La Dong: A Destination for Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in New York

La Dong Introduce

Nestled in the bustling heart of Manhattan, just steps from Union Square, La Dong is a Vietnamese restaurant that elevates the traditional dining experience to a new level. It's not just a place to get a quick bowl of pho; it's a destination for a flavorful journey through the diverse cuisines of Vietnam. The restaurant, which identifies as Asian-owned, has masterfully created an atmosphere that is both cozy and trendy, with beautiful decor that transports you to a sophisticated, modern setting. La Dong stands out for its commitment to serving dishes that are both authentic and innovative, bringing a fresh perspective to Vietnamese classics. The menu is a testament to this, offering a wide variety of dishes that cater to all tastes, from traditional vermicelli bowls and spring rolls to unique chef's specials that highlight premium ingredients. Whether you're a long-time fan of Vietnamese food or new to its rich flavors, La Dong offers a welcoming and exciting environment for a memorable meal.

La Dong has earned a reputation for its vibrant and complex flavors that are fresh and beautifully presented. The kitchen's focus on quality ingredients and masterful preparation shines through in every dish. One of the restaurant's key strengths is its ability to balance comforting, familiar flavors with more adventurous and exciting combinations. This dual approach ensures that there's something for every diner, whether they're in the mood for a classic noodle dish or a more refined entree. The restaurant is not only a place for great food but also a full-service experience, complete with an on-site bar and a thoughtful selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. The staff are known for being warm and attentive, adding to the inviting atmosphere. This dedication to both culinary excellence and outstanding hospitality makes La Dong a must-visit spot in the city. The fact that the place is often lively and full of people speaks to its popularity, with many praising its ability to absorb noise well so you can still have a comfortable conversation, even with a crowd.

La Dong is located at 11 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. This is an incredibly convenient and central location in Manhattan, positioned just off Union Square. The area is a major transportation hub, with easy access to multiple subway lines and bus routes, making it a simple trip for anyone in the city. For those coming from out of town, its proximity to major landmarks makes it an ideal stop. While finding parking in this part of Manhattan can be challenging, the availability of **paid street parking** is a helpful amenity for those who prefer to drive. The restaurant's location in such a dynamic and high-traffic neighborhood means it's a popular choice for everything from business lunches to special dinner outings, drawing a diverse crowd of both locals and tourists. The ease of access from all parts of the city contributes significantly to its reputation as a premier dining destination.

The restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring a **wheelchair accessible entrance** to accommodate all guests. Its central location and inviting ambiance make it a fantastic choice for a wide variety of diners, including **family-friendly** groups and those from the **LGBTQ+ friendly** community. The interior is designed to be both stylish and comfortable, with a **casual, cozy, and trendy** atmosphere. This is the kind of place you can visit for a celebratory dinner or a quiet, solo meal. Because of its popularity, especially for dinner, **reservations are recommended**, a sign of its high demand and excellent reputation. The restaurant’s success is a testament to its combination of a great location and a truly standout dining experience.

La Dong offers a comprehensive range of services and dining options that cater to every need and occasion. These services are designed to provide maximum flexibility and a high-quality experience:

No-contact delivery & Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, these options ensure a seamless and safe delivery.
Takeout: A quick and convenient choice for grabbing your order to go.
Dine-in: The full restaurant experience with **table service** in a beautifully designed setting.
Catering: A great option for bringing the delicious flavors of La Dong to your next event or gathering.

The features and highlights of La Dong are what truly make it a standout among the many dining options in New York. These elements speak to the restaurant's commitment to quality, authenticity, and a premium experience:

Chef-Driven Menu: The menu offers a fantastic selection of traditional dishes like **Pho Hà Noi** and **Bún Bò Hue**, alongside unique and elevated creations such as **Wagyu Pho**, **Chilean Sea Bass**, and **Shaking Beef (Bò Lúc Lac)**.
Great Cocktails: The restaurant is known for its inventive and flavorful cocktails, which add a special touch to the dining experience.
Healthy and Diverse Offerings: In addition to **comfort food**, the menu includes plenty of **healthy options**, **small plates**, and a full bar with **alcohol**, **beer**, and **wine**.
Fast Service: Many customers praise the fast and attentive service, which makes dining at La Dong efficient even when the restaurant is busy.
Unique Atmosphere: The interior is described as cozy and trendy, creating an inviting space for all diners. The acoustics are also a highlight, as noted in a customer review, making conversation easy.
Accepts Reservations: This is a key feature for planning, especially during busy hours, as **dinner reservations are recommended**.

For inquiries, reservations, or to place a takeout order, you can contact La Dong using the following information:

Address: 11 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (917) 289-0019

What makes La Dong a particularly strong choice for your next meal? It’s the combination of its authentic, high-quality food and a refined, welcoming environment. Unlike some Vietnamese restaurants, La Dong offers a truly elevated experience, blending traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques. The menu is a highlight in itself, with standout dishes like their pho, which a customer described as "just as good as we remembered," and the sea bass. The use of premium ingredients, such as Wagyu beef in their pho, showcases a dedication to quality that justifies the price. The restaurant is a perfect blend of old and new, offering classic dishes that feel familiar and comforting, along with innovative specials that are exciting and fresh. The atmosphere is another major selling point; it’s a place where you can feel relaxed and at ease, even in a lively setting. The excellent service, as highlighted by many customers, ensures that every visit is a pleasant one. For anyone in New York looking for a Vietnamese restaurant that offers a step above the usual, with fantastic food, a beautiful setting, and a full-service bar, La Dong is the clear choice. It’s a true culinary gem that provides an unforgettable dining experience, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a high-quality bowl of pho.

La Dong Menu

Lunch Pho
L. Pho Hà Noi $19.00
rice noodle, slow cooked brisket, raw chuck eye, shallot, scallion, cilantro, side of pickle garlic & bird eye chili
L. Pho Gà $19.00
rice noodle, chicken breast, quail eggs, shallot, scallion, cilantro & Vietnamese coriander
L. Pho Vegetable $19.00
rice noodle, King oyster mushroom, shimeji mushroom, Yu Choy, bamboo shoot, shallot, scallion & cilantro
L. Dry Pho Beef $19.00
rice noodle, brisket, chuck eye, beef balls, peanut, shallot, scallion, cilantro & house sweet soy
L. Dry Pho Gà $19.00
rice noodle, chicken breast, quail eggs, shallot, scallion, cilantro, Vietnamese coriander & house tamarind soy
L. Dry Noodle Duck $26.00
egg noodle, crispy quarter duck, Yu Choy, shallot, scallion, cilantro, pickle ginger & duck essence gravy

Lunch Noodle & Rice
L. Cơm (Rice) $18.00
served with crab & shrimp spring roll, lettuce, cucumber, pickle carrot, shredded red cabbage, shallots, scallion oil & **peanut**
L. Bún (Vermicelli) $18.00
served with crab & shrimp spring roll, lettuce, cucumber, pickle carrot, shredded red cabbage, shallots, scallion oil & **peanut**
L. Garlic Chili Noodle $18.00
L. Crab Fried Rice $26.00

Lunch Bánh mì
L. Classic Bánh Mì $16.00
Vietnamese sandwich with homemade pork sausage, ground pork spread, chicken pâté, fresh herbs, pickle & Vietnamese mayo. (baguettes contain sesame)
L. Pork Bánh Mì $16.00
Vietnamese sandwich with grilled pork, chicken pâté, fresh herbs, pickle & Vietnamese mayo (baguettes contain sesame)
L. Tofu & Mushroom Bánh Mì $16.00
Vietnamese sandwich with: king oyster, sauteed shimeji, fresh herbs, pickle & Vietnamese spicy mayo ( baguettes contain sesame)

Chef's Specials Appetizers
Vegetable Spring Roll $13.00
king oyster, shimeji, shiitake mushroom, yu choy & vegetarian fish sauce
Soft Shell Mango Salad $19.00
shredded mango, papaya, Vietnamese coriander, **peanut**, lemongrass, tamarind, red cabbage, carrot, dried shrimp, shallot, garlic, roasted rice, lime, fermented fish & shrimp dressing
Pomelo Salad $18.00
Chandler pomelo, grilled shrimp, Cara Cara, lemongrass, Kaffir lime, green moscato grape, mint, shallot & toasted coconut tossed in spicy tamarind dressing.
Bánh Xèo $17.00
Vietnamese turmeric crêpe shrimp, Vietnamese pork sausage, bean sprout, scallion, sweet radish, nước chấm & fresh herbs
Pâté & Bone $17.00
chicken liver mousse, pickle, bone marrow & toasted baguette.
Sugarcane Shrimp $16.00
chạo tôm shrimp paste loaf on sugarcane skewer red leaf lettuce, fresh herbs & plum sauce

Chef's Specials Entrée
Pork Chop Rice Platter $26.00
Com Tam style pork chop over rice, Vietnamese egg meatloaf, fried egg, pickle, fresh herbs & vegetables
Luoi Bo Kho $29.00
Vietnamese beef tongue stew, lemongrass, tomato paste, baked spices, lychee & toasted baguette
Beef Short Ribs Curry $36.00
tender braised short ribs in Vietnamese yellow curry, baby potato, star fruit & coconut milk served with toasted baguette. creamy, spicy & fragrant
Chilean Sea Bass $39.00
10 oz fillet steamed in traditional ginger-soy, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, King mushroom, Yu Choy & julienned aromatics.
Bún Cha Hanoi $32.00
grilled pork & dipping noodle Hà Nội style grilled pork patties, crab & shrimp spring roll, vermicelli, fresh herbs, pickle & traditional fish sauce dip
Wagyu Pho $36.00
Miyazaki A5 Wagyu, American Wagyu, chef’s signature pho broth
Bún Bò Hue $26.00
rice vermicelli, slow cooked brisket, pork sausage, pork hock, blood cake, shrimp paste, shallot, scallion & cilantro in spicy lemongrass broth
Duck Tamarind $36.00
crispy roasted half duck, tamarind & duck bone reduction & steamed Yu Choy
Crab Fried Rice $32.00
white lump crab meat, scallion, egg, jasmine rice.
Cha Cá $43.00
turmeric & dill fish Hanoi’s grilled whole Branzino marinated in traditional turmeric paste, scallion & dill
Cá Chiên Nouc Mam $42.00
fried whole Branzino (de-boned) tossed in sweet fish sauce glaze, fresh greens & herbs.
Shaking Beef (Bò Lúc Lac) $34.00
Bò Lúc Lắc wok tossed American Wagyu ribeye cubes, onion, yellow pepper in garlic soy (served medium-rare) & watercress-cilantro salad

Appetizers
Summer Roll Shrimp $14.00
soft salad roll with fresh greens, vermicelli & spicy cream sauce
Crispy Spring Roll $15.00
pork, crab, shrimp, wood ear mushroom, carrot stuffed in Vietnamese net wrapper
Tofu Scallion $14.00
crispy fried velvety tofu dressed in savory fish sauce.
Vietnamese Chicken Wings $15.00
Fried chicken wing, fish sauce, garlic, Vietnamese coriander, kaffir lime leaf, dried shrimp chili salt
Sesame Rice Cracker $12.00
bánh tráng mè gigantic snack with sweet pork floss-peanut dip
Muc $16.00
crispy calamari wok tossed with yellow pepper, onion, garlic & house lemongrass sauce
Morning Glory $15.00
rau muống sauteed water spinach with traditional rice-garlic sauce.
Steamed Mussel $21.00
Steamed mussels, lemongrass, basil, Vietnamese coriander, chili-lime broth & fried dough

Salads
Goi Du Du $15.00
fresh papaya salad with watercress, **peanut**, cabbage & shallot in chili lime dressing topped with sesame rice cracker
Green Salad $13.00
mix greens, shredded red cabbage, crispy shallot & citrus-soy vinaigrette.

Bánh mì
Classic Bánh Mì $18.00
Vietnamese sandwich with homemade pork sausage, ground pork spread, chicken pâté, fresh herbs, pickle & Vietnamese mayo. -served with house truffle soup on side ( baguettes contain sesame)
Pork Bánh Mì $17.00
Vietnamese sandwich with grilled pork, chicken pâté, fresh herbs, pickle & Vietnamese mayo -served with house truffle soup on side ( baguettes contain sesame)
Tofu & Mushroom Bánh Mì $18.00
Vietnamese sandwich with: king oyster, sauteed shimeji, fresh herbs, pickle & Vietnamese spicy mayo -served with house truffle soup on side ( baguettes contain sesame)

Pho
Pho Hà Noi $21.00
rice noodle, slow cooked brisket, raw chuck eye, shallot, scallion, cilantro, side of pickle garlic & bird eye chili.
Pho Gà $21.00
rice noodle, chicken breast, quail eggs,shallot, scallion, cilantro & Vietnamese coriander
Pho Vegetable $21.00
rice noodle, King oyster mushroom, Shimeji mushroom, Yu Choy, bamboo shoot, shallot, scallion & cilantro.

Dry Pho
Dry Pho Beef $21.00
rice noodle, brisket, chuck eye, beef balls, peanut, shallot, scallion, cilantro & house sweet soy
Dry Pho Gà $21.00
rice noodle, chicken breast, quail eggs, shallot, scallion, cilantro, Vietnamese coriander & house tamarind soy.
Dry Noodle Duck $29.00
egg noodle, crispy quarter duck, Yu Choy, shallot, scallion, cilantro, pickle ginger & duck essence gravy.

Sides
Garlic Fried Rice $12.00
Mushroom Medley $12.00
Sautéed three types of Mushroom with butter soy
Bone Marrow $8.00
Fried Dough $3.00
Fresh Greens & Herbs Basket $10.00
Broth
Peanut Sauce $3.00
Spicy Cream Sauce 3 Oz $3.00
Jasmine Rice $4.00
Steamed Noodle
Pickles Carrot 8 Oz. $3.00
Half Baguette $3.00
1/2 Toasted Baguette
Full Baguette $5.00
Full Toasted Baguette
Chili Oil 3 Oz $3.00
Hot Sauce $0.00

Desserts
Bitter Sweet $12.00
Vietnamese Affogato: toasted coconut ice cream, fried dough & Vietnamese coffee drizzle
Avocado Banana $12.00
Vietnamese banana cracker paired with your choice of ice cream and a seasonal fruit
Coconut Banana $12.00
Vietnamese banana cracker paired with your choice of ice cream and a seasonal fruit
Vanilla Banana $12.00
Vietnamese banana cracker paired with your choice of ice cream and a seasonal fruit
Sesame Sundae $12.00
Vietnamese sesame cracker paired with your choice of ice cream and a seasonal fruit
Ice Cream $10.00

Coffee /Tea
Hot Vietnamese Coffee $6.00
Iced Vietnamese Coffee $8.00
Coconut Salt Coffee $8.00
Calamansi Matcha Spritz $8.00
Lotus Jasmine Tea $7.00

Soda
Coke $3.50
Coke Zero $3.50
Sprite $3.50
Ginger Ale $3.50
Fiji Water (500ml) $4.00
S. Pellegrino $8.00
Still Water $7.00
Shirley Temple $8.00

Juice
Cranberry Juice $5.00
Pineapple Juice $5.00
Grapefruit Juice $5.00

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Mock Mock Gee $13.00
Halftone No-How n/a Gin, tonic, Vietnamese hot mint, citrus fruits.
Rat Ruby $13.00
Ghia apéritif, pomegranate cordial, TÖST Sparkling Rosé
Tart & Strongly $14.00
Pathfinder hemp & root spirit, fresh lemon, ginger beer.
You Spicy Little Plum $14.00
Seedlip Notas de Agave, dried chili, salted plum, citrus
Virgin Mojito $12.00

Cocktail
Ca Phe $15.00
Vietnamese Trung Nguyên Espresso Martini
Elderflower Rose Spritz $17.00
Bombay Sapphire, elderflower, TÖST Rosè, Prosecco
Passion Fruit Mojito $17.00
Planteray dark rum, Amaro Ciociaro, passionfruit, Prosecco
Mezcal Magarita $17.00
classic shake w/ Del Maguey Vida

Bún & Com (Vermicelli & Rice)
Grilled Pork $21.00
Grilled Pork served with crab & shrimp spring roll, lettuce, cucumber, pickle carrot, shredded red cabbage, shallots, scallion oil & **peanut**
Grilled Chicken $21.00
Grilled Chicken served with crab & shrimp spring roll, lettuce, cucumber, pickle carrot, shredded red cabbage, shallots, scallion oil & **peanut**
Tofu $21.00
Tofu served with crab & shrimp spring roll, lettuce, cucumber, pickle carrot, shredded red cabbage, shallots, scallion oil & **peanut**
Spring Roll (Crab & Shrimp) $22.00
Spring Roll (crab & shrimp) served with crab & shrimp spring roll, lettuce, cucumber, pickle carrot, shredded red cabbage, shallots, scallion oil & **peanut**
Grilled Shrimp $23.00
Grilled Shrimp served with crab & shrimp spring roll, lettuce, cucumber, pickle carrot, shredded red cabbage, shallots, scallion oil & **peanut**
Grilled Pork, Shrimp & Spring Roll $26.00
Pork, Shrimp & Spring Roll served with crab & shrimp spring roll, lettuce, cucumber, pickle carrot, shredded red cabbage, shallots, scallion oil & **peanut**

La Dong Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Parking
Paid street parking

La Dong Photos

La Dong Location

La Dong

New York New York County New York East 17th Street

11 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

La Dong Reviews

An average rating of ★4.8 from 1754 user reviews.

wagyubartendersugarcane shrimpcrab fried riceavocado ice creamsteamed rice cakebranzinoduck tamarindpomelo saladchilean sea bass

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I had an absolutely fantastic experience at this Vietnamese restaurant! The food was fresh, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. Every dish tasted authentic and comforting, yet still exciting. The staff were warm, attentive, and made me feel very welcome throughout the visit. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, which made the whole meal even more enjoyable. Definitely one of the best Vietnamese dining experiences I’ve had, I’ll be coming back for sure!
September 08 · Tom
This was our second visit, and the food is just as good as we remembered. I really like their pho, and the sea bass. The atmosphere is nice as well, even though the restaurant is lively, the sound never feels harsh. The space seems to absorb noise well, and their speakers have a softer tone so the music doesn’t come across as too loud or sharp. Highly recommend making a reservation, since there are usually a lot of people waiting for tables.
September 14 · Miki Venn
Amazing spot! The bun cha Hanoi was a standout, one of my favourite dishes! Would definitely recommend. The bar tender was also amazing and very attentive. The bar seats were comfortable and had plenty of space so would definitely recommend sitting at the bar if there’s a wait to dine in.
September 14 · Pirashan Ravi
What an amazing experience. The hospitality was fantastic. They explained the menu and recommended drink pairings. Sky and Nina were so friendly and accommodating. They were knowledgeable and made us feel right at home. The food was fresh and delicious. Everything we ate was top notch. You’ve got to try this spot!
August 15 · Tara Secret
Walked in right when they opened without a reservation and was seated right away. The first impression was great. It’s a beautifully decorated, high-end Vietnamese restaurant with a modern vibe. Service was friendly but felt a bit rushed. I only received one of my appetizers before the main course arrived, and the other one came after the noodles. For a high-end restaurant I would expect foods should be served in order.Food presentation was on point, but the portions were quite small. I ordered the Wagyu pho and bún bò Huế. Honestly, I didn’t enjoy either dish. I’ve been to over 100 pho spots across many cities, and I’d say the broth and noodles here were just average. Given the price easily the most expensive pho I’ve ever had. I expected a lot more in terms of depth and flavor. I was very thirsty for the next several hours also.That said, I might be biased from rich pho culture in the SF Bay Area. I don’t mind paying premium prices if the food quality matches, but in this case, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.I’d recommend this place more for a date night or group gathering where ambiance matters. But if you’re a serious foodie or pho lover like me, you might want to skip it.
July 28 · Steve Kwok