Consider me a fan. My team and I grabbed lunch at Eastborough after completing an event at a nearby business. We had worked up quite the appetite, and banh mi / bowls sounded like the perfect fix. My order included a grilled chicken banh mi (no jalapeno) with their chicken spring rolls to share with the table. This sandwich was served on a fresh baguette, with thick pieces of juicy grilled chicken layered on top. I also loved their house-made aioli, which really pulled together the entree. I love that you're able to customize the meat on each of their dishes. They offer grilled pork, chicken, tofu, shaken beef, pork belly, and cajun shrimp. The space is pretty small and can get quite packed during the busy lunch rush. Luckily there's outdoor seating scattered throughout the CAMP if you're open to fresh air. read more

Went to East Borough's restaurant in Culver City over 10 years ago and was sad when they closed. Having moved to OC, I was happy to see that they were still in business at The Camp in Costa Mesa. The space is pretty tiny, with a few tables indoors and some outdoors on the patio. I ordered their pho baguette ($15), which was bigger than I expected, with tender beef and a cup of pho broth to dip. The menu said it was spicy but I think the sriracha hoisin aioli got left off because it wasn't spicy at all (I think it would have been better with a little spice). My husband got their chicken curry soup, which comes with your choice of baguette, noodles or rice. Everyone else here was eating a bowl, so I'm guessing that's the thing to order - especially since one person remarked that it was SO much food. Next time! read more

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I got the shaken beef rice bowl for lunch and it came with their version of shaken beef, rice, bok choy, a soft boiled egg, and sauce. Pretty big portion and definitely filling. Knocking a point off because my bok choy was a little undercooked and some of their beef was a bit stringy. The overall flavor was great though. read more

East Borough - shaken beef rice bowl - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The chicken curry and bò kho soup were so good! Everything was flavorful and comforting. I also really love the vibe here, and the music they play makes the whole experience even better. Such a nice place to enjoy good food and relax. read more

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Cute little restaurant in a super unique setting. Friendly staff and quick service the Shrimp Bahn Mi was great but it was spicy so be aware. Wish there was more shrimp but otherwise it was okay. Spring rolls were also great and crunchy! read more

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Been here more than once and never disappointed. All their food is delicious! Service is great and family friendly. Not tons of seating but I've never had trouble finding a table. I can't wait to go again. Their chili oil sauce is really nice without being overpowering. read more

A Flavor Party in your mouth! I stopped in on a whim and ended up having one of the tastiest meals I've had in a while. I ordered the Grapefruit Salad, and wow so fresh, so bright, and packed with that perfect crunchy bite. Every bite was this citrusy flavor explosion. It's one of those dishes that instantly wakes up your palate. Then came the Pork Rice Bowl, and honestly... game changer. Deep umami, that subtle smoky-charcoal taste, and super fresh ingredients all tied together into this comforting yet simple bowl. The vibe is great, the food is insanely good, and I'm already planning my next visit. If you're anywhere near The Camp in Costa Mesa, drop that Matcha and go! read more

East Borough - Grapefruit Salad - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Great service. Cool seating. Haven't been here for years, but still good. Bread tastes a little different...like more dry. Overall, good Banh Mi. read more

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A favorite staple of mine over at the camp! My goto is always the Bo kho, it really reminds me of the one my mom makes so I'm so happy to be able to have a little reminder of my family so close to me. There's not a ton of (good) Vietnamese spots in the area that isn't just pho only, so I love and appreciate the simplicity but also different menu that east borough has to offer. I've gone during lunch, had it for dinners, whether the weather is hot or cold, it's always a good meal to have. Gonna have to try one of their dip banh mis one of these days, I am intrigued, but so hard for me to get away from the Bo kho! No complaints about the service, even with how busy it can get, I feel taken care of if I'm dining in or doing takeout. Plenty of seating spots too! Can't recommend this place enough. read more

This place belongs in a great movie. You know the trope where there's the hole-in-the-wall eatery tucked away in the back with a master chef dealing flavor bombs for anyone who cares to venture in? That's East Borough. That's Chef John. This place has been serving up amazing food since 2010, and my wife and I have been eating here regularly ever since. The food, the vibe, the friendly staff, the music, it's all so perfect. I love the banh, the spring rolls, the soups, the jasmine tea, the sauces, the peanuts, and the chia pudding. It's purrfect. There's also a great selection of beer and other buzzy drinks. I also love that he continually experiments and creates new dishes: burgers, yakitori grilled items, and my favorite- the most perfect pot of pate with warm bread. Unfortunately, the limited specials are just that, limited, but what I appreciate is that the menu is constantly evolving- keeping the favorites and finding new ones. You should never go too long without checking to see what's new. East Borough will forever be home to some of my favorite memories; it's the cult classic you never grow tired of. Go find it, tucked in the back of The Camp, it's waiting for you. read more

East Borough - Pho Banh - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This spot was very pleasant. You order at the cashier and they bring the food to you. When we went there was plenty of seating outdoor. They had beer options and other canned beverages or fountain drinks to choose from. My curry was delicious and filling and they had condiments to add flavor to my liking. The camp in general is not known for having plenty of parking so that is a pain sometimes but it's worth it if you plan to go and enjoy all the local businesss like this one. read more

East Borough - Chicken Curry Soup - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The beef stew Bahn Mi was a good idea, but it was in want of some kind of pickled tanginess i find at my local traditional places in Rosemead. I wanted to grab the "real" Sriracha sauce from the shelf but alas that was for display only. The server wanted to give me their sriracha sauce in the packets, but it wasn't the tanginess of the rooster image Siracha that im used to. I felt like I happen to get stranded in a village very, very far away from anything remotely close to Asian and had to just make do with what was there for my Asian craving. (Now I totally get why the early asian immigrants started their own restaurants, or even restaurants that were mediocre in the middle of no where--they needed to eat and survive!) read more

East Borough - Beef stew bahn Banh Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I was so happy when my sister introduced me to East Borough. The stew that I order from here is so hearty and heartwarming. read more

East Borough - Chicken Curry Banh Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Best bánh mì I have had in my life no joke, perfect soft toasted bread and the pork is fantastic and not fatty like most places. Great service and delicious food. read more

East Borough - Bánh Mì - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I'll keep it short and to the point. Very good food, service, and ambiance. I've been several times but keep forgetting to take pics. Today I ordered the Chicken Curry Banh Mi, which is a good sized 'sandwich' with a side of curry soup for dipping (I'm a dipper, love dipping). Bread was excellent, curry, chicken and toppings all top notch. Service was professional, friendly and accommodating. Quality and taste of the food is great, which is my biggest review factor. I would recommend trying them! read more

Still love this place so much. Will always support them. They've been around forever and are still absolutely killing it - quality and flavor are still fire every single time. The banh pork belly slaps so hard. Chicken curry is straight comfort food. Grapefruit salad is super fresh and bright. The flavors just punch every time in the best way. S/O to owner John for keeping this spot solid all these years. You can really taste the consistency and care. read more

Been loving the Rice Porridge and Jasmine Lime Tea!!! It has been an amazing way to survive the cold season! This is still my favorite place to eat. Good Vibes, tasty food and a great location. Grapefruit Salad with your favorite protein is a tasty choice as well!!! I usually get the grilled pork. If you love a Ban Mi theirs is wonderful! read more

East Borough - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I stumbled upon the Vietnamese bánh mì dip (a la French dip), approach a few years back when unannounced I dunked my bánh mì into my son's Pho soup. After shaking off his scorns, I logged this trick in my food locker. At the time I thought I had discovered food- gold. Fast forward to today and ba-zinga, it was on the menu. Of course, I ordered it and found they had definitely perfected it. It had a French dip feel (salty, spicy beef broth) to soak up the crispy meaty French bread yummi-ness. It really was delicious. I recommend a 50-50 dunk technique, meaning half a bite with dry and half a bite dipped, so it doesn't soggy-up too much. Vietnamese chef kiss! read more

East Borough - Pho bánh mì...Dip dip dip away! - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

East Borough in Costa Mesa saved our OC Fair day in the best way. We ditched a crazy long line nearby, wandered into The Camp, and ended up with one of the best sandwiches I have had in a long time. I ordered the beef stew baguette and it was incredible. Rich beef stew with tender beef and potatoes stuffed into a crispy baguette, topped with white onion, cilantro, and jalapeños. It also comes with a cup of the stew for dipping and sambal on the side for extra heat, which took it over the top. For $15, this sandwich is a steal. It is filling, bold, and full of flavor. East Borough is absolutely worth going out of your way for. read more

East Borough - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Still excellent! To go or there either way you get the same amount. My favorites are the chicken vermicelli, bah Kho & chicken curry stew.

John makes this place even better, thanks to his hospitality and kindness. I think he is the owner, but he is always running around, cleaning and helping the back- he excels at being a team player. The food is delicious- if you are craving pho or a baguette, look no further. This place is tucked inside The Camp (warning: parking sucks) behind Vitaly, by some water spout areas, which are cute. The ambiance in here is small and chill, spacious and airy, so I could definitely see myself chilling here with an iced Vietnamese coffee or something. Pro tip: the spring rolls are delicious, but definitely need sauce. read more

East Borough - Spring rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I heard about East Borough seeing it listed as one of the best Banh Mis in OC, so I had my hopes up. Sadly my expectations weren't met. I visited on a Sunday around 3:00 PM. The place itself is tucked away in a corner and is a bit of a struggle to find, especially if it's your first time visiting The CAMP like it was for me. Upon arriving, there were maybe 6-7 patrons seated amongst their tables and chairs. A small family and a couple solo diners. The decor made me worried as I immediately knew I wasn't going to get something traditional. But I held my reservations and walked up to the counter to place my order for their grilled pork banh mi and Vietnamese iced coffee. When the food was brought out, I complimented the staff member's hair and they immediately beamed with a smile and even referred me to where they got their haircut. When going up to the counter to grab napkins, we overheard them talking to the back of house giddy about having their hair complimented. Unfortunately that was the best part of my experience. Their coffee missed the mark and tasted watered down, both lacking in the strong roasted notes you usually get from dark roasted Robusta beans, as well as the creaminess that you usually get from the condensed milk in a well-executed cup. The grilled pork banh mi was also lacking a lot, and is sadly on the lower rankings of the banh mis I've had. The pork itself was over cooked. The protein was leaner a cut, sliced into strips, and ate like pork loin. The sandwich also lacked in pate and the rich yellow Vietnamese mayo both of which are what I feel defines a great banh mi. The marinade was a slightly sweet soy base - different from the usual lemongrass you see at other banh mi shops. The combination of all these things made for a very dry sandwich that was lackluster in flavor and seasoning. The clear highlight of my visit, and what truly made it worthwhile, was brightening a staff member's day. Unfortunately, the food was a distinct lowlight, and for that reason, I will not be returning. read more

East Borough - Grilled Pork Banh Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This is a small little shop in the corner inside of the camp. They have sandwiches and Vietnamese beef stew. The taste is definitely fusion but I enjoyed it...it's more on the healthier side. We ordered the beef stew and salad with pork belly. Both were fulfilling for lunch. The pork belly was tender and flavorful and so was the stew. Would we come back-definitely if we were in the area and wanted Vietnamese food for lunch. Staff were friendly. Price is a bit higher, given its location, compare to "local" Vietnamese restaurants that offers same or similar dishes. read more

East Borough - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Beef stew comes with pho noodles, potatoes and beautifully braised beef chunks. Great fresh vietnamese flavors and not too hearty. We also got a rice bowl, ready hot and on time. Location at the Camp is great for a day out or doing some work. Cool architecture and clean, option for boba guys nearby. read more

East Borough - Beef Stew - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I always get the rice bowl with chicken and extra protein. The ingredients are high quality, the chicken is moist and delicious, and the sauce is flavorful without being too heavy. As someone focused on macros and clean eating, this is an easy grab when my schedule gets busy. As a chef, I would definitely rate Eastboro as a great place to eat. read more

I'm here to rate the thịt khó, which was GOOD! And the chia seed dessert, which isn't very Vietnamese but I give that a pass be size it was delicious! The only thing is, the cafe sữa da was not pour over style with condensed milk. read more

I live in the Bay Area and was in Orange County for just a few days and I decided to give EB a try. I had a delicious banh mi (grilled pork) for lunch and it was outstanding. A key factor for me is the choice of bread. Some chains use standard baguettes and while nothing against the taste, the firmness of its top leaves something to be desired. I hate when sandwiches cut the roof of my mouth as I'm sure everyone does! East Borough uses bread of medium firmness, perfect for my preference. The setting is also very nice. They have a spot in the LAB with an outdoor seating area with shade. I grabbed a table and people-watched as I enjoyed my sandwich. I will certainly be back next time I'm in the OC. Give them a try! You won't be disappointed. read more

East Borough - Grilled Pork Banh Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Never been here before, kind of hard to find but it's right next to vittaly, in fact I almost mistaken it as part of vittaly. The sign name is blocked by a tree. Pho baguette is solid! Lot of protein and the raw bean sprouts keep it light and fresh. The pho broth dip is an interesting concept fusion but I personally wanted a richer pho broth flavor which is what was lacking. It is a light dipping broth if that's your preference. Very clean and light. Chili tofu is a solid appetizer! Easy protein and delicious with a clean fragrant taste. very nice service too read more

East Borough - Pho baguette dip - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Cannot say enough good things about East Borough. It's one of my favorite spots for a meal with friends - flavors are always unique and excellent. Great for dine-in or take-out, and their curbside pickup is always prompt. Grapefruit salad is refreshing on a hot summer day, curry and porridge are comforting on a cold night, and the rice and vermicelli bowls are satisfying every time. Portions are always generous but never as a compromise for the flavor and quality of the food. I appreciate the variety of gluten free options available, and my gluten-eating friends always love the banh mi as well. Round out your meal with a strong coffee or tea and it'll instantly make your day better. Thank you East Borough for being one of my favorite restaurants read more

I am a huge east borough fan, always get the jasmine lime iced tea it's amazing. I do wish they still had fresh spring rolls, but the vermicelli noodle bowl is really light and yummy. *I wouldn't come here for the Banh Mi but you can't go wrong with the other items. read more

East Borough - Vermicelli Noodle bowl - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

My favorite spot for years: grapefruit salad with shrimp and beef stew baguette sandwich, jalapeños on the side, w/ chia seeds pudding. Yum read more

Wished the pork belly is bbq or deep fried. It was ok Sweet spot if you can find it's read more

East Borough - Pork Belly & Egg - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Ah, this spot is a nice little green oasis in the concrete jungle of Orange County. Great spot to relax and sit amongst the tendrils of vines. They even have some neat art books to peruse on shelves next to the bathroom. As for food, hubs and I split a pho banh mi, French dip style + some egg rolls. He got a Vietnamese iced coffee and I had the iced jasmine tea. All delicious, all decently priced. Good spot to go to without having to go to Westminster. I'm always finding fusion restaurants dubious, but this one did a great job of honoring Vietnamese food while making subtle twists. read more

East Borough - Pho french dip. - Vietnamese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I actually like the creativity here. It's not like a traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwich. Dipping sandwiches was also unique. It is a little pricey but the portions were large and fresh. Also I'm sure the rent at the CAMP isn't cheap. My bò kho sandwich was very filling and hot. It was funny that carrot and potato was in the sandwich as well. Broth was a little salty but better than some of the actual beef stews I've had in Westminster. The interior was cute and staff was very nice. read more

East Borough is a cute lil Vietnamese restaurant that offers Bahn Mi Sandwiches and Rice bowls with an American fusion. They are located in The Camp plaza of Costa Mesa, OC. I came to grab a lunch. Their outdoor was very chill as well as their indoor. However, both have limited seating! I was perfunctorily greeted by a cute female staff. I perused their menus and decided to get a Chicken rice bowl (bokchoy, a hard boiled egg, jasmine rice and citrus vinaigrette) and Jasmine Like Green Tea. Food taste good and flavorful. Drink was refreshing and citrus. Service was on point. Staff were professional. Prices were modest and affordable. Free Wifi. Atmosphere was relaxing. Overall, I recommend this spot. read more

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The food here is amazing! It's all so fresh and flavorful! Make sure you get some peanuts to go, they are addicting!!!

1. The Banh Mi was assembled nicely since the stuff doesn't fall out easily! Also, I love the dipping into the Bo Kho! So delicious! 2. The spot has fun casual vibes since it's located inside The Camp! 3. The staff were friendly and timely with my food! The staff even brought my food and drink to my table! 4. Parking lot can get crowded after 11:00 am on the weekend! 5. There are few tables indoor as well as a few tables outdoor! Note: I don't remember seeing a customer bathroom inside, but there is a public restroom close by inside The Camp Photo: Vietnamese Iced Coffee and Beef Stew Banh Mi read more

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It's cozy, modern, and always gives off that laid back, trendy vibe without trying too hard. The food has stayed consistently amazing, fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. read more

I'd honestly rate the place a 3.5 but since I can't do that I'll roll with a 4 because I'm sure it's better than 3 stars. But I had the grilled pork banh mi and man that thing was dryyyyyy. Like I was eating just pork and bread with a hint of pickled radish and carrots. Though the pickled veggies were really big and plentiful, they didn't really do much to save the banh mi for me. Their other food is probably much better, though I haven't tried. I wouldn't recommend ordering the banh mi here. The restaurant itself is nice and cute. Not the restaurant's fault, but goodness parking at the camp is so bad that even if this food was great I can't bring myself to go through that again lol. Staff is nice but it'd be nice if they answered the phone with "Hi this is East Borough" and not just "Hello", really had me thinking I called a random person's number. But that's nitpicking and not really what the review is about. If you plan to come here, just don't order the banh mi and you're probably good lol read more

Overall a super strong 4+ stars!!! Really a nice surprise. It feels modern, minimalistic. I had a great Banh Mi experience. Regardless of the protein choice, the pricing is the same. You get a warmly toasted baguette (that has the perfect crispy crust with soft chewy bread) that is filled with a good portion of flavorful meat, thinly sliced cucumbers + fixins. They kindly obliged me on my request for extra do chua (pickled veggies) and jalepeno. I opted for the all natural pork. It was flavorful. I also ordered their Jasmine Tea with Lime-ade type of base. It was intense in flavor. I ordered some water to dilute it, which made it suit my taste buds. Place is very clean. Service was helpful, knowledgeable and kind. My only tweak would be thicker cut on the cucumber or I guess I can ask for extra cucumber next time. Also some cilantro for freshness would have been perfect. I observed alot of other delicious dishes going out. I most definitely will be back to try more items on their menu. read more

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