Cherylynn N.
Yelp
3.5 STARS
While picking up a prescription from across the street, I noticed a new sign go up for LeQuy....
Just in time for fluffy weather because what's better than getting a steaming facial from a hot bowl of phở?!
Opening this week is the third location of LeQuy (other locations: Campbell and Palo Alto). This space has been several restaurants in the last decade: Contigo, Azalina's, and most recently Birch & Rye. This is the first Viet resto in Noe so I'm hopeful LeQuy is here to stay.
Open for takeout, indoor dining, and outdoor dining in the back patio (dog-friendly). Delivery to come.
M E N U
Usual Viet staples: Apps, bánh mì, phở, bún (vermicelli noodles), and rice plates. They also have fried rice, chow mein, and curry. Specialty dishes: phở bò wagyu (raw wagyu served on the side for DIY hotpot/shabu style) + claypot dishes.
Vegetarian and vegan friendly. No msg.
We visited for dinner and was quoted a 5 minute wait. It ended up taking 30 minutes. To kill time, I got drinks at The Peak's next door.
F O O D
We've been to their Palo Alto location and thought the food was ok. We ordered the phở bò wagyu w/ sườn bò: beef rib, cá kho tộ: caramelized sea bass claypot and cơm tay cầm: claypot rice w/ bbq pork + shrimp so wanted to try other items this time.
* Chả Giò Thịt: Egg rolls w/ pork, taro, carrot (3 pc-$12.25): https://tinyurl.com/54xmbura
Fav item, the egg rolls were hot, golden brown, and crunchy. Generously filled with a very lightly seasoned pork and taro filling. Served with a sweet chili sauce.
* Cơm Sườn Nướng: BBQ Pork Chop w/ rice, salad ($16.50 + $2.50 fried egg): https://tinyurl.com/527y7yt3
Very lean pork chops with a light soy sauce based marinade, light on the fish sauce and didn't taste the traditional aromatics (i.e. lemongrass). Finished with scallion oil. Served with a side of crisp iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, and a very mellow đồ chua (pickled veggies). Nước chấm (fish dipping sauce) was quite watered down, missing punch and funk. No worries tho, I added a lot of sriracha.
* Cơm Bò Lúc Lắc: Rock 'N Roll/Shaking Beef: Cubed Filet Mignon w/ bell peppers, rice ($20.25): https://tinyurl.com/2frktwnk
-Requested rare
Tender steak but lacking sear and missing that savory sweet buttery flavor. Wish there was lime dipping sauce for a boost.
S E R V I C E
Super friendly staff with positive vibes all around. Sweet aunties in the kitchen.
They're figuring things out and trying the best they can. Until they work out the kinks, it's probably best to visit at off peak times.
A M B I A N C E
Cozy modern indoor dining area with an open kitchen (same vibe and furnishings as Birch & Rye). Covered back patio with heat lamps. The tables in the patio are tightly packed so if someone is already seated, it may be hard to pull out the chair to sit.
P A R K I N G
Metered and residential parking can be challenging.
Overall, decent Viet food if you live in the area. IMO, the flavors are toned down compared to other Viet restos, particularly the ones in TL and E San Jo. Regardless, LeQuy is the first and only Viet resto in Noe so they'll be a hit!!