World > U.S. > Washington > The Seattle and Tacoma Area

Green Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant

<p>In a neighborhood chockablock with great Asian restaurants, this tiny Vietnamese eatery inspires particularly fierce loyalty among locals. The pale-green-walled, softly lit space is perpetually filled with diners happily hunched over bowls of <em>pho</em> piled with fresh herbs, or plates of <em>banh xeo</em>—crispy, crêpelike rice-flour pancakes stuffed with shrimp, shredded pork, and crunchy bean sprouts. If you'd rather not fight the crowds, come late—the kitchen serves until 10 p.m.</p> <p><strong>Tip:</strong> Be adventurous. Even items you might not usually choose—escargot, tendon, tripe—are mouthwatering when served in one of Green Leaf's savory herbal broths.</p>