Pao - Springfield

Japanese, Sushi, Seafood

Pao

Pao
3.6 / 5 (154 reviews)

Description

Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall, Pao offers a culinary experience marked by flavorful, well-prepared dishes such as grilled scallops, Cajun pasta, and creative starters like fig and goat cheese sliders. The attentive staff and thoughtfully crafted menu receive frequent praise, though the ambiance can be dim and noisy, impacting conversation. While the food is consistently excellent, prices lean toward the higher side. Some patrons have noted minor issues with cleanliness due to flies and the difficulty in locating the venue. Despite this, Pao remains a favored spot for those seeking quality dining and memorable service.

Last update: 17.01.2026 from: Perpetual

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★ 3.6 / 5 from 154 reviews
perpetual-hyperbole
12.08.2024

Girlfriend and I stumbled across Pao’s trying to find somewhere new for date night. Kinda hard to find, it’s nestled in a strip mall next to Sam’s club, not where you’d expect. Place was pretty dark, and a little on the noisy side, but it was pretty busy so that’s not really their fault. Food was pricey but good, and it took a while to get, but again, busy place. Waitress was apologetic and polite. My girlfriend had a nice time, not sure I’d go back though.

amber-mcclelland
12.08.2024

Absolutely fantastic food! We had the deviled eggs to start. Husband had the steak with twin Lobster tails and I had the Cajun pasta with seared shrimp. We ended the night with the Cheesecake. It can be expensive, however it was worth it! Our waiter was great as well. We will definitely be going back soon!

trish-mista
12.08.2024

The restaurant is decent, and while the food was satisfactory, I found it to be a bit overpriced for what we received. My main concern was the issue with flies; a few kept bothering me and my husband throughout our meal, and at one point, one even landed on my food, which really detracted from the experience. It seems they may be coming in through the patio door as people come and go. It feels a bit pointless to have indoor dining if flies are a constant presence. On a positive note, our server was excellent, and the drinks were well-made, so I appreciate that aspect. Overall, I would rate it with a few stars for those reasons.

a-regular-dude
12.08.2024

From scratch kitchen, best in town. Hard to find a place this complete. Recommend highly!!!

don-wohlers
12.08.2024

Our group had a wonderful time at Pao on Friday night. Our waitress, Bailey, was very attentive and a pleasure to interact with. Kudos to the management and kitchen staff for their excellent menu choices. On a personal note, I highly recommend trying the new sea bass addition, as it’s bursting with flavor.

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