Sometimes you stumble into a restaurant expecting a quick bite and walk out with a smile that lingers longer than your meal.

Obao, a Vietnamese-Thai fusion spot in Midtown, pulls that off with confidence and flavor to spare.

We dined early as we were on our way to an 8pm Broadway show. We were in time for a well priced Happy Hour (Bulleit Bourbon cocktail $13, cold sake $6).

The meal kicked off with fresh Summer Rolls, the kind of fresh simplicity that sets the tone…crisp vegetables, tender shrimp and just enough mint to make the dipping sauce dance ($13).

The Vietnamese Salad that followed with shedded mango, lettuce, red onion, rice paper, carrots, cilantro, and fish sauce topped with crispy shallot was a bright, crunchy symphony of herbs, lime and fish sauce. Refreshingly tasty without being fussy ($12).

Then came the star players. The Pad See Eew with shrimp was pure comfort, perfectly chewy noodles, wok-kissed shrimp and that elusive balance of sweet, salty and savory that makes you reach for just one more bite ($20).

The sleeper hit was the Bo Luc Lac with filet mignon, their take on classic shaking beef. Tender, deeply caramelized onions with a peppery glaze that begged to be chased by a sip of something cold (sake). it is the dish you will remember long after the check arrives ($28).

Dessert…A soft landing in the form of Taro Custard Pudding, a creamy, nutty and subtlety sweet dessert made with taro root, eggs, coconut milk and sugar with an earthy and surprisingly soothing taste after the bold flavors before it. Served with ice cream ($15).

Obao isn’t trying too hard to be trendy.

It is simply doing what it does best by serving up honest, vibrant food in a setting that hums with the low-key energy of a city that eats well and often.

Obao proves you don’t need fireworks. Just a good wok, a handful of herbs, top quality seafood and meat and a chef who knows how to flirt with flavor.

OBAO 947 9th Avenue New York City. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10:30pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am-11:30pm. Reservations on Resy.