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Au Lac
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Au Lac
8.6
Downtown’s veteran plant-based Vietnamese destination, run by the Nguyen mother-daughter team, with an elegant room and refined technique. The menu reimagines classics—think lemongrass “fish,” turmeric crepes, and glossy garlic basil noodles—with polish that feels special-occasion worthy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Basil Noodles, Banh Xeo Chay, Salt & Pepper 'Shrimp' (Yam)
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: One of LA’s longest-running vegan Vietnamese restaurants with fine-dining polish.
Who should go: Vegans, vegetarians, and date-night diners
When to visit: Evening for full menu and best ambiance
What to order: Garlic basil noodles, vegan banh xeo, salt & pepper yam 'shrimp'
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal specials—they often showcase newer techniques.
Au Lac
8.4
An upscale plant-based Vietnamese spot near the Music Center, known for refined, aromatic broths and polished presentations. Their vegan pho is built on a long-simmered vegetable-and-spice base that stays savory and layered without feeling heavy. Great for a sit-down meal when you want pho in a more date-night setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở (Broth Only Phở / House Phở), Garlic Basil Noodles, BBQ Pork Summer Rolls (Vegan)
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Elevated Vietnamese vegan cooking with a surprisingly nuanced pho broth.
Who should go: Vegans, theatergoers, and diners wanting a quieter pho meal.
When to visit: Before evening performances at Disney Hall or the Broad.
What to order: House phở, garlic basil noodles, summer rolls.
Insider tip: Plan for validated parking in the Promenade structure behind the plaza.
Au Lac
8.4
Downtown’s long-running plant-based Vietnamese spot serving rich, comforting classics alongside lighter raw and juice-forward plates. The kitchen excels at textural contrasts and punchy herbs—think crispy ‘shrimp,’ savory noodle bowls, and fragrant curries. With years of steady praise and strong multi-platform review volume, it’s a reliable full-service anchor for vegan dining in 90012.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt & pepper ‘shrimp’ (yam/konjac), Raw curried rice, Garlic basil noodles
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Vietnamese comfort dishes recreated with house-made plant proteins.
Who should go: Vegan groups, pre-theater diners, Vietnamese-food lovers.
When to visit: Weekend lunch or early dinner before 7pm rush.
What to order: Salt-pepper ‘shrimp,’ raw curried rice, garlic basil noodles.
Insider tip: Ask for the daily specials—often the most creative dishes.
Au Lac
8.6
Upscale plant-based Vietnamese dining with a big menu of shareable small plates and polished entrées, making it a go-to for meatless celebrations downtown. The kitchen leans into creative vegan proteins and bright herbs, with consistent execution that keeps theater-goers and locals returning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt & Pepper Yam 'Shrimp', Crispy 'Imperial' Rolls, Raw Curried 'Rice'
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-craft Vietnamese flavors reimagined fully plant-based in a refined setting.
Who should go: Vegans, omnivores, and special-occasion diners.
When to visit: Dinner before a show or weekend nights.
What to order: Yam shrimp, imperial rolls, raw curried rice.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal specials and chef’s tasting plates.
Au Lac
8.3
A serene plant-based Vietnamese restaurant where gluten-free dishes are plentiful and well-labeled. The cooking skews clean but deeply flavored, with proteins and sauces that hold up even without wheat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy rolls with GF wrap option, Lemongrass ‘beef’ noodles (GF version), Kale Sea living salad (GF)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Plant-based Vietnamese with a strong gluten-free core menu.
Who should go: Vegan diners and GF groups seeking a calm meal.
When to visit: Dinner on quieter weeknights.
What to order: GF noodle plate, living salad, crispy roll GF-style.
Insider tip: Tell them your GF level; they’ll point to safest sauces.