Increasingly, it seems, Alpharetta has become an exciting destination for restaurants and cooking of all kinds.
Last month, Tre Vietnamese Dining opened in the Old Milton/Windward Parkway area, showcasing an enterprising Asian concept mixing elements of fast casual and fine dining.
The look: Tre (pronounced “jare”) is tucked into the corner of a small strip center on North Point Parkway. The storefront features a small entry garden and a long side patio enclosed by a bamboo fence. Inside, the minimal but airy contemporary space is brightened by lemon grass green and yellow walls, a few paintings and bamboo plants.
The scene: During the lunch rush, there’s a queue leading to an order counter, plus several three-course noodle, rice or sandwich combos ($9.50) served 11 a.m. -- 4 p.m. At dinner, the feel is more formal and less hectic, with attentive table service and chef’s specials.
The menu: The full menu offers a compendium of Vietnamese cuisine, from soup (pho) and noodle dishes (bun) and banh mi sandwiches on French bread ($5 -- $5.50) to a long list of entrees with shrimp, fish, pork, beef, chicken or tofu. Classic shaken beef ($15.95) comes with rice or French fries. An appetizer sampler ($9.50) includes shrimp paste on sugar cane and fresh and fried spring rolls with veggies and sauces.
The drinks: A beer and wine license is in the works. In the meantime, the beverage list includes tropical smoothies, chilled milk tea, Vietnamese-style coffee with condensed milk and hot tea. At lunch, there’s a self-serve soda machine with free refills.
The extras: Tre offers carryout, catering and private event services. A glass bakery case displays daily dessert specials with a decidedly international flavor. Recently, there was an assortment of fresh fruit plates, flan, mocha cake and tiramisu.
Dining out
Tre Vietnamese Dining
11 a.m. -- 8 p.m. Mondays -- Thursdays; 11 a.m. -- 10 p.m. Fridays -- Saturdays; closed Sundays.
Appetizers and salads, $4.50 -- $9.50; soup and noodle dishes, $7.50 -- $8.95; sandwiches, $5 -- $5.50; fried rice and entrees, $8 -- $15.95; Tre lunch combos, $9.50.
3055 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-754-9454, trevietnamesedining.com