Great service, great food!! Very good food you should come…read more I like the Pho and the beef skillet!

Great food, very good and authentic flavors. The menu can be a little long and intimidating but…read morethere are a lot of viet classics in it.

Was craving bun cha Han Noi and googled some places and this showed up!…read more The service is great, welcoming. The restaurant itself is nice, modern, cozy feel. My sister and I ordered Bun Cha Ha Noi (vermicelli with pork patties and grilled pork) and Bun Nem Cua Be (vermicelli with pork&crab eggrolls). Both dishes were delicious! The eggroll wrapper is rice paper, I think. It adds nice texture I haven't had before. Will be back to try the sizzling grilled fish that the table next to us ordered!

Very good food! So many different food options. Authentic…read moreHanoi flavor! And good service!

I love a good Vietnamese place that not only gives you good portions but also great deals. They…read morecaught my eye a while ago and I saw they had the infamous Waterfall Chicken for only $10.99, a steal of a deal especially with tomato price & an egg. The chicken was crispy and the dipping sauce gave it that extra yummy goodness. The dish also came with a side of broth that had chicken bits in it, was nice to help digest your dish. I also loved that they gave you pickled veggies & fresh veggies. We also ordered the Loi's Fusion Saltado, upgraded the rice to garlic egg fried rice. The beef was soft and tender, the fries were nice and crispy and the fried rice was fresh. You 100% need to get the Thai Tea. A lot of place add too much cream/half and half diluting the tea flavor, they do not skimp on the actual tea in their drink. The color speaks for itself on the dark orange hue!

Welcome to Day 2 of OC Food Journals, where I try a new place every day so you don't have to…read more Today's stop was Loi's Kitchen, and honestly, this review is a little overdue. I'm a bit late getting around to writing this, and unfortunately, they are already closed, but I still felt like I had to share my experience. I'm not completely surprised that they closed, especially after trying their bò né. I've had this dish many times at different places around Orange County, and unfortunately, this was probably the weakest version I've come across. The first thing that stood out was the presentation. As you can see in the picture, there was this purple-colored sauce on the meat itself, which honestly did not look very appetizing. To make things worse, the sauce was cold and did not heat in time with the skillet, which really took away from the experience. The flavor itself wasn't terrible, but it also wasn't anything memorable. It was just okay, and when you factor in the cold food and the presentation, it made the whole dish disappointing. With so many places around Orange County serving bò né at a much higher level, I would probably recommend spending your money elsewhere. If you were wondering whether you missed out on some hidden gem, don't worry, you didn't. This one felt more like a piece of coal than a diamond. That being said, every restaurant has its journey, and with more time, maybe they could have found their footing. Hopefully, they can take this experience as a lesson, refine their recipes, and bring something better in their next venture. I am rooting for you Loi!

There's a reason why Oc & Lau has two locations! Solid spot for family style Vietnamese dining…read more Parking is in a big plaza shared with many other businesses, but we've never had too much trouble finding a spot. Service was good for how busy they are! What we got: - Crab fried rice - delicious and so buttery - Steamed clams - not my choice but it was a good choice for others in our party - House special lobster - a must, especially if celebrating - Seafood platter for Thai hotpot w/ vermicelli noodles - my family always likes a good Thai hotpot - Mung bean pudding dessert - not too sweet, and I believe this is complimentary Everything tasted really good, 10/10 no notes. The menu is HUGE and I'd want to come here again with a big group just to order different plates.

We had initially passed Oc & Lau Restaurant a few months back when we were getting dessert nearby…read more We were definitely intrigued by the amount of people waiting outside and could see through the window all the food on the table. After a quick look at the menu, we knew this was someplace we would enjoy. We were in town on a Sunday evening and knew we wanted to check it out. With the two locations, we got on the Yelp waitlist knowing they were both nearby each other. (Our mistake was not getting on the waitlist earlier, so we did have a wait a good while.). We had perused other Yelper reviews and had a list in mind of what we wanted. Definitely take the time to look at the menu beforehand because it is long and extensive. Right off the bat, out of razor clams! Bummer. Nonetheless, we still got a bunch of things. * Grilled King Scallop with Fish Eggs $27 - Nicely cooked. 4/5 * Grilled Escargot with Garlic Butter & Peppercorn $16 - Yum! 5/5 * Mango Squid Salad $14 - This was noted in so many reviews, and it did not disappoint. We ended up getting a second order! 5/5 * Crabs & Shrimp Fried Rice $17 - I was not a fan. It was just fried rice, nothing special. It lacked seasoning and definitely needed the accompanying sauce. 3/5 * Deep Fried Smelt Fish $15 - Another winner! I haven't seen smelt fish this large before and it was so good, we got a second order. 5/5 * Coconut Swirly Escargot with Basil Leaves $14 - This came in a pot with such a delicious sauce. I would have loved some noodles or something to eat all that sauce up with. 5/5 * Spicy Seasoned Grilled Shrimp $17 - This shrimp were a good size and did not disappoint. 4/5 * Escargot with Tamarind $15 - Our least favorite of the escargots we ordered. It wasn't bad, just okay. 3/5 * Complimentary dessert - I have no idea what was in this che beyond coconut cream and rice, but it was pretty good. I probably would have ordered it. Service was okay. Because they are so busy, they definitely do try to rush you out. We were still eating and someone came and brought dessert to our table. Mind you, we were literally still putting food in our mouths and I looked at the waitress perplexed. We told her we were still eating and going to order more, so she took the dessert away. There's definitely this anxiousness about the staff to turn over the tables, which I get with the long lines. But I think they could have addressed it a bit differently by simply asking instead of assuming.

First of all the service was above and beyond. Our waiters and servers were very polite and…read morerespectful. We came for a birthday celebration for my wife. We came in semi-formal attire. The atmosphere was formal, but other people at the restaurant were wearing everything from casual to formal. The food was cooked well and everyone was pleased with their meals. I was personally expecting a little bit more seasoning in my Clay-pot seafood medley. But it was still very fresh and good..

Great service and atmosphere. Food was delicious and very authentic…read more Service was to the point. Food was excellent, no complaints it was at proper temperature spice level was good and it was delicious. The beef was so tender and soft it was melting in my mouth. Unbelievable this is a jewel of a restaurant for Vietnamese food. Ice coffee with condensed milk was great I enjoyed the coffee too. Overall I enjoyed and would visit again. Highly recommended if you enjoy Vietnamese food!

1. The meat was nicely cooked and marinated! 2. The spot has…read morechill casual vibes! The interior has a lot of space! 3. The staff was friendly and timely with my order! It was ready after 10 mins! 4. There were only indoor seatings! There were a lot of tables! 5. Parking lot has a lot of spots! Nearby parking can get crowded! Note: This spot accepts card transactions! Photo: Bun Cha Ha Noi

I like how simple and straightforward the menu is here. I ordered the Miến Tôm Gà (Nước) and Bánh…read moreĐa Cua Hải Phòng. Both were pretty decent and had their own flavors. Bánh Đa Cua Hải Phòng was probably my favorite, the flat noodles were nice and chewy, which I really enjoyed. There was only one waiter when I visited, but he worked pretty fast and was very efficient. Even with just one person handling the service, I didn't have to wait too long for my food after ordering. Overall, a simple spot with a focused menu and some dishes with their own unique flavors. I'd come back to try some of the other items.

The staff were great and friendly, making sure the experience keeps diners coming back. Dishes like…read morethe garlic noodles, spicy chicken sandwich, and fish sauce chicken wings are a must and also a recommend. The dipping sauces were found out to be house made which only adds to the quality as well. Value for value the food is worth it! Though small it is a good place to meet with friends and share a meal!

Finally tried Mama Hieu's and it did not miss! I got the spicy garlic house box and the wings were…read moresooo good with a nice kick. Love that it's a dry rub seasoning topped with minced garlic and green onions instead of a heavy sauce. The portions were perfect too -- rice and wings balanced just right. The pickled veggies were a great tangy side, and the Mama Hieu's sauce that comes with it tied everything together. I ordered over the phone and customer service was friendly. Their store is also very clean! Will definitely be back. Worth the hype!

Delicious bowls of pho with consistently well-balanced broth and generous portions of tender meat…read more They also offer a side bowl of oxtail at an incredible price, which makes this spot feel even more special and worth the visit. When I arrived with my family, there was already a lineup and a waitlist board hanging by the door. I recommend stopping by to add your name before searching for parking so you can save yourself some waiting time. A huge recommendation if you're looking for a satisfying bowl of pho in Westminster!

Phở 79 is a true Orange County institution that has been serving the community for years, and it's…read moreeasy to see why there is almost always a line out the door. Be prepared: this place is incredibly popular, especially during peak hours. Parking can definitely be challenging because of how busy it is. The last time I visited on a Monday, the lot was completely full, and I ended up parking on the street. The restaurant is also primarily cash only, so come prepared. They open early, making it a perfect breakfast spot for an early bowl of pho. The pho broth is exactly what I want when I'm craving comfort food--clean, flavorful, and incredibly soothing. However, the star of the meal for me was the chả giò. Wow. Although they arrived after our pho, they came out at the perfect temperature. I was hesitant to take a bite right away because freshly fried food usually burns my mouth, but these were just right. Crispy, airy, savory, and absolutely delicious. Paired with their fish sauce, it was perfection. I enjoyed the egg rolls so much that next time I'm definitely ordering the egg roll vermicelli bowl. Service was friendly and prompt despite how busy it was, and it's clear the staff works hard to keep things moving. One thing I love is seeing all of the awards and accolades displayed on the walls. Phở 79 received the prestigious James Beard America's Classics Award, and it's easy to understand why after one meal here. This restaurant is truly an Orange County icon. The restaurant will soon be moving to a new location, as signs throughout the restaurant announce the upcoming move. While I'll miss the original spot, I'm excited for the new space--hopefully with more parking! Some places are worth the wait, and Phở 79 is absolutely one of them.

Pho Redbo absolutely deserves more recognition because this place knows how to make an incredible…read morebowl of pho. From the moment it hit the table, I could smell how rich and flavorful the broth was. You can tell it wasn't rushed--it tasted like it had been simmering for hours. Every spoonful was comforting, packed with depth, and had the perfect balance of savory flavors. The beef was unbelievably tender, practically melting in my mouth, and the noodles had the perfect bite. This is the kind of meal that reminds you why pho is one of the best comfort foods out there. What really impressed me was the freshness of everything. The herbs were vibrant, the bean sprouts had a great crunch, the jalapeños added the perfect kick, and a squeeze of lime brought the entire bowl together. Every ingredient complemented the broth instead of overpowering it. I found myself slowing down just to enjoy every bite because it was that good. By the time I finished, I was honestly wishing there was another bowl waiting for me. The service and atmosphere made the experience even better. Everyone was welcoming, attentive, and made us feel right at home from the moment we walked in. It's always a bonus when great food is matched by great hospitality. Pho Redbo has officially earned a spot on my list of favorite pho restaurants, and I already know I'll be back to try more of the menu. If you're searching for a pho spot that delivers on flavor, freshness, and overall experience, don't sleep on this place--you'll leave happy and already planning your next visit.

I ordered Pho with Rare Steak, while my friend had Pho with Wagyu A5. To my surprise, the two bowls…read morecame with different broths, which made for an interesting comparison. My Pho with Rare Steak had a flavorful broth, and the meat itself was tender. However, I felt there was a little too much ginger in the broth. The ginger flavor was quite strong and overpowered the traditional pho aroma and taste. It wasn't bad by any means, but I think the broth would be even better if the ginger were toned down. With a more balanced amount of ginger, it could be excellent. Also, the broth a bit sweet. One thing I really appreciated was that they served culantro with pho. That's definitely a plus for me, as not many pho restaurants offer culantro, and I think it adds a great touch to the dish. The staff was also friendly and attentive throughout our visit. Overall, I enjoyed the pho and would definitely be interested in trying their other dishes next time.

The best place to buy banh trang and junk food you can go, very friendly service and delicious foodsread more

Generous Portions , amazing flavor. This place always hits! Their menu is getting more diverse…read moreovertime with plenty of options