Small Business Spotlight: Cafe Yoto
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 7:29AMArticle by Becky Fillinger, photos provided
Chef Yo Hasegawa making noodlesMake your way to Cafe Yoto at 548 N Washington Avenue, Suite 105 in the North Loop for udon noodles made fresh daily, sushi hand rolls and a customer experience that is hard to top!
We talked to Chef Yo Hasegawa about the concepts of Kokoro and Omotenashe, which he is bringing to the North Loop in abundance. The menu is extensive and the food is comforting – let’s go!
Q: What’s the story behind Cafe Yoto - how would you describe its vibe and mission?
A: I have worked many years in Japanese restaurants around town and at Kado no Mise. I wanted to open my own restaurant honoring my Japanese heritage while making it accessible in a fast casual setting. At Cafe Yoto, we do everything with Kokoro (with heart, with spirit). This is how we approach menu development, and with the preparation of every dish and our service.
Q: What sets Cafe Yoto apart from other spots in the North Loop?
A: First, let me say that every place in the North Loop is great! We make our own udon noodles fresh daily, we use premium Hokkaido rice, and we make temaki (sushi hand rolls) and many other Japanese dishes that are quick for dine in or takeout. Check out our menu here.
Above, Niku Udon, and below, Kado Don
Q: The menu feels fresh and intentional - how do you and the team develop it?
A: Thank you! I make food that I grew up eating in my childhood and now make for my own family. I make food from memories I have from visiting Japan. I want to honor Japanese cuisine and make it available and accessible. We like to make food items that bring nostalgia to someone from Japan, someone who may have visited Japan or someone who may want to visit in the future.
Q: As GM, how do you shape the culture at Cafe Yoto? What do you look for when building your team?
A: In building our team we looked for people that work with Kokoro. It is important to us that we all care about the guest experience. One of our core values is a Japanese concept called omotenashe (ohmo-te-nashe). It translates to wholehearted hospitality and selfless service. We sincerely and graciously create a space of thoughtfulness and attention to detail, and we anticipate the needs of guests.
Q: Tell us more about omotenashe. How do you approach creating a great customer experience?
A: We allow each guest to get the experience they want and create space where it feels ok to ask questions. Some menu items may be unfamiliar to some people. We are available to answer any questions about the menu, ingredients, allergies, and preparation.
Q: How does Cafe Yoto fit into the fabric of the North Loop? What’s your favorite part about working in this neighborhood?
A: I feel that Cafe Yoto is a wonderful new neighborhood lunch addition, afternoon cafe hangout spot, or a place to have a bite to eat with family or friends before an event or show. The best part about Cafe Yoto is there are no real rules about How to Yoto. You can come in for dine in or takeout and we will make it for you quickly and with care.
Eel Temaki
Q: What’s your go-to order on the menu?
A: It's so hard to choose, but the items I order the most are the Spicy Tuna Donburi and the Ebi Shiso.
Q: How may we stay up to date with Cafe Yoto news?
A: Please follow us on Instagram or come on in!
