PAO Detroit - Modern Dining

Review summary

1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Detroit1 review

   4.0

   Dined 2 days ago

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

   We celebrated a 40th birthday with dinner at PAO. The staff was super friendly and did a great job with celebrating the birthday girl even though The staff did seem spread thin at moments. The food was okay. The lamb chops was the best dish ordered. Would go back for dessert and drinks for a birthday but not for dinner.
   

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Detroit1 review

   1.0

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   Terrible service. I showed up on time for reservation, they couldn’t seat me until all people arrived for the reservation, who were late, but we were willing to leave at the set time (90min), and I put my card down and was willing to pay for no shows. They offered me and my pregnant girlfriend drinks by the front door, which was constantly opening and closing making us cold and uncomfortable. How much was I surprised when they finally seated us and our table was literally 1 step away from the reception desk facing the front door; it was staying idle I’ll the time, but still they couldn’t seat us. Awful management, never seen this before.
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Detroit2 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 2 March 2025

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

   Over priced rice. Not authentic or even close. Dry chicken. Atmosphere is cool. Club style music. Food and drink needs work.
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded 6 days ago

   Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the atmosphere but regret that the food didn’t meet your expectations. Your input is appreciated, and we’ll take it into consideration as we continue to improve.
   

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4. S

   Suzanne VIP

   Detroit45 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 28 February 2025

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

   Great service from Giovanna and great tasting food!
   

   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded on 3 March 2025

   Thanks for the awesome shoutout to Giovanna! We're so glad you enjoyed the food and service. Hope to see you again soon!
   

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5. SH

   SerenaH

   Washington DC2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 28 February 2025

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

   I had a wonderful dining experience with my friends. The food and service was fantastic. I will be back!
   

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   PAO Detroit - Modern DiningResponded on 28 February 2025

   Nothing beats a great meal with friends! We're so happy you had a fantastic experience and can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable visit!
   

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6. D

   Dominic

   Detroit1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 23 February 2025

   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 on 24 February 2025

   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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7. J

   Julio

   Edinburgh1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 22 February 2025

   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 on 24 February 2025

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

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Las Vegas1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 16 February 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 18 February 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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9. A

   Ali

   Detroit1 review

   1.0

   Dined on 16 February 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 18 February 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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10. J

    Jacquelyn

    Chicago5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 16 February 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 18 February 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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