Chopstix Vietnamese Restaurant — Restaurant in Monterey

I hope this is not a mom-and-pop place and it does not look like one, maybe a franchise or local chain? I like to support small local businesses that provide good to outstanding service... Anyway, I should have read the previous reviews, but I was so wanting Pho, and I was in the area. I got takeout. First off that is a mistake; they separate the noodles and condiments (sprouts, basil, etc.) which is correct. When I mix them with the broth, I look and they are a pile of mushy noodles with the consistency of porridge, and the sprouts and greens are all wilted. Not to mention, there are only 5 leaves of basil. It looks like they intentionally or just didn't care and placed piping hot noodles in the to-go box with the condiments. What the heck?!!! Other good authentic Pho spots will put the cooked or partially cooked noodles "cold" separately and instruct you to heat them with the soup. That's common sense, which apparently is not so common here. Next, the broth is Knorr or some kind of chicken bullion broth and not authentic.... the most unimaginative rendering of Pho broth. They put dried-out chicken breast in it, what?! Next, the popcorn chicken, I don't know why it has high reviews but KFC is better, and I don't even like KFC. There is very little breading, and it is supposed to have Basil leaves (its pictured like this on their website) in it to give it a true Viet/Thai flavor if it's authentic... which it obviously is not. The egg rolls were okay. I threw out the pho and the popcorn chicken and just ate the egg rolls....and ended up making instant Ramen and that was 10 times better. My suggestion if you decide to go here is dont get take out, but eat in so you can bring stuff back if you...

My wife had the pleasure of eating twice at Carmel Chopstix during the Summer of 2023. We are from the Bay Area and have tasted many varieties of Vietnamese restaurants. On our first visit, my wife had the rice lemon grass chicken and I had the rice, beef with organic broccoli. We also have the sweet potato fries as an appetizer. Wow, the foods was very tasty.

Our second visit, I had a large (combination noodle soup) and my wife had the (glass noodle soup). To our surprised, each dishes had excellent, traditional flavor that are top notch compared to other well-known Vietnamese Bay Area restaurants.

Secondly, the price is very reasonable for a resort town. There are a large selections of foods, boba and beverages selection from the menu.

Most importantly, all the staff members are very friendly and gave us great recommendations.

I would highly recommend this restaurant for folks who love traditional Vietnamese foods. You will not be...

Great little Vietnamese restaurant serving up fresh and tasty meals. The flavours are not like those traditionally found in Vietnam, however by North American standards it's pretty good Think - more fake hot or sweet sauces and overpowering sauces, understandably preferenced in this part of the world. FOOD: Overall good - the pho was absolutely delish as were a few of the stir fry's. The chicken stir fry was gluten free which was a nice treat. They have a number of vegan and vegetarian options too. STAFF: Friendly, helpful with dietary requirement recommendations and efficient. ACCESSIBILITY: All on the same level, wheelchair, pram and walker friendly, with toilets located at street level around the corner. OVERALL: Would recommend and we've been back...