Ilana Coffee

"The BBQ pork from this small Vietnamese cafe in the Richmond is shiny enough to double as a compact mirror. The edges are caramelized until sticky-sweet, and pair perfectly with the other usual fixings in the well-stuffed bánh mì. In other words, you need it. Now. The other fillings at the counter-service spot are also excellent, especially the sliced meatball you could cut with a plastic butter knife. And the best part? One sandwich will only run you $6.95, and it’s plenty filling and makes for a midday pick-me-up or breakfast on the move." - lani conway, ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1, patrick wong

"A meal at Ilana Coffee in the Richmond is hands-down the best way to use that random $10 bill you just found in your second-tier tote bag. The Vietnamese cafe has strong coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and bagels, that you can mix and match for less than a tenner. But the real reason you’re here is the bánh mì ($6.95 apiece). Fillings like caramelized BBQ pork and sweet sliced meatballs are stuffed into the softest roll in the Avenues and finished off with a heap of cilantro and the other usual fixings, including globs of mayo that could make a sheet of plywood appetizing. The sandwiches come presliced and wrapped in paper, ready to hit the road, but if you can't wait, there are a few indoor and outdoor tables. Food Rundown BBQ Pork Bánh Mì The crown jewel of the Vietnamese sandwiches here. The edges have a sticky char, and each centimeter-thick piece of pork is packed with umami. Meatball Bánh Mì Another great option—really, any of the nine fillings meld perfectly with the fresh toppings and crackly bread. This pork meatball version leans sweet, but it’s not overpowering. Vietnamese Iced Coffee To truly complete your Ilana Coffee experience, you’ll obviously need to order the iced coffee. It’s strong without giving you immediate jitters, and the ideal pairing for whatever sandwich you end up with." - Julia Chen