Great to have Vietnamese cuisine out here. Me and the fam stopped by on our way to lake Jennings. The owner was very kind and sweet. She was super helpful. We ordered the pho dac biet which is their house special and some banh mi. It was authentic, although I wish they had pâté on it. The pho broth was clean and yummy it had shrimp along with some meat. I'd recommend it since it's their house special! read more

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Might be the #1 pho imho. The flavor is top notch, and the service is great. This soup brings you back to life when you're sick hahaha. The egg-rolls are delicious too. Whenever I am asked by friends for a pho spot this is the place is recommend. Check it out if you're near the El Cajon area. Seating is indoor as well as outdoor. Plenty of space. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

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We ordered delivery and the food received was tasteless. When a 9 year old doesn't like his fried rice that's saying a lot. The egg rolls and steamed rice were good but that's about it. The BBQ Chicken and egg rolls, we ordered with extra beef. Don't see any in the picture and none of it was BBQ. The chicken was pale, the beef was dry didn't taste fresh. The food was cold even though we ordered priority. It looked like they gave us the end of the lunch rush food and threw it in a microwave. We're never ordering here again. We got a refund on the BBQ chicken but wasn't able to on our entire order which was a total of $85.83. I should have looked at their health rating on Yelp before I placed the order. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - V7. BBQ Chicken & Egg Rolls - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

I am back to write a new review from my experience today. I ordered garlic noodles with shrimp and added veggies. I get home and the noodles were the dry stir fry noodles. No flavor, and dry. When I called to let them know that the order was incorrect the argued with me that they put garlic they just don't put alot because not everyone can handle that much garlic ... when I explained there was NO garlic in the noodles they continued to tell me there is garlic they don't put a lot. They said next time ask for more garlic. There is NO garlic in my garlic noodles it's not even the same noodles it's the stir fry. Frustrating read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

Went in on a Friday for lunch. I had the shrimp pho, it was heavenly. We had the fried egg rolls which were great. The service could have been better. I asked for a sprite it came in a can, a cup of ice would have been nice. I had to go to the counter and wait and ask for ice and more water. They didn't check on us after our order was taken. Mind you there was my group of three and a couple. It wasn't busy at all. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Pho P7. Shrimp - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

I visited for lunch today with a friend and had a really disappointing experience. We sat at our table for about 20 minutes before our waitress acknowledged us, and when she finally came over she only dropped off menus. She did not bring water or ask if we wanted anything to drink. We then waited another 20 minutes for her to return and take our order, including drinks. After we ordered, our food took about 20 more minutes to arrive, and it was brought out without any drinks. Our drinks did not come until about 10 minutes after the food, which made the wait even more frustrating. I was given a canned soda with no ice and no one ever followed up to fix it. There was also an older staff member in the back on her phone the entire time, and you could hear it clearly throughout the restaurant. Overall the service was extremely poor and I will not be coming back. read more

I went for lunch with my daughter and adult granddaughter. We each ordered something different and were all pleased with our meals. The service was a little slow, but the staff was very gracious. Lovely day so we were able to sit on the covered patio. I will be going back for sure! One negative - the restroom was out of toilet paper and paper towels. Not enough to keep me away. read more

Lovely atmosphere, super friendly staff and delicious food, huge menu - one of the best restaurants in East County San Diego.

Came here for dinner earlier this week. The inside was nice and clean, and our waitress was super friendly and seated us right away. The only downside was that when we first walked in, there was a strange sewage-like smell that made me a little skeptical. It also felt a bit stuffy inside we were sweating while eating. She did turn the fan on, but with the doors open it still felt pretty warm We started with the potstickers and crab Rangoon, which were both really good. I ordered the house special (P1) and my husband got the combination special (P5). Honestly, we felt like the pho itself was kind of lacking in flavor, which was disappointing compared to the apps. read more

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Food, services and ambience were all good. Seems like most people there were repeat customers and lots of take out orders going out while we were there. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - A1. Special Appetizer - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

As we came in we started listening to some smooth jazz that was too loud. Good music but loud. We noticed new plain menus with higher prices. They used to offer small and large pho. U can only order large pho. We both ordered the shrimp pho with extra vegetables as they usually skimp on the vegetables. The pho was very good and tasty. Spring rolls were fresh and delicious. Packed house tonight at 830 and they close at 9! They needed one more waitress! read more

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This has become my go to spot for Pho. I find it to be flavorful, well priced, and I haven't had anything yet that I've disliked. I also really like the Taro milk tea. I always do takeout as I live down the road and it's easy to swing buy and pick it up (don't DoorDash order right from them if you are picking up, cheaper for everyone). I want to try other food from here but I always pick the Pho because I know I enjoy it so much. read more

Very friendly people who are willing to help you with your questions about the menu. The menu includes something that everyone will enjoy. I love the Spring Rolls and Pho. Many ways to customize your food to your taste. They play authentic music and the place has a mom and pop vibe. Good place to practice your Vietnamese...tsin chow Yaw read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Service is bad during lunch time. They forgot about me and I'm waiting to pay. I'm so thirsty and want more to drink but they don't care. Sad read more

Never been here before & probably won't return. Service desperately needs help & so does their Bun. Vermicelli Bun with spicy lemongrass chicken lacked flavor & not much chicken. She never once came back to check on us to ask if we needed anything. Wasn't busy either, only one other table. Patio is nice but I won't return. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Patio - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

Grandpa Tao kitchen is East County good. This is an Asian establishment for the people of east County who have never left. To walk in you pass what smells like sewage. Then if you sit inside (when it's hot out) the ac hardly works so you're still sweating. The outside patio is cute and has plants all over. The staff is friendly and do their best to help you. The food does not taste like real Asian food. The pho broth has no flavor and the spring rolls and peanut sauce are subpar. I really wanted to like the food but there are much better Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, and sushi places in San Diego. read more

I walked in and ordered 2 Orange Chicken with steamed rice, 1 order of broccoli & beef with steamed rice, and 1 CHEF'S Special Menu, which has Filet mignon beef, fresh vegetables, and white rice. I wanted to order some sushi but they didn't have any. It's on the menu so that's a bit of a pisser as far as I'm concerned. All of this was to go. It took about 15 minutes. I had asked for eating utensils but they failed to provide them. The food was still steaming hot when I got home. I was really hoping for some exceptional food but it turned out to be just average. I often go to a Chinese buffet in La Mesa, where the food is just average also, but at least they always have sushi. This will be the one and only time I eat here. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Inside - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

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AUTHENTIC gem in El Cajon!!! I felt immediately welcomed as you're able to choose your own table; I chose to sit outside in the patio area. All of the plants make ambience so tranquil and it is clear the owner(s) take very good care of them. Excellent service!!! Super sweet people. And GREAT prices - so worth it especially in this economy??? PLEASANTLY surprised. I ordered the potstickers and BBQ pork rice plate. I had been craving cơm tấm in general and this was close enough to hit the spot! The pork was cooked to smoky perfection. I thought that they could have added more onto the dish but perhaps that is just what I am used to. Otherwise, I love that this restaurant has a wide menu; they serve Pho and rice vermicelli noodles as well! Definitely coming back to try more whenever in the area. A hidden gem for sure! read more

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Honestly some of the best Pho and chicken stir fry we've had! The pit stickers are also so delicious, the place is so cute inside and the people are so kind! Definitely coming back! read more

I LOVE Grandpa Tao!!! I work a block away and my boss and I love to get lunch for to go. I always get the same thing. Tofu bahn mi with extra veggies. The family that runs it is so nice and always remembers me. The owner also makes her own chili sauce in house and it's so delicious. read more

I loveeeee it here. I love sitting outside, the plants and music are so relaxing. The Pho noddles and broth are bomb! I got the vegetarian pho with chicken broth. So good! Staff is nice too! I've only been here once with my husband but we plan on coming back again and again! read more

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Food is always on point, prices are great! I miss the lunch specials, though. Nina, the hostess, is friendly and helpful.

I really wanted to like this place more. One of the items in our to-go order was missing and the lady inside was so kind and apologetic when we asked about it. We got a lunch appetizer and the egg rolls had a great crunch and flavor inside, but being packed in with the shrimp spring roll made them taste fishy. That might not be a problem for others but as someone who doesn't like seafood, I was bummed because I know they would've been good otherwise. It did come with a generous amount of different sauces and as a sauce lover, I appreciate getting to try a variety. Their ponzu sauce was the star for me and I put it on almost everything. I also got a banh mi sandwich, as i've been on the hunt for a good one for quite some time, and while the inside of the sandwich was superb, the french bread left something to be desired. It was tough to chew like some french breads can be. However, the pickled veggies and the bbq pork inside the sandwich tasted fresh and perfectly cooked and seasoned. The restaurant itself is very pretty inside, and the outdoor dining patio is well decorated with an abundance of greenery. It's also important to note that our food was driven home about 25 minutes away so perhaps dining in is the way to go instead. read more

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Everything we've ordered here is delicious. We come back to eat at least twice a week. Family owned restaurant with friendly staff. Music is relaxing while enjoying your food. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Chicken teriyaki - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

Underwhelming. Mi xao bo was okay, nothing special. The BBQ pork sandwich was surprisingly really good for a restaurant. I especially love how they prepared the meat and how fresh the vegetables were. The garlic noodles with grilled shrimp was such a letdown. It lacked flavor and the noodles they use remind me of cup of noodles. If they used different noodles for this dish, it would be so much better. The shrimp was cooked nicely though. I thought by speaking their native language we would receive better customer service. Wrong. I asked a woman for chili peppers and she literally disappeared and I never saw her again lol. I won't be returning, won't be recommending to others, and will stick to authentic Vietnamese food in City Heights/El Cajon Blvd. But I'm glad I finally got to try this restaurant, it had been on my radar for a while. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - C3. Garlic Noodles with Grilled Shrimp - lacked flavor and the type of noodles just doesn't work with this dish - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Came here for the pho. Cute small spot. Hole in the wall. Friendly owner. Slow service. Would not return read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

SOUTHEAST ASIAN EATS IN EAST COUNTY (4.5 stars) ... legit. little did you know! Traveled deep east to the cracks of nowhere to enjoy some good authentic Vietnamese food where the average customer eats pho with a fork. - FOOD: delicious and authentic - PRICE: fair - SERVICE: excellent - AMBIANCE: simple There is a back parking lot and ample street parking. Easy to find but deep in the cuts. Friendly staff greeting you. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Variety on the menu to choose from and every plate coming out from the kitchen smells and looks delicious. :: FOOD :: BUN THIT NUONG WITH CHAU GOI ($13.95) - aka "V6) BBQ Pork and Egg Rolls". rice vermicelli with shredded lettuce, cucumbers, pickled daikon and carrots, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts and light fish sauce. This was a well executed Bun Thit Nuong.. better of many that I've tried around SD. All the ingredient were fresh, the grilled pork was nicely and evenly grilled but unfortunately no yummy charred grilled ends, and the egg rolls were crispy and flavorful. Best when sauce is poured in and mixed all together to get a bite of everything. The portion was plentiful and I had left overs. Refreshing, herbal, salty, and savory all together. HIGHLY RECOMMEND FRESH LEMONADE - I love me some lemonade, especially when it's fresh lemonade. It wasn't super tart or coated with a lot of sugar - it was right on the dot. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Can't wait to come back to their Pho. JABA APPROVED. Until the next review... read more

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Greeted at the door by the owners. They were super sweet and accommodating. We enjoyed the outdoor patio for lunch. Lots of plants and sun peaking in. Cute spot for lunch or drop in finish work and eat lunch. We had raw steak pho, and crunchy egg roll- delicious! We also had their strawberry and mango boba smoothies! Well if you're in El Cajon, definitely stop by Grandpa Tao and try the pho. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Loved it! The patio is so cute. - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I've lived down the street for over a decade and unknowingly drove past this on a daily basis. I stumbled across this restaurant online and it's definitely a hidden gem. The food is tasty, staff provides great service and there's a nice seating area outside to enjoy a casual lunch. I will be coming back soon ! read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Chicken fried rice and shrimp N8. Garlic Noodles W/ Grilled Shrimp - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

We ate at Grandpa Tao 10/24/2025. I think they are Vietnamese, but they serve some Chinese dishes and Sushi. Food was good, service was good and the place is very nice. I like the sauces they have on the tables for you to use. The servers are very polite. read more

We came across this place in the ad in Instagram and we decided to to try this place. First of all, great customer services, the server is very nice and friendly. The place is cute and they also have outdoor seating. Vegetarian egg roll is good. You can taste taro and tofu inside. Seasoning is prefect. Pho is very good. The beef ribs is very delicious, very tender. The broth is very good. I would definitely come back here. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - A3. Vegetarian Egg Rolls - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Food was fantastic and it was presented really nice. Staff was super nice they really made me feel welcome. Outside patio super clean and feels fresh . read more

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What a sweet little find in El Cajon! We came in through the back and immediately felt like we were entering a friends home. You start with a wonderful outdoor patio containing carefully cared for plants leading you into an intimate space. We received a very welcoming greeting. The wait staff seems genuinely happy to see us! We started with Crab Rangoon - I think this was the best I've ever had!!! Even mom enjoyed it and was that a smile from dad...yes it was! Mom and I had the pho house special. We had the regular size and neither of us could finish! Can just image what the large size would be like. It was good but a little on the salty side. Lots of chicken but light on shrimp and medium on meat. Dad had the house special and enjoyed it. The owner checked in with us and told us the story behind the restaurants name. You'll have to ask! She let us know how important a family feel is to her and that she really enjoys the fact that she has customers who come 2-3 times a week. So if you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a meal, it's worth a try. read more

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My boyfriend, his cousins, and I had gone here for a Saturday lunch get together. I expected it to be a little crowded but it was actually pretty empty which surprised me once I had the food because everything I had was delicious! The crab rangoons are a must and the peanut sauce that comes with their spring rolls is to die for! The pho was your typical chicken pho but the portions they give you are insane. I got a large and didn't even put a dent in it. The banh mi was also really good, super flavorful. We wished it was a little more saucy but we just used the peanut sauce for it. Now onto the sushi, I'm a very picky sushi eater but when my boyfriend ordered the shrimp tempura roll which was phenomenal! Overall the service was great, the vibe was chill, and the food was delicious. You should definitely check this place out. We can't wait to go back! read more

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First time trying out Grandpa Tao. We came in around 5pm and first impression, the restaurant was super clean and was immediately greeted. We ordered takeout and wanted to try out different dishes. A1. Special Appetizer (Crispy Egg Rolls + 2 Spring Rolls| Cha Gio & Goi A2. Crispy Egg Rolls | Cha Gio A7. Fried Battered Shrimp With Sauce | Tôm Chiên B1. BBQ Pork Sandwich Bahn Mi F4. Special Combo (Beef, Chicken, Shrimp) Fried Rice | Com Chiên Thap Com N6. Meat & Seafood Fried Egg Noodle | Mì Xào R10. Stir-Fried Curry Chicken | Com Gà Xào Cari R13. Special Combo BBQ | Com Dac Biet D8. Thai Iced Tea | Trà Thái Trân Châu The standouts were the crispy eggs rolls, fried eggs noodle, and the BBQ combo. All were good, but these 3 were just so yummy! We will be back and dine in to try out their Pho! New spot we are adding to our rotation for East County eats. read more

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Great Ambiance. We sat outside on a nice Saturday evening. The service was great and food came out promptly. My family and I enjoyed the food after a long drive in from Vegas. Nothing like great pho first meal in to San Diego. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Delicious Pho - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

I work in the East County area a lot and have always seen Grandpa Tao's pop up as a recommended, so I finally decided to try it out for my lunch break. Grandpa Tao Kitchen is an Asian fusion restaurant with an emphasis on Vietnamese cuisine. There is a parking lot in the back for customers but also street parking available around the area as well. Ambiance: as you walk in from the lot, you will immediately walk into their patio area which has great shade, air from the ceiling fans, and an abundance of plants. Gave me some slight memories of eating pho in Vietnam. Indoors, there is a lot of seating available, two TVs, and tranquil music playing in the background. Service: I was seated immediately by who I would assume was one of the owners. She was very nice and seemed to really appreciate our presence. Food: I ordered the house special pho which includes rare steak, chicken, and shrimp. First thing to note was the broth was pretty good and served piping hot which not all restaurants do. I personally put on a good amount of Hoisan sauce no matter what because I like having a little more of that flavor into my broth, but without it I could tell the broth was well made. The rare steak and chicken were a little overdone which isn't an end all be all since it sits in boiling hot water. The shrimp was solid and noodles boiled well. For the side plate of veggies, they provide bean sprouts, jalapeños, and cilantro. Usually restaurants will provide basil or other herbs so it's a bit different that it isn't provided here. Basil is pretty important to add an extra dimension and aroma to the soup or as a palate enhancer. They provide the usual condiments of Hoisan sauce, sriracha, pepper, salt; but also provide chili oil saice (satay) which is a huge plus for our spicy eaters. In summary, would give a 4.5 if possible for good food, service, and ambiance. Grandpa Tao's definitely left me satisfied with my experience and was a pleasant surprise nestled in the East County area. Would come back for a future lunch break to try out their other items. read more

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To be fair the food here was pretty good. The problem was the lack of air conditioning in El Canon in July and the slow not very friendly service. The server took our order promptly but after that she really could not care less. She never asked how the food was, and had to be flagged down to refill the water and bring the check. That's ok i'm a crowded restaurant but this place was empty. We ordered the shaking beef spicy and the spring roll combo. The beef was tasty but chewy and definitely not spicy. I was able to add spice with the condiments on the table. The spring rolls were good but could have used more than one piece of lettuce as accompaniment. I also found the Christmas music videos playing on the television in july to be a bit distracting. read more

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Not bad but not the best pho in town. I got the filet mignon pho, the meat clumped together and got overcooked. He got the rib bone pho the rib was cut in a half not like pictured and the meat wasn't fall off the bone tender. read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - Rib bone pho - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California

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This place is really good!! We got the chicken (pictured) and chef special garlic filet pho and it was amazing!! Would totally recommend!! read more

Grandpa Tao Kitchen - P6. Chicken - Asian Fusion Near Me - El Cajon, California