Cafe Yaya

Café Yaya in Chicago, designed by Siren Betty Design, is a sophisticated yet approachable all-day destination. Inspired by the cafés of Tel Aviv and Paris, it blends exposed brick, encaustic tile, and warm wood tones to create a textural, timeless atmosphere that transitions beautifully from day to night.

Nestled in Lincoln Park, beside Michelin-starred Galit, Café Yaya offers an elegant yet relaxed setting where coffee, pastries, and wine are equally important. The design layers natural and refined materials to create warmth, balance, and rhythm. Exposed brick preserves the building’s character, while encaustic tiles add pattern and personality. The central bar anchors the space, flanked by a pastry counter that announces the café’s dual purpose. Natural wood elements bring a grounded quality to the softer finishes, and sunlight reveals their subtle texture throughout the day. Seating arrangements encourage both quick visits and lingering moments, reflecting Siren Betty Design’s talent for crafting spaces that feel simultaneously vibrant, approachable, and designed for connection.

Photos by Wade Hall

Café Yaya’s bar by Siren Betty Design: long wood counter, leather stools, exposed brick, and vintage mural.
Bar at Café Yaya by Siren Betty Design features backlit shelves, an arched tile backsplash, and a curated liquor display.
Café Yaya dining nook by Siren Betty Design with natural light, patterned drapery, framed artwork, and wood furniture.
Café Yaya corner seating by Siren Betty Design, exposed brick, built-in shelving, decorative pottery
Café Yaya bar by Siren Betty Design-patterned tile backsplash, arched mirror, globe pendant lights, wood bar stools.
Café Yaya restaurant dining room by Siren Betty Design- exposed brick, industrial pendant lights, and a large arched window.
Detail of exposed brick wall with faded vintage mural inside Café Yaya, by Siren Betty Design.
Custom mosaic tile signage for Café Yaya by Siren Betty Design, green and gold hand-crafted tile work.
Café Yaya dining room with long banquette seating, exposed brick wall, floor-to-ceiling windows by Siren Betty Design.
Row of wood café tables and banquette seating inside Café Yaya with exposed brick and soft natural light by Siren Betty Design.
Café Yaya dining nook with exposed brick walls, striped accent wall, and black spindle chairs by Siren Betty Design.
Restaurant dining area at Café Yaya with wood chairs, banquette seating, and tall sheer curtains by Siren Betty Design.
Close-up of vintage-style mural artwork on exposed brick wall at Café Yaya, by Siren Betty Design.
Café Yaya bar seating with leather stools, custom wood bar counter, and tile backsplash by Siren Betty Design.
Small dining table with two black spindle chairs and an exposed brick wall at Café Yaya by Siren Betty Design.
Banquette seating and exposed brick mural wall design at Café Yaya interior by Siren Betty Design.
Exterior of Café Yaya restaurant featuring custom mosaic tile signage by Siren Betty Design.
Café Yaya dining area with exposed brick and industrial pendant lighting, by Siren Betty Design.
Custom tiled bar backsplash with wine bottles and shelving detail at Café Yaya by Siren Betty Design.
Cozy dining space at Café Yaya with exposed brick, framed artwork, and warm natural light by Siren Betty Design.
Custom bar at Café Yaya by Siren Betty Design- patterned tile backsplash, arched mirror, wood bar stools, and curated liquor display.
Café Yaya bathroom by Siren Betty Design- patterned mosaic tile walls, vintage pendant lighting, and a classic porcelain sink.
Hand-painted artwork of a woman with a goat on the interior wall at Café Yaya, by Siren Betty Design.
Restaurant dining room at Café Yaya with exposed brick, industrial pendant lights, and arched windows by Siren Betty Design.
Café Yaya dining space with arched windows, patterned drapery, exposed brick, and warm wood furnishings by Siren Betty Design.

Cafe Yaya

2431 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago IL

cafeyaya.com

@cafeyaya_chi

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