Banh Phonekeo's/Harborside Cuisine — Restaurant in San Diego

Even though there are new owners and the portion size is smaller, the prices are about the same. The food is not better but still very good. I would be sad if they shut down so go support this mom n pop restaurant! Food here tastes like home.

3 1/2 star review Update

They gave less portion size than usual. Even the laab was in a different sized black plastic container box. It was good but I still had to add my own fish sauce and toasted rice seasoning to make it better. The fried chicken was not as flavorful and a little burnt tasting. I usually spend $45 and up here but their quality went down. They keep giving less and less everytime.

My go to spot for fish laab and premade Lao bamboo soup. The laab portion size is ok and the price is decent for how much they give you. Depending on who makes it, the ratio between meat and herbs varies. It's meant for sharing at the table so it would be a waste for a single person. The only thing I didn't like was that they didn't add garnishes like cucumbers, mint leaves, lettuce, on the side for laab so depends on who the cook is.

Food is always authentic and delicious. It hits the spot whenever you are craving a homemade Lao meal. The prices have gone up though. For being a hole in the wall spot that takes cash only it is kinda pricy. Since it is a hole in the wall restaurant that takes only cash don't expect much and just enjoy the cooking. Mostly people order takeaway anyway. And they got premade foods to go too. Some items are kinda expensive compared to another restaurant with similar products.

Cons: slow service, they don't open on time and increased their prices (less portion sizes), plus cash only!

They were closed on a Monday so they need to update their...

My husband and I like the foods here (beef jerky and fish/chicken mock with sticky rice). Service kinda slow but dont really mind to wait. The reason I give two star is poor service. The lady, cook or owner is hardly to say hi to customer and not even smile. The last time I was there for beef jerky, the restuarant was not that busy. I walked in and said hi to her, she didn't response. I assumed that she heared and saw me since we were face to face. I placed my ordered, "beef jerky and sticky rice for to go." Then I thought she sent my order to the cook, I went to a table and sat down waiting for the food. I had waited for 25minutes, watching the waiter brought the food to customers. I remember one customer came after me and got her food first. "Hmmm...why?" I wondered. I asked the lady about my order and then she said, "there is no beef jerky." 😡 She should have told me since the begin. She did not say sorry or show any sympathy. Poor customer...

We discovered this spot a while back and recently visited San Diego again and had another chance to stop by. By far this sweet little spot makes Lao Cuisine closest to homemade. All the flavors were there in the mix salad which I loved because a lot of Lao Cuisine don’t make it this way. And the fried chicken and sausage was a great pair with the salad. We also had a side of sticky rice. The set up was changed and may have different ownership? But we felt like it still hit the spot.

Many complain about the cost, unless you know how much time and effort goes into Lao Cuisine, it shouldn’t be any less than any other cuisine. Otherwise, it may be best to make it yourself at home than complain about the cost of what things should be.

We thought it was all reasonable and generous amount of food in this economy. My husband and I still didn’t finish it all.

We visit San Diego often so we...