Jose A.
Yelp
Ambiance and Decor:
The ambiance at Good Thief is quaint and intimate, with a small but well-decorated space. We were seated at the front banquet, which, though cozy, felt a bit cramped with tables closely packed on either side. Removing one table would provide a bit more breathing room and reduce the need to speak loudly over neighboring conversations. Behind the banquet is a full bar with bar seating, which I feel is the centerpiece of the restaurant. The overall lighting was on the darker side; adding under-counter or overhead lighting could enhance the bar's visual appeal. Beyond the bar area, there is another section with banquets and tables designed for larger groups. The decor blends dark forest green tones with natural stone and leather accents, creating a cozy atmosphere that contrasts nicely with the large windows overlooking the bustling street outside.
Service Quality:
Upon being seated, we were promptly introduced to our server for the evening. Since it was our first time at Good Thief, she took the time to explain the menu and the restaurant's concept. Throughout the night, our server was attentive, quickly taking additional drink orders and checking in on us regularly.
Menu Variety:
The food menu at Good Thief is relatively small compared to their extensive drink menu. However, despite its size, the menu showcases a range of dishes that reflect the region's flavors. There's a bit of everything, including vegetables, meats, and fish, offering something for everyone. We chose two items from each of the three sections of the menu, which proved to be a great amount of food for two people.
Food Presentation:
The food at Good Thief is plated with great care. The standout presentation was the fish special, where one of the chefs personally came out to explain the dish, took it back to the kitchen, and then returned to cook it three different ways before pouring the sauce tableside. Both the starters and mains were presented beautifully, with attention to detail.
Food Taste and Quality:
Pomme Frites: These were amazing, likely double or triple fried to achieve maximum crunch and crispiness. They paired perfectly with a Thai green chili aioli, and the fried curry leaves added a surprising and delightful bite.
Frog Legs: Fried and coated in Mẹ's fish sauce glaze, these frog legs were both sweet and spicy. If you've never tried frog, this is the time--it tastes similar to chicken but with more bones and cartilage. The dish was cooked to perfection, although the glaze was a bit heavy in my opinion.
Bone Marrow: I often find bone marrow portions disappointing, and this dish was no exception. Despite the flavorful 'pho chimichurri,' we only got three to four good bites out of it. For the price, I wouldn't order this again.
Beet Salad: After the heavier, oilier dishes, the beet salad was a refreshing change. The addition of blood orange provided a citrusy brightness that lightened our palates, while the crunch from rice crackers balanced the soft textures of the beets and oranges.
Oxtail: I initially expected a whole oxtail, bone and all, but Good Thief takes a different approach. They remove the meat, roll it in a dough wrapper, and coat it with a pho demi-glace. The meat was tender and paired well with the potato, daikon, and carrot purée. The Southeast Asian flavors were bold and not to be missed.
Halibut Special: Offered only on Saturdays, this dish features halibut prepared three different ways--fried, grilled, and possibly steamed (I can't recall the exact methods). Each preparation was flawless, with distinct flavors, including a light lemon/citrus sauce on the grilled piece, a pesto-like sauce on the fried one, and no sauce on the third. At $64, this dish is a bit pricey, but it's a must-try. Our small table could barely accommodate all three plates.
Drink Selection:
We explored a wide variety of drinks at Good Thief. I recommend asking your server for suggestions based on your flavor preferences--they'll find something amazing for you. One of the more interesting drinks was their pho cocktail, which involved fat-washing to infuse the alcohol with the rich flavors of pho.
Price and Value:
Drinks at Good Thief average a little over $20 each, which is on the higher side, especially since they could use a bit more alcohol for the price. The food, on the other hand, is priced reasonably for a high-end restaurant, though it is slightly more expensive than their sister restaurant next door, Anh and Chi.
Overall Experience and Recommendation:
Good Thief offers a refined yet cozy dining experience, blending high-end Vietnamese cuisine with a carefully curated menu and inventive drinks. Despite the intimate space, the attentive service and thoughtful decor create a welcoming atmosphere. The food, including standout dishes like the halibut special and oxtail, is prepared with skill and creativity. While the prices are higher, the quality justifies the cost, making Good Thief a worthy destination.