Grandpa Tao Kitchen image

Grandpa Tao Kitchen

Restaurant Asian restaurant Vietnamese restaurant Asian fusion restaurant Pho restaurant

One of the Top rated Vietnamese restaurants in El Cajon


Address

1190 N 2nd St, El Cajon, CA 92021

Website

grandpataorestaurant.com

Contact

(619) 442-1211

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (192 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Monday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (6) Great (6) rolls (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Adam G. 1 year ago on Google
    My coworker and I were definitely not expecting this place to be this good. Both of us are very familiar with what we ordered from other restaurants and this food is very very well done. Great flavors and cooked perfectly. Seasoning is excellent throughout. Portions are more than we expected and service was excellent.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sam F. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely love supporting small businesses and I totally understand rising costs. There has to be a medium between portions and price. It’s a balance that satisfies both ends. Ordered the Shaking beef; flavor was good, slightly sweet and peppery flavor. Quickly cooked on high heat to give a nice golden crust yet tender on the inside. My concern is the portion. It had to been less than 4oz of beef. It was a lot of rice with very little beef. For $16, I was hoping I’d get a good filling portion. Wish you guys the best of luck!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 My L. 11 months ago on Google
    It’s nice to have a Vietnamese fusion place in this part of town. They have a parking lot in the back. You can enter from the back or front entrance along the side walk. Great outdoor patio. The service was friendly. The gentleman just talks really fast and short. Please don’t take it the wrong way thinking he’s rude. More than one review has stated that. He’s just direct, fast and English as a second language. We ordered the house pho and filet mignon pho. Bone broth was fragrant, I came home smelling like pho. It doesn’t have MSG. The filet was sliced, as it should be compared to others. I ordered shaking beef that came with steam rice and salad. The meat was a bit tough and I’ve had better seasoning elsewhere. The shrimp tempura rolls were a bust. I would just stick to the Vietnamese dishes and not get the fusion dishes. It’s generic and has cream cheese which I hate. The garlic pepper wings were good. Must be eaten while it’s still hot and crispy. I loved the seasoning on the skin. Overall, the pho and wings were the winner. We have a plethora of restaurants near us. I would still drive to City Heights or Convoy. But if you need a quick fix, Grandpa Tao is the place to be. Great outdoor space for a large group. Order the pu-up platter!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abril H. 1 year ago on Google
    I have been here quite a bit, and each time the food is made deliciously. There are many different dishes and appetizers for any time of day and season. The food and the drinks are paired wonderfully together. As for the setting, both indoor and outdoor seating have a calming and soothing ambiance. The staff is very nice and respectful; greets with a wide smiles every time.The portions of each dish are great and will have you completely satisfied. I highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Seju M. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband and I had been looking for a right pho restaurant for us and finally found it. Nice food, kind staffs, and good piano music there. We really enjoyed foods and the atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 alex 1 year ago on Google
    Yummy!! We had a couple bowls of pho (seafood and steak) and they were the best pho's we have had in east county and possibly San Diego! Service was excellent too. We will definitely be coming back to try the rest of their varied menu.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gary G. 7 months ago on Google
    We were looking for a new place to eat before church and saw the 5 Star reviews. I think the owner was serving us and she was very helpful on what to choose. The combo appetizers plate, including the egg rolls and spring rolls, were crispy and flavorful. I chose the orange chicken with rice and we also had BBQ Beef Bò Nuong. That was smokey beef and vermicelli noodles with a sweet and sour dressing. Everything was great here!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charmaine R. 7 months ago on Google
    Great food and experience was phenomenal, surprised this place is not located in downtown San Diego. I will be back for more!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George T. 11 months ago on Google
    Great Asian fusion!!! BBQ pork, chicken wings, egg rolls, Vermicelli was great!!!! Beautiful and nadir and the patio and very clean!! What a great hole in the wall!!

  • 5/5 Jeff S. 11 months ago on Google
    Great food large chicken pho $12.99 excellent. Quick service. Clean restuarant

  • 5/5 RJ M. 10 months ago on Google
    I recently had the pleasure of dining at Grandpa Tao Kitchen, and it was absolutely fantastic! The appetizers, including the egg rolls and spring rolls, were crispy and flavorful. The BBQ Beef Rice Vermicelli was tender and packed with delicious BBQ flavor. The Banh Mi Sandwich with BBQ Pork was a delightful combination of savory pork and fresh veggies on a perfectly toasted baguette. The staff was friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. If you're looking for tasty Vietnamese food, Grandpa Tao Kitchen is a must-visit spot. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Czarina from C. 11 months ago on Google
    Nice dog friendly patio and good service. Food was served fresh and quickly.

  • 5/5 Chuong V. 8 months ago on Google
    Really love this place Very satisfied after seeing my clients in San Diego They served us very nice, and the food was very authentic and Yummi I would come back next time going to San Diego

  • 5/5 Alicia A. 6 months ago on Google
    Every dish I try is so delicious! I haven't even finished my meal and I had to come write a review. Simple stir-fried chicken and veggies, with rice. I'm already craving my next meal. If I hadn't stuffed my mouth so fast I would have taken a pic. Next time! Let's not forget how kind the staff are. El Cajon gained a great addition to the town!


Call (619) 442-1211 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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