Jia Tella's Next Door - Scotts Valley

Jia tellas has the best employees. I went last night and all three of the front of house acknowledged myself and my family, made small talk, helpful with the menu/ ordering and super engaged. That alone will have me coming back. The food was also great and left feeling light vs. weighed down and gross. I also love that they have a patio for my kids. It was such a positive experience.

Good food, order at the counter service. I didn't know what to expect with Cambodian cuisine and the woman taking orders didn't have much guidance. She mentioned that some people say this dish is kind of like Pad Thai or this other dish is kind of like Pho... She said one of her favorites is the spicy Basil chicken so I went with that. I am going with another approximation here to describe it... The rice noodles and sauce reminded me of Pad see ew from a Thai place. But with less sweet soy base and more heat. The chicken was ground and there were also ground peanuts throughout. The heat level was strong, I would call it a 7 out of 10, it was clearing my sinuses and by the end I had a light sweat going.

Ordered takeout. The papaya salad should have ONE piece of papaya in it right? Why would I even think I needed to look in the takeout bag to check? So we called but their phones are not working. Of course not. Got the delicious looking iceberg lettuce salad with the thinnest slice of tomato ever cut, see picture with a tiny cup of dressing, oh yum. Completely tasteless. Through it down dink. Even my sink hated it. Ordered the lemongrass chicken entree w And not surprisingly there was barely any chicken! Surprise!!! I'd bet 1/2 a chicken thigh. But more importantly, they gave us chicken with green beans. Not what we ordered. Needless to say no wonder they were empty when we walked in to order. Remember phones did not work. Do not waste your time.

After a nice two hours hiking in nearby Greenwood Open Space Preserve, five of us went to Jia Tella's for lunch. So glad we did. It was a Friday and three of us went for the Friday special which was Tamarind Noodles with Chicken, a bowl of Hot'n Sour Soup, and Cambodian Salad similar to a slaw with peanuts and basil). We asked if the Thursday special was available and it was. Two of us ordered it, Chicken Curry, Brown or White Rice, and Cambodian Salad. We were all delighted with the food. The curry, noodles, and soup were all mildly spicy. The Cambodian Salad was the star of the show-just plain delicious. The portions were generous and the price $14) was really fair given the quality and portion. We just had water to drink but there was a good selection of beer. They are connected by ownership to the bar next door so you can probably choose from a wide variety of wine, liquors and mixed drinks. The food came out quickly and the wait staff were smiling, friendly, and efficient. I'd give Jia Tellas an extra star if I could. It was as good as the food we ate in Cambodia.

Great food. Service is really friendly and helpful. Zac is an asset. Unique offerings and portions are generous.