I'm not too familiar with Worcester and the guy I'm dating, who also happens to live there, also didn't know too many places we could grab dinner where they offered a decent selection of vegetarian options. Prior to venturing out I, of course, checked Yelp to see what 4-5 starred restaurants were in the area; one of them happened to be Dalat. I am a big fan of Asian cuisine and he had never had Vietnamese food before, but he was willing to try! We arrived at Dalat around 7:45-8 p.m. on a Friday night. It doesn't look like much from the outside and to be honest, it's not much to look at on the inside either, however; the service and food were great which makes the somewhat drab surroundings tolerable. It's a fairly small location but with quite a few tables. I gather this place is BYOB because the table of girls behind us had a couple bottles of red wine and there wasn't any alcoholic beverages on the menu. I ordered shrimp with lemon grass over vermicelli and my date ordered shrimp and vegetables; we were both extremely pleased with the food and ate every last bite. The service was great, the staff were friendly and the food was fresh and delicious, oh and cheap too! The total bill for both of our meals came to right around $15 with tax. I would highly recommend this place and would definitely go back!
(4)
Shreena B.
I moved back to NY over a year ago and am still missing Dalat. I just can't quit you. This is a true gem of Worcester. Mention the bubble tea to any Clarkie and you will see her salivate as she excuses herself to get her fix. The noodles are incredible and all the ingredients are always so fresh.
(5)
Lau G.
Hi again to my fellow Clarkies and Woo-rats. (I'm assuming if you're reading this, there is a good chance you go to Clark or one of the other schools in the area.) I would like to report that I just returned from a long trip to Vietnam, something that has been on my bucket list for many years, and while we had many, many delicious meals there, I still feel that Dalat in Worcester serves some of the best fresh spring rolls you could possibly get. I also ate several stir-fry dishes in Vietnam, and none were quite the same as the chicken-and-peanut stir-fry dish (#63 I believe) at Dalat. In other words, Dalat is a legitimately authentic Vietnamese restaurant, and I look forward to next time I am back in the area so I can swing by again.
(5)
David P.
I've been a regular here, coming at least few times a month. I only take the beef special pho (extra tripe and tendon) and I love it. The broth is reach and delicious and the toppings are plentiful. My wife goes with the veggie pho and she also likes it a lot. Definitely recommend to try it at least once and guarantee you'd be hooked.
(5)
Kelsey D.
This hole-in-the-wall restaurant may be easy to overlook as you're driving down Park Avenue, but it is definitely worth a visit or two, or three or ten. I ordered a special called the Bo Luc Lat. The pork is tender and perfectly marinated in this sweet, tangy sauce. It is served on a beautiful plate of fresh vegetables with a side of rice. Enough to fill me up and please my tastebuds, but it's also healthy. If you're in Worcester, stop here. Don't forget a boba shake (I'm currently drinking the taro one, and it is amazing)!
(5)
Alyna L.
Bobas are great for desert. My favorite smoothie flavors are mango, coconut, taro, thai tea, and green tea. Their smoothies are the cheapest from all the other restaurants I've been to in worcester. My favorite dishes are pork and shrimp rolls, beef territaki, chicken cabbage salad, chicken curry, pork hot pot, tofu vermicelli, the pan-fried noodle dishes, and hot and sour shrimp soup. The service is different every time I go. Sometimes I have good service and sometimes bad but the good food makes up for it. The restaurant might not look appealing but it's clean. The prices are reasonable for the portions of the food. Even though the portions might be small but the prices matches it.
(5)
Kara B.
Love this place! Their boba drinks are out of this world, as are any of their dishes. The downside is the customer service, while polite, is so slow. Don't plan on having some important appointment right after you eat there because it will always take longer than expected. Also, the atmosphere is outdated, but I think it adds to the experience. What they lack in service and ambiance they make up with amazing food and really low prices.
(5)
Emily C.
This place has been here for years and still hasn't been remodeled.bi should of knew it was a bad sign when I sat down at a table with stained and dirty table cloth. I ordered a meal that I've ordered a few times and this time it didn't taste the same. The sauce was nasty and the veggies uncooked. I told the waitress and she apologized. When I told her i wanted something else and wasn't going to pay for a meal that I didn't touch. She said she would ask the boss. The boss said I still had to pay because I ordered it. Hate to be stereotypical but I wasn't surprised. Needless to say I paid for 2 meals but only ate 1. I won't be conk be back to this place again!
(1)
Tiffani L.
I really want to love this place. It's in a really convenient location, not horrible parking and the price is right. The first time I was there it was pretty good. The fried spring rolls (Cha Gao) was to die for! Slightly expensive since it only comes with 2 rolls, but I had to get a second order because they were that good! The pho tai was ok... Broth was a little oily and there weren't that many noodles in a standard bowl. Generally speaking, finishing an entire bowl of pho makes me literally have to unbutton my jeans, I'm so full! I was still craving more food afterwards! Service overall was good and we had this really nice man! The second time was slower, and our table was still dirty. I noticed it was different people working. Overall ok, would definitely go back because it's not horrible and hits the spot when craving pho, but it also isn't anything to really rave about.
(3)
Dmitry R.
After much thought, this is the best vietnamese restaurant I've been to. It's an inexpensive family-run hole in the wall which makes many unique dishes that you won't find cooked like that anywhere else. Favorites are the seafood clear noodle soup with fish cakes (#13 I believe), pork in caramelized fish sauce (#46 or thereabouts), special 1g (thick udon noodle soup), curry duck soup, and the Bun Bo Hue. Other stuff is also delicious! The bubble teas are great as well. The service has also improved markedly over the years and I think overall they deserve all 5 stars! My favorite restaurant in Worcester!
(5)
Katherine P.
Reliable, tasty, colorful food. Will be a go-to for me. I had shrimp with mixed veggies and the watermelon bubble tea. The prices are reasonable, the service was pleasant and prompt, and the food was good for the price.
(4)
Bree L.
Stopped in for bubble tea. Got some weird blendy drink. Ugh. Still on the hunt I guess
(2)
Star W.
Da Lat has a good selection of vegetarian rice dishes, which I'm a fan of, but they are hit or miss. One time I got a curry dish that was tasty, but swimming in oil, which didn't make me feel great. There are no vegetarian noodle soups, which is usually the case at Vietnamese restaurants. My non-vegetarian friends described the pho as passable. Overall I would eat here in a pinch but I wouldn't be trying to impress anyone by bringing them here. If you're looking for Vietnamese food in Worcester, try Soc Trang for higher quality food.
(3)
Emily M.
Some friends brought me here and it was awesome. I wasn't expecting much since it seems like a hole in the wall. When I got my dish I was wowed. It was my first time having vermicelli and I've been craving it ever since. The egg rolls were the best I've ever had! I highly recommend making a trip to park Ave just for this treat!
(5)
Ting L.
This is the go to place for boba! They have a lot of options for flavors not to mention you can ask them to mix flavors! I love their boba When I dine in, I usually get the beef pho. The portion's pretty good at a decent price. This place has been in Worcester for many many years, I wish the decor could be upgraded--a little renovation. :) Overall still one of my fav in Worcester
(5)
Sanatah A.
So I've been to Dalat a few times and I absolutely love it...the spring rolls are to die for and I'm obsessed with them... I had the roast duck soup the other night and it was delicious... My new favorite spot! I recommended this place to anyone looking for great service and awesome food. Going here for my birthday!
(5)
John K.
Best secret in Worcester. I'm tired of all the fried Chinese food with their sweet sauces. The freshness of ingredients and the ability to add more 'heat' or spice via the on table condiments is no different than adding more hot sauce to your chili. Not everyone is looking for a five alarm 'heat'. The reviewer missed a great ending when they skipped the Vietnamese Coffee; a very thick expresso with condensed milk. WOW. Please, don't tell too many people, I want to continue to get be able to be seated.
(5)
Stan P.
Visited for the first time last week. Tried out Vietnamese spring rolls, and rice vermicelli with shrimp. Both were fresh and tasty. My friend ordered a dish with chicken and curry which was just the right level of spicy. Very reasonable prices.
(4)
Amber R.
I've been going to Da Lat for years. Tofu Rolls and Boba Shakes are the best! The service here is very direct and not over friendly by any means but I can't say I've ever had a bad experience here. Plus food quality is always consistent which is great.
(5)
Liz C.
I've been coming here for years and the service and the food were so inconsistent at first, but it seems as though they've worked out the kinks and I am consistently beyond satisfied with my experiences there. The food always comes out hot and the produce is always super fresh. As a non-meat eater, there are tons of options with tons of awesome vegetables and tofu. There are also plenty of chicken, pork, and beef options on the menu as well.
(5)
Jessica N.
Dalat is by far the best Vietnamese food in the Worcester area. My family and I are vegan and are frequent patrons because they are flexible and accommodating with their menu. The waitstaff is always friendly, helpful, and attentive with their service. Kevin the chef is amazing and is willing to make most anything vegan with tofu as a substitute protein. We have even been the grateful recipients of dishes that he has prepared that are not even on the menu. That withstanding, even if you are not vegan, the food is always, hot, fresh, high quality, and beautifully presented. It doesn't hurt either that they are BYOB and have wine glasses ready. If you are curious about Asian cuisine you must drop by Dalat, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Samuel M.
Whenever I'm in the mood for something a little more refreshing and different this is close by and it hasn't yet disappointed me. Sometimes the portion sizes seem small but they really are the perfect size. Most recently I had the number 103 (it's easiest to order by number because Vietnamese is not my strong suit) with the salted plum soda. The meal was essentially a built it yourself spring roll, rice paper included. I found this difficult to do but it was nice. The drink was unique in the most interesting ways. It's most certainly worth a visit if you live in the area. These staff are wicked friendly too.
(4)
Sondra M.
Trying out every Vietnamese restaurant in Worcester! I got my usual rare steak pho and goi cuon. Didn't love the rice noodles in my beef pho, they were thicker cut than usual and took over the dish. The goi cuon was tasty. Good sauce to go with it. Not the best, not the worst!
(3)
Maggie L.
So the decor is nothing to write home about... but the food is amazing! I'm a vegetarian and they have a ton on the menu that I like. I always, always get the coconut shake with my dinner!
(4)
Aly B.
I have been a regular at Dalat for years, it is with out a doubt my go to for inexpensive and delicious Worcester food. Everything I have ordered there has been delicious, but my go to is the chicken fried rice and tofu spring rolls. The boba is also super good. Typically a meal of two fried rice, two boba, and spring rolls costs my boyfriend and I $22 or so. The service is always very friendly and the food comes out very fast. I'm always impressed by how quickly the spring rolls are made (to order!!). Also, the waitress has seen us so many times that we don't even need to order any more, she knows just what we like. A wonderful family owned restaurant in Worcester, and one of my personal favs!! Would recommend to anyone who lives in or is visiting Worcester!
(5)
Ken C.
We visit here often. My wife is from Vietnam and finds the food here to be to her liking as authentic Vietnamese cuisine. I also have enjoyed each meal and have yet to order the same dish twice. The atmosphere is nonexistent and the decor rather poor, but the food is good, the service is great, and the prices are excellent. A good value overall.
(5)
C.M. A.
I've been visiting my brother in Worcester for nearly 20 years, and I always make time to go to Dalat. The family who runs it is friendly and knows all the regulars, but it's really the food that makes the place -- inexpensive, delicious, and different. The boba shakes are a big hit with the kids. We love it!
(5)
Jaclyn R.
Our friends told us about this place and we met here for dinner. When I first walked in, I noticed that the place in general wasn't too pleasing to the eye. No decor, nothing fancy. This place is also BYOB, so you can bring whatever you want they will bring you glasses if needed. On to the food... The food was great. It was very good and also very fresh tasting. It's also extremely cheap. The 4 of us ate and had an appetizer and the bill came to $43 or so. I'll definitely be going back :-)
(4)
Alex Z.
I went here with a group of people a few weeks ago, and we went with the intention of ordering strictly vegetarian meals in support of VegWorcester's brochure about eating vegan and vegetarian in the Woo. I generally don't order vegetarian meals, but after eating the dining hall food at WPI for quite some time I was really craving some well-cooked vegetables. I got the curried tofu and vegetables (#96 or something like that), and I cleaned the plate. Great blend of flavors, and I was impressed with the variety of vegetables and the satisfying texture of the tofu. The massive bottles of Sriracha sauce were a nice touch, and the menu was massive but not too overwhelming. "Dalat til I die"
(4)
Marc E.
I love the pho here. I usually get the # 22 Dat Biet Xe Lua. The broth is always tasty and the meats, etc are great. I also like the # 14 Hu Tieu Nam Vang seafood soup. Everything I have had here is delicious.
(5)
Bryan R.
I have been to Dalat many times and I would say most of the time the wait staff is slow and rude. They have very small quantities for the amount you pay. The seafood dishes quantities are almost comical especially considering the price. I am not really sure why they are always busy, it's always hard to get a spot to park in the area. I have never really been impressed by the food or drinks they make, I really just went as many times as i did because my friends wanted to. Mostly college students at this location, since WPI is the closest school it is mostly white kids not that should really matter. Like most Viet places they have a bunch of sauces in old containers that are sticky and have an inch of dust on them.
(2)
Carina C.
My Favorite! I love Dalat for so many reasons. Be prepared for a very very casual ambiance. Everything is delicious, and it's BYOB with no corking fee, so I'm always amazed how inexpensive a meal out can be. The spring rolls are amazing, so please try them as an appetizer, no matter what you're in the mood for as a main course. I also like to go with groups and share a few dishes. The service can be slow, but that's why you brought some alcohol along, right?
(5)
Tara C.
I discovered Dalat while searching for a new restaurant for my friend and I to try. At first, we were kind of put off by the location and interior -- no atmosphere whatsoever, hole-in-the-wall place... I will be completely honest, I did not expect much. However: The food is delicious. I frequently order the pan fried noodles with seafood. It has a nice spice to it, the vegetables are very nice, and the noodles are just absolutely wonderful. It's also nice to have a place that makes boba drinks, although I do see that becoming more common as of late. The entree portions are large and tasty. My friend ordered a seafood pho that arrived in a very, very large bowl. She hardly made a dent in it before she decided she was finished -- she enjoyed it thoroughly, but it was a LOT of food. The Vietnamese rolls are delicious, as is the sauce that goes with it. The flavors in general are vibrant and delicious. The service is another story. It's not awful, and it has been getting better recently. I've had very nice, attentive waitresses there, and I've had very inattentive waitresses. I don't expect much, especially for the atmosphere and locale -- it isn't a top notch restaurant, and I definitely don't expect that. For what it is, the food is very good, and I am certainly willing to sacrifice the quality of service for how delicious the food is.
(3)
oni s.
I moved up here from Orlando, which has a little Saigon, tons of restaurant to choose from. When I came here and was looking for Pho, green papaya salads, vermicelli and etc. I was a little disappointed in the quality of food. Especially since I am willing to travel for it. This I feel is just ok.
(3)
Tiffiniy C.
dalat is fun to go to, but just wanted to say it is very un-vietnamese-like food. the dishes just doesn't have those vietnamese flavors. Rather it is a sweet version or american-chinese version. I grew up in a vietnamese/chinese home and know lots and lots of vietnamese restaurants. i love their avocado shakes too.
(3)
Alyssa J P.
This place is definitely hole-in-the-wall looking. The food was pretty good, I enjoyed the Siracha offerings one very table, but I expected much faster service given the price and ambiance. I think a "quick" dinner here took about an hour.
(3)
Diana L.
I've been eating pho for years and have tried several different places. Over all Dalat was about what you may expect. Nothing to write home about, but does the job for getting a pho fix satiated. The service is friendly and accommodating, the food affordable, and the byob policy is very nice indeed.
(3)
Jeffrey L.
Must be demoted, service is too slow and rude, the portions are too small so it's incuseable for the flavors they offer. Nothing special, just a favorite for students and tourists yet again. Cough mainly white people.
(1)
Jessica R.
Everything I've had there has been good. Recently I had a seafood and vegetable soup which had plenty of seafood and lots of fresh veggies. The fried rice is good. The fried tofu is good. Oh wait, I guess I already covered this. :) The service is good too. I've found that they take my order promptly, they deliver my meal promptly, they refill my water glass promptly, and I have to flag someone down for the bill. Fortunately it's not a big place, and hey, this way I'm not rushed out the door. Anyway, things not to like about Dalat, such as they are: in the winter it's hard to park when the snowbanks cover up the on-street parking usually available out front. Hardly their fault, and I called and they helped me find a lot where I could park. Notice that I didn't give up and go elsewhere. The boyfriend and I were visiting from out of town and no way were we leaving without our Dalat. The atmosphere isn't all that cozy. It's like a very large storefront restaurant. Who cares. The food is good, and cheap, too. Their avocado milkshakes are wonderful, but they are often out of avocados. What can you do? Avocados are ripe when they're good and ready to be ripe, you can't really rush that. And I often wish I had more food on my plate... or I do until about 10-15 minutes after I'm done eating. That's about how long it takes for the brain to get the message that we've had enough food. During that 10-15 minutes I consider ordering a second entree. I never get one, though. It turns out to be enough after all.
(5)
Tammy P.
Spring rolls are awesome!
(3)
Girldrinkdrunk S.
Seems I tried the wrong thing. Went back and had the tofu bun. It was fantastic and very similar to my favorite food, Cambodian Bee Bong. Plus, it was only $5.95. We'll be back again and again.
(4)
Gina M.
This place is awesome. delicious fresh food, reasonable prices and big selection. Lots of vegetarian options as well.
(4)
John T.
I have been here several times over the last year. Service is great, servers are always friendly and knowledgeable. Average food though... the noodle soups are heavy and salty. Most plates are disappointing and sound more appetizing in text. One thing I have an issue with though, there are always several tables full of staff/family members who are usually eating, which is a good sign, but I hate having to flag down my waiter from his Internet browsing or lunch. It makes me feel bad about needing an extra napkin, or wanting the check. Vietnamese places are a dime a dozen in Worcester, this place is nothing special.
(3)
Matt K.
Yesss. The pan fried noodles with tofu and vegetables (#86) and the fried tofu rolls (without mint) are amazing.
(5)
Kristen M.
Great food at great prices, which was perfect for myself and my friends while living in worcester for college.
(5)
K S.
This was my first time ordering at Dalat Restaurant in Worcester. I am not from this area but was helping out the family pawn shop nearby. I ordered carry out and as soon as I walked in to pick up my order there was a sour smell coming from the place. There was about 3 tables of customers and if I were to be candid, it was all caucasian people so according to past reviews it seems to be a favorite amongst the local college kids and people looking for "so called" authentic Vietnamese food. Anyways, my order wasn't ready yet so I sat and waited and had a good view of the women cooking in the kitchen. I had ordered beef chow foon/pan fried noodles and vermicelli combo (egg roll, dried pork skin, shrimp and mixed veggies) and a side of fresh spring rolls. I saw the women stirfrying a thin noodle and put it in the carry out box, she peeked over at me then relooked at the order and then rang the bell for the hostess to come get it. The hostess told me everything was ready and I looked in the box and told her this is not what I ordered and that I ordered beef chow foon. She said "Oh we don't have the flat noodle" and I asked her why she didn't mention it to me earlier and she simply said "You didn't ask." I told her if I had known then I would have ordered something else and if I could, she told me that I should have told her earlier then. I looked at her almost appalled.. and told her that normally chow foon ANYWHERE is a thick flat noodle. She said "All restaurants are different". I then corrected her saying that she had JUST told me that they were out of the chow foon and substituted it. She kept cutting me off and I told that she was being extremely rude and she shot back "You are being rude too!" I paid and just walked out telling her she needs better customer service skills. I am sorry but as a paying customer and if I were representing the restaurant I would have at least asked the patron whether they minded if the noodle was substituted and not have given the customer an attitude. She was too defensive for the restaurant's own error. Also the 2 hostess/waitresses were busy gossiping in Vietnamese the whole time I was there while dine in customers were waiting for their meals. The 15 minutes I was there I did not see them go to the table and check on any of the guests or ask if they needed water refills or anything like I see at other exceptional Vietnamese restaurants. By the time I left, no one was served yet. This place looks like a hole in the wall, food is mediocre at best. I will attach the pictures of my "chow foon" and my husband's dish. Service overall sucks whether carry out or dine in. I doubt I will order here again and can look elsewhere in Worcester for Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant probably doesn't even care about their rude service because their clientele seems to be college kids that could care less anyways.
(1)
AM G.
Sept. 2012 - Came for the first time and really liked the food! Simple atmosphere, friendly staff, tasty food at a good price.
(4)
Alex S.
Good value Pho. I would say Ahn Thu is perhaps tastier, but their prices are worse, and I am not a fan of the restaurant itself. Also, Dalat is one of the few places to get Bubble tea in Worcester! so, if you want good cheap vietnamese food, Dalat is for you
(4)
Susan S.
When I left Worcester after graduating from college, I noticed a hole in my heart in the shape of Dalat. Yeah the decor isn't that great and the servers don't kiss your ass, but they will accommodate big groups, open your wine for NO corking fee, and let you sit around laughing and crying hour after hour. I always order tofu spring rolls with extra peanut sauce and a #86 which I then cover with Sriracha and the sauce in the yellow bottle. I have had friends actually mail spring rolls and peanut sauce to me in Texas. I actually dreamed about this last night, nearly two years after moving out of Worcester. That meal, plus an avocado shake. The key to Dalat is to find your meal, make it your own, tip your server and keep coming back. After a while, the staff knew when I had a to-go order and wouldn't box it up in styrofoam because they knew I would bring my own container. They started bringing my party a peanut sauce per person without us having to ask. Eating at Dalat is like taming a wild horse. Your reward comes after long, consistent effort and investment.
(5)
Bill N.
Best in Worcester
(5)
Sonny P.
I've eaten here once and will not eat here again. First of all poor location, parking was a hassle. When I first walked in, I was not greeted like a guest, instead the waitress just walked me to my seat. No drink, nothing on my table after sitting there for 5-10 minutes. I ordered, received my food in generous portion. The Pho was not good at all. Too much Noodles with little soup, small amounts of flank, beef and veggies etc. So I finally asked for water (after waiting for service again on a non-busy day). Come on guys! I'm eating PHO! hello...!!! Water?. So I received water with this "damn, why don't you order soda or something" type feeling from the waitress. So I ate my horrible tasting Pho, tipped exactly 15% no penny more or less and left. I will not eat at any Pho restaurant that has cheap prices for Pho again, I rather pay 2-3 dollars more for great service and great Pho. I know what good Pho is, I grew up eating Pho and this place is NOT the place to bring anyone for Pho. Go down the street to Pho Dakao, they'll show you how to service customers and have better tasting Pho and better parking spots.
(2)
Shannon C.
I have been to Dalat 3 times. I tried to give the place the benefit of the doubt but our last outing has firmly cemented my opinion of this dingy place. The service is terrible, the food mediocre and the waiting is endless. You wait for a table, you wait to be approached by a server, you wait ON END for your food however they certainly are quick with the bill. We went on Friday night and while the place was full, 4 servers for 15 tables is hardly unmanageable. We waited 30 minutes to place our order and then 60 minutes to receive it. We were consoled with "Oh, well you shouldn't have ordered #44. That dish takes the longest to prepare because we have to thaw the chicken. It's frozen. You shouldn't have ordered that." At that point, my meal came out but my boyfriend's did not. We had it packed up to go, left promptly and will never been seen again at Dalat. Good riddance.
(1)
David K.
We were in Worcester looking for a good Pho place and saw this one had some good reviews on Google. So we decided to give them a try. My wife ordered Pho and although it taste like any other place, their portions are tiny. When we saw the menu prices, we thought we were gonna get a bargain but it turns out they just serve really tiny bowls. I wouldn't say we got ripped off, but the bowls were too small for a good meal, and too big to double-up. I ordered #44 (BBQ chicken rice plate) which ended up being a barbecued chicken drumstick (they cut the drumstick into three long pieces but I could still tell it was a drumstick). The dish tasted good but it wasn't anything special or anything I could make at home. The service was good although it was kind of weird having to go up to the counter to ask for our check (we saw everyone else doing that as if that's normal for this restaurant).
(3)
Dan B.
When I was living in Worcester, this restaurant was the thing that kept me sane. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but man! The food is just great. I've eaten at many Vietnamese places in my life, and not only is this place the best one I've been to, it's the cheapest. Win-win. My favorite dish is the "rice paper work", the one where you make your own rolls with vermicelli, meat, mint, lettuce and cucumber. My wife gets the bun thit nuong every time, without fail. They have other good things on the menu, too, but I have a hard time ordering them because I like my old stanbys so much. I see someone below rated this place 1 star because of the "pretentious Clark students". That's a silly reason to rate the place low, especially since there are just as many Worcester State and WPI students there, not to mention Worcester natives. It's just a good place to eat.
(5)
Nhi N.
This is one of the worst Vietnamese restaurants I had ever been to. The service was horrible. We had to wait 30 minutes before our food came. The utensils were dirty as well. There were still dark spots left on my brother's spoon and fork. Also, the food was really off. If you really want some decent Vietnamese food for cheap, save yourself the trouble and go somewhere else.
(1)
Jake K.
There is a Vietnamese place in Portland, OR that I grew up on and miss terribly, so on my hunt to find a replacement (or a close substitute) I have found myself at this place a few times. I always get salad rolls, they do have a good peanut sauce that comes along with that. Then I also always get chicken vermicelli (a very thin rice noodle, it's very good). My only complaint/wish is that there could be more chicken and onions to match all the noodles. Still, I've eaten there at least 3 times now, so until I find another place, this is where I will continue to go for Vietnamese.
(4)
Phuong P.
The food here is solid. I would recommend the tofu dishes because I like how they marinate their tofu. This is also one of the FEW places in Worcester that has shakes with boba. Worcester needs to get with the times!!
(4)
Rachel K.
I have dined at Da Lat several times in the past, but a recent experience has completely ruined it for me and I will not be looking forward to going back any time soon. A friend of mine ordered food for pickup and the car she was going to use to drive to pick it up ended up breaking down, and so when she got a call from them saying that they would be closing soon and could not wait anymore, she explained that she would come walk instead because of her car problem. The manager said that she could not wait, even though my friend said she would be there in a few minutes and could pay for the food, and not make them have to waste it. Then tonight we ordered food for pickup, and they recognized the number, called us back after we placed it, and said "We just want to make sure you're ACTUALLY coming" and made her give her credit card number to make sure. This was extremely rude and an inappropriate way to treat a customer.
(2)
Lauren A.
Tofu Summer Rolls are tasty. Prices reasonable. Also another place to get Boba (Bubble) Tea, so so but its not the best I've had in the area. Parking is tough to find in front of the place depending on the time of day.
(3)
Carol C.
I should preface this review by saying that I'm grading on a Worcester curve. Dalat is a great option for Clarkies who want to eat a tasty home-style meal without breaking their budget. Their barbeque chicken with rice is excellent, as are the spring rolls, which are a little different than what you'd find in Vietnamese restaurants in New York (the skin is super crispy as opposed to a more doughy texture). When I ordered the pho, however, there was way too much hot sauce and, once mixed, the soup was bright red (*see photo). It was a bit too intense for my palette, although I don't think they usually put so much in. Dalat also has boba drinks and an amazingly potent Vietnamese-style coffee that's essential to my all-nighters.
(4)
Ryan G.
Da Lat is one of my favorite restaurants in Worcester. The menu is huge, full of yummy offerings including Pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup. My favorites here were the spring rolls, boba shakes (variation of bubble tea), and pretty much any chicken dish. The only thing to be avoided is any seafood concoction, but you could have probably guessed that. Most of the items are cheap, right around $10 or less. If you have not tried bubble tea it is worth a shot, although they only offer the frozen smoothie-like variation it is the best of its kind that I have tried. There is ample parking on the street or a private lot out back. The service is always fast and very friendly. The only downside of Da Lat is as others have said it is a hole in the wall and they have gotten rid of their eco-friendly and rather unique giant plastic chopsticks. Go for the food not the scenery, I highly recommend it!
(5)
Dena L.
Excellent vietnamese food!
(5)
Bethany B.
Rainy weather always makes me crave pho and thankfully last night the Mister didn't mind going out in the downpour so that we could get our pho fix. We split an order of Bun Bo Hue, Bo Lui (their version of Beef Teriyaki) and Com Chien Duong Chau (fried rice with pork, eggs, peas, and chinese sausage). Everything was delicious! The Bo Lui was so tasty although I think the description might be off because there was onion in the middle and not pork. The Bun Bo Hue was perfect amount for 2, with fresh basil, bean sprouts, and lime. It came with less beef than we usually get at Pho Dakao but the quality and flavor were better. It was an equal trade off to us. We added our own srichacha sauce though -- it needed that kick. The rice was the best that I have had in months. All of the ingredients were tasty although for some reason that Chinese sausage tasted like grape soda. It might just be me. I did try a green tea boba too. It was too sweet for me but once Hubby got over the tapioca pearls -- he finished it. Hubby did have a 25 minute wait for take out. Eavesdropping he learned that it was Parents Weekend for some of the surrounding colleges. This was good stuff -- definitely worth the wait.
(4)
Alana L.
This is one of my favorite restaurants ever! This place is small and very casual. The food is consistently good and fresh. The spring rolls are distinctly delicious. Fresh mint, vermicelli, pork and shrimp with a peanut dipping sauce- YUM! The menu is huge and the food is light and inexpensive. Its also BYOB, so if you're looking for a good cheap meal, this is your place! Also, if you like milk shakes, try their boba shakes. Like a milkshake but with little gummies. The coconut flavored one tastes like those hostess snowballs.
(5)
Liza C.
The decor has not changed ever since they opened many many years ago. Still the same family owned. I recently revisited this establishment on a whim with my little brother. It was dinner time and they were pretty busy. we ordered spring rolls as an app, which is good besides the bean sprouts that were added. I ordered the mi kho dac biet which is a dry yellow noodle with seafood and all kinds of meats in one, it comes with a bowl of soup. my dish was very tasty and filling. the soup however was too salty and spicy all in one. way too much salt and pepper i suppose? my brother ordered their com chien duong chau, which is a fried rice combo, he said it was okay, but would rather not have it have peas, corn, or carrots, we've actually never had those in that dish anywhere else so that was a bit different. everything was okay besides the fact that the food took a while to come out. the table next to us took even longer even when they got there before us!
(3)
Nicolette H.
really danm good......i love their summer rolls and the peanut sauce is to die for...i usually get the curry tofu dish (number 90 i believe) and add pineapples..the veggies in the curry always taste very fresh and have a great crunch. their lemonade (which i think is actually limeade) is super refreshing and great with the curry. also, remember to save room for a boba shake, the green tea flavor is my favorite. All in all, for a "hole in the wall" very un fancy, inexpensive place Da Lat really a good idea.
(5)
Robert T.
Everyone I know loves this place--I think it's OK.
(3)
Kimberly C.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant of all time. Even though it does not look like much from outside, if I go more than a week without going there I get very anxious... I am a vegetarian and finding restaurants that have vegetarian options can be difficult, but DaLat is one of the few restaurants that has many. Their tofu rolls and egg rolls are both fabulous! The vermicilli with tofu is amazing (#37). #89 (vegetable and tofu stirfry) is also a favorite of mine. It's great the way it is, but I always ask for no cabbage and add pineapple... My mouth waters just thinking about it. Some people have mentioned the slow service, and it's true but the food completely makes up for that. If you're a newbie, you probably wouldn't know that they don't bring the check to you. When you're done eating, just go up to the counter to pay. Once you know that, you won't see the service as being as bad. Also, someone mentioned that it is service without a smile and sometimes it is, but most times they are smiling. In fact, we have a couple waiters that know us and our orders, and always greet us with a smile. Some people have also mentioned that the place is full of college students. There are certainly a lot of college students that go there, but there are also many other types of people that go there, including children and older people. I noticed that the site says this place is not good for children, but I see children there many times. Whoever you are, you will feel comfortable going there. On top of this place being the absolute best Vietnamese food around, the prices are cheap. Even with this economy, my husband and I can afford to go every week. I feel very fortunate that DaLat is so close to us that we are able to do that. Give this place a try! You won't regret it!
(5)
Tom B.
Why do people give this place knocks? This is a fantastic Vietnamese restaurant with some of the best Pho I have had in the greater Boston area (second only to Pho Pasteur so far). Came here late-ish on a Wednesday and enjoyed the medium rare beef Pho, and the summer rolls. Maybe the only thing I'd advise is that they get a soda fountain so I don't have to pay for two or three cans of diet coke (I'm a DC junkie), but the service was wonderful, the Pho was amazing, and the summer rolls were excellent and clearly hand rolled. I strongly urge you to dine here for some of the best Pho in Massachusetts and easily the best in or near Worcester.
(4)
Clare M.
A run down little hole in the wall, but excellent food! Since I visit Massachusetts regularly, I always anticipate our stop for lunch at Da Lat. Great vegan and vegetarian menu that has never left me hungry.
(5)
Yorkiana M.
Great food but the worst serve I have ever had in any restaurant I've ever been. So if you don't mind being treated like the wall, come here because everything I've had here was really good.
(3)
jesse l.
While I was skeptical about the place on Park ave. next to a hello kitty store and a check cashing joint at first; I have to say that the first time I ate there I was hooked. My mouth begins to water just thinking of the crispy fresh rolls with mint dipped in the famous peanut sauce. While we usually order take out, it is a comforting pleasure on a cold rainy day to enjoy a large bowl of steaming hot soup. Vegans, carnivores, Vietnamese, and Clarkies alike continue to flock here for fresh, nutritious, flavorful food at bargain prices. The BBQ chicken or the beef with mushrooms and red and green peppers are both excellent choices for the more mainstream appetite. For the more adventurous classic Vietnamese gastronomic delights abound.
(4)
Crystal L.
Been driving up and down this street and never noticed this place. The menu was extensive and a lot of varieties. Ordered their seafood pho and it was good. Half vietnamese half chinese taste. Their curry tofu dish was pretty good as well.
(3)
Clair L.
Perfect. Awesome. Tasty. And omg the coffee
(5)
Ryan V.
This place used to be a great place to eat in terms of Vietnamese cuisine. The quality and taste of the food as fallen a few notches. The service is quick but without a smile. A lot of Clark University students seem to hang out here and it's a good meeting spot if you are a student. During dinner time, this place is pretty packed so I would arrive a little bit early if you want to get dinner here. There is parking on the side of the building and limited parking behind. Overall the food is cheap, along with the quality and service. You get what you pay for.
(2)
Laura C.
Really enjoy the food but make sure you aren't in a rush cause the service is kinda slow. Also BYOB which is nice, and not expensive. We always get a 1,2,38 &39 and love it every time.
(4)
Tiffany D.
AMAZING!!! I used to drive all the way into Allston/Brighton for Le's... but this is as close to authentic as I've had (Altho I haven't been into Dorcester yet hehe which I hear is Vietnamese central) But a friend recommended this place to my at-the-time boyfriend & I and I loved it. From the rich broths of the pho to the freshly rolled rolls.... everything tastes so homemade and yummy!! I loved it.. the service was a bit slow (I'm guessing because we got there near closing time) but worth it. Try a bubble tea (boba!) They're amazing there!!!
(5)
R B.
Place actually seems dirty, but the food is excellent and erm, dirt cheap. Why hasn't Vietnamese food taken hold like Thai? The food seems very clean and healthy and well-balanced.
(4)
Greg N.
Good. Best way to describe it is simply - good. Not mind blowingly good, not too expensive, just simply good.
(3)
David Y.
This is the type of restaurant I love. Its a nice, little mom-and-pop shop that serves great inexpensive food. The decor is pretty lame with bare white walls and minimal wall coverings but I come to eat and I love to eat. I got a vermicelli with eggrolls (#88) and another noodle dish using thin wheat noodles with tons of vegetables (#38). Both were awesome. The vermicelli dish was nice and light with a good amount of veggies and fish sauce on the side. I don't like too much fish sauce to keep a light, not too sweet aspect of the dish while the eggroll was crispy and very flavorful. A great deal at $6.50. The wheat noodles seemed like a variation of a basic Chinese noodle entree but I love the highlight of the many vegetables (celery, carrots, onions, baby corn, etc). It came in a savory pre-added sauce that was not too oily. Its all family owned so service was fast but not as attentive as say a Chinese restaurant. I also thought the place could've turned on their radio to add a little background noise. All in all, I got what I wanted.
(4)
Ezra B.
This is a diamond in the rough kind of place. No frills no special looks, just some darn good food. Vietnamese is good, cheap is a standard and they meet this standard. Great place to come with a couple of people and try all different things. I like the place a lot and if I am in a jam for lunch or dinner I pop down. Food is hot fast and tasty! Which to me is always a plus. Sometimes the service is slow to not there and their credit card issue always seems to get in the way of a really good meal. I always have cash but those with me sometimes don't I think it is a $15 minimum charge, I think.
(4)
kimberly l.
Dalat is not fancy, in fact its kind of a hole in the wall sort of place, but the food is definitely worth the tradeoff in atmostphere - if you want some tasty food in a casual atmosphere it's a great place to check out. Don't go when you are starving though as the service can be a bit slow.
(4)
Michelle V.
I've lived in Worcester most of my life and over the past 7 years or so, Da Lat has made its way into the ranks as one of my regular go-to spots. Its very casual, not the sort of place to go if you're in the mood for atmosphere, chatty servers, or on a short lunch break. However, if you just want to talk undisturbed with a friend/date/etc over a pot of tea and take your time eating a tasty meal, then by all means- give this place a try! I LOVE Vietnamese egg rolls (which are really easy to find in Worcester btw) and they are always good here... on par with other restaurants on the same street. Even better though, and one of the things they do better than any of the other Vietnamese spots I frequent, are their "fried" tofu rolls. They are stuffed with fresh mint, tofu, and other yummy vegan-friendly stuff, and the peanut sauce here beats everyone else's peanut sauce by a long shot! I'm not vegan, but I have a few riends who are, and they love the options at Da Lat. There's something for everyone. I need to start exploring other dishes they offer, but I can't help reverting back to my established favorites: #37 (tofu sauteed with lemongrass and chili on rice noodles over a bed of shredded lettuce and mint), chicken fried rice, limeade, and of course the avocado boba shakes. Show up when you have at least an hour to kill, and try a few different things, your wallet won't mind. The value is fantastic! PS, everyone who commented about the way to pay is correct. Once they drop off your check, just bring it to the counter and pay- no point in waiting.
(3)
Cassidy D.
Da Lat is one of Worcester's best-kept secrets. The food is fresh, delicious and CHEAP. The only reason I am not giving it five stars is because the service is not a priority and the ambiance is certainly not exciting. I know there are a lot of critics who take these aspects very seriously, but this place is successful for a reason: their food. They have over 100 items on the menu, many of which are vegetarian or vegan. I have been going here for almost ten years now, and although I occasionally try something new, I almost always get the same thing. The service isn't the best, but it is something you learn to adapt to after your second or third experience (and it has imporived over the years). You just have to know that when you are done with your meal, instead of waiting for your check, just walk to the register and they will ring you in immediately. An added bonus of this restaurant is that it is BYOB (which i don't believe is posted anywhere?) It is a great place to get an exciting and inexpensive meal, and I would highly recommend it!
(4)
Laura S.
One of the best restaurants in Worcester! Very reasonable prices and good portions. I highly recommend the tofu spring rolls with peanut sauce and the vermicelli.
(5)
Abby M.
I know people say a lot of college students eat here which is too. But on the other hand, locals go to this place as well. I think it is mostly again, cheap and broke college students as well. I went to the local community college, and I would often go here after class. The spring rolls are delicious, and same with the noodles and chicken. Oh and where else in Worcester can you get boba tea! (bubble tea) Oh also..it loses a star, because when I went here once, we saw cockroach on the counter.
(3)
George B.
Since going to school at WPI oh those many years ago, I find myself going back to this town to visit friends throughout the year. They introdced me to Da-Lat a couple of years ago and I have to say that the food is definitely good and of consistent quality. The restaurant itself is a rather bland place (I hardly say that's part of its charm) and a bit uncomfortable for large groups - they can only accommodate one group of 8-10 at a time when busy. For people in groups of 4 or less, it's definitely managable. Most times we tend to take away rather than dine in. As for all the Clark students, don't let that put you off. Honestly, they're just college students looking for an affordable meal, and that's exactly what you'll find at Da-Lat: food that's reasonable and tasty. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to dine here, but if you're living in the area and a few minutes walk or drive away, it's certainly a good option.
(3)
Grant G.
A great place with authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The Vietnamese fried rice and barbecued foods are spot on. A wonderful, inexpensive whole in the wall... and the boba is fantastic!
(4)
Joe C.
Good food, super filling. They give you some good tea with each meal too.
(4)
Art V. B.
Good food, low prices and tasty (non-alcoholic) drinks. Good selection of vegetarian options What else would you need on a sunny afternoon?
(4)
Tanya D.
I like the food there, dilicious taste but gotta deal with very very extreamly slow service. I don't like the Boba smoothie drinks there they put too less fruit I couldn't really taste the fruit in the smoothies.
(4)
Perry S.
I simply love this place!! It's cheap and it has great food!! Love the pho best in the city!!
(5)
Byron M.
If you are in Central Massachusetts you don't need to drive to Boston for good Vietnamese Food. It is here at Dalat. I have been going to this place for years. I would even say that the food here is better than alot of places in Boston. This place is family run and it shows, the service is a bit slow at times as they are overrun by people. But that is a sign that there food is good. Prices are cheap. The Pho is great (Pronounced as "ph eeeeh?") but I like their bbq chicken leg. It is so flavorful. Try their vietnamese iced coffee, it is made with sweetened condensed milk, yum. Enjoy.
(4)
yolanda w.
i'm not normally a fan of pho but when i went here in march nothing could have been better. i really adore this place and its gigantic bowls of soup!
(4)
A B.
one word....ok two words....ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!
(5)
Caitlin G.
When it hits summer, all I ever want to eat are their spring rolls. Their other food is good & affordable & the restaurant was within walking distance, but the fresh spring rolls were what kept me coming back!
(4)
Jody G.
I just went back after at least 10 years (used to go to school in Worcester) and it is still the same--delicious, cheap, and fresh! I was so happy to find that nothing changed. Dalat was my favorite restaurant and still is tops... Love all of the soups--especially the Hot and Sour with Shrimp, any of the lemongrass vermicelli dishes, the summer rolls, salads, and yummy peanut sauce. Love it all!
(5)
Anna B.
This place has amazing Pho and vietnamese spring rolls. i was in heaven when i ate there!
(4)
Adrienne B.
I miss this place. It was such a great restaurant to have so close to school. The food is cheap and delicious and always what you want. I went here as often as I could with one to 10 people and it was always perfect. You're bound to run into other Clarkies there and sometimes its those people you know but aren't friends with so its awkward- but the foods so good who cares. The wait staff is useless- but just be agressive- wave em down and you'll get what you want. If you're in Worcester make it a point to check this place out- that is if you like Viatnamese Food.
(5)
Mike S.
It fits the bill - cheap, decent, quick service, and local. My opinion is that Pho Dakao down the street is of a higher quality, but it's more expensive. I've never disliked anything I've gotten from Dalat, though for some reason whenever I'm there, they're out of boba. Sadness ~~~
(3)
Lizzy F.
Food is fantastic. Consistently.No ambience, but that's part of the charm.VERY affordable. I'm addicted to the fresh spring rolls and tofu curry.
(4)
Steve M.
This is my favorite restaurant in Worcester. Just 5 minutes on foot from Clark, I went here a million times when I lived in town. Zero decor, great home-style Vietnamese food. The staff are friendly, if a bit inattentive, and they will substitute ingredients in dishes for you. A great place to run into your old Clark buddies.
(5)
Raymond Y.
This used to be one of the best in Wocester in terms of Viatnamese food. However there are so many new competition in Worcester now. However I still give it 3 stars because their BBQ Pork and Chicken rice dish is still one of the best in the area.
(3)
Chiyo C.
Another cheap, decent place for Vietnamese food in Worcester. I went to dinner here the other night with three friends, and when I asked each person how their food was, the reply was unanimously "ok". Nevertheless, we enjoyed our dinner together, chatted about things that only pretentious Clarkies chat about, and felt satisfied when it came time to pay and leave. The food here is "ok"-- I suppose you get what you pay for.
(3)
Kevin W.
Its a below average restaurant but I rate it a one star because of all the pretentious Clark students who eat there. What can I say?
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Danielle W.
I'm not too familiar with Worcester and the guy I'm dating, who also happens to live there, also didn't know too many places we could grab dinner where they offered a decent selection of vegetarian options. Prior to venturing out I, of course, checked Yelp to see what 4-5 starred restaurants were in the area; one of them happened to be Dalat. I am a big fan of Asian cuisine and he had never had Vietnamese food before, but he was willing to try! We arrived at Dalat around 7:45-8 p.m. on a Friday night. It doesn't look like much from the outside and to be honest, it's not much to look at on the inside either, however; the service and food were great which makes the somewhat drab surroundings tolerable. It's a fairly small location but with quite a few tables. I gather this place is BYOB because the table of girls behind us had a couple bottles of red wine and there wasn't any alcoholic beverages on the menu. I ordered shrimp with lemon grass over vermicelli and my date ordered shrimp and vegetables; we were both extremely pleased with the food and ate every last bite. The service was great, the staff were friendly and the food was fresh and delicious, oh and cheap too! The total bill for both of our meals came to right around $15 with tax. I would highly recommend this place and would definitely go back!
(4)Shreena B.
I moved back to NY over a year ago and am still missing Dalat. I just can't quit you. This is a true gem of Worcester. Mention the bubble tea to any Clarkie and you will see her salivate as she excuses herself to get her fix. The noodles are incredible and all the ingredients are always so fresh.
(5)Lau G.
Hi again to my fellow Clarkies and Woo-rats. (I'm assuming if you're reading this, there is a good chance you go to Clark or one of the other schools in the area.) I would like to report that I just returned from a long trip to Vietnam, something that has been on my bucket list for many years, and while we had many, many delicious meals there, I still feel that Dalat in Worcester serves some of the best fresh spring rolls you could possibly get. I also ate several stir-fry dishes in Vietnam, and none were quite the same as the chicken-and-peanut stir-fry dish (#63 I believe) at Dalat. In other words, Dalat is a legitimately authentic Vietnamese restaurant, and I look forward to next time I am back in the area so I can swing by again.
(5)David P.
I've been a regular here, coming at least few times a month. I only take the beef special pho (extra tripe and tendon) and I love it. The broth is reach and delicious and the toppings are plentiful. My wife goes with the veggie pho and she also likes it a lot. Definitely recommend to try it at least once and guarantee you'd be hooked.
(5)Kelsey D.
This hole-in-the-wall restaurant may be easy to overlook as you're driving down Park Avenue, but it is definitely worth a visit or two, or three or ten. I ordered a special called the Bo Luc Lat. The pork is tender and perfectly marinated in this sweet, tangy sauce. It is served on a beautiful plate of fresh vegetables with a side of rice. Enough to fill me up and please my tastebuds, but it's also healthy. If you're in Worcester, stop here. Don't forget a boba shake (I'm currently drinking the taro one, and it is amazing)!
(5)Alyna L.
Bobas are great for desert. My favorite smoothie flavors are mango, coconut, taro, thai tea, and green tea. Their smoothies are the cheapest from all the other restaurants I've been to in worcester. My favorite dishes are pork and shrimp rolls, beef territaki, chicken cabbage salad, chicken curry, pork hot pot, tofu vermicelli, the pan-fried noodle dishes, and hot and sour shrimp soup. The service is different every time I go. Sometimes I have good service and sometimes bad but the good food makes up for it. The restaurant might not look appealing but it's clean. The prices are reasonable for the portions of the food. Even though the portions might be small but the prices matches it.
(5)Kara B.
Love this place! Their boba drinks are out of this world, as are any of their dishes. The downside is the customer service, while polite, is so slow. Don't plan on having some important appointment right after you eat there because it will always take longer than expected. Also, the atmosphere is outdated, but I think it adds to the experience. What they lack in service and ambiance they make up with amazing food and really low prices.
(5)Emily C.
This place has been here for years and still hasn't been remodeled.bi should of knew it was a bad sign when I sat down at a table with stained and dirty table cloth. I ordered a meal that I've ordered a few times and this time it didn't taste the same. The sauce was nasty and the veggies uncooked. I told the waitress and she apologized. When I told her i wanted something else and wasn't going to pay for a meal that I didn't touch. She said she would ask the boss. The boss said I still had to pay because I ordered it. Hate to be stereotypical but I wasn't surprised. Needless to say I paid for 2 meals but only ate 1. I won't be conk be back to this place again!
(1)Tiffani L.
I really want to love this place. It's in a really convenient location, not horrible parking and the price is right. The first time I was there it was pretty good. The fried spring rolls (Cha Gao) was to die for! Slightly expensive since it only comes with 2 rolls, but I had to get a second order because they were that good! The pho tai was ok... Broth was a little oily and there weren't that many noodles in a standard bowl. Generally speaking, finishing an entire bowl of pho makes me literally have to unbutton my jeans, I'm so full! I was still craving more food afterwards! Service overall was good and we had this really nice man! The second time was slower, and our table was still dirty. I noticed it was different people working. Overall ok, would definitely go back because it's not horrible and hits the spot when craving pho, but it also isn't anything to really rave about.
(3)Dmitry R.
After much thought, this is the best vietnamese restaurant I've been to. It's an inexpensive family-run hole in the wall which makes many unique dishes that you won't find cooked like that anywhere else. Favorites are the seafood clear noodle soup with fish cakes (#13 I believe), pork in caramelized fish sauce (#46 or thereabouts), special 1g (thick udon noodle soup), curry duck soup, and the Bun Bo Hue. Other stuff is also delicious! The bubble teas are great as well. The service has also improved markedly over the years and I think overall they deserve all 5 stars! My favorite restaurant in Worcester!
(5)Katherine P.
Reliable, tasty, colorful food. Will be a go-to for me. I had shrimp with mixed veggies and the watermelon bubble tea. The prices are reasonable, the service was pleasant and prompt, and the food was good for the price.
(4)Bree L.
Stopped in for bubble tea. Got some weird blendy drink. Ugh. Still on the hunt I guess
(2)Star W.
Da Lat has a good selection of vegetarian rice dishes, which I'm a fan of, but they are hit or miss. One time I got a curry dish that was tasty, but swimming in oil, which didn't make me feel great. There are no vegetarian noodle soups, which is usually the case at Vietnamese restaurants. My non-vegetarian friends described the pho as passable. Overall I would eat here in a pinch but I wouldn't be trying to impress anyone by bringing them here. If you're looking for Vietnamese food in Worcester, try Soc Trang for higher quality food.
(3)Emily M.
Some friends brought me here and it was awesome. I wasn't expecting much since it seems like a hole in the wall. When I got my dish I was wowed. It was my first time having vermicelli and I've been craving it ever since. The egg rolls were the best I've ever had! I highly recommend making a trip to park Ave just for this treat!
(5)Ting L.
This is the go to place for boba! They have a lot of options for flavors not to mention you can ask them to mix flavors! I love their boba When I dine in, I usually get the beef pho. The portion's pretty good at a decent price. This place has been in Worcester for many many years, I wish the decor could be upgraded--a little renovation. :) Overall still one of my fav in Worcester
(5)Sanatah A.
So I've been to Dalat a few times and I absolutely love it...the spring rolls are to die for and I'm obsessed with them... I had the roast duck soup the other night and it was delicious... My new favorite spot! I recommended this place to anyone looking for great service and awesome food. Going here for my birthday!
(5)John K.
Best secret in Worcester. I'm tired of all the fried Chinese food with their sweet sauces. The freshness of ingredients and the ability to add more 'heat' or spice via the on table condiments is no different than adding more hot sauce to your chili. Not everyone is looking for a five alarm 'heat'. The reviewer missed a great ending when they skipped the Vietnamese Coffee; a very thick expresso with condensed milk. WOW. Please, don't tell too many people, I want to continue to get be able to be seated.
(5)Stan P.
Visited for the first time last week. Tried out Vietnamese spring rolls, and rice vermicelli with shrimp. Both were fresh and tasty. My friend ordered a dish with chicken and curry which was just the right level of spicy. Very reasonable prices.
(4)Amber R.
I've been going to Da Lat for years. Tofu Rolls and Boba Shakes are the best! The service here is very direct and not over friendly by any means but I can't say I've ever had a bad experience here. Plus food quality is always consistent which is great.
(5)Liz C.
I've been coming here for years and the service and the food were so inconsistent at first, but it seems as though they've worked out the kinks and I am consistently beyond satisfied with my experiences there. The food always comes out hot and the produce is always super fresh. As a non-meat eater, there are tons of options with tons of awesome vegetables and tofu. There are also plenty of chicken, pork, and beef options on the menu as well.
(5)Jessica N.
Dalat is by far the best Vietnamese food in the Worcester area. My family and I are vegan and are frequent patrons because they are flexible and accommodating with their menu. The waitstaff is always friendly, helpful, and attentive with their service. Kevin the chef is amazing and is willing to make most anything vegan with tofu as a substitute protein. We have even been the grateful recipients of dishes that he has prepared that are not even on the menu. That withstanding, even if you are not vegan, the food is always, hot, fresh, high quality, and beautifully presented. It doesn't hurt either that they are BYOB and have wine glasses ready. If you are curious about Asian cuisine you must drop by Dalat, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Samuel M.
Whenever I'm in the mood for something a little more refreshing and different this is close by and it hasn't yet disappointed me. Sometimes the portion sizes seem small but they really are the perfect size. Most recently I had the number 103 (it's easiest to order by number because Vietnamese is not my strong suit) with the salted plum soda. The meal was essentially a built it yourself spring roll, rice paper included. I found this difficult to do but it was nice. The drink was unique in the most interesting ways. It's most certainly worth a visit if you live in the area. These staff are wicked friendly too.
(4)Sondra M.
Trying out every Vietnamese restaurant in Worcester! I got my usual rare steak pho and goi cuon. Didn't love the rice noodles in my beef pho, they were thicker cut than usual and took over the dish. The goi cuon was tasty. Good sauce to go with it. Not the best, not the worst!
(3)Maggie L.
So the decor is nothing to write home about... but the food is amazing! I'm a vegetarian and they have a ton on the menu that I like. I always, always get the coconut shake with my dinner!
(4)Aly B.
I have been a regular at Dalat for years, it is with out a doubt my go to for inexpensive and delicious Worcester food. Everything I have ordered there has been delicious, but my go to is the chicken fried rice and tofu spring rolls. The boba is also super good. Typically a meal of two fried rice, two boba, and spring rolls costs my boyfriend and I $22 or so. The service is always very friendly and the food comes out very fast. I'm always impressed by how quickly the spring rolls are made (to order!!). Also, the waitress has seen us so many times that we don't even need to order any more, she knows just what we like. A wonderful family owned restaurant in Worcester, and one of my personal favs!! Would recommend to anyone who lives in or is visiting Worcester!
(5)Ken C.
We visit here often. My wife is from Vietnam and finds the food here to be to her liking as authentic Vietnamese cuisine. I also have enjoyed each meal and have yet to order the same dish twice. The atmosphere is nonexistent and the decor rather poor, but the food is good, the service is great, and the prices are excellent. A good value overall.
(5)C.M. A.
I've been visiting my brother in Worcester for nearly 20 years, and I always make time to go to Dalat. The family who runs it is friendly and knows all the regulars, but it's really the food that makes the place -- inexpensive, delicious, and different. The boba shakes are a big hit with the kids. We love it!
(5)Jaclyn R.
Our friends told us about this place and we met here for dinner. When I first walked in, I noticed that the place in general wasn't too pleasing to the eye. No decor, nothing fancy. This place is also BYOB, so you can bring whatever you want they will bring you glasses if needed. On to the food... The food was great. It was very good and also very fresh tasting. It's also extremely cheap. The 4 of us ate and had an appetizer and the bill came to $43 or so. I'll definitely be going back :-)
(4)Alex Z.
I went here with a group of people a few weeks ago, and we went with the intention of ordering strictly vegetarian meals in support of VegWorcester's brochure about eating vegan and vegetarian in the Woo. I generally don't order vegetarian meals, but after eating the dining hall food at WPI for quite some time I was really craving some well-cooked vegetables. I got the curried tofu and vegetables (#96 or something like that), and I cleaned the plate. Great blend of flavors, and I was impressed with the variety of vegetables and the satisfying texture of the tofu. The massive bottles of Sriracha sauce were a nice touch, and the menu was massive but not too overwhelming. "Dalat til I die"
(4)Marc E.
I love the pho here. I usually get the # 22 Dat Biet Xe Lua. The broth is always tasty and the meats, etc are great. I also like the # 14 Hu Tieu Nam Vang seafood soup. Everything I have had here is delicious.
(5)Bryan R.
I have been to Dalat many times and I would say most of the time the wait staff is slow and rude. They have very small quantities for the amount you pay. The seafood dishes quantities are almost comical especially considering the price. I am not really sure why they are always busy, it's always hard to get a spot to park in the area. I have never really been impressed by the food or drinks they make, I really just went as many times as i did because my friends wanted to. Mostly college students at this location, since WPI is the closest school it is mostly white kids not that should really matter. Like most Viet places they have a bunch of sauces in old containers that are sticky and have an inch of dust on them.
(2)Carina C.
My Favorite! I love Dalat for so many reasons. Be prepared for a very very casual ambiance. Everything is delicious, and it's BYOB with no corking fee, so I'm always amazed how inexpensive a meal out can be. The spring rolls are amazing, so please try them as an appetizer, no matter what you're in the mood for as a main course. I also like to go with groups and share a few dishes. The service can be slow, but that's why you brought some alcohol along, right?
(5)Tara C.
I discovered Dalat while searching for a new restaurant for my friend and I to try. At first, we were kind of put off by the location and interior -- no atmosphere whatsoever, hole-in-the-wall place... I will be completely honest, I did not expect much. However: The food is delicious. I frequently order the pan fried noodles with seafood. It has a nice spice to it, the vegetables are very nice, and the noodles are just absolutely wonderful. It's also nice to have a place that makes boba drinks, although I do see that becoming more common as of late. The entree portions are large and tasty. My friend ordered a seafood pho that arrived in a very, very large bowl. She hardly made a dent in it before she decided she was finished -- she enjoyed it thoroughly, but it was a LOT of food. The Vietnamese rolls are delicious, as is the sauce that goes with it. The flavors in general are vibrant and delicious. The service is another story. It's not awful, and it has been getting better recently. I've had very nice, attentive waitresses there, and I've had very inattentive waitresses. I don't expect much, especially for the atmosphere and locale -- it isn't a top notch restaurant, and I definitely don't expect that. For what it is, the food is very good, and I am certainly willing to sacrifice the quality of service for how delicious the food is.
(3)oni s.
I moved up here from Orlando, which has a little Saigon, tons of restaurant to choose from. When I came here and was looking for Pho, green papaya salads, vermicelli and etc. I was a little disappointed in the quality of food. Especially since I am willing to travel for it. This I feel is just ok.
(3)Tiffiniy C.
dalat is fun to go to, but just wanted to say it is very un-vietnamese-like food. the dishes just doesn't have those vietnamese flavors. Rather it is a sweet version or american-chinese version. I grew up in a vietnamese/chinese home and know lots and lots of vietnamese restaurants. i love their avocado shakes too.
(3)Alyssa J P.
This place is definitely hole-in-the-wall looking. The food was pretty good, I enjoyed the Siracha offerings one very table, but I expected much faster service given the price and ambiance. I think a "quick" dinner here took about an hour.
(3)Diana L.
I've been eating pho for years and have tried several different places. Over all Dalat was about what you may expect. Nothing to write home about, but does the job for getting a pho fix satiated. The service is friendly and accommodating, the food affordable, and the byob policy is very nice indeed.
(3)Jeffrey L.
Must be demoted, service is too slow and rude, the portions are too small so it's incuseable for the flavors they offer. Nothing special, just a favorite for students and tourists yet again. Cough mainly white people.
(1)Jessica R.
Everything I've had there has been good. Recently I had a seafood and vegetable soup which had plenty of seafood and lots of fresh veggies. The fried rice is good. The fried tofu is good. Oh wait, I guess I already covered this. :) The service is good too. I've found that they take my order promptly, they deliver my meal promptly, they refill my water glass promptly, and I have to flag someone down for the bill. Fortunately it's not a big place, and hey, this way I'm not rushed out the door. Anyway, things not to like about Dalat, such as they are: in the winter it's hard to park when the snowbanks cover up the on-street parking usually available out front. Hardly their fault, and I called and they helped me find a lot where I could park. Notice that I didn't give up and go elsewhere. The boyfriend and I were visiting from out of town and no way were we leaving without our Dalat. The atmosphere isn't all that cozy. It's like a very large storefront restaurant. Who cares. The food is good, and cheap, too. Their avocado milkshakes are wonderful, but they are often out of avocados. What can you do? Avocados are ripe when they're good and ready to be ripe, you can't really rush that. And I often wish I had more food on my plate... or I do until about 10-15 minutes after I'm done eating. That's about how long it takes for the brain to get the message that we've had enough food. During that 10-15 minutes I consider ordering a second entree. I never get one, though. It turns out to be enough after all.
(5)Tammy P.
Spring rolls are awesome!
(3)Girldrinkdrunk S.
Seems I tried the wrong thing. Went back and had the tofu bun. It was fantastic and very similar to my favorite food, Cambodian Bee Bong. Plus, it was only $5.95. We'll be back again and again.
(4)Gina M.
This place is awesome. delicious fresh food, reasonable prices and big selection. Lots of vegetarian options as well.
(4)John T.
I have been here several times over the last year. Service is great, servers are always friendly and knowledgeable. Average food though... the noodle soups are heavy and salty. Most plates are disappointing and sound more appetizing in text. One thing I have an issue with though, there are always several tables full of staff/family members who are usually eating, which is a good sign, but I hate having to flag down my waiter from his Internet browsing or lunch. It makes me feel bad about needing an extra napkin, or wanting the check. Vietnamese places are a dime a dozen in Worcester, this place is nothing special.
(3)Matt K.
Yesss. The pan fried noodles with tofu and vegetables (#86) and the fried tofu rolls (without mint) are amazing.
(5)Kristen M.
Great food at great prices, which was perfect for myself and my friends while living in worcester for college.
(5)K S.
This was my first time ordering at Dalat Restaurant in Worcester. I am not from this area but was helping out the family pawn shop nearby. I ordered carry out and as soon as I walked in to pick up my order there was a sour smell coming from the place. There was about 3 tables of customers and if I were to be candid, it was all caucasian people so according to past reviews it seems to be a favorite amongst the local college kids and people looking for "so called" authentic Vietnamese food. Anyways, my order wasn't ready yet so I sat and waited and had a good view of the women cooking in the kitchen. I had ordered beef chow foon/pan fried noodles and vermicelli combo (egg roll, dried pork skin, shrimp and mixed veggies) and a side of fresh spring rolls. I saw the women stirfrying a thin noodle and put it in the carry out box, she peeked over at me then relooked at the order and then rang the bell for the hostess to come get it. The hostess told me everything was ready and I looked in the box and told her this is not what I ordered and that I ordered beef chow foon. She said "Oh we don't have the flat noodle" and I asked her why she didn't mention it to me earlier and she simply said "You didn't ask." I told her if I had known then I would have ordered something else and if I could, she told me that I should have told her earlier then. I looked at her almost appalled.. and told her that normally chow foon ANYWHERE is a thick flat noodle. She said "All restaurants are different". I then corrected her saying that she had JUST told me that they were out of the chow foon and substituted it. She kept cutting me off and I told that she was being extremely rude and she shot back "You are being rude too!" I paid and just walked out telling her she needs better customer service skills. I am sorry but as a paying customer and if I were representing the restaurant I would have at least asked the patron whether they minded if the noodle was substituted and not have given the customer an attitude. She was too defensive for the restaurant's own error. Also the 2 hostess/waitresses were busy gossiping in Vietnamese the whole time I was there while dine in customers were waiting for their meals. The 15 minutes I was there I did not see them go to the table and check on any of the guests or ask if they needed water refills or anything like I see at other exceptional Vietnamese restaurants. By the time I left, no one was served yet. This place looks like a hole in the wall, food is mediocre at best. I will attach the pictures of my "chow foon" and my husband's dish. Service overall sucks whether carry out or dine in. I doubt I will order here again and can look elsewhere in Worcester for Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant probably doesn't even care about their rude service because their clientele seems to be college kids that could care less anyways.
(1)AM G.
Sept. 2012 - Came for the first time and really liked the food! Simple atmosphere, friendly staff, tasty food at a good price.
(4)Alex S.
Good value Pho. I would say Ahn Thu is perhaps tastier, but their prices are worse, and I am not a fan of the restaurant itself. Also, Dalat is one of the few places to get Bubble tea in Worcester! so, if you want good cheap vietnamese food, Dalat is for you
(4)Susan S.
When I left Worcester after graduating from college, I noticed a hole in my heart in the shape of Dalat. Yeah the decor isn't that great and the servers don't kiss your ass, but they will accommodate big groups, open your wine for NO corking fee, and let you sit around laughing and crying hour after hour. I always order tofu spring rolls with extra peanut sauce and a #86 which I then cover with Sriracha and the sauce in the yellow bottle. I have had friends actually mail spring rolls and peanut sauce to me in Texas. I actually dreamed about this last night, nearly two years after moving out of Worcester. That meal, plus an avocado shake. The key to Dalat is to find your meal, make it your own, tip your server and keep coming back. After a while, the staff knew when I had a to-go order and wouldn't box it up in styrofoam because they knew I would bring my own container. They started bringing my party a peanut sauce per person without us having to ask. Eating at Dalat is like taming a wild horse. Your reward comes after long, consistent effort and investment.
(5)Bill N.
Best in Worcester
(5)Sonny P.
I've eaten here once and will not eat here again. First of all poor location, parking was a hassle. When I first walked in, I was not greeted like a guest, instead the waitress just walked me to my seat. No drink, nothing on my table after sitting there for 5-10 minutes. I ordered, received my food in generous portion. The Pho was not good at all. Too much Noodles with little soup, small amounts of flank, beef and veggies etc. So I finally asked for water (after waiting for service again on a non-busy day). Come on guys! I'm eating PHO! hello...!!! Water?. So I received water with this "damn, why don't you order soda or something" type feeling from the waitress. So I ate my horrible tasting Pho, tipped exactly 15% no penny more or less and left. I will not eat at any Pho restaurant that has cheap prices for Pho again, I rather pay 2-3 dollars more for great service and great Pho. I know what good Pho is, I grew up eating Pho and this place is NOT the place to bring anyone for Pho. Go down the street to Pho Dakao, they'll show you how to service customers and have better tasting Pho and better parking spots.
(2)Shannon C.
I have been to Dalat 3 times. I tried to give the place the benefit of the doubt but our last outing has firmly cemented my opinion of this dingy place. The service is terrible, the food mediocre and the waiting is endless. You wait for a table, you wait to be approached by a server, you wait ON END for your food however they certainly are quick with the bill. We went on Friday night and while the place was full, 4 servers for 15 tables is hardly unmanageable. We waited 30 minutes to place our order and then 60 minutes to receive it. We were consoled with "Oh, well you shouldn't have ordered #44. That dish takes the longest to prepare because we have to thaw the chicken. It's frozen. You shouldn't have ordered that." At that point, my meal came out but my boyfriend's did not. We had it packed up to go, left promptly and will never been seen again at Dalat. Good riddance.
(1)David K.
We were in Worcester looking for a good Pho place and saw this one had some good reviews on Google. So we decided to give them a try. My wife ordered Pho and although it taste like any other place, their portions are tiny. When we saw the menu prices, we thought we were gonna get a bargain but it turns out they just serve really tiny bowls. I wouldn't say we got ripped off, but the bowls were too small for a good meal, and too big to double-up. I ordered #44 (BBQ chicken rice plate) which ended up being a barbecued chicken drumstick (they cut the drumstick into three long pieces but I could still tell it was a drumstick). The dish tasted good but it wasn't anything special or anything I could make at home. The service was good although it was kind of weird having to go up to the counter to ask for our check (we saw everyone else doing that as if that's normal for this restaurant).
(3)Dan B.
When I was living in Worcester, this restaurant was the thing that kept me sane. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but man! The food is just great. I've eaten at many Vietnamese places in my life, and not only is this place the best one I've been to, it's the cheapest. Win-win. My favorite dish is the "rice paper work", the one where you make your own rolls with vermicelli, meat, mint, lettuce and cucumber. My wife gets the bun thit nuong every time, without fail. They have other good things on the menu, too, but I have a hard time ordering them because I like my old stanbys so much. I see someone below rated this place 1 star because of the "pretentious Clark students". That's a silly reason to rate the place low, especially since there are just as many Worcester State and WPI students there, not to mention Worcester natives. It's just a good place to eat.
(5)Nhi N.
This is one of the worst Vietnamese restaurants I had ever been to. The service was horrible. We had to wait 30 minutes before our food came. The utensils were dirty as well. There were still dark spots left on my brother's spoon and fork. Also, the food was really off. If you really want some decent Vietnamese food for cheap, save yourself the trouble and go somewhere else.
(1)Jake K.
There is a Vietnamese place in Portland, OR that I grew up on and miss terribly, so on my hunt to find a replacement (or a close substitute) I have found myself at this place a few times. I always get salad rolls, they do have a good peanut sauce that comes along with that. Then I also always get chicken vermicelli (a very thin rice noodle, it's very good). My only complaint/wish is that there could be more chicken and onions to match all the noodles. Still, I've eaten there at least 3 times now, so until I find another place, this is where I will continue to go for Vietnamese.
(4)Phuong P.
The food here is solid. I would recommend the tofu dishes because I like how they marinate their tofu. This is also one of the FEW places in Worcester that has shakes with boba. Worcester needs to get with the times!!
(4)Rachel K.
I have dined at Da Lat several times in the past, but a recent experience has completely ruined it for me and I will not be looking forward to going back any time soon. A friend of mine ordered food for pickup and the car she was going to use to drive to pick it up ended up breaking down, and so when she got a call from them saying that they would be closing soon and could not wait anymore, she explained that she would come walk instead because of her car problem. The manager said that she could not wait, even though my friend said she would be there in a few minutes and could pay for the food, and not make them have to waste it. Then tonight we ordered food for pickup, and they recognized the number, called us back after we placed it, and said "We just want to make sure you're ACTUALLY coming" and made her give her credit card number to make sure. This was extremely rude and an inappropriate way to treat a customer.
(2)Lauren A.
Tofu Summer Rolls are tasty. Prices reasonable. Also another place to get Boba (Bubble) Tea, so so but its not the best I've had in the area. Parking is tough to find in front of the place depending on the time of day.
(3)Carol C.
I should preface this review by saying that I'm grading on a Worcester curve. Dalat is a great option for Clarkies who want to eat a tasty home-style meal without breaking their budget. Their barbeque chicken with rice is excellent, as are the spring rolls, which are a little different than what you'd find in Vietnamese restaurants in New York (the skin is super crispy as opposed to a more doughy texture). When I ordered the pho, however, there was way too much hot sauce and, once mixed, the soup was bright red (*see photo). It was a bit too intense for my palette, although I don't think they usually put so much in. Dalat also has boba drinks and an amazingly potent Vietnamese-style coffee that's essential to my all-nighters.
(4)Ryan G.
Da Lat is one of my favorite restaurants in Worcester. The menu is huge, full of yummy offerings including Pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup. My favorites here were the spring rolls, boba shakes (variation of bubble tea), and pretty much any chicken dish. The only thing to be avoided is any seafood concoction, but you could have probably guessed that. Most of the items are cheap, right around $10 or less. If you have not tried bubble tea it is worth a shot, although they only offer the frozen smoothie-like variation it is the best of its kind that I have tried. There is ample parking on the street or a private lot out back. The service is always fast and very friendly. The only downside of Da Lat is as others have said it is a hole in the wall and they have gotten rid of their eco-friendly and rather unique giant plastic chopsticks. Go for the food not the scenery, I highly recommend it!
(5)Dena L.
Excellent vietnamese food!
(5)Bethany B.
Rainy weather always makes me crave pho and thankfully last night the Mister didn't mind going out in the downpour so that we could get our pho fix. We split an order of Bun Bo Hue, Bo Lui (their version of Beef Teriyaki) and Com Chien Duong Chau (fried rice with pork, eggs, peas, and chinese sausage). Everything was delicious! The Bo Lui was so tasty although I think the description might be off because there was onion in the middle and not pork. The Bun Bo Hue was perfect amount for 2, with fresh basil, bean sprouts, and lime. It came with less beef than we usually get at Pho Dakao but the quality and flavor were better. It was an equal trade off to us. We added our own srichacha sauce though -- it needed that kick. The rice was the best that I have had in months. All of the ingredients were tasty although for some reason that Chinese sausage tasted like grape soda. It might just be me. I did try a green tea boba too. It was too sweet for me but once Hubby got over the tapioca pearls -- he finished it. Hubby did have a 25 minute wait for take out. Eavesdropping he learned that it was Parents Weekend for some of the surrounding colleges. This was good stuff -- definitely worth the wait.
(4)Alana L.
This is one of my favorite restaurants ever! This place is small and very casual. The food is consistently good and fresh. The spring rolls are distinctly delicious. Fresh mint, vermicelli, pork and shrimp with a peanut dipping sauce- YUM! The menu is huge and the food is light and inexpensive. Its also BYOB, so if you're looking for a good cheap meal, this is your place! Also, if you like milk shakes, try their boba shakes. Like a milkshake but with little gummies. The coconut flavored one tastes like those hostess snowballs.
(5)Liza C.
The decor has not changed ever since they opened many many years ago. Still the same family owned. I recently revisited this establishment on a whim with my little brother. It was dinner time and they were pretty busy. we ordered spring rolls as an app, which is good besides the bean sprouts that were added. I ordered the mi kho dac biet which is a dry yellow noodle with seafood and all kinds of meats in one, it comes with a bowl of soup. my dish was very tasty and filling. the soup however was too salty and spicy all in one. way too much salt and pepper i suppose? my brother ordered their com chien duong chau, which is a fried rice combo, he said it was okay, but would rather not have it have peas, corn, or carrots, we've actually never had those in that dish anywhere else so that was a bit different. everything was okay besides the fact that the food took a while to come out. the table next to us took even longer even when they got there before us!
(3)Nicolette H.
really danm good......i love their summer rolls and the peanut sauce is to die for...i usually get the curry tofu dish (number 90 i believe) and add pineapples..the veggies in the curry always taste very fresh and have a great crunch. their lemonade (which i think is actually limeade) is super refreshing and great with the curry. also, remember to save room for a boba shake, the green tea flavor is my favorite. All in all, for a "hole in the wall" very un fancy, inexpensive place Da Lat really a good idea.
(5)Robert T.
Everyone I know loves this place--I think it's OK.
(3)Kimberly C.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant of all time. Even though it does not look like much from outside, if I go more than a week without going there I get very anxious... I am a vegetarian and finding restaurants that have vegetarian options can be difficult, but DaLat is one of the few restaurants that has many. Their tofu rolls and egg rolls are both fabulous! The vermicilli with tofu is amazing (#37). #89 (vegetable and tofu stirfry) is also a favorite of mine. It's great the way it is, but I always ask for no cabbage and add pineapple... My mouth waters just thinking about it. Some people have mentioned the slow service, and it's true but the food completely makes up for that. If you're a newbie, you probably wouldn't know that they don't bring the check to you. When you're done eating, just go up to the counter to pay. Once you know that, you won't see the service as being as bad. Also, someone mentioned that it is service without a smile and sometimes it is, but most times they are smiling. In fact, we have a couple waiters that know us and our orders, and always greet us with a smile. Some people have also mentioned that the place is full of college students. There are certainly a lot of college students that go there, but there are also many other types of people that go there, including children and older people. I noticed that the site says this place is not good for children, but I see children there many times. Whoever you are, you will feel comfortable going there. On top of this place being the absolute best Vietnamese food around, the prices are cheap. Even with this economy, my husband and I can afford to go every week. I feel very fortunate that DaLat is so close to us that we are able to do that. Give this place a try! You won't regret it!
(5)Tom B.
Why do people give this place knocks? This is a fantastic Vietnamese restaurant with some of the best Pho I have had in the greater Boston area (second only to Pho Pasteur so far). Came here late-ish on a Wednesday and enjoyed the medium rare beef Pho, and the summer rolls. Maybe the only thing I'd advise is that they get a soda fountain so I don't have to pay for two or three cans of diet coke (I'm a DC junkie), but the service was wonderful, the Pho was amazing, and the summer rolls were excellent and clearly hand rolled. I strongly urge you to dine here for some of the best Pho in Massachusetts and easily the best in or near Worcester.
(4)Clare M.
A run down little hole in the wall, but excellent food! Since I visit Massachusetts regularly, I always anticipate our stop for lunch at Da Lat. Great vegan and vegetarian menu that has never left me hungry.
(5)Yorkiana M.
Great food but the worst serve I have ever had in any restaurant I've ever been. So if you don't mind being treated like the wall, come here because everything I've had here was really good.
(3)jesse l.
While I was skeptical about the place on Park ave. next to a hello kitty store and a check cashing joint at first; I have to say that the first time I ate there I was hooked. My mouth begins to water just thinking of the crispy fresh rolls with mint dipped in the famous peanut sauce. While we usually order take out, it is a comforting pleasure on a cold rainy day to enjoy a large bowl of steaming hot soup. Vegans, carnivores, Vietnamese, and Clarkies alike continue to flock here for fresh, nutritious, flavorful food at bargain prices. The BBQ chicken or the beef with mushrooms and red and green peppers are both excellent choices for the more mainstream appetite. For the more adventurous classic Vietnamese gastronomic delights abound.
(4)Crystal L.
Been driving up and down this street and never noticed this place. The menu was extensive and a lot of varieties. Ordered their seafood pho and it was good. Half vietnamese half chinese taste. Their curry tofu dish was pretty good as well.
(3)Clair L.
Perfect. Awesome. Tasty. And omg the coffee
(5)Ryan V.
This place used to be a great place to eat in terms of Vietnamese cuisine. The quality and taste of the food as fallen a few notches. The service is quick but without a smile. A lot of Clark University students seem to hang out here and it's a good meeting spot if you are a student. During dinner time, this place is pretty packed so I would arrive a little bit early if you want to get dinner here. There is parking on the side of the building and limited parking behind. Overall the food is cheap, along with the quality and service. You get what you pay for.
(2)Laura C.
Really enjoy the food but make sure you aren't in a rush cause the service is kinda slow. Also BYOB which is nice, and not expensive. We always get a 1,2,38 &39 and love it every time.
(4)Tiffany D.
AMAZING!!! I used to drive all the way into Allston/Brighton for Le's... but this is as close to authentic as I've had (Altho I haven't been into Dorcester yet hehe which I hear is Vietnamese central) But a friend recommended this place to my at-the-time boyfriend & I and I loved it. From the rich broths of the pho to the freshly rolled rolls.... everything tastes so homemade and yummy!! I loved it.. the service was a bit slow (I'm guessing because we got there near closing time) but worth it. Try a bubble tea (boba!) They're amazing there!!!
(5)R B.
Place actually seems dirty, but the food is excellent and erm, dirt cheap. Why hasn't Vietnamese food taken hold like Thai? The food seems very clean and healthy and well-balanced.
(4)Greg N.
Good. Best way to describe it is simply - good. Not mind blowingly good, not too expensive, just simply good.
(3)David Y.
This is the type of restaurant I love. Its a nice, little mom-and-pop shop that serves great inexpensive food. The decor is pretty lame with bare white walls and minimal wall coverings but I come to eat and I love to eat. I got a vermicelli with eggrolls (#88) and another noodle dish using thin wheat noodles with tons of vegetables (#38). Both were awesome. The vermicelli dish was nice and light with a good amount of veggies and fish sauce on the side. I don't like too much fish sauce to keep a light, not too sweet aspect of the dish while the eggroll was crispy and very flavorful. A great deal at $6.50. The wheat noodles seemed like a variation of a basic Chinese noodle entree but I love the highlight of the many vegetables (celery, carrots, onions, baby corn, etc). It came in a savory pre-added sauce that was not too oily. Its all family owned so service was fast but not as attentive as say a Chinese restaurant. I also thought the place could've turned on their radio to add a little background noise. All in all, I got what I wanted.
(4)Ezra B.
This is a diamond in the rough kind of place. No frills no special looks, just some darn good food. Vietnamese is good, cheap is a standard and they meet this standard. Great place to come with a couple of people and try all different things. I like the place a lot and if I am in a jam for lunch or dinner I pop down. Food is hot fast and tasty! Which to me is always a plus. Sometimes the service is slow to not there and their credit card issue always seems to get in the way of a really good meal. I always have cash but those with me sometimes don't I think it is a $15 minimum charge, I think.
(4)kimberly l.
Dalat is not fancy, in fact its kind of a hole in the wall sort of place, but the food is definitely worth the tradeoff in atmostphere - if you want some tasty food in a casual atmosphere it's a great place to check out. Don't go when you are starving though as the service can be a bit slow.
(4)Michelle V.
I've lived in Worcester most of my life and over the past 7 years or so, Da Lat has made its way into the ranks as one of my regular go-to spots. Its very casual, not the sort of place to go if you're in the mood for atmosphere, chatty servers, or on a short lunch break. However, if you just want to talk undisturbed with a friend/date/etc over a pot of tea and take your time eating a tasty meal, then by all means- give this place a try! I LOVE Vietnamese egg rolls (which are really easy to find in Worcester btw) and they are always good here... on par with other restaurants on the same street. Even better though, and one of the things they do better than any of the other Vietnamese spots I frequent, are their "fried" tofu rolls. They are stuffed with fresh mint, tofu, and other yummy vegan-friendly stuff, and the peanut sauce here beats everyone else's peanut sauce by a long shot! I'm not vegan, but I have a few riends who are, and they love the options at Da Lat. There's something for everyone. I need to start exploring other dishes they offer, but I can't help reverting back to my established favorites: #37 (tofu sauteed with lemongrass and chili on rice noodles over a bed of shredded lettuce and mint), chicken fried rice, limeade, and of course the avocado boba shakes. Show up when you have at least an hour to kill, and try a few different things, your wallet won't mind. The value is fantastic! PS, everyone who commented about the way to pay is correct. Once they drop off your check, just bring it to the counter and pay- no point in waiting.
(3)Cassidy D.
Da Lat is one of Worcester's best-kept secrets. The food is fresh, delicious and CHEAP. The only reason I am not giving it five stars is because the service is not a priority and the ambiance is certainly not exciting. I know there are a lot of critics who take these aspects very seriously, but this place is successful for a reason: their food. They have over 100 items on the menu, many of which are vegetarian or vegan. I have been going here for almost ten years now, and although I occasionally try something new, I almost always get the same thing. The service isn't the best, but it is something you learn to adapt to after your second or third experience (and it has imporived over the years). You just have to know that when you are done with your meal, instead of waiting for your check, just walk to the register and they will ring you in immediately. An added bonus of this restaurant is that it is BYOB (which i don't believe is posted anywhere?) It is a great place to get an exciting and inexpensive meal, and I would highly recommend it!
(4)Laura S.
One of the best restaurants in Worcester! Very reasonable prices and good portions. I highly recommend the tofu spring rolls with peanut sauce and the vermicelli.
(5)Abby M.
I know people say a lot of college students eat here which is too. But on the other hand, locals go to this place as well. I think it is mostly again, cheap and broke college students as well. I went to the local community college, and I would often go here after class. The spring rolls are delicious, and same with the noodles and chicken. Oh and where else in Worcester can you get boba tea! (bubble tea) Oh also..it loses a star, because when I went here once, we saw cockroach on the counter.
(3)George B.
Since going to school at WPI oh those many years ago, I find myself going back to this town to visit friends throughout the year. They introdced me to Da-Lat a couple of years ago and I have to say that the food is definitely good and of consistent quality. The restaurant itself is a rather bland place (I hardly say that's part of its charm) and a bit uncomfortable for large groups - they can only accommodate one group of 8-10 at a time when busy. For people in groups of 4 or less, it's definitely managable. Most times we tend to take away rather than dine in. As for all the Clark students, don't let that put you off. Honestly, they're just college students looking for an affordable meal, and that's exactly what you'll find at Da-Lat: food that's reasonable and tasty. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to dine here, but if you're living in the area and a few minutes walk or drive away, it's certainly a good option.
(3)Grant G.
A great place with authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The Vietnamese fried rice and barbecued foods are spot on. A wonderful, inexpensive whole in the wall... and the boba is fantastic!
(4)Joe C.
Good food, super filling. They give you some good tea with each meal too.
(4)Art V. B.
Good food, low prices and tasty (non-alcoholic) drinks. Good selection of vegetarian options What else would you need on a sunny afternoon?
(4)Tanya D.
I like the food there, dilicious taste but gotta deal with very very extreamly slow service. I don't like the Boba smoothie drinks there they put too less fruit I couldn't really taste the fruit in the smoothies.
(4)Perry S.
I simply love this place!! It's cheap and it has great food!! Love the pho best in the city!!
(5)Byron M.
If you are in Central Massachusetts you don't need to drive to Boston for good Vietnamese Food. It is here at Dalat. I have been going to this place for years. I would even say that the food here is better than alot of places in Boston. This place is family run and it shows, the service is a bit slow at times as they are overrun by people. But that is a sign that there food is good. Prices are cheap. The Pho is great (Pronounced as "ph eeeeh?") but I like their bbq chicken leg. It is so flavorful. Try their vietnamese iced coffee, it is made with sweetened condensed milk, yum. Enjoy.
(4)yolanda w.
i'm not normally a fan of pho but when i went here in march nothing could have been better. i really adore this place and its gigantic bowls of soup!
(4)A B.
one word....ok two words....ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!
(5)Caitlin G.
When it hits summer, all I ever want to eat are their spring rolls. Their other food is good & affordable & the restaurant was within walking distance, but the fresh spring rolls were what kept me coming back!
(4)Jody G.
I just went back after at least 10 years (used to go to school in Worcester) and it is still the same--delicious, cheap, and fresh! I was so happy to find that nothing changed. Dalat was my favorite restaurant and still is tops... Love all of the soups--especially the Hot and Sour with Shrimp, any of the lemongrass vermicelli dishes, the summer rolls, salads, and yummy peanut sauce. Love it all!
(5)Anna B.
This place has amazing Pho and vietnamese spring rolls. i was in heaven when i ate there!
(4)Adrienne B.
I miss this place. It was such a great restaurant to have so close to school. The food is cheap and delicious and always what you want. I went here as often as I could with one to 10 people and it was always perfect. You're bound to run into other Clarkies there and sometimes its those people you know but aren't friends with so its awkward- but the foods so good who cares. The wait staff is useless- but just be agressive- wave em down and you'll get what you want. If you're in Worcester make it a point to check this place out- that is if you like Viatnamese Food.
(5)Mike S.
It fits the bill - cheap, decent, quick service, and local. My opinion is that Pho Dakao down the street is of a higher quality, but it's more expensive. I've never disliked anything I've gotten from Dalat, though for some reason whenever I'm there, they're out of boba. Sadness ~~~
(3)Lizzy F.
Food is fantastic. Consistently.No ambience, but that's part of the charm.VERY affordable. I'm addicted to the fresh spring rolls and tofu curry.
(4)Steve M.
This is my favorite restaurant in Worcester. Just 5 minutes on foot from Clark, I went here a million times when I lived in town. Zero decor, great home-style Vietnamese food. The staff are friendly, if a bit inattentive, and they will substitute ingredients in dishes for you. A great place to run into your old Clark buddies.
(5)Raymond Y.
This used to be one of the best in Wocester in terms of Viatnamese food. However there are so many new competition in Worcester now. However I still give it 3 stars because their BBQ Pork and Chicken rice dish is still one of the best in the area.
(3)Chiyo C.
Another cheap, decent place for Vietnamese food in Worcester. I went to dinner here the other night with three friends, and when I asked each person how their food was, the reply was unanimously "ok". Nevertheless, we enjoyed our dinner together, chatted about things that only pretentious Clarkies chat about, and felt satisfied when it came time to pay and leave. The food here is "ok"-- I suppose you get what you pay for.
(3)Kevin W.
Its a below average restaurant but I rate it a one star because of all the pretentious Clark students who eat there. What can I say?
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