Banana Leaf Asian Bistro — Restaurant in Jacksonville

I used to live in Vietnam, next to the border of Cambodia. So, it was fun trying this Cambodian restaurant! The most memorable thing about this restaurant aside from the good food was the super friendly owner. From the moment we arrived at the restaurant until we left, the owner carefully tended to our every request. She even accommodated my father- in-law and made 3 items that were not even on the menu since he is vegetarian. I regret not taking more photos, but the kids raved about the chicken rice soup and Phnom Penh noodle soup. Vegan options my father enjoyed were the vegetarian Mee Ka Tang and the vegetarian fried rice. However, for me the durian shake and the fresh lemonade made me feel like I was in back in Asia, and they were perfect for the hot summer.

The bathroom and overall restaurant was very clean. The place was well lit and is a welcoming atmosphere. However, the most memorable thing about this place remains the sweet owner who took the time to get to know everyone at our table. Another big thing that made this restaurant stands out is that the owner encourages healthy food! She made sure that the staff uses very minimal amount of oil during the cooking process and uses alternative cooking methods so that the food remains delicious, but healthy! If this place was closer to our home, we would definitely...

I've eaten here several times in the last year or so, and really should be supporting it weekly. It has the best Asian food of anywhere I know of within a reasonable driving distance of Jax.

Yes, the restaurant is in a storefront in a small strip at Cassat and I-10. If you need valet service, seek elsewhere.

As for the facility, the reviewers who characterize this place as a "hole in the wall" are doing it a disappointing and inaccurate disservice. It is tastefully decorated (no paper lanterns or dusty ho-ti to be found anywhere), and is the absolute cleanest restaurant I have ever been in anywhere. Fastidiously so.

The food is meticulously prepared and seasoned, and I have never had anything that was less than fantastic. Tonight I had vegetables sauteed with beef (other choices are pork, chicken, or shrimp, or all 4) in a delicate light brown sauce served in a "bird's nest" of crunchy fried noodles. Superb. The sauce was completely addicting. This was as good a food as I've eaten in decades.

The owner (Nin?) is always a joy to be around, and the service was top shelf, as always. Do yourself a favor. Go try a meal at Banana Leaf. You will not be...

This is my ultimate feel good, comfort meal & hangover cure. I get the pho with meatballs. The broth is piping hot, clear, and delicious. Great noodles, meat, and toppings. I don’t even add sriracha and hoisin, it doesn’t need it. Service is always super kind and patient, never rushing you. My husband loves the fried spring rolls with chicken. They have a wonderful condiment selection with fish sauce, soy seasoning, pickled jalapeños, oyster sauce, super spicy chili oil, and sriracha and hoisin, of course. Portions of pho are HUGE, so come hungry. I loved the chicken curry as well, it made for another delectable lunch the next day. Prices are reasonable for the amount you get. We’re looking forward to trying more items!

Edit: Just wanted to update that I have finally tried their Coffee Milk Tea and it is divine! Way better than any latte you can get at at the big chains and for a much better price! (2 big cups for $7!) They are packed on weekdays but almost empty on the weekends. Makes for a cozy, intimate time for me but I’d love to see more people here so it will stay...