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    Gao Restaurant

    4.6 (114 reviews)
    ModerateVietnamese, Soup
    Closed Closed
    Updated a few days ago

    Gao Restaurant Reservations

    Order Gao Restaurant Takeout or Delivery

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    GAO RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Gao Restaurant

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    Quail eggs in tamarind sauce, yum!
    Thao N.

    Authentic Vietnamese food. The service here is the best. So friendly and genuine. They have many noodle dishes and have various options for noodles: egg noodles, clear noodles, rice noodles. The classics like Phở and Bun bo hue are good. The bun thit nuong- grilled pork noodle is a nice option if you want something different and not with broth. It's tucked in a plaza near Lien Hoa market off of Water Ave.

    Salted Cream Vietnamese Coffee - very strong and sweet as it should be!
    Brian T.

    Absolutely amazing! This was hands down my favorite part of our North Florida trip. Even my incredibly picky parents were impressed! The staff was incredibly friendly and gave us so many helpful tips on exploring the area, plus they helped my mom find some exotic tropical fruits. The food was just as outstanding as the service. I highly recommend the Stone Pot Pho and the Ca Phe Kem Muoi (Salt Cream Vietnamese Coffee). The pho comes with the meat and other ingredients separate, allowing you to cook them in the broth at the table. The broth itself was perfectly spiced and full of flavor--something you don't always find at restaurants. It tasted just like something we would make at home. The coffee is strong but sweet, so it might take a little getting used to, but it's definitely worth trying! We also had the Mi Quang, a Central Vietnamese noodle dish that's hard to find. It was absolutely delicious, packed with a variety of flavorful ingredients. We loved it so much that we ended up returning on our way home to California. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Just please be respectful to the staff, unlike the couple we saw on 12/13/2025, who were rude, spilled water everywhere, and demanded free food. Such behavior has no place here.

    Avocado smoothie
    Alyssa E.

    After a busy, rainy day with friends, we were craving something warm and comforting--so we decided on some cozy pho. I always appreciate authentic local Vietnamese cuisine, and this spot did not disappoint. Everything was flavorful and satisfying. While I love a good bowl of soup, I opted for the cold noodles this time, and they were incredible. The meat was tender and well-cooked, and when combined with the hot sauces and fish sauce, every bite was packed with flavor. Instead of an egg-roll, I asked for spring rolls with peanut sauce--always a favorite of mine--and they were fresh and delicious. The rest of the table had egg rolls as an appetizer, which were also a hit. Several friends ordered pho, and they were happy about the rich broth, tender beef, and fresh vegetables. The table was well-stocked with everything you could need to customize your pho--cilantro, hot sauces, and more. I also had the Vietnamese iced coffee, which was smooth, creamy. One of my friends got the avocado smoothie, which was light, creamy, and just sweet enough. A surprise favorite for the table was the herbal tea -- one of the best teas I've ever had. The staff even kindly shared what was in it! Our waiter was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive. The restaurant offered bottled water. Overall, this place is a fantastic local gem and a must-visit for anyone craving delicious, authentic Vietnamese food.

    Mì Quảng/Quảng Noodles
    Rachel M.

    Such a great dining experience here at Gao Restaurant. I wanted some specific dishes that I saw on their menu here, but go figure we ordered other items instead. First of all, the customer service here is glowing. Talk about so friendly, helpful, and welcoming. I loved them here. It was packed when we walked in, and everyone was Asian. That's a great sign. I usually end up in btw options here and I let them know what I was thinking about. I ordered Mi Quang noodles bc I wanted the whole combination of it all. They also brought me a sample of the other soup afterwards to try. That was so thoughtful of them. My husband had the Com Dui Ga (No. 4) - Fried rice with quarter chicken thigh. He really liked his food too. Glad we tried this restaurant. We were also happy with where we sat. The other side was groups so it was a bit louder. It was a great lunch and we will keep them in mind next time.

    H3. Bún Bò Huế / Spicy Huế Style Beef Noodle Soup
    J Z.

    I was recommended this place by my Vietnamese friend, when we showed up the restaurant was packed on a weekday! Bun Bo hue was great, a very generous portion but not spicy at all. The tea was fantastic as well, we were encouraged to eat the berries and apples inside after drinking all of it.

    P2. Phở Đặc Biệt Lớn / Large House Combo Pho
    Michelle N.

    One of the best pho in places in Tampa. Family friendly restuarant with great service. Menu has a good variety of options especially for people who are vegetarians. Would definitely recommend trying them if you are in the area.

    Pho, tons of meat and goodies
    Nathan N.

    Excellent. Pho is really good. Got bun bo hue, bun cha, egg rolls, goi, bun. Food is fast, great service. Not too crowded on a Monday.

    Cute cash register counter with the hats turned into lights
    Jenette S.

    This one is a toss up. We got there around 1130 . We were seated but then it took a bit for the waiter to even acknowledge and take our order... like I mean 10 minutes... and then another 10 minutes to get 2 waters and hot tea... then another 20 minutes to get the other hot tea. The food quality is meh... I will say their fresh rolls are worth a trip back... but I would order it to go. I ordered the grilled beef which was more riblets. I wanted to love it because the marinade was so good but it was the toughest cut of meat I have ever eaten. Super chewy like very hard beef jerky. The inside is super cute but the service is slow especially at lunch time which sucks when you only have an allowed time. We got the bun bu hue and had to add a lot of spices and vinegar to the broth because it wasn't as elevated as were used to.

    Vietnamese coffee with salted caramel
    Marina T.

    This restaurant was recommended to us by Vietnamese owners of another restaurant in the Tampa area. They said to come here for some of the freshest and cleanest Vietnamese food in Tampa Bay. The service was impeccable. We got seated right away with a smile. Our waiter was very attentive, refilling fish sauce, explaining food, and giving us tips for authentic ways to eat and order the food. Atmosphere was clean. Best Vietnamese eggrolls I've ever had!

    Broken Rice Pork Chop, Noodles and Char Sui
    Leanne K.

    Authentic Food! Had the noodles with Cha Sui, Broken Rice and Pork Chop and amazing crispy egg roll! Service was very nice and smooth.

    Fish cake noodles soup!

    Winter weather needed a bowl of hot delicious noodles soup and gao did it hot and yummy also thanks to the hospitality from Ted added a bonus to the perfect meal. Will be back again for sure.

    H3. Bún Bò Huế / Spicy Huế Style Beef Noodle Soup
    Gustavo M.

    I went with my wife for lunch, food was amazing, tasteful. But the best part here is the staff, they are super friendly y took the time to explain everything on the menu.

    Bun with fish cakes
    Joie T.

    I can't say enough good things about this restaurant!! First off, the service here is UNMATCHED. They are sooo friendly and helpful when it comes to recommendations. I was even able to sample several broths! 10/10 recommend the mi quang, bun cha ca, grilled pork rice plate, and salted foam Vietnamese iced coffee.

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    11 days ago

    Best Viet food in town. Central Vietnam food. Staffs are friendly and helpful. Nice sitting area

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    3 months ago

    Honestly 10/10. Food was great and the server was so kind. Very attentive , helpful even kinda funny. We will be back !!

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    4 months ago

    Excellent pho and other foods! Friendly service! Always go here at least once a week. Authentic pho. Highly recommend

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    Page 1 of 3

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    Thinh An Kitchen & Tofu - BBQ PORK BELLY

    Thinh An Kitchen & Tofu

    4.4(1.1k reviews)
    4.3 miTown N Country
    $$

    So nice and welcoming - it's always a bit tenuous when you come to a new place, where some of the…read morefood may be new, but Thinh An makes you feel welcome. Bakery - holy yummy cinnamon roll croissants - chewy amd flaky The tofu was surprisingly delish, mushroom, chive we the highlight Fresh noodles, cooked to order- pork meatballs short ribs and chicken Egg and spring rolls were gobbled up by the family

    BEST PHO in the Tampa Bay Area. More on the spices side where the aroma just takes you to a…read moremystical magical place lol & not sweet. This is how I prefer my pho... not the sweet pho kind. The brisket & tendons is my goto (the pho PICK TWO meats). I'm very picky when it comes to my favorite Viet foods. Here are the number one places to get your number one Viet dishes in the Tampa Bay Area: I rank by quality & taste, otherwise, I wouldn't be caught in any other places lol. PHO: here at Thinh An BUN BO HUE: Pho Quyen in Town n Cntry GRILLED PORK: Pho Quyen, Town n Cntry BANH MI: Thinh An (not good anywhere in the Tampa Bay area except here... other places in Tampa do not use real head cheese or real homemade roasted pork... they use junk meat & that's not quality). This place makes good banh mi but not even close to the best ones I've ever had but outside of Florida lol The service is always spectacular, especially at this place.

    Photos
    Thinh An Kitchen & Tofu
    Thinh An Kitchen & Tofu - Grilled pork spring rolls

    Grilled pork spring rolls

    Thinh An Kitchen & Tofu - 79. Special Sandwich  Special Sandwich

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    79. Special Sandwich Special Sandwich

    Pho 813 - Beef Pho

    Pho 813

    4.3(303 reviews)
    6.3 miPalma Ceia
    $$

    I had an amazing experience at Pho 813! The food was absolutely outstanding, especially the Banh Mi…read morepork sandwich. It was perfectly balanced with crispy bread, flavorful, tender pork, and fresh ingredients that made every bite incredible. You can tell a lot of care goes into their preparation. The pho was just as impressive. The broth was rich, aromatic, and full of depth, exactly what you want in a great bowl of soup. It was comforting, fresh, and clearly made with high-quality ingredients. On top of the delicious food, the service was friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better. If you're looking for authentic, flavorful Vietnamese food, Pho 813 is definitely a must-visit. Highly recommend!

    Quick, good, just what you want…read more Ok yeah I have a soft spot for pho813. It's close to the house, it's great and I'm never upset. If it's cold or there is a heavy rain storm outside there is a 85% chance you will see me here for dinner. It just makes sense. I throughly enjoy a lot of things about pho813. From the sauces on the table to the attentive waiters this is the spot. I've done solo dates, group events after sports and birthday celebrations here and everybody enjoyed their meals. Also the bar seating is clutch for solo outings. I don't have to worry about occupying a 4 top and you can chop it up with the staff behind the bar. Heck yeah. Once I was blocked in by the owner/manager in the car lot (I may have parked in the staff parking becuase it was so busy) and when I told the staff a man came out in full 3 piece suit and we laughed our way to the car and he told me he thought I was apart of the kitchen crew so why not park behind me. A great vibe accompanied by great food. I love this place. I can't wait to come back and try more and more dishes and up those 4 stars to 5!

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    Pho 813 - Inside bar

    Inside bar

    Pho 813 - Summer Rolls

    Summer Rolls

    Pho 813 - Beef Pho

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    Beef Pho

    Quan Ngon Bistro

    Quan Ngon Bistro

    4.6(40 reviews)
    18.6 mi

    Mini Kim Son in HTX if yall ever been. This place is located just about 45 mins away from DT Tampa…read more The food choices remind you of Vietnamese comfort food, so many endless options whether it's braised egg and pork, congee, chicken salad, Vietnamese rice rolls, Thai tea, pho noodle or whatever soup they have of the day, apparently their menus change. I also tried their Bo kho which is the beef stew, they have the mini Vietnamese tacos very crispy, and other options like the broken egg rice and vermicelli noodles to pair with pork and fish sauce. They also have banh bo lot which is a popular option people love to get as well as dessert options like making your own Che. Ambiance is a tight space, parking is also tight, you for feel crammed. However, it also gives that homey vibe like as if you're walking into your grandmothers home.. service was good, our plates were cleaned but they do rush you in a way if there's a wait for bigger parties. Unfortunately, it's a buffet style so you can't have dietary restrictions when you come here..

    Food was just meh. Highlights were pho, mussels and banh xeo, other than that nothing was really…read morewow or buffet worthy. They had soups in a ninja, other foods were just dry especially thit kho. The banh xeo was really crispy which was great but it had 1 small shrimp in it and a bit of bean sprouts. I think this restaurant has potential just needs professional looking cookware. Maybe add desserts or a drink station. For $25 it prob needed more especially since we made the drive from Clearwater (30+ mins)

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    Quan Ngon Bistro - Banh Mi & Bo Kho

    Banh Mi & Bo Kho

    Quan Ngon Bistro - Bun dau mam tom

    Bun dau mam tom

    Quan Ngon Bistro

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    Gao Restaurant - vietnamese - Updated May 2026

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