I highly enjoy this restaurant too much by a combination of Vietnamese foods in an American style without loosing its tasting. Whenever anyone of my family's members has his/her birthday, we almost pick this restaurant as a special dinner for celebration. The decoration is very elegant and contemporary combined with some Vietnamese traditional art. The atmosphere is great with a nice interior view. The food is healthy, tasty, fresh an delicious. The staffs here are so nice with cool attitude. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone and we frequently consider it to be one of our favorite establishments.
(5)
Jay L.
Very nice restaurant. I came here for happy hour because I heard they had good lychee martini. Unfortunately, the martini was not to die for, but I switched to their Xanh Gria and it was delicious. Their happy hour menu had great selections, each of them tasted so good that we ended up ordering 3 of everything. The front of the restaurant had high tables and high chairs whereas the back had all the sit down dining. The servers there were very kind and attentive... (yes, my friends always try to crack jokes to make the staff laugh... the servers were nice enough to provide the occasional chuckle) Anyway, great food, great drinks, great service.
(4)
Sean A.
Decent food and atmosphere, worth checking out if you're strolling down Castro street.
(3)
Ode T.
I visited at XANH with my colleague Thursday night. There were so many guests out there. I really like the atmosphere around, maybe it is good for dating. We ordered Xanh Salad,Xanh Enlightened Crab,Mellow Yellow Noodles, Vietnamese Tacos and two glaseses of alchole for each one. Everything were awsome and I had a great time here. And it was so reasonable for 6 person, it might be just $40 per each as fa as remember. I am sure to come back again when I come to San Jose.
(4)
Cynthia L.
Love this place! I've been here 5-6 times now. Something that sticks out is the great staff! A lot of the bussers and waitresses are so nice. I usually come during happy hour. Their Xanh Salad is my FAVORITE! The tacos, garlic fries, garlic noodles, and spicy popcorn chicken are great too. Love the cheap cocktails they have during HH. I even celebrated my 21st birthday the day of with some cocktails here. I NEED NEED NEED to try the buffet! But I live in Davis now and only come back for the weekends. Definitely on my to-do list.
(4)
Mariah M.
This review is loooong overdue, as I have been a happy customer of Xanh for many years now. My most recent experience far exceeded my expectations, warranting a review finally! This past Friday night we had a large group dine at Xanh for a friend's birthday. Given that we had a group of 25 people, I was naturally worried that something was going to go wrong. Boy was I wrong. What an amazing experience from beginning to end! I made our reservation that Monday, they called to confirm Friday morning, and when we arrived we were seated at our long table right away. The atmosphere is perfect for a young, hip crowd, with modern decor and great music. The only negative I would say is the women's bathroom is only a one person bathroom. Kind of a pain after a few cocktails. I can't remember our server's name (it was very unique), but she was AMAZING! She got our drink orders (and reorders) out right away, and the food came out promptly. I've always loved the food there, and this wasn't any different. I would mention some standouts but everything was excellent! I say try as many small plates as you can. At the end of the night, we had to split the bill a million different ways (both cash and cards), and she handled it perfectly, and never complained. Great experience from beginning to end, I have been a satisfied customer for years and I will continue to be! (PS it was a hectic night so I didn't have time for photos!)
(5)
Robin L.
I'm not the biggest fan of Thai food but I needed to do a business dinner and that's what the client wanted. I was pleasantly surprised. The food was excellent, fresh well-described, service was lightening fast, and it wasn't weird it all. I was surprised though that they didn't have some of the basics like Pad Thai.
It was my second time eating at Xanh and it didn't disappoint! The decor is really remarkable and their menu is outstanding. Unfortunately I am an out of towner so it will take many trips to get to try many of their items. Such a difficult decision to make on what to try each time! The draw back for us is in getting there to be on time for our reservation. The traffic is ridiculous and there is never any place to park! We ended up parking illegally and hoping we didn't get towed or get a ticket... (we didn't!) That put a bit of a damper on our enjoyment, however the food was great.
(4)
Diana D.
Went here for the lunch buffet, they have a variety of dishes to suit everyone's appetite. Lots of varieties of seafood, chicken, pork, beef and vegetarian dishes as well. The papaya salad is very good and so is the tapioca dessert. The decor is nice and clean as well.
(4)
Cynthia M.
I came here when my Vietnamese parents were visiting. They brought a few of their friends from around the area. This place is definitely not authentic, as it is a more fusiony/trendy environment. My parents and their friends didn't really enjoy their food, but this is probably because they are used to a certain type of Vietnamese food. Papaya Salad (3/5) - This was a pretty good portion-sized. The salad was refreshing. It was pretty standard but good. Garlic Noodles (2/5) - Something about these noodles I just did not enjoy. The noodles themselves did not have much taste, and were oily. The parmesan cheese was strange to me, especially at an Asian restaurant. Kobe Roll (4/5) - The meat was nicely cooked, and the roll was pretty refreshing. The dipping sauce had a good flavor. Duck Duck Good (2/5) - This was a really small portion, and the duck itself was pretty bland and overcooked. It was also pretty pricey. I thought Xanh was okay, but honestly I probably wouldn't come here for dinner again, as the prices were pretty high for small portions of food that I thought were so-so. I've heard their happy hour is pretty good, so I may come back for that.
(2)
Chuy E.
This has been one of the best places I been to in a long time. Service is great. They also have happy hour every day so you can't complain. Plus the margaritas are so strong and good
(5)
Frederic R.
Excellent!
(4)
Jasmine Y.
This is one of my favorite happy hour spots! All cocktails are $5-6 and appetizers are $5-7 for the most part. If you're looking for something strong, the lychee martini would be a great choice. Not going to lie, the majority of the appetizer servings are very small but the popcorn chicken and garlic fries are worth getting if you're feeling hungrier. Overall the food is good, drinks are good and service is great!
(4)
Ashley L.
I came here for a work lunch, then 2 weeks later we came back, and then again recently. It's definitely a winner from myself and all my coworkers. Each time I've come, they've had a great selection of vegetarian/vegan friendly options. Plus, I can go back for seconds (though I never have). All their food is delicious and always hot. The interior is a little funky, very suave and snazzy. It can get super loud there during lunch hour, so be prepared to speak loudly. Traffic and parking in downtown Mtn. View sucks at lunch, but I can't fault them for that. Make reservations for large groups!
(4)
Vid D.
Shaking beef alone gets this place a 5 star. That was sooo good i can probably have it everyday and not get over it. Only reason why I won't is because of the price. For 26 dollars you get enough meat to feed one person :( doesnt come with side or anything. We also got the jumbo prawn garlic noodles along with the steak and it was pretty garlicky (in a good way!) Pretty tasty, with large shrimps but there's only 4 so you gotta be quick to grab them if you're sharing! It's a moderate serving for 1 person or 1.5 if you don't eat much. But also the same price as the steak.... Overall, was pretty good. I'd be back. Just not too often.
(5)
Jack R.
Like a moron I came in here looking for my buddy who works nearby, and I asked the host, "Is this Xanh?" She could have just told me to walk outside and look up at the sign instead of being an idiot, but she was super nice, said yes, and chatted with me for over 20 minutes until my friend arrived. I think she felt like I was lost and out of my element, and she was right. She was a great hostess, and helped me pass the time even though it was crowded. The food here for lunch was buffet style, and offered a large selection. Everything was clean and well organized, and I really liked their garlic noodles. For the price, and the quantity...easily 4 stars for me. I thought it was cool when the hostess said goodbye to me when I walked out the door and said "it was nice talking to you." That was sweet. And ditto...the hostess was super cool.
(4)
Amrita G.
Wanted to visit this place for 2 months now. Finally, visited today, for my birthday lunch buffet. Great buffet. I would have given this place a five star review if it included maybe at least one dessert among its buffet selection. But overall it was a great meal for great value. I loved the grilled pork,the yellow noodles,the tofu noodles,the garlic noodles and the lemon grass chicken. Other dishes included the spicy fish, catfish,Beef meatballs, Papaya salad, some other salad (don't remember the name), popcorn chicken,grilled chicken, Kobe tools, egg rolls, Eskimo rolls, Jasmine rice, brown rice, tofu curry, choice of 3 soups. I tasted one and liked it. It was the hot and sour vegetarian soup. And baby back ribs. This was just my first time, will definitely go back!
(4)
Kelly R.
Xanh is trendy and cool -- it's great for or a girls' night out or maybe even a date, but I personally wasn't very impressed by the food. I tried the shrimp clouds and yellow noodles, and the flavors somehow managed to be both unique and mediocre. Overall, if you're looking for a nice ambiance, go to Xanh, but if you're looking for great food and are willing to compromise on decor, head a little further down Castro.
(3)
Alyanna C.
This review is for the lunch buffet only! Only available weekdays at 11:30, I took my folks here during a lunch break for the buffet for a quick yet satisfying lunch. Don't let "buffet" scare you... this is actually a really nice buffet! My idea of a "buffet" has either been the crazy Las Vegas buffets or the greasy Chinese buffets. Or Home Town Buffet which is just... hmm... bland. Yet here, you get quality and ambiance - the place is actually quite gorgeous with their modern lighting and waterfall walls. The food they have on buffet is actually quite fresh and is a good way to sample their regular Vietnamese menu, especially for $15 a person. You can see a sample of their lunch buffet items on their website - the spring rolls come highly recommended! It's very strange coming to a buffet where I can eat as many spring rolls I want. This is the sort of buffet where you can leave full without a sick, greasy feeling. Some of their dishes are healthy, like the papaya salad or their apple salad. They're also very vegetarian friendly, since some of their dishes come in meat/vegetarian versions like the curry and the Buddha noodles. Speaking of noodles... if you're a noodle lover, this is your place! The Buddha noodles are delicious topped with fresh fried shallots. Personally I prefer the garlic noodles - so simple looking yet so tasty, and the Parmesan cheese gives them a nice savory kick. I would however, avoid the popcorn chicken - obviously that honor goes to places like Quickly's. ;) Their dessert options are pretty simple too - coconut milk tapioca pudding and some sliced cantaloupe. Understandable given the effort in their other dishes, and it's a good "cleansing" end to the buffet. I have yet to come here for dinner, but solid 5 stars for the buffet! If I ever get the chance, I''ll take a customer here for a business lunch. ;) Quick tip, there is a free parking garage behind the restaurant... it gets pretty full, so just drive all the way to the roof area for a spot if you're arriving after 11:30 am. You can enter the restaurant from the back door in front of the garage.
(5)
Danster L.
I have been going to Xanh Restaurant for years now ever since I discovered their Vietnamese fusion lunch buffet! All you can eat spring rolls, curries, meatballs, garlic noodles, lemongrass chicken and much more! The price was $12 when I first checked it out years ago but it has risen to about $12.75 now which is still quite inexpensive! It has been consistently good and I love it! I would definitely pay this price or even more just alone for their amazing meatballs in the tomato flavor broth and their tapioca pudding! I highly recommend those two items alone and you will be a happy camper. I totally love the modern interior of the restaurant. It is hip, trendy, and just gorgeous. I love these types of places. The restaurant makes me feel special every time I walk in and dine there. I still have yet to try their dinner but I am hoping soon! Service is very friendly and the staff makes sure you are comfortable, water is always filled and tables are always clean. I cannot wait to come back! Will you join me? =)
(4)
Ira M.
Great atmosphere and ambiance. Service was excellent, too. Order the garlic noodles, Vietnamese tacos, and the tuna tartare. Delicious!
(5)
Dorene S.
Very very fusion-y. It's great for groups because it's easy to share the food as the small plates can be shared family-style. I've been here 3 times for dinner and have not been too impressed. Since there's a lot of rave about their buffet lunch, perhaps I should visit for that. What was good: Tuna tartare - Nice presentation on dry ice and quite good Shaking beef - Quite tasty sliced beef on a bed of greens What could have been better: Dungeness crab - description looked a lot better than it tastes. For some reason they chose to marinate crab with something before cooking so the fresh ocean-y flavor doesn't really come out. Prawns - superb presentation but again, not the freshest kind of prawns.. Could tell that they've been frozen for a while. Glass noodles - a simple dish that appears to be stir fried with a lot of black pepper and msg. Need a more innovative twist on this to reflect the vibe of this place, in my opinion Quality: 2 Service: 4 Cost: 2
(2)
Ian W.
I ordered "Duck duck good" and it was extremely disappointing a dish for me. The so called duck tasted really like sausage. Also after spending 43 dollars I still felt starving as the amount of food in each dish is so little.
(1)
A. D.
For vegeterians there are not many options, but they make really good drinks!!
Prawn + Garlic Noodles = YUMMYYYY!! The way they season their shrimp is SO GOOD. The peppercorn beef was also pretty tasty. Overall good food, but I'd like to explore more of DTMV before returning to this place. Also, in my opinion the portions were pretty small. And since their dishes don't come with any sides, it sort of confused me... The waitress said that most people get their own plate, instead of sharing family style. So basically if I had gotten the peppercorn beef by itself, I would have just had... a bowl of meat and the "meat soup" but no rice/ anything to go with it? Doesn't seem complete/ Basically, I think sharing dishes works best here so that you don't get overwhelmed by one dish.
(4)
Priya C.
Pretty delicious food with a great happy hour (good selection of draft beer plus plenty of other cocktails, with discounted appetizers). The rolls aren't that inspiring, but I'm a fan of the small plates and all of the seafood entrees (spicy seafood green curry, catfish claypot, and banana leaf sea bass are very tasty) - not to mention the presentation of the food was also really nice. I find the DJ and lounge atmosphere to be a bit awkward, along with the service which has been a bit unwelcoming at times, but I'm pretty pleased by what the kitchen puts out!
(4)
Desmond T.
* This is strictly for the lunch buffet * Anyone knows that when there's a buffet that is reasonably priced, people flock there. This place is no different. Ambiance is super classy, shmexy and modern. I like it. There's a good variety to select from (noodles, fish, chicken, salad, etc.). Of course, this isn't as extensive as your typical Asian seafood buffets that are for the most part pretty bad. Everything here is pretty good and I was thoroughly impressed. I love the tapioca dessert. Service was fine; our plates were removed as necessary. $12 for good buffet food? Win.
(4)
Jaden T.
I recently went here with my girls to celebrate the weekend . We are used to dining out at different restaurants so were kind of strict on everything about it . Having said that, xanh made a very impressive presentation from beginning to end . The food was exquisite and fresh. It was exotic yet still able to have the flavors for the ones that are not used to eating Vietnamese food . The customer service here is exceptional. I think her name was Tra My? Or whatever but she was extremely attentive and friendly to us . She repeatedly checked up and fill our water up and explain to us what is in each dish. I've never seen someone that loves their jobs like her because she basically catered to our table and made sure our experience was memorable . So thank you! I love xanh!
(5)
Marella M.
Overall, I really liked this place! Drinks were strong, food was delicious and service was pleasant, but a bit slow. Pros: - Reservation for 6 was still honored though only 4 of us were there initially without question. Some places are strict about all parties being there at time of seating. - Ambiance was cool, clean, elegant. - Food was delicious. Salads were fresh, plentiful, tasty. Rolls were amazing. Shrimp was to die for! - Drink menu was fun and drinks were nice & strong! - Staff was pleasant Cons - Parking was TOUGH! Although there's a parking structure right behind it. - Service was SLOW. Yes, it was busy. But felt like we were constantly trying to flag down our waitress - for refills or to order additional dishes or for our bill. Although she was sweet as can be, and yes, busy - so we didn't blame her. Maybe extra help? - Food was SLOW. Yes, it was tasty and mostly worth the wait. But WAIT we did! Luckily, we were not in a rush and happy to chat & catch up with each other while nibbling on the dishes we did get. Overall, good experience and I will be back and would definitely recommend this place!
(4)
Gary L.
I dined at this restaurant on 1/28/15 and I was served by Thao. My bill came to $70.69 and I gave a tip of $9.31 for a total of $80.00 because of bad service. Now, I noticed she charged my credit card $82.69. What a total rip off!!! I never go back to this place again!!! Update: I spoke to Rick, the manager, and he resolved the issue. He refunded the full amount of the transaction. I'm glad there is a manager who believe in customer service. I will give Xanh another chance.
(2)
Candace A.
The food was good... Not a lot of vegetarian paleo options, though. I had the green beans. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice, a bit noisy, however the service just was not the greatest. Service was not timely, and our waitress was forgetful and didn't have much to recommend from the menu.
(3)
N c.
Came here many years ago when this place was still Michelin rated. Sadly the experience on my recent visit was nowhere near what it had been previously. The sea bass had an off taste to it, the green bean and eggplant sides were mediocre. We also had: New Zealand lamb chops 3/5 Shaking beef 4/5 Soft shell crab roll 3/5 Pork belly roll 2/5 Xanh Salad 3/5 Chicken satay 3/5 Garlic noodles 3/5 Sea bass 1/5 The service was good, but otherwise a so-so meal that was pricey for the quality.
(2)
Chi L.
Went there for buffet lunch. Only weekday. $14.99 (all you could eat buffet). This is a Michellin Guide restaurant. 1) very good service 2) Ambience and decor is very nice (modern look). 3) food has a lot of variety from catfish to vietnamese roll, chicken(very tender).a lot of dishes, very nicely decorated in the buffet area(upscale look like hotel in Asia). Highly recommended, I already text a few friends about this place. Will come back again. (reservation is highly recommendated) I reserve thru opentable
(4)
Cecilia R.
My date and I came in for appetizers and drinks on an early Sunday evening. From 4:30-6:30 there are cocktails for $5-6 each. We had four appetizers for $5 each. We ordered popcorn chicken, the crab martini dish, the garlic noodles and the Vietnamese tacos. We were very happy with our choices, everything was fresh, flavorful and the size of the appetizers was perfect. We were stuffed after the 4 dishes. Our bill was $38 including the cocktails we had! To be honest I felt that it could not get any better than this. I am ready to come back for more!
(4)
Jenny M.
Happy hour, people, is waiting for you at Xanh. There are some very tasty small plates and drinks for very reasonable prices. I can't believe that I lived in Mountain View more than 5 years before getting clued into this happy hour. There's little better than spicy fried chicken paired with a lychee martini. So refreshing at the beginning of a warm evening.
(5)
Mage L.
We had reservations for a Friday evening, getting there about 7pm, and the restaurant was LOUD! Their happy hour is only supposed to be until 6:30pm, but the crowds remained rowdy for over an hour afterwards. Any chance of a romantic evening was blown. We got the "rolling duck" appetizer to split, and it was okay. They were pretty skimpy on the duck though, and it wasn't very flavorful. For the entree I got the "baby pork ribs". The entree came out looking like they just boiled the meat right off. It looked gross, and the texture and flavor didn't make up for the appearance. My husband got the "pineapple beef short ribs", which both looked great and tasted awesome. I was so jealous he got a better entree than me, I stole half his meal. If you're going to bother coming here and ordering anything, get the pinapple beef short ribs. For the money though, you can probably do better than having hit-or-miss entrees and super loud happy-hour crowds.
(3)
Jeff W.
My first visit to Xanh. I'm not much of a hipster and when I hear "fusion" I usually roll my eyes and just hope for the best. The decor matched what I had expected, but honestly it wasn't too over-the-top. Our server was very charming, friendly, and attentive. I read some other reviews that suggested the staff was slow and inattentive, but I didn't have that experience. Our server spent plenty of time with us answering our questions and helping us figure out what we wanted to eat. I ended up with the Xanh Salad and the Spicy Green Curry with Seafood Medley. The Xanh Salad was HUGE *and* DELICIOUS. It was intended to share, but I honestly didn't share much of it. I hadn't eaten lunch that day and had run 4 miles, so I was plenty hungry. What you see in the picture is a full-size plate that contains a salad, a rice wafer of sorts, and an entire second salad on top of that. I was full after the salad, but I still had the seafood curry to eat. I ordered it only because the menu description ended with "Warning: Very spicy. No returns." Challenge accepted! I ate about half of it because I was stuffed beyond belief. The spice/heat was actually PERFECT. Just enough heat to put sweat on the forehead, but not so much that I'm begging the server for ice cream. The flavor combination was delicious. Overall, it was pricey, but I felt the serving sizes were reasonable and that the quality of the food and the ambiance added to our experience and made the cost worth it. However, it was the price that kept me from adding that 5th star.
(4)
Corinna T.
Beautiful interior and yummy food. I came here for Valentine's day, so the menu was preset with choices for appetizer, main course, and dessert. I looooved everything I chose! Ceviche- Amazing 5/5. It looked like mini tacos on my plate. Loved it. I also tried the papaya salad, it was alright. I liked mine better :p Shaking beef- Great 4/5. It was a pretty big portion. Perfect combination of salad and meat for a balanced meal. Dessert- 5/5. Raspberry red velvet cake/brownies. I couldn't get enough of it, and I want some now :( To top it off, customer service was on point. I forget the name of our waitress, but she was the best waitress I've ever had in a while. She was willing and excited to help us take pictures and was super friendly.
(4)
Chris V.
My aunt invited us to Xanh on the day after Christmas for the lunch buffet. It's a modern / fusion Vietnamese restaurant located in downtown Mountain View near a slew of other restaurants, and there's a side street just to the north with lots of free parking spaces at that time of day. It didn't really get busy until after we were seated, but they definitely had a good flow of customers. The food was all freshly prepared. You can taste it in everything, whether it's a spring roll or a metal pot full of goodies. A description of most of the buffet items can be found on their web site, so I'll be brief. Favorites: - spicy curry fish variant with corn: tender catfish plus corn and green beans, sweet curry that was medium (not hot) at best - clay pot catfish: really tender catfish fillets - lemongrass chicken: savory and good lemongrass flavor, not too salty - garlic noodles: totally carbalicious, but savory, soft, and goes well with the juicy beef meatballs or grilled pork Other good items (almost everything): "kobe" roll (beef), eskimo roll (fish), crispy egg roll (didn't mind the lack of meat since it still resembles the traditional Vietnamese egg roll), grilled chicken, mellow yellow noodles, veggie noodle dish, papaya salad (don't forget to add a sauce), tapioca dessert soup, spicy curry fish variant with carrots and peas (no corn), sweet and sour fish soup (rather spicy) Palate-incompatible: vegetarian yellow curry (overwhelmingly spicy for me) Relatively bad items: baby pork ribs (my piece was really hard to chew, and no knives provided to slice against of the grain), popcorn chicken (tends to dry up and get salty) Didn't try: buddha (veggie) roll, white or brown rice, apple salad, string beans, and perhaps one or two other vegetarian dishes Nice modern decor throughout the restaurant, although I think it's a little dark. You eat with your eyes first, after all. For a lunch buffet price of $12.95, however, the fresh food is a fantastic value. Whether it's due to the heat lamp factor, deteriorating standards, or growing apathy, you won't get this quality from a dedicated buffet. I just wish it wasn't so far and so unavailable on the weekends. UPDATE (1/2/15): ate the lunch buffet again, changed my opinion on a few food items
(5)
Mina Y.
Updating my review from the last visit. Turns out my boyfriend got severe abdominal pains immediately after he had the duck and the pain continued through the next morning. As mentioned in my initial review, the duck did not taste fresh :( Sadly, we won't be returning anytime soon. Though I still like the ambiance and the overall feel of the restaurant, seems like the quality of food has been compromised.
(2)
Simi I.
My favourite HAPPY HOUR spot in Mountain View!! Happy Hour favourite drinks ($6) : - Lemon Drop Martini (So good that I could drink easily 4 at one happy hour)! - Lychee Martini (Sooo good and pretty strong drink..) Happy Hour Favourite Food: - Kobe rolls (I could eat Kobe rolls for breakfast, lunch and dinner if Xahn would be open 24/7! - I liked pretty much everything else in the happy hour menu but the garlic noodles, not a fan. I have been to Xahn also for a formal dinner with my Company but the restaurants inside it is definitely too loud to have a formal conversation. Dinner is definitely expensive. Overall I LOVE Xhan: bring friends over for HAPPY HOUR, good food and drinks for a good price!
(4)
Stefanie H.
Food 4 stars Service 5+ stars We stopped by Xanh for a late dinner and were seated in an area that is usually quiet; there was a loud group and the noise was echoing off the glass walls. A quick word to the manager and she moved us to the quietest area (oddly, next to the bar) and then waited on us herself - very attentive. Usually come here for lunch with coworkers (the buffet is a great value and always fresh.) For dinner we enjoyed the Buddha rolls (vegetarian), the shaking beer, the coconut infused rice and my companion had the potstickers as an appetizer (I skipped as I'm allergic to shrimp.) Prices are high but it's Castro street rents and the place has a nice ambiance. My cocktail was strong and my companion's wine pour was generous. Note: cuisine is fusion, not traditional and several dishes come with a vegetarian option.
(5)
Vanessa T.
Food: We came for happy hour. We tried just about everything on the happy hour food menu. The tostada ceviche didn't taste like it was super fresh. The "tostada" tasted like a Mission tortilla chip. Not very impressive. The garlic noodles were good. But I still really like the garlic noodles at Crustaceans. The chicken and beef satay were tender and nicely cooked. But nothing really outstanding about it. The dishes that stood out to me were the papaya salad, kamikaze wings, spicy popcorn chicken and fries. The Vietnamese tacos were good too. Signature Cocktails: I tried the Sparkly Diamond, Dirty Old Man and Xanhgria. I'd stick with the Dirty Old Man next time. Overall, the service, food and drinks were good. The prices for Happy Hour were excellent. They gave great portions too. But the food didn't have the "wow factor". I'm not sure I'd go there outside of happy hour.
(3)
David H.
This place is just ok...really pricey for high end ingredients but smaller portion sizes. Service is terrible, just slow (takes forever to place an order and even longer to get the order). Food is on point, I just wish I paid like 5 dollars less per dish and that service was better. Some of the food is hit or miss, with the garlic noodles being almost like an Italian pasta due to the Parmesan cheese, and the sea bass being overcooked...to the shaking beef and the duck being pretty dang good. Still, for five of us with drinks included the bill being over $200, with the misses we had make this place an overpriced alternative to what you could get elsewhere for less.
(3)
Jenny C.
SO my fellow intern got super drunk off two drinks there. I tasted them. They were delicious. Oops. Forgot to upload this review #lateryelp
(5)
Chris C.
I went here tonight with the fambam and enjoyed the food. I ordered the shaking beef and it was delicious. We also got the Buddha roll which was fresh and tasty. I will come here again for sure.
(4)
Kate T.
I've been here twice, for lunch (all-you-can-eat deal) and for dinner. In my honest opinion, I prefer the lunch deal over dinner deal. Thus, my 3 stars will lean towards the lunch deal. I've tried everything on the all you can eat buffet lunch menu and everything was very tasty. I highly recommend coming here early because the buffet line can run quite long! For the Dinner menu, however, I suggest trying: the Papaya Salad, Satays, Crispy Calamari* (Muc Rang Muoi). Ahi Tuna Tartare, and Yellow Curry Chicken (Ga Cari). I will point out, however, that the Yellow Curry was not as flavorful as I had expected it to be. I was also hoping it would be somewhat spicier. I think that dish in particular needs some improvement. Overall service for Dinner was OK. Not full-on great, but will need some improvement. They need to work on re-filling water when need be. Service rating, I believe, should not be applicable for Lunch because you basically get your own food.
(3)
Morgan F.
One of my favorite restaurants of ALL TIME! I have been to this place several times, and every time, I leave so satisfied. You can go for any reason! I have gone with a party of 20 and eaten family style with several main dishes. All were delectable! I recommend the braised short ribs, Seabass, and garlic noodles. When I went on a date, I tried an array of apps and shared an entree. This route went well too! They have small plates or larger sizes for all kinds of appetites! Another plus? They're happy hour is phenomenal too! Food I've tried and loved: dumplings, tuna tartare (yum!), Vietnamese tacos, a few of the crispy rolls, sea bass, large prawns, noodles, and their moon wraps...my fav. I think I've had more dishes, but I can't remember them off the top of my head. Lastly, the service, location, and inside ambiance topped it off. The staff was pleasant and helpful. It is located right I'm downtown so you can take a walk or hit a bar after. And the inside was just set up to intrigue guests to come back. I loved the waterfall wall. Go check this place out!
(5)
Lisa B.
Xanh has wonderful ambience and a great selection of menu items. It's definitely not genuine Vietnamese, but nevertheless good Asian Fusion food. Service was attentive and quick. The bar has a good selection of cocktails - we ended up trying quite a few.
(3)
Jessie L.
Trendy restaurant with good food! Food is on the pricey and smaller portion side here, but I'd recommend it for a nice occasion. Most of the dishes aren't the best for sharing family style, but my friends and I shared a few dishes anyway. ==================== -GARLIC NOODLES WITH JUMBO PRAWNS - 5/5 SO GOOD! The noodles are a little on the sweet side and I couldn't actually taste any garlic, but I enjoyed the flavor. The noodles are also a lot softer than normal noodles anywhere, . And they weren't kidding about the jumbo prawns - they're huge prawns! -PAPAYA SALAD - 3/5 I love papaya salads, but theirs was lacking in flavor. Big portion size and good for sharing, but I've definitely had better. It's light and refreshing though. -NEW ZEALAND RACK OF LAMB - 5/5 Pretty presentation and cooked well. Juicy and tender, but a little on the fatty side. I've never had lamb with a sweet sauce, but I liked the flavor. Portion size is very small though - only 4 small racks of lamb.
(5)
Javier B.
I love the food! In fact I am eating right now and am in such a haze I can't even think. I had the ahi tuna tartar and the filet mignon with brown rice.
(5)
Shannon C.
This is obviously a question of personal taste, but apparently what Xanh sees as chic and modern, I see as seedy and cheap. The blue backlighting and white interior make me think of a cheap 90s nightclub running a sex trade in the stockrooms. Certainly not a pleasant environment for a business lunch - at least not in my line of business. The food was hit or miss. I've tried all sorts of items from the lunch buffet, and the only things that stood out were the garlic noodles and clay pot dishes. Everything else tasted fine, but wasn't memorable. Many dishes were greasy. And why did I get so much side eye from the waitresses? Xanh is a place I go to only when other people suggest it, and I'm forced to go along.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Le T.
I highly enjoy this restaurant too much by a combination of Vietnamese foods in an American style without loosing its tasting. Whenever anyone of my family's members has his/her birthday, we almost pick this restaurant as a special dinner for celebration. The decoration is very elegant and contemporary combined with some Vietnamese traditional art. The atmosphere is great with a nice interior view. The food is healthy, tasty, fresh an delicious. The staffs here are so nice with cool attitude. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone and we frequently consider it to be one of our favorite establishments.
(5)Jay L.
Very nice restaurant. I came here for happy hour because I heard they had good lychee martini. Unfortunately, the martini was not to die for, but I switched to their Xanh Gria and it was delicious. Their happy hour menu had great selections, each of them tasted so good that we ended up ordering 3 of everything. The front of the restaurant had high tables and high chairs whereas the back had all the sit down dining. The servers there were very kind and attentive... (yes, my friends always try to crack jokes to make the staff laugh... the servers were nice enough to provide the occasional chuckle) Anyway, great food, great drinks, great service.
(4)Sean A.
Decent food and atmosphere, worth checking out if you're strolling down Castro street.
(3)Ode T.
I visited at XANH with my colleague Thursday night. There were so many guests out there. I really like the atmosphere around, maybe it is good for dating. We ordered Xanh Salad,Xanh Enlightened Crab,Mellow Yellow Noodles, Vietnamese Tacos and two glaseses of alchole for each one. Everything were awsome and I had a great time here. And it was so reasonable for 6 person, it might be just $40 per each as fa as remember. I am sure to come back again when I come to San Jose.
(4)Cynthia L.
Love this place! I've been here 5-6 times now. Something that sticks out is the great staff! A lot of the bussers and waitresses are so nice. I usually come during happy hour. Their Xanh Salad is my FAVORITE! The tacos, garlic fries, garlic noodles, and spicy popcorn chicken are great too. Love the cheap cocktails they have during HH. I even celebrated my 21st birthday the day of with some cocktails here. I NEED NEED NEED to try the buffet! But I live in Davis now and only come back for the weekends. Definitely on my to-do list.
(4)Mariah M.
This review is loooong overdue, as I have been a happy customer of Xanh for many years now. My most recent experience far exceeded my expectations, warranting a review finally! This past Friday night we had a large group dine at Xanh for a friend's birthday. Given that we had a group of 25 people, I was naturally worried that something was going to go wrong. Boy was I wrong. What an amazing experience from beginning to end! I made our reservation that Monday, they called to confirm Friday morning, and when we arrived we were seated at our long table right away. The atmosphere is perfect for a young, hip crowd, with modern decor and great music. The only negative I would say is the women's bathroom is only a one person bathroom. Kind of a pain after a few cocktails. I can't remember our server's name (it was very unique), but she was AMAZING! She got our drink orders (and reorders) out right away, and the food came out promptly. I've always loved the food there, and this wasn't any different. I would mention some standouts but everything was excellent! I say try as many small plates as you can. At the end of the night, we had to split the bill a million different ways (both cash and cards), and she handled it perfectly, and never complained. Great experience from beginning to end, I have been a satisfied customer for years and I will continue to be! (PS it was a hectic night so I didn't have time for photos!)
(5)Robin L.
I'm not the biggest fan of Thai food but I needed to do a business dinner and that's what the client wanted. I was pleasantly surprised. The food was excellent, fresh well-described, service was lightening fast, and it wasn't weird it all. I was surprised though that they didn't have some of the basics like Pad Thai.
(4)Franklin H.
Xanh, branding itself as a Modern Vietnamese Restaurant - takes a different spin on traditional Vietnamese Dishes and gives them a modern "fusion" twist. The décor of the venue is simplistic, straight lines, and widely open. The cocktails are a plenty with a large bar and lounge as part of the main entry way. Also outside of the entrance is outside eating area - with patio heaters at the ready if it is needed. The food here, call me a traditionalist - it was edible, but not towards my liking. I found the lemongrass tofu soup a bit mild with the acidity and the nuoc cham very weak (almost flavorless). This is in comparison that I make this at home, so this opinion can be taken with a grain of salt. The noodles were a bit overcooked in my opinion - as if they were quickly steamed and then served. Service and atmosphere is good given that the venue is aiming towards a trendy fusion restaurant. I personally wouldn't go here if it was my choice - as I'm more a traditionalist. But if I'm invited here as part of a party - I won't mind going here to try the various foods and a couple of drinks.
(3)Kathleen S.
It was my second time eating at Xanh and it didn't disappoint! The decor is really remarkable and their menu is outstanding. Unfortunately I am an out of towner so it will take many trips to get to try many of their items. Such a difficult decision to make on what to try each time! The draw back for us is in getting there to be on time for our reservation. The traffic is ridiculous and there is never any place to park! We ended up parking illegally and hoping we didn't get towed or get a ticket... (we didn't!) That put a bit of a damper on our enjoyment, however the food was great.
(4)Diana D.
Went here for the lunch buffet, they have a variety of dishes to suit everyone's appetite. Lots of varieties of seafood, chicken, pork, beef and vegetarian dishes as well. The papaya salad is very good and so is the tapioca dessert. The decor is nice and clean as well.
(4)Cynthia M.
I came here when my Vietnamese parents were visiting. They brought a few of their friends from around the area. This place is definitely not authentic, as it is a more fusiony/trendy environment. My parents and their friends didn't really enjoy their food, but this is probably because they are used to a certain type of Vietnamese food. Papaya Salad (3/5) - This was a pretty good portion-sized. The salad was refreshing. It was pretty standard but good. Garlic Noodles (2/5) - Something about these noodles I just did not enjoy. The noodles themselves did not have much taste, and were oily. The parmesan cheese was strange to me, especially at an Asian restaurant. Kobe Roll (4/5) - The meat was nicely cooked, and the roll was pretty refreshing. The dipping sauce had a good flavor. Duck Duck Good (2/5) - This was a really small portion, and the duck itself was pretty bland and overcooked. It was also pretty pricey. I thought Xanh was okay, but honestly I probably wouldn't come here for dinner again, as the prices were pretty high for small portions of food that I thought were so-so. I've heard their happy hour is pretty good, so I may come back for that.
(2)Chuy E.
This has been one of the best places I been to in a long time. Service is great. They also have happy hour every day so you can't complain. Plus the margaritas are so strong and good
(5)Frederic R.
Excellent!
(4)Jasmine Y.
This is one of my favorite happy hour spots! All cocktails are $5-6 and appetizers are $5-7 for the most part. If you're looking for something strong, the lychee martini would be a great choice. Not going to lie, the majority of the appetizer servings are very small but the popcorn chicken and garlic fries are worth getting if you're feeling hungrier. Overall the food is good, drinks are good and service is great!
(4)Ashley L.
I came here for a work lunch, then 2 weeks later we came back, and then again recently. It's definitely a winner from myself and all my coworkers. Each time I've come, they've had a great selection of vegetarian/vegan friendly options. Plus, I can go back for seconds (though I never have). All their food is delicious and always hot. The interior is a little funky, very suave and snazzy. It can get super loud there during lunch hour, so be prepared to speak loudly. Traffic and parking in downtown Mtn. View sucks at lunch, but I can't fault them for that. Make reservations for large groups!
(4)Vid D.
Shaking beef alone gets this place a 5 star. That was sooo good i can probably have it everyday and not get over it. Only reason why I won't is because of the price. For 26 dollars you get enough meat to feed one person :( doesnt come with side or anything. We also got the jumbo prawn garlic noodles along with the steak and it was pretty garlicky (in a good way!) Pretty tasty, with large shrimps but there's only 4 so you gotta be quick to grab them if you're sharing! It's a moderate serving for 1 person or 1.5 if you don't eat much. But also the same price as the steak.... Overall, was pretty good. I'd be back. Just not too often.
(5)Jack R.
Like a moron I came in here looking for my buddy who works nearby, and I asked the host, "Is this Xanh?" She could have just told me to walk outside and look up at the sign instead of being an idiot, but she was super nice, said yes, and chatted with me for over 20 minutes until my friend arrived. I think she felt like I was lost and out of my element, and she was right. She was a great hostess, and helped me pass the time even though it was crowded. The food here for lunch was buffet style, and offered a large selection. Everything was clean and well organized, and I really liked their garlic noodles. For the price, and the quantity...easily 4 stars for me. I thought it was cool when the hostess said goodbye to me when I walked out the door and said "it was nice talking to you." That was sweet. And ditto...the hostess was super cool.
(4)Amrita G.
Wanted to visit this place for 2 months now. Finally, visited today, for my birthday lunch buffet. Great buffet. I would have given this place a five star review if it included maybe at least one dessert among its buffet selection. But overall it was a great meal for great value. I loved the grilled pork,the yellow noodles,the tofu noodles,the garlic noodles and the lemon grass chicken. Other dishes included the spicy fish, catfish,Beef meatballs, Papaya salad, some other salad (don't remember the name), popcorn chicken,grilled chicken, Kobe tools, egg rolls, Eskimo rolls, Jasmine rice, brown rice, tofu curry, choice of 3 soups. I tasted one and liked it. It was the hot and sour vegetarian soup. And baby back ribs. This was just my first time, will definitely go back!
(4)Kelly R.
Xanh is trendy and cool -- it's great for or a girls' night out or maybe even a date, but I personally wasn't very impressed by the food. I tried the shrimp clouds and yellow noodles, and the flavors somehow managed to be both unique and mediocre. Overall, if you're looking for a nice ambiance, go to Xanh, but if you're looking for great food and are willing to compromise on decor, head a little further down Castro.
(3)Alyanna C.
This review is for the lunch buffet only! Only available weekdays at 11:30, I took my folks here during a lunch break for the buffet for a quick yet satisfying lunch. Don't let "buffet" scare you... this is actually a really nice buffet! My idea of a "buffet" has either been the crazy Las Vegas buffets or the greasy Chinese buffets. Or Home Town Buffet which is just... hmm... bland. Yet here, you get quality and ambiance - the place is actually quite gorgeous with their modern lighting and waterfall walls. The food they have on buffet is actually quite fresh and is a good way to sample their regular Vietnamese menu, especially for $15 a person. You can see a sample of their lunch buffet items on their website - the spring rolls come highly recommended! It's very strange coming to a buffet where I can eat as many spring rolls I want. This is the sort of buffet where you can leave full without a sick, greasy feeling. Some of their dishes are healthy, like the papaya salad or their apple salad. They're also very vegetarian friendly, since some of their dishes come in meat/vegetarian versions like the curry and the Buddha noodles. Speaking of noodles... if you're a noodle lover, this is your place! The Buddha noodles are delicious topped with fresh fried shallots. Personally I prefer the garlic noodles - so simple looking yet so tasty, and the Parmesan cheese gives them a nice savory kick. I would however, avoid the popcorn chicken - obviously that honor goes to places like Quickly's. ;) Their dessert options are pretty simple too - coconut milk tapioca pudding and some sliced cantaloupe. Understandable given the effort in their other dishes, and it's a good "cleansing" end to the buffet. I have yet to come here for dinner, but solid 5 stars for the buffet! If I ever get the chance, I''ll take a customer here for a business lunch. ;) Quick tip, there is a free parking garage behind the restaurant... it gets pretty full, so just drive all the way to the roof area for a spot if you're arriving after 11:30 am. You can enter the restaurant from the back door in front of the garage.
(5)Danster L.
I have been going to Xanh Restaurant for years now ever since I discovered their Vietnamese fusion lunch buffet! All you can eat spring rolls, curries, meatballs, garlic noodles, lemongrass chicken and much more! The price was $12 when I first checked it out years ago but it has risen to about $12.75 now which is still quite inexpensive! It has been consistently good and I love it! I would definitely pay this price or even more just alone for their amazing meatballs in the tomato flavor broth and their tapioca pudding! I highly recommend those two items alone and you will be a happy camper. I totally love the modern interior of the restaurant. It is hip, trendy, and just gorgeous. I love these types of places. The restaurant makes me feel special every time I walk in and dine there. I still have yet to try their dinner but I am hoping soon! Service is very friendly and the staff makes sure you are comfortable, water is always filled and tables are always clean. I cannot wait to come back! Will you join me? =)
(4)Ira M.
Great atmosphere and ambiance. Service was excellent, too. Order the garlic noodles, Vietnamese tacos, and the tuna tartare. Delicious!
(5)Dorene S.
Very very fusion-y. It's great for groups because it's easy to share the food as the small plates can be shared family-style. I've been here 3 times for dinner and have not been too impressed. Since there's a lot of rave about their buffet lunch, perhaps I should visit for that. What was good: Tuna tartare - Nice presentation on dry ice and quite good Shaking beef - Quite tasty sliced beef on a bed of greens What could have been better: Dungeness crab - description looked a lot better than it tastes. For some reason they chose to marinate crab with something before cooking so the fresh ocean-y flavor doesn't really come out. Prawns - superb presentation but again, not the freshest kind of prawns.. Could tell that they've been frozen for a while. Glass noodles - a simple dish that appears to be stir fried with a lot of black pepper and msg. Need a more innovative twist on this to reflect the vibe of this place, in my opinion Quality: 2 Service: 4 Cost: 2
(2)Ian W.
I ordered "Duck duck good" and it was extremely disappointing a dish for me. The so called duck tasted really like sausage. Also after spending 43 dollars I still felt starving as the amount of food in each dish is so little.
(1)A. D.
For vegeterians there are not many options, but they make really good drinks!!
(2)Vik A.
After eating the braised pork belly rolls and the Vietnamese tacos, my fiancée suffered severe food poisoning. The reason - shell fish allergies, even after we asked our waitress several times if they'd be any contamination with it being a restaurant that also served seafood. What a let down - very disappointed.
(1)Sophie L.
Prawn + Garlic Noodles = YUMMYYYY!! The way they season their shrimp is SO GOOD. The peppercorn beef was also pretty tasty. Overall good food, but I'd like to explore more of DTMV before returning to this place. Also, in my opinion the portions were pretty small. And since their dishes don't come with any sides, it sort of confused me... The waitress said that most people get their own plate, instead of sharing family style. So basically if I had gotten the peppercorn beef by itself, I would have just had... a bowl of meat and the "meat soup" but no rice/ anything to go with it? Doesn't seem complete/ Basically, I think sharing dishes works best here so that you don't get overwhelmed by one dish.
(4)Priya C.
Pretty delicious food with a great happy hour (good selection of draft beer plus plenty of other cocktails, with discounted appetizers). The rolls aren't that inspiring, but I'm a fan of the small plates and all of the seafood entrees (spicy seafood green curry, catfish claypot, and banana leaf sea bass are very tasty) - not to mention the presentation of the food was also really nice. I find the DJ and lounge atmosphere to be a bit awkward, along with the service which has been a bit unwelcoming at times, but I'm pretty pleased by what the kitchen puts out!
(4)Desmond T.
* This is strictly for the lunch buffet * Anyone knows that when there's a buffet that is reasonably priced, people flock there. This place is no different. Ambiance is super classy, shmexy and modern. I like it. There's a good variety to select from (noodles, fish, chicken, salad, etc.). Of course, this isn't as extensive as your typical Asian seafood buffets that are for the most part pretty bad. Everything here is pretty good and I was thoroughly impressed. I love the tapioca dessert. Service was fine; our plates were removed as necessary. $12 for good buffet food? Win.
(4)Jaden T.
I recently went here with my girls to celebrate the weekend . We are used to dining out at different restaurants so were kind of strict on everything about it . Having said that, xanh made a very impressive presentation from beginning to end . The food was exquisite and fresh. It was exotic yet still able to have the flavors for the ones that are not used to eating Vietnamese food . The customer service here is exceptional. I think her name was Tra My? Or whatever but she was extremely attentive and friendly to us . She repeatedly checked up and fill our water up and explain to us what is in each dish. I've never seen someone that loves their jobs like her because she basically catered to our table and made sure our experience was memorable . So thank you! I love xanh!
(5)Marella M.
Overall, I really liked this place! Drinks were strong, food was delicious and service was pleasant, but a bit slow. Pros: - Reservation for 6 was still honored though only 4 of us were there initially without question. Some places are strict about all parties being there at time of seating. - Ambiance was cool, clean, elegant. - Food was delicious. Salads were fresh, plentiful, tasty. Rolls were amazing. Shrimp was to die for! - Drink menu was fun and drinks were nice & strong! - Staff was pleasant Cons - Parking was TOUGH! Although there's a parking structure right behind it. - Service was SLOW. Yes, it was busy. But felt like we were constantly trying to flag down our waitress - for refills or to order additional dishes or for our bill. Although she was sweet as can be, and yes, busy - so we didn't blame her. Maybe extra help? - Food was SLOW. Yes, it was tasty and mostly worth the wait. But WAIT we did! Luckily, we were not in a rush and happy to chat & catch up with each other while nibbling on the dishes we did get. Overall, good experience and I will be back and would definitely recommend this place!
(4)Gary L.
I dined at this restaurant on 1/28/15 and I was served by Thao. My bill came to $70.69 and I gave a tip of $9.31 for a total of $80.00 because of bad service. Now, I noticed she charged my credit card $82.69. What a total rip off!!! I never go back to this place again!!! Update: I spoke to Rick, the manager, and he resolved the issue. He refunded the full amount of the transaction. I'm glad there is a manager who believe in customer service. I will give Xanh another chance.
(2)Candace A.
The food was good... Not a lot of vegetarian paleo options, though. I had the green beans. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice, a bit noisy, however the service just was not the greatest. Service was not timely, and our waitress was forgetful and didn't have much to recommend from the menu.
(3)N c.
Came here many years ago when this place was still Michelin rated. Sadly the experience on my recent visit was nowhere near what it had been previously. The sea bass had an off taste to it, the green bean and eggplant sides were mediocre. We also had: New Zealand lamb chops 3/5 Shaking beef 4/5 Soft shell crab roll 3/5 Pork belly roll 2/5 Xanh Salad 3/5 Chicken satay 3/5 Garlic noodles 3/5 Sea bass 1/5 The service was good, but otherwise a so-so meal that was pricey for the quality.
(2)Chi L.
Went there for buffet lunch. Only weekday. $14.99 (all you could eat buffet). This is a Michellin Guide restaurant. 1) very good service 2) Ambience and decor is very nice (modern look). 3) food has a lot of variety from catfish to vietnamese roll, chicken(very tender).a lot of dishes, very nicely decorated in the buffet area(upscale look like hotel in Asia). Highly recommended, I already text a few friends about this place. Will come back again. (reservation is highly recommendated) I reserve thru opentable
(4)Cecilia R.
My date and I came in for appetizers and drinks on an early Sunday evening. From 4:30-6:30 there are cocktails for $5-6 each. We had four appetizers for $5 each. We ordered popcorn chicken, the crab martini dish, the garlic noodles and the Vietnamese tacos. We were very happy with our choices, everything was fresh, flavorful and the size of the appetizers was perfect. We were stuffed after the 4 dishes. Our bill was $38 including the cocktails we had! To be honest I felt that it could not get any better than this. I am ready to come back for more!
(4)Jenny M.
Happy hour, people, is waiting for you at Xanh. There are some very tasty small plates and drinks for very reasonable prices. I can't believe that I lived in Mountain View more than 5 years before getting clued into this happy hour. There's little better than spicy fried chicken paired with a lychee martini. So refreshing at the beginning of a warm evening.
(5)Mage L.
We had reservations for a Friday evening, getting there about 7pm, and the restaurant was LOUD! Their happy hour is only supposed to be until 6:30pm, but the crowds remained rowdy for over an hour afterwards. Any chance of a romantic evening was blown. We got the "rolling duck" appetizer to split, and it was okay. They were pretty skimpy on the duck though, and it wasn't very flavorful. For the entree I got the "baby pork ribs". The entree came out looking like they just boiled the meat right off. It looked gross, and the texture and flavor didn't make up for the appearance. My husband got the "pineapple beef short ribs", which both looked great and tasted awesome. I was so jealous he got a better entree than me, I stole half his meal. If you're going to bother coming here and ordering anything, get the pinapple beef short ribs. For the money though, you can probably do better than having hit-or-miss entrees and super loud happy-hour crowds.
(3)Jeff W.
My first visit to Xanh. I'm not much of a hipster and when I hear "fusion" I usually roll my eyes and just hope for the best. The decor matched what I had expected, but honestly it wasn't too over-the-top. Our server was very charming, friendly, and attentive. I read some other reviews that suggested the staff was slow and inattentive, but I didn't have that experience. Our server spent plenty of time with us answering our questions and helping us figure out what we wanted to eat. I ended up with the Xanh Salad and the Spicy Green Curry with Seafood Medley. The Xanh Salad was HUGE *and* DELICIOUS. It was intended to share, but I honestly didn't share much of it. I hadn't eaten lunch that day and had run 4 miles, so I was plenty hungry. What you see in the picture is a full-size plate that contains a salad, a rice wafer of sorts, and an entire second salad on top of that. I was full after the salad, but I still had the seafood curry to eat. I ordered it only because the menu description ended with "Warning: Very spicy. No returns." Challenge accepted! I ate about half of it because I was stuffed beyond belief. The spice/heat was actually PERFECT. Just enough heat to put sweat on the forehead, but not so much that I'm begging the server for ice cream. The flavor combination was delicious. Overall, it was pricey, but I felt the serving sizes were reasonable and that the quality of the food and the ambiance added to our experience and made the cost worth it. However, it was the price that kept me from adding that 5th star.
(4)Corinna T.
Beautiful interior and yummy food. I came here for Valentine's day, so the menu was preset with choices for appetizer, main course, and dessert. I looooved everything I chose! Ceviche- Amazing 5/5. It looked like mini tacos on my plate. Loved it. I also tried the papaya salad, it was alright. I liked mine better :p Shaking beef- Great 4/5. It was a pretty big portion. Perfect combination of salad and meat for a balanced meal. Dessert- 5/5. Raspberry red velvet cake/brownies. I couldn't get enough of it, and I want some now :( To top it off, customer service was on point. I forget the name of our waitress, but she was the best waitress I've ever had in a while. She was willing and excited to help us take pictures and was super friendly.
(4)Chris V.
My aunt invited us to Xanh on the day after Christmas for the lunch buffet. It's a modern / fusion Vietnamese restaurant located in downtown Mountain View near a slew of other restaurants, and there's a side street just to the north with lots of free parking spaces at that time of day. It didn't really get busy until after we were seated, but they definitely had a good flow of customers. The food was all freshly prepared. You can taste it in everything, whether it's a spring roll or a metal pot full of goodies. A description of most of the buffet items can be found on their web site, so I'll be brief. Favorites: - spicy curry fish variant with corn: tender catfish plus corn and green beans, sweet curry that was medium (not hot) at best - clay pot catfish: really tender catfish fillets - lemongrass chicken: savory and good lemongrass flavor, not too salty - garlic noodles: totally carbalicious, but savory, soft, and goes well with the juicy beef meatballs or grilled pork Other good items (almost everything): "kobe" roll (beef), eskimo roll (fish), crispy egg roll (didn't mind the lack of meat since it still resembles the traditional Vietnamese egg roll), grilled chicken, mellow yellow noodles, veggie noodle dish, papaya salad (don't forget to add a sauce), tapioca dessert soup, spicy curry fish variant with carrots and peas (no corn), sweet and sour fish soup (rather spicy) Palate-incompatible: vegetarian yellow curry (overwhelmingly spicy for me) Relatively bad items: baby pork ribs (my piece was really hard to chew, and no knives provided to slice against of the grain), popcorn chicken (tends to dry up and get salty) Didn't try: buddha (veggie) roll, white or brown rice, apple salad, string beans, and perhaps one or two other vegetarian dishes Nice modern decor throughout the restaurant, although I think it's a little dark. You eat with your eyes first, after all. For a lunch buffet price of $12.95, however, the fresh food is a fantastic value. Whether it's due to the heat lamp factor, deteriorating standards, or growing apathy, you won't get this quality from a dedicated buffet. I just wish it wasn't so far and so unavailable on the weekends. UPDATE (1/2/15): ate the lunch buffet again, changed my opinion on a few food items
(5)Mina Y.
Updating my review from the last visit. Turns out my boyfriend got severe abdominal pains immediately after he had the duck and the pain continued through the next morning. As mentioned in my initial review, the duck did not taste fresh :( Sadly, we won't be returning anytime soon. Though I still like the ambiance and the overall feel of the restaurant, seems like the quality of food has been compromised.
(2)Simi I.
My favourite HAPPY HOUR spot in Mountain View!! Happy Hour favourite drinks ($6) : - Lemon Drop Martini (So good that I could drink easily 4 at one happy hour)! - Lychee Martini (Sooo good and pretty strong drink..) Happy Hour Favourite Food: - Kobe rolls (I could eat Kobe rolls for breakfast, lunch and dinner if Xahn would be open 24/7! - I liked pretty much everything else in the happy hour menu but the garlic noodles, not a fan. I have been to Xahn also for a formal dinner with my Company but the restaurants inside it is definitely too loud to have a formal conversation. Dinner is definitely expensive. Overall I LOVE Xhan: bring friends over for HAPPY HOUR, good food and drinks for a good price!
(4)Stefanie H.
Food 4 stars Service 5+ stars We stopped by Xanh for a late dinner and were seated in an area that is usually quiet; there was a loud group and the noise was echoing off the glass walls. A quick word to the manager and she moved us to the quietest area (oddly, next to the bar) and then waited on us herself - very attentive. Usually come here for lunch with coworkers (the buffet is a great value and always fresh.) For dinner we enjoyed the Buddha rolls (vegetarian), the shaking beer, the coconut infused rice and my companion had the potstickers as an appetizer (I skipped as I'm allergic to shrimp.) Prices are high but it's Castro street rents and the place has a nice ambiance. My cocktail was strong and my companion's wine pour was generous. Note: cuisine is fusion, not traditional and several dishes come with a vegetarian option.
(5)Vanessa T.
Food: We came for happy hour. We tried just about everything on the happy hour food menu. The tostada ceviche didn't taste like it was super fresh. The "tostada" tasted like a Mission tortilla chip. Not very impressive. The garlic noodles were good. But I still really like the garlic noodles at Crustaceans. The chicken and beef satay were tender and nicely cooked. But nothing really outstanding about it. The dishes that stood out to me were the papaya salad, kamikaze wings, spicy popcorn chicken and fries. The Vietnamese tacos were good too. Signature Cocktails: I tried the Sparkly Diamond, Dirty Old Man and Xanhgria. I'd stick with the Dirty Old Man next time. Overall, the service, food and drinks were good. The prices for Happy Hour were excellent. They gave great portions too. But the food didn't have the "wow factor". I'm not sure I'd go there outside of happy hour.
(3)David H.
This place is just ok...really pricey for high end ingredients but smaller portion sizes. Service is terrible, just slow (takes forever to place an order and even longer to get the order). Food is on point, I just wish I paid like 5 dollars less per dish and that service was better. Some of the food is hit or miss, with the garlic noodles being almost like an Italian pasta due to the Parmesan cheese, and the sea bass being overcooked...to the shaking beef and the duck being pretty dang good. Still, for five of us with drinks included the bill being over $200, with the misses we had make this place an overpriced alternative to what you could get elsewhere for less.
(3)Jenny C.
SO my fellow intern got super drunk off two drinks there. I tasted them. They were delicious. Oops. Forgot to upload this review #lateryelp
(5)Chris C.
I went here tonight with the fambam and enjoyed the food. I ordered the shaking beef and it was delicious. We also got the Buddha roll which was fresh and tasty. I will come here again for sure.
(4)Kate T.
I've been here twice, for lunch (all-you-can-eat deal) and for dinner. In my honest opinion, I prefer the lunch deal over dinner deal. Thus, my 3 stars will lean towards the lunch deal. I've tried everything on the all you can eat buffet lunch menu and everything was very tasty. I highly recommend coming here early because the buffet line can run quite long! For the Dinner menu, however, I suggest trying: the Papaya Salad, Satays, Crispy Calamari* (Muc Rang Muoi). Ahi Tuna Tartare, and Yellow Curry Chicken (Ga Cari). I will point out, however, that the Yellow Curry was not as flavorful as I had expected it to be. I was also hoping it would be somewhat spicier. I think that dish in particular needs some improvement. Overall service for Dinner was OK. Not full-on great, but will need some improvement. They need to work on re-filling water when need be. Service rating, I believe, should not be applicable for Lunch because you basically get your own food.
(3)Morgan F.
One of my favorite restaurants of ALL TIME! I have been to this place several times, and every time, I leave so satisfied. You can go for any reason! I have gone with a party of 20 and eaten family style with several main dishes. All were delectable! I recommend the braised short ribs, Seabass, and garlic noodles. When I went on a date, I tried an array of apps and shared an entree. This route went well too! They have small plates or larger sizes for all kinds of appetites! Another plus? They're happy hour is phenomenal too! Food I've tried and loved: dumplings, tuna tartare (yum!), Vietnamese tacos, a few of the crispy rolls, sea bass, large prawns, noodles, and their moon wraps...my fav. I think I've had more dishes, but I can't remember them off the top of my head. Lastly, the service, location, and inside ambiance topped it off. The staff was pleasant and helpful. It is located right I'm downtown so you can take a walk or hit a bar after. And the inside was just set up to intrigue guests to come back. I loved the waterfall wall. Go check this place out!
(5)Lisa B.
Xanh has wonderful ambience and a great selection of menu items. It's definitely not genuine Vietnamese, but nevertheless good Asian Fusion food. Service was attentive and quick. The bar has a good selection of cocktails - we ended up trying quite a few.
(3)Jessie L.
Trendy restaurant with good food! Food is on the pricey and smaller portion side here, but I'd recommend it for a nice occasion. Most of the dishes aren't the best for sharing family style, but my friends and I shared a few dishes anyway. ==================== -GARLIC NOODLES WITH JUMBO PRAWNS - 5/5 SO GOOD! The noodles are a little on the sweet side and I couldn't actually taste any garlic, but I enjoyed the flavor. The noodles are also a lot softer than normal noodles anywhere, . And they weren't kidding about the jumbo prawns - they're huge prawns! -PAPAYA SALAD - 3/5 I love papaya salads, but theirs was lacking in flavor. Big portion size and good for sharing, but I've definitely had better. It's light and refreshing though. -NEW ZEALAND RACK OF LAMB - 5/5 Pretty presentation and cooked well. Juicy and tender, but a little on the fatty side. I've never had lamb with a sweet sauce, but I liked the flavor. Portion size is very small though - only 4 small racks of lamb.
(5)Javier B.
I love the food! In fact I am eating right now and am in such a haze I can't even think. I had the ahi tuna tartar and the filet mignon with brown rice.
(5)Shannon C.
This is obviously a question of personal taste, but apparently what Xanh sees as chic and modern, I see as seedy and cheap. The blue backlighting and white interior make me think of a cheap 90s nightclub running a sex trade in the stockrooms. Certainly not a pleasant environment for a business lunch - at least not in my line of business. The food was hit or miss. I've tried all sorts of items from the lunch buffet, and the only things that stood out were the garlic noodles and clay pot dishes. Everything else tasted fine, but wasn't memorable. Many dishes were greasy. And why did I get so much side eye from the waitresses? Xanh is a place I go to only when other people suggest it, and I'm forced to go along.
(3)