Van's Restaurant

14122 Brookhurst St, Garden Grove, CA 92843, United States
+1 714-530-6858
$$$ Vietnamese restaurant , Middle Eastern restaurant
(469 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Van’s Restaurant is a full-service spot blending Vietnamese and Middle Eastern flavors at 14122 Brookhurst St in Garden Grove. The focus here is on hearty, traditional dishes that locals clearly return to for familiar comfort food, especially when craving Vietnamese classics. The dining room has a simple, no-frills vibe with a busy, casual atmosphere that fills up even in the late afternoon—ideal for a relaxed meal without fussing over reservations or seating arrangements.

The menu is broad, but many diners come for the Vietnamese specialties like banh xeo, the crispy savory pancakes filled with pork and shrimp that you wrap in herbs and lettuce. While some find the pancake skin a bit thick, the overall combination of fresh greens and the savory filling is a draw, especially for those who appreciate authentic northern-style preparations. Other standout dishes include the sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves (bánh tét bánh chưng), bun rieu oc (a rich crab and snail noodle soup), and egg rolls that earn praise for being expertly made and satisfying.

Those who frequent Van’s are likely locals or visitors who know their Vietnamese food well, looking for genuine flavors rather than fusion or overly modern twists. The prices are reasonable, which helps keep this restaurant a regular stop for casual lunches or dinners. The staff move quickly through a busy dining room, maintaining a straightforward, efficient service style that suits the steady flow of guests. You won’t find a fancy presentation here, but what’s served up feels rooted in everyday family and street food traditions.

Because of the mix of Vietnamese and some Middle Eastern influences, there are a few less common dishes that broaden the usual scope, like tandoori chicken and Canarian potatoes, reflecting a bit of variety without losing focus on the core Vietnamese offerings. It’s a place to bring groups who are happy to explore well-loved comfort dishes rather than finely polished dining trends.

Planning your visit for an afternoon or early evening meal works well, as the atmosphere buzzes with regulars who appreciate straightforward, tasty meals. The casual setting means you can slip in without formalities, take your time, and enjoy classic Vietnamese comfort food staples—perfect for those looking to escape the typical mall food court options nearby.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

09:30 AM - 08:00 PM

Tuesday

09:30 AM - 08:00 PM

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

09:30 AM - 08:00 PM

Friday

09:30 AM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

09:30 AM - 08:00 PM

Sunday

09:30 AM - 08:00 PM

469 Reviews
Panda Hoang

09 Jan 2026

We love the banh xeo here, they used to give us variety of vegetables with it, especially the sour leaf , even tho we moved away but everytime we visited California, we have to come here. They have sweet sticky rice, vietnamese ham are really good here too. Thit kho is decent. We love the deserts here. Their eggrolls is beyond, one of the best in town.

David Le

24 Dec 2025

A hidden gem for Vietnamese comfort food. Everytime i am in Orange cnty, this is the place for bun rieu oc. I can eat it everyday, lol. Banh xeo is also a popular choice but i dont think it that good. Reasonable price overall.

Robert Lee

06 Oct 2025

This place has been here forever, and for good reason. The food is just plain good. Get the banh xeo. It's a pork, shrimp, crispy inlet that you wrap in lettuce and herbs. Yes, not a flavor combo that sounds like should work, but does to so to excellent effect. Recommended. By the way, you know the place is legit when they bring you a glass of ice for your beer.

John P

03 Oct 2025

I heard about how good this place was from a couple of people. We decided to give them a try! As soon as you walk in, the place was almost full for a late afternoon. You go sit where there is an available seat which I like. Through all the chaos, the server came over immediately to take our orders. There is so many good choices with pictures and detail descriptions on the menu so you don’t have to guess what comes with what dish. The food came out very quickly even when the place was almost full! The prices are reasonable as I think it is the go to place if you are on a budget. The entire process and vibe reminds me of being in Vietnam. We ordered three items and it all came out good! The place allows you to come in and have a quick bite or sit and stay as long as you want. When you finish, you go up and pay at the register. They also sell a little bit of take home food. I will definitely come back and try their other dishes. If you are expecting a full service 5 star style restaurant, do not come here. It is just a good overall place to go and I highly recommend you come try it. Good food, quick service, and great value!

regis kwong

27 Sep 2025

Excellent northern Vietnamese food. Great Banh Xeo( Vietnamese taco with bean sprouts) but the skin is a bit too thick. Banh Beo is very authentic compared to the ones offered in the San Gabriel valley. This restaurant also have a table full of all the other Vietnamese food goodies for take out. We bought a couple of rice tamale and some desserts.

lellieu

21 Sep 2025

This was one of the best Vietnamese restaurants I have ever been too - the place felt very authentic and a bit of controlled chaos. Service was prompt and friendly. But egg rolls ever! And the noodles with fish sauce were so yummy. Dishes are cheap - under $8

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