Reviews Vanloi Vietnamese Restaurant

Great Ethnic Choices. This place is certainly not much too look at (same is true for the entire strip center where it's located), and the service, while efficient, lacks any hint of warmth or charm - but, now the food is more than just alright, and there is more here than just the Pho, though that is mighty good. The menu is expansive (there is even Dim Sum on the week-ends, Chinese BBQ everyday), and can be a little intimidating, but do you homework, ask for help, and enjoy.

The restaurant is small, simply appointed, with 2 TVs constantly on - one on an English channel, one on a Vietnamese one - a little irritating. The tables are setup for serious work, with a large selection of sauces, and a container loaded with chopsticks - both very good signs.

The Quail appetizer ($7.99) consists of 2 perfectly cooked, crispy, butterflied birds, accompanied by a plate with condiments - a salt, pepper, and lemon pepper mixture; fresh cut lime sections, and a nice hot chili sauce (Sriracha probably). Squeeze on the lime juice, sprinkle with the salt & pepper mixture, add as much chili sauces as seems prudent, and chew away - this is a great appetizer.

The Fried Spring Rolls (2 for $3.50) are as good as any I've had in the area. They're loaded with fresh vegetables, fried perfectly crisp, full of sharp, clean flavor. They are accompanied by a sweet dipping sauced packed with shredded carrot, which enhances the flavors.

Then there is the Pho ($7.99). This is a version I really, really like, and as a matter of fact, it is the only Pho in this area where the inclusion of meat was a plus. We got it with Tendon & Brisket, and the meat was tender and flavorful, the best tasting I've encountered. The condiments for the Pho were the usual suspects, and plenty of them.

I like this little place, and I loved all 3 dishes we tried, and I'm looking forward to having a go at other items, as well.

The rare beef lemon salad with cilantro is one of the city's best dishes. Dont miss the soft shell crab in season. And the quail appetizers and fresh rolls are sublime.