Hello dear
Welcome To Lela's Bistro
Lela's Bistro, nestled at 1524 NW 23rd Ave in Portland, OR, offers an authentic Vietnamese dining experience that delights the senses. Known for its robust Pho—rich beef, chicken, and vegan variations—each bowl is crafted in Grandma's time-honored broth, accompanied by vibrant fresh herbs and zesty lime. The cozy, inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of home, is highlighted by the friendly service and a diverse menu that caters to every palate. With a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, Lela's is a culinary gem that leaves diners eagerly returning for more, whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a comforting meal on a rainy day.
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
Beef Pho
US$15.00Chicken Pho
US$15.00Vegan Pho
US$15.00
About
Lela's Bistro
Welcome to Lela's Bistro, nestled at 1524 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210. This gem of a restaurant offers a delightful array of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, with a warm embrace of authenticity that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
Step inside, and you'll immediately sense a comforting atmosphere, punctuated by the aromas of homemade pho simmering away in the kitchen. The heart and soul of Lela's Bistro lie in its commitment to fresh, made-to-order meals that reflect the love and tradition of Vietnamese cooking. The signature dish, their Beef Pho, is a perfect showcase of this ethos, featuring delicate rice noodles bathed in Grandma's rich pho broth, accompanied by a vibrant selection of garnishes like cilantro, Thai basil, and zesty lime.
The reviews sing praises for the vegetarian pho as well, noted for its flavorful broth and crisp, fresh ingredients. Patrons like Kelly Gajer rave about the traditional Banh Mi and refreshing Limeade, while others, like Maria Tassoni, commend the welcoming service and the cozy, clean ambiance ideal for escaping Portland's rainy days.
But what truly sets Lela's Bistro apart is the personal touch. The mention of Grandma still lending her touch in the kitchen makes all the difference, as evidenced by the heartfelt experiences shared by guests celebrating special occasions, such as Evan H's family birthday dinner. The care shown in both the food and service fosters an engaging dining experience, effectively accommodating diverse dietary preferences with a flair that never compromises flavor.
Each dish tells a story, inviting you to savor not just a meal, but a slice of culture and community. Whether you're indulging in a delectable Bahn Mi Combo or relishing the rich, aromatic broth of their pho, you'll find that every bite is crafted with love and attention. For those who haven’t visited yet, Lela's Bistro promises not only exceptional Vietnamese cuisine but also a culinary journey that resonates with tradition and quality.
So, if you're in the Portland area and in search of an outstanding dining experience, grab your friends or family and head to Lela's Bistro. Each meal here leaves a lasting impression that keeps customers returning for more!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Excellent dining experience at Lela's Bistro. Thai food done right. You sense that everything is prepared fresh, the made-to-order vibe is supported by the tantalizing aromas and the endless churn of customers picking up their takeout and filling up the indoor and patio seating areas. I'll let the pictures say the rest. Traditional Bahn Mi with egg, homemade Pho with beef and delicious Limeade. Support Lela's Update 2023: Still amazing!!! ”
“ Kelby welcomed us with his warm and friendly smile and set the tone for what was to come! I ordered the vegetarian pho and appreciated the flavorful broth and fresh, crisp veggies. The Singha was the perfect compliment to the savory noodle soup. This is a clean and simple restaurant that filled our tummies with delicious and healthy food! Come here out of the Portland rain to enjoy a warm and tasty meal! ”
“ My family went here to celebrate my Mom's bday recently. The place is very popular and they generally don't do reservations but they made an exception for us. I really appreciate that as my folks are getting older and it is harder for them to wait inline in order to get a seat. The restaurant is in a converted house with a very noticeable red door. When we sat down at our table my dad made the comment that this would only be authentic Vietnamese if the grandma was working the kitchen... well come to find out the business was sold but the grandma still comes in to work! She was there that evening helping make most of the food. Speaking of food, the food here is excellent. Portion sizes are decent and filling, and prices are in line for the area. The flavors are wonderful and the menu variety caters to all sorts of diets. In my family we have a variety of diet preferences from a vegetarian, to one who only eats meats, to healthy balanced and one who who can't eat pretty much anything due to a gut issue. In every case they were able to accommodate us. Overall Lela's delivered a fantastic meal for my mother's bday. You don't have to have a special occasion to come here but just a want for some good Vietnamese cooking. ”
“ What an absolute gem! The food was so good that I called while eating my take-out to share with them just how much I was enjoying it. I am now writing this review the next day while inside the restaurant to enjoy it all over again. Just amazing!! ”
“ I got the bahn mi combo: pork belly egg, beef pho. It was delicious! There was a bit of a wait for the food, nothing crazy considering how busy they were and that it was close to closing, but they were nice enough to throw in a free egg roll for the wait. The outside seating was cozy and well lit. ”
“ My husband and I came by for dinner. We ordered a noodle bowl with lemongrass chicken, the bulgogi banh mi, egg rolls, and Thai ice coffee. Everything was absolutely delicious! The food was filling while still being lite. The egg rolls were hot and fresh. The bread used for the banh mi was fluffy with a crispy crust. Overall, it was a delicious dinner. ”
“ April 2025 Great food, nice atmosphere in an old house; a bit sparse and the chairs could be more comfortable. Order at the front with delivery to your table. Bus your own dishes and get your own water. The simple straightforward menu with reasonable prices and generous servings is wonderful. Most important, the food is tasty and fresh. We enjoyed the flavorful chicken curry, savory pho, and a salad. The salad was good but expensive for its size and a little weird with my choice of lemongrass chicken on top. A side salad would have been a better pick. Recommended!!! ”
“ Great place to get Banh mi. I got the pork belly Banh mi and it was very good, crunchy skin and great texture. We also got the bulgogi with kimchi Banh mi which was great. They all came with soup on the side which was from their pho so that was good! Pork belly banh mi - 5/5 pork belly is best i have tried Kimchi bulgogi banh mi - 4/5 great crunch strong flavors ”