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Gia Lam
Master Critic Review
Gia Lam
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Gia Lam is a sit-down Vietnamese restaurant on 8th Avenue serving big bowls of pho, grilled pork over rice, and vermicelli platters in a no-nonsense dining room. It’s where neighborhood families and small groups go when they want a fuller Vietnamese meal with table service instead of a quick sandwich stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho dac biet (house special beef pho), Grilled pork chop over rice, Bun thit nuong cha gio (grilled pork and spring roll vermicelli)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Full-service Vietnamese spot with a broad menu of soups and rice plates.
Who should go: Families and small groups craving classic pho and rice dishes.
When to visit: Early dinner hours for shorter waits and quicker service.
What to order: Pho dac biet, grilled pork chop rice plate, bun thit nuong cha gio.
Insider tip: Cash policies can change, so bring cash as backup just in case.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be challenging after 6pm on weekends, easier during weekday afternoons.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sneakers, and everyday attire are all perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — you can comfortably hold conversations without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–40 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, and stir-fried vegetable dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based noodle and rice dishes can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Some options — rice-based noodle soups, grilled meats with rice, and vermicelli bowls are generally safe, but sauces may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for very casual first dates where food is the focus, but it's more practical than romantic in atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most diners walk in successfully, especially on weekdays or before peak weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families with young kids are common, and the menu is friendly for picky eaters with simple soups, rice plates, and noodles.
Best For
Better for: Reliable sit-down Vietnamese meals with table service, generous portions, and comfort-focused classics for families and groups.
Skip if: If you're hunting for trendy Vietnamese fusion, banh mi specialists, or a high-design dining room experience.