I'll keep it short and to the point. Very good food, service, and ambiance. I've been several times but keep forgetting to take pics. Today I ordered the Chicken Curry Banh Mi, which is a good sized 'sandwich' with a side of curry soup for dipping (I'm a dipper, love dipping). Bread was excellent, curry, chicken and toppings all top notch. Service was professional, friendly and accommodating. Quality and taste of the food is great, which is my biggest review factor. I would recommend trying them! read more

A favorite staple of mine over at the camp! My goto is always the Bo kho, it really reminds me of the one my mom makes so I'm so happy to be able to have a little reminder of my family so close to me. There's not a ton of (good) Vietnamese spots in the area that isn't just pho only, so I love and appreciate the simplicity but also different menu that east borough has to offer. I've gone during lunch, had it for dinners, whether the weather is hot or cold, it's always a good meal to have. Gonna have to try one of their dip banh mis one of these days, I am intrigued, but so hard for me to get away from the Bo kho! No complaints about the service, even with how busy it can get, I feel taken care of if I'm dining in or doing takeout. Plenty of seating spots too! Can't recommend this place enough. read more

This place belongs in a great movie. You know the trope where there's the hole-in-the-wall eatery tucked away in the back with a master chef dealing flavor bombs for anyone who cares to venture in? That's East Borough. That's Chef John. This place has been serving up amazing food since 2010, and my wife and I have been eating here regularly ever since. The food, the vibe, the friendly staff, the music, it's all so perfect. I love the banh, the spring rolls, the soups, the jasmine tea, the sauces, the peanuts, and the chia pudding. It's purrfect. There's also a great selection of beer and other buzzy drinks. I also love that he continually experiments and creates new dishes: burgers, yakitori grilled items, and my favorite- the most perfect pot of pate with warm bread. Unfortunately, the limited specials are just that, limited, but what I appreciate is that the menu is constantly evolving- keeping the favorites and finding new ones. You should never go too long without checking to see what's new. East Borough will forever be home to some of my favorite memories; it's the cult classic you never grow tired of. Go find it, tucked in the back of The Camp, it's waiting for you. read more

East Borough - Pho Banh - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

A Flavor Party in your mouth! I stopped in on a whim and ended up having one of the tastiest meals I've had in a while. I ordered the Grapefruit Salad, and wow so fresh, so bright, and packed with that perfect crunchy bite. Every bite was this citrusy flavor explosion. It's one of those dishes that instantly wakes up your palate. Then came the Pork Rice Bowl, and honestly... game changer. Deep umami, that subtle smoky-charcoal taste, and super fresh ingredients all tied together into this comforting yet simple bowl. The vibe is great, the food is insanely good, and I'm already planning my next visit. If you're anywhere near The Camp in Costa Mesa, drop that Matcha and go! read more

East Borough - Grapefruit Salad - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

I was so happy when my sister introduced me to East Borough. The stew that I order from here is so hearty and heartwarming. read more

East Borough - Chicken Curry Banh Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

This spot was very pleasant. You order at the cashier and they bring the food to you. When we went there was plenty of seating outdoor. They had beer options and other canned beverages or fountain drinks to choose from. My curry was delicious and filling and they had condiments to add flavor to my liking. The camp in general is not known for having plenty of parking so that is a pain sometimes but it's worth it if you plan to go and enjoy all the local businesss like this one. read more

East Borough - Chicken Curry Soup - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The beef stew Bahn Mi was a good idea, but it was in want of some kind of pickled tanginess i find at my local traditional places in Rosemead. I wanted to grab the "real" Sriracha sauce from the shelf but alas that was for display only. The server wanted to give me their sriracha sauce in the packets, but it wasn't the tanginess of the rooster image Siracha that im used to. I felt like I happen to get stranded in a village very, very far away from anything remotely close to Asian and had to just make do with what was there for my Asian craving. (Now I totally get why the early asian immigrants started their own restaurants, or even restaurants that were mediocre in the middle of no where--they needed to eat and survive!) read more

East Borough - Beef stew bahn Banh Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Great service. Cool seating. Haven't been here for years, but still good. Bread tastes a little different...like more dry. Overall, good Banh Mi. read more

See all

East Borough in Costa Mesa saved our OC Fair day in the best way. We ditched a crazy long line nearby, wandered into The Camp, and ended up with one of the best sandwiches I have had in a long time. I ordered the beef stew baguette and it was incredible. Rich beef stew with tender beef and potatoes stuffed into a crispy baguette, topped with white onion, cilantro, and jalapeños. It also comes with a cup of the stew for dipping and sambal on the side for extra heat, which took it over the top. For $15, this sandwich is a steal. It is filling, bold, and full of flavor. East Borough is absolutely worth going out of your way for. read more

East Borough - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Been loving the Rice Porridge and Jasmine Lime Tea!!! It has been an amazing way to survive the cold season! This is still my favorite place to eat. Good Vibes, tasty food and a great location. Grapefruit Salad with your favorite protein is a tasty choice as well!!! I usually get the grilled pork. If you love a Ban Mi theirs is wonderful! read more

East Borough - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

I stumbled upon the Vietnamese bánh mì dip (a la French dip), approach a few years back when unannounced I dunked my bánh mì into my son's Pho soup. After shaking off his scorns, I logged this trick in my food locker. At the time I thought I had discovered food- gold. Fast forward to today and ba-zinga, it was on the menu. Of course, I ordered it and found they had definitely perfected it. It had a French dip feel (salty, spicy beef broth) to soak up the crispy meaty French bread yummi-ness. It really was delicious. I recommend a 50-50 dunk technique, meaning half a bite with dry and half a bite dipped, so it doesn't soggy-up too much. Vietnamese chef kiss! read more

East Borough - Pho bánh mì...Dip dip dip away! - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I'm here to rate the thịt khó, which was GOOD! And the chia seed dessert, which isn't very Vietnamese but I give that a pass be size it was delicious! The only thing is, the cafe sữa da was not pour over style with condensed milk. read more

John makes this place even better, thanks to his hospitality and kindness. I think he is the owner, but he is always running around, cleaning and helping the back- he excels at being a team player. The food is delicious- if you are craving pho or a baguette, look no further. This place is tucked inside The Camp (warning: parking sucks) behind Vitaly, by some water spout areas, which are cute. The ambiance in here is small and chill, spacious and airy, so I could definitely see myself chilling here with an iced Vietnamese coffee or something. Pro tip: the spring rolls are delicious, but definitely need sauce. read more

East Borough - Spring rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I heard about East Borough seeing it listed as one of the best Banh Mis in OC, so I had my hopes up. Sadly my expectations weren't met. I visited on a Sunday around 3:00 PM. The place itself is tucked away in a corner and is a bit of a struggle to find, especially if it's your first time visiting The CAMP like it was for me. Upon arriving, there were maybe 6-7 patrons seated amongst their tables and chairs. A small family and a couple solo diners. The decor made me worried as I immediately knew I wasn't going to get something traditional. But I held my reservations and walked up to the counter to place my order for their grilled pork banh mi and Vietnamese iced coffee. When the food was brought out, I complimented the staff member's hair and they immediately beamed with a smile and even referred me to where they got their haircut. When going up to the counter to grab napkins, we overheard them talking to the back of house giddy about having their hair complimented. Unfortunately that was the best part of my experience. Their coffee missed the mark and tasted watered down, both lacking in the strong roasted notes you usually get from dark roasted Robusta beans, as well as the creaminess that you usually get from the condensed milk in a well-executed cup. The grilled pork banh mi was also lacking a lot, and is sadly on the lower rankings of the banh mis I've had. The pork itself was over cooked. The protein was leaner a cut, sliced into strips, and ate like pork loin. The sandwich also lacked in pate and the rich yellow Vietnamese mayo both of which are what I feel defines a great banh mi. The marinade was a slightly sweet soy base - different from the usual lemongrass you see at other banh mi shops. The combination of all these things made for a very dry sandwich that was lackluster in flavor and seasoning. The clear highlight of my visit, and what truly made it worthwhile, was brightening a staff member's day. Unfortunately, the food was a distinct lowlight, and for that reason, I will not be returning. read more

East Borough - Grilled Pork Banh Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This is a small little shop in the corner inside of the camp. They have sandwiches and Vietnamese beef stew. The taste is definitely fusion but I enjoyed it...it's more on the healthier side. We ordered the beef stew and salad with pork belly. Both were fulfilling for lunch. The pork belly was tender and flavorful and so was the stew. Would we come back-definitely if we were in the area and wanted Vietnamese food for lunch. Staff were friendly. Price is a bit higher, given its location, compare to "local" Vietnamese restaurants that offers same or similar dishes. read more

East Borough - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Beef stew comes with pho noodles, potatoes and beautifully braised beef chunks. Great fresh vietnamese flavors and not too hearty. We also got a rice bowl, ready hot and on time. Location at the Camp is great for a day out or doing some work. Cool architecture and clean, option for boba guys nearby. read more

East Borough - Beef Stew - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I live in the Bay Area and was in Orange County for just a few days and I decided to give EB a try. I had a delicious banh mi (grilled pork) for lunch and it was outstanding. A key factor for me is the choice of bread. Some chains use standard baguettes and while nothing against the taste, the firmness of its top leaves something to be desired. I hate when sandwiches cut the roof of my mouth as I'm sure everyone does! East Borough uses bread of medium firmness, perfect for my preference. The setting is also very nice. They have a spot in the LAB with an outdoor seating area with shade. I grabbed a table and people-watched as I enjoyed my sandwich. I will certainly be back next time I'm in the OC. Give them a try! You won't be disappointed. read more

East Borough - Grilled Pork Banh Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

My favorite spot for years: grapefruit salad with shrimp and beef stew baguette sandwich, jalapeños on the side, w/ chia seeds pudding. Yum read more

Never been here before, kind of hard to find but it's right next to vittaly, in fact I almost mistaken it as part of vittaly. The sign name is blocked by a tree. Pho baguette is solid! Lot of protein and the raw bean sprouts keep it light and fresh. The pho broth dip is an interesting concept fusion but I personally wanted a richer pho broth flavor which is what was lacking. It is a light dipping broth if that's your preference. Very clean and light. Chili tofu is a solid appetizer! Easy protein and delicious with a clean fragrant taste. very nice service too read more

East Borough - Pho baguette dip - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Excellent food and excellent service, shoutout to John for the exceptional experience!

I am a huge east borough fan, always get the jasmine lime iced tea it's amazing. I do wish they still had fresh spring rolls, but the vermicelli noodle bowl is really light and yummy. *I wouldn't come here for the Banh Mi but you can't go wrong with the other items. read more

East Borough - Vermicelli Noodle bowl - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The food here is amazing! It's all so fresh and flavorful! Make sure you get some peanuts to go, they are addicting!!!

Wished the pork belly is bbq or deep fried. It was ok Sweet spot if you can find it's read more

East Borough - Pork Belly & Egg - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

It's cozy, modern, and always gives off that laid back, trendy vibe without trying too hard. The food has stayed consistently amazing, fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. read more

I actually like the creativity here. It's not like a traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwich. Dipping sandwiches was also unique. It is a little pricey but the portions were large and fresh. Also I'm sure the rent at the CAMP isn't cheap. My bò kho sandwich was very filling and hot. It was funny that carrot and potato was in the sandwich as well. Broth was a little salty but better than some of the actual beef stews I've had in Westminster. The interior was cute and staff was very nice. read more

Ah, this spot is a nice little green oasis in the concrete jungle of Orange County. Great spot to relax and sit amongst the tendrils of vines. They even have some neat art books to peruse on shelves next to the bathroom. As for food, hubs and I split a pho banh mi, French dip style + some egg rolls. He got a Vietnamese iced coffee and I had the iced jasmine tea. All delicious, all decently priced. Good spot to go to without having to go to Westminster. I'm always finding fusion restaurants dubious, but this one did a great job of honoring Vietnamese food while making subtle twists. read more

East Borough - Pho french dip. - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I'd honestly rate the place a 3.5 but since I can't do that I'll roll with a 4 because I'm sure it's better than 3 stars. But I had the grilled pork banh mi and man that thing was dryyyyyy. Like I was eating just pork and bread with a hint of pickled radish and carrots. Though the pickled veggies were really big and plentiful, they didn't really do much to save the banh mi for me. Their other food is probably much better, though I haven't tried. I wouldn't recommend ordering the banh mi here. The restaurant itself is nice and cute. Not the restaurant's fault, but goodness parking at the camp is so bad that even if this food was great I can't bring myself to go through that again lol. Staff is nice but it'd be nice if they answered the phone with "Hi this is East Borough" and not just "Hello", really had me thinking I called a random person's number. But that's nitpicking and not really what the review is about. If you plan to come here, just don't order the banh mi and you're probably good lol read more

East Borough is a cute lil Vietnamese restaurant that offers Bahn Mi Sandwiches and Rice bowls with an American fusion. They are located in The Camp plaza of Costa Mesa, OC. I came to grab a lunch. Their outdoor was very chill as well as their indoor. However, both have limited seating! I was perfunctorily greeted by a cute female staff. I perused their menus and decided to get a Chicken rice bowl (bokchoy, a hard boiled egg, jasmine rice and citrus vinaigrette) and Jasmine Like Green Tea. Food taste good and flavorful. Drink was refreshing and citrus. Service was on point. Staff were professional. Prices were modest and affordable. Free Wifi. Atmosphere was relaxing. Overall, I recommend this spot. read more

See all

1. The Banh Mi was assembled nicely since the stuff doesn't fall out easily! Also, I love the dipping into the Bo Kho! So delicious! 2. The spot has fun casual vibes since it's located inside The Camp! 3. The staff were friendly and timely with my food! The staff even brought my food and drink to my table! 4. Parking lot can get crowded after 11:00 am on the weekend! 5. There are few tables indoor as well as a few tables outdoor! Note: I don't remember seeing a customer bathroom inside, but there is a public restroom close by inside The Camp Photo: Vietnamese Iced Coffee and Beef Stew Banh Mi read more

See all

I love this place. The staff are always very welcoming and kindand all smiles. It's quaint with a big heart. The bread is so good as a bahn mi or as a side to the soup/curry. My favorites are the vermicelli salad, the veggie eggrolls, and the jasmine lime iced tea. Yummmmm. There is seating inside or ample seating outside. Take your pick. read more

Friday evening 5/2, overpaid for a coconut water at $7.50, and an entree for grandma and a kid's meal, we sat outside in the common area in front of their restaurant and they asked us to leave when the area outside and inside (unfortunately) was empty?.... excuse me, we did pay for your food? and this is why you guys have empty tables. Do better please. Owner literally commenting on every negative reviews within minutes its posted and creating a fake alias Maria S. to counter our experience on 5/2 Friday...we didn't have 12 kids, learn to do math please. Lol, again do better please. read more

The vibe at the camp is always a 10/10. We got the pho dip sandwich and the pork vermicelli bowl. We thought the sandwich was just okay. I loveee vermicelli bowls but I didn't love the one here as much. I did love that egg roll on top. Service was good and I will come back and try a banh mi to see if maybe that's their winner. read more

Overall a super strong 4+ stars!!! Really a nice surprise. It feels modern, minimalistic. I had a great Banh Mi experience. Regardless of the protein choice, the pricing is the same. You get a warmly toasted baguette (that has the perfect crispy crust with soft chewy bread) that is filled with a good portion of flavorful meat, thinly sliced cucumbers + fixins. They kindly obliged me on my request for extra do chua (pickled veggies) and jalepeno. I opted for the all natural pork. It was flavorful. I also ordered their Jasmine Tea with Lime-ade type of base. It was intense in flavor. I ordered some water to dilute it, which made it suit my taste buds. Place is very clean. Service was helpful, knowledgeable and kind. My only tweak would be thicker cut on the cucumber or I guess I can ask for extra cucumber next time. Also some cilantro for freshness would have been perfect. I observed alot of other delicious dishes going out. I most definitely will be back to try more items on their menu. read more

See all

Located in Camp which is nice to walk around but this restaurant is very small with only 3 small table seats inside. So my family of 3 sat outside with a heater that didn't work. Food was the worst take of Vietnamese I have ever had. It has no flavor and very bland. Food came out fast but lukewarm only thing that came out hot was the chicken congee for my son minus all the veggies but you would lose your appetite if you were served what he was. read more

East Borough - Their take on chicken congee - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The chia seed pudding is what healthy dreams are made of. Equally obsessed with the chicken curry soup, Vermicelli Noodles (chicken is a yes), and the spring rolls. I've only had it through delivery a few times and looking forward to going in shop soon! read more

Awesome place to eat with great interior design, outdoor seating, great food and service! My friend and I walked in during lunch time and the indoor/outdoor seating was almost filled, but we were able to snag a table outside with a heater. The outdoor seating is surrounded by vegetation so it had a nice ambiance and provided privacy from the rest of the surrounding businesses. The seating arrangement caters more to small groups (2-3), but I'm sure it can accommodate more if you combine available tables. I ordered the rice porridge because it seemed like a special for the day and because the weather was cold so I wanted something warm. It was good. It was definitely a different take on your typical rice porridge. It wasn't overfilled with rice and had more broth. I'd probably try their vermicelli dish next because it looked good and my friend said it was great. The vermicelli also came with a spring roll which was a nice add to the dish. Overall, I would recommend eating here and I would come here again if I'm in the area. read more

See all

The restaurant is tucked in the Camp complex and has indoor and outdoor seating. Parking on the weekend may take a few tries around the block but not too bad. The owner is very nice and friendly and service was great! They offer beer options and soft drinks and the menu is has something for everyone. The chicken curry comes with a whole baguette and has a Thai flavor it, not too spicy even if marked spicy so don't let that keep you away from it! We also had the rice bowl with pork belly and the banh mi - they were ok and there we definitely had leftovers for later! read more

See all

The shrimp in the vermicelli noodles was so good--smoky, crunchy, but not overcooked at all! All the dishes felt very clean and healthy. The beef stew baguette was good but a little on the small side and I wish it came with just a little more stew! There are a decent amount of tables and the patio area is very cute and naturey read more

See all

The sandwiches east borough offers are unique and are bursting with flavor. I got the pho baguette which had a sriracha aioli that had the perfect amount of kick. They pack their sandwiches with protein, ensuring you get some in every bite and the brisket was perfectly seasoned. read more

See all

I've always liked this place for the food, but the service continues to disappoint. Today, they had a large takeout order after opening for 30 min. At first, I was told they could take my order, but it would be a 20-minute wait. I left and decided to return to place the order in advance and come back later. However, when I came back, I was told they couldn't take my order anymore because the kitchen was backed up--which felt inconsistent and poorly handled. The staff's attitude also came off as unfriendly. While the food is consistently good, the service has always been mediocre, and today was especially frustrating. read more