Our Story

Our Beginning

A Dream to Share

“GAO was born from a simple dream — to share the warmth, soul, and traditions of Vietnamese life through food.”

In Vietnam, GAO means rice — humble, essential, and deeply symbolic. It’s more than just a staple on the table. It represents happiness, luck, and prosperity. Every grain tells a story of family, resilience, and celebration.

In every Vietnamese home, rice is life. It brings people together, nourishes the body, and feeds the spirit. It was this belief that gave our restaurant its name, and its soul.

Our Philosophy

More Than a Restaurant

At GAO, we carry the spirit of Vietnamese living in everything we do. From the steam rising off a bowl of Phở to the comfort of crispy spring rolls wrapped with care — every dish is a tribute to the joy and simplicity of Vietnamese culture.

GAO is more than a restaurant. It’s a celebration of culture, connection, and community. Every guest who walks through our door is welcomed like family, and every plate that leaves our kitchen is made with the same love and attention we’d give to our own.

“Welcome to GAO, where happiness is served by the bowl, and every bite is a wish for good fortune.”

Explore Our Menu

What We Stand For

Our Values

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Authentic Recipes

Every dish follows time-honoured Vietnamese recipes, unchanged by compromise. Our kitchen stays true to tradition.

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Fresh Every Day

We source fresh herbs, local produce, and authentic Vietnamese ingredients daily. Nothing here sits in a freezer overnight.

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Community First

We believe great food brings people together. Eastbourne is our home, and every guest is part of the Gao family.

★ Award ★

Recommended on
Restaurant Guru 2026

We are proud to have been recognised by Restaurant Guru as a Recommended Restaurant for 2026. This award belongs to every member of our team and every guest who has made Gạo feel like home.

Come Visit

Experience Gạo for Yourself

219 Terminus Road, Eastbourne — open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.

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