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Thiên Long Restaurant, nestled at 3005 Silver Creek Rd in San Jose, offers a vibrant taste of Vietnamese cuisine with a subtle Chinese flair. This cozy eatery is best known for its signature grilled fish—a dish that leaves a lasting impression with its succulent, deep-fried pieces served on a bed of dill and onions, paired with fresh herbs and rice paper. The interactive experience of wrapping your own spring rolls, enhanced by generous portions of crisp lettuce, mint, and dipping sauces, makes each meal engaging and memorable.
The portions here do not shy away from generosity. Whether it’s the famous catfish, spicy and sour seafood rice noodle soup, or crispy chow fun with beef, every dish arrives hearty and fresh. The balance of flavors—tangy, savory, and mildly spicy—reflects a masterful blend of traditional Vietnamese elements harmonized with creative twists. The grilled fish’s deep-fried preparation, though a departure from the classic method, adds an irresistible crunch that complements the delicate herbs and fermented fish sauce.
Beyond the food, Thiên Long Restaurant prides itself on attentive service and a warm atmosphere. While the space can feel a bit tight during busy hours, the ambiance remains inviting, with staff quick to assist and even thoughtful enough to return forgotten belongings. A noteworthy mention is their Vietnamese coffee, which strikes the perfect balance of rich flavor and moderate sweetness—ideal for rounding off a satisfying meal.
Patrons should note that the restaurant operates on a cash-only basis, which emphasizes planning but does not detract from the overall experience. Given the quality and quantity of dishes, arriving with an empty stomach is a must. The combination of flavorful dishes, interactive dining, and friendly service makes Thiên Long Restaurant a standout destination in San Jose's culinary scene—a place that rewards both first-timers and loyal visitors with memorable meals and genuine hospitality.
“ Had the famous catfish here. Each piece was succulent and tasty. It’s fun making spring rolls. Note that although the menu says it feeds 2, it can definitely feed 3 or possibly 4 people. Pro tip: go ham on the sauce and lettuce. It makes the experience even better! ”
“ This Vietnamese restaurant, which in my view reflects some Chinese influence, boasts an excellent (but non-traditional) Cha Ca La Vong dish featuring deep fried fish pieces on a bed of dill and onions, augmented by rice paper and fermented fish sauce for dipping (traditionally, Cha Ca La Vong is not deep fried). Other dishes we samples are alright, again not made the traditional way but tasty nonetheless. For example, Bot Chien traditionally are square cubed of fried dough that are crispy on the outside and soft inside, whereas Thien Long's Bot Chien is served as an omelette. Parking is plentiful and service is good. ”
“ Yummy lunch. Stopped by to have their famous grill fish. It was quite busy when we arrived. We got the table right away. The interior is standard. We ordered spicy and sour seafood rice noodle soup, grill fish, and chow fun with stir fry seafood and veggie. All are yummy, and the portion is generous. The vietnsmese coffee is also good. It is not too sweet. The highlight dish is the grill fish. It is for 2 people but it can feed more. Service is quick. It is good for the group. It is cash only. It has an atm machine inside. ”
“ The service was fantastic. Food was definitely freshly made and served hot. First time and Spouse and shared the Hot Pot, we did the 50/50 Beef and Fish. Portion was large, we had more than enough for 1 person lunch the next day. I think we were given about 20 sheets for wrapping and Large plate of fillers (noodles, perilla, mint, cucumber slices, lettuce and some other greens that I don't know the name of) and sauces too. ”
“ One of the restaurants that open late in the area. Crispy chow fun w/ beef is decent. Grilled fish w/ thin noodle is delicious with a big portion. Quick services and nice staffs. If the customers forget any belongings, they will hurry to return. ”