2nd Vietnamese restaurant in Novato! I think we have arrived. For a 50-year fan of Vietnamese food (no, I did not serve in Nam), I found Lucky Cat to be great addition to the city’s dining scene. Our usual go-to is spring rolls. The Vietnamese spring rolls we are used to are delicately fried, and cut into pieces so you can wrap them in lettuce and dip them in a light sweet hot sauce. Lucky Cat didn’t have them on the menu. Only fresh spring rolls, which are in a boiled rice noodle wrapper. We almost walked out after not finding our favorite thing but since our outing was the first in weeks (been housebound due to a medical emergency), we thought we’d make the most of it. We ordered the wings, for those who want less heat, the waitress offered to put the sauce on the side. They were bland but crispy. Good enough. We got one meal to share, the creatively named Egg Roll, BBQ Pork and BBQ Shrimp, which at $24 was the most expensive thing on the menu. Expecting the Egg Roll to be one of those huge, Chinese egg rolls with a doughy crust and filled with cabbage, we were delighted to find two spring rolls! A little overcooked and no lettuce leave, but close enough. Next time, I’m going to get a plate full of them. Dam the wings. Though in a strip mall, Lucky Cat is better decorated that and kept up than you normal Chinatown joint. Lucky Cat has no liquor license so stop by the nearby Nugget market and pick up a cold beer (we shared a big Singha) We talked throughout about how great it would be to visit Vietnam after hearing several accounts from friends who have gone and talked glowingly.
Lucky Cat Bistro
Excerpts
2nd Vietnamese restaurant in Novato! I think we have arrived. For a 50-year fan of Vietnamese food (no, I did not serve in Nam), I found Lucky Cat to be great addition to the city’s dining scene. Our usual go-to is spring rolls. The Vietnamese spring rolls we are used to are delicately fried, and cut into pieces so you can wrap them in lettuce and dip them in a light sweet hot sauce. Lucky Cat didn’t have them on the menu. Only fresh spring rolls, which are in a boiled rice noodle wrapper. We almost walked out after not finding our favorite thing but since our outing was the first in weeks (been housebound due to a medical emergency), we thought we’d make the most of it. We ordered the wings, for those who want less heat, the waitress offered to put the sauce on the side. They were bland but crispy. Good enough. We got one meal to share, the creatively named Egg Roll, BBQ Pork and BBQ Shrimp, which at $24 was the most expensive thing on the menu. Expecting the Egg Roll to be one of those huge, Chinese egg rolls with a doughy crust and filled with cabbage, we were delighted to find two spring rolls! A little overcooked and no lettuce leave, but close enough. Next time, I’m going to get a plate full of them. Dam the wings. Though in a strip mall, Lucky Cat is better decorated that and kept up than you normal Chinatown joint. Lucky Cat has no liquor license so stop by the nearby Nugget market and pick up a cold beer (we shared a big Singha) We talked throughout about how great it would be to visit Vietnam after hearing several accounts from friends who have gone and talked glowingly.
The house combination pho is incredible — the broth is so savory and full of flavor, hands down the best pho I’ve had in the North Bay. We also tried the BBQ vermicelli plate with shrimp, lemongrass pork, and egg rolls, and everything was marinated just right. The shrimp was so succulent, the lemongrass pork was wonderfully aromatic and uniquely flavorful — nothing like the ordinary pork you find at other restaurants, the egg roll was golden and crispy on the outside.The salad that comes with the plate is unique and absolutely delicious. We will definitely be back and highly recommend checking out this new spot! 🍜✨
The house combination pho is incredible — the broth is so savory and full of flavor, hands down the best pho I’ve had in the North Bay. We also tried the BBQ vermicelli plate with shrimp, lemongrass pork, and egg rolls, and everything was marinated just right. The shrimp was so succulent, the lemongrass pork was wonderfully aromatic and uniquely flavorful — nothing like the ordinary pork you find at other restaurants, the egg roll was golden and crispy on the outside.The salad that comes with the plate is unique and absolutely delicious. We will definitely be back and highly recommend checking out this new spot! 🍜✨
Lucky Cat Bistro is a wonderful addition to Novato. We found their food to be fresh, tasty, and portions were great. We ordered the spicy beef pho, shrimp pho, as well as the egg rolls. Can’t wait to return to try the noodle bowls and other dishes. The service was also incredibly friendly and food was served up in a timely manner.