SAAP - Cary

SAAP - Cary reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. A

   Anne

   Raleigh18 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   This was our first time there and I didn't put any comment on seating preference, anticipating the restaurant will provide an adequate seat for us first-timers. No, we were seated by a pillar with no view or windows, very uncomfortable, and felt disappointed. We saw another couple after us seated by the windows with park view. I regretted not saying anything, but just placed our orders without fuss. Waiting staff okay, not warm nor cold, lukewarm. Pad lao appeared delicious, but I think slightly bland for restaurant, even though I am not complaining because I like that they didn't put too much flavor, but hubby ate with a blank face, not making any comment good or bad. My pho lao was okay, not too bad, the meat was actually pretty good, I wished the soup was piping hot. It was - lukewarm. I think it's great that a restaurant finally cook real "home-cooked" food, without needing to over-please the customers' palate. We ate, sat a bit, asked for the check, left. Not much memory to remember, nor much impression. It's okay. Maybe. Maybe next restaurant next time. I went home, thinking I don't need to drink water after this dinner. But still got an unquenchable thirst for two hours. So, not really "home-cooked" food after all.
   

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2. D

   Dawn

   Raleigh4 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on May 24, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

     for the price point food and service were good. 
   

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3. J

   Jennifer

   Raleigh3 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on May 18, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   The food was phenomenal all around! Especially, the lettuce wrap platter with fried trout. I LOVE the dill marinade and can see myself coming back many times for that. Please never change or get rid or that trout! The small peanut butter buttons we received at the end of the meal were a wonderful treat. I could eat a dozen of them! Wait time for drinks was ridiculously long, especially for what was a preached drink I couldn’t alter the whisky choice for. One bartender obviously wasn’t enough. Ambience isn’t great for a nicer place. It has kind of a cold warehouse feel, specifically because of the noise level. Would be more inclined to come for special occasions if the atmosphere was warmer (not temperature wise,) quieter, and more inviting.
   

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4. C

   Christopher VIP

   Raleigh19 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   All of the small and large plates we ate were delicious with our favorties being the crispy coconut rice lettuce wraps, the lao salad, the shrimp pad lao, and the pork belly coconut egg drop soup. The cocktails were well also excellent with my favorite being the pandan old fashion.
   

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5. L

   Logan

   Raleigh2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 10, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Noel is AMAZING. We love her! Best ever! Such a wonderful person!
   

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6. J

   Jennifer VIP

   New York City6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 7, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I’ve been to SAAP three times now, and each visit has been nothing short of fantastic. The cocktails are incredibly creative and refreshing and always a great way to start the meal. I can’t resist ordering the same small plates every time because they’re just that good: the crispy pork spring rolls, chicken satay, and the rich, comforting pork belly egg drop soup are absolute standouts. On top of the amazing food and drinks, the service is exceptional; Kenna has been our server each time and is a true gem. She’s warm, attentive, and brings a smile to everyone’s faces with her care and upbeat energy. SAAP is everything I look for in a restaurant and quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat in the area.
   

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7. G

   Gary VIP

   Raleigh63 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on May 3, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   Lots of good flavors and unexpected additions like purple potatoes in the curry chicken dish. Staff menu guidance was appreciated. Hard surfaces and a large Saturday night crowd made the inside room very loud. Fortunately we were accommodated by the restaurant with outside seating.
   

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8. J

   Josie

   Raleigh5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 26, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wonderful service w/ warm smiles and a serving pace that doesn’t feel rushed! A great spot in downtown Cary if you’re looking for quality dishes as you reconnect w/ old friends. Atmosphere is well-spaced and relaxed as well as held to high standards!!
   

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9. B

   Ben

   Raleigh1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 26, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing food and knowledgeable staff. We will be going back soon.
   

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10. J

    Jean VIP

    Raleigh233 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    We love this place! Super pepper beef and incredibly delicious pho Lao!! And our usual starter of crispy spring rolls never misses. Our waitress was great too, a member of the chef /owner’s family.
    

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