La Dong: Modern Vietnamese Cuisine with Authentic Flavors in NYC

La Dong Introduce

In the ever-evolving culinary landscape of New York City, La Dong emerges as a distinguished destination for those seeking a unique and refined Vietnamese dining experience. This is not your typical neighborhood pho spot; it's a beautifully designed, high-end restaurant that presents classic Vietnamese flavors through a modern lens. Owned and operated by an Asian-owned team, La Dong offers a menu that spans the traditional to the innovative, with a focus on both Northern and Southern Vietnamese dishes. For New Yorkers who appreciate a meal where ambiance and authenticity are equally important, La Dong provides a cozy and trendy setting that feels like a portal to a Vietnamese colonial house.

La Dong has quickly gained a reputation for its stylish atmosphere and commitment to an elevated dining experience. The interior, with its tasteful decor and ambient lighting, creates a warm and inviting space perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you're in for a quick lunch, a romantic date night, or a celebratory group dinner, the setting is sophisticated yet casual. The menu goes beyond the basics, offering a range of "Chef's Specials" that highlight unique and expertly prepared dishes. While some diners may come with a preconceived notion of traditional Vietnamese food, La Dong encourages an open mind, presenting familiar dishes with an elevated twist and introducing lesser-known regional specialties. This approach to modern Vietnamese cuisine has made it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a new culinary adventure.

La Dong is conveniently located at 11 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. This prime address places it right in the heart of the bustling Union Square neighborhood. The area is one of the city's major transit hubs, making the restaurant exceptionally easy to access via public transportation. The Union Square subway station, just a minute's walk away, serves the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W, and L lines. This central location makes La Dong a perfect choice for anyone working or living in the area, as well as a convenient destination for a pre-theater dinner or a post-shopping meal.

The accessibility extends beyond public transport. La Dong offers a welcoming environment for all, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the dining experience. While street parking is available, as is typical for this part of the city, it can be limited and is often paid. Given the excellent subway access, taking public transportation is the most recommended way to get to the restaurant. Its location in a lively and diverse neighborhood means there's always something happening, adding to the overall energy and appeal of the restaurant.

Services Offered

No-Contact Delivery, Delivery, and Takeout: La Dong provides multiple convenient options for enjoying their food from the comfort of your home. You can place an order for delivery or takeout, with the option for no-contact service.
Dine-In and Table Service: The restaurant offers a full sit-down dining experience with table service, where you can relax and be attended to by their friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: La Dong serves a wide range of meals throughout the day, making it a great choice for any occasion, from a midday lunch break to a late dinner.
Catering: For events or special gatherings, the restaurant provides catering services, allowing you to bring their delicious Vietnamese dishes to your party.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which are highly recommended for dinner, especially on weekends, to ensure you get a table.

Features / Highlights

Modern and High-End Ambiance: The decor and atmosphere are a major highlight. La Dong is known for its elegant, modern, and beautiful interior, creating a high-end feel that stands out from more traditional Vietnamese eateries.
Authentic and Elevated Cuisine: The menu offers a mix of classic Vietnamese dishes and elevated chef's specials. While it features staples like pho and bánh mì, it also includes unique offerings like Wagyu Pho, Beef Short Ribs Curry, and Shaking Beef, showcasing a refined take on traditional flavors.
Great Cocktails and Coffee: The bar at La Dong is a key feature, offering a variety of creative and delicious cocktails as well as Vietnamese coffee, which is a must-try.
Healthy and Vegetarian Options: The menu includes healthy options and a good variety of vegetarian dishes, such as Vegetable Spring Rolls and Tofu & Mushroom Bánh Mì.
Fast Service: Despite its high-end feel, the restaurant is known for its fast and efficient service, making it a reliable spot for a quick bite.
Family-Friendly and Inclusive: La Dong is a welcoming space for everyone, identified as being family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safe space. It is also an Asian-owned business, adding to its cultural significance.

Contact Information

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

Phone: (917) 289-0019

What is worth choosing

When considering a dining spot in New York, La Dong is a place worth choosing for its ability to blend authenticity with a modern, elegant experience. It’s a restaurant that challenges expectations of what Vietnamese food can be, offering a menu that is both familiar and surprising. The food presentation is consistently on point, reflecting the care and artistry that goes into each dish. For those seeking an elevated version of classic Vietnamese comfort food, the Chef's Specials are a great place to start. The Wagyu Pho is a unique and luxurious take on a staple, and the Bún Chả Hanoi is a wonderful example of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Beyond the food, the ambiance is a major draw. The beautiful decor and cozy atmosphere make it an ideal setting for a date or a special group dinner where you want a trendy yet relaxed vibe. The service, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu and genuinely friendly, adds to the overall fantastic experience. While it may be a more premium-priced option, the quality of ingredients, the artful preparation, and the stunning atmosphere justify the cost. For anyone who wants more than just a quick meal and is looking for a memorable, cultural, and culinary journey, La Dong provides an excellent choice.

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
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 green papaya salad with watercress, peanut, cabbage &shallot in chili lime dressing topped with crispy chicken skin
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
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
Locals
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 1611 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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
Finally found a delicious Vietnamese restaurant by accident! We passed by this Vietnamese restaurant today and decided to give it a try! Beautiful interior design, exquisite wood sculpture design and decoration with traditional Vietnamese umbrellas and bamboo lanterns, let your eyes. We ordered traditional Vietnamese Pho, which was amazing! great quality of beef balls which I added extra, the beef slices were also melt-in-the-mouth, delicate onions made the soup sweet. I highly recommend beef Pho. The service staff was very friendly and polite! We will definitely come back!
June 02 · CJL - G
Been twice and both times the service and food were fantastic! Even though they do have the staple Vietnamese dishes, they also incorporate flavors and textures which elevates the food. I particularly enjoyed the crunchy element in the Summer Roll Shrimp and the dipping sauce is incredible! The presentation of each dish is stunning as well. Though the price point is high for Vietnamese cuisine, it’s definitely worth every penny! Really incredible dining experience and definitely recommend this spot!
June 01 · Y S
I recently had the pleasure of dining at this amazing Vietnamese restaurant, and I have to say, it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely delicious – every dish was packed with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. I especially loved the pho; the broth was rich , and the noodles were perfectly cooked.What made the experience even better was the excellent service, specifically her name is Jab and Dream. The staff were so friendly and attentive, always making sure we had everything we needed. They were happy to recommend dishes and explain the menu, which was really helpful.The atmosphere of the restaurant was cozy and welcoming, making it a great spot for both casual meals and special occasions. I can’t recommend this place enough – if you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or just looking for a great dining experience, this is definitely the place to go!
March 28 · Phung Zoo Zoo