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Golden Flower Vietnamese Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Golden Flower Vietnamese Restaurant
8.2
Chinatown fixture known for a broad Vietnamese menu with dependable bowls of pho ga and beef pho. It’s an easy sit-down option with quick service and pricing that fits casual lunches or early dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho ga (chicken pho), Beef pho with brisket and tendon, Bun bo Hue
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Broad Vietnamese menu with consistently good pho in Chinatown.
Who should go: Pho fans who want a sit-down Chinatown meal
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1:00 to beat tour rush
What to order: Pho ga; beef pho with tendon; bun bo Hue
Insider tip: Order a side of lime-fish sauce for dipping herbs and meats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — limited and metered; best to park a few blocks uphill or use nearby garages on Stockton or Kearny.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; typical Chinatown daytime crowd with tourists and locals.
Noise level: Moderate — lively chatter during lunch rush but quiet enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on tourist traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately before noon; slight wait after 12:30.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu pho, vegetarian spring rolls, and rice plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 plant-based dishes, but broths generally contain meat base.
Gluten-free options: Yes — rice noodles and most pho options are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual comfort than romance — great if your date appreciates authentic pho and simple, homey surroundings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Golden Flower doesn’t take reservations, but turnover is fast; walk-ins are the norm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — plenty of booth seating, mild soups, and friendly staff make it easy for families with kids 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Broader Vietnamese menu and cleaner dining room than many nearby pho shops — excellent consistency for sit-down meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy decor or specialty regional dishes; this is more comfort-first than culinary adventure.
Golden Flower Vietnamese Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Casual Chinatown spot known for clear, clean broths and a straightforward menu of northern-leaning soups, rice plates, and café staples. Quick turnarounds and fair pricing make it a reliable pho-and-egg-roll stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở Đặc Biệt, Chả Giò (Egg Rolls), Canh Chua
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Lean, aromatic broths with no-frills pricing and speed.
Who should go: Pho traditionalists and budget-minded solo diners
When to visit: Late lunch post–1:30 pm to miss the rush
What to order: Phở đặc biệt; chả giò; hot-and-sour soup
Insider tip: Request a side of chili oil and extra scallions to customize.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—limited metered spots along Jackson and Washington, tight during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual; comfortable attire fine, most diners come in everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate; lively at peak lunch but quiet enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during dinner peak around 7 pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait before noon or after 1:30 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several tofu soups, rice plates, and vegetarian rolls available.
Vegan options: Limited—broths are meat-based, but rice plates can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Partially—pho noodles are rice-based, but soy sauces may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—best for casual or solo meals rather than romantic settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; turnover is quick so waits are short even when busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy noodles; space is tight for strollers or large families.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and cleaner broth than most Chinatown pho counters.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambiance, cocktails, or modern Vietnamese fusion.