PAO Detroit - Modern Dining

Review summary

1. D

   Dominic

   Detroit

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I am a chef with a 30 year career in the industry and have worked in some of the finest restaurants and hotels around the world. PAO is an amazing addition to downtown Detroit. Lounge club vibe with a DJ on the Saturday night we were there with tons of people celebrating special occasions and birthdays. The food was very good Asian inspired dishes and the presentations were really thought out. Value was amazing. We loved their 3 course tasting menu at $45 and tried several other things. The service couldn't have been better and is hard to find in many other establishments. Again this is such a gem for Detroit and it's fast growing restaurant scene. We will definitely be back. Thank you !!
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded 2 days ago

   That’s high praise coming from a seasoned chef! Sounds like PAO left a strong impression with its food, service, and atmosphere. Detroit’s dining scene is definitely on the rise, and it’s great to hear PAO is making a mark. We can’t wait to see you again soon!
   

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2. J

   Julio

   Edinburgh

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was a great experience. The food was delicious and the service was superb! We went on a saturday night and reservations are a must, but there seemed to be a few open seats at the bar if you just wanted to come in for drinks at the bar without a reservation. We will definitwly be coming back.
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded 2 days ago

   Thanks for sharing your experience—glad you enjoyed the food and service. Hope to see you back soon!
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Las Vegas

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The moment you walk in you are greeted with a smile, the atmosphere is very warm and exciting you see the murals, beautiful fixtures and the bar. it creates a VIP ambiance. Our server Alana was awesome, very attentive and knowledgeable. The Pao Pao shrimp appetizer she recommended was excellent. The Seabass and Salmon were also excellent in taste and in exquisite presentation, we finished off with bananas foster bread pudding for desert and it was fantastic. The craft cocktails were very creative and highly recommended. For us it was a special occasion dinner and the staff went above and beyond making us feel so welcomed and unexpectedly celebrated us. Simply a wonderful experience from start to finish. Highly recommended and not only for a special occasion but for sure an excellent choice for any occasion. We will be back. Thank you!
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded on February 18, 2025

   We're thrilled that from the moment you walked in, you felt welcomed and immersed in the atmosphere. It’s wonderful to know that Alana provided such attentive and knowledgeable service, and that you enjoyed her recommendations. Most of all, we’re honored that our team made your special occasion even more memorable. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another fantastic evening.
   

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4. A

   Ali

   Detroit

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was beyond disappointing. The service was terrible—the server was clearly trying to rush us out and had a passive-aggressive attitude the entire time. It felt like we were inconveniencing her just by being there. As for the food, it was incredibly underwhelming. I ordered the surf and turf, expecting a decent portion for $75, but it was barely anything—hardly any lobster, and the steak was small and unremarkable. For that price, I expected something far better. Overall, it was a complete letdown, and I wouldn’t recommend this place. Definitely not worth the money.
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded on February 18, 2025

   Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s disappointing to hear that both the service and the meal didn’t meet expectations, especially for a dish meant to be a highlight. That’s not the impression we want guests to leave with. We appreciate your feedback and will take it into account.
   

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5. J

   Jacquelyn

   Chicago

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   I’ve been wanting to eat here for a few years as the food on social media looked amazing. Pros: our server was attentive and we have no complaints. Valet was convenient and affordable given there was a sporting event last night. We sat upstairs, but only after I had to ask the hostess for a different table. I put in my reservation request to sit away from the door and she tried to seat us right at the door. She seemed annoyed when I asked for a different table. The music was quiet and not a club vibe at all. The sticky ribs were good, but a little tough and overcooked. My husband had the General Pao chicken & that was delicious, but definitely had a kick to it. Cons: While the valet was convenient, they could’ve done a better job at clearing the snow and slush, especially since so many women inside were wearing heels. I had the Mongolian mignon and it was nothing like the posted pictures. In pictures I saw chunks of steak w/an appetizing sauce and the menu said there was 5oz of filet. I got maybe 2-3oz of thinly sliced beef in a brown gravy sauce. Some people at the table next to us ordered the same thing and theirs also looked like mine. It wasn’t very good. We also ordered the brownie skillet and it was basically raw inside. The crust was clearly cooked, but the inside was just raw batter. The drinks were also very sweet and sugary (red dragon, snake martini and fig old fashioned).
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded on February 18, 2025

   Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. It’s great to hear that your server took good care of you and that valet was convenient, but it’s disappointing that other parts of your visit didn’t match expectations. We always aim to deliver both quality and consistency, and we’ll keep your feedback in mind.
   

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6. C

   CHRIS

   Chicago

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food- cool place….
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded on February 16, 2025

   Glad you enjoyed it—come back and vibe with us again soon!
   

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7. E

   Erika

   Detroit

   4 reviews

   3.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Great service and drinks, average food and ambiance and a bit overpriced.
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded on February 17, 2025

   Thank you for sharing your feedback! Glad you enjoyed the service and drinks. We strive to provide a premium experience and are always working to improve. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
   

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8. K

   Kelvin

   Cleveland

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   came here during a trip and was blown away by the 10/10 experience. From the food to the music to the waitress. Definitely will be back.
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded on February 16, 2025

   Love to hear that we made your trip even better! A 10/10 guest deserves a 10/10 experience—can’t wait to have you back!
   

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9. C

   Cliff

   Detroit

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great vibes staff very nice and available music on point food was great aesthetics were upscale!
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded on February 16, 2025

   Now that’s the kind of energy we love! Great food, great vibes, and a staff that’s got your back—sounds like the perfect night. See you again soon!
   

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10. W

    Walter

    West Palm Beach

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4

    Was expecting a grand evening and got something very short of it. The seating was very tight and the tables were really small. Wayyy too close for comfort. The appetizers came out cold and quick but the entrees took a long time to come out. The food was average and didn’t wow me. The service was decent but not memorable. We were expecting to be able to enjoy the ambiance of restaurant but it was overshadowed by how dark and crowded it was. All in all the dinner had potential but wasn’t worth what was paid.
    

    PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded on February 18, 2025

    The details matter, and we understand how these elements impact the evening. Your feedback is valuable, and we appreciate the feedback.
    

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