New Orient Restaurant

Don't know why I haven't been back more often. 1 of first Vietnamese restaurants in Denver. First came in 80's. Traditional and not so traditional dishes. My wife wanted an entree of traditional rice paper with grilled pork, cilantro, lettuce, noodles, cucumber with fish sauce that you wrap yourself but was it was only on menu as small appetizer pre-done. They created entree for us and she was a happy Birthday Girl! I had stir fried salmon with basil and mango which was excellent and loaded with fish. Very personable and friendly staff. They gave us (unasked) fried bananas with mango ice cream for dessert for the birthday celebration! Be back soon and remind our friends about it.

I've been going to New Orient with my family for a couple of decades and the food has always been phenomenal. Meals are served family style and their rotating list of specials is definitely where you should start looking for your choice of dishes. Here you'll find a mixture of old favorites (try the Honey Sesame Halibut) and fresh creations. Seafood is a specialty but that shouldn't dissuade you from dishes like the Two Mushroom Beef Tenderloin, one of the most flavorful and tender preparations of beef I've had. The specials currently available will change but anything you see will not disappoint. Another must try is the lobster dinner special. You'll have to call ahead to see when this special will be available to reserve your lobster but this is a meal that merits making the time for. This preparation of deep fried lobster is the BEST lobster I've ever had. Fried in-shell, with a very light batter, and served pre-cracked you'll find yourself sucking on the shell in order to get every last bit of the wonderful flavors infusing the dish. This is no ordinary lobster dinner. The dinning area is small, but the inviting ambiance makes for an enjoyable dinning experience. The staff is wonderful and you'll likely be greeted by the restaurant's owner and head chef at some point during your meal, making sure everything is to your liking. This small restaurant in a strip mall is easy to miss but the fresh ingredients coupled with excellent preparation of creative and flavorful dishes has made New Orient a favorite for my family for over twenty years.