GAO VIET KITCHEN

More expensive than your standard Vietnamese restaurant, but the quality, food, and service more than makes up for it. On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays there is a $20 combo platter that is a really good deal: you get an appetizer roll, a bowl of soup, main protein, and carb side.

I got the banh cuon platter ($15) which is BETTER THAN TAY HO. Yes, I said it, the banh cuon here is way better than the ones at Tay Ho. The rice paper was super thin, the sugarcane shrimp was flavorful, the pork patty was tasty, and the veggies super fresh. I really enjoyed it and think it's a great deal at $15.

Overall I'd come back here any day, even if it's more than what I'm used to paying for Vietnamese food. Sometimes it's worth it to not have someone bark at you the moment you sit down for your order, for high-quality meat, and for some peace and quiet with your meal.

Great time there with great service. The dishes we ordered required some work, but was very tasty.

Definitely recommend this place. One of the best viet restaurants so far. I love the beef carpaccio and the combination platter. Would have tried other items but small stomach. Definitely come back.

Super sweet delicious Vietnamese food. I got the Ban Cuon which had this phenomenal sausage wrapped around sugar cane. I also got their coconut sticky rice entree that came with caramelized pork belly, prawns and egg - amazing combination. The sticky rice was so sweet and delicious. Their crispy pork belly had amazing charred flavor and was supremely crispy. It's a little pricey but the food and service is good.

My wife and I went to Gao last night. The portions were large (esp. the $20 multi-item combos) and the food quite good. In particular, the fried pork belly appetizer was fantastic, and I can imagine stopping in between meals just for a fix of that.

Our waitress Ha was charming, efficient, and gracious all at the same time. She knew what foods include gluten (a great thing for wait staff to us gluten intolerant) and made our experience even better.

However, the staff all seems to support each other, so we got our bill as soon as asked for it, even though our waitress was still briefly downstairs with other tables. It was great to enjoy the food at a savoring pace, but then not be waiting for service or the bill otherwise so be out to enjoy our evenings in good time.

We liked the 80's music too -- it set a fun mood.