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Le Bambou

4.1 (365 reviews)
ModerateVietnamese, Seafood
Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

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LE BAMBOU ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Casual
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Le Bambou

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Chicken claypot
Christine M.

I have heard about Le Bambou for a long time but never got a chance to visit until recently. And the reason that we went there was because my friends' kids like it. That's a good enough reason for all of us adults. Overall, a restaurant with table cloths, nicer than a typical Vietnamese restaurants. They were busy and food came out pretty slow but we were there to hang out and were not terribly hungry, all was good. Food wise, it was passable. Really nothing to write home about. We got a few dishes to share, chicken claypot, chicken on a skewer, the make your own spring roll thingies and a few more dishes. Food was not bad, just not memorable. I'm trying to think about it a month later and my brain is blank on what else we ate. But overall, food was okay. The chicken claypot which I ate the most was okay. There was quite a bit of chicken in it. A tad on the sweet side but not too sweet. I don't mind eating it again but I won't get out of my way to get it.

Absolutely beautiful decor and interior, friendly staff and great food. Highly recommend. :)
Dylan L.

I had a great time here! Fantastic food, welcoming atmosphere, and a beautiful high minimalist interior.

51. Shaking Beef
Mara K.

We had dinner at Le Bambou in Del Mar and walked away with mixed feelings. The place was bustling, and it looked like there was only one server working the entire restaurant. Poor guy--he was incredibly sweet, apologetic, and professional despite being clearly overwhelmed. Service was understandably slow, but he really did his best. Now for the food: the shrimp, crab, and pork fried eggrolls were hands down the best part of the meal--crispy, flavorful, and easily some of the best I've ever had. Highly recommend those! My chicken and rice in the clay pot had a beautiful presentation but was a bit underwhelming in flavor. I added hot sauce to kick it up a notch. On the flip side, my husband enjoyed his steak pho and said it was delicious--rich broth and full of flavor. And a pleasant surprise: my kids absolutely devoured the shaking beef and kept saying how good it tasted--definitely a hit with them! The ambiance is cozy with low lighting and candles, and there's some outdoor seating available too. Overall, it's a busy spot that could really benefit from more staff.

4. Simmered Fish in Clay Pot
Natalie G.

Some of the best Thai food I've had in Del Mar! Cornish hen was on of the most surprising pleasing dishes, cooked perfectly. For sure coming back

Beautiful flowers and candlelight on tables
Caitlin D.

Love this Vietnamese restaurant tucked away in the corner of a Del Mar "shopping center." (Not sure if that's the correct word!) While the sign might be small, they have a good amount of seating inside. And two tables available outside as well. The lighting is warm, a bit dim some times, and the interior is tastefully decorated. Unlike your usual Asian restaurants that have emphasis on red. Le Bambou has a theme of grey, white, and green-- every so often they have flowers in vibrant colors on the table. At night, they have candlelight which adds to the atmosphere! I like the relaxing piano music that they play as well. Today, for lunch I had the chicken curry with white rice. It came with a side salad and 2 fried wontons (and nuoc mam aka fish sauce for dipping). I love how much chicken they gave and how soft the chicken was. It wasn't rubbery and overcooked like some places. You could taste the coconut milk and a bit of sweetness. Next time, I'll ask for a bit of heat or add some chili sauce. I personally felt that the carrots could be cooked a tad bit more, since this was curry-- it would be tastier for it to be softer rather than have a fresh vibrant crunch to them. The side salad was a great and refreshing touch. I had it with the rice and curry! Overall, I'd give this plate a 4.5/5! Other times, I've ordered the (lunch special or dinner): - Charboiled Pork Skewers. This is served with rice and a bed of fresh greens. I recommend taking the pork off the skewers and breaking it down in smaller chunks to be eaten with the rice. The flavor is delicious and the pork wasn't too fatty. I really enjoyed the marinade on the pork, sometimes I wish for the pork to be a bit more charred but overall pretty solid! 5/5 - Shaking Beef: I've had this a few times here, and the most recent time-- it was unlike other shaking beef I had. I think it depends on who is cooking it, but the most recent one was more saucy than I'm used to. It lacked black pepper and garlic oomph, and was a tad too sweet for me! The meat was really tender and delicious though. They serve it with rice. 3.5-4/5 - Crispy Shrimp Wontons with fish sauce and lettuce: these were delightfully crispy and filled with plump shrimp mixture. When wrapped in lettuce and dipped into the tangy sweet fish sauce-- it's such a delight! 5/5 - Traditional style fish soup: with sole, it is a tangy tamarind soup with tomatoes, bean sprouts, pineapple and celery. I make this at home and usually love it! --While I enjoyed the components in the soup, I think it was too much pineapple...as the soup was more sweet than tamarind flavored. Eaten with rice, it's nice. But not a soup I'd order again. I'd try maybe a different soup off the menu. 2.5-3/5 - Iced Vietnamese Coffee: sweet and strong, what more could you ask for? 10/10! I've also had the flan-- which is made by Nghia the owner. It was so smooth and creamy. It was lightly sweetened (not too sweet) and the caramel was so lush! I wish there was more caramel, I licked that plate clean. Would come back just to order the flan. 10/10 Overall, a great spot for Vietnamese food (especially in Del Mar where there isn't much Vietnamese restaurants). They are open lunch and dinner, but closed on Mondays. Price is pretty spot on for what it costs to eat out nowadays. A notable mention for the some people, they don't use MSG -- as written on their website. I think it's perfect for solo eating, with friends, on a date, or with family. Come and try their extensive menu and see if it can be your new favorite restaurant.

Tempura shrimp
Bonnie F.

First time trying this restaurant. It good, and they had a nice selection. I ordered off the lunch menu. I ordered the fried sole, which had a nice light coating but I don't think it was sole. It was also supposed to have a ginger or lemongrass taste, which it did not. It was supposed to have chicken wontons, which it did not. Maybe because it was fried? The soup eggdrop?? Had no flavor I added spice and soy. I will say my dining partners enjoyed their food. Two ordered clay pot and two had curry shrimp. The appetizers looked good,with lots of veggies. The coconut ice cream was refreshing. I would order something else the nexttime, the plates looked light and fresh.

"The Birthday Cake"
Arocel F.

We had a surprise celebration here at Le Bambou yesterday, for my husband's birthday milestone with 23 family & friends and it was a huge hit!! Thanks to Neil & his staff, for the exceptional customer service, delicious food, & beautiful ambiance, we all had a memorable & happy occasion!! My sister & I taste-tested the menu two weeks prior, meeting up with Neil (owner), and he helped us pick the food which was the following: 1) crispy pork imperial rolls for appetizer, 2) combination salad (no nuts because a family member has allergies); Main entrees: 3) shaking beef, & 4) chicken curry. I also requested for vegetarian dishes: vegetarian rolls, vegetarian salad, and eggplant with basil for a family member. We decided to ask each guest to order his or her drink, soda, wine & beer, coconut water, etc & Neil generously offered a 25% off discount on the drinks. One half of the restaurant had enough space for 36 people, so we had more than enough & comfortable seating for all of us. Neil & his staff offered to serve the ice cream birthday cake from Baskin-Robbins with no additional service charge (again, thank you, Le Bambou!). All in all, everyone had a relaxing dinner; we were able to enjoy each other's company, socialize, lots of hugs & laughter. Do not hesitate to plan your next milestone here, be it a birthday, anniversary, or even just lunch with your best friends & family! Can't wait to go back & taste their other wonderful dishes on the menu! I can't say enough about how beautiful it was! It was well worth it & the best part? No dishes & clean up afterwards! Thank you, Le Bambou!!

#8 Clay pot rice

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2 years ago

Quaint nice ambiance. Different Pho beef than I'm used to but it was tasty and clean.

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2 years ago

The chicken curry and imperial rolls are a definite favorite! The staff is so friendly and food has been 10/10 every time.

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3 years ago

Make a reservation as they'll turn you away even though the 1/2 the restaurant is open. Still want to try it though.

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Ask the Community - Le Bambou

Would you consider the food to be on the sweeter side if we're comparing to Chin's Chinese? Also in Del Mar.

The food is less sweet than the food in Chin's Chinese. To me, Chin's Chinese is more of a fusion place compared with Le Bambou.

Which items are gluten/soy free?

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Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana  - Capesanti e gamberi

Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana

4.5(217 reviews)
1.3 mi

Fantastic dinner at Aqua Mare this past weekend! Was visiting from L.A. to catch an art exhibition…read moreat Oceanside Museum of Art. A local friend recommended Aqua Mare, so I took my wife and daughter, and invited a few others. We were not disappointed. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by Antonio (mgr). Vittorio waited on our party and Devon (bartender) came by our table ro say "hello." It was our first-time dining at Aqua Mare, but we were treated like regulars. I love it when restaurants are so welcoming. Started with the calamari and the ahi crudo- both excellent. But, the braised beef ravioli was the main attraction. Devon recommended it and it did not disappoint. It's rare that I order ravioli, but this was perhaps the best version I have ever tasted- made from scratch and so flavorful. Ended the meal with limoncello and housemade tiramisu. I would also recommend their martini made with the new premium Austrian rye vodka, NEFT. These were truly superior. Ample, free parking and a lovely sunset view from the dining room. Can't wait to return to Aqua Mare for another memorable meal next time I'm in Del Mar. Bon Appétit!

First time here. Service was excellent, with a smile. Attentive, takes the empty plates in timely…read moremanner to make room since table is not too big . Ambiance casual and inviting . Food is ok, I think it needs a little bit more flavoring. Branzino was not dry. Love the veggies on the side, you can taste the smoked flavoring . Place is good for large group. Wheelchair access is from the back of the restaurant. Parking : resto has private parking but limited . Street parking is available. There were only 2 disabled parking space ( what I noticed at least ) .

Photos
Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana
Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana  - Branzino Livornese - cooked just right

Branzino Livornese - cooked just right

Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana  - Limoncello flute dessert yummmmm ( must try)

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Limoncello flute dessert yummmmm ( must try)

Mia’s - Spanish octopus

Mia’s

4.6(103 reviews)
3.4 mi
Happy hour specials
Outdoor seating

My wife and I went to Mia's for her birthday yesterday. We were blown away. Pleasent atmosphere for…read morea coastal spot. Amazing selection of tequila. Service was top notch! Highly recommend doing an appetizer dinner...really just so you can try them all. We did the oysters - best I've had in a long time - octopus and ceviche. Chef's kiss to those three. The entrees were good but I would say the apps were the shining moment. My wife also did a coconut margarita and it was pretty great. All in all, we will be back without a doubt.

I don't normally leave restaurant reviews, but the service my family and I received here was…read moreexceptional enough to warrant a review. The food came out quickly, the bar was efficient, and our waters were never empty. Our server was present but not overbearing, the manager/owner stopped by for a quick chat, and in the course of conversation it came up that we were celebrating a birthday that weekend. Even though we hadn't stopped at Mia's for that celebration, the staff brought out something special anyway, which was very much appreciated. As for the food, I can recommend the octopus, oysters, and scallop ceviche. Fresh seafood, fresh flavors, a nice balanced blend. The margaritas were delicious, closer to a craft tequila cocktail than a bar margarita.

Photos
Mia’s - Aguachile Margarita - Blanco tequila, chareau, cucumber-cilantro aguachile, lime and agave nectar

Aguachile Margarita - Blanco tequila, chareau, cucumber-cilantro aguachile, lime and agave nectar

Mia’s - Carrot Passion Margarita - Blanci tequila, cointreau, carrot, passion fruit, lime and agave nectar.

Carrot Passion Margarita - Blanci tequila, cointreau, carrot, passion fruit, lime and agave nectar.

Mia’s - Octopus

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Octopus

Coya Peruvian Secret - awards

Coya Peruvian Secret

4.3(825 reviews)
1.1 mi
$$

This place is 100% fab-u-lous. I had no idea that Peruvian food would taste THIS good. I've had…read morecuisine from Peru before, but c'mon. . . we left this lovely restaurant with HUGE smiles on our faces. Talk about customer satisfaction. It's guaranteed at Coya. Everyone who waited on us were attentive and personable. Coya Peruvian Secret lives up to precisely what their name suggests. . . so let's keep it a secret of on the down low. Shhhhh, it's better that way.

Service was great! I called ahead because most Peruvian restaurants are closed on Mondays. They are…read moreopen Mondays! Yay. 4:30-5 chef takes a break so no major dishes at that time. So we took the coast and enjoyed the long way to the restaurant so we could get there at the right time. No issues parking, but we went during a slow time. It's off steet parking, there's not a parking lot, but again we found plenty of spots right in front of the restaurant. They have pretty and colorful decor. Fun lights and beautiful flowering tree coverage. Seating is outdoors so dress accordingly. I knew this because we've enjoyed dining here a few times, so I actually used my little throw blanket. It's causal but some Couples dress up and eat here too. Server was great. He was tentative and nice. I knew I wanted the shrimp causa and my daughter's favorite Peruvian dish is Lomo saltado, so thatd what she ordered. He told us about the specials so we went with trying the baked scallops. I'd asked for 2 and he accidentally brought 4 but immediately realized and without us having to even ask, he offered to take the extra two off. So grateful he caught that. My daughter doesn't like scallops and I just wanted to try them. I like sea scallops but these were bay scallops. I never asked so I shouldn't have assumed. It was a tasty appetizer, talked my daughter into trying it but she wasn't interested to try more. She loves Parmesan cheese and there was a lot but she wouldn't attempt the scallops. They were not under nor over cooked. I'm not sure what made it taste so unique but we both agreed we've never tasted anything like it. The shrimp causa wasnt the same flavor as months months ago. We don't live near so it's been a while since we've tried it. The alioli was a lot spicier than ever but still had good flavor but the causa was dry. But I had a side of alioli to help with that. Shrimp was tasty. Several other restaurants shrimp has been tasting off for months but this place shrimp tasted better. The Inca and chicha were delicious. I miss the cut up apple they use to put in it but still tastes fresh. Lomo Saltado was just two huge potato wedges and very few rice. Look at the photo. We did not eat any of it yet. This is the portion. It had good amount of jugó but the flavor wasnt like anything we'd tasted in Peru. BUT there's many many areas in Peru and we've only lived in a few and have only visited a handful more so just because it's not like any lomo we've tasted, doesn't mean it's not Peruvian. My daughter still liked it. It was high soy sauce and high vinegar taste. Lomo has both, but it was missing the cumin and flame flavor for me. We don't like potato wedges at all but she cut it up and made due with it. We were sooooo hungry from all day at the zoo so we almost finished all of it. None of the dishes are repeats for us but again, they taste good, just not the flavors we are use to, it's been a while so maybe that's why the causa and lomo tasted different. The server asked how is everything, im sure if we had said something he'd probably sought to help, but really it is what it is. I just think they cook differently then what we have had living in Peru. My husband had the seco here time ago, it's was incredibly delicious. He loves lamb. It was cooked perfectly and the frijoles were delicious as well. I hope the decide to put that dish back on the menu. Please. Not every visit is gonna go perfectly, that's not possible. Still a fun colorful restaurant with great service. Plates had great presentation. Not long at all ago I enjoyed the ceviche. I was just too cold to get it this time. Gonna got for it next time. Another couple got a huge salad. It looked so good, imma look for it on the menu next time.

Photos
Coya Peruvian Secret
Coya Peruvian Secret - Octopus

Octopus

Coya Peruvian Secret - Our excellent Short Rib with roasted sweet potatoes and tart cherries on spinach bed

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Our excellent Short Rib with roasted sweet potatoes and tart cherries on spinach bed

Le Bambou - vietnamese - Updated May 2026

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