Cafe Yaya

If you're on the hunt for a new café in Lincoln Park, Cafe Yaya is a must-visit. This cozy spot offers house-made pastries, flavorful breakfast dishes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for your next slow morning or coffee catch-up.

To start, I ordered the Mary’s Biscuit Sandwich with whipped feta, sundried tomato, egg, and spinach on a freshly baked house-made biscuit. The biscuit was buttery and soft, and the whipped feta and sundried tomato added an unexpected (and delicious) flavor combo that made this breakfast sandwich feel elevated and unique.

While sitting at the bar overlooking the open pastry kitchen, I spotted trays of fresh pastries being brought out—and I couldn’t resist the strawberry and lemon donut. I don’t typically gravitate toward citrus-based donuts, but this one completely won me over. The fruity brightness of the lemon paired perfectly with the strawberry glaze for a sweet finish to my meal.

From the thoughtful ingredients in the breakfast sandwich to the seasonal, house-made pastries, Cafe Yaya is a welcome addition to the Lincoln Park café scene. I’ll definitely be returning to try the coffee cake that drew me in, but I’m so glad I had the chance to enjoy other parts of the menu too. With fresh, flavorful ingredients and a focus on homemade quality, it’s a standout café I’ll be recommending often.

Cafe Yaya: 2431 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL