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✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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Pao Bistro, is a fine-dining American fusion restaurant offering Pacific Coast cuisine, and is located in the upscale shopping area of The Gables on Springfield’s west side. We are best known for our premium steaks, chops, fresh seafood, sushi, signature martinis, and fine wine selection.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2824 Plaza Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: (217) 546-4660
Website: https://paobistrospringfield.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
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Related Web Results
Pao Bistro
Pao Bistro is a fine dining American fusion restaurant … Martinis & Cocktails. Pao Bistro Location and Hours. (217) 546-4660 · 2824 Plaza Drive, Springfield, IL …
Pao Bistro Springfield – Facebook
Pao Bistro ~ In the Gables 2824 Plaza Drive Springfield, Illinois 217/546-4660 Reservations recommended. Walk-ins will be limited. https://paobistrospringfield.
PAO Bistro – Visit Springfield Illinois
PAO is a casual & fine-dining restaurant and bar on Springfield’s west side. We focus on Pacific Coast Cuisine with primarily an American Asian feel.
Reviews
Peter Adio
This restaurant is advertised as fine dining, but unfortunately that was not my experience. I ordered the Pao Chicken, and it resembled small pieces of orange chicken served with white rice (more like typical takeout quality than something you would expect from a fine dining establishment).
Another issue was the drinks. I ordered D’Ussé, but it tasted heavily diluted, almost as if it had been watered down. Attention to drink quality is something that should be taken seriously at a restaurant positioning itself as upscale.
I also noticed a design flaw in the men’s restroom. The faucet is so short that when you wash your hands, they end up touching the sink bowl underneath, which makes the experience uncomfortable and feels like a poor architectural choice.
Finally, the overall presentation did not match the fine dining label. Seeing a server wearing a black Nike hoodie and receiving food that felt more like takeout made the experience fall short of the expectations created by the restaurant’s description.
Overall, the experience did not align with what I would consider fine dining.
… moreAnother issue was the drinks. I ordered D’Ussé, but it tasted heavily diluted, almost as if it had been watered down. Attention to drink quality is something that should be taken seriously at a restaurant positioning itself as upscale.
I also noticed a design flaw in the men’s restroom. The faucet is so short that when you wash your hands, they end up touching the sink bowl underneath, which makes the experience uncomfortable and feels like a poor architectural choice.
Finally, the overall presentation did not match the fine dining label. Seeing a server wearing a black Nike hoodie and receiving food that felt more like takeout made the experience fall short of the expectations created by the restaurant’s description.
Overall, the experience did not align with what I would consider fine dining.
Lacey Graham
My husband and I have been wanting to try this place for a while and finally went tonight. The steak egg rolls were probably the highlight of what we tried, but they were not anything special. They reminded me of something you could get at Chili’s or even from the frozen food section at the grocery store.
We split a sushi roll next and did not even finish it, which says a lot because we have never left sushi unfinished before. It was very bland and lacked flavor.
For our main course, we shared the prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes. It was okay, but nothing that really stood out. We could not even bring ourselves to finish one plate between the two of us.
Unfortunately, we ended up leaving and going somewhere else afterward just to feel satisfied. Overall, we were disappointed and would not return.
… moreWe split a sushi roll next and did not even finish it, which says a lot because we have never left sushi unfinished before. It was very bland and lacked flavor.
For our main course, we shared the prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes. It was okay, but nothing that really stood out. We could not even bring ourselves to finish one plate between the two of us.
Unfortunately, we ended up leaving and going somewhere else afterward just to feel satisfied. Overall, we were disappointed and would not return.
Obed A
Martinis were so good !!! The lobster dumpling are special, small yet carry a wonderful flavor. Scallops were great and so were the desserts.
… moreLacey
Meh. Everything was just “meh”. While the presentation was excellent, everything else left a lot to be desired. The lemon drop martini wasn’t bad, but the double Buffalo Trace whiskey on the rocks was easily 4 shots. While I’m not one to complain about the extra alcohol, that’s negligent and over-serving for the top tier level of restaurant this is supposed to be. We started off with the crab crakes and calamari. The presentation was great on them, which is reflected in the two stars. The crab cakes themselves were so bland it was disappointing. We ended up using the sweet chilli sauce that came with the calamari to elevate the flavor. The calamari was saltier and less crispy than that of any other calamari I’ve had. As mentioned, it came with the sweet chilli sauce and cocktail sauce which was odd in my opinion but the spice of the cocktail sauce helped cover the saltiness.
Next was the deviled eggs. The menu stated to ask for the special of the week with them so I did. Our waitress stated it was a pear and whiskey deviled egg. When our waitress brought out the eggs, she stated they changed the eggs on her, and they actually made a Mexican street corn deviled egg. Cool, not what I ordered at all, but I guess we’re here now. Would’ve been nice had she double-checked with me first before assuming I wanted them or at least not charging us.
The sushi/nigiri order was slightly changed from the menu as the Dynamite roll was requested to be made without the wasabi paste that was included on most rolls. All the presentations on the rolls were good. Not the greatest I’ve seen but at least it made for pretty pictures. The crunchy shrimp roll was the best but if I had the choice of having that again compared to other sushi places in town, Pao would not be what I’d pick. The other rolls were all warm, not cold, chilled or cool like other sushi I’ve had. Seems like they may have been sitting somewhere or accidentally placed under a heat lamp. I made the comment I wanted to take most not my roll home and refrigerate it and see if it tasted better once it wasn’t slightly warmed. I was also surprised by the disposable wooden chopsticks. I had expected nicer non-disposable chopsticks given the vibe of the restaurant reflects that of any fancier and more expensive option than some other sushi restaurants locally.
Our waitress asked if we were interested in dessert but after the multiple disappointing dishes we decided that we would rather go get dessert somewhere else that we knew would be full of flavor so I’m unable to speak on the dessert at all.
The ladies’ bathroom seemed to match that of a less expensive restaurant. The half stall doors seemed like something I’d see in a bar bathroom.
Overall, the experience was disappointing, and I highly doubt we’ll ever be back.
… moreNext was the deviled eggs. The menu stated to ask for the special of the week with them so I did. Our waitress stated it was a pear and whiskey deviled egg. When our waitress brought out the eggs, she stated they changed the eggs on her, and they actually made a Mexican street corn deviled egg. Cool, not what I ordered at all, but I guess we’re here now. Would’ve been nice had she double-checked with me first before assuming I wanted them or at least not charging us.
The sushi/nigiri order was slightly changed from the menu as the Dynamite roll was requested to be made without the wasabi paste that was included on most rolls. All the presentations on the rolls were good. Not the greatest I’ve seen but at least it made for pretty pictures. The crunchy shrimp roll was the best but if I had the choice of having that again compared to other sushi places in town, Pao would not be what I’d pick. The other rolls were all warm, not cold, chilled or cool like other sushi I’ve had. Seems like they may have been sitting somewhere or accidentally placed under a heat lamp. I made the comment I wanted to take most not my roll home and refrigerate it and see if it tasted better once it wasn’t slightly warmed. I was also surprised by the disposable wooden chopsticks. I had expected nicer non-disposable chopsticks given the vibe of the restaurant reflects that of any fancier and more expensive option than some other sushi restaurants locally.
Our waitress asked if we were interested in dessert but after the multiple disappointing dishes we decided that we would rather go get dessert somewhere else that we knew would be full of flavor so I’m unable to speak on the dessert at all.
The ladies’ bathroom seemed to match that of a less expensive restaurant. The half stall doors seemed like something I’d see in a bar bathroom.
Overall, the experience was disappointing, and I highly doubt we’ll ever be back.
Sarayah Horton
Food was delicious and my waitress was great. Just had one issue I booked reservations for my birthday and was not told about a cake fee until the end of my dinner and after we ate the cake. Felt like that should’ve been told when I booked the private room. Besides that love the place and food.
… moreLindsey Trutter
Overall 3/5. Server was great. Appetizers were hit or miss, egg rolls were delicious while deviled eggs and shrimp cocktail were okay. Salads were the best, 5/5. They did not have sushi which was not told to us making the reservation, at hostess stand, or even before we ordered our drinks which was disappointing. The rice dishes were on par with Panda Express but 2-3x the price. I’d maybe come back for drinks /appetizers or to give the sushi a try but would not order off the entree menu again.
… moreTonya Lash
Food is always amazing! We had the steak egrolls, which were delicious! The chef specialty Chilean Seabass was outstanding. And the Rotisserie chicken never disappoints. We also had some very good drinks. I highly recommend the raspberry chocolate martini. And our server was top-notch. He kept our drinks filled and was on top of everything! The ambiance is always on point. Definitely need to try if you haven’t. Or go back again!
… moreStephanie Endsley
Food is Excelent! Cocktails aren’t quite as impressive… We basically tried Everything!
… moreChad Carroll
In 1 word ~ Divine! It’s located in a picturesque strip mall. Beautifully adorned with exquisite floral arrangements scattered throughout, some bigger than a grown man . The customer base, an eclectic group age’s ranging from 20s to 60s, gave a hip vibe The colors and decor make a bold statement. That combined with the staff’s clothing give a bit of a sexy vibe. It was pleasing to see that the staff knew as well as liked the clientele. Many times I saw several staff members approaching various tables that wasn’t theirs, simply to make small talk with the ones sitting. Drink’s and food were impeccable! Sitting on the outdoor patio on a lovely evening. In a great environment. While having some of the freshest and tastiest sushi ever! Gave ME, great satisfying vibes, the rest of the night. Without doubt Pao it is a place that I will go back to time and again. And I suggest that if you are debating on going or not, you should go you’ll be glad you did! You can look up their menu online, there’s more to eat than sushi . They offer enough that no matter who you go with and their taste, everyone will be happy.
… moreBo Scroggins
We enjoyed our New Years Eve at PAO.
Just a bit disappointed with very little seasoning on Lobster. Was very sweet though. Would like to see butter wells.
… moreJust a bit disappointed with very little seasoning on Lobster. Was very sweet though. Would like to see butter wells.