Like Good Girl Dinette in Highland Park, Via stepped out of the hole-in-wall mindset and offers a finer Vietnamese dining experience in a casual urban setting that is both pleasing and comforting.
Shrimp & Pork Spring Rolls (4.25) are a bite of the protein, vermicelli, lettuce and mint, dipped in the light peanut sauce. The rolls look appetizing and taste good and fresh.
Bun Rieu, the crab meat rice noodle soup (8), with real crab meat in a tomato based soup stock tastes healthy, filling, and flavorful.
Via's rare beef & brisket Pho (7.5) is MSG-free, yet nothing shy of umami. The protein tastes fresh and tender. Portions are generous. Don’t be surprised to see some emptying the soup before touching the noodles.
As the table’s favorite, House Special Chow Fun (8.5), the wide rice noodles with chicken, shrimp, & filet mignon is stir fried and seasoned skillfully. We often ask it to be cooked with less grease and it tastes healthy and better than most other SGV counterparts that offer the same dish.
Hainan Chicken (7.5), easily one of the best versions in town, is served with boneless breast cuts. The soy and ginger condiments add good aromatic flavors. The pickled carrot and radish slices wake your palate with light acidity.
At Via Cafe, the food proves to be consistently fresh and reasonably priced. The place is casual, clean and hip. For those in the neighborhood, Via might just be the place to go whenever (they open everyday!) you don’t feel like cooking.
Via Cafe
viacafechinatown.com | 451 Gin Lin Way Los Angeles, CA 90012 | map | menu | (213) 617-1481
