Yenzo dazzles in gold, but do the dishes shine?

Yenzo is a name that has been circulating fast among food lovers and Instagram enthusiasts alike. With its golden-hued ambience and bold, flavour-forward menu, the restaurant has quickly built a reputation as one of the capital's go-to spots for both celebratory meals and casual yet elegant dining.

Located on the 5th floor of Concord MK Heritage on Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Yenzo welcomes you with the kind of ambience that instantly puts you at ease. I visited for a meal, accompanied by the sort of sceptical curiosity that any restaurant barely a year into business deserves. 

The interior immediately sets the tone, with warm lighting reflecting off gold-accented decor, plush seating, and a skilfully chosen colour palette that makes you want to take a photo before even glancing at the menu.

"We have been in business for almost a year now. So far, we have been successful in capturing the attention of people and satisfying them with our service. The golden design and atmosphere are our very own unique choice, and it actually suits our theme and products," said Shohag, the person in charge at Yenzo.

Indeed, the setting invites celebration — birthdays, anniversaries, and the occasional influencer shoot. But Yenzo's appeal extends beyond the visuals. It promises flavour, innovation, and a bit of theatre in every dish.

To get a true sense of what the restaurant offers, TBS sampled several dishes from the menu.

Grilled beef kalvi with spicy namtok

The highlight was, without a doubt, the Grilled beef kalvi. A visually striking dish, it arrived well-plated, with the aromas of garlic and spice immediately teasing the senses. The beef was perfectly cooked, not overly charred, not underdone.

Each bite had a rich depth, far from your typical local beef dish. Moist, tender, and flavour-packed, the meat carried a distinct, savoury taste that lingered in the mouth.

The only drawback was the accompanying namtok sauce leaned heavily into the sour zone — a hit or miss depending on your palate. If you are not keen on sharp, acidic dips, you are better off enjoying the beef on its own. But either way, this dish made a bold impression and justified its price tag.

Price: Tk 940

Butter garlic prawn

Butter garlic prawn was a redeeming moment. This dish was an elegant balance of butter, garlic, and seafood. Each prawn was moist and juicy, carrying the richness of butter without being greasy.

There was a subtle complexity in the garlic notes, giving the dish character. With its aroma and taste working in harmony, this one was both comforting and memorable. For seafood lovers, it is a must-try.

Price: Tk520

Yenzo special chicken with somtum

Unfortunately, the so-called Yenzo special chicken did not live up to its name. While the outer crust was crisp and promising, the inside told a different story. There was a faint undercooked texture and even a mild raw scent that disrupted the overall experience. It was not inedible, but certainly needed a few more minutes on the heat to meet expectations.

The somtum, a Thai-style green papaya salad, was paired with a sauce that again leaned overly sour, with a vinegar kick that overwhelmed the palate. The chicken was not terrible, but for something branded as a house special, it was underwhelming and overpriced.

Price: Tk 740

Coconut ice cream with tapioca pearls

Creamy, mildly sweet, and refreshingly light, the ice cream hit that rare balance of indulgence without being overwhelming. The tapioca pearls added both texture and colour, enhancing the dish visually and texturally.

This dessert not only lived up to its "bestseller" label but also brought the meal to a cheerful close. The coconut flavour was natural and pleasant, and the temperature was just right — cold enough to be refreshing, but not brain-freezing. A rare case where presentation, taste, and portion align perfectly. A must-try for food lovers.

Price: Tk 350

Pinacolada

Among drinks, the Pinacolada stood out with its thoughtful blend of pineapple, orange, and just a hint of mint. Lightly sweet, it avoided the trap of being syrupy. The sweet and sour balance gave a refreshing lift between courses. Served beautifully, it was the kind of drink that made you pause and appreciate.

Price: Tk 350

Service and ambience

One thing that has to be mentioned is their efficiency and cleanliness. Service was prompt without feeling rushed, and the staff maintained a respectful distance while being attentive. The restaurant's upkeep was spotless, from the tables to the washrooms.

But it is the ambience that truly cements the appeal. The warm golden hues, thoughtful design, and city-view backdrop make it a popular pick for people looking to celebrate something special. As Shohag noted, the place was built with this vision in mind, and it shows. Whether you are visiting to eat or just soak in the vibe, the space delivers.

Yenzo is not perfect — the chicken dish certainly detracted from the overall impression, and the tendency to overuse sour elements in sauces might not be to everyone's taste.

However, it is also clear that thought and ambition are behind every choice made here. From the standout grilled beef and coconut dessert to the butter garlic prawn, the kitchen shows promise.

The pricing hovers on the higher side, but considering the service, setting, and some of the dishes, it is not unreasonable. If you are a fan of fusion with a twist and care about presentation as much as taste, Yenzo is worth a visit, with a bit of caution when choosing your mains.

Verdict: Worth visiting — but pick your dishes wisely.