The food, service, and ambiance were amazing. There wasn't a single dish we did not enjoy. Can't wait to go back.

First time at Mot Hai Ba exceeded expectations This restaurant is truly worth all the hype people say. Service was great and for your first time they'll bring out a complimentary appetizer to try! Highly recommend the stuffed leeks, absolutely have to get them, they were mind blowing. One of the best bites I've had in Dallas Garlic noodles and shaking beef were good, but not the best I've had. Definitely worth trying. Everything we got was tasty. No complaints and flavors were all very well balanced Recommend the chocolate cake as well, very decadent but not too sweet read more

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We came here last night for my second consecutive bday dinner, and had a fabulous experience: Service: Our waiter, the Kenny Loggins/George Harrison lookalike, provided amazing service, a personable professional on every service level. Food: Together, we ordered the short ribs (best Jamie ever had), garlic noods (a must accompaniment for everything), eggplant curry (a vegan flavor bomb, piping hot and chocked full of tofu and an array of veggies), Hokkaido scallops (beautifully constructed with a wide range of flavors, textures, and colors, and ethereal in its yumminess quotient). The desserts continued and completed the hit parade beautifully, with the gargantuan beet chocolate cake slice moist and delicious, and the coconut lemongrass pana cotta delivering an amazing upside down key lime pie type of experience. Vibe: Thriving and buzzing neighborhood energy, with every table occupied and the kitchen and service staff keeping up with the steady flow of orders flawlessly. Mot Hai Ba has earned a spot on our special night out short list, consistently delivering elevated and unexpected greatness, raising the bar on every visit. read more

One of my best meals in fifty years of dining out in Dallas- Great building next to a gas station Easy street parking Enthusiastic and friendly staff that clearly love their job- The food: it's an experienced chef world class take on Vietnamese food, fresh ingredients, beautifully prepared- You will ruin the experience if you start whining about "authentic ", maybe it's not but shush up until you finish. Have the Branzino, have the Beef and the Pork all are so damn good. Pro tip- leave the kids at home, it's casual enough for children but the food is really geared for grown ups read more

Stopped by a few weeks ago with a friend and we had a decent time. Some dishes (garlic noodles) were extremely salty while others (bok choy) were bland; this may be because my friend has a dairy allergy and dishes had to be modified, so I definitely want to return in the future and try certain things again without substitutions and see if they're more balanced. My favorites of the night were the stuffed leeks and the kimchi foie gras dumpings, though I didn't think the latter really needed the beef tallow or wagyu; it made everything super oily. Also didn't love paying $40+ for 7 small pieces of shaking beef, but it is what it is. I do want to give the restaurant another chance since several of the dishes look excellent but my friend couldn't eat them (she also has a soy and shellfish allergy, sadly) - it's a bit far for us but I'm sure my husband and I will be back at some point. read more

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My son and I enjoyed the most fabulous last dinner out of 2025, at Mot Hai Ba. Service was exceptional from start to finish. We were sandwiched between two young dates which can probably make your young adult son feel a little uncomfy, like I'm here with my Mom and these dudes are on dates but I didn't know it would be a datey crowd on a Sunday evening. Nonetheless, we had a really lovely experience. I had their 5 spice old fashioned and my son had a beer. We ordered a bit of everything starting with one banh bao, the grilled octopus, stuffed leaks, shaking beef, branzino, bok choy, and garlic noodles. The flavors were out of this world. We both agreed the food was rich and not the type of thing you need on a heavy rotation but so scrumptious! Loved the ambiance here, perfect spot for a date or fam bam dinner. I love recommending solo dining spots since most of my time here is spent solo dining, what I will say about Mot Hai Ba is the food is all so delish and family style is really the way to go. Bring a friend! If I were to have gone solo, I wouldn't be able to try so many items and this meal is probably most enjoyable as a shared experience so your taste buds can fully explore their incredible offerings. You'd be doing yourself an injustice to have to skip anything, but you could prob scale way back and have leftovers for the next day. We snagged parking in the neighborhood, not sure what the parking situation is as I don't recall seeing valet. read more

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Had a nice visit to this popular spot. Food is pretty good also. The dumplings are a little on the delicate side and could use a bit more flavor. It's a beautiful space and the service was efficient. read more

This was an expensive meal and I regret not a single penny spent here. Parking was available across the street along the opposite, though it was a weekday evening, so not sure about weekends. The restaurant was packed at 8.30pm on the week night when we had our reservation. It's small but they have a good amount of seats including enclosed outdoor seating as well. It exudes, eclectic eatery vibes. Service was fantastic. From our server Mia to the many staff members assisting, there were no complaints. My wife dropped her napkin and in under a minute had a fresh one without us even having time to call for help. The food is absolutely amazing. The plates looked gorgeous and it's as good to eat as it looked. From the simple grilled mushrooms dish to stuffed leeks or the branzino, it was great! Definitely save room for dessert. This is a high, high quality restaurant well worth the $$$ you will spend here. read more

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Y'all. Một Hai Ba is GOOD. I had a late dinner here with my mom, brother, and a family friend last Saturday when I was visiting home. I had had it on my to try list for a while, and I was thrilled it worked out on this particular visit. So we made a reservation for 9:45 pm (after a movie) and arrived just a couple of minutes late. Looking back, I really wish I hadn't had that afternoon snack. I had panicked that I'd be starving by 10 pm and had a snack around 6. Mistake. Because every bite at Một Hai Ba was delicious and I really wish we could have ordered more. So what did we order? Their crispy Vietnamese rice cake (with bean sprouts, scallions, herbs, and shrimp) were great - a classic version of Bánh Xèo (crispy pancake, great sauce, tons of herbs...). It was messy and delicious. Next - the Swiss chard tempura (tempura-fried Swiss chard filled with pork and shrimp served over a Nước chấm vinaigrette and dill) was AMAZING. I would go back and order this dish again right now. After that - their Hokkaido scallops (grilled and then sliced scallops served over champagne grapes, diced sour apple, crumbled hazelnuts, resting in a coconut milk and Hungarian wax pepper sauce, and finished with pickled peppers and mint oil) - was another great dish. It was incredibly sour and those scallops were cooked to perfection. Next, we ordered their kimchi and foie gras dumplings (house-made kimchi and foie gras dumplings served with a warm compote of Anjou pears cooked in pear vinaigrette until caramelized and topped with thinly sliced Texas wagyu ribeye; the dish is finished tableside when they pour a sizzling hot beef tallow flavored with pho spices over the dish). I don't even know where to start with this dish. WILD. Why aren't we pouring melted pho-flavored beef tallow on everything? Why are dumplings served with pears? Because no one else could think of this dish. I bit mine in half and ended up covered in dumpling filling over a favorite top. I didn't even care. It was so good I couldn't even be mad at myself. Taking it to the dry cleaner was worth it. We also had a few sides - their garlic noodles, the vegan version of their garlic noodles, and the vegan version of their grilled mixed mushrooms. These sides were consistent with the rest of the meal - delicious. I love restaurants. I love menus. I love ordering. At Một Hai Ba, I deferred to my brother and family friend, because - after great descriptions of highlights from the menu by our waitress - I wanted every single thing on the menu and was getting too stressed out. So I let my brother hand it and he was a champ. Their staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the restaurant's menu and very helpful in assisting you with ordering and coursing out your dishes. They also had a special menu which noted which dishes could be veganized (my mom is vegan, so this was very helpful). The service overall was just great. Two of us had drinks. They have a - you guessed - great menu of drinks as well. We stuck to wine. A Montepulciano for my friend, a Grüner Veltliner for me. Great wines. (The Grüner Veltliner I ordered surprised me - I actually just visited the winery in Austria's Wachau Valley last summer and geeked out a bit after finding it on the menu!) The restaurant is cool but understated - not as trendy as so many places are now. But comfortable and cool with a great playlist on the night we ate our dinner (although - a very small complaint - the music was a little too loud when we were ordering). They have some outside seating as well (covered with clear vinyl tarps for comfort and warmth in winter). Street parking wasn't too bad either (but we were there super late). The bathrooms were tiny and could maybe use a little upgrade, but when a restaurant is this good, I really can't be bothered about something as minor as that. Overall, just a great meal. One I'd be happy to repeat. In fact, one I need to repeat since I was stupid enough to eat that snack. Rookie mistake. I'll be back for more. read more

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There is a reason that this is considered a top Dallas spot. Pro tip: Go with 4+ guests so that you taste multiple dishes because it is hard to choose. Mandy was awesome and shared both top dishes but her personal choices. Forgot to take a picture of tempura swiss chard. Branzino was out of bounds - 5-star with the dirty rice. Mole carrots were fantastic as they were topped with pickled carrot slices. Shaking beef was also very good. read more

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Mot hai bai is often listed as one of dallas' best restaurants, and it is easy to see why. The restaurant has a laid back yet elevated vibe, with attentive service and a creative menu. I will definitely be back to try other items on the menu, but the garlic noodles and foie gras dumplings were some first favorites. The lychee martini is also one of the best in Dallas! read more

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Went back to mot hai ba for the third time last night and it was better than ever! Service was absolutely incredible, our server took the time to explain all the dishes in detail. Everything came out hot and extremely fresh. The new matcha cheesecake is to die for, but of course chocolate cake can't be skipped either. The shaking beef was cooked medium rare and was bursting with flavor. Branzino was also perfectly cooked. For me the star of the show were the stuffed leeks, the blue crab and jasmine rice were so flavorful. I can't wait to come back! read more

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This might be one of my new favorite restaurants in Dallas!! AND they've rightfully been awarded a Bib Gourmand from Michelin for the second year in a row! The restaurant has a dark and intimate vibe with few tables inside and on the patio. The service was impeccable and our server gave us great recommendations on what to order. For appetizers, we ordered the blue crab stuffed leeks and dauphiné ravioli with Gruyère and house-made ricotta. These were my two favorite bites of the night!! The warm, almost soup-like leek dish was to die for, and the ravioli was finished with a drizzle of mint balm oil which complimented the richness of the two cheeses beautifully. For my main dish, I ordered the eggplant curry which is the largest dish on the menu. This was the last dish of the night, so it worked perfectly to bring home for leftovers and reheated really well. Our server also added a side of citrus jasmine rice, which was perfect because this dish has a kick to it. Other dishes were the shaking beef which our server shared was his all time favorite dish on the menu and we paired our mains with a side of garlic noodles and house-made sriracha. From the vibe of the restaurant, to the service, and the menu variety, I can't wait to return and try their other dishes (I might have to order the leeks again). read more

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After hearing about Mot Hai Ba for so long, we finally made it out there to try. I first want to say how amazing the service was there. Our primary server was Jules and she was very kind and very knowledgeable about the menu. Additionally, every staff member that we interacted with was extremely kind. This was by far some of the best service in Dallas. The atmosphere was quaint but enjoyable and fit in very well with the vibe of the restaurant. The food was excellent. There are some great classic menu items but also more experimental options on the menu. We started off with the swiss chard tempura and the stuffed leeks. The tempura was great but the flavor on the leeks was excellent. One theme throughout this meal was a wide variety of complex flavors. We then split the foie gras dumplings and the garlic noodles. The wagyu in the dumplings were very nice and the garlic noodles were excellent (would definitely order again). We finished off with their chocolate cake. This was the only item that I thought was slightly overhyped. All of the staff kept mentioning how this is their star item but we felt that it was just a little dry. Overall, our experience was fantastic and this is a restaurant that deserves all of the praise it is getting. I fully plan on coming back here in the future and recommending it to friends. read more

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This is one of my favorite restaurants in DFW. Will recommend to everyone I know. Great wait staff, knowledgeable and fun. Just go, trust me. read more

The restaurant is very hidden and looks like a hole in the wall. It is very small so we highly recommend a reservation. Parking was frustrating but the food is totally worth the visit. The servers are very knowledgeable when it comes to the menu and have wonderful recommendations for first timers. Apps. Swiss Chard Tempura has to be my absolute favorite. Very savory and perfectly crisp! The vinaigrette gives it a perfect balance. Double orders would be totally worth it! The ravioli was so beautiful and tasty! There's a nice citrus finish. Entree- Shaking beef - very good! If you like meat this is the perfect dish. Duck Breast - I'm not the biggest duck fan but I will order this again! Very good and overall a beautiful dish. Garlic noodles - say less. Just order it. Zero regret and can eat it as a meal alone. Dessert!! The cake was decadent and amazing. The hazelnut gives it the perfect saltiness. read more

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A very cozy place with too many tables. This overcrowded dining room presents too many challenges for both the staff and the clients. The culinary dishes were exceptional and well worth the five stars. I would describe it as a glandular orgasmic. The place is not worth the reservation because the front-of-house staff is overworked and the host/hostess is not Michelin-caliber. Getting it going is your best bet. read more

One of the most amazing meals in Dallas. You can tell that everything is made with love and precision with a beautiful balance of flavors without anything being too overpowering. It's an intimate setting with not a lot of seats out outside and inside and their street parking only. There's about four bar seats. I love that it's smaller as it reminds me of New York City restaurants and feels more hospitable. They change the menu frequently, but if they have it on the menu when you go must order is the stuff leeks, branzino, squash blossom tempura, shaking beef, garlic noodles and the dirty rice. Almost everything on the menu is outstanding so you can't go wrong with ordering. Even our least favorite dishes would've been our absolute favorite if we're eating anywhere else. Can't wait to come back again soon - this is a must go. read more

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Paid about 200 bucks for the dinner. There were some bright spots but it was mostly disappointing. It's been a few months since my visit so I might misremember the names of certain items. It might be an off day for the restaurant but for the price paid I had higher expectations. I'm not sure I'll return. The garlic noodles were really really good but I'm surprised it was $11 for a small portion. I'd get it again despite that though. It was that good. 9/10 The shaking beef was pretty solid. Nothing mind blowing but it was tender and tasty 7/10. The grilled duck hearts were pretty bad. It was gamey and unpleasant and quite tough. We were debating who had to finish it as punishment. 2/10 The grilled coppa (?) was also really disappointing. The mole was nice but the pork itself was unpleasant in texture and smell. 3/10 The dessert was also below average. I forgot the name I just remember I thought it was ok. 4/10 read more

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5 out of 5. Food was delicious and Mia was great! Definitely worth a go because I want to go back and try more. You may think portions are small but we had the rice, bok choy, and garlic noodles and it is definitely filling with everything. read more

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Mot Hai Ba is a gem in Dallas. This small, unassuming eatery absolutely delivers big on flavor and experience. The duck is phenomenal--perfectly cooked, rich, and deeply satisfying. And the garlic noodles? Easily some of the best I've had anywhere: savory, aromatic, and impossible to stop eating. What really stands out is how this place captures the spirit and flavors of Asian-rim cuisine in a way you rarely find in an inland U.S. city. Every dish feels thoughtful and dialed-in. You can taste the care. If you know, you know--this spot is special. Cozy, delicious, and worth going out of your way for. Possibly one of the best takes on Asian-rim dining you'll find in the U.S., period. read more

Mot Hai Ba - Garlic noodles and mushrooms - Vietnamese Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Best restaurant in Dallas. Be aware it's a very small spot with no parking to offer, seated right next to an auto shop. I passed it twice when looking for it. It exudes personality from the ambience to the food itself. Everything was packed with flavor and delectable. Not a single thing was a disappointment, our special Valentine's cocktail was great. The server was very thorough in explaining the menu, extremely professional gentleman. The only place I think is worth ALL the hype! read more

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Food is so so so so good. Service was good! Took like 20 min to get drinks and 2nd round of food already came out by the time we got drinks we ordered at beginning. read more

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Outstanding Asian food tucked in East Dallas. We'd last been to Mot Hai Ba several years ago. We had a great meal then and just always forget to come back! But no more! The food is always tasty and the ambiance reminds me of dining in nyc. I love the smaller footprint and the service is always outstanding. We got a couple of drinks to start and the ravioli. It was delicious and not overly cheesy. I particularly loved the crispy stuff on top! I then got the branzino and my partner got the other fish dish (forgot what it was). We passed on dessert because we were too full but it was a great dinner overall! read more

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I can't believe we've lived in Dallas for as long as we have and are just now discovering Mot Hai Ba. The restaurant is tucked into a neighborhood, and is easily missed if you're not on the look-out. The interior is small and cozy but the outdoor patio nicely extends the space. We came for a celebration dinner. When making the reservations, I mentioned we were celebrating a birthday. The hostess greeted our party with a happy birthday wish and there was a birthday card at our table. They even brought over a complementary birthday drink. It made our honored guest feel so celebrated! The food was delicious. We followed other Yelpers' recommendations and ordered the garlic noodles, which were well worth it (and very garlicky). We also had the oysters (so worth it!!) and the crab stuffed leeks - a true highlight! I had the striped bass with eggplant. The flavor of the eggplant was a bit bitter for me, but the fish was cooked perfectly. Throughout the night, our servers were delightful. We will definitely return! read more

Mot Hai Ba - Striped bass - Vietnamese Near Me - Dallas, Texas

3/5 is harsh- more like 3.5/5, but I have reasons. The service was GREAT, very informative, the space is small and cozy. We ordered a few things including viet rice cakes, duck breast and garlic noodles. The rice cakes were nice, the Nuoc cham really makes them. The duck let me down so much. The fat wasn't rendered at all so it was so chewy and some pieces my partner spit out which really soiled the meal for us. The garlic noodles were very basic, I guess a good "accompaniment" as they call it but don't expect them to change your life. Again the Nuoc cham with the garlic noodles made it stellar. Overall this place is nice but I wouldn't run back read more

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Mot Hai Ba is my favorite restaurant in Dallas by far. You literally can't go wrong with any of the menu options. The servers are all so friendly and lovely to talk to. Drinks are awesome. Cozy atmosphere. Just love it!!! My go tos - rice cake with shrimp, garlic noodles, coppa, wagyu foie Gras dumplings, pear ricotta salad, and chocolate cake. read more

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Food is great however some items are just so expensive it's not justifiable to go beyond the first time to try. I got the bo luc lac and while it tasted amazing the portion was so small and had literally 6 tiny cubes of meat. It was definitely not worth the $45 price tag. Also it's confusing because as a viet person I saw there was banh xeo in the pictures but it was called a "Vietnamese rice cake" and it took me forever to realize that's what I was looking for. So while the food did indeed taste great just not worth to go more than once. The service and interior was great as well so I think it'd make a great special occasion. read more

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Had my birthday dinner here last night with a big group of friends. Our table was not ready for our reservation upon arrival, but they brought us some complimentary champagne while we waited. The ambiance, service, food and drink were all top notch. We ordered a ton of different appetizers, entrees, and accompaniments. The kimchi fritters, tuna straciattella, oysters, brisket bao to starts all were fantastic. Then the branzino, shaking beef, short rib, octopus ragout, along with several sides of the garlic noodles. Not one bite was less than amazing. After over a decade Mot Hai Ba continues to be one of the best restaurants in Dallas. read more

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Started off with the tuna stracciatella, and it was super tasty and a good way to kick things off. The oysters? Absolutely phenomenal. Fried octopus was just fine (nothing crazy, but not bad). The branzino though... chef's kiss and definitely the standout of the night. Wagyu short ribs with calamari were so good, but honestly the branzino is still the winner. Also, shoutout to the lemongrass bolognese, super flavorful and memorable. Service was on point, and the vibes were really good. Would 100% come back to Mot Hai Ba! read more

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Unexpected deliciousness, warm hospitality , and great recommendations from staff for first timers. Gabriel the bartender provided great suggestions for how to taste more of the menu with only 2 people dining bar side. Everything was a flavor odyssey! read more

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I understand why this place is on the Michelin guide! Food here is Vietnamese fusion, so I don't expect much traditional flavors here. We had a variety of food! The banh xeo or Vietnamese crepes were a highlight. The crepe is super crispy and designed to be eaten with the lettuce as a wrap. We had the flavorful garlic noodles together with the light Halibut which was nice and bouncy. The noodles also paired very well with the wagyu and greens. I think my least favorite was probably dessert. The coconut lemongrass took some getting used to, but does get better after each bite. Service was quick and efficient. We sat outside with a heat lamp so it was still cozy even with the cold air outside. Parking is along the street in the neighborhood adjacent to the restaurant! read more

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We ordered a dozen items but I did a deplorable job of taking photos because we were too busy eating. The server talked us into ordering the side of garlic noodles which I never would have done unprompted and they were just stand-alone succulent. Table favorite were the stuffed leeks. Cocktails were all tasty and creative. Small tables in a small space and a small bar; definitely get reservations. read more

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Went here with a group of friends. I love the casual yet clean ambience the place provided. I like that there's an outdoor patio section to eat too. Waiter seemed to know the menu pretty well. We ordered probably 10-11 dishes from the food menu? Everything was pretty good, my favorites were the grilled duck hearts, Wagyu beef short rib, stuffed leeks. Food came out timely, didn't feel like we waited long. We did not try their dessert menu.. but the drinks we ordered were pretty good although I'm less opinionated with alcohol. Nothing I didn't like from their food! Giving this four stars mainly because I feel the menu could use a LOT more Vietnamese flavors and dishes given the place is called Mot Hai Ba.. I understand there is a history of French and Vietnamese fusion culture, but it's disappointing to see a lot of the typical Asian flavor/foods you see in their menu are actually more of other countries in the SE Asian region. read more

Mot Hai Ba - Vietnamese Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Really cute and cozy, tiny space so just know it will likely feel loud. Lychee martini and carajillo were really really good Ravioli was delicious Stuffed leeks were awesome Garlic noodles were overhyped, too garlicky for me. BUT our waiter recommended pouring the sauce from the stuffed leeks in the noodles, and that made them amazing. Don't get the duck- it was severely overcooked, tough, didn't want to eat it. The carrots were really good, it's a small serving The chocolate cake was the best cake I've ever had. For a restaurant at this level of hype and price, customer service is a key component. When we walked in, our waiter welcomed us quickly, he took time to talk through the menu, give his suggestions, and I thought we were going to have that special experience. We rarely saw him again the rest of the night. Random very nice people would bring us our items and let us ask for another drink, but our waiter seemed to be actively avoiding looking our way, wasn't the one to check us out, or say thanks and goodbye. It was just odd, I think maybe he was overworked. A relationship with the waiter is a nice thread to tie a dinner into a real experience from start to finish, just a thought. We'd definitely go back and try different things read more

What a wonderful dining experience. Now in my top 5 restaurants in dallas. Went for my boyfriend's birthday dinner. The service was excellent and very personalized. We got complementary bubbles to celebrate and the menu was explained to us in detail. We ended up going with all the suggestions given to us by our waiter and they did not disappoint. We started with the Vietnamese Kinch cheese balls, which were delicious. I had always heard that the ravioli was outstanding and it was one of my favorite parts of the appetizer. Then we got this persimmon salad, which was very refreshing with the mild yogurt that balanced it very well. But the absolute standout for m were the main dishes. We got the shaking beef and it was cooked perfection and the glaze was delicious. With the branzino, it had this beautiful broth that paired perfectly with the rice. We originally had not ordered the rice and the waiter brought it out for us because he said it was needed with the dish and we definitely agree. Finally, we got the noodles to go with the steak. We were too full to get dessert, but will definitely be back. read more

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Oh my gosh amazing. I can't stop thinking about this meal!! It was seriously phenomenal. Every single bite was amazing and I couldn't even pick a favorite! We ordered the bao buns (she was able to do 3 instead of the standard 2 for us to all have half of one), ravioli, kimchi and guyere fritters, shaking beef, stuffed kimchi, broccolini, and two orders of the garlic noodles. Be sure to ask for the homemade sriracha type of sauce! It goes great on the bao buns but we ate it on everything. Then we polished it all off with a slice of their chocolate cake, which was soooo good!!!! Not too sweet and the hazelnuts on top added a nice crunch. They said you can call a few days ahead and order a whole cake! We said we might have to have a big party to do so!!! The service was immaculate. Everything came out pretty quickly and they explained every dish as it was placed in front of us, which is always nice for a reminder of what you ordered. It was 5 of us ladies and we all felt like it was the perfect amount of food - we weren't too stuffed but plenty full. They do bigger parties (5+ people) but we did have to call and make a reservation pretty far out for a weeknight so just keep that in mind! Highly highly recommend I cannot wait to come back to Mot Hai Ba!!! Beware there is no parking but you should be able to find some parking nearby read more

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Mot Hai Ba is the definition of a hidden treasure. Blink while driving past, and you might miss it entirely--but step inside, and you're met with warmth, attentiveness, and hospitality that feels almost instinctive. From the hostess to our server to every team member who gracefully delivered plates to our table, the service was seamless and genuinely wonderful. And then... the food. Without exaggeration, Mot Hai Ba may very well serve some of the best dishes in Dallas. We began with the Banh Bao, which was nothing short of spectacular. Pillowy, flavorful, and so addictive that I seriously debated ordering a third round--and possibly passing it off as dessert--until I glanced at the dessert menu. Next came the Swiss Chard Tempura, accompanied by a dressing our server described as "so good I could drink it with a straw." She wasn't kidding. Light, crisp, and impossibly flavorful, it set the tone for the courses to follow. For our main dish, we ordered the Shaking Beef--a staple that has remained on the menu since the restaurant opened 11 years ago--and it's clear why it hasn't gone anywhere. Tender, savory, and perfectly seasoned, it was exceptional. The Garlic Noodles, meanwhile, were the kind of simple-but-remarkable dish that makes you pause mid-bite. They're an absolute must-order. Every appetizer and entrée hit a perfect 10/10. Despite the bao whispering temptations in my direction, we saved room for dessert--and it proved to be an excellent decision (though something tells me ordering both wouldn't have been a mistake either). The Coconut Lemongrass Panna Cotta was a standout. The layers--silky panna cotta, bright orange marmalade, and a peanut‑butter‑chocolate crunch--created a beautifully balanced bite. We also had the Basque-Style Matcha Cheesecake, which was rich, smooth, and equally impressive. As I mentioned at the start: Mot Hai Ba might just be the best food in Dallas. After this visit, I can confidently say it's my personal number one in the city. 10/10. Already planning my return--truthfully, I was thinking about it before I even finished dessert. read more

Mot Hai Ba has been on my "must-try" list for an embarrassingly long time, until I finally made it over there for my birthday dinner this year. I cannot believe I've been sleeping on this for SO long. SERVICE: If you've ever read Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, expect something not *quite* along those lines, but *pretty damn close.* For a lovely, casual, neighborhood bistro, the service here rivals that of French Laundry and other fine-dining spots, yet actually makes you feel comfortable and at home. The staff has mastered all the small touches of incredible service (like folding your napkin if you leave to use the restroom) without being at all stuffy or snobby. We had to wait maybe two minutes for our table and were offered complimentary glasses of champagne while we waited (maybe because it was my birthday? but still, lovely). Shout-out to Jules, who expertly guided us through the menu. As we ordered wine, I told her I'd start with a glass of white and then move to a glass of red with the main course. After we finished our first course and salad course, she cleared our plates, and I forgot to remind her that I'd like a glass of red...but without being reminded, she came back with samples of two reds that she thought I might like, based on my white wine preference as well as the dishes we'd ordered for the main course. The only miss in terms of service was that we didn't get our glasses of red until we'd already basically finished the shaking beef entree, and I think it's tiny, TINY misses like that that maybe blocked them from getting a full Michelin star (they got a Bib Gourmand recognition instead). On all other counts, I think Mot Hai Ba absolutely deserves a star...though selfishly, I'm glad they don't have one, so that it's not utterly impossible to get a reservation! DRINKS: Having started with champagne, we decided to go straight to wine, pairing our first course with a glass of white for me and a bottle of sake for my partner. There's only one sake on the menu, and it is delightfully crisp and floral without being sweet. Wines by the glass are similarly limited, but this is a GOOD thing, because each wine has been so carefully selected. Jules gave me samples of a lovely, dry, non-buttery chardonnay and an earthy, nutty, interesting white (Furmint) from Hungary. You can't get wine like that on a normal by-the-glass menu! I went with the Hungarian wine and absolutely loved it. For our reds, Jules brought samples of a cabernet, a Montepulciano, and two pinots. The winner was one of the pinots (Willful, from Willamette). With dessert, my partner had their decaf carajillo, which he declared the best he'd ever had (and he's a connoisseur), and I had a lovely glass of port. I don't even drink coffee, but I couldn't stop stealing sips of his carajillo...it's really a do-not-miss if you like after-dinner drinks. FOOD: Sadly, I have a shellfish allergy, which prevented us from trying some of the more interesting dishes (kimchi and gruyere rice fritters! kimchi and foie gras dumplings!). But I want to note that they are exceptional at addressing food allergies and restrictions. A woman at the table next to us was vegan, and we overheard Jules telling her that the chef had made vegan tofu tonight (I wonder if they'd noted it on their reservation?) and had proposed a number of dishes that he cook such that they would be vegan. I mean, that's unreal...if I were a chef, I'd refuse to disrupt the workflow of my kitchen in that way, but this is one of many reasons I am not a chef, and certainly not a Michelin-recognized one. This goes back to SERVICE being so phenomenal here. But okay, what DID we eat? The bao buns were modifiable, though I wouldn't do that again because the shellfish sauce on top really made that dish (my bun, without the sauce, was fine but not nearly as good as my partner's sauced bun seemed to be). There was a seasonal carrot dish on the menu that was served on a light mole sauce, which I hate, but I LOVED that dish (Jules said she, too, is a mole hater who loves those carrots). The ginger lemongrass grilled octopus was the most perfectly cooked octopus I've ever had. I might be ruined for life on octopus. When I say there was not a HINT of rubbery texture to this octopus...like, you have no idea. It was an incredibly delicate meat, a far cry from the octopus that's served at so many restaurants. And the seasoning was lovely and unusual. The shaking beef was phenomenal, and it was truly mind-blowing when paired with the garlic noodles (which on their own were already unreal). The potato crusted halibut was divine, but quite rich...I couldn't eat much of it by that point, as much as I wanted to, because the flavors were incredible. We ended with the panna cotta, which I think is shamefully overlooked on this menu. I'VE HIT THE WORD LIMIT BUT ALSO: The chef-owner is Serbian, so go support one of the many incredibly talented immigrants we are so fortunate to have in this country. read more

Mot Hai Ba - Cooked carrots on a bed of mole. Even if you hate mole, you should try this. Incredible. - Vietnamese Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Fantastic food! Make sure to reserve your spot in advance. Just note that room is tight, but 100% worth coming. read more

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