Yao Chinese Restaurant

2487 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295, United States
+1 480-899-0308
$$$ Chinese restaurant , Restaurant
(553 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Yao Chinese Restaurant offers a straightforward, no-frills dining experience in the heart of Gilbert’s bustling S Gilbert Rd corridor. This full-service Chinese restaurant fits comfortably into a well-used shopping center spot, catering to both locals dropping by for lunch breaks and families grabbing dinner after a busy day. The atmosphere is clean and unpretentious, with friendly staff who know the menu well and are happy to answer questions, making it easy for first-timers to navigate their way through classic choices.

Regulars appreciate Yao for delivering reliably tasty portions of familiar Chinese-American dishes, such as spicy honey chicken, egg rolls, crab puffs, and house special fried rice. It’s clear the focus here is on hearty, fresh food that satisfies rather than stylized dining. Fried rice with pineapple and cashews and salt and pepper pork chops bring a bit of variety, while dishes like beef chow fun and shrimp egg fu young speak to a broader palate beyond the typical takeout options. The addition of beer on the menu is a nice touch for diners looking to pair their meals with a cold drink.

The restaurant’s layout and service model work well for dine-in, takeout, or pickup, though there is no drive-through. Locals who walk up or call ahead appreciate the staff’s ability to provide wait time estimates, which helps when grabbing a quick meal on a tight schedule. The space itself has a modest, everyday vibe—bright, clean, and efficient—making it welcoming without fuss.

Ideal visitors are those seeking convenient, satisfying Chinese food in a relaxed setting. It’s well-suited for families, office workers, and anyone who enjoys straightforward, well-executed comfort food without pretense. Lunchtimes and early evenings on weekdays are likely the best windows for a more peaceful meal before the dinner rush, offering a chance to enjoy prompt service and consistent dishes.

Highlights
Has fast service
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

553 Reviews
Luis P.

08 Jan 2026

Was recommended by a friend, so tried it out for the first time. The place was clean and had a friendly staff. The server got our order correct. She was knowledgeable about the dishes. I started out with the hot and sour soup. It did have a good flavor and it was nice and hot. For my main dish, I had pork chow mein with fried rice. The chow mein had a good flavor and well portioned but the rice was bland with no flavor. My wife had Kung Pao chicken. That was also very tasteful and hot. Her rice was the same. The dishes came with a crab puff, and a spring roll. The crab puff too much cream cheese. The spring roll was really good. The prices are fair for the location will come back for seconds.

AZ Kimba

03 Jan 2026

YAO Chinese Cuisine has been in this shopping center for many years. Open from 11am-9pm daily. (Holidays might differ) You can dine-in, order to go, or call-in to pick-up take-out. There is no drive-through, but they will give you an estimate on how long you will wait if you walk-in to order to-go or call in an order. They serve many favorites like Sweet and Sour Pork, Orange Chicken, and Broccoli Beef. We stopped in for lunch during our last visit and were quickly greeted and seated. The lunch menu prices were from 11am-3pm. We chose a booth, but there are also tables with chairs available. Our food came out hot and delicious! The lunch specials come with the entree, fried rice, a spring roll, and a crab puff. Very generous lunch portions. This locally owned small business is in Gilbert, AZ in the shopping center off of Gilbert Road and Chandler Blvd. It is just south of the KFC, in the strip mall.

shan jensen

27 Dec 2025

This place is a hidden gem. The food is always spectacular and the portions generous. The service is always amazing and kind. It’s the only Chinese restaurant I feel like you could ask for “extra mushrooms” and they would gladly accommodate. The food is so good. Do yourself a favor and drop in.

Toni pompili

27 Dec 2025

We had the most delicious Kung Pao shrimp, most delicious won ton soup, most delicious fried rice, and the egg rolls were outstanding. Service is impeccable. This restaurant is clean. I love being here I love coming here everyone should try this restaurant. I emphasize the fact that this food is fresh and juicy and delicious. And we love ling and Stephanie.

Jason Harris

13 Nov 2025

Loved the walnut shrimp Definitely would recommend this place for satisfying your cravings for Chinese food. We ordered take-out, but next time would like to dine in.

D P

11 Nov 2025

This place is tits! Super friendly and fast service. We had the moo goo gai pan and sweet and sour pork lunch specials. The food came out so hot! Like melt your soul hot!!! Lunch special came with delicious egg drop soup, egg roll, and a rangoon, meat and rice. Everything was hot fresh and flavorful and in a nice size portion! We paid about $33 for the two of us, totally worth it, we will be back. ***Try the HOT green tea!

Mercedes R.

06 Nov 2025

Absolutely delicious! The portions are great, and so is the cost. I am sensitive, and most Chinese food makes my joints ache the next day. However, I was just fine after eating the chow mein and crab puffs. We will definitely be back again.

Marg V

07 Oct 2025

This is the best Chinese food my husband and I have ever had . We normally order from Mandarin house but wanted to try something new. They did not disappoint! Definitely recommend.

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