This modern Asian resaurant is a perfect spot for a date night or special occasion.

Yeobo, Darling in Menlo Park opened last June showcasing refined Korean and Taiwanese inspired dishes through a modern lens. Since reservations are notoriously difficult to snag and the location is a bit far for us, it wasn’t initially high on my radar. That changed when I found out that Tommaso’s former coworker works there and was able to secure us a weekday reservation. The monochromatic space is sleek and contemporary but still manages to feel warm and inviting rather than sterile.

They kindly started us off with a nonalcoholic beverage for me and a glass of sparkling wine for Tommaso which immediately set a welcoming tone for the night.

We began with a few small bites which are technically intended for one person each. We ordered one of each of the next two dishes and thankfully the kitchen sent out two portions of each so we could both try everything.

I’m always a sucker for beef tartare and this was a standout. The meat was rich and unctuous, balanced by a crisp tart shell and lightly seasoned with smoked soy which added depth without overpowering the beef.

A creamy chicken liver mousse paired with sweet pineapple all encased in a crisp wafer like vessel. The sweetness of the pineapple cut through the richness nicely.

An unassuming dish that ended up being one of my favorites of the night. Honeynut squash (a mini butternut squash variety) formed the base, transformed into a silky custard that reminded me of chawanmushi. Hearts of palm and smoked trout roe added texture and salinity making each bite feel balanced.

This is one of their signature dishes so we had to order it. The scallion croissant bread was beautifully crisp on the outside with warm flaky layers inside. The rou song aka meat floss (a dried meat product with a light cotton like texture) was on top of the butter which was a playful yet distinctly Asian touch that worked really well.

Another personal favorite. Chilled Korean somyum noodles sat beneath an airy pine nut emulsion. After mixing everything together, we were instructed to finish the dish with toasted seaweed.

The noodles retained a nice chew and bounce and the perilla flavor was subtle but clearly present. Refreshing and delicate.

It’s hard to say no to fried chicken wings. These arrived piping hot and were served alongside shishito peppers and pickled daikon. Crispy, juicy, and deeply satisfying.

I liked the idea of using koshihikari Japanese rice instead of traditional Italian rice for this risotto and it was cooked well. Creamy overall but we would have preferred the grains to be slightly more al dente (definitely a personal preference). The smoked duck was finely shredded throughout but I found myself wishing for larger pieces to better showcase its flavor.

Another gift from the kitchen and a dish they’re currently developing. The ragù successfully captured the savory aromatic flavors of Taiwanese beef noodle soup. The gnocchi were extremely pillowy, something I enjoyed though Tommaso prefers his gnocchi with a bit more bite.

I was excited for this dish since I don’t often see skate on menus and generally enjoy its delicate sweetness. Unfortunately this one felt a bit one note. Nothing was inherently wrong but the flavors didn’t evolve much as we ate.

Their signature large dish is their wagyu kalbi which looked incredible as several tables around us ordered it but the price tag was a bit too high for one dish.

A very solid carrot cake with moist layers and tangy cream cheese frosting. Comforting, familiar, and well executed.

I loved the milk soft cream paired with earthy black sesame caramel and an addictively crunchy nut brittle. Be warned: the portion is huge, we couldn’t finish it all.

Yeobo, Darling delivers a thoughtfully curated dining experience that blends Korean and Taiwanese flavors with modern technique and presentation. While not every dish was a home run, the highlights were memorable and creative enough to make the meal feel special. Between the refined atmosphere, attentive service, and an intriguing menu, it’s an excellent choice for a date night or celebration so my rating is an 8/10.