I'm sooo glad I remembered to write down Paul's name, because he definitely deserves to be recognized. I came with my hangry, old father and my rambunctious toddler son, and Paul (and the entire staff, really) worked hard to bring the food out quickly. Everything was delicious- and they have a good happy hour menu, as well. The ambiance is bright with lots of sunlight, making the experience even better. This is not my favorite restaurant out of this group (shoutout to Ini in Fountain Valley), but I'm impressed with the customer service here. read more

NEP Cafe - Shrimp Garlic Noodle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

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Wow.. why am I just now trying this place... wanted to see what the hype has been about.. finally seeing it. Came here with someone who frequents this place so everything we ordered was spot on and delicious. That branzino wrap set is amazing.. the non alcoholic drinks were good (cant wait to try the coffees and cocktails next time).. the Vietnamese shrimp salad was surprisingly my personal favorite. So fresh, clean, yet still flavorful. I love that the portions are decently sized, especially the entree. The bread pudding was also so surprisingly good. Kicking myself for not having tried this place sooner!!! Can't wait to come back and try the brunch and coffee!!! read more

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I'm a total fan of all the Kei Concept restaurants. This is my first visit to this location for dinner. I loved the decor of the restaurant and service was excellent. We arrived had just arrived into LA and were starving. Everything we ordered was excellent. I especially liked the curry crab omelette. read more

Kei Concepts does Asian Fusion well and Nep Cafe is no exception. We ordered several items to try, but my personal favorite would be the Seafood Tom Kha Pasta. It's a blast of intense flavor. I would pass on the Bun Bo Hue Dry Noodles. The execution was excellent, but because of its dry format I found it inferior to an actual bowl of bun bo hue. Desserts were great! I liked both the Mango Sticky Rice and Banana Bread Pudding. Service was fantastic. We were seated promptly and our server was attentive despite how busy they were. Ambiance is great too. The decorations were beautiful. read more

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Trendy, casual Kei Concepts brunch spot that came highly recommended by locals. Tons of ppl waiting, opted for a table outside. We tried the following: - Egg Coffee with Salted Egg Yolk (very nice, although very sweet) - Banh Mi Chao Beef Belly - Banh Mi Chao Filet Mignon - Broccolini Everything was a hit--food, decor, service--which left us with a lasting impression. Now we know why our friends come here all the time. read more

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Currently salivating just thinking about the salmon in the fried rice ‍‍ A bite of salmon starts as a crisp fried edge, then a soft, melt-in-your mouth texture. Crab curry omelette was also very unique and delicious! I went during dinner time so the menu selection was limited, so I look forward to going during happy hour or brunch the next time! read more

NEP Cafe - Curry Crab Omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

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Fantastic Vietnamese brunch! Everything was delicious and I can't wait to come back and try more menu items. The egg coffee was strong, creamy, and perfectly balanced. The beef belly/brisket skillet was unctious and savory -- I loved all the different components and being able to build a perfect bite each time! From the smooth pate to the tender beef, runny eggs, and crispy and fluffy baguette, such a great start to the day. The crispy sticky rice was very tasty and the egg was a great accompaniment, but do keep in mind the rice loves to get stuck in your teeth LOL. read more

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Came here for my birthday with my parents and absolutely loved everythinggggggg. I have no other words, but you definitely need to visit this place ASAP! I've only been here once before, but it is good every time. Everything was so delicious and extremely flavorful absolutely 10 out of 10 with no notes. Took pictures of everything we ate but I pretty much recommend every single dish or drink. The parking is in a shared lot with other stores and a Tesla charging station so be warned lol. It gets pretty loud inside with the music and everyone talking so if you're looking for a quiet vibe, this might not be it for you. However, everyone here is so nice and always on top of it so that definitely makes up for it! read more

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My first time for lunch on a Saturday and the wait was minimal for 8 people. Service good but could be better. Dishes were prompt but because one person had a nut alert they kept leaving the nuts out of my entrees. I tried the Xoi Chien (crispy rice) and the server described it as delicious if you like different textures. I must because I loved this dish and would cone back for it. I also tried appetizers of Chicken Wings, Calamari, and Broccolini- all very good. I would say the appetizers are a good size portion for a party of two. We were 8 and ordered double and it was small portions for the price. The coffee drinks looked amazing and I ordered the Wildberry Matcha Latte and it did not disappoint. Finally the Mango Sticky Rice was yummy as expected. It did get very busy and the ambiance felt rushed. But the food was excellent and the service good enough. read more

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Creative Viet cuisine, expect it little heavy for brunch/breakfast. Enjoyed everything. Lots of eggs Drink menu are fun too. read more

NEP Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

This is my first time at this location. I've dined at the NEP in Fountain Valley which is far from me. I was happy to see there was one close by. it is in a lot with many other restaurants and shops-- parking can get hectic, but it wasn't too bad. I came for a birthday dinner. The ambiance was casual and relaxed. We were seated and greeted promptly. The food was amazing. The steak had a lot of complex flavors that all worked together. You can definitely taste the vietnamese influence. The dumplings were a little too spicy for me. Garlic noodles were great. Drinks were strong and delicious. The espresso martini was super strong. Banana bread pudding was one of the best parts of the meal. Will definitely come back! read more

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We somehow ended up visiting twice in a 2 week period, lol, so I'm going to split my review up since both visits were quite different. Friday brunch review: I thought we were going to be able to beat the crowd, but I was wrong LOL. It was packed! Luckily, we were able to get seated after a short 15-20 minute wait. We got seated near the bar at a high-top table. It took a while for our orders to be taken, but after that food came out relatively quickly. I got the roasted chicken congee and my husband got the beef belly rice bowl. At first, I was appalled by the $19 price tag for the congee, but after it came out, I could see why. It definitely is big enough to feed 2 people. There was SO much congee, and my chicken piece was HUGE! The congee was flavorful, but not overpowering, which paired with the chicken very well. My husband's beef belly rice bowl reminded me of a Vietnamese version of bibimbap, lol. The beef belly was tender and it was a delicious, balanced dish. ---------------------------------------------------- Thursday dinner review: Compared to Friday brunch, the crowd was much thinner for Thursday dinner. Half the restaurant seemed empty and we were able to get seated immediately. For dinner, we ordered the calamansi white peach, crispy calamari, Vietnamese shaking beef, and seafood tom kha pasta. Our drink was refreshing, not too sweet, and I did like the citrusy flavor and carbonation. My tom kha pasta came out REALLY fast (weirdly fast?). It came out so fast that it made it awkward how long we had to wait for the other dishes to come out (15+ minutes). Also, parts of the pasta tasted lukewarm.. not sure if it was sitting out for a while, or if they rinsed the pasta with cold water and served it immediately lol. And while I appreciate al dente, it definitely was leaning towards undercooked. The flavor of the sauce was good though. The crispy calamari was fine. The calamari at INI is better though. I like that the jalapenos gave it a nice kick, but there was SO much breading. I felt like I was eating more batter than calamari and it made the dish overly heavy. The flavor of the shaking beef was really good, but some pieces of beef were exceptionally tender, and others were so chewy that it made it difficult to eat. The rice was also slightly soggy and a little underwhelming in terms of flavor. Despite our subpar food experience, the highlight of our night was our server Mia. She was so sweet and attentive and handled all of the kitchen mishaps with grace. She came by multiple times to ask us how we were doing, gave us numerous status updates regarding our food, and apologized for the delay from the kitchen. Her service was on par with a fine dining restaurant and without her superb customer service, our dinner experience would have been completely soured. Overall, I do like the unique dishes and offerings here. Both food and service are a hit or a miss depending on the day (from our experiences) but I would come back. read more

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I've been NEP Cafe in Irvine a few times now, but only now getting around to writing a review. Nep Cafe is part of the Kei Concepts family offering a modern fusion take on some classic Vietnamese dishes. In short, they pull it off very well. My first time there, we ordered the pork tomahawk and the boneless ribeye entrees. Those dishes by themselves can be pretty expensive, but we were able to share it family style amongst 3-4 people. Not only were both the tomahawk and the ribeye were extremely tender and juicy, but the Vietnamese seasoning (nuoc cham, tamarind dressing) probably was what made each dish standout. It's a pretty refreshing take on some classic dishes. More recently, I went back and ordered their Bun Bo Hue Dry Noodles. For about $20, you get a decently sized bowl filled with plenty of meats, veggies, and noodles. I was rather skeptical, but after tasting the dish, it does not lack in flavor despite not having the broth. The meats were tender and seasoned well, and the vegetables provided a nice refreshing balance to the dish. It's a dish that I would order again. read more

NEP Cafe - Bun Bo Hue Dry Noodles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

Bday dinner for bestie Nep Cafe hits the spot every time. I would highly recommend this exact combo of food we ordered -- garlic noodles (with CRAB), pork tomahawk, and Vietnamese salad with shrimp. The crab melts into the buttery garlic noodles, the tomahawk is cooked to perfection (so tender), and the salad cuts it all with bright, tangy, fresh flavors. read more

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I already know how great the food is here at Nep, which is why we had planned a larger party birthday party here (around 30 people). The whole process was easy, we coordinated over email and then there was an OpenTable confirmation. Showed up on the day and everything was perfect! They put us in a semi-private patio on the side. The tables were already set up with an empty one up front for gifts or birthday cake set up. Food was served family style per table. We got the drinks along with our food package choice, and it was a hit! Everyone LOVED the drinks. There was so much food, we even packed some for leftovers. Lastly, I wanted to give this shoutout to Paul our server for the event. He was ON IT! Took the time to explain the menu to the guests, got their orders, and helped out wherever he could. The whole day was a blur, but he made sure to ensure it was smooth sailing. So super big thank you to him! read more

NEP Cafe Irvine never disappoints! The restaurant has a beautiful modern atmosphere that feels trendy yet welcoming, making it a great place for brunch, lunch, or dinner with friends and family. For this visit, I ordered the Salmon Garlic Noodles and Bánh Mì Chảo, and both dishes were outstanding. The Salmon Garlic Noodles were packed with flavor, featuring perfectly cooked salmon paired with rich, buttery garlic noodles that were incredibly satisfying. The balance of savory flavors made it a dish I would gladly order again. The Bánh Mì Chảo was another highlight. Everything arrived sizzling hot, and the combination of meats, eggs, and bread created the perfect comfort meal. The bread was great for dipping into the flavorful sauce, and every bite was delicious and hearty. Beyond the food, the ambiance was stylish and lively without feeling overwhelming. The restaurant's modern design and attention to detail make it a great spot for both dining and photos. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made the experience even more enjoyable. Between the delicious food, beautiful atmosphere, and excellent service, NEP Cafe continues to be one of my favorite Vietnamese fusion restaurants in Orange County. I'll definitely be back for the Salmon Garlic Noodles again! read more

NEP Cafe - Salmon Garlic Noodle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

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Nep Cafe continues my blind loyalty to Kei Concepts. Did it emotionally wreck me (in a good way)? Yes. Coffees and matcha = elite. Space = gorgeous and roomy. Staff = ridiculously nice. Food?? No misses. The crab toast, bánh mì chảo beef belly, congee, and xôi mặn are all stupid good. I would eat the xôi mặn daily if geography allowed it. Been here multiple times and it has never let me down. Comfort food excellence. End of story. read more

NEP Cafe - Deliciousness -- share with friends! Congee, crab toast, bahn mi chao, fried rice and xio man. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

The food here is consistently good, and every time I bring friends, they end up loving it too. I've tried several dishes over multiple visits, and the quality has always been reliable. My personal favorites are the seafood ceviche, the seafood tom kha pasta--which has a great balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors--and the Vietnamese shaking beef, which is always well-seasoned and cooked just right. The interior is clean, modern, and welcoming. I've liked the space ever since it was EMC Seafood before becoming Nep Cafe, and the atmosphere has remained one of its strengths. It's a great spot whether you're catching up with friends or going out on a date--it feels comfortable but still stylish. Service has also been consistently good. Dine-in experiences are smooth, and my takeout orders are always packaged neatly with utensils and napkins included. Orders are ready by the promised time, which I really appreciate. Overall, this is a dependable place I'm happy to return to and recommend to others. read more

NEP Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

Overall great experience. One of the items we order came out wrong and when I let our server know they were super nice about it and offered to send us a replacement. When we got the replacement they also made sure to double check with us to make sure it was correct and was what we wanted. All the other food was great too. We got the beef tongue fried rice which was my favorite out of everything we ordered. Highly recommend getting that here. The mango sticky rice was also a bit sour but that was probably mainly due to mango's being out of season. The menu was kinda hard to read. They used yellow for some of the wording and that was hard to see. read more

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Wow what a beautiful brunch spot in Irvine! This restaurant has such a gorgeous interior with amazing lighting. Food: great! First off, the coffee is strong like a Vietnamese coffee but the creaminess from the egg was delightful. The roasted chicken was also very tender and juicy, not dry whatsoever. And the toppings with scallions, shredded pork, and pickled veggies were refreshing. I can see why people come here for some nice Vietnamese fusion brunch. Service: exceptional! The server was so so kind and patient with us, helping us take pictures with the best lighting and angles. She was super nice! Thank you for making our cousins special day with a nice treat as well! read more

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The beef carpaccio is out of this world. Try unique and the best I've ever had. The chicken and rice was very tasty. Great spot with horrific heavy metal music as the background read more

Came here for happy hour. Ceviche, wings and garlic noodles are legit. Cocktails are also well made. Not a big fan of the banh mi chao even though this is what they're known for. Overall a solid 4 on the food. Service was really good, our server was very attentive and made sure we're well taken care of. read more

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Crab toast Seafood ceviche Filet mignon banh mi chao Garlic noodle with crab Pandan old fashioned Mango sticky rice Creme brulee coffee Finally got to eat at Nep Cafe and it did not disappoint. Everything we got was so good and flavorful will definitely get them again. My absolute favorite was the seafood ceviche. The ceviche and garlic noodle has a spicy kick. My husband loved the filet mignon banh mi chao, the meat was so tender and the sauce pairs perfectly with the bread. Our food came out within 10 minutes of ordering, and our server was super nice and attentive. It was my birthday so they gave a complimentary ice cream. Will definitely be back and can't wait to try their dinner menu! read more

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The place is huge and theres a bartop. Me and my fiance got seated immediately when we went around 2pm in the afternoon on a Sunday. There was a lot of people but they had enough servers to keep the flow going. The food was 100%! I can't have enough of both! They were extremely delicious and I HAVE TO come back! Tom yum pasta and ribeye fried rice was very very amazing. The fried rice was very flavorful, not normal fried rice or typical fried rice! Don't get tricked by the simple name. Other than the food, we had drinks. Drinks were decently priced like all other place BUT it's also tasty! WIN WIN FOR ME. This is the only Kei Concepts that actually got me good this time! I can't get enough! Coming back to try the beef carpaccio for dinner next time! 100% must-try! Pricey but worth my money. This is the only entree order pricey place I do not mind coming back for. read more

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Made reservations for brunch. According to our server, Nep is more known for their brunch instead of dinner. Similar ambiance to the other Kei Concept restaurants, but this one is modern Vietnamese food. Ordered the crab toast, filet mignon banh mi chao, & shrimp garlic noodles. Everything was so flavorful! The crab toast had a good amount of crab & it was mixed with soft scrambled eggs. The banh mi chao is basically a deconstructed banh mi & they give you the baguette on the side to dip into it. The garlic noodles is the same as the one at Vox, which is another Kei Concept restaurant. I also ordered the crème brûlée coffee. It was rich & creamy, but the Vietnamese coffee was definitely STRONG! Warning for those who are sensitive to caffeine. Overall a good first experience here. The restaurant itself is pretty spacious, yummy food, & good vibes! read more

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Always a hit whenever we come. Brunch, lunch or dinner - always consistent, everything executed so well, and food comes out fast. Service is great, ample parking and seating. read more

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Great food and service! This place is a little pricey so it might be better for a special occasion. What we got: Bun Bo hue dry noodle - big portion and very filling Crab Garlic Noodle - very good, has a good portion of crab on it! - the bowl is smaller than the bun bo huge though read more

NEP Cafe - Crab Garlic Noodle Bun Bo Hue Dry Noodles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

this place is a cute brunch place with ample seating and tables and overall super nice interior! the food wasn't bad at all but i don't think it was my taste personally as the mix of fusion here a bit underwhelming. the matcha however? amazing and would recommend the coconut matcha!! read more

NEP Cafe - Xoi Chien Seafood Tom Kha Pasta - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

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Came on a Wed for lunch. wasn't busy. got a table easily. the place was about half packed. I haven't been back here in about a year. I got Seafod Ceviche. it wasn't bad but the coconut flavor overpowered the dish. also ordered the 5 Spice Roasted chicken. pictured looked good. when I got the dish they forgot the quail eggs (good thing I saw the pics first) but I got them once I told the server. the chicken was dry. it was overcooked. sticky rice was pretty good, however. lastly we got Seafood Tom Kha pasta. I wished I knew the words "tom kha" meant coconut cream. again nice dish but strong coconut flavor. all the dishes here had pretty presentation. the flavors for the dishes were mostly good. I did think the portions were a bit small for the price. the pics definitely looked bigger than reality. read more

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So thrilled to have another (and much larger) location! No wait for bar seating on a rainy Saturday noon. But beware of the white Tesla parking lot battles since a charging station is right next to the restaurant! Banh Mi Chao Filet Mignon was delicious. Just be wary of when the food runners get it to you since the hot skillet may overcook the eggs and you want that yolk runny to dip the lovely baguette in! But the filet mignon was perfectly cooked. Lemongrass Tofu was tasty accompanied by the sticky rice. If you're a savory gal looking for a solid protein option, I'd recommend. The sauce was very umami. I'll be back for happy hour! read more

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The interior is so pretty! This location is more spacious than the FV location. I like how there are skylights so its light and bright inside, adding to the brunch vibes. Food is delicious, coffee and matcha top notch. Service was excellent. Will definitely be back! read more

My favorite item: Tom Kha pasta, hands down. Whoever thought of this is a genius. Pho hot pot was a little lacking in flavor but the concept was another genius move, esp with unlimited broth. Drinks were amazing, sorry it's been too long I've forgotten what I ordered lol, which just means it's time to go back. read more

Came on a Sunday morning and got seated right away. Parking was a bit tight but space inside was roomy and clean. Staff were friendly and helpful. Food: - Xoi Chien: easy to share, pate had nice flavor - Curry Crab Omelet: chunks of crab was nice overall nothing too notable read more

NEP Cafe - Xoi Chien (top) + Curry Crab Omelet (bottom) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

Came for a large party of about 50ish people for dinner and the staff did great with us. We were seated outside, had the menu preordered and brought out at the same time - similarly to banquet style. Tried the: Crispy calamari, 10/10 Vietnamese chicken salad 8/10 Shrimp garlic noodles 8/10 Vietnamese shaking beef 8/10 Com Ga Roti (chicken dish), 8/10 Banana bread pudding, 9/10 Mango sticky rice, 8/10 Everything was really good, brought out in a timely manner, drinks were refilled in a timely manner, and all went well and smooth. Truly impressed, especially with having such a big group. read more

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Amazing experience! I love the environment, very intimate at night and so pretty at noon. I've been to both restaurants plenty of times, and I'd say their customer service is always on top. Never had a bad experience! Can I just say their food is to die for & their matchas are so divine. My favorites dishes are: Garlic noodles w/ charred shrimp [10/10]: I love garlic, and this is always cooked to perfection. Perfect for garlic lovers. Fillet Mignon Chao [10/10]: super duper delicious! Very filling, and seasoned to perfection! Coconut Matcha [10/10]: Even my coconut-hater friend loves this drink! Not too sweet & the coconut flavor doesn't over power the matcha. Definitely will come back again!! read more

NEP Cafe - Ribeye Fried Rice - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

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I came here twice in the past two months as part of my travel plans, since I've heard that Nep Cafe is super popular! The first time I came here I really enjoyed my dishes and the service was great! I love the crab toast! The portion is generous with a good amount of crab with perfectly crisped bread. It's quite rich, but enjoyable. The chicken wings were also good! It's saucy and garlicky and fried really well. The Five Spice Chicken was delicious both times. I think about that chicken sometimes. The skin is perfectly crisped and the rice is flavorful. It really hits the spot! The garlic noodles are also delicious. A little spicy, but good overall. Definitely worth a try! If you go during happy hour, the shrimp garlic noodles are only $12! The first time I had the Banh Mi Chao Filet Mignon, it was remarkable! Really well cooked and tasty. However, I was slightly disappointed in this dish the second time. I'm not sure if it was the cook or how the meat was prepared but there were a handful of chewy pieces of meat that I couldn't swallow. It makes me hesitant to order it again. Lastly, the drinks! The Viet coffees are strong but delicious! My favorite is the egg coffee!! Overall a good place to eat and enjoy with friends and family. I like the Irvine location, since I heard the Fountain valley one is smaller and I can see this place getting crowded. read more

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Annie is the best!! She was very attentive, kind, and friendly!! We ordered the egg coffee, wildberry Matcha latte, crab toast, Vietnamese shrimp salad, and tom kha seafood pasta. Everything was absolutely phenomenal, but the shrimp salad and tom kha seafood pasta were definitely the stars of the show!!! read more

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I tried Nep's brunch around when it first opened years ago, and it was the only Kei Concepts restaurant I was disappointed by. I finally gave them another shot (AND SO GLAD I DID)! The dishes were unique, flavorful, and delicious. I need to come back and try their cocktails and coffee/ matcha because WOW. Top tier ambiance and service as well. This might just beat Ini and Rol for me. read more

NEP Cafe - Vietnamese Shaking Beef - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Irvine, California

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I came here for Sunday brunch with a group of 5 and we were seated on the patio since we had a dog with us. Our server was Bobby and he was amazing! This was my first time at this Nep location for brunch and Bobby was very thorough in his explanation for the different dishes I had questions on. He also some recommendations based on our group size. We got a variety of things: Beef Belly Banh Mi Chao, Tofu Lemongrass, Shrimp Salad, Skinny Fries, Chinese Sausage Sticky Rice. Beef belly banh mi chao (4.5/5) - The flavor was incredible and paired really nicely with the bread on the side. There was a good amount of beef so we all had leftovers to take home. Would get again! Shrimp Salad (4/5) - I loved how refreshing this was and was a greater starter to the meal. The shrimp was plump and the small pieces of mango added some freshness to the salad. I couldn't really taste the dressing though as that was pretty muted within the salad so I wish they offered some dressing on the side that we could pour on. Still a good portion for two people to share though. Skinny Fries (5/5) - I love how perfectly this was fried and the fries were pretty seasoned just by itself. It was a huge portion too so I also took most of it home and it still tasted great a couple hours later. Banana Bread Pudding (5/5) - The bread pudding was warm and paired nicely with the ice cream. I love how the cereal added a crispness to the dish and definitely helped enhance the flavor of the dessert. It was a good portion to share between all 5 of us too. Throughout our meal, our water was consistently being refilled and Bobby was checking up on us so I appreciated the attentiveness. Will be back! read more

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Wow! You definitely want to come with a group so that you can do family style and sample a few different dishes. The Seafood Tom Kha Pasta was the best thing on their brunch menu! The flavors were incredible- savory and tangy and it literally all explodes in your mouth. We ended up dipping everything into the pasta sauce and even ended up tossing the crab garlic noodles into the sauce. Everything was honestly really good! The wontons really surprised me. The sauce they coat the wontons in is flavorful and not too over powering. I love how they also serve sticky rice with the curry crab omelette. Goes really well together. Service was great and staff was friendly. Great spot for brunch or dinner. read more

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