There are few places where I can honestly say that I have liked everything that I have ever tried.

Benley is one of those few.

It is the rare place that combines honest and true ethnic staples with innovative dishes that pay homage to culinary history, while infusing it with modern touches and new ingredients.

Again, Benley is that rare place, a real gem.  It is far and away the best restaurant in East Long Beach.  No other place even comes close.

As you’ve guessed from the name, Benley serves Vietnamese-inspired dishes.  All of the traditional dishes are here: Pho, Bun, spring rolls, etc. but other less traditional (but still Vietnamese-inspired) dishes join these on a small but wonderful menu.

Let’s start with the Vietnamese favorites.  For the unfamiliar – Pho (pronounced “Fuh”) is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup served with your choice of meats and a host of fresh ingredients like mint, bean sprouts, and sauces that you can add to the soup to match your preference.  Benley’s version is among the best I’ve tasted.  They do not offer the huge variety of most traditional noodle shops, but what they lack in quantity is more than compensated by quality.

So too with the Bun – a traditional vermicelli noodle dish served cold and dry but with similar ingredients to Pho.  My favorite is served with a fried egg-roll.  Other choices include charred pork, but what ever you choose, Bun comes with a spicy sweet sauce that you pour over the noodles which brings the whole dish to life.  There is nothing better for lunch on a hot day then this.

Their traditional appetizers are great – spring rolls with shrimp or charred pork and lemon grass are both good.  But by far, my favorite is one you would likely pass over – at least I did until our server urged me to try it.  Now, I will urge you to try the cuttlefish – you will not be disappointed.  Similar to fried calamari, but much lighter in texture and slightly sweeter in flavor, served with a tart citrus sauce, the cuttlefish is divine.

For the less traditional dishes, try the tomato confit.  The chef owner describes this as his family’s version of pasta sauce.  Fresh tomatoes and garlic, sautéed with a little fish sauce – you will not believe how good it is.  Served either with tofu or catfish and rice, it’s a wonderful treat.  As are the salmon and curry dishes. 

As I said at the top, there is nothing here not to like. 

All of this is served in a simple but elegant spot hidden at the far end of strip mall at the eastern edge of our city.  You could drive by a million times and never see it – but don’t make that mistake.  This place deserves your support – you’ll be glad every time you dine here.

Benley: A Vietnamese Kitchen
8191 E. Wardlow Rd. (@ Norwalk Blvd.)
Long Beach, CA 90808
Phone: 562-596-8130
Hours: Open Mon-Tue 5pm-10pm; Wed-Sat 11am-10pm