Gao Restaurant — Restaurant in Virginia

Exceptional Experience at GAO Restaurant!

On a cold and rainy Sunday evening, my family and I stopped by GAO Restaurant in the Pan-Am Shopping Center with three hungry young kids, hoping for a quick and comforting meal. Not only did GAO meet our expectations—they exceeded them in every way.

From the moment we walked in, the customer service was outstanding. We were greeted warmly and seated promptly, but what truly made our visit memorable was the exceptional service provided by an employee named Huy. His attentiveness, kindness, and professionalism were beyond impressive. Huy made sure our kids were comfortable, answered all our questions with patience, and ensured that every aspect of our dining experience was seamless.

The food was absolutely remarkable. I had a delicious rice dish that featured an egg, two perfectly grilled shrimp, two flavorful pieces of pork chop, and a comforting side of broth. Every bite was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. My wife and kids all ordered pho, which was equally outstanding. The broth was rich and aromatic, and the portions were generous, leaving everyone completely satisfied.

The atmosphere was exactly what we needed: clean, professional, and welcoming. It struck the perfect balance of efficiency and warmth, creating an environment where we could relax and enjoy ourselves.

GAO Restaurant, and especially Huy, turned our rainy evening into a truly memorable experience. We left feeling full, cared for, and eager to return. If you’re looking for incredible food, a family-friendly environment, and customer service that goes above and beyond, GAO is the place to go....

Having been to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, I would like to say that I am infinitely impressed with GAO. Firstly, not many Vietnamese restaurants here serve crepes. Other than in Vietnam, the last time we had a crepe was in Montreal's Chinatown area.

The spring roll was so crispy! And plenty of accompanying veggies/herbs. These guys make sure you are full!

GAO's crepe had that delicate crispiness, while being stuffed with goodness. The flavor is satisfyingly light and delicious. I had the Bun Bo Hue (another thing hard to find, but hidden as "Spicy Beef Pho" at other restaurants).

GAO was accommodating to my 'no noodles' request (due to bariatric surgery). And their tendon was perfectly chopped and plentiful. I love the melting chewiness of tendon. I also love spiciness and GAO staff provided their best sate chili oil. This pho was perfection! The broth was flavorful and refreshing. It challenges and beats even my favorite Vietnamese restaurant's pho broth.

GAO's staff was attentive and remarkable. I appreciate the accommodations and details in the service. They made the meal and experience I cannot wait to revisit.

PROS: Price Plenty of parking Cleanliness Staff Flavor

CONS: Shopping Center location

OVERALL: For the price, this is a worthwhile Vietnamese restaurant that shouldn't be overlooked. The food is really good. The staff is gracious and just purely awesome. I cannot recommend this place enough. Pho is wonderful comfort food and GAO delivers a mighty Pho packed with a personal love of...

We tried GAO twice within a 24-hour period: once for dinner and once for a late lunch. Dinner was ok and we were treated ok.

When we returned for lunch to order the same sandwich we had ordered the evening before, customer service was not good at all. And the sandwiches are just ok-- I just wanted to support this business as it's Vietnamese, fairly close by, and I used to come often when it existed as a pho place (Pho Thang Long).

When we asked for a shrimp banh mi without pork paté, we were questioned why we didn't want the paté (we don't eat it, that's why). Then, when the gentleman seemed to get upset that we ordered more than one drink, to go (strange). What made me most annoyed is when we asked if they accept Apple Pay. That question was met with the answer, "You're making this so complicated”. Never again.

So sad as I wanted to love and support this newly-established Vietnamese restaurant cafe.

To management and customer service: be civil (I don't even expect "nice"). Apple Pay is a normal form of payment in this century. Wrap your sandwiches in paper instead of foil. The baguette becomes chewy from the foil trapping in the heat/moisture. We will not return, but this will help your...