The Best Vietnamese Restaurants in London – A Pho-nomenal Guide

This Soho institution is a London classic for a reason. Their pho is a revelation – rich, nuanced broth simmered for hours with melt-in-your-mouth brisket or silky chicken. Don’t skip the DIY dipping station with fiery chilies, fresh herbs, and crunchy beansprouts. Cay Tre’s got two other locations, so convenience is no pho-ble.

Have to try: Bún bò huế (spicy Hue noodle with beef & pork hock), Bánh bột lọc (tapioca dumplings with pork & prawn), Cơm sườn (Saigon hawker rice), Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork with vermicelli salad)
Perfect for: Pho lovers
Approx Price for 2 people: £40

For those seeking a deeper dive into the diverse culinary landscape of Vietnam, venture East to Miền Tây in Shoreditch and Wood Green. Named after the Mekong Delta region in Southern Vietnam, where the founders hail from, this family-run chain offers a vibrant menu filled with dishes rarely seen elsewhere in London. Think clay-pot chicken curry brimming with lemongrass and turmeric, crispy squid with caramelized garlic, andChargrilled quail infused with honey, garlic, and spices – a true adventure for the adventurous eater. While their pho is certainly worth slurping (we recommend the rich Saigon-style broth), don’t skip the bún bò huế – spicy Hue noodles with a complex broth featuring beef brisket, pork hock, and a fragrant herb garnish.

Have to try: Chả giò (mien tay spring rolls), Bún bò huế (spicy Hue noodle with beef & pork hock), phở, Chim cút (chargrilled quails with honey, garlic and spices), gà nướng mật ong (chargrilled chicken with honey), They also have goat, eels, frogs if any one wants to be adventurous.
Perfect for: The adventurous
Approx Price for 2 people: £50

No banh mi crawl is complete without a stop at Bánh mì Bảy, a legend whispered on the lips of London’s Vietnamese food enthusiasts. Their crusty baguettes, baked fresh daily, are the perfect canvas for their vibrant symphony of flavors. Imagine crispy, airy bread embracing succulent grilled pork, pickled vegetables bursting with tang, creamy sriracha mayo adding a zesty kick, and fresh herbs infusing each bite with an aromatic whisper. Bánh mì Bảy offers all the classics, from the savory lemongrass chicken to the melt-in-your-mouth roast pork belly, each crafted with meticulous care and an explosion of taste. The price points are as friendly as the staff, making Bánh mì Bảy a perfect “grab and go” option for a budget-conscious lunch or a quick, satisfying snack. Just be warned, the size of these banh mi might be deceiving – one bite and you’ll be hooked, potentially leading to an impromptu picnic in the nearest park.

Have to try: Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich)
Perfect for: Sandwich lovers
Approx Price for 2 people: £24

Tucked away in Covent Garden, this hidden gem is a haven for pho purists. Their Hanoi-style pho is lighter and cleaner than the Saigon variety, with a delicate broth and thin rice noodles. The bun cha, grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and nuoc cham dipping sauce, is another must-try.

Have to try: Bun Cha
Perfect for: Health enthusiasts
Approx Price for 2 people: £30

Craving a taste of Vietnamese street food without venturing to Shoreditch or Soho? City Càphê in the City of London has your back. Tucked away in a charming alley off Ironmonger Lane, this casual and bustling joint offers a no-frills, flavour-packed menu that satisfies cravings and fuels weekday lunches. Prepare to rub shoulders with office workers and foodies alike as you navigate the chalkboard specials and handwritten menu that changes daily. City Càphê’s charm lies in its unpretentious approach to Vietnamese comfort food. Think steaming bowls of pho bursting with tender meat and fragrant broth, alongside crunchy banh mi filled with succulent lemongrass chicken or savory char siu pork. Don’t skip the fresh summer rolls, bursting with vibrant vegetables and dipped in their addictive nuoc cham sauce. And for a dose of sunshine, their Vietnamese iced coffee is a sweet and creamy pick-me-up.

Have to try: Banh Mi
Perfect for: Quick city lunch
Approx Price for 2 people: £30

This sleek Wardour Street spot elevates Vietnamese cuisine to new heights. Chef Le Thi Hoa cooks up innovative dishes like crispy duck spring rolls with blood orange marmalade and sea bass steamed in banana leaf with turmeric. The cocktail list is equally exciting, with Vietnamese-inspired twists on classics.

Have to try: Crispy duck spring rolls
Perfect for: High-end street food
Approx Price for 2 people: £60

Fitzrovia’s answer to Vietnamese fine dining, The House of Hô is a feast for the senses. The menu is a modern take on traditional dishes, featuring highlights like charcoal-grilled squid with lemongrass dressing and caramelized pork belly with star anise and black pepper. Don’t miss the DIY bun cha platter – a fun and interactive way to build your own bites.

Have to try: Charcoal-grilled squid
Perfect for: Date night
Approx Price for 2 people: £150

This family-run restaurant in Peckham is a love letter to Vietnamese home cooking. The menu features dishes rarely seen elsewhere in London, like banh beo, tiny steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp and pork, and mi quang, turmeric-tinged noodles with a variety of toppings. Be sure to try the ca phe sua da, Vietnamese iced coffee, for a sweet and refreshing ending.

Have to try: Steamed rice cakes
Perfect for: A casual eat
Approx Price for 2 people: £35

In the heart of Peckham, five siblings have woven their familial bond into the fabric of Banh Banh, a restaurant where contemporary cool meets Vietnamese comfort. Forget sprawling menus and endless choices – here, a concise selection of specialty dishes shines under the spotlight, each one a testament to their culinary heritage. Think vibrant turmeric noodles dancing with juicy prawns and crunchy bean sprouts in the Bun Rieu Cua; or the Banh Tom, delicate rice pancakes wrapped around succulent shrimp, kissed with nuoc cham dipping sauce.

Have to try: Turmeric noodles
Perfect for: Foodies
Approx Price for 2 people: £80

Nestled amidst the pulsating energy of Soho, Green Papaya invites you on a vibrant journey through the flavors of North Vietnam. Ditch the formal tablecloths and dim lighting – this casual cafe-diner is all about laid-back vibes and a visual feast. Think exposed brick walls adorned with colorful lanterns, greenery cascading from every corner, and dishes arriving on stylishly mismatched plates, each one a miniature artwork. Green Papaya’s menu reads like a love letter to the diverse culinary tapestry of North Vietnam. Start with the Bun Cha Gio Thit Nuong, where crispy spring rolls filled with fragrant lemongrass pork sit alongside vermicelli noodles and a symphony of dipping sauces. Dive into the Goi Xoai, a refreshing green papaya salad bursting with sweet mango, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy dressing that awakens your senses.

Have to try: Goi Xoai
Perfect for: A casual lunch
Approx Price for 2 people: £50

This no-nonsense spot in King’s Cross is a favorite among locals. The menu is extensive, with all the Vietnamese classics at rock-bottom prices. The pho is hearty and flavorful, the bun cha is juicy and satisfying, and the spring rolls are crispy and fresh. Sen Viet is cash only, so come prepared.

Have to try: Their pho
Perfect for: Bargain hunters
Approx Price for 2 people: £30

With two locations in Hoxton and Dalston, BunBunBun is a reliable spot for quick and delicious bun vermicelli bowls. You can build your own from a selection of toppings like grilled pork, lemongrass chicken, and tofu, or choose one of their signature creations. The portions are generous, the prices are friendly, and the atmosphere is casual and lively.

Have to try: Any of their bowls
Perfect for: If you’re really hungry
Approx Price for 2 people: £40

No Vietnamese food crawl in London is complete without a pit stop at Kêu, the vibrant little sister of the acclaimed Keu Deli chain. With locations in Shoreditch and Soho, Kêu is a light-filled haven for quick bites and casual feasts, perfect for solo adventurers or bustling groups. Think tiled floors reflecting the sunshine streaming through the windows, shared tables buzzing with conversation, and stools perched along counters ready for a speedy lunch break. But Kêu is more than just a quick fix. Their menu, while concise, is a celebration of Vietnamese street food staples, each one crafted with fresh, vibrant ingredients and bursting with flavor. Dive into their namesake banh mi, crusty baguettes overflowing with succulent lemongrass chicken, melt-in-your-mouth roast pork belly, or crispy tofu – each bite a symphony of textures and tastes.

Have to try: Banh Mi
Perfect for: Group dining
Approx Price for 2 people: £50

In the heart of Hackney, away from the buzzing throngs, lies Hai-Ha, a simple and serene haven for Vietnamese comfort food. Unpretentious and welcoming, with minimal decor and warm lighting, it’s a perfect escape from the city’s cacophony. Their menu revolves around the comforting classics, with steaming bowls of pho taking center stage. Choose from Hanoi-style with its delicate broth and thin rice noodles, or the Saigon iteration, richer and bursting with flavor. Don’t miss the bun cha, sizzling grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and a nuoc cham symphony, perfect for sharing and customizing.

Hai-Ha’s beauty lies in its unhurried pace, its focus on pure culinary satisfaction. It’s a place to linger over a steaming bowl of pho, slurping in the comforting warmth and delicate flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned pho enthusiast or a newcomer seeking a taste of Vietnamese soul food, Hai-Ha offers a quiet, delicious haven in the vibrant landscape of London’s Vietnamese scene. So, escape the bustle, seek refuge in its welcoming embrace, and let Hai-Ha’s simple pleasures nourish your soul.

Have to try: Bun Cha
Perfect for: The minaminist
Approx Price for 2 people: £40

Tucked away in Clerkenwell, amidst trendy galleries and bustling streets, lies Ngon. Forget the bells and whistles – this minimalist Vietnamese cafe focuses on what truly matters: fresh, vibrant flavours served with a smile. Imagine crisp white tables surrounded by cheerful green chairs, bathed in the natural light streaming through large windows. The open kitchen hums with the rhythmic chopping of vegetables and the enticing aroma of simmering broths.

Ngon’s menu is a concise symphony of Vietnamese staples, each one cooked to perfection and bursting with natural goodness. Their pho is a revelation – the broth whispers with delicate spices, holding its own against perfectly cooked meats and silky rice noodles. Don’t miss the vibrant Bun Cha Gio, crispy spring rolls filled with flavorful pork and vegetables, served alongside vermicelli noodles and a chorus of dipping sauces. For a lighter bite, their fresh salads are a kaleidoscope of textures and tastes, featuring seasonal vegetables drizzled with a zingy nuoc cham dressing.

Have to try: Vermicelli noodles
Perfect for: Cool date spot
Approx Price for 2 people: £50

Nestled amidst the vibrant chaos of Shoreditch, Tay Do is a boisterous haven for laid-back Vietnamese feasts. Forget fancy tablecloths and hushed whispers – here, the atmosphere is all about shared plates, lively banter, and communal tables buzzing with energy. The “bring your own booze” policy adds to the free-spirited vibe, allowing you to curate your own perfect dining experience with a bottle of craft beer or a jug of sangria.

Tay Do’s menu reflects the casual, social spirit of the restaurant. Think platters piled high with crispy spring rolls, skewers of sizzling lemongrass chicken, and fragrant vegetarian salads, perfect for sharing and dipping into an array of homemade sauces. For a heartier option, their vibrant Bun Bo Hue delivers a spicy punch, with vermicelli noodles swimming in a fiery broth brimming with beef brisket and pork hock.

Have to try: Their crispy spring rolls
Perfect for: Feasting with your cool friends
Approx Price for 2 people: £50

In the heart of Chelsea, tucked away in a hidden courtyard, lies Phát Phúc Noodle Bar – a humble oasis of Vietnamese comfort food. Forget the bustling streets and trendy shops; step through the unassuming entrance and you’ll be transported to a bustling Vietnamese street stall, complete with shared tables, mismatched seating, and the enticing aroma of simmering broths. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere, offering guidance and warmth to both seasoned pho enthusiasts and curious newcomers.

Phát Phúc’s menu is a celebration of Vietnamese street food staples, each prepared with fresh ingredients and the simplicity that elevates flavours. Their namesake pho is a testament to this philosophy – steaming bowls arrive brimming with fragrant broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and your choice of tender meats or succulent tofu.

Have to try: Their noodles, obviously
Perfect for: Pho lovers
Approx Price for 2 people: £40