DaoFu

This restaurant is certainly a hidden gem and a lot easy on your pocket. The urban doodle-ly decor is really something. We ordered a Katuse Ramen, Wanton Soup Bowl and Tantanmen Soup Bowl - and I must say we all were impressed. The host suggested us Yuki Nigori Sake and I promise you that combination really blew our mind. As for the food we loved veggie tempura so much that we ordered another plate for the table. Unlike other restaurants the tempura batter was mixed with subtle spices and it added flavor to the tempura. Katsue Ramen was off the charts - the perfect dashi, great noodles and perfectly crisp chicken. The crispness gave away the perfect support to rich broth. Do keep some space for the complimentary ice-cream, you will thank me later.

I rediscovered this Dao Fu last month and had such an amazing meal that I brought two friends back tonight. Last time I was there for lunch and splurged on two recommended dishes, the grilled salmon rice pot and mi-xao tofu. The rice had excellent flavour and salmon was cooked to perfection, but the noodles in the tofu dish had me dreaming of them for weeks. With the unexpected complimentary tofu appetizer and ice cream dessert, the leftovers fed me for two days! I noticed, too, that almost everyone who came in after me greeted the owner by name, and he in turn even knew some had a favourite table. Tonight my friends ordered the garlic chicken wings and sizzling mushroom with basil and black bean sauce, which were both delicious, and I got to have my noodles again. Only the pho was not a big hit though I did not try it myself. I recall loving the lily flower with asparagus and oyster mushrooms in the past and will go back for it next time!

Danny Dalton

I cannot share enough how fabulous this restaurant is. The food was amazing, fresh and so full of flavor. Its the best Chinese Restaurant we have visited in years. The service was impeccable and ever so friendly. We are great full for our time spent there and will be back!

Kathy Stähle

I’ve been traveling through the US for five weeks now and this has BY FAR been the best restaurant I’ve eaten at. It already starts with complimentary salad, lots of water and a huge variety of vegetarian option. The food was amazing, portions were big and the overall quality was great. The Tofu here is just a blessing! The complementary (and very delicious) ice cream rounded-off things perfectly. I would 10/10 recommend this restaurant to absolutely everyone. Don’t forget to bring your tip money - they sure deserve it!

Liz McGuire

I would love to give more than 5 stars if possible. They were soooo nice & attentive service. Salad+ tofu appetizer and a little dessert are included in your entree. So delicious! All vegetarian options. So tasty, you don’t miss the “real” meat. Only negative: street parking that isn’t the easiest to get sometimes.

Reena Lam

Order the tofu tantanmen. It's the best vegan food I ever had.

Mellangator

This restaurant came highly recommended from a friend who only eats gluten-free and vegan food. This is a family owned restaurant and referred as a mom and pop shop. All their food is made in house and with fresh ingredients. They have freebies for starters and dessert. That was a surprise to me and ever so grateful 🙏 for enjoying it with gratitude. I couldn't decide between a dish or soup. I decided on a dish and did not regret. Their dumplings and spring rolls was absolutely finger licking good. 😋 They're quick and service is service. They get pretty busy and stay busy. Parking is hard to find so be prepared to walk to the restaurant. We will definitely return the next time we are in San Diego. Thank you for the pleasant experience. Great tasting food for sure. Happy eating 😋

Steve Markley

One of those spots you know all the food is gonna be good. So tasty! Their house sauce is SO good. Went with eating inside bc you get complimentary salad w/ tofu and ice cream. Had a shrimp salad roll & Eric stir fry.

Becky Tran

The tofu is silky smooth - amazing quality! Their soy milk was also super fresh with the perfect amount of sweetness. We got their mango chicken - which was good. But my star dish was the fish - cooked to perfection. Definitely come here and try this place out! It's one of a kind!

Kiet TT

Best restaurant I’ve eaten at in my entire trip. I ordered the lobster tail tonkatsu ramen. It tasted amazing and I especially like the fried lobster tail in the ramen. The Thai tea was also pretty good, it was noticeably fresher and I like the texture of the boba. For desert I had green tea ice cream which tasted great, was very well presented, and free. I also liked how the restaurant was decorated well throughout along with the soft lighting. My waiter, Maggie, was extremely friendly, attentive, and pleasant. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for Asian food in San Diego!

Дарья Давыдкина

We got a great service from the very first minute, a waitress was really kind and helpful, we liked it. She brought us water even though we didn’t ask, it is thoughtful. We ordered 3 dishes and they all were just huge and delicious. Everything was quick! That is probably one of the best Ramen which I have ever tried in the USA. Thank you! Highly recommend this place, you should visit this at least once

Sagar Sawant

This restaurant is certainly a hidden gem and a lot easy on your pocket. The urban doodle-ly decor is really something. We ordered a Katuse Ramen, Wanton Soup Bowl and Tantanmen Soup Bowl - and I must say we all were impressed. The host suggested us Yuki Nigori Sake and I promise you that combination really blew our mind. As for the food we loved veggie tempura so much that we ordered another plate for the table. Unlike other restaurants the tempura batter was mixed with subtle spices and it added flavor to the tempura. Katsue Ramen was off the charts - the perfect dashi, great noodles and perfectly crisp chicken. The crispness gave away the perfect support to rich broth. Do keep some space for the complimentary ice-cream, you will thank me later.

What a local gem! Clearly a favorite among Normal Heights locals and I can see why. Great impression from the start with a free tofu and ginger vinaigrette salad starter while you browse the menu. The cuisine label of “Vietnamese” on this Google listing is too limiting because their menu is a smorgasbord of Japanese, Hainanese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes. All. Delicious. We ordered Eric’s Stir Fry and it was lovingly reminiscent of a Hong Kong chow fun. My friend ordered the Hainanese Cast Iron Pot with swai fish and the garlic sauce it came with was divine, not to mention how well it complimented the crispy rice at the bottom of the pot. We were almost too stuffed for the free ice cream for dessert, but pressed on and were treated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled in mango syrup and a slice of cantaloupe. All in all, a fantastic dinner. And super affordable! Don’t pass on DAO Fu!

This is our favorite restaurant in SD!!! They give you an an amazing free salad to start as you look over the menu. I do t even know how to make a recommendation as every dish we have ever had has been amazing aside from the orange chicken which was good but just a bit sweeter than we would like. Everything else has been absolutely flawless! Highly recommended!!

Dao Fu is a staple in Normal Heights. I’ve been going here for 10 years because their food taste just like my mom’s cooking. My favorite dishe is the Swai Fish Pot. Their fried tofu appetizer is really good too. I don’t know too many mom & pops restaurants in San Diego, but this is definitely one of the best.

My first time visiting San Diego and my told me this was by far their favorite place to go. He did not disappoint. The complimentary tofu salad, entree, and ice cream dessert was all fantastic. The atmosphere is very chill.

I love this place! Best thai tea ever and everytime I go, I try a new dish and every single one is somehow just as good or even better than the last! It feels very authentic in there, and I love the server there too (I think shes the owner?), shes an icon and always is hustling and doing her thanggggg.

I wish I had pictures but,, the portion sizes are incredible and very well priced. There are so many flavors to every dish yet not to the point of overwhelming. Trip was in the end of October but the vibrant flavors reminisce of summer afternoons. I absolutely adore the family that owns and operates, and the atmosphere and hospitality makes you feel like your going to a comfy family dinner. (The fruit ice creams for desert are so rich and not too sweet its amazing)

Kyle Posego

My first time visiting San Diego and my told me this was by far their favorite place to go. He did not disappoint. The complimentary tofu salad, entree, and ice cream dessert was all fantastic. The atmosphere is very chill.

Jennifer lundgren

I love this place! Best thai tea ever and everytime I go, I try a new dish and every single one is somehow just as good or even better than the last! It feels very authentic in there, and I love the server there too (I think shes the owner?), shes an icon and always is hustling and doing her thanggggg.

Austin Cheever

Amazing tofu salad immediately upon seating. Generous portioned entrees. Two homemade ice cream flavors to choose from to finish. Great dine in spot

Justin Chung

What a local gem! Clearly a favorite among Normal Heights locals and I can see why. Great impression from the start with a free tofu and ginger vinaigrette salad starter while you browse the menu. The cuisine label of “Vietnamese” on this Google listing is too limiting because their menu is a smorgasbord of Japanese, Hainanese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes. All. Delicious. We ordered Eric’s Stir Fry and it was lovingly reminiscent of a Hong Kong chow fun. My friend ordered the Hainanese Cast Iron Pot with swai fish and the garlic sauce it came with was divine, not to mention how well it complimented the crispy rice at the bottom of the pot. We were almost too stuffed for the free ice cream for dessert, but pressed on and were treated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled in mango syrup and a slice of cantaloupe. All in all, a fantastic dinner. And super affordable! Don’t pass on DAO Fu!

Nikki G

I have been coming here for 17 years and every detail of today’s lunch experience was among the best yet! Vegetable tempura, garlic mock chicken spicy level 2 w half and half rice, their classic salad and green tea ice cream. ALL PERFECT.

Alicia G

I wish I had pictures but,, the portion sizes are incredible and very well priced. There are so many flavors to every dish yet not to the point of overwhelming. Trip was in the end of October but the vibrant flavors reminisce of summer afternoons. I absolutely adore the family that owns and operates, and the atmosphere and hospitality makes you feel like your going to a comfy family dinner. (The fruit ice creams for desert are so rich and not too sweet its amazing)

Kim Nguyen

Dao Fu is a staple in Normal Heights. I’ve been going here for 10 years because their food taste just like my mom’s cooking. My favorite dishe is the Swai Fish Pot. Their fried tofu appetizer is really good too. I don’t know too many mom & pops restaurants in San Diego, but this is definitely one of the best.

Jon B

This is our favorite restaurant in SD!!! They give you an an amazing free salad to start as you look over the menu. I do t even know how to make a recommendation as every dish we have ever had has been amazing aside from the orange chicken which was good but just a bit sweeter than we would like. Everything else has been absolutely flawless! Highly recommended!!

The complimentary salad and ice cream are great, and their portion is huge. The drunken noodles are wet (which is interesting) and the Hainanese clay pot is good.

Yong Zheng Xin

The complimentary salad and ice cream are great, and their portion is huge. The drunken noodles are wet (which is interesting) and the Hainanese clay pot is good.

Giving an honest review, I wanted to love DAO Fu and I hoped it would become my new vegetarian spot. I wasn't as impressed as I had hoped. I read the great reviews and saw the food pictures. It just didn't hit the spot for me. The menu is half vegetarian and half non vegetarian. Vietnamese/Japanese fusion. The server was awesome, he was very friendly and had jokes. He offered us a complimentary appetizer of the homemade tofu and salad. The tofu was really good! I wasn't a fan of the dressing so much. I started with a miso soup. It was loaded with tofu and veggies. I actually enjoyed the soup. I decided to order the tofu vermicelli noodles. Since this is Vietnamese/Japanese fusion spot I thought it would be similar to what I'm using ordering. It had more sauce than I expected but it was okay. The tofu was fried and had this odd glazed skin on it. The sauce was a mix of the pink vinaigrette of the salad and another sweet soy sauce. I would have enjoyed the dish better without the sauces it was a little too sweet not as savory as I hoped for. Portion sizes are huge here the two plates we had barely fit the table. My husband had their vegetarian pad Thai. That was pretty good, it was heavy on the sweet sauce as well. We ended with complimentary mint chip ice cream with some fruit. Overall the experience was very good, the staff was nice. The restaurant is clean. The food was okay for me.

Mei Lee

Giving an honest review, I wanted to love DAO Fu and I hoped it would become my new vegetarian spot. I wasn't as impressed as I had hoped. I read the great reviews and saw the food pictures. It just didn't hit the spot for me. The menu is half vegetarian and half non vegetarian. Vietnamese/Japanese fusion. The server was awesome, he was very friendly and had jokes. He offered us a complimentary appetizer of the homemade tofu and salad. The tofu was really good! I wasn't a fan of the dressing so much. I started with a miso soup. It was loaded with tofu and veggies. I actually enjoyed the soup. I decided to order the tofu vermicelli noodles. Since this is Vietnamese/Japanese fusion spot I thought it would be similar to what I'm using ordering. It had more sauce than I expected but it was okay. The tofu was fried and had this odd glazed skin on it. The sauce was a mix of the pink vinaigrette of the salad and another sweet soy sauce. I would have enjoyed the dish better without the sauces it was a little too sweet not as savory as I hoped for. Portion sizes are huge here the two plates we had barely fit the table. My husband had their vegetarian pad Thai. That was pretty good, it was heavy on the sweet sauce as well. We ended with complimentary mint chip ice cream with some fruit. Overall the experience was very good, the staff was nice. The restaurant is clean. The food was okay for me.