Tried this place after reading tons and tons of raving reviews online. I would rate the place a 3.5 if half stars were available.
Just so everyone is aware, there is new management at this restaurant. I've never visited prior to this change so I can't comment on what's different. I believe there are a few menu changes (we read about a kimchi fried rice online and could not find on the new menu).
It's a small place located on a busy part of 17th. It's a restaurant but kind of not. You pay for your food and take a number and they bring it out to you. There are a couple of tables and chairs for people who want to eat there. I saw many people coming in for take out while dining there.
We tried the shrimp salad roll, chicken and shrimp fried rice and the satay pho.
Shrimp salad roll was good, presented very nicely on a plate with fish sauce and peanut sauce on the side. We could tell the roll was made fresh because the shrimp was just grilled and still warm in the roll.
Fried rice was also made fresh. Came out steaming hot. It was good but the chicken tasted a bit dry.
Satay pho was not what I expected - it tasted more closer to a bunbohue with a tangy taste rather than the spicy satay I was expecting.
Oh, also tried the Vietnamese iced coffee here and they were great. Really strong and full of flavour.
The service was great and they checked with us if the food was ok.
Overall it was good but not sure if worth the price - I kind of felt like the restaurant was almost a food court style the way you pay for your food first and they bring it out. The food tasted good but not mind blowing amazing as the reviews portrayed for me. Perhaps due to change in ownership? I might be back for the salad rolls but it's pretty hard to justify the price. If you're looking for "fancy" Vietnamese food, I think Taste of Saigon does it better and it's an actual restaurant at the same (if not cheaper) price point.