious . California Roll basil Drunkin Fried Rice. All yummy
    Lynnette L.

    Every time I visit , I enjoy myself. Cocktails , appetizers, entrees, service , never disappoints.

    Pad Thai

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jerry G.
    0
    119
    84

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Neal C.
    1
    11
    12

    14 days ago

    I ordered the curry duck. The sauce was incredibly rich, fragrant, and delicious. The portion was also generous - highly recommend.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    The best Thai fried rice I have ever had! The sushi is simply amazing as well .... Happy hour on the weekend as well

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rupa B.
    1
    51
    30

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erica C.
    0
    265
    74

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Morgan S.
    279
    17
    2

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1
    Photo of D W.
    0
    4
    1

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen W.
    12
    37
    37

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dem N.
    11
    9
    2

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Todd P.
    56
    32
    0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liz W.
    50
    75
    92

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of MaraLee L.
    1
    203
    137

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of LeAn H.
    234
    636
    3748

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 15

    Yaya's Cookbook Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Yaya's Cookbook

    Will you be open on Christmas?

    Do y'all do reservations

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Asian Fusion 489 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Sea By Thai

    Sea By Thai

    4.4(343 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    The food at Sea by Thai rivals my go to RVA Thai food spots (think Mom's Siam, Thai Flavor, My…read moreNoodle & Bar, and the like) in serving size, quality, and price. I ordered the Kee Mao Goong-Gai (aka Drunken Noodles). It was delicious and came with both chicken and shrimp included. I also tried their pineapple fried rice which was seasoned amazingly, as well as the Iron Squid. Truly not a bad thing on the table. I highly recommend and can definitely see myself returning soon to try more dishes off their secret menu!

    I came to your establishment primarily because of the positive reviews, and I had hoped for a…read morepleasant experience. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed. The food was excessively salty, which made it difficult to enjoy. Additionally, our group consisted of five people, including two young children under ten, yet we were seated at a very small table meant for four. To make matters worse, our server recorded us as a party of six and automatically added an 18% gratuity. I do understand that some restaurants apply an automatic service charge for larger groups, but this was the first time I encountered it without any prior notice. At the end of the meal, we were handed another receipt that already included the gratuity from the first bill, alongside a blank line asking for an additional tip. This felt rather confusing and, frankly, inappropriate. I checked your menu afterward and saw that the policy clearly states it applies to parties of six or more. Not only was our group size misrepresented, but we were also effectively asked to pay twice without any explanation that the gratuity had already been added. I am very sorry to say that I will not be returning.

    Photos
    Sea By Thai
    Sea By Thai - Duck curry

    Duck curry

    Sea By Thai - Calamari

    See all

    Calamari

    MPM Tiki Bar - Cheeseburger w/ fries

    MPM Tiki Bar

    4.1(177 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    The service was impeccable. Our waitress was very welcoming and attentive. I've never encountered a…read morefriendlier waitress. I had the Pad Thai add beef and it was delicious. I could eat it every day. My cousins had the drunken noodles and crab fried rice. We also had the veggie gyozas and fried Crab Rangoon. I wish the crab rangoon was crispier, but it was still good. MPM is a very cute space. I love the design of tiki bars and I think it's the best place for a first date or girls day out. I will be returning to check out their happy hour and specialty cocktails.

    We were in the area for our anniversary and found this tiki bar (we LOVE tiki bars lol), so of…read morecourse we had to stop in. At first, I wasn't completely sold after looking at the menu as I didn't immediately see anything I wanted to eat as most tiki bars we have been to are more on the dive bar side so regular bar foods. So, the plan was to grab a couple drinks and find dinner somewhere else nearby. I am so glad my fiancé talked me into staying because this place absolutely knocked me off my feet. -I highly recommend the Nuclear Hawaiian and the Hello Kitty!!!! When we mentioned we weren't sure about the food, the bartenders jumped right in with recommendations and suggested the calamari and crab rangoon and they were spot on! When the food arrived, everything was perfectly cooked. The calamari was tender with a great texture, and the crab rangoon was crisp with amazing flavor. I went from I am not hungry to I could eat multiple plates of the same thing. We ended up staying for hours watching college football and mingling with some of the regulars. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and we genuinely had such fun conversation with people around us. We even heard from several folks that this place really comes alive during karaoke nights. At one point an older heavyset lady who we later found out was one of the cooks came out to chat with people. She was checking in to make sure everyone liked their food and catching up with the regulars like family. it really showed how much the staff cares about the people that walk through the door. MPM Tiki Bar feels like a true local gem with great drinks, delicious food, and a staff that makes you feel welcome from the moment you sit down. I honestly wish I lived closer because I would be here multiple times a week. if your anywhere near this restaurant, dont skip this spot trust me!

    Photos
    MPM Tiki Bar
    MPM Tiki Bar - Pineapple fried rice

    Pineapple fried rice

    MPM Tiki Bar - Hello Kitty

    See all

    Hello Kitty

    Peter Chang - Peter Chang's Seafood in Stone Pot

    Peter Chang

    3.8(758 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    I haven't reviewed Peter Chang's in a while so decided I'd revisit and make a new assessment. I can…read moreconfirm this is the best Chinese food in the area. And it's not dumbed down American Chinese at all. My husband and I both work from home so we get to go have lunch at area restaurants from time to time. We have our regular places and we order Peter Chang's for takeout sometimes, but when we were deciding where to eat and knowing we were short on time, I suggested Peter Chang. For our meal we ordered dumplings, which were amazing. The dipping sauce was to die for...I need to research it and try to make it. We also got the scallion pancake, which came with a curry dipping sauce. Also very good. For lunch there is a menu that is typical of Chinese restaurants where you get a choice of soup (I chose hot and sour) and rice (I chose white rice). For my main I selected hot and numbing chicken from the lunch menu. My husband got three pepper steak. We also got jasmine tea, although if you prefer an adult beverage they have a bar. The food was excellent, service was attentive but not overbearing. It was a great meal and we both have lots of leftovers. The restaurant can be a bit noisy because it's just a big open room, but it's okay. The table next to use was loud talkers with no inside voice, so I got to hear all about their trip to Charlottesville for a concert. Sounds like they had a good time. I wish people were more self-aware about the volume of their voices in public but maybe his ears were wrecked from the concert. P.S. Peter Chang was the chef to a Chinese dignitary like an ambassador so he's the real deal.

    The lamb was great, but they only give 3 lamb lollipops for $35. It wasn't worth it…read more The rest of the food was not great. We ate the combination fried rice. It had too much soy sauce and you couldn't taste anything else. The white rice was dry and undercooked. I feel like this is an utter travesty. I was at least expecting good rice. The golden mountain had great flavor but I think it was a mistake to eat it at home. It was mushy by the time we ate it. You can taste the spite in general Tso's chicken. It's like they don't want you to order it. The flavor is just sweet without any complexity. I've had better flavored general Tso sauce from grocery store brands. It was also mushy by the time we ate it. I would never order this again from them.

    Photos
    Peter Chang - Inside

    Inside

    Peter Chang - Three Peppers with Beef

    Three Peppers with Beef

    Peter Chang - 4. Scallion Bubble Pancake (1)

    See all

    4. Scallion Bubble Pancake (1)

    Yaya's Cookbook - asianfusion - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...