Why did we dine here? – Gao Viet Kitchen is a Vietnamese restaurant in downtown San Mateo. The same folks run several, casual Ben Tre restaurants in San Mateo and Millbrae. (Which we like for casual fare.) We dined here a couple years back right after it opened and didn’t find it very compelling. They have improved the menu, added items, and have garnered some Instagram press for there PhoZila $79 noodle dish. We ate in the summer of 2021 during the pandemic, and we’re seated in their outdoor Parklet which has good spacing. Inside there isn’t as much spacing. They do not take reservations, so there are a long wait here. Come earlier or during lunch. Insider Tip – Line up early Cuisine – Vietnamese Location – San Mateo Downtown Opened – 2018 Service – The service is fair, they are just too busy, so the food takes a long time to arrive. Cocktails arrive in the middle of entrée time. Pandemic excuse bad service time! Verdict – Gao Viet Kitchen is a step up from your local Pho place and not chi-chi like Tamarine in Palo Alto. Authentic food with quality ingredients. Be prepared to wait. Is this […]

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