DaLat's Cafe — Restaurant in Louisville

Best bang for your bucks! Louisville’s hidden gem! A delicious banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich with Chinese BBQ pork) for only $4.5! I’ve eaten many banh mi, not only in Louisville but also in Florida and California. This place, by far, offers the best and cheapest banh mi. All the restaurants I’ve tried sold banh mi for $8. This place sells for $4.50. You cannot beat that price. 1 banh mi will fill you up. Forget about the sad Subway sandwiches that never look as good in real life as in the commercials. Dalat’s banh mi has very satisfying crunchy crust, with juicy meat and sauce inside.

This place also sells French pastries (as the name ‘gateaux’ indicates). I grew up eating French pastries so American pastries just cannot compare. French pastries are so much more delicate, just right amount of sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth cream. This cafe is the only place selling French pastries that I was able to find. In addition, they also sell several Vietnamese foods, both sweet and savory. I cannot recommend this place enough.

I was really afraid that they might go under because of COVID. It’s a hard time for all small businesses so I try to eat there as often as I can to support them. I used to live close by but have moved away so now it’s a bit of a drive to get there. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find this cafe on any delivery service sites (or maybe it doesn’t show up for me because I live too far away). If I could find this cafe on UberEats or DoorDash, I’d be ordering weekly! Right now, they only do curbside order and pickup. Give them a call to place your order. They will bring food to your car when it’s ready. I’m glad they’re opened but I wish I could go in to browse the pastries. I tend to buy more when I’m surrounded by delicious-looking food.

Please support small, local businesses. If you love this place, support them so they can survive this pandemic. If you have never eaten here, you are missing out. This is a true hidden gem...

Walking into DaLat’s Cafe instantly feels like stepping into a cozy, hidden gem. The warm aroma of fresh bread and brewed tea wraps around you the second you open the door, and the welcoming smiles from the staff make you feel like a regular—even if it’s your first time. The atmosphere is inviting yet vibrant, with a comforting charm that makes you want to stay a while.

The customer service is top-tier—attentive without being pushy, and genuinely friendly in a way that makes every visit feel personal.

The Good Morning boba is pure happiness in a cup. The creamy blend of strawberry and banana, topped with fluffy whipped cream, is both refreshing and indulgent—sweet, fruity, and perfectly balanced. It’s the kind of drink that instantly lifts your mood. My personal favorite.

And the banh mi? Absolutely phenomenal. The bread has that perfect crisp exterior with a soft, airy inside, and the fillings burst with flavor—savory meats, crisp cucumbers, tangy pickled veggies, and just the right kick of herbs. Every bite feels thoughtfully made.

Not to mention, I have to give a special shoutout to Meemee, whose incredible customer service truly made my visit unforgettable. From the moment I walked in, her warm energy and genuine kindness made me feel instantly at home. She has the kind of beautiful smile that lights up the entire cafe, and you can tell she truly cares about every customer who walks through the door. Meemee didn’t just take my order—she took the time to chat, recommend her favorites, and make sure I had everything I needed. It’s rare to find someone who can make a place feel so welcoming, but Meemee does it effortlessly.

DaLat’s Cafe isn’t just a place to grab a bite—it’s a place that leaves you smiling long after you leave. I will...

If you're looking for the most authentic Vietnamese food in town, this place it! Their pho is absolutely phenomenal, hands down the best I've had outside of Vietnam, clearly the best in town. The broth is deep, rich, and bursting with flavor, and the best part? A giant rib right in the bowl! The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, soaking up all that broth, only downside is that its only served on the weekend.

Their banh mi and Vietnamese coffee is easily the most delicious and authentic in the city. They also have a diverse menu of boba tea that can suit any flavors from the refreshing fruit teas to the classic matcha lattes and even fresh avocado smoothies.

And let's talk about their cakes--I ordered one recently, and it was next level. Beautifully decorated, intricate, and made with such attention to detail. But the taste? 10/10. Whether you go for the durian flavor (which was amazing) or the assorted fruit, you can't really go wrong.

Honestly, this cafe is a hidden gem, and I can't recommend it enough. If you love real Vietnamese food, do yourself a favor and try it--you won't regret it!

I might have a crush on one of their...