Lao Garden

4.5 (124 reviews)

Laotian

Open • 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Updated 1 month ago

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Lao Garden - Raw beef laarb - Laotian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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LAO GARDEN ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Moderate noise

Outdoor seating

Dogs allowed

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Irene C.

My friend introduced me to this cute spot. The food was great and the staff were friendly. I am fairly new to Lao cuisine. We tried the Vientiane Crispy Rolls, Thu Lith's Famous Saikoo, Thum Lao Lao, Kua Khao, and Mango Sticky Rice. Everything was so flavorful! We had ordered the Thum Lao Lao as medium spicy and that built up fast! I'd be interested in returning to try other dishes. Great neighborhood spot!

Jane C.

Came here on a Saturday for lunch around 1pm. No wait for party of 2. The decor inside is super cute and girly. Service was quick. We ordered spring rolls, Vientiane crispy rolls, mok pa, Lao steak and Lao iced tea pandan. The spring roll was very light and fresh, it came with a sweet oyster dipping sauce. You could tell the veggies were fresh and good quality. The Vientiane crispy rolls were also delicious and flavorful. It has a nice balance and very refreshing to eat with the lettuce. The Lao Steak had a good grilled flavor however it didn't have much lemongrass flavor and was very small. The size looked like an appetizer but was $32. The mok pa had great lemongrass and dill flavor. It was wrapped with vegetables outside and the banana leaf. However it came out kind of cold where I had to ask the waitress if the dish was to be served cold. They sent it back and had it steamed longer since it was supposed to come out hot. Once it came out hot it was tasty with the tomato sauce and rice. The iced tea with pandan was great, had good pandan flavor and wasn't overly sweet. Overall would come back, it's a little pricey though.

Rachel T.

Absolutely delicious food, you can tell there is love and pride in every dish. Perfectly seasoned and flavorful. I had the joy of coming here back in January and couldn't stop talking about the restaurant. The owner personally came and checked in on the table and introduced herself. She is very kind and has created a truly valuable place. Gorgeous plating, ambiance, and decor. You can tell a lot of thought has been put into it. I had to return, especially with how hot it's been there is nothing more refreshing than Lao cuisine

Aly C.

===TL;DR=== - Drunken noodle - Khaki poon gai ===TMI=== Beautiful garden interior with a photogenic wall. Lovely staff and good food. Love the flavor profile on the drunken noodle, Those that love their noodles extra thick and wide, look no further. On the other hand, can't go wrong with the classic red coconut curry with noodles and chicken! Creamy but not overly heavy. Both were great individual or sharing portions!

Jen N.

We happened to come here for our girlfriend's birthday celebration and it turned out to be a vegetarian day for most of us so this review is based on vegetarian entrees we ordered. One of our girlfriend did order a meat larb which we didn't try and I forgot to take a picture of. Upon entering, the place is decorated with cute fake flowers backdrop. We were the first ones there and got to choose where we wanted to sit indoor which was very nice. They had outdoors seating as well. We ordered as many vegetarian dishes as possible and I made a note on my phone but somehow some of the entrees in my notepad showed up bold and enlarged and some didn't and our waitress only wrote down what was bold and enlarged so we tried less than we wanted to. By the time we wondered where the rest of our food was and found out the reason, we didn't order the rest because it would take longer than the two hours we already put in for meter parking. A few of us ordered Lao tea and some lycee tea. The Lao tea I heard was super sweet so ask for more ice if it's too sweet to your liking. My lycee tea was sweet as well but not overwhelming sweet. We especially enjoyed the vegetarian larb and the vegeterian papaya salad with vermicelli. The pineapple fried rice and jackfruit salad was a little wet to our liking. We ordered two mango sticky rice and one the pandan sticky rice was better and the sticky rice fell apart more. Overall, this place is nice for meeting up with a large group and cute for a girls day out. There's street parking and meter parking and you may need to drive a few rounds around if you're not so lucky. The food was okay but food did take awhile once you order so give yourself time here if you go in a bigger group since it seems like there's one chef and one person running the place herself. But she's a sweetheart doing her best holding down the cute looking restaurant.

Victor G.

Lao Garden opened in Paisan's vacated space. Decor and seating totally renovated. Some seating outside. Back area not utilized. Parking available in private lot. Was seated promptly by Gia who was very helpful answering questions re food & how to reheat same. G very knowledgeable for the few years in the industry. Did eat in eateries G worked at but years or decades earlier. *stopped eating Thai food as it was too sweet, too "Americanized". Ordered. Food ready in 15ish minutes. Cooked to order. Offerings (Laotian): wraps, noodles, stew/curry, platter specials, desserts, small plates, chef's specials, fried rice, grills, roasts, soup, salads(yum, Thum, laab) Bites: seen savanh (12) -dehydrated pork pieces, flash fried. No hint of oil.. Very chewy. Frying can be skipped. Probably goes good with beer. (Too early for me.) -flavorful. Takes getting used to. Gang Phet Gai (chicken) 18 -stew like dish a mix of red curry, chicken pieces, green beans. Bamboo shoots, lemongrass & basil. -best eaten with rice but I passed. -nice alternative to classic curry. Slightly spicy, not overly sweet like American curry version. The herbs adds nuanced flavas.. I like.. Thu Lith Saikoo (22) should be shared. -similar principle as Nam Kao. House made steamed tapioca balls with ground pork, roasted peanuts, sweet radishes, shallots within. -place a ball within partial lettuce leaf. add drizzle of chili oil & other leafy herbs. Eat slowly, repeat. Prefer nam kao. Portion too big for me. Carbs an issue. 4.5 stars Worthy! Quality: Ultra. Quantity: reasonable for top quality-YMMV

Young K.

This is the location of the former Italian restaurant - Paisan - which I'm a little sad of their closing because they had a great budget friendly, delicious ribeye steak. But Lao Garden did a nice job of transforming the space - colorful, vibrant and cozy - which seems to be the trend among Thai/Lao restaurants these days. Not that I'm complaining. This space has a huge back area which they aren't fully utilizing. Perhaps if/when they become more popular, they can have a real "Lao garden" with a fountain and all. Staff is attentive and friendly, deserving of 5 stars. Their dishes were solid and on theme with the interior decor. I had ordered the Thum Lao Lao, which is basically Lao style papaya salad. For those that aren't familiar, basically they use a thicker/cloudier and more pungent fish sauce which they refer to as "funky". For those that are less into funk, they do have the Thai style papaya salad - Thum Tum Ma-Da, which tends to be milder since they use the clear, less "fishy" fish sauce. But to be honest, theirs isn't the funkiest in town, in case you felt adventurous but needed that stepping stone. I also ordered the Khao Poon Gai, which was good. The chicken was tender and moist, and loved the contrast of the fresh veggies and herbs to compliment the hot soup and noodles. But I had to inject some of the funk from the Thum Lao^2 to elevate it to what my taste buds have been calibrated to from eating my Laotian friends' authentic home cooking. Over all, expect a good dining experience keeping in mind that the flavors have been toned down a notch to accommodate Western palates.

Lunch special- fried chicken wings with papaya salad and sticky rice

Maria O.

I don't usually write reviews but I was blown away by the service and amazingly delicious food from this place. The owner, Kanlaya, was so friendly and sweet - you can tell she takes a lot of pride in this place. Highly recommend coming here if you're in the area for lunch or dinner - the quality and ambiance of this restaurant is 10/10 for me. I will definitely be coming back!!

Nina C.

Great food, warm service, beautiful space. We enjoyed a salad (yum salat Lao), mok catfish, and lettuce wraps with crispy rice balls and pork sausage (nam khao). Bold flavors with nuanced preparation. No wait for weekend lunch.

Joanne L.

Came here with my family when they visited! Food: A bit on the pricier side but it was great to try Laotian food. I absolutely loved the catfish! It was so tender and very fragrant. It pairs well with sticky rice. I liked how it came with steamed veggies so the entire plate was well balanced and not overdoing it. The drunken noodles were great- chewy saucy noodles with a spicy kick. The curry (I forget the name of the dish) was also well cooked although the portions for this were small. we tried the famous saikoo. I thought I would be a big fan of it but it lacked flavor and I couldn't taste anything other than the chewy tapioca. We wrapped it in lettuce like we thought it is usually eaten, maybe we ate it in a different way? Regardless I wish we tried the crispy rolls instead. It was still nice to try. You pay extra for sticky rice and jasmine rice on the side. Service: kind waiters and staff all around! Ambiance: this place is well decorated and so pretty! The bar area looks great. If I ever come here again, I'd want to try their mimosas

Courtney D.

Food and service was great! It was our waitress's first day and she did amazing! We ate outside in their garden area and it was really nice to have a refreshing meal on a hot day. The papaya salad was saurrrr good as well as the savory salmon. My only thing was that i wasn't expecting the luang prabang khao soy to be a soup based on the description, but it was still good! I think maybe disclosing that its a soup in the description on the menu would be helpful. Otherwise, great experience, and would come again!

Yih R.

My first time at a Lao restaurant. I was suspicious of the difference between Thai and Lao food. I thought it would be similar, but it turned out that they are very different. Lao has more sourness into their sauce and cooking. The people here are very welcoming and nice. They would give you recommendations and joke around you. The place is also cute, when we were here, we felt a different place from the outside world. My favorite was the sausage, and the salad was my least favorite as it is way too sour for me. The fried banana with ice cream is a must try item. You will not regret it.

Single use bathroom accessible from entering the backyard

PaHoua L.

Service was prompt and friendly from Kanlaya. The restaurant decor is lovely. I don't know what was here before, but the yellow chairs are fun and refreshing and the greenery and Buddha head waterfall offer a soft ambiance. Relaxing Lao background music is clutch. Thum Lao Lao - Lao green papaya salad: Was ordered medium spicy. The flavor was great and there was the right amount of fish sauce and crab paste. I'm considered the weak one in my family when it comes to spice, so medium was perfect for me -- maybe even a tad too spicy. If you're accustomed to spicy food, go for medium on your first visit. If you're not accustomed to spicy food, go for mild. Would recommend if you like spicy Lao papaya salad. Khao poon ghai - Vermicelli noodles with chicken in red curry soup: The noodles weren't cooked enough for me, as they were still a little chewy. The chicken was sliced, not shredded or ground. The flavor was good and there were bamboo slices. I don't know if I would order again, but if you're a kapoon lover, give it a try. Nam khao - Crispy rice with nam sausage: Tasty and crunchy! Perfect size for sharing. I recommend ordering, but beware it comes with peanuts if anyone in your party has an allergy. Sai oua - Lao sausage: A little spicy and cooked to perfection. The side sauce was also really good. Would order again. Side of sticky rice: Ordered to enjoy with the Lao sausage and papaya salad. It came in a little bamboo basket. Would order again. Mango & sticy rice dessert: Cute heart display. The mango was almost ripe, so the slight sour with condensed milk was a great combo. Recommend ordering if you have space left for dessert! My only complaint, if I had one, is that the Lao tea was much too sweet. I had to separate half into another cup and add water. It was still too sweet. I wouldn't order again unless they change the ingredients / amount of sugar or sweetener. Metered street parking out front and in the surrounding neighborhood. The single use bathroom is outside the restaurant. There is a second bathroom located outside the backyard area, but it requires a code to enter the bathroom as well as a code to return to the backyard. The backyard has seating, but while useable, it looks like it might be undergoing a makeover and would be a great outdoor dining space when it's ready!

Steamed catfish in banana leaves. Absolutely delicious!

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Sambacat W.

1 year ago

Delicious food with abundant greens and fresh herbs. Fantastic service and really lovely comfortable decor.

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Lao G.

Thank you! Looking forward to serving you again soon.

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kat b.

10 months ago

I had a wonderful meal at Lao Garden, drunken noodles and Lao papaya salad. Full of flavor and generous portions. Ambience was relaxed and staff was very friendly. There is a large area out back for outdoor dining. All and all a really great experience. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you for your kind words. We look forward to serving you again…

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Kristina M.

1 year ago

Stumbled upon Lao Garden in Berkeley tonight--and glad we did. The place exudes a warm, casual neighborhood vibe. We kicked off with the Yum Salat Lao: crisp greens, mint, parsley, cucumber, boiled eggs, and sautéed pork in an egg yolk dressing. A harmonious blend of flavors--savory, sweet, tangy, and a hint of spice. The Crab Fried Rice didn't disappoint either--a comforting dish with a Laotian twist. The Gang Phet Gai, a red curry with tender chicken, was rich and aromatic. Service was attentive and genuine, making us feel right at home. Lao Garden is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, and We're already looking forward to the next visit. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Kristina! It was a pleasure having you dined with us…

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Mey S.

9 months ago

The food overall was delish, I was very skeptical about trying Lao food in the bay but they proved me wrong it was fresh and delicious. our server Jia was the greatest very nice and attentive. She recommended some yummy food I say! We will be back. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you for a 5 star review! We look forward to serving you again.

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Noah Z.

11 months ago

Amazing food! The watermelon salad was the stand-out dish -- refreshing, umami, sweet, and savory. Much love for the southeast asian businesses spreading their culture read more

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Lao G.

Thank you!

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Marilyn P.

9 months ago

We just finished an outstanding meal at Lao Garden. We started with crispy rice balls, then we had Laab Ped, a delicious duck salad and finally we had the signature dish Mok catfish. The flavors are sublime. The atmosphere is just lovely with very mellow music and an open kitchen so you can see the chefs. And the service by Gia was top-notch. We cannot wait to come back. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you for a wonderful review! We're happy you enjoy our dishes…

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Kate W.

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5 months ago

I went here for the first time the other day with my friends. All of the food was absolutely fabulous. They were packed, but the service didn't falter even the littlest bit. The eggplant stirfry with shrimp was my absolute favorite. We also had a wonderful green curry dish with chicken and tofu, a papaya salad, which was spicy but yummy! The Viantien crispy rolls were excellent! The atmosphere was great, and all and all a wonderful read more

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Lao G.

Thank you for a wonderful review! We look forward to having you back…

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Martha M.

9 months ago

Amazing food, amazing people! The staff at Lao Garden are so friendly, the service is quick, and every dish is bursting with flavor. A true Berkeley gem -- can't wait to come back!!! Martha Morales read more

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Lao G.

Thank you for an amazing review! We look forward to seeing you again…

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Ruby M.

9 months ago

Lao Garden has delicious/beautiful food, great service and a great atmosphere! Easy place to find especially coming from Vacaville, CA. I had the Fried Egg Rolls, Crispy Rice Balls, Kua Khao with Shrimp, Drunken Noodle and mango with sweet sticky rice. Food was on point and good size portions! A must try if you are looking for authentic Laotian style Food. read more

Lao Garden - Mango with sweet sticky rice, fried egg rolls, Crispy Rice Balls and drunken noodles. - Laotian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Lao G.

Thank you so much for your kind words and for making the trip from…

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Anthony D.

9 months ago

Lao Garden has a wonderful atmosphere. The service was friendly and attentive. The food was amazing !

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Lao G.

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that…

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The Invisible Patron L.

7 months ago

As I walked into the restaurant I was greeted and seated at a window seat. The interior transports you to a place of beauty and anticipation. You can see chefs in the kitchen scurry about with amazing aromas that play in your olfactory system. The menu layout makes it easy to select from small plates & appetizers to salads, noodle based dishes, fish, pork, etc. I ordered the Drunken Noodles (no alcohol in this) and they were delightful and delicious! Soft, slippery, pliable rice noodles ensconced in a perfect weight sauce/light gravy with crisp sautéed green beans, red&green bell, cabbage, basil and sliced chicken breast (my protein choice). My taste buds were very pleased!! I also ordered a glass of sparkling wine (Cremant Brut) that was a perfect complement to the dish. I am going to return for the Chef's prized rack of lamb! read more

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Lao G.

Thank you for a great review! It was a pleasure to serve you and we…

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Ann A.

105

11 months ago

The food here is wonderful and full of flavor, offering an authentic taste of Thai and Lao cuisine. If you enjoy spicy and flavorful dishes, I highly recommend this place. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you , Ann! Although some of the dishes may be similar to Thai,…

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David M.

6 months ago

I enjoyed the food very much. Some of the dishes were spicier than I can eat, even after requesting very mild. I would go back again.

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Lao G.

Thank you, David, for your support! Apologies if the mild was too…

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Peter W.

1 year ago

The food is excellent and interesting here. Every plate was well presented and colorful. The decor is bright, cheery, and similarly colorful. It would be a great place for big groups so you could try a lot of different things on the menu. Our group of 4 had a lit of food but there were still so many other things that looked really good. Gotta go back! This is an excellent addition to the Berkeley food scene. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Peter, for a great review! We enjoy serving our community…

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Amir S.

1 year ago

I have had Asian food many times but this was the first time I found it delicious. You could taste the fresh ingredients. The portions were generous. Food was cooked and decorated with care. Well balanced spices. The waiter was very attentive and ambience had a positive vibe. It was above my expectation. read more

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Lao G.

Hi Amir! Thank you so much for a nice review! It's great to know our…

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Susie S.

6 months ago

Wow! We had an amazing meal last night at Lao Garden! It has a warm, colorful and welcoming atmosphere in addition to the delicious food. There is an open kitchen where you can watch the chef/owner, Kanlaya prepare scrumptious and beautifully presented authentic Lao dishes. Everything we ordered was fresh and bright - and with complex flavors. The portions were so generous , we ended up taking a lot home but still managed to finish the mango / sticky rice which was gorgeously presented - the rice shaped in a heart, flavored and colored green by pandan leaves. At the end of our meal Kanlaya came to introduce herself- We can't wait to come back and try all of the different things on the menu.- Run don't walk to this hidden gem in Berkeley! read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Susie! It was a great pleasure serving you and your…

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Jenny M.

8 months ago

Amazing. Period. Thank you for bringing authentic Lao food to berkeley. I am forever grateful.

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Lao G.

Thank you, Jenny, for a 5 star review! We appreciate your support.…

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Christine L.

1 year ago

This place was amazing....great food! We ordered the fried sweet and sour fish, crispy egg rolls and Nam khao....enjoyed all 3 dishes! The ambience was inviting and pleasant. read more

Lao Garden - Vientiane Crispy Rolls - Laotian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Lao G.

Thank you, Christine! We look forward to serving you again soon.

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Sarah C.

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1 year ago

This restaurant is fantastic. Not only is it beautiful inside but the service is excellent. We ordered the crispy rice balls and the VIENTIANE crispy rolls and both were delicious. The rice balls were flavorful and didn't feel too oily even though they were fried. The crispy rolls had amazing flavor due to the herbs inside. I would highly recommend this place. I can't wait to try something else read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Sarah! We made our dishes with so much love that you can…

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Elaine L.

1 year ago

Fabulous food! I am a fan of SE Asian food but had never had Laotian. Excellent flavors and spicing. I will be back and am going to tell all my friends. My new favorite restaurant read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Elaine! We can't wait to serve you and your friends again.

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Dana E.

1 year ago

The food is not tasty and while they have a large menu, they do not match the neighborhood's local Thai or Vietnamese two restaurants. The dishes took a very long time to come out. The ambiance was fin. read more

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Lao G.

Hi Dana, sorry to hear you did not enjoy the food. Not sure if you…

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Ellen E.

1 year ago

Local restaurant with very interesting menu. The staff is part of the family. This used to be in the Pasiana resteraunt space

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Lao G.

Hi Ellen, we hope to serve you again soon.

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Daniel S.

6 months ago

The food is incredible. Everyone is super friendly. Try the steak or the pineapple rice

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Lao G.

Thank you! We look forward to having you back again soon.

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Nikos L.

1 year ago

We visited this Wonderful place and we got impressed with the nice and polite behaviour of the staff, the beautiful decoration, AND OF COURSE with the FOOD. Tasty, Delicious l, Satisfying Portions, and Unique Flavors. Kanlaya has done Amazing Job and our food experience has hit very very high levels. We will definitely come back. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Nikos! We are happy that your experience was a pleasant…

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Lyssa K.

9 months ago

Despite an initial mishap with a delivery service, my sister and I went in for dinner tonight and it was amazing. Unfortunately, it didn't occur to me to take a photo until we were almost done, but we had the thom khem (caramelized, pork and ginger), eggplant with prawns, yellow curry, and crispy rolls (fried rolls wrapped with lettuce, herbs and vermicelli). The pork was one of the best things I've eaten. I highly recommend it if it's offered. The eggplant actually melts in your mouth and the bright, herby rolls cut through all the richness. Will definitely be back. Decor was lovely as was the owner, who was incredibly helpful. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Lyssa! We appreciate a great review and we are happy…

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Latsamy O.

7 months ago

Great food and great service. food so Amazing in town . highly recommend. I fall in love with ingredients of the food so tasty .

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Lao G.

Thank you, Latsamy for the 5 star review! We look forward to having…

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Breonna P.

1 year ago

I don't usually provide reviews but the food here was absolutely delicious and authentic. The owner was also so nice and impressive. 10 stars! The cutest flower wall and decorations. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Breonna! Happy to serve you and Anthony!

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Graciela M.

9 months ago

I've had consistent, great experiences at Lao Garden! The food is authentic, full of flavor, and clearly made with fresh ingredients! The staff were both friendly and attentive, checking in often, which made the meal even more enjoyable! The vibrant atmosphere and genuine hospitality remind me why I love supporting local restaurants like this! It showcases the best of Laotian cuisine in the East Bay! Can't wait to go back! read more

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Lao G.

We are happy to know you enjoy our fresh ingredients! We look…

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Mayra P.

1 year ago

The restaurant is beautiful, easy parking during lunch time and the food is absolutely epic!!! read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Mayra! It was a pleasure serving you! Please come visit…

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Jamie L.

9 months ago

How much did they pay for that article? Food tasted like they cooked their recipes for the very first time.

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Lao G.

Hi Jamie, We're sorry to hear you felt that way. Our recipes are…

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Rick J.

11 months ago

My wife, a mutual friend, and I had heard good things about Lao Garden. We decided to have lunch there recently and pretty much loved everything about the place: the decor and ambiance, service, and the food. We had the spicy seafood soup, spring rolls, papaya salad, and drunken noodles (chicken). The quantities could have fed four; we took home enough for our son to enjoy. The hostess/chef was super helpful and her suggestions were spot on. Of everything we had, the papaya salad was the weakest item, but still good. Their beer selection was also varied which appealed to me; I've brewed many beers over decades and am a bit of a snob. I would definitely recommend Lao Garden to others, and we will definitely be returning. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Rick! We appreciate your kind words and look forward to…

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Tasos A.

1 year ago

I went on the soft opening day for dinner. The place was packed. I had some drinks at the bar waiting to get to my table. It was worth the wait. I had the mok catfish (forgot to take photo) steamed in a banana leaf and grilled fish. They were amazing. The atmosphere very genuine and the service great. We had a wonderful time . Strongly recommend. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Tasos! We hope to see you soon.

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Leuth H.

1 year ago

They just open for soft opening The food and service is great I try the namkao and larb salad mokpla they are very tasty will try other things next time read more

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Lao G.

Thank you! See you soon.

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Emily ..

9 months ago

Everything was SO delicious here. The veggies and herbs were very fresh. I loved all of the authentic Laos flavors we got to experience, I literally want to try everything on the menu now. The atmosphere is beautiful! The wait staff was very friendly and attentive to our table's needs. I can't wait to go back. Wonderful!! Highly recommend. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled you…

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David P.

1 year ago

Amazing food and lovely atmosphere. Every dish was very fresh with lots of herbs. Lots of new menu items I haven't had before.

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Lao G.

Thank you, David! Definitely, you'll need to try other dishes on…

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Rivka B.

10 months ago

Tonight we ate with our family ( ages 8 - 80) at Lao Garden. The food was fresh and spiced beautifully with generous servings. We love Thai food but have never had food from Laos which is equally delicious. The Drunken Noodles and the Nam Khao were superb. We were able to sit in the outside garden area with heat lamps. Laotian food offers lots of new culinary discoveries and I can't wait to go back. read more

Business owner information

Lao G.

Thank you, Rivka and family! It was a pleasure serving you. See you…

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Kim T.

6 months ago

My family of four looked forward to getting the platter the menu describes as a "feast". It was a disappointment. Portions were exceedingly small, and none of us had enough to eat, although the platter cost about $100. The platter had a selection of items, and may be useful for trying different things, but it was not a good value. It might work for two people, not a family. Details: platter contained one fried fish, fried hard and very dry; small serving (about half a cup) of barely poached vegetables, a lettuce leaf; about half a cup of noodles; meat sticks that tasted like fish balls, gray-white color; slices of a pink sausage; a wedge of cabbage; and eight of the smallest chicken wings I have ever seen. There was also shredded cabbage in a sauce, and as a garnish. Nothing was bad, but nothing was very flavorful. As a cook, I would estimate that the ingredients could not have cost more than $15, and the cooking was minimal--sliced sausage, shredded cabbage, wings, and one fried fish. Service was friendly, but after a quick check immediately after the food was delievered, we were left alone for at least 30 minutes, long beyond the time to took to eat the entire platter and plan what we were going to need to eat next to feel like we'd actually had dinner. read more

Business owner information

Lao G.

Hi Kim. Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear the platter…

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LMarie R.

1 year ago

I tried Lao Garden today. I'm not super active on Yelp but it was such a great experience - I had to post a review - food was fantastic. I had the drunken noodles with tofu -great mix of noodles and veggies with perfect amount of kick! Gia the server was super attentive and the place was bright and open. will def be back! read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, LMarie! We are pleased you've enjoyed our cuisine. We…

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Geoffrey S.

1 year ago

A lovely restaurant with a lot of heart. We enjoyed our date night meal thoroughly. The ambience was colorful and modern. The food was delicate and prepared with a lot of care. The menu featured a mix of old favorites as well as things we have never tried before. We loved the grilled fish and the stuffed tapioca balls. read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Geoffrey! Glad to hear your date night went well.…

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Dx D.

1 year ago

Exceptional food, warm and friendly service, airy décor. I went with some friends before their opening and fell in love with the fresh, aromatic and spicy flavors as well as the gorgeous presentation, so much so that I ordered from them for a work dinner I hosted the following week. I'm obsessed with their saikoo- tapioca balls stuffed with pork and peanuts. Can't recommend them highly enough read more

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Lao G.

Thank you, Dx D! We look forward to seeing you and your friends…

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Page 3 of 4

2514 San Pablo Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702
West Berkeley
Directions
(510) 705-1958
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.laogarden.net

Full menu

Hours

What time does Lao Garden open?

Lao Garden opens at 11:30 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Lao Garden opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Lao Garden opens at 12:00 PM on Sunday.

What time does Lao Garden close?

Lao Garden closes at 3:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Lao Garden closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Lao Garden is closed on Tuesday.

Mon, Wed-Sat 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMTue ClosedSun 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Lao Garden take credit cards?

Yes, Lao Garden takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Lao Garden have catering options?

Yes, Lao Garden does have catering options.

Does Lao Garden have a drive thru?

No, Lao Garden does not have a drive thru.

Does Lao Garden serve alcohol?

Yes, Lao Garden serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Lao Garden allow dogs?

Yes, Lao Garden allows dogs.

Does Lao Garden have TVs?

No, Lao Garden does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Lao Garden have bike parking?

No, Lao Garden does not have bike parking.

Does Lao Garden have outdoor seating?

Yes, Lao Garden has outdoor seating options.

Does Lao Garden have parking?

Yes, Lao Garden has parking options.

Other Amenities

Is Lao Garden wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Lao Garden is wheelchair accessible.

Does Lao Garden have free WiFi?

Yes, Lao Garden has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Authentic Laotian cuisine. Southeast Asian food.

Ask the Community - Lao Garden

Do they accept reservations?

Yes, for parties of 5 and up. Otherwise, it's a first come, first serve.

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Champa Garden

4.1(2.4k reviews)

5.0 mi•East Oakland

•$$

My friends and I stopped by on a Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. looking for a table for four and the…read morewait was around 45 minutes. Between the four of us, we shared a variety of dishes, including their Champa Wings, Nam Kaow, Lao Sausages, Yum Nom Tok, Champa's Fried Rice and Pad Thai. Of these dishes, my favorite was easily the Nam Kaow. This dish had so many layers of flavors and textures. I could honestly eat a whole plate of this myself and be satisfied. Every grain of crispy rice was fried to perfection and there was a wonderful sour and spicy tang throughout each bite. The other dish I really enjoyed was the Lao sausages. These sausages are packed with so many different herbs and spices. The lemongrass flavor was especially prominent. Like the Nam Kaow, this dish also went really well with the fresh mint and lettuce that's provided on the table. There's a good reason why this unassuming Thai and Lao neighborhood restaurant has a line out the door: the food is absolutely delicious. Definitely one of my favorite meals I've had in 2026 -- I can't wait to stop by again.

Wow. If you want some good thai food that is good both for takeout and eating in, this is the…read moreplace. Here's everything I've ordered and their rankings. Pad Thai: 8/10 Yellow Curry: 8.5/10 Appetizer Sampler: 9/10 Papaya Salad: 9.5/10 Crab Fried Rice: 10/10 Pad See Ew: 10/10 We love this restaurant so much. They don't skimp out on portions either. We'll be back for sure.

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Vientian Cafe

4.2(1.3k reviews)

6.9 mi•East Oakland

•$$

As a Lao person not from the Bay, this place hits all the homey notes for me…read more Mokpha, larb, papaya salad, and nam khao are my go to. These are must tries if you haven't yet. Lao sausage a little different than what I'm use to but I still buy the frozen ones to take home.

4: Nam Khao: Nice crunch, but missing some flavor. Not as addictive as the version at Bhan Mae Vane…read morein Alameda. It was better the next day after I steamed it, to make it softer and less crunchy. 4: Lao sausage. Good, but also not as addictive as at Bhan Mae Vane. The neighborhood is sketchy, and parking is difficult. For pre-paid take-out, I recommend parking (briefly) in the red zone across the street.

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Photo 5: Interior

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4.3(360 reviews)

2.1 mi•Berkeley Hills

•$$

4.5 stars $5.79 Thai…read moreIced Tea (coconut milk): A good one $18.99 Lao Khao Poon: soup with white fish option. Red curry base. DELICIOUS! Absolutely worth the price.

Great experience getting takeout from Lao Thai Kitchen! Easy parking along Solano, cute quiet spot…read morefor dinner. There was one person working the counter when I arrived, ordering was super simple and she was able to answer all my questions. Only took about 20 minutes for the food to come out, and she offered me a free dessert while I waited. Upon bringing the food home, the pad see ew especially hit the spot, along with the fried egg rolls (which were huge!). They also packed up a free dessert for me to take home definitely down to come back here again and try dining in!

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The Saap Avenue

4.3(340 reviews)

3.1 mi•Piedmont Ave, North Oakland

•$$

I'm absolutely blown away. I was surprised about how good everything was. Might have been the best…read morefood I've had this year. My family ordered 1 appetizer, 4 entrees, and 2 drinks, all shared, and all 4 of us agreed that EVERY single item was phenomenal. That has absolutely NEVER happened before. At most restaurants, there's always at least one thing that someone doesn't like, and often multiple things that multiple people don't like. Not the case here. The appetizer was the spicy basil wings. Very good to start. But little did I know what was coming my way. The drinks were Thai tea and lychee limeade. The Thai tea was normal. As in good, I liked it. The lychee limeade was amazing, had to order another one. I would like to try the mango next time (there will definitely be a next time). Very sour, which I love. I hate lemonade that's not sour enough. Oh and that too, I usually hate limeade, don't really care for lemonade, and don't drink soda. I usually only drink water, juice, or tea (no coffee, alcohol rarely). So that's saying something. The Laos fried spring roll entree was really good. I always liked fried rolls but something about this tasted better. They were Laotian rolls, so maybe that was part of the difference from the ones you get from Pho restaurants. The duck over rice was amazing. I'm not usually one to pick duck, I don't mind it but I usually don't order it, but this was my mom's choice and it was really good. I like the sauce too. The Panang duck curry was so good. My mom doesn't even like curry and she liked it. And the Chiang Mai soup dish, I've never had anything like it. It was still hot after, I don't know, 20 minutes maybe? At the bottom especially. We all ate this together at the end, while the other dishes were in the order I listed them for myself (mostly, kinda switched around a bit eating family style), and generally the same for everyone else. I tasted a tiny bit of the soup in the beginning and thought it was nothing special, like when my spoon was clean it was the first thing I scooped. Only the soup though, none of the stuff inside. Honestly I didn't read what was in it, some crispy noodle or something. I was not sure if I would like it but my sister said she had it in Thailand and liked it so if I didn't like it she could eat it. That ended up not being a problem. Okay so anyway, we started on the soup at the end. To start, it was pretty good. Somehow, every bite we took tasted better and better, for at least like 5-10 bites maybe. At that point, I was thinking it's the best thing I've ever tasted. (But of course that's probably not actually true, and I'm just falling for the recency bias, kind of like how my favorite song changes all the time.) Never had anything like it. I've been missing out. But wow, I have to come back. And I highly recommend this place. Life changing experience honestly. Like if you asked me right now if I wanted to get Japanese or Korean (my other favorites) food or this, I would go here. I honestly wanted more of every single dish, especially the fried spring rolls, duck over rice, duck curry, and soup. Wait a second... that's all the entrees we ordered! Also the limeade. I need to get that again. But I also want to try other stuff next time so I'm torn. I literally need all 4 of these dishes again so I don't know what to do. I hope these dishes aren't seasonal or otherwise temporary. I noticed the menu had a month and year listed (I think it said April 2026 and it's May 3 2026 today) so I believe they update it frequently. If I lived closer I would come 20 times in a row and try every single thing, but unfortunately I live in San Ramon so it's not like I'm trying to go to Oakland every day. Soon though. My sister lives there, if I were her I would go here every day until I was sick of it, if that could ever be possible. I don't know if I could ever enjoy other food this much again. I was also completely sober so it wasn't like I had munchies or anything (felt I should specify being a young adult who grew up in California). Hmm, that gives me an idea for the future though. Even the pricing is fair (no dishes over $30), and the place is nice. Great service too. The only drawbacks are small tables for parties over 4 people, and it's REALLY loud in the restaurant, but well worth it. If you are sensitive to noise I'd recommend earplugs, earmuffs, earbuds, headphones, or something. The place is also relatively small. I'd recommend making a reservation if you plan to go on a Friday or Saturday night. It got busy, very busy. Well our reservation was at 6 and it wasn't crowded yet, a couple tables open, but by the time our food came out the place was absolutely packed and I think people without reservations had to wait to sit. I'm not sure though, I was too focused on the amazing food to care. Anyway, once again, highly recommend and I will be back.

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4.5(758 reviews)

6.0 mi

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4.2(225 reviews)

0.6 mi•West Berkeley

•$$

I've driven past this restaurant many times and finally decided to stop in and give it a try…read more First impressions were good. The restaurant has a cute ambiance with all of the string lighting and fun music playing. My only complaint would be how cold it was in the restaurant. It felt like the AC was on, on a cold December night. My partner joked and said "next time we're taking the food to go" lol. Our server was a sweet woman who joked with us because we were indecisive about where we wanted to sit and asked too many questions lol. We really enjoyed her. We ordered the yellow curry roti and two pad Thai, one shrimp and one beef. I really liked the yellow curry but wasn't the biggest fan of how thin and crispy the roti was. It was cut up like tiny tortilla chips. Still very good though, just not quite what I expected. The pad Thai was definitely the star. They were nice sized portions with all the right amount of flavor and sauce to noodle ratio. It was a VERY good pad thai. This will definitely be our new go to for Thai takeout!

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Larb Thai Food & Tapas

Family-owned & operated

Larb Thai Food & Tapas is one of my favorite Thai places in the East Bay. The crispy rice salad is…read moreincredible -- super crunchy and full of flavor. I also love the larb, the boat noodles, and pretty much anything from the skewers section. It's absolutely banging and definitely one of the most authentic Thai spots in this area. This is the kind of place you almost want to keep to yourself, but it honestly deserves the recognition.

Amazing authentic Thai food ! Service was fast and friendly…read moreatmosphere. Order fish cake; papaya salad;

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Crispy rice ball salad

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Champa Garden

3.9(1.1k reviews)

13.2 mi•Mount Davidson Manor

•$$

Craving some Southeast Asian cuisine, heard about Champa Garden, so we went to check them out on a…read moreweekday for dinner at 7 pm. Parking wasn't too difficult. We found a spot on a side street a block away. This Thai/Laos eatery was dimly lit with a cozy atmosphere. When we arrived, only a few tables were occupied, so we were seated quickly. They have a variety on the menu: starters, salads, noodle soups, pan fried noodles, stir-fries, seafood, vegetarian, curries, fried rice, specials, sides, & desserts. *** O U R P I C K S *** CHAMPA WINGS ~ sweet & spicy, dry pepper fried chicken wings. The wings were quite small, but we got 10 flats. Tasty, but not too spicy. Comparable to the wings you'd get from San Tung or Korean fried chicken wings. 4/5 CHAMPA SAMPLER ~ Lao sausages, fried rice ball salad, & fried spring rolls. Tasty generous platter! It comes with vermicelli noodles and lots of fresh lettuce and herbs so you can make lettuce wraps. Spring rolls were crispy and delicious. I think this was the highlight of our meal. 5/5 LARP LAO STYLE (Duck) SALAD ~ prepared with mint, onions, fish paste, cilantro & Thai eggplants. Alone, the duck is pretty salty. But eating it with the provided lettuce and herbs balanced the flavors and cut the saltiness. Unique and bold flavors. 4/5 PAD THAI ~ thin rice noodles, tamarind, eggs, bean sprouts, and chicken. Flavor was on point, but the noodles were a bit wet and overcooked. 3.5/5 GINGER FISH ~ battered catfish, minced pork, ginger, onions, bell peppers, and mushroom. This tasted more like a Chinese dish. The fish were filet pieces deep fried with a batter covered in a brown sauce. This dish tasted ok, but nothing special. 3.5/5 A few dishes stood out like the Champa sampler and Larp Lao style duck salad. We enjoyed our meal and we'll definitely make our way back when the craving hits!

George and I ordered the Tom Pad See Ew Noodles ($15) with beef and the Tom Kha Soup ($16) with…read morechicken through Grubhub. The food arrived quickly, which was a great start. The Tom Kha soup was the highlight of the meal. It was rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with a nice balance of coconut, citrus, and herbs. It was so good that George is still finishing the leftovers today. Between the two of us, we got about four servings out of it, which felt like a great value. Unfortunately, the Pad See Ew was a letdown. The dish was greasy, lacked depth of flavor, and had very little beef. I ended up contacting customer support to request a partial refund because the portion of protein was so disappointing. For a dish like Pad See Ew, you expect tender slices of beef, chewy rice noodles, and a balanced savory and slightly sweet soy flavor with a bit of char from the wok, but this version fell short. Overall, the soup was excellent and worth ordering again, but the noodle dish did not meet expectations. I have heard good things about this place and hope this was just an off day.

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4.4(729 reviews)

4.2 mi•Oakland Chinatown, Old Oakland

•$$

I came here absolutely starving after hearing this place was the go‑to spot for legit Cambodian…read morefood, and it did not disappoint. We ordered a meat curry‑style dip with fresh vegetables, stuffed wings, beef skewers, soup, and fried rice. Each bite instantly reminded me of my mom's cooking--it was incredibly comforting and truly authentic. Everything was packed with rich, savory flavors except for the fried rice, which was a bit bland for my taste. That said, every other dish completely delivered and exceeded my expectations. I would definitely come back anytime I'm craving comfort food. I highly recommend this place--it's a total gem and such a great find for traditional Cambodian cuisine.

Delicious! I've had a soup here and I believe like a noodle dish once but what really takes the…read morecake is the Sticky Rice or Mnago Coconut whatever it's called, it's absolutely delicious. That dessert is so good. Try it out i highly recommend it!

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Seating for singles, couples, or groups.

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4.3(65 reviews)

7.0 mi

•$$

First time here for lunch on a Wednesday at noon. The restaurant was empty so the service was good…read more Everything came out quickly. The fried appetizer was good to share. The tofu pumpkin curry wasn't too spicy but good flavor. The tofu pad Thai wasn't too sweet and good portion. Parking lot in back and street parking.

Finally got to try this place and 10/10 would recommend! Food was good definitely say try the Khao…read morePiak the best thing I tried on the menu. For the appetizer I do recommend the Maya Combo to try everything out! The place is hidden gem. Will be back soon and service was great!

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9/10/24 FYI, interior

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9/10/24 FYI, exterior, entrance

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

6 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Anida P.

Elite 23

418

158

17 days ago

If you're looking for authentic Lao food that actually hits, this spot delivers. We ordered a full spread and everything felt intentional--from the flavors to the presentation. The fried whole fish (Pun Pa) was a standout: perfectly crispy on the outside, tender inside, and paired with fresh herbs, lettuce, noodles, and a rich dipping sauce that tied it all together. It's one of those dishes you build bite-by-bite, and every combo just works. The soup (Thom Seafood) brought serious comfort. Deep, bold broth with fresh herbs, mushrooms, and veggies--warm, slightly spicy, and packed with flavor without being overwhelming. You can tell it's made with care, not rushed. And the beef jerky (Seen Savanh)? Easily one of the highlights. Super flavorful, slightly sweet and savory with a nice chew, paired with a dipping sauce (Jeow Mak len) that takes it to another level. It's the kind of dish you keep reaching for even when you're already full. The Lao pickle cabbage ( Som Pak) was a super hit. It's simple, but done right--and this one was. Crisp, slightly tangy, and refreshing. It cuts through the richness of the other dishes perfectly and balances out heavier bites like the fried fish and beef jerky. You can tell it's house-made and fresh, not overly sour or mushy. If you know, you know--this is a must-order to round out the table. What I appreciated most is how fresh everything tasted. The herbs were vibrant, the textures were on point, and nothing felt heavy or greasy. This is the kind of place you go when you want real, authentic Lao flavors--not watered down versions. Definitely a spot I'd come back to, especially with friends so you can try a little bit of everything. Come try it for yourself! read more

Aiden N.

283

1 year ago

Authentic Lao Cuisine with a Warm Atmosphere - A Must-Try! Lao Garden is a fantastic new addition to the Bay Area food scene, bringing authentic Laotian flavors to Berkeley. From the moment you walk in, the warm and inviting atmosphere sets the tone for a great dining experience. The decor is simple yet elegant, reflecting the cultural roots of Laos. The menu is a perfect blend of traditional Lao dishes, each prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. For mains, the Larb Seen was a standout - finely minced beef flank steak mixed with aromatic toasted rice, fresh herbs, and just the right level of spice. The Gang Jude, a comforting soup with vermicelli noodles, squash, and ground pork, had a deep, savory broth that felt like a warm hug. Every dish was clearly crafted with authenticity and love, bringing out the best of Lao cuisine. Service was attentive and friendly, with the staff happy to explain the dishes and offer recommendations. The communal dining style encourages sharing, making it a perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. Overall, Lao Garden is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of Laotian cuisine. Whether you're new to Lao food or a longtime fan, this restaurant delivers an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend! read more

Bella Bijou P.

380

1 year ago

We recently had the pleasure of dining at the newly opened Lao Garden in Berkeley, California, and I must say, it is truly a hidden gem. The moment we entered, we were captivated by the exquisite decor and inviting ambiance that set the stage for a delightful culinary experience. For lunch, we opted for their Mok Seabass, an exceptional dish featuring Chilean seabass steamed with lemongrass and complemented by a medley of green onions and dill, all wrapped elegantly in a banana leaf. It was a harmonious blend of flavors that truly transported me to the heart of Laos. We also indulged in the Thum Lao Lao, a spicy papaya salad that was both refreshing and vibrant. The Soop Nor Mai, consisting of shredded bamboo shoots with a smoky chili kick, perfectly balanced by soft herbs and toasted sesame seeds, was another highlight of the meal. In a moment of culinary enthusiasm, we decided to add both the Joon Gai (crispy fried chicken and the angel wings) to our order, which proved to be an excellent decision. Of course, no meal is complete without sticky rice, which complemented each dish beautifully. Oh and there is a wine and beer bar as well! Overall, our experience was exceptional, and I look forward to returning to Lao Garden for more of their delectable offerings! read more

Bebe P.

Elite 26

352

161

243

11 months ago

Hands down, the BEST Lao food in the Bay Area! Seriously, if you're looking for an unforgettable meal, look no further. I love their fish wraps - absolute perfection, the best I've had anywhere. And don't even get me started on the fermented pork with crispy rice salad - pure magic in every bite. Portions are super generous, so come hungry! Beyond the incredible food, the place itself is fantastic: clean and spacious with a truly awesome vibe. The service is great, the waitress is always checking in. read more

David K.

2 months ago

I haven't stop by to eat yet. But I'm doing a review because I will be stopping by here sometime in the next two weeks. I am Lao and expecting high hopes. I will give you my honest opinion. See you soon Pics and update will be posted soon. read more

Rose W.

9 months ago

their response on Google was unhinged. Their yelp responses are clearly using long winded AI. read more

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6 Lao Garden reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

6 reviews that are not currently recommended

Lao Garden - laotian - Updated May 2026

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