Da Thanh in a new Vietnamese restaurant located downtown in South San Francisco. Although it hasn’t been there long and there are two more established Vietnamese restaurants within a one block radius, this place is well worth the visit.

Despite a modest and unassuming exterior (it’s easy to drive right past the restaurant), once you step through the front door, you’ll notice the pleasingly modern decor that is an eclectic mix of Asian and European influences.

Although the restaurant specializes in central Vietnamese dishes, the usual assortment of standard Vietnamese items are also on the menu. The goi cuon (spring rolls) are very fresh, generously-sized and the chef will adjust the spice in the dipping sauce to suit your personal preference. The banh xeo (a Vietnamese-style crepe) is delicious, filled with succulent meats and a generous side dish of fresh vegetables. If you have never had a Vietnamese crepe, Da

Thanh is a good place to start. It’s not my mom’s crepe, but it’s a close second.

I’m a big fan of their bun bo nuong (seared beef with lemongrass) as the beef is quite tender and the balance of noodles to meat to vegetables is just right. If you order this dish, make sure you pour in a lot of the accompanying fish sauce so the noodles can absorb much of the pungent flavor. If you’re in a soupier mood, their pho (beef noodle soup) is quite respectable although it is not one of the specialties of the house.

Prices are very reasonable with appetizers averaging ranging from $6-10 (all the portions are large enough to share) and entrees averaging from $7-12. There are a few specialty items, such as their shrimp or whole fish dishes, that are a bit more, but overall you can enjoy a delicious but inexpensive meal at Da Thanh.

The service is stellar and all the hosts are very warm and friendly. They are quick to answer any questions and have excellent recommendations if you’re not sure what to order. It’s a small family-run business so if you come during the evening, you’ll often see the staff enjoying their own dinners in the corner.

If you see something on their table that looks interesting or tasty, don’t be shy about asking for it as their personal dishes are often not listed. And if there are particular Vietnamese foods you like that do not appear on the menu, just tell your server and they will often accommodate your request(s) as long as they have the ingredients.

Street parking is fairly easy but metered so make sure you bring some quarters. There’s usually a lunch rush but evenings are quieter so I would recommend going for dinner if you want to linger over your meal.

Da Thanh is also a cute date place since the seating is cozy, the noise volume isn’t too loud and the dishes are easy to share. Pair that with a nice post-dinner walk down streetlamp-lit Grand Avenue and you’ll be thanking me later for an enjoyable evening!—–Da Thanh314 Linden AveSouth San Francisco, CA 94080(650) 589-5677