Zao Asian Cafe — Restaurant in Riverton

Zao’s Asian Café – Riverton, Mountain View Village: A Disappointing Experience

We recently stopped by Zao’s Asian Café at Mountain View Village in Riverton, hoping for a fresh, flavorful meal—but left feeling thoroughly underwhelmed and frankly, ripped off.

We ordered two bowls: one with rice, pork, and various toppings; the other with noodles, chicken, and toppings. At a glance, the presentation was clean and minimal, but that’s about where the positives ended. Sorry no photos. It wasn’t worth it.

The chicken was dry and tough, noticeably overcooked, and unpleasant to eat. The pork, while slightly more flavorful, came in a portion so small it bordered on insulting. For meals priced around $12–$13 each, with a drink added to the order, we ended up spending close to $30—and walked away hungry and disappointed.

This place feels like it’s cutting corners, especially on portion sizes, without cutting prices. The value just isn’t there. For the cost, there are plenty of better options in the area—many of them just steps away in the same shopping center.

Bottom line: Buyer beware. We won’t be returning, and we suggest you skip Zao’s and spend your money somewhere that offers food...

Absolutely love this place! Food is always fresh! The kids at the counter are always pleasant. I eat here at the end of the day when everyone else is closing I know I can count on zao’s. What I’d like to know is exactly how much chicken are we supposed to receive in a bowl? I often see the kids holding back when serving chicken. If I was to put the chicken together it’s probably half a chicken breast. I always ask for extra chicken but I wait before I ask for it because it seems they’ve been taught to give a little so you can upcharge us for double chicken. That bothers me a lot. I’m a grown man and you are serving me a kids portion. Anyway I always end up paying 20 dollars for my plate after the double chicken charge, the soba charge and the extra for the guacamole and than you ask for a tip. I really don’t mind but the least you can do is serve the...

This is the worst Zao location I've been to. I've ordered pickup twice from this location. And neither time has my order been even remotely correct. Both times I ordered brown rice for my base. One time they gave me white rice and one time they gave me noodles. This last time I asked for chili lemongrass sauce and they have me the super sauce. Both times they added lettuce into my bowl even though I didn't ask for it. This last time I asked for cucumber and no corn and instead got corn and no cucumber. The food is great. Just don't order pickup from here. Update: Since this post I have eaten-in a few times. It seems like they've hired some new people and they are super friendly and very kind. Every time I've eaten in it has been a really great experience. So if you eat here, I'd eat in or go in and do a take out order. The food...