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Green Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant

4.5 star rating
based on 262 reviews

Category: Vietnamese  [Edit]

Neighborhood: International District
418 8th Ave S
(between Jackson St & Jefferson St)
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 340-1388
Hours:

Mon-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Good for Groups:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only

262 reviews for Green Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant

Review Highlights   

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"Oh and dont forget to try the fresh spring rolls with shrimp." (in 63 reviews)
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"The fried duck noodle soup was delicious (I usually find duck too chewy…" (in 6 reviews)
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"This place is definitely a great alternative to Tamarind Tree." (in 23 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Sylvia T.

 

4

4

Sylvia T.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/24/2009

I am blown away. I went for a large b-day gathering and I was over an hour late to join my party. Even though everyone else had eaten (the service was fast), the server made sure I had a glass for the wine already on the table, and a menu and hot tea. I ordered quickly and before I could blink, my food arrived.

And the food was delicious!! I had a pork noodle dish that was fresh, not overly spiced/salted and hot. The other things I tried (already on the table) were also just as good.

The servers were friendly, attentive and fast. The food was hot, delicious and great portions.

The parking sucks in this area so I highly recommend car-pooling, having cash ready for pay parking or taking the bus. You'll spend an extra 20 minutes finding parking or walking from far, far away.

But it's worth it. So go!

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Photo of Jen S.

Elite '09

2

67

Jen S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/17/2009

Once I go back and try more things, I might update to 5 stars. Picture it: Friday night, Mommy's night out. We want Asian fare and we almost go to Bellevue, then Capitol Hill ... you know the place. I hit my friendly Yelp lists and discovered that, it having been years since I last attended that rainy-named Viet place, it may very well have deteriorated. Jeepers! Can't go there. So I scoured the Yelp evals, and up popped Green Leaf. How novel! The ID!

So, parking blows. I parked 10 blocks away and walked past I don't know how many drug dealers, but I love the ID so, as long as I can stay well-lit, I'm good. We arrived at GL just as a couple of tables were clearing out - perfect.

The serving staff is polite and smiley. We lingered because we had lots to discuss and we didn't feel rushed. It's warm in there, but in a pleasant way. The tables are just close enough where everyone fits, but you don't have to ask the person behind you to scoot so you can get out. It's the right kind of dark and the right kind of noisy.

The food! I know! I followed suggestions and got spring rolls, a vermicelli with beef and pork, papaya salad, and la lop appetizer. Everything was delicious! Reasonably priced and delicious! Packed with flavor. I am soooooo going back again and again.

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Photo of Yoeun P.

Elite '09

17

48

Yoeun P.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
11/9/2009

Green Leaf is one of those restaurants where you make it a mission to try everything on the menu. It's that good! Unlike most Vietnamese places, I actually order their non-pho menu items.

I heard about this place on Yelp. Thought it was just another Asian place that white people liked and didn't think much of it. Decided to take the plunge about a month ago and let me just say... I've eaten here about 10 times so far. Pretty much every Saturday AND Sunday. Wow. This place is awesome.

The pho is rich and flavourful. The fresh spring rolls have a delightful crunch to them. (I love them!) The service is fast. The prices quite "International Districtish". The decor is all over the place, but who cares. It's clean, warm, cozy and inviting--which can't be said for most ID establishments. They give you individual saucers of sauce for your spring rolls.

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Photo of Gail N.

Elite '09

45

114

Gail N.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
11/8/2009

My friend was craving Pho for dinner, so after turning to ol' faithful yelp again, we decided to give one of the "Top 10 Restaurants in Seattle 2009" a try.

--AMBIANCE--
When we first stepped into this place, I was in awe of the decor: so fancy! All the tables/chairs are made to look like rickshaws (they were each delicately crafted out of wood with wheels) and the color of the place was very vibrant -- various different shades of green on each wall. The place was packed and full of mostly non-asian folks and just TOO fancy looking, so I was a bit skeptical of just how authentic this place could be.

--FOOD--
We ordered 3 items:

1) Combo Vermicelli (noodles with shrimp, pork, chicken, and fried egg rolls). $9.50

2) Vermicelli with Grilled Beef wrapped around slices of lemon grass: $8.50ish

-- Both vermicelli plates were incredibly fresh and tossed with truly tender meats. My grilled beef was so juicy and flavorful, and blended well with all of the other additional veggies, seasonings, and textures they had going on in the dish. Very very filling. Large portions!

3) Pho with flank steak: $7.50ish
--The pho was A.OK. I'm not a pho expert, so I can't say for sure if it was on point exactly, but it tasted pretty good to me! Plus, the broth isn't as fatty tasting as most authentic vietnamese places tend to make them -- the meat in it was super lean looking, and I can certainly say their dishes seem to be a lot more healthier in general overall than most other places can serve up.

-- Note: Only one size of pho you can get here.

4) Fried banana stick rice drizzled in coconut sauce, $4.
-- Comes with 4 danty slices of steaming hot cooked banana wrapped with fried sticky rice and drenched in a very sacharine coconut sauce and garnished with toasty nuts and coconut shreds. Flavor is very rich and coconut-y, but was really hard to eat without spilling the contents out all over the place. (The plate is so small!). I lost too much of the good sauce =(, and I wish they gave you more banana!

Overall Food Presentation: Very very very elegant. Not in your typical plain white bowl as most authentic vietnamese bowls tend to serve their dishes in. All of their plates/bowls are really colorful and modern looking.

--VALUE/PRICE--
The portions are great, but compared to most vietnamese restaurants, it's definitely a bit pricer. But, I can certainly say that you're paying extra for certainly fresher ingredients and the ambiance.

NOTE: The Spring Rolls (with shrimp and pork) are $5.95. (Most places I've been to sell them for no more than $4).

--SERVCE--
Could be smilier and friendlier. The waitresses all look clean and neat (in vietnamese attire), but aren't really charming. Seems like they're just there to get the job done.

--AUTHENTICITY--
Well they're certainly not using chicken broth for their pho, and you get all the basic garnishes (basil, bean sprouts, lime, fried garlic) with your side siricha + hoisin sauce...so...pretty decent!

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Photo of Ian B.

Elite '09

190

147

Ian B.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
Updated - 10/18/2009

I brought a friend here, and she said that it was the best Pho that she's had in a long time.  This is the perfect place to go for winter nourishment when a person is recuperating from a cold or the flu.  I also like the huge ceramic bowls, the bamboo, and a lot of things about this place.  So many cool touches, and overall I just like the vibe.
I know more about Mexican food than I do about Vietnamese or Pho, but, I definitely dig this place.  Take a good friend on a Sunday afternoon for some quality food and conversation and you'll leave feeling fulfilled.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    6/29/2009

    I'm no expert in this kind of food, however, I like this place.  Green Leaf made the top 10… Read more »

Photo of timothy d.

Elite '09

23

182

timothy d.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
10/17/2009

I was expecting a hole in the wall, but was surprised to walk into a nicely decorated restaurant.  Menu seemed fairly extensive, from noodle to rice dishes.  

The pho ga was one of the better I've had in the Seattle area.  The broth was rich and clean tasting.  The chicken inside the soup was moist.  

The Vietnamese banh xeo pancakes (a.k.a., sprouts and shrimp in a crispy crepe).  Not a bad starter if you want something different.  The pancake was served with a gentle sweet transparent  dipping sauce, lettuce and basil.

Service was attentive in a non-stalkish manner.

My only disappointment with this place is at the end they give you the bill with fortune cookies.  WTF, fortune cookies?  Therefore , they lose a star!

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Photo of Jason A.

 

0

35

Jason A.

Redmond, WA

3 star rating
11/7/2009

The exterior of this place doesn't at all match what you would expect to find on the inside.  Looks like a dumpy little hole in the wall, but the interior is actually quite nice and fancy...

Had the Combo vermicelli (chicken, pork, skewed shrimp, fried egg roll), and would definitely suggest it!

The beer selection is not particularly good, and it certainly didn't prove to me the merits of Vietnamese beer.

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Photo of Thomas L.

Elite '09

23

105

Thomas L.

Seattle, WA

2 star rating
10/25/2009

I so want to give this wildly popular place but I can't justify it. The food is decent  but two out of four items weren't quite right.

We ordered:
- Bún Bò Nuong Xä (Vermicelli with grilled beef in lemon grass wrapped with thin slice pork) - it was bland and the vermicelli was slightly al dente (which in vietnamese cuisine isn't necessarily good, but it's a matter of choice)
- Bún dac biet (Vermicelli combo) - too much fried onions on top, the chicken was bland, the only standout item in here was the egg roll which as an usual and pleasant sweetness to it.
- Mi Vit Tiem - didn't get to try them, but the ones didn't seem to like it all that much.
- muc muoi chien (deep fry salty pepper squid) - overall decent and nicely seasoned but came on the plate a little too oily.

I'll definitely come back and try some more dishes, but being jaded when it comes to Vietnamese food (and having experienced so many great places in Little Saigon, orange county ca), it's hard to give this place more than a 3-4 stars... but with the current dishes we  tried, I can only give it a 2 for now... hopefully, the stars will only go up subsequently.

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Photo of Jojo A.

 

2

8

Jojo A.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/21/2009

Great place to get Vietnamese food.  Presentation is very nice but food is a bit pricey. You can get the same quality of food at smaller places in the International District for less.  Great atmosphere and presentation.

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Photo of Quynh-An P.

Elite '09

11

119

Quynh-An P.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
10/5/2009

SIGH.  I really want to like this place.  Really I do.  They offer a lot of different types of Viet food that I can't find anywhere else...but every time I come here I just walk away disappointed and wishing that I had gone elsewhere.

I was so excited that they had Bo 7 Mon. (7 courses of beef) and dragged the boyfriend and some male friends out to eat it with me.  I mean, 7 courses of beef, the guys will like that right?  Yeah, it was a paltry 7 courses.  I mean, it's suppose to be a boatload of beef here, not puny tiny little samplings.  Seriously!  The guys were not that impressed and I had to swear to the boyfriend I'd take him to get some REAL Bo 7 Mon when we're in SoCal next.

The second time I was here we came with a large group and I was thrilled to see that they had Banh Cuon (basically like a rolled rice crepe filled with beef and mushrooms).  This is one of my favorite dishes ever.  The boyfriend ordered Bun Thit Nuong (vermicilli noodles with grilled pork)...his favorite.  I'm not a big eater to begin with, but this did not even begin to fill me up.  It was not enough food and I was still hungry afterward...same with the boyfriend.  I'm sorry, that's unacceptable to me.  I like to be full when I order food, thank you very much.

Today we came for lunch.  I ordered the Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and the boyfriend had Bun Rieu (tomato shrimp noodle soup).  The bun bo hue's broth was a bit off...there was something missing and not right about it.  Additionally, it was a bit too spicy.  I felt like they made it overly spicy to mask the fact that this wasn't really bun bo hue.  I usually scarf down my bun bo hue, even bun bo hues that I don't care too much about...but I barely even ate half of this.  This was the first time EVER that the boyfriend has ever finished his noodle soup before I do.  His bun rieu was pretty good though...although a bit salty.  When he added some lime juice to it though, it was perfect.  So I'll give them credit for that, I suppose.  The noodle bowls are huge, so you'll easily get full on that (if you like it and finish your soup).

I'm conflicted on whether I'll return to this place again.  I really want to like it and really want the food to be good...and I come back trying a new dish in hopes that it'll be good...but so far, I'm just not pleased and just disappointed...and I hate to be disappointed.

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Photo of AJ R.

 

2

79

AJ R.

Edmonds, WA

5 star rating
11/16/2009

LOVED IT!!! Very fresh . Loved the fact they gave you a plate of fresh herbs and greens.. Nice healthy portions. Great service.

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Photo of Nam N.

 

0

13

Nam N.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
10/18/2009

We always come here for dinner for these awesome dishes: Shrimp Spring Rolls, Duck Noodles Soup, and Combo Vermicelli.

The food here is consistently good, and there's usually a line and some waiting during dinner time every day.

The place is small, but at least there's an upstairs which has more room to move and sit--although the wagon-wheel seats are a bit uncomfortable and weird to sit on.

I'd choose this place over Tamarind Tree any day for it's down-to-earth atmosphere, less expensive but still same quality food, and less crowds.

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Photo of Evan M.

 

11

100

Evan M.

Seattle, WA

1 star rating
9/21/2009

Wow, really?

Not liking Green Leaf feels like hating babies b/c it seems that everyone loves it sooooo much. Maybe I went on the worst night they've ever had?

For whatever reason, I was really unimpressed and really unhappy by the end of the evening.

Let me count the ways:
1) TERRIBLE seating and atmosphere - The chairs are giant wagon-wheel/boat-steering-wheel monstrosities that dwarf anyone who sits in them.  I'm 6'4" and I found them to be freakishly big, bulky, and uncomfortable. Also, they make it impossible to sit at the table and hear anyone. I usually scoff at people who give fewer stars for this kinda stuff, but this was really bad.

2) Bland food - I liked 1 out of the 7 dishes we tried.  Things were too sweet, too watery, too under seasoned. I'll admit that maybe I ordered all the wrong things, but you'd think that goo stuff more than 1 / 7 times would be expected.

3) Expensive - For these prices I'll take my business to Tamarind Tree or Long and get some inventive, delicious Vietnamese food in a shwanky place w/ good cocktails.

4) Clueless wait staff - We had a lot of trouble with the waiters. The only thing I care about was they didn't want to serve anything family style unless it came off of this one part of the menu. All kinds of hassle. Whatever, we made it work, but they seems so put off.

So, to wrap up: I hate babies, puppies, love, happiness and Green Leaf restaurant.

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Photo of Tien T.

 

20

41

Tien T.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
10/12/2009

A True Vietnamese Restaurant!! This is a family owned business and it's always a good sign when grandma is in the back cooking!

Must try dishes:

Goi Coun - fresh springs rolls with shrimp & pork.

Banh Xeo - a Vietnamese crepe filled with mung bean sprouts, shrimp & pork...if you're a fan of tofu ask to substitute it.

Pho - Vietnamese beef noodle soup. Great flavor & no MSG!

Vermicelli Bowls - rice vermicelli noddles topped with mint, basil, lettuce, mung bean sprouts and your choice of shrimp, egg roll, grilled chicken/beef. If you can't decide, order the Dac Biet and you can have it all!!

They have a Bun Rieu - tomato shrimp patty rice noodle soup. It's good, but a little on the sweet side. I wouldn't recommend any of the rice dishes other than the Com Dac Biet which is the combo rice dish served with a grilled pork chop, shrimp, chicken & a fried egg. The other rice dishes tend to lack flavor.

For the most part, good customer service, but when it's crowded the staff can sometimes seemed overwhelmed and not be attentive to your needs.

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Photo of Darcy H.

 

6

55

Darcy H.

King, WA

5 star rating
Updated - 10/2/2009

Back again for more 5 star goodness. So delicious. Every. Time.

--------my only remark is that the language barrier makes it impossible to learn about the food or Vietnamese customs (I'm interested!), ask questions about the ingredients, converse with the servers. Whatteryagonnado.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    9/9/2009

    Love it.

    Not a fan of the prices inching their way upward. But really, so delicious.

    Be sure to order… Read more »

Photo of Lori M.

Elite '09

23

96

Lori M.

Seattle, WA

1 star rating
9/24/2009

um. What's with the wagon wheel furniture? It's really heavy, hard to move, and shuffle past in the crowded upstairs area.

Came here with a group, and the only thing we kind of liked was the duck salad. The grilled meats were horribly disappointing (and normally it's like a trademark of Vietnamese cuisine). They just weren't flavorful or tender. The shrimp dish we got also was kinda icky and bland.

Go to Tamarind Tree or Long Provincial instead.

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Photo of Thai D.

Elite '09

18

75

Thai D.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/22/2009

Order the Bun Dac Biet.  It's truly the best bun I've ever tasted.  Also, the banh xeo here is great, which I absolutely have to commend, because it's so hard to find great banh xeo.  

I took my parents here when they visited.  They loved it.  My mom, who is a total vietnamese food snob, highly preferred Green Leaf over Tamarind Tree.  That says a lot.

I love this place.  I haven't even tried the pho yet, and to be honest, I'll probably go to Pho Bac when I have the pho cravings.  But for bun and banh xeo, this is the spot.  

Only one thiing - I really liked it better when the sign in front said "Please wait to be seat" instead of the now-corrected "Please wait to be seated".  The old way made the restaurant seem even more authentic.

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Photo of Natalie W.

Elite '09

174

427

Natalie W.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
7/15/2009

Yummy, yum, yum!

Fast, informative, kind service
developed flavors and spices
good vibrant space
duck soup, Vietnamese pancake, & house combo soup
lower price point than most of Seattle
+ awesome first visit experience
= 5 stars!

Fyi's~
* If you don't know how to eat something just ask or look bewildered and they would probably offer to tell you
* Large portions= $8- with lots to take home
* 1 Vietnamese pancake is more than enough app. for 2 people
* It would be hard to fit a group in here- basically 2 and 4 tops available

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Photo of shaun k.

Elite '09

120

68

shaun k.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
Updated - 11/17/2009

i was straight-trippin' before. this place is bomb.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    10/1/2007

    good tea. delicious shrimp spring rolls. cute server.

    my lunch-mate ordered an extremely… Read more »

Photo of Stephan R.

 

0

3

Stephan R.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/4/2009

Service from the start was excellent. We were surprised by how tasty the food was.   We never had before the dishes we ordered and weren't dispointed. It is a 4 stars instead of 5 because the seabass was a oily but still really good.

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Photo of Maria S.

 

0

23

Maria S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
11/19/2009

I looooove this place. THe food is just amazing. I love their fish and you should try the 7 courses of beef!!! But bring a friend, theres a lot of food :) Would recommend!!!

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Photo of Chris F.

 

5

6

Chris F.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
10/11/2009

1st time: had the anchovery soup and wasn't impressed. But I went back and had the combo bun (I think it's called Bun Dac Biet). It blew my mind. Well worth it at $9 or so.

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Photo of Helen K.

 

7

59

Helen K.

Seattle, WA

2 star rating
7/30/2009

I don't think it's bad, but it wasn't great. I was expecting it to be wonderfuland I was like really? It was really full I don't know if that's suppose to indicate the quality of food.

I think I have to go back for a few other dishes to see what everyone is talking about.

I had the snails that was recommended and my friend got the curried chicken noodle dish. It was all just so-so.

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Photo of Shannon C.

 

1

17

Shannon C.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
8/29/2009

First time here and I'll be back.

Service was good--super friendly, and we were there with a baby!
Prices were reasonable.  The fresh rolls and the mango chicken salad were REALLY DELECTABLE.  Also had the Pho (well done beef), which I don't think I'll order again.  The meat was fatty and the Pho wasn't very flavorful.

So while I won't order that Pho again, I look forward to trying other dishes there!

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Photo of D.J. Y.

Elite '09

160

649

D.J. Y.

Shoreline, WA

5 star rating
6/22/2009

199 reviews, and I'm going to take a stab at this place, for number 200!

I had the veggie Spring rolls, OMG, they were to die for, the deep fried shallots added that special touch and crunch that took me over the edge.  The flavors of all of our dishes were totally solid, and super-delightful.

I decided upon the fried duck noodle soup, that was some seriously damn-fine broth, and the duck pieces were huge!

My partner-in-eating crime, Matt J., fellow Yelper, had the Bun, with pork, he graciously shared a few of the ever so tasty pork morsels from heaven.  

Uber friendly service, topped off with 2 iced coffees and we were finished.  I'm ready for a nap....sadly we didn't get anything off of the "special" menu, but that's for another life time....  ;-)

Damn fine eats, that's for sure.

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Photo of Jenny W.

 

36

98

Jenny W.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
7/14/2009

My mother came here with my dad and convinced me to try it out. Since I work nearby, I walked up the street and ordered her recommendation--the pork vermicelli.

Mind you, I don't like vermicelli. I don't like noodles that aren't hand-shaven and thick or pho noodles. Yet this place impressed me.

Food: Pork was excellent (what IS in that viet marinade? I must crack the secret)--succulent and juicy. The vermicelli noodles were nicely warmed and not too slippery. Good amount of veggies on the side and a light, slightly sour sauce to mix it all together.

Service: This place is dark, crowded and not very fun to wait around for takeout. I stood in front of the bathroom the entire time and kept being bumped into by the waiters (who were bumping into themselves). Oh well. It also took FOREVER for my food to come out.

Drink: I got my favorite Vietnamese iced coffee and my cup was 95% ice, 5% coffee. How disappointing for a drink costing $3.50. Will not purchase again.

Bottom line: Come here for food (heard the spring rolls are excellent), not for drinks or service or ambiance.

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Photo of Jan W.

 

2

23

Jan W.

King, WA

5 star rating
8/28/2009

I always order  the combination noodles with shrimp, grilled pork, lots of vegies, egg roll, and fish sauce are the best I've ever had anywhere in Seattle.

Definitely get the fresh spring rolls wrapped in rice paper. The first time I had this appetizer I was surprised with the crispy center, big plus! The fried flower cake is great with it's crispy outside soft inside and dipping sauce.

I never leave with out getting the 3 bean desert. Coconut milk, ice, tapioca, red bean, mung bean and what not it's what hits the spot. For some reason, not many vietnamese restaurants serve this anymore so this is the only place that I know of that still serves it.

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Photo of John S.

 

7

37

John S.

Mercer Island, WA

4 star rating
8/15/2009

Spring rolls with fried wonton skins. Try the catfish stew in a clay pot. Choose anything on the menu and you probably can't go wrong.
In the heart of International District, you get this recommendation from Vietnamese friends. Hey, there's a lot more to Vietnamese food than pho!

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Photo of Eileen E.

 

12

36

Eileen E.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
8/16/2009

Each dish has wonderful flavors and is reasonably priced at about $8-9 per dish. My family of course ate family style and everyone really enjoyed it.

When you see this place from the outside, you don't expect very much, but on the inside the walls are painted a trendy apple green and it's quite cozy as it is very small. Service is prompt and there are many awards and accolades proudly hanging on their wall (which they truly deserve!)

We ordered the mixed lotus root, mango, & papaya salad, the combo vermicelli, and the catfish claypot. For dessert, their grilled banana cake (grilled sweet rice and banana served with coconut milk & roast nuts). It was so moist and to die for!

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Photo of Alanna M.

Elite '09

10

141

Alanna M.

King, WA

5 star rating
8/6/2009

I really enjoy going to Green Leaf. As another person said, they do go heavy on the fried shallots, which I really like. Fish sauce is a staple in southeast Asian cuisine so if you cringe on that then Vietnamese food may not be the thing for you. Lots of fresh herbs in most all of the dishes, which I find quite refreshing.

On a cold day, I really enjoy the seafood and pork egg noodle soup or the duck noodle soup with a side of duck cabbage salad. The noodles are rice vermicelli.

If I'm there with my sister, we typically have the 7 course beef and make our own spring rolls at the table. They bring out vermicelli noodles, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs. They start you off with lemongrass vinegar in a flaming pot to cook your beef in and it ends with a bowl of congee perfect for two.

It's a tiny hole in the wall with nice decor. The price is right with less than $10 a person on average. Go early if you go during the lunch hour because you may have to wait... the wait would typically be outside because the restaurant is so tiny.

Street parking.

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Photo of Sonia C.

Elite '09

133

438

Sonia C.

New York, NY

4 star rating
6/21/2009

Very good Vietnamese food at decent prices.  Stuff just tastes very fresh.  We started with the papaya salad with grilled shrimp and the fresh spring rolls.  I really like fresh spring rolls and these were excellent.

I ordered the combo bun which came with lots of crunchy vegetables, a spring roll, and an assortment of grilled meats.  I tried my parents' combo pho and it was a very big bowl, but quite normal.  My bf enjoyed his combo rice plate, which included a giant pork chop and a fried egg.

I would definitely come again, but I don't think it's so exceptional that it deserves the long wait for a table.

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Photo of Jane L.

Elite '09

233

840

Jane L.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
6/27/2009

There were two of us.  But you'd think we ordered for four.  

Tofu Spring Rolls
Shrimp Pancakes - lay a piece of lettuce, layered pancake, some herbs, roll, and dip into sauce.  RECOMMEND
Shrimp & Yam Fries - Filler. I just like the sweet sauce.
Sea Bass in Lemongrass - juicy, spicy, and flavorful.  RECOMMEND
and a combination plate which I did not eat.

I think some dishes shine more than others but I can't believe how inexpensive it is.  Skip Asian fusion chains and get the real deal or at least this is closer to it.

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4

21

Eugene W.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
10/11/2009

Amazing food, wonderful staff!

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Photo of Janny W.

Elite '09

7

76

Janny W.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
7/30/2009

I love Green Leaf, I haven't had a bad meal here yet in the 2+ years I've been eating here. It's casual and unpretentious, just the way I like my Asian restaurants to be.

When it gets hot out, I love to order the Bun, or Vermicelli noodle salad bowls. They are both refreshing and fulfilling on a warm day. When my friends and I feel like appetizers, we usually share the Fresh Spring Rolls and/or Banh Bot Chien, which are Fried Flour Cakes combined with eggs, that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The Seven Courses of Beef isn't bad when it's cold out and you are feeling super hungry, otherwise I feel it is a lot of food for 2 people. I have no preference, but my friends prefer to have it here than at Tamarind Tree.

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Photo of Mimi L.

Elite '09

20

42

Mimi L.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
6/8/2009

I don't come here very often but they have decent food.  I had take-out here for lunch today.  Maybe because I'm Vietnamese that I am more critical of this place.  To be honest, they are probably one of the top Vietnamese restaurant in this town...which is kinda sad for Seattle because we have such a big Vietnamese population.  

Every dish here is decent...some are better than other.  My one gripe is that they use too much MSG.  So the food tastes good but you're extremely thirsty for about 3 hours after consumption...and you're lucky if you don't get a headache.

Having said all that, if you do go here, get the shrimp papaya or mango salad and the "banh xeo" or Vietnamese fried crepe.  The "bun" vermicelli noodles with pork/shrimps etc. are also decent.  I usually also get the "hu tieu" seafood noodles with the broth on the side.  

The service here is good for a small and cramped Vietnamese restaurant.  I do appreciate a hello and a smile when I walk in the door.  Can't say the same for Tamarind Tree though...but that's another review for another day.

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0

31

Matthew M.

King, WA

4 star rating
10/5/2009

This is probably my favorite place in Seattle.  When I have friends in town and I want to give them some Seattle love, Green Leaf time.  Never fails.  I just wish I could get myself to order something besides the Papaya salad and Chicken Vermicelli, but Im too scared I wont like it as much.  Some day...

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0

7

David B.

Edmonds, WA

4 star rating
10/7/2009

Really enjoyed this hole in the wall Vietnamese spot on 8th between Jackson and King. Great for lunch and dinner, handy to WIng Luke Museum and other ID and P-Square destinations. Hard to beat the papaya salad, super-fresh spring rolls and pepper salt squid. Service was polite and attentive.

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Elite '09

57

146

Cameron B.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
5/8/2009

Green Leaf seriously rocks. I've been here three or four times now with my lunch crew from work. Before, I had no clue this place existed, but found it by searching for 'pho' in the international district on my Yelp iPhone application one day when we were deciding on where to eat. I hit the jackpot.

For appetizers, we've tried both the deep friend spring rolls and the fresh rolls. Both are excellent.

The first time we went I tried the my tho noodles (rice noodles, squid, shrimp, fish ball, and bbq pork). It was very seafoody tasting, which i expected. They did not skimp on any of the meat either. Ever since my first trip I've ordered the vermicelli noodles, which in my book are the equilvalent of crack for me. So, So addicting.My favorite one is the grilled beef in lemongrass with thinly sliced pork wrapped inside.

Green Leaf should be on anyone's list for new places to try in the International District!

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Photo of Quinn C.

Elite '09

143

218

Quinn C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
4/24/2009

Another one of those reviews I've been meaning to write and always forget.  

I've been to this place a few times and feel stupid because it's only 3 blocks away from my old work and I didn't know this until the last month I was employed there.

I've eaten a few dishes here, the beef/steak salad, the variety bun, and my favorite the hu tieu.  Oh and the salad rolls.  

They're all good and come out fast.  Service is always nice and ambiance is great considering it's in the ID.  I've learned very very little Vietnamese from my old work but it always get a smile when I say "thank you, chi," or "thank you, ahn."  (chi = older sister, ahn = older brother).  

I have never had to wait and they have 2 floors.. the cramped businessy 2 tops and the roomy wooden tables w/ booth seating upstairs.  I like it upstairs more.  It's quieter and even though there are tables surrounding yours, I've never felt the need to hush my voice.  

Good quality food with good service from nice people.

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Photo of June N.

Elite '09

60

193

June N.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
5/19/2009

If my significant other didn't love this place, I probably wouldn't ever go to Green Leaf.  But as that isn't the case, I find myself coming here a lot.  It's not that I don't like Vietnamese food.  I really enjoy it!  It's just that as an Asian, I prefer other Asian foods over Vietnamese.

With that said, I've had nothing but excellent meals here.  From the Pho, to the Bun, and the rice dishes.  Everything was as it should be.  My wife seems to be addicted to the Pork Bun dish.  I typically order the combo pho but am now trying to branch out to different things to see what's out there.  Next time I'll have to try the pancake thing that everyone seems to be talking about.

Spring or egg rolls are also delicious and very fresh.  Everything is very affordable and like I said, always had a great meal here.  It's within walking distance from home and we usually beat the dinner time rush.  Try to get there before 6 so you won't have to wait.

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