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Rose VL DeliA-Worth Trying
6424 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97206
· Vietnamese restaurant, Pho restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (428 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Beloved Vietnamese soup specialist with a rotating two-item menu, standout broths, and friendly counter service; go early because they often sell out.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Rose VL Deli earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality anchored by nuanced, soulful broths and regional Vietnamese specialties that inspire multi-year loyalty. Attentive, genuinely kind service and quick execution round out strong fundamentals, though the deliberately limited two-item daily menu and modest setting prevent the broader appeal needed for grade A territory. This is a neighborhood gem that excels at what it chooses to do.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling in a down-to-earth way, with a tiny menu that changes by day. Regulars gush about broths that taste “clear, delicate, and soulful,” and staff who are genuinely kind—one person even got extra broth for leftovers. Go early; they sell out. The cooking leans elevated traditional Vietnamese with regional specialties like Mi Quang, Bun Rieu, and Cao Lau. Expect clean, nuanced broths over flashy plating, with textures that reward a slow sip rather than spice theatrics. If you love focused menus that do one thing exceptionally, this is your spot. For families, the chicken pho and soft baguette with curry are kid-friendly choices. There is no kids menu and only two items per day, so picky eaters may struggle; tofu salad rolls help, but options are limited once things sell out.
At a Glance
- Exceptional broths with regional Vietnamese specialties
- Friendly, efficient counter service and careful to-go packaging
- Very limited menu (two soups per day) and frequent sell-outs
- Prices have crept to $16–18 for bowls; add-ons increase total
- Go early or call ahead—sell-out risk is common
What Sets It Apart
- Rotating two-soup menu by day
- Regional Vietnamese specialties uncommon in Portland
- Broths with remarkable clarity and depth
What People Love
- Crystalline, aromatic broths
- Rotating specialties that keep visits exciting
- Genuine kindness from staff
- Clean, simple space with parking
Points of Concern
- Menu is extremely limited each day; some diners wanted more variety
- Sell-outs can happen mid-afternoon; a few guests were turned away
- Some price sensitivity around sauce packets and extras
- Cao Lau receives mixed feedback compared to Vietnam benchmarks
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$26-36 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- If sensitive to spice, choose Pho Ga or Wonton Noodle over the red curry
- Vegetarians can pair tofu salad rolls with drinks; soups are largely meat-based
- Expect $26–36 per person for soup plus shared rolls
Perfect For
- Soup-focused comfort meal
- Solo quick lunch
- Regional Vietnamese fans
- Low-key weeknight dinner
Location Insights
Area: Busy Southeast Portland corridor with a practical, local vibe; draws soup seekers and neighborhood diners.
Safety: Generally safe with steady traffic; typical urban arterials, daytime foot traffic is fine.
Nearby: Along SE Powell near small businesses and residential streets; convenient for quick stops and casual meals.
Powellhurst-GilbertPowellhurst-Gilbert is a diverse, primarily residential neighborhood with a mix of older homes and newer developments. The dining scene is casual and community-oriented, featuring a variety of ethnic restaurants and affordable eateries that reflect the neighborhood's multicultural population.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:30–16:00
Tuesday08:30–16:00
Wednesday
Thursday08:30–16:00
Friday08:30–16:00
Saturday08:30–16:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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