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Gia Lam II
Master Critic Review
Gia Lam II
8.0
Gia Lam II is a busy 8th Avenue Vietnamese restaurant where big bowls of pho anchor a menu of rice plates, noodles, and appetizers. Regulars come for the rich broths, generous herbs, and family-style tables that work well for shared meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef pho with brisket and tendon, Curry beef noodle soup, Grilled pork chop over rice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Full-service Vietnamese dining room with deeply flavored pho and roomy tables for groups.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting sit-down Vietnamese meals.
When to visit: Dinner hours when the room is lively but not overwhelmed.
What to order: Beef pho, curry beef noodle soup, grilled pork chop rice plate.
Insider tip: Go with a small group and split a couple of pho bowls plus rice plates to sample more of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited on 8th Avenue and surrounding side streets, often tough after 6pm. Most locals walk or use public transit.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is easy at lunch but can require raised voices at dinner.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable pho, tofu vermicelli bowls, and stir-fried veggie dishes available
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable-based noodle soups and rice plates can be made vegan with adjustments
Gluten-free options: Yes — rice noodles, grilled meats, and many soups are naturally gluten-free (soy sauce-based dishes may not be)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than a romantic one — it’s lively and informal, which helps conversation but isn’t intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch or early dinner. Peak weekend dinners may require a short wait, but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — roomy tables, mild broth options, and rice dishes make it comfortable for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Group-friendly Vietnamese dining with a broad menu beyond just pho — ideal for families who want shared plates and variety.
Skip if: If you’re specifically chasing ultra-specialized pho broths or trendy, modern Vietnamese plating — smaller, niche shops may suit you better.