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    Grandpa Tao Kitchen

    4.4 (422 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Grandpa Tao Kitchen Takeout or Delivery

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    GRANDPA TAO KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Grandpa Tao Kitchen

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    Nicole C.

    I am back to write a new review from my experience today. I ordered garlic noodles with shrimp and added veggies. I get home and the noodles were the dry stir fry noodles. No flavor, and dry. When I called to let them know that the order was incorrect the argued with me that they put garlic they just don't put alot because not everyone can handle that much garlic ... when I explained there was NO garlic in the noodles they continued to tell me there is garlic they don't put a lot. They said next time ask for more garlic. There is NO garlic in my garlic noodles it's not even the same noodles it's the stir fry. Frustrating

    Pho P7. Shrimp
    Liz M.

    Went in on a Friday for lunch. I had the shrimp pho, it was heavenly. We had the fried egg rolls which were great. The service could have been better. I asked for a sprite it came in a can, a cup of ice would have been nice. I had to go to the counter and wait and ask for ice and more water. They didn't check on us after our order was taken. Mind you there was my group of three and a couple. It wasn't busy at all.

    P1. House Special (Rare Steak, Chicken & Shrimp)
    Cristal B.

    Came here for dinner earlier this week. The inside was nice and clean, and our waitress was super friendly and seated us right away. The only downside was that when we first walked in, there was a strange sewage-like smell that made me a little skeptical. It also felt a bit stuffy inside we were sweating while eating. She did turn the fan on, but with the doors open it still felt pretty warm We started with the potstickers and crab Rangoon, which were both really good. I ordered the house special (P1) and my husband got the combination special (P5). Honestly, we felt like the pho itself was kind of lacking in flavor, which was disappointing compared to the apps.

    A1. Special Appetizer
    Max M.

    Food, services and ambience were all good. Seems like most people there were repeat customers and lots of take out orders going out while we were there.

    Entrance sign
    Armando D.

    As we came in we started listening to some smooth jazz that was too loud. Good music but loud. We noticed new plain menus with higher prices. They used to offer small and large pho. U can only order large pho. We both ordered the shrimp pho with extra vegetables as they usually skimp on the vegetables. The pho was very good and tasty. Spring rolls were fresh and delicious. Packed house tonight at 830 and they close at 9! They needed one more waitress!

    Christopher C.

    Very friendly people who are willing to help you with your questions about the menu. The menu includes something that everyone will enjoy. I love the Spring Rolls and Pho. Many ways to customize your food to your taste. They play authentic music and the place has a mom and pop vibe. Good place to practice your Vietnamese...tsin chow Yaw

    Patio
    Marisa T.

    Never been here before & probably won't return. Service desperately needs help & so does their Bun. Vermicelli Bun with spicy lemongrass chicken lacked flavor & not much chicken. She never once came back to check on us to ask if we needed anything. Wasn't busy either, only one other table. Patio is nice but I won't return.

    Inside
    Larry P.

    I walked in and ordered 2 Orange Chicken with steamed rice, 1 order of broccoli & beef with steamed rice, and 1 CHEF'S Special Menu, which has Filet mignon beef, fresh vegetables, and white rice. I wanted to order some sushi but they didn't have any. It's on the menu so that's a bit of a pisser as far as I'm concerned. All of this was to go. It took about 15 minutes. I had asked for eating utensils but they failed to provide them. The food was still steaming hot when I got home. I was really hoping for some exceptional food but it turned out to be just average. I often go to a Chinese buffet in La Mesa, where the food is just average also, but at least they always have sushi. This will be the one and only time I eat here.

    A10. Potsticker R1. BBQ Pork Plate
    Mia Y.

    AUTHENTIC gem in El Cajon!!! I felt immediately welcomed as you're able to choose your own table; I chose to sit outside in the patio area. All of the plants make ambience so tranquil and it is clear the owner(s) take very good care of them. Excellent service!!! Super sweet people. And GREAT prices - so worth it especially in this economy??? PLEASANTLY surprised. I ordered the potstickers and BBQ pork rice plate. I had been craving cơm tấm in general and this was close enough to hit the spot! The pork was cooked to smoky perfection. I thought that they could have added more onto the dish but perhaps that is just what I am used to. Otherwise, I love that this restaurant has a wide menu; they serve Pho and rice vermicelli noodles as well! Definitely coming back to try more whenever in the area. A hidden gem for sure!

    C3. Garlic Noodles with Grilled Shrimp - lacked flavor and the type of noodles just doesn't work with this dish
    Phamhong G.

    Underwhelming. Mi xao bo was okay, nothing special. The BBQ pork sandwich was surprisingly really good for a restaurant. I especially love how they prepared the meat and how fresh the vegetables were. The garlic noodles with grilled shrimp was such a letdown. It lacked flavor and the noodles they use remind me of cup of noodles. If they used different noodles for this dish, it would be so much better. The shrimp was cooked nicely though. I thought by speaking their native language we would receive better customer service. Wrong. I asked a woman for chili peppers and she literally disappeared and I never saw her again lol. I won't be returning, won't be recommending to others, and will stick to authentic Vietnamese food in City Heights/El Cajon Blvd. But I'm glad I finally got to try this restaurant, it had been on my radar for a while.

    Closer look at the ingredients
    Jane A.

    SOUTHEAST ASIAN EATS IN EAST COUNTY (4.5 stars) ... legit. little did you know! Traveled deep east to the cracks of nowhere to enjoy some good authentic Vietnamese food where the average customer eats pho with a fork. - FOOD: delicious and authentic - PRICE: fair - SERVICE: excellent - AMBIANCE: simple There is a back parking lot and ample street parking. Easy to find but deep in the cuts. Friendly staff greeting you. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Variety on the menu to choose from and every plate coming out from the kitchen smells and looks delicious. :: FOOD :: BUN THIT NUONG WITH CHAU GOI ($13.95) - aka "V6) BBQ Pork and Egg Rolls". rice vermicelli with shredded lettuce, cucumbers, pickled daikon and carrots, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts and light fish sauce. This was a well executed Bun Thit Nuong.. better of many that I've tried around SD. All the ingredient were fresh, the grilled pork was nicely and evenly grilled but unfortunately no yummy charred grilled ends, and the egg rolls were crispy and flavorful. Best when sauce is poured in and mixed all together to get a bite of everything. The portion was plentiful and I had left overs. Refreshing, herbal, salty, and savory all together. HIGHLY RECOMMEND FRESH LEMONADE - I love me some lemonade, especially when it's fresh lemonade. It wasn't super tart or coated with a lot of sugar - it was right on the dot. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Can't wait to come back to their Pho. JABA APPROVED. Until the next review...

    lunch appetizer: pork egg rolls and a spring roll, $5.99
    Robin W.

    I really wanted to like this place more. One of the items in our to-go order was missing and the lady inside was so kind and apologetic when we asked about it. We got a lunch appetizer and the egg rolls had a great crunch and flavor inside, but being packed in with the shrimp spring roll made them taste fishy. That might not be a problem for others but as someone who doesn't like seafood, I was bummed because I know they would've been good otherwise. It did come with a generous amount of different sauces and as a sauce lover, I appreciate getting to try a variety. Their ponzu sauce was the star for me and I put it on almost everything. I also got a banh mi sandwich, as i've been on the hunt for a good one for quite some time, and while the inside of the sandwich was superb, the french bread left something to be desired. It was tough to chew like some french breads can be. However, the pickled veggies and the bbq pork inside the sandwich tasted fresh and perfectly cooked and seasoned. The restaurant itself is very pretty inside, and the outdoor dining patio is well decorated with an abundance of greenery. It's also important to note that our food was driven home about 25 minutes away so perhaps dining in is the way to go instead.

    Chicken teriyaki

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    3 months ago

    Lovely atmosphere, super friendly staff and delicious food, huge menu - one of the best restaurants in East County San Diego.

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

    Food is always on point, prices are great! I miss the lunch specials, though. Nina, the hostess, is friendly and helpful.

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    Grandpa Tao Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Grandpa Tao Kitchen

    Is vegetarian broth available?

    I think so.

    Are you dog friendly?

    Yes - my mom always brings her chihuahua and I've seen other very well-behaved dogs on the outside patio as well.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Grandpa Tao Kitchen - asianfusion - Updated July 2026

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