L’Viet Palais

In happy news for the good people of Mermaid Beach (and the rest of us quite frankly) L’Viet Palais quietly swung open its doors a few short weeks ago, bringing authentic Vietnamese food that is sure to tickle your tastebuds.

Found on the highway next door to Mermaid institution bike central, the spacious venue is beautifully decked out with deep burgundy walls, giant, golden laughing Buddha’s and intricate chandeliers. On one wall, an artistic piece made of thick rope and artfully placed wine bottles steals the show.

The menu is perfectly authentic, filled with dishes you’d find in restaurants across the entirety of Vietnam.

While the whole thing represents all the rich flavours and mouth-watering combinations we love about Asian food, allow us to highlight a few that will ensure this place becomes your new fave quick smart.

To start, the Chim Cut Nuong XA OT is grilled quails in herbs and spices served with fresh lemon and white pepper dipping sauce and it is heavenly and then some.

Obviously get yourself several mains and make sure one of them is Thit Kho Trung – simmered chunky pork in young coconut juice, chilli, eggs and with steamed veggies.

If tasty salads are your thing, go the Goi Tom Ngo Sen which is lotus roots, king prawns, red onion, celery, carrot, mint, chilli, roasted peanuts, fried shallots and coriander.

ALSO. There’s a fun time in the way of wrapping your own rice paper rolls. Choose from two filling options and let your fingers do the talking. Or something.

An extensive wine list, including many a French option (of course) is the perfect addition to a menu filled with many dishes we’re willing to bet you’ve never heard of, let alone sampled.

As if that’s not enough, there is also the option of fried ice cream to fill your dessert stomach and don’t even start with your “but how can ice cream be fried”. It just is and it’s also just delicious okay.

Owners Josh and Tina, who clearly know their stuff having relocated to our shores from Vietnam recently, are a delightful pair and their restaurant is a mighty fine addition to the Mermaid Beach foodie scene so get in there and show them a little lovin’.

As they say at L’Viet Palais, good food is good mood.

LOCATION: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: Open Wednesday to Monday 11am to 3pm and 5pm until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.