WHY Upscaled Vietnamese cuisine with an eye for authenticity.

WHAT Stashed in a strip mall that butts up against the Orange County border, Benley is one of Long Beach’s most consistent restaurants. That’s because it has a very clear handle on the kitchen, which turns out refined and thoughtful Vietnamese cuisine: great bowls of pho and expert renditions of bun cha that are highlighted by fantastically crisp sheets of pork. The pan-seared salmon and chicken curry are worthy, too, though you’ll want to save room for the warm cassava cake with vanilla crème anglaise.

WHO Middle-aged east Long Beachers and young couples bonding over spring rolls.

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