Love the sandwich special - can't be beat for $9.

I have passed by this restaurant countless times and never really had the chance to give it a shot. A friend of mine decided to take me out for lunch a couple of days ago and unexpectedly chose Ha Long Bay Bistro. The server was pleasant and her recommendations suggested the popular curry chicken or the sub and soup. I’m not particularly a big fan of curry in general so I went with the pork sub and soup. To my amazement, this sub was absolutely delicious. A nice, warm crunchy banquette, along with thinly sliced pork, trimmed of its fat, toppled with some carrots and daikon, added with a hint on cilantro. This sub had a secret sauce that was sweet and kept the bread luscious. I’m in love with this sub and will definitely come back.

What really bothered me about this place was the size of their glasses. Picture a tiny cup with 1/3 ice and 2/3 water, which is practically barely any water at all! I swear I could gulp this cup of water in less than a minute and the server would have to refill it again every 5 minutes. With the hot weather coming around, I need to be in a place that offers a nice tall glass of water. I’m sure a lot of people agree with me! The server advised me it was because it allowed her to keep an eye on her tables, but it’s so unnecessary when you have to refill water every 5 minutes for those who drink water like I do. Also, I would prefer it if I weren’t bugged every 5 minutes for my glass to be refilled.

All in all, I enjoyed the décor, the food and the service. Although the portion of the food is great, taller glasses should be put into consideration!

Have been going every Friday night for the last few weeks.
Great service & food. Nice casual night out in friendly atmosphere...........and not overly expensive at all.

My husband and I had a great dinner here. The food was very special. We were very impressed with the flavours and freshness of all the food. I recommend the spring rolls which were very different than the usual on offer. Avenue and Eglinton is lucky to have Ha Long Bay Bistro.

My husband and I went late August and were pleasantly surprised by the excellent food and service. We had Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Winter Rolls, Curry Chicken and Coconut Flan. A 5 oz glass of Oyster Bay at $10 was a bit expensive but the food was reasonably priced. We also had the best waitress we have ever met, Dian, who was very helpful and knew the dishes on the menu. Forget about 7 Numbers and Ferraro, both nearby. Ha Long Bay Bistro is a welcome arrival on Eglinton and we will certainly return.

Vietnamese food is one of my favorite and I'm glad to add HLB to my list! I went there couple times, they have lots of unique dishes and here are my favorite - Viet coffee (I like it strong - so you can ask for less condensed milk - or vice versa if you don't), Winter Rolls - Grilled chicken and vermicelli bundled in mustard green leaves. I love soup, so Sour Shrimp Soup is a must try! Lots of ingridents - of course, Shrimp, okra, taro stem, pineapple, tomatoes, bean sprouts). Last night I discovered any signature dish - the Bamboo Salad - yumm...this is a must Bamboo, minced black tiger shrimp, seasame seeds, basil and mint nested in crispy sesame cracker!! Chef's specialties - main course - I like the Crispy Coconut Crepes (again one of a kind dish) - Sauteed chicken breast, shrimp, bean sprouts and scallions nestled in two coconut crepes and accompanied by lettuce and mint! Here is my favorite part, dessert - I would vote for the Flan. This is a small small place which makes it very cozy! It's very clean! The first thing I do when I walk into a restaurant is to go to their washroom, they've kept it nice and clean...the two things that I would like to comment about is that the door is a little heavy for me and the sink is a little too small!

veronica and I have been waiting for a Vietnamese restaurant to open up close to the office. Finally we have Ha Long Bay Bistro just a few doors down :) YAY! They have a beautiful interior with gorgeous chandeliers! They did such a fantastic job renovating the space.. as we remember what the previous restaurant looked like before Ha Long Bay moved in.

We ordered green tea, Cha Gio - spring rolls, Pho Bo Dac Biet - Beef Pho noodle soup, Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio - Vermicelli with grilled pork and chicken spring rolls and for dessert, corn rice pudding with coconut milk.

Everything was amazing! Fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation and dishes with amazing flavor! My vermicelli had mint leaves that really made the dish! There was so much food, we were stuffed but we couldn't stop eating. We finally had to give in and have them wrap it up to take back to the office.

They brought us our bill in the coolest box I've ever seen! The presentation of the tea, appetizers and the entrees, even our bill was outstanding.

I think I just found my new favorite restaurant!

**Note: with regards to our entrees, that's not what they looked like when we received them.. they looked lovely.. we had already begun eating before we I realized that I forgot to take a photo before I started folding my noodles, meat and veggies all together and Veronica had stirred up her Pho :)

• By:

  JENNIFER

  Update November 16, 2010
  

  I just love the Vermicelli with grilled pork and chicken spring rolls, It is so delicious. I just had to go there for lunch today, so glad I did.

• By:

  JENNIFER

  Feb 1st 2012
  

  I really should try some other items on their menu because I always order the same thing.. but I have to say that it is sooo delicious.. I just can't help myself. The Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio (grilled pork vermicelli)it is AMAZING!!! This has to be one of the best Vietnamese Restaurants in Toronto..If you haven't eaten here.. I suggest you do.

• By:

  JENNIFER

  July 18th 2012
  

  My goodness I love their food, ordered my favorite from their menu today.. as always.. absolutely delicious!!

• By:

  JENNIFER

  August 16, 2012
  

  ordered the pork vermicelli today.. unbelievably delicious!

• By:

  JENNIFER

  Feb 20th 2013
  

  Celebrated my birthday with lunch at Ha long Bay today...absolutely delicious!!