My girlfriend is a vegetarian, and I love a good bowl of pho. DAO Fu is the place where we both get exactly what we want! Their vegetarian pho is absolutely incredible – the broth is the perfect balance of rich and savory, and it's absolutely packed with fresh, flavorful vegetables.
But that's not all! The service here is beyond friendly, making us feel genuinely welcome. Plus, you get a complimentary salad to start and ice cream for dessert! Talk about amazing value.
If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that caters to everyone, DAO Fu is a must-try in San Diego. We'll definitely be coming back!
Location: Easy to find with decent street parking nearby. Interior Design: Cozy and warm, with traditional decor adding a nice touch. Service: The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. You'll feel like you're dining with friends! Attention: We were seated quickly, and our server checked in on us frequently. Food Options: Plentiful choices for both meat-eaters and vegetarians. Taste: My girlfriend's vegetarian pho was a flavor explosion! The broth was savory, the veggies perfectly cooked. I even enjoyed a few bites! Crowd: A mixed crowd of families, couples, and friends creates a lively but not overly boisterous atmosphere. Inside Noise: Even when busy, the noise level is comfortable for conversation. Wait Time: Minimal on our visit, but it might be busier on weekends – come prepared for a potential short wait. Inclusivity: The staff seems genuinely accommodating and happy to serve everyone. Accessibility: I don't recall any specific accessibility features, but the entrance looked standard. Pregnancy-Friendly: Comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere should be fine for pregnant women. Plastic Disposal: I didn't notice any particular focus on eco-friendly practices. Overall, the delicious food, fantastic service, and inclusive vibe make DAO Fu a top choice. Don't miss their vegetarian pho – it's the...
Read moreGreat location in the heart of Normal Heights on Adams Ave. Hopefully Tao will break the streak of bad luck that previous short-lived restaurants have had at this location.
With the quality of their food, I think they have luck on their side. We started off with the fresh mixed greens with chopped peanuts and tofu. Their tofu is homemade (with Non-GMO US Soybeans -- my wife inquired and Eric, the owner and head chef showed us the bag! :) ) We also sampled the soymilk -- way less watery than commercial soymilk and sweetened with brown sugar, delicious, almost reminiscent of horchata.
A whole page of vegetarian options, and main entrees were reasonably priced, between $8-12.
My wife ordered the Eggplant and Tofu -- the portion was more than generous -- two tempura battered tofu patties, a pyramid of white/saffron rice and sliced sauteed eggplant. Presentation was fantastic, all the plates looked visually as good as they tasted.
We got the lemon sorbet and green tea ice cream for desert. A scoop garnished with a strawberry and mango slices, a perfect meal-ender.
Service was stellar. We were the only couple in the restaurant and it was clear they were trying to put their best foot forward only have been open for 2 weeks. Our waitress made excellent recommendations.
I think my only drawback and it is a nitpick would be the decor. It seems like there are a lot of different things going on, and it could be either simpler (less busy) or more elegant.
A bit kitschy but you are offered a Sharpie to write or draw your comments graffiti style on the white walls...
Read moreive been coming here for years- back when it was called Tao. best asian-fusion, veggie/vegan friendly place in the city IMO!
within minutes you are handed a complimentary salad with tofu. tasty and refreshing...and free!
*Wrap It Yourself Salad Rolls, shrimp: nice light app, cold and refreshing. not really do it yourself at all...they are all wrapped up and cut. if you love these cold rice paper wraps its worth getting. but if savings money you could definitely skip.
Garlic chicken: pretty delicious. same style as the ever-popular orange chicken, fried and coated in a sweet and savory sauce. comes with a small portion of rice (white or brown) which was plenty
*Yakiudon: listed under soups but not a soup at all (noodle dish)...very much like lo-mein and my absolute fav. i highly recommend!
Wild Alaska Salmon Rice Pot : this was the only let down of the meal. nothing special about it...basically stir fry with salmon on top that was rather fishy. sadness
complimentary desert: seem to change often. i had pineapple ice cream and it was great. esp great being free but the taste was good and nice presentation. surprising they put so much thought into the freebee elements of the meal.
(all entrees were orders as a "3" for level of spicy and absolutely perfect for someone who enjoys only a tad of heat)
best of all i left feeling satisfied, not full, and never felt gross later on. they use a TON of fresh, brightly colored veggies and obviously the food is not greasy or msg'd. and the leftovers were great reheated...
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