Inside: Ha Long Bay Asian Kitchen

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Ha Long Bay stands out in an area full of ethnic restaurants by offering high-quality Asian and Vietnamese food accompanied by excellent service and fair prices. Tucked into an inconspicuous corner of Polaris, this small, peaceful diner is a diamond in the rough.

Food: In addition to a selection of traditional Asian favorites, Ha Long Bay offers an array of unique Vietnamese dishes that customers claim are some of the most authentic in Columbus. There's also a special section on the menu for vegetarians. Extremely flavorful and diverse, each dish will dazzle your taste buds and leave you wanting to try more. Some favorites include the beef pho, beef noodle soup, basil calamari, basil pineapple chicken, mango salad and house grilled noodles. Entrees are served with a generous side of healthy, steamed rice at the perfect temperature. Portion sizes are ideal, and most entrees cost less than $10.

Libations: All of the standard options are available, but why not try something new and exciting such as the ginger lemonade or fresh coconut juice? If you love coffee or are in the mood for something sweet, order the delicious Saigon iced coffee or iced cappuccino, which could be a dessert on its own. Ha Long Bay also serves Pepsi products, lemonade, iced tea, Saigon espresso, soy milk, green tea, oolong tea, jasmine tea and Perrier spring water.

Décor: Though the restaurant is small, the décor is clean, modern and visually appealing. With flowers at each table, colorful walls, soft lighting and a cluster of decorative paper lanterns, the atmosphere has a calm, peaceful ambiance. Modern art sculptures and paintings keep things interesting without overwhelming the eyes or interrupting the zen-like symmetry of the dining room.

Crowd: Due to an overabundance of restaurants in the area and a location that is off the beaten path, Ha Long Bay doesn't see large crowds at any one time, but it does get a steady trickle of lunch customers throughout the afternoon. Carryout is available for those who would like to enjoy warm, delicious meals in the comfort of their own homes.

Service: Servers are very polite, fast and helpful. Drinks are refilled often, and we didn't have to wait long for our meal or check. The atmosphere is calm and professional—a welcome relief during a busy day.

Insider Tips: Enjoy $2 domestic beers during happy hour every evening Monday through Thursday.

Bottom Line: Mouth-watering flavors, extensive menu options and a clean, quiet atmosphere make this Asian restaurant the perfect choice for anyone seeking something new.

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