Co Nam Oakland

The food was outstanding, but the service left much to be desired. Our server seemed to have an attitude, and he often forgot simple requests. We were courteous and didn’t ask for anything unusual—just drinks, water, and the check. It’s disappointing because the food was fantastic and the atmosphere was lovely, but we’re unlikely to return if we end up with the same server again.

The food was quite delicious, but the service was so lacking that it overshadowed some of the great dishes.

I had high hopes for what was promised to be a delightful Vietnamese meal, but it turned out to be a rather bland American interpretation of the cuisine. I’m giving it two stars because the bar area is quite nice, and the location is great. The appetizers, like the fried rolls and steamed buns, were enjoyable and raised our expectations for the main dishes. However, the papaya salad that followed was strangely cut and lacked flavor. Anyone familiar with papaya salad knows it should be a balance of sour, spicy, and sweet, but this dish was totally devoid of any taste. The ribs were coated in an overly sweet, sticky sauce, and the curry was thin and tasted primarily of bell peppers. I won’t even go into detail about the other dishes. I appreciate their efforts, but unfortunately, this does not feel like a true Vietnamese restaurant.

The roti was flaky and light, paired with a tasty dip. The menu didn’t make it clear that the vegetarian option was tofu, so I had to confirm this with the server. The fried rice buns with tofu were excellent, offering a nice balance of texture and flavor. The pho was massive; I didn’t get a chance to try it, but the broth was delicious and light.

I was pleasantly surprised by the happy hour! The roti, fresh spring rolls (which can be made vegetarian), and wings were all fantastic, along with the creative cocktails. The staff was attentive, and dining outdoors was cozy under the heaters.