My coworker and I came here because Vietnamese food options in the area are limited, and the other places either had barely any Viet dishes or looked pretty unauthentic. This spot immediately stood out — the menu looked promising, so we walked right in.
We arrived around 2:30 PM for lunch, and we were the only ones there, which made the whole experience feel calm and private — like we had the place to ourselves. The space is small but cozy, perfect for a small group, a quiet date, or some quality family time.
The vibe? Not your usual Viet restaurant. It’s minimal, clean, and elegant, which made me worry it might be a watered-down version of Viet food… but surprisingly, it was authentic and flavorful.
I ordered the grilled beef noodle bowl and loved it. The beef was well-seasoned, the spring roll was crunchy and fragrant, and best of all — no raw bean sprouts thrown in (which I personally appreciated). I ended up finishing everything.
One small thing to note: they mix the fish sauce directly into the bowl instead of serving it on the side like most Viet places. I didn’t realize and asked for more sauce, only to later find out there was already a lot in the dish. Not a big deal, but I do think giving it on the side would be better, since fish sauce tolerance varies a lot by person.
My coworker, who’s currently following a keto diet, ordered the pork chop rice. While she didn’t specifically ask for no rice, she just avoided eating it — and even so, just the pork chop alone was enough to make her full. It was thick, juicy, and beautifully presented, which we didn’t expect at all. Usually pork chop rice dishes are kind of basic, but not here.
If you’re feeling heavy from too much butter and carbs (like we were from several days of travel food), this place is a great pick. It’s light, flavorful, and refreshing. I’d...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Gao. It has swiftly become my go-to spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the slick and inviting atmosphere. The modern yet cozy decor creates a perfect setting for a relaxed meal.
The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the pho, which is hands down the best I have ever had. The beef was incredibly fresh and tender, melting in my mouth with each bite. The rice noodles were of exceptional quality, perfectly cooked to provide that ideal balance of chewiness and softness. Adding fresh chili (which the server provided upon request) elevated the broth to another level, offering a pleasant kick without overpowering the delicate flavors.
The accompaniments were just as impressive. The bean sprouts were exceptionally fresh, thick, and crunchy, adding a delightful texture to the soup. It’s clear that Gao takes great care in sourcing high-quality ingredients, and it truly makes a difference.
Service at Gao was also commendable. The staff were very pleasant and attentive, ensuring that all my needs were met without being intrusive. Their genuine warmth and efficiency added to the overall positive experience.
In summary, Gao delivers an outstanding dining experience with top-notch pho, high-quality ingredients, and excellent service. Whether you’re a pho aficionado or new to Vietnamese cuisine, Gao is a must-visit. I look forward to returning and exploring more...
Read moreVisiting old Quebec for a few days and after 2 days, already craving for some Asian food … not having much confident with the Chinese food here based on the review I see in Google 😅, so decided to try Vietnamese food.
The place looks clean with clean vibe and the staffs are quite friendly… the menu food selection is not a lot but it has soup noodles and that’s what I want at the time so no complaints! Less food selection usually means kitchen can focus more on food quality! 👍
The beef Pho has one size only but enough to fill my tummy … and the beef broth is very tasty , together with the bean sprout and the basil and lemon (prefer lime), it’s a decent bowl of Pho. Comparable to China town in Toronto and Montreal ! I wish they would put in more onion and green onions into the pho as I love onions… but that’s my preference ..
The spring roll seems it’s freshly made as it is crispy and hot inside !
I would come back if I ever visited old Quebec… and if u r visiting Quebec and u r a coffee lover, while you are here, go visit Cantook coffee roaster after pho, it’s only like a minute walking distance away from Gao. Perfect if u want some after meal coffee .. which I will also write the review for Cantook in...
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