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Name: Vietnam Restaurant
Address: 221 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
Telephone: (215) 592-1163
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.78

Vietnam Restaurant

221 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107

(215) 592-1163
Store is closed

Vietnam Restaurant Menu

Appetizers

Nem Nuong

Banh Xeo

Tom Lan Bot (6)

Cha Gio

Nem Nuong Cuon (2)
Noodle Soup

Pho Tai

Pho Bo Kho

Pho Sate

Pho Dac Biet

Hu Tieu My Tho
Rice Platter

Com Tam Suon Nuong

Com Tam Thit Nuong

Com Tam Ga Nuong

Com Tam Bo Nuong

Com Tam Tom Nuong
Traditional Soup

Canh Chua Ca

Canh Chua Tom

Canh Chua Ga

Canh Chua Thai
Meats

Heo Kho To

Vit Chien

Ga Nuong Toi Que
Dessert

Che Dau

Che Khoai Mon

Che Bap

Healthy Meal suggestions for Vietnam Restaurant

Appetizers

Nem Nuong [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Banh Xeo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tom Lan Bot (6) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cha Gio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nem Nuong Cuon (2) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Noodle Soup

Pho Tai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pho Bo Kho [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pho Sate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pho Dac Biet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hu Tieu My Tho [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Rice Platter

Com Tam Suon Nuong [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Com Tam Thit Nuong [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Com Tam Ga Nuong [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Com Tam Bo Nuong [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Com Tam Tom Nuong [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Traditional Soup

Canh Chua Ca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Canh Chua Tom [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Canh Chua Ga [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Canh Chua Thai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Meats

Heo Kho To [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vit Chien [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ga Nuong Toi Que [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert

Che Dau [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Che Khoai Mon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Che Bap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Jennifer C.

In a suggested itinerary on MSN Travel, Vietnam Restaurant came highly recommended especially for a short trip to Philly. We were only in the city for a few days, and I wanted to check this place out as it made it onto this coveted bucket list. Though we definitely had a decent meal here, and I ogled some amazing-looking dishes around me as we sat and waited for our food, I still felt ever so slightly underwhelmed. I guess I've become really spoiled living in New York, namely in Queens, where excellent, excellent (x2!) Vietnamese restaurants are at my disposal. Although this resto in Philly was more upscale than the run-of-the-mill Pho Banc's you'd normally see in New York (where you share a 10-top with a bunch of strangers), presentation and taste-wise, there was minimal difference. In fact, the only difference I could detect was the uptick in price. That, and better artwork. They have really beautiful photography adorning the walls. But honestly, would I pay the premium just to see it? Pass. If Vietnamese restaurants are hard to come by in Philly (which I doubt, because I did see another one right across the street), then by all means, give this place a go. The interior is clean, and furnished with dark tables and chairs, setting the mood for a nice, romantic dinner if you've plans to take a date. They also have a second floor, which we peeked at right before we left, and it certainly seemed like a cozy space. If you're looking for cheap eats however, I might search the neighborhood a little harder. The food here is pretty good, but slightly expensive (and another Yelp reviewer from Cali, Viv V, who is Vietnamese, does not think this place is truly authentic, either). One other gripe, when I ordered my Vietnamese wonton noodle soup, I had specifically asked for rice flour noodles instead of egg noodles, and though the waiter had agreed to the substitution, in the end, I was served egg noodles. Apparently, he did not care for what I had wanted, and to ignore or forget such a small request like that, I think, sheds an unfavorable light on them. 2.5 stars.
(2)
Candice F.

Pretty good food with a nice quiet atmosphere. Beef Soup to share is fun and yummy! Also ordered the Lime Chicken, which is sort of similar to General Tso's chicken with a hint of lime/tang! Sweet and Sour Shrimp was yummy. The pineapple hunks were clearly canned, but the dish wasn't bad overall. The shrimp were actually super delicious.
(4)
A B.

While the menu isn't overly creative, and there are certainly cheaper options of similar food in the immediate area, this place has a nice intimate atmosphere over which to enjoy a meal and conversation.
(3)
Sam B.

Super fast service with great dish options. Love the vermicelli with the roll on top. Filling and delicious and good service.
(4)
Amy L.

One of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants in Philly. The spring rolls are one of the best I had compared to other Vietnamese restaurants I been to. The service is friendly and the setting is nice. The prices are affordable. They take reservations for large parties.
(4)
Gina B.

Fantastic! Broken rice pork chops, chicken chow fun, chicken papaya salad, veggie pho, and chicken lemongrass soup....all so good. Great flavor, good service, and quality restaurant. I ate here 2 nites in a row cuz it was so delicious, on my business trip. Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Allen M.

I was willing ot give Vietnam a try, but after seeing the few choices of vegetarian dishes on the menu, I wish I would have gone elsewhere... Nevertheless, what I got was delicious - Tofu Rolls appetizer, Tofu Vermicelli Bowl and Chinese Brocolli, and Coconut Ice Cream for dessert. The restaurant was clean, and the service was quick and efficient - although, I felt the prices were a bit expensive... My firends love this place, but I think I'd pass on it next time - Vietnam Palace across the street has more vegetarian options, I hear...
(3)
Todd V.

Vietnam is not very good. I was surprised at how awesome the ratings are because this place did not live up to it at all. The crispy spring rolls and chicken with vermicelli are talked about a lot on here so I got them. Big let down. The spring rolls were unremarkable and the chicken was AWFUL. None of my friends liked their dishes either. On top of that, the service was as bad as everyone says it is.
(2)
David G.

I have been going to Vietnam long long before the renovations and expansions, linoleum floor, plastic chairs.... and the BEST damn food. I'm talking so good I'm at home writing this and I'm Pavlov's dog here (ding!) Sooooo so very good. Recommended: bun bo nuea (spelling is wrong but its a soup, get it with the pigs foot. Trust me.) Any broken rice pork chop combo. Spring rolls. Pennywort drink is sublime. Mmmmm. Benny Lai is a great guy, great service there and now its very classy decor. I miss Benny's brother, liked going there even for take out he was extremely nice and made u feel at home. He has his own place now I think. Go to Vietnam its THE best.
(5)
Elizabeth B.

Totally amazing food! I have been to the ACTUAL Vietnam and had meals not as delish as this. We were originally recommended to go to a restaurant next door, but since it was closed went here instead... so glad we did! The appetizer platter was completely devoured and left us all full. Consisted of some sort of thin rice tortilla (almost cellophane noodle-y), spring rolls, stuffed grape leaves, chicken, noodles and more... then miraculously we were ready for more when we saw our entrees! I had a wonderful sweet and sour chicken dish. Afterward, there were DEFINITELY enough bites left to take home for another two meals! Will be enjoying that tommorow for lunch, I think.
(5)
Alessia K.

So me and the babe are on a new kick of trying all the places I have been talking about for a few years. We finally made it to Vietnam and it was so worth the wait. First off, let me say I feel really bad for the place across the street named "Vietnam Palace." Everyone I have talked to is always like, "Oh yea, Vietnam is awesome...but the one across the street with the "restaurant" title. They get a bad rap but I am sure the food is just fine at the palace. Anywho, Vietnam was perfection. We were seated right away on a Friday night. We ordered the giant bowl of liquor called the Flaming Volcano. It was about 6:30 and we got a few glances from the classier people in the joint. The drink was freaking awesome though and pretty strong (the rest of the night was not one of my finest moments). I will say that the veggie spring rolls were the best in the city (if anyone has a different opinion please let me know) We pretty much inhaled the rolls because they were so crispy and filled with delish veggies. We also shared two entrees, the spicy, crunchy and beautiful salt and pepper shrimp. The other entree was a noodle dish with shrimp and chicken which was also fresh and flavorful. Everyone else in the place was slurping on the Pho which looked divine but it was 85 degrees out and I was not in the mood to sweat like a man. All in all, the place is fantastic and I cannot wait to go back and try everything. I might even try the Palace just because I feel bad.. Enjoy!
(5)
Kevin T.

I had a spring roll noodle bowl. It was very tasty. I enjoyed it. I have a dear friend that is Vietnames so I am a bit spoiled. I will be coming back here.
(4)
Cassie T.

Wow, what a gem! We wandered in here pretty randomly, after pondering between here and Vietnam Palace across the street. From the outside you could never tell that this place is such a classy establishment! The restaurant goes up three floors with a really nice lounge area on the highest floor with a bunch of fun cocktail choices and beer to occupy you while you wait for a table. Also, sweet shrimp chips! The atmosphere of the place is great, it's cozy, clean, and feels really nice, unlike most places in Chinatown. The service is very professional, friendly, and fast! I would say that this would be an awesome place to take a date. They have a pretty wide selection of Vietnamese food, from Pho to vermicelli noodle bowls to meat dishes and crispy noodle dishes as well. We all got the vermicelli noodle bowls, which were around 8.50-9.50 per bowl, and they were excellent! (and generously portioned as well) I would say that the crispy spring rolls are definitely something that is done well here! MMmm. The food came out fast as well! And for people who judge places by their bathrooms, Vietnam restaurant has really nice bathrooms. What a classy joint. Highly recommended. I'll be back soon!
(5)
Alexa R.

I have been here three times, but this was by far my most fun and tasty experience. I attribute it to my company and the fact that I made the right choices! A table of four we were and started with the barbeque platter, which was awesome. It consists of lettuce wrap fixings, stuffed grape leaves, meat kebabs, vermicelli, sauces, chicken and veggies. I had to restrain myself and not fill up too much on apps - a common problem for me. I wanted pho for dinner, but not anything with beef. I initially ordered veggie noodle soup, but our very kind and nice waiter warned me that my soup would be bland if I went that route. I explained that I wanted pho, but could they do it with chicken or veggies? He happily obliged. Everyone else at the table got noodle dishes and I did sneak a bite of my husband's. He ate a lot of it and still had enough left over for lunch. One of my dinner companions made me laugh because she said she once ordered something at Vietnam that was so delicious, but she can't remember what it was and is in a constant quest to figure it out! It was pretty crowded for a Tuesday night, but we had no problems getting a table and having good service.
(4)
Ken H.

My friends were craving for Asian food without too much walk in Philly. We just found this restaurant via yelp. The decor for this restaurant is definitely nicer than other Pho restaurants. However, I was a bit disappointed with the food. yes its pricey compare with how much I normally paid in LA. Yes the food does have some MSG feel to it and yes its somewhat greasy but I did get my stomach filled with some food. We all left happy. The taste is kinda blend and unremarkable but I guess for Philly, I have to settle with what they have here.
(3)
Rebecca S.

Really, just genuinely good, filling without being heavy, food. Dinner out with at least one friend requires the ordering of the crispy spring rolls, I don't know whether we like the rolls better or the pickled carrots as we fight for the last of each every time. After greasy spring rolls, I tend to veer toward lighter fare. My go-to is always the won-ton soup loaded with every last bean sprout on the plate and an extra squeeze of lime. My companion for tonight's rendezvous ordered the grilled chicken vermicelli (which he pronounces with a "ch"....the Italian in him that he just can't shake). He never really deviates from his order, I don't really either, but after watching order after order of the flaming volcano cocktail brought out to tables, am thinking that I need to get back there and expand my palate in the realm of cuisine and cocktail. This restaurant is always crowded, a surefire sign that it's got a little something special going on. I say, 5-stars "woohoo! as good as it gets"...or in Charlie Sheen's words "WINNING!"
(5)
Therese M.

I've been coming here for my birthday dinner with the family for years. There are 7 of us so we've tried many items on the menu and have never been disappointed. My favorites are the crispy spring roll w/pork (cha gio) and the pho tai w/beef. The pho is the perfect meal for a cold night in the city. Add some sriracha and you're good to go!
(4)
Mark R.

Spring rolls are awesome....seafood pot...great....beef plate...amazing totally great
(5)
Kelly W.

Always a great meal! We like to bring out-of-town guests to eat here, and they always really enjoy it. My favorite dish is #47, Bun Cha Gio Chay (VEGGIE SPRING ROLLS VERMICELLI). The portions are substantial, but you don't feel like death even when you're so full. The Vermicelli Noodle Bowls are lighter fare, but delicious and filling. Water glasses are refilled constantly. Food is served very fast, typically ten minutes or less after ordering. To get the full experience, you must order the Flaming Volcano (at least one time!) The drink is meant to be shared, and it adds to the fun of the experience.
(4)
Vichet O.

I like this place, but I, like everyone else who has been to both Vietnam Palace and Vietnam Restaurant, can't help but compare the two. And if I rate Vietnam Palace at a solid 4 stars, I have to give this place 3.5... fortunately for Restaurant, I can't rate half stars, so I rounded up because I have no reason NOT to like this place. This sums up my opinion: If Vietnam Palace burned to the ground, Vietnam Restaurant would be my one stop shop for Viet cuisine in Philadelphia. Now I have to beg the Lai family not to burn Vietnam Palace down. Anyway, I cop to being a bit biased here. But, if you'll hear me out, it's because of my personal preferences and the kind of food I personally grew up with, which Palace seems to build on a little bit better, or at least differently, than Restaurant does. And no, it's not because Palace makes it like mom used to. I'm not even Vietnamese, so that can't be the case. But, if I had to say it, the milder flavors of Vietnam Restaurant ARE reminiscent of my family's cooking. And I don't have to pay for that. Anyway, everything I've ever had at Palace, I've had here: nem nuong, cha gio, vermicelli with charbroiled pork (of course), seafood over pan fried egg noodle, and various broken rice dishes, and just for kicks, pho. The portions are about the same as across the street (huge), and everything is tasty. You will probably like this place, if not love it, and I admit it's a good way to get acquainted with restaurant style Viet cuisine. Now for specifics: The charbroiled pork here is smokier than at Palace, and with a milder twang of fish sauce and lime mixed up in the marinade, it's less pungent and probably much more palatable (and thus recommendable) to those who have never tried Vietnamese street meat before. The cha gio (fried pork spring rolls, otherwise known as "imperial rolls") here is much more evenly textured and flakier/crisper than Palaces. The thing is, I love Palace's cha gio because the mushrooms and carrots that are inside are much more coarsely chopped, and the whole thing is fried at a higher temperature (or possibly with a different skin) to make it crunchy (versus crispy/flaky). The nem nuong, like the char broiled pork, is smokier, yet milder. Texture is about the same - think meat balls, with a grilled caramelized dusting on the outside. Vermicelli is, well, vermicelli. So really, for me, the difference came down to the accompanying meat. I've already covered that topic. As for atmosphere, this place is built with multiple cozy dining rooms. The bathrooms are nicer, if a bit cramped. There's also a bar I've never been to at the top. The ambiance is nice. I'm always a fan of dim lighting and dark woodwork. They're not quite as "modernized" in appearance as their neighbor, but that's because Palace's most recent renovation was sometime in the last 5 years, whereas Restaurant has looked this swanky since the 90s. Check this place out. It won't disappoint. I just can't rate it on the same level as Palace. Pro-tip: Ask for peanuts on the side. They seem to be much more peanut shy over here, which is definitely prudent considering how many people have peanut allergies. I'm so happy I don't. PS I'm just going to say it, because I have no other way to express it. For whatever reason, over the years, I noticed the following: white people like this place better than Vietnam Palace. Just saying.
(4)
diane g.

Best vietnamese spring rolls in Philly. Food is consistently good. Love the barbecue platter with a little of everthing. Dont like that they make you wait for your whole party to seat you. Nice decor and wait staff.
(4)
Hope K.

I had a great dining experience here. The service was very attentive - water constantly refilled, the waiter kept a close eye but didn't hover, and friendly. I ordered the chicken noodle bowl with a crispy egg roll and it was delicious. Crunchy cabbage texture, noodles cooked just to my liking, chicken was grilled and just a bit smoky, other flavors were bright and well balanced. I also ordered the lemongrass martini and liked it. The prices were very reasonable and the whole thing including tip cost me under $30. I also liked the ambiance of the restaurant with flattering lighting and warm colors although the tables are a little tight. I went early so it wasn't very crowded and it was a good meal near the convention center.
(4)
Monique B.

Pretty decent pho soup here. Nothing amazing, but good flavor and decent service. Rather than have us wait they opened up another section of the restaurant to seat us right away. Mixed cocktails were a bit sweet though. My friends had the curry chicken and it was pretty light on flavor and spice. My other friend had the spicy lemongrass chicken soup (I think it was a special) and it looked the most delicious of all we ordered. I will probably go back, but not anytime soon.
(3)
Dan F.

I'm always fascinated when reviews for a place are all over the map. I've read "completely inauthentic," "sweat socks," "pleasant," and "overwhelming onions." I will add another review to the mix that doesn't match the others. Our party of 5 LOVED Vietnam Restaurant. A simple plate of bok choi literally halted all conversation among a group of people who otherwise cannot shut up. Silence, other than repeated murmurs of OMG this is SO. GOOD. Summer rolls followed and just the preparation of the pork alone made my thighs clap. My entree, salt and pepper chicken, was absolutely incredible and perfectly executed: bright, super-spicy, and complex with the crunchy onions, peppers, chilis, and greens, and miraculously, no trace of oil. My friend's pork chop plate was very nice - but to be honest, my dish was the nipple pinching winner. Throw in some Tsing Tao, Sapporo or Singha and sake and you have a lovely evening indeed. Service was A+. (And the waiter was kind of ripped...) I don't think I've ever heard a table of people chorus on through every bite just how wonderful the food is. Granted we are pasty white and cannot evaluate the cuisine to an authenticity standard, but having lived in a neighborhood for years where Vietnamese food was the only option, I myself feel reasonably certain Vietnam Restaurant is in the running. Absolutely worth checking out.
(5)
John P.

Upscale Vietnamese place without the upscale prices.
(4)
anthony r.

Can be hit or miss. Stay away from the Beef sate. Awful and the meat was reminiscent of Steakums. Stick with the Bun dishes.
(3)
Kurt I.

Its still 5 stars, have no fear, I just wanted to point out a few things. This place knows tofu. If you enjoy tofu, Vietnam can fry it into chunks and make a nice soy/scallion sauce for dipping and it will be the (hands down) best tofu you've ever had. Like, OMG did I just have a food-gasm, yes that good. Imagine your tongue high fiving your mouth with every bite - its just that damned good. Drinks. They can make them, and watch out - they tend to end up strong. I decided to get the goofiest thing ever - the flaming volcano. Basically its everything fruity mixed with everything alcoholic, and its served to you - on fire. Sounds ok to me. This dumb looking drink WILL kick your ass. Vietnam - you may be my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia.
(5)
Isabella L.

I have all sorts of fond memories of Vietnam. Dining or takeout this place delivers. I love my all time fav broken rice with chicken, but pretty much anything I ever tried here was good. Look it's not authentic vietnamese but if you're like me and want it a bit Americanized this is your place. The cocktails are HARDCORE and served up in all sorts of fun glasses. Price for food and drinks is reasonable too. The ambience is so charming. It's in a converted brownstone with 2 main levels and the restrooms are between floors - very cute. The service was always at least ok but never spectacular - probably the one thing they could work on. I loved this place so much I took my parents here the one time they visited me in Philly during a torrential downpour- and they're from L.A., home of the most eclectic and delicious Asian food (well maybe second to the bay area). Vietnam, if I ever get back to Philly, prepare yourself for some of my serious lovin.
(5)
Steven M.

Great Vietnamese food, with excellent service! Equal to if not better than similar options in New York City. The traditional dishes are made well and quite flavorful.
(4)
Yoshi F.

This has been my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Philadelphia and I have been to a number of them. The best Vietnamese restaurant that I have ever been to was at Little Saigon, which is in Glendale, AZ. Back to the review, my wife and I didn't even sit down for dinner tonight because they don't have high chairs. Are you serious? How can you not have a high chair! We ended up going to Vietnam Palace, which was across the street and the food was very good and more importantly they had a high chair.
(2)
Lauren B.

Not the best pho i've ever had but still very good.
(4)
James Y.

Generally not a fan of Vietnamese food, and this place hasn't been able to change my opinion. It's clean and nicely decorated, so definitely more upscale then usual hole-in-wall places in Chinatown.
(3)
Trang N.

I have been coming to Vietnam for years prior to the renovation. Growing up on Vietnamese cooking, this was a great place to pop in for me to grab some comfort food. Over the years, although the food is still good, I feel the robust flavors of my childhood have been watered down for the 'western' palate and I've had to request additional condiments to spice my dishes.This is by far one of the pricier Viet eateries around town, which by the Philly restaurant scene is still very cheap. The staff's friendly, and I always exchange warm conversation since they recognize me through my many visits. The servers tend to dart around the dining room, making service very quick and efficient, but the intimacy next to none. The new reno boasts wall to wall wood has become a nightmare for holding any kind of conversation, either that or people have blurred the octave of indoor vs. outdoor voice. All in all, a great place for the introduction to the Vietnamese cuisine, but there are a lot of other places around with better flavors!
(4)
Celeste B.

The spring rolls were outstanding and I liked the savory crepe, although it could not hold a candle to Oakland's Xyclo. Very clean and cute inside. My combination vermicelli bowl was good. I am spoiled by living in SF. I went to lunch there twice. The servers were forlorn but accommodating. I can envision returning. One big complaint is that they did not offer a veggie side that was reasonably priced. I wanted a little sald, green beans or broccoli. They did have a large broccoli entree but I just want a small side dish not a 11 dollar second meal. 3 stars if it was in the Bay Area., but I will give it a 4 stars for being in Philadelphia
(4)
Anna P.

This is at the TOP of my list for my favorite restaurant in the city! I absolutely LOVE the BBQ platter for 2 people which is a sample of chicken, spring rolls, meatballs and grapeleaves and it comes w/ lettuce and rice paper to wrap all of the tasty goodness up in...AND THEN you are served a peanut sauce to dip your rollup in, which to me was what won me over from the competition across the street. If it's cold, treat yourself to their PHO which is comforting and phenomenal. AND you must order a FLAMING VOLCANO. It is a planter size drink full of different rums and they light it on fire! What entertainment! And sometimes I like to end the evening with some of their delicous and warm rice puddings. Mmmmm...maybe, I'll go there tonight!
(5)
Monica S.

Large, clean Chinatown haunt with food that everyone can enjoy. From picky eaters to adventurous ones; vegetarians to carnivores, Vietnam satisfies every palate. Meateaters shouldn't miss the BBQ platter (which is more than enough to feed 3) and then wash that down with a steaming bowl of pho. You've also gotta love their flaming punchbowls filled with liquor to the brim. My vote goes to this Vietnam over the across the street neighbor...especially if you're on a date.
(4)
Meghan C.

I am by no means a Vietnamese food expert, but everything I've had on this menu is incredible. The service is great, the prices are fantastic, the lemongrass martini is addictive. I usually get Bun Nem Nuong because I'm sorry...vermicelli and meatballs...how can I not? If you have a peanut allergy, BRING YOUR EPI-PEN!
(5)
Karen F.

Really good food and great Iced Coffee - pus decent service (but it was really hot in there this last time we went for lunch. The Chicken over broken rice (or banh) is great and the Chinese broccoli in garlic sauce was crispy and tender and cooked to perfection. And you can get flaming rum drinks, too - though we never do. Love Vietnam for a quick comforting meal.
(4)
Alexis F.

I have been going to the Vietnam Restaurant since I was a tiny baby (I am now 22 years old). It is hands down my favorite restaurant I have been to anywhere! My family and I always order a large array appetizers to share as our meal! The crispy spring rolls are a must, along with the beef with grape leaves! The salt and pepper squid is another one of our all time favorites! This dish is not on the appetizer menu but is a great dish to share as an appetizer. The Vietnamese Restaurant is always my first choice restaurant for any occasion!
(5)
Joanne T.

I really don't know why i've never been to this place before. I guess we just head to chinatown for chinese and Washington Ave for our Vietnamese. We couldn't really enjoy ordering what ever we pleased because were trying to eat healthier and make better choices. I loved how this place was clean and did not feel like quick grab bite Viet place; more like an actual restaurant. This would be a nice place to take out guests or first timers of Vietnamese cuisine. I wish we could've tried their famous cocktail drink. We did indulge in some grilled shrimp on skewers. They were delicious. I ordered a pho noodle seafood soup. It was kind of bland. I ended up taking it home. They did add extra soup for me, however i never ate it anyway. The bf got a bowl of pho. He enjoyed how the size of this bowl was perfect; not your typical jumbo size. I def gotta come back here and check out the rest of the menu.
(3)
Tiffany B.

Being from New York, I'm tired of Vietnamese restaurants that can't make the cut, so I was pleasantly surprised that: one, this restaurant offers authentic dishes, and two, my favorite snack food is on the menu (it rarely makes an appearance in more Americanized restaurants). Maybe it was wrong of me to have high expectations for this restaurant, but it didn't disappoint -- far from it. We started with thit nuong cuon. I've only had this appetizer either in the comfort of my own home or California, and this one reminded exactly of the ones in California, and it was dee-licious, sweetly char-grilled meat wrapped in the most refreshing of vegetables and vermicelli. Now my favorite: banh cuon. The best way to describe the dish is a rice noodle ravioli or crepe filled with peppered minced pork and wood ear mushroom. It is then topped off with cha (pork roll), fried shallots, and spicy fish sauce. Since it is my favorite, I'm a bit more critical...and it suited my tastebuds wonderfully. I actually recall being incredibly giddy. For the main course, the Boyfriend and I split ga chanh, which although drenched in a savory sauce, was crisp and tender and juicy. I truly enjoyed everything about this restaurant. The food is indeed authentic and delicious. The wait staff were all Vietnamese and courteous (which made it fairly easy and less awkward to order since it feels strange to Americanize my Vietnamese more than it already is). Even the decor resembled a Vietnamese stilt house.
(4)
Hoa T.

I don't know why I haven't review this place sooner. Maybe it's because it's a common practice for me to come here. The food is top notch. I judge a vietnamese restaurant by a lot of things and the fish sauce is one of them. It's our bread and butter really. If you can't make it right, everything taste horrible. This place gets it right. If you ever venture outside of pho, try the rice dish (com tam or broken rice). It's awesome. The only thing that I came across that is not exactly authentic but still tasty is the bo luc lac or shaken beef. The dish is supposed to come with water crest. The restaurant has it with lettuce instead. Other than that, explore and you will be surprised how wonderful everything is.
(4)
Tiffany L.

DELICIOUS vietnamese food, if a tad pricier than most. the quality and taste are phenomenal. we had the bbq sampler appetizer plate. they say it's for 2, but 4 of us barely finished it. :) we also had the vietnamese "crepe" with shrimp, the pork, and papaya/beef jerky salad. a definite step away from the standard pho and spring roll order, but much tastier. last, had a beef jerky and papaya salad - also good, served at room temperature. i'd definitely come back. we only came into philly for the day, and this place was definitely better than pat or geno's. :)
(4)
Joyce T.

I read the reviews and decided to take my folks to this place but not impressed. We ordered beef noodle soup and Com Tam Ga Nuong (grilled chicken over rice). Somehow the broth was flavorless. The chicken was a bit dry and too salty. The presentation of the plate wasn't inviting. The environrnent of restaurant is absolutely good and restroom is clean. The vietnamese food I've tried is better than this place.
(2)
G Y.

Went here for an early dinner on a Friday night with my husband. I've ordered take out from the place across the street several times, but thought we would give this place a try because the reviews were consistently good. We received our appetizer and entree within maybe 6 minutes of ordering it. The beef jerky papaya salad was really good, though shredded thinner than I'm used to so I feel like I usually get a larger portion elsewhere. The beef over broken rice was also pretty good, though it felt like it needed more vegetables or some kind of light sauce/liquid to bring everything together. My favorite part was probably the taro rice pudding for dessert! I love taro and coconut milk and it was the perfect warm, semi-sweet end to this meal. We will definitely be back! My only real complaint would be that the tables were pretty close together, and there were two group of 6-10 people in the room we were in, so it made it a little difficult to hold a conversation. Our food came out so quickly that it didn't matter too much, but it would have been nice to keep the groups who were very talkative together and the couples wanting a quiet date night in another room.
(4)
David A.

A mixed bag. Great atmosphere for Chinatown. A plus here. Wait service efficient but far from welcoming. The food, some good, some not so good and nothing that blew me away. Soups were ok. Best dish was a garlic shrimp. Chicken in a clay pot was overcooked and lacked flavor. Vermicelli with assorted toppings was good but needed more seasoning. Vietnamese was a nice change but I have had much better. When in Chinatown I will stick with Sang Kee.
(3)
Sudo N.

I had pho here last week for lunch and I was not happy with the outcome. The broth was not very flavorful, and the pieces of pork in it were too old and had an off-taste. The soup was not served hot enough to properly cook the bean sprouts. I will not get pho here again. Cost was around $8.
(2)
Sasha B.

We were really hungry and not familiar with the area at all, so I just looked up nearest eateries. This one came up with 4 stars, so we just went for it. What a mistake -I usually read lower grade reviews before committing. This is the worst Vietnamese restaurant I've been to. For is bland - chicken overlooked, meat tasteless. Service was OK though, and decor is nice. So go there if you don' care about the taste. Not me.
(2)
Elle P.

The seafood claypot tasted more like a watered down version of kimchi jigae (Korean kimchi stew). The beef sate pho was made somewhat carelessly. The noodles were clumped together and chewy. There were only few pieces of bean sprouts. If you were expecting large portions that you find in typical pho places, this place wasn't it. The restaurant interior was nice and you can tell that they were going for a more upscale look. I was a bit disappointed with this restaurant with all of the rave reviews. I wish I had seen Jennifer C's, my NY buddy, review before coming here.
(2)
Jana C.

2.5 lunch Cute interior and charming warm wood. Food came out too quickly---banh xeo could have been fried longer and so could the filling ingredients. More sloppily cut ashen onions spied i than ever I saw some pork or prawns. the only herb given to is was basil. boo. And iceberg leaves?!? really? Papaya salad bit pedestrian, in my opinion. Did the job. Our chicken lemongrass noodle soup was also 'just alright' getting the theme here? Cafe sue da was excellent. Big kick, deep roast, strong....but at $3.95/ small cup?!? Again....really?!!!!!!! Lunch ended up being close to $40 because of the rip-off!!!! drinks. Had I only known and not assumed....
(3)
Pao P.

The place is very nice and clean. Had some spring rolls for appetizers, it was ok. My wife loved them. I got myself the shrimp vermicelli which was ok, typical flavors with the sweet and sour sauce. My wife got the wonton soup, she liked it. Got chicken fried rice and grilled pork over rice. They use long grain rice for the fried rice which is still good but it had a charred taste. Not sure if it was a little burnt or that's how it's supposed to taste. The grilled pork was good, had a duck sauce flavored to it. Overall, it's a good place to eat, will try again in the future.
(3)
Trent S.

Best. Cha Gio (pork and shrimp fried spring rolls). Ever. Also the Che Dau - a must have at the end of your meal. Love x3 this place.
(5)
Topaz S.

This was an incredibly disappointing experience. Yelp completely failed me. Service was all but not existent. After sticking us in the back room they forgot about us. We watched another table leave without ever getting served. Wish we had done the same. None of the spicy dishes even had flavor, much less spice. When. My wife asked about the lack of spice in her soup, she was told it wasn't supposed to be spicy. Yet the dish is called " Spicy lemongrass soup.". My sister-in-ordered a plate of plain noodles for her 4 year old. They came covered and fully dressed. When we sent a dish back, we weren't asked if we wanted something else or offered an apology. The appetizers were the one saving grace, but not enough to make this worthwhile. And then they made us sit around and wait for a bill. Stay away.
(1)
Denise K.

The shrimp vermicelli and crispy tofu was very good. They are however limited in their vegetarian menu. My boyfriend got the crispy tofu egg noodles which was bland and a disappointment. The service was a bit slow and off. They got one of the orders wrong but we took it anyways.
(3)
Ron H.

Shrimp, porkspringroll, wonton soup, and pork vernicille. You shouldn't need a big long review to come here and try the food. It's a Philly staple, and it's still the best Vietnamese in the city. One of those rare gems that doesn't change over time despite raving reviews from every imaginable outlet. Add to the fact that they get slammed with the convention center traffic, it's a wonder they haven't turned into a has-been. Start off with the flaming volcano (great for 2, don't attempt to drink it all yourself!), and a few aps before moving on to the noodles and main dishes. 2nd floor bar isn't a bad place to eat lunch or grab something quick for two people when the main restaurant is too crowded. Skip weekends as it's always too long of a wait.
(5)
Gerald S.

Pleasant environment for a first lunch at Vietnam Restaurant on 11th Street. Dark wood tones, extensive menu, and apparently, a good bar. My lunch was simple; Pho Tai. The bowl was smaller than at other VN locales, but tasty and well presented with a full plate of accessories (spouts, lime, jalapenos,basil leaves). The flank steak was thin and lean. The broth as doctored at the table, spicy and engaging. The noodles, soft and of adequate volume. At $6.95, it was exactly what I wanted for a light lunch. The Vietnamese coffee was also very satisfying. I need to visit a few more times and try more on the menu before coming to a final opinion on this pleasant fixture on the edge of Chinatown.
(3)
Dennis L.

This is a fancy viet restaurant, with a pretty large menu offering. I ordered the Jicama Summer Rolls which were pretty good. Veggie based root vegetable thing I just wanted to try out and it was pretty delicious. The BBQ deluxe broken rice was also not too bad. The pork was pretty over cooked though, the flavor wasn't too bad. I really did like the shredded pork and the egg... quiche? Either way, it's not a bad spot and pretty spacious for large parties. I went relatively early in the night, but it seems to do pretty well. Although, it seemed like many patrons were tourists.
(3)
Edward W.

Been here several times. Nice decor and friendly service. Consistently good food. Comprehensive clear menu. Welcoming dishes. Had mixed appetizer platter. Generous portion of delicious treats Sprung rolls hit the spot For the main I had the country style beef in soy and Worcestershire Just the right degree if salty decadence.
(4)
M B.

I've been going to Vietnam for years - and I consistently get the same 3 things (having been around the menu a few times): - Chargrilled pork rolls - Shrimp wonton and noodle soup - The House Special----awesome They let you share their soups if you have a party of two. Good times are had by all.
(4)
Shereen C.

Vietnam Restaurant is all right, but there's much better Vietnamese food to be had in Chinatown (and in Philly in general). House special bun (vermicelli) was so-so. BBQ pork was mostly overcooked -- some pieces were fine but others were very dry. Spring roll was not bad. Chicken was also overcooked and bland. Sausage was fine. Noodles themselves were fine. There weren't enough toppings (chopped peanuts, herbs, etc.) Disappointing in general. Much better bun can be had for half the price at many other Vietnamese restaurants in the city. BBQ Pork w/ broken rice was similar. The pork was the same as in the bun -- some pieces were overcooked, while some were okay. Service was on the inattentive side. I needed more sauce for my vermicelli, and waited a long while before a server showed up & noticed that I needed something. Decor is nice, so in that sense, this is a comfortable place to sit in. I'd recommend Vietnam Restaurant only if you didn't care much about food, value, or service, but just wanted a nice-looking place in Chinatown to eat Vietnamese.
(2)
Stevie S.

Last week was my third (and final) visit to Vietnam while living in Philly. Service was mediocre and the Vegetable Chow Fun w/ tofu had all the flavor of smoked water. It was seriously awful. Wife tried it and agreed - unbelievably flavorless. We joked that the broth was simply bong water. Never had a good meal there. Never going back.
(2)
Shawn S.

A friend recommended Vietnam over Vietnam Palace and I was glad it delivered. My GF enjoyed an appetizer of the special Vietnamese Ravioli which was delicious and a perfect starter. The entrees were delivered with impeccable timing after the app was finished. I had the house special vermicelli which was delicious and more than enough food. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the Vietnamese meatballs in the dish which were delicious. My Gf had the beef pho and she could not stop raving about it. With three great meals, I felt it was worth the five star rating. Next time I would like try the volcano drink, looks fun.
(5)
Bradford G.

You are screwed if you don't know what you're doing here. The menu is goes like this: noodles with beef, noodles with chicken, rice with shrimp, rice with chicken... you get the idea. Fortunately, the menu also says "ask for help ordering!" So I did. The waiter said, "Um, whatchu like?" I said beef, and he pointed to about every beef dish. Uh oh. So I waited until my date picked something and then I said "Oh that was what I was going to get!" She's too nice so she said okay and picked something else. Now, she's not Asian, but damn she picked right on, as I hoped. I thanked her by adding to this page a picture of her drinking a volcano bowl. The food is good, a great place to go if you're headed to the Trocadero. What to order? Start with a volcano bowl, skip the appetizers, and get #45 with a side of hot sauce. It's like a noodle dish with apps on top. Good food, quick service.
(4)
Angie K.

The only dish acceptable at this restaurant is the house special bun (vermicelli).Their spring rolls are the best I've tried at a Vietnamese restaurant because it is so chewy and crispy at the same time. Even so, their portions are small for the $$. That being said, I only go here because it is conveniently located in Chinatown, and I often don't feel like driving to the more authentic restaurants. Convenient, yes. Authentic, no.
(3)
Serena D.

Went there for lunch. I loved the decor, above the average environment restaurants in Chinatown, it's nice and clean. We ordered the crispy spring roll, it was delicious, a little bit too salty though. Both my friend and I ordered the noodle soup. I'm a big Pho fan, but the pho here didn't meet my expectation, less of flavor. On the other hand, maybe it also means they didn't put MSG in the food, not like other Chinese restaurants. The price is reasonable and the service is friendly. Will go back to try some rice dishes.
(3)
Jenn S.

This place was so ridiculously good, we ended up there 2 nights in a row! Must order: ~ Summer rolls: really fresh julienned veggies and shrimp rolled up in a soft rice roll, dip in peanut sauce and DONE! ~ Grilled pork chop broken rice: Love the marinade they have on the chops! It's sweet and sour all at the same time. The broken rice is soo addictive, not as heavy as traditional asian sticky rice or even jasmine rice...the plate looks intimidating because it's a huge amount of rice but it's deceiving, you really do want that much rice on a plate for this one. ~ Grilled beef over vermicelli noodles: I think it's the same marinade as the pork above but this is served over very thin rice noodles. You add teh fish sauce dressing to the entire thing and toss. It's heaven in a bowl. Dish comes lukewarm/room temp because that's how it's supposed to be eaten. ~ Crispy spring rolls: Fried made to order, light and piping hot when it get to your table. Wrapped in some of the red leaf lettuse that it comes bedded on and it's a real treat. And the service was attentive but not obtrusive!
(5)
Liz W.

We have been going to Vietnam Restaurant for at least 9 years and it never disappoints! The food is consistently great. I can't speak for the service lately since we have done exclusively take-out the past few years. My husband's favorite meal is the house special vermicelli - the portion is huge and there is plenty in it (I think it's pork, spring rolls, Vietnamese meatballs). My absolute favorite is either the house special crispy egg noodle or the crispy egg noodle with tofu. The spring roll appetizer is also delicious!! Their pho is good too though it is tough if you get take-out since the noodles come in a container and end up stuck together. If you get it I would recommend a giant bowl to mix it all together. But even still it's pretty good! (Note: I am by no means a pho expert, just going by what I think tastes good) Definitely worth eating here or doing take-out!
(4)
Megan M.

This has been in my top 5 favorite restaurants in the city for years and has never fallen from grace. The BBQ platter and flaming volcano ate a must have. Everytime we go we get these and mix it up with other dishes. Another favorite of ours is the tomato crab soup. Vietnam has always served really good food; we have never had a bad experience.
(5)
Jameson W.

Crispy spring rolls, crispy spring rolls, crispy spring rolls. You really don't need to know anything more. Just order them and be prepared to deal with the crack addiction that comes with them. This place is reasonable prices and nice decor. The menu is not amazing start to finish, some stuff is just good. But the key stuff is amazing: crispy spring rolls, summer rolls, pho. The vermicelli bowls are good. I recommend adding a spring roll to any bowl.
(5)
Kim S.

Delicious food + nice decor makes for a great meal. I am never disappointed with this place to which I often dine in or do take out. Their nuoc mam sauce is the best! Even out of towners are impressed with this place. If only they would deliver....
(5)
Im T.

I have been going to this restaurant for the last 15 or so years.. The food was so so and the waiter was bad. We were seated upstairs and had to ask for utensils, bowls, etc. Ordered many dishes, stuffed grape leaf were burnt, pork wonton did not have hardly any pork, the sea food soup was not the best. Usually bring extra food home, but this visit, did not bother to bring any back home. Not sure if I will go back Will try the restaurant across the street.
(2)
Jessica M.

I really like Vietnam, but it's one of those places where I have to order my tried-and-true or face disappointment. Serious exception - they had a garlic bok choy side dish the last time I visited that was ah-mazing. Perfectly salty, oily, and flavorful while still seeming relatively healthy as a plate of cabbages. What is my favorite? The crispy spring rolls vermicelli. If you don't eat fish, be sure to get an alternate sauce, but you won't miss the traditional fishiness, I promise. The pickled veggies, the cold rice noodles, and the hot-and-crispy rolls make this a perfect dish. Dishes I haven't liked include the veggie noodle soup (tasted like the inside of a tin can) and some kind of extra-bitter broccolini dish. Back to the good stuff -- I love, love, love the black eyed peas pudding for dessert. It's sticky rice with coconut and black eyed peas - perfect for this Southern girl who enjoyed leftover rice with sugar and milk. I'm still super-impressed the the peas made it into a dessert, and I can't get enough.
(4)
Jenny G.

Stay away if you are looking for traditional Vietnamese fare. I was really looking forward to trying the restaurant after reading that they served Banh xeo, but it ended up being one disappointment after another. Every dish we ordered looked like they were made in a rush and tasted extremely bland. We had to dip everything in the nuoc cham (that accompanied every dish) to make them palatable. If you are considering ordering the following menu items, I would advise you to reconsider: Banh Xeo with shrimp Char-grilled pork rolls Stuff grape leaves with beef Chicken Papaya salad Saigon noodles Crispy tofu
(1)
Brian C.

This is a pretty dependable place to go for Vietnamese food in Chinatown. I think that this restaurant and the restaurant across the street, Vietnam Palace, are both comparable as far as quality of food and taste. The main reason I come here is convenience. It's in a great location, right in Chinatown. In fact, this is a great place to run out for lunch and grab a quick bite. The spring rolls are tasty, and I usually get one of the vermicelli bowls with either spring rolls or char grilled pork. I love the fish sauce that it comes with and usually just empty the sauce into my noodles before I enjoy.
(3)
Mike F.

One of my favorite places to eat. The house special noodle bowl knows no competition when I'm there and I always come back to it. If you want a little more space or easier parking you can always visit their West Philadelphia location.
(5)
Miriam W.

The best thing we three did at Vietnam Restaurant was take the advice of yelpers and order the BBQ platter! When it arrived we were overwhelmed by the bounty: crispy spring rolls, beef stuffed grape leaves, chargrilled chicken, grilled meatballs, rice vermicelli, lettuce and rice paper (to wrap it all up in!) They say it serves two - if you plan on ordering other main dishes, it can easily serve four. For dinner I ordered the chicken pho (my litmus test for Vietnamese food) and the broth (my favorite part) was a bit like bland dishwater. I also wish it had been served in a larger bowl; delivered as it was the soup was sloshing over the side. Still, I'd return for the BBQ platter any day of the week!
(4)
Jihye T.

It is safe to bet that we would eat Vietnamese at less once a week. Overall, the ambience and decor of the restaurant is nice, particularly compared to typical Asian restaurants in Chinatown. However, the food was too salty, and not good enough to make us come back any time soon. And let's face it, you don't eat Vietnamese food for decor or ambiance... The ambiance. Perhaps an old row home? It's very clean, and has dark wood interior that is inviting. No wait on a Friday night dinner time, but enough patrons dining to have a pleasant noise level. The order: Bun w chicken. We have had this dish at almost every Vietnamese restaurant we have been to... The bowl was too small to adequately combine the noodles, veggies and chicken so that you can have taste of all different ingredients in one bite.... The chicken also lacked the grill flavor that we have come to expect. There was no herbs or anything special to make this simple dish shine. Bo Lu Loc ... The beef cubes were way to salty... and it's not a compliment when I say that I prefer the cubes of beef from chipotle over this. Also, would have preferred water cress or some other vegetable over iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and soggy cucumbers...
(3)
Parker S.

I had high hopes for Vietnam after being told this is one of the top places to eat vietnamese in philly. overall, i enjoyed the food but I don't think its my absolute favorite in the city. I remain of fan of Mekong River in Pennsport. I think the atmosphere and service are better and most importantly I like the food there more. With that said, I really enjoyed my food here and wouldnt object to going back.
(4)
Jennifer M.

This is by far my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, with the exception of one I used to go to in Charlotte, NC. I usually start with the Goi Cuon/Shrimp & Pork Roll as it is the closest thing to Summer Rolls here. Then I must have a Vermicelli Noodle Bowl. Choose any protein, as they are all good, fresh, and filling. The cocktails here are also delicious, but my favorite is their French Martini. I've tried so many times to recreate this one, with no luck. I brought a girlfriend here that used to be married a Vietnamese guy and she exclaimed that everything was very authentic. We had a couple of cocktails and appetizers and just laughed. The waiters are efficient, attentive, but not pushy. The ambiance is always clean and cheerful. On a weeknight, there is usually no wait for a table, but come Saturday night, you may have a bit of a wait. Still, as the food is quite reasonable in price, authentic, and super fresh, it is definitely worth it!
(5)
Oliver C.

I drove from DC to Philly once just to satisfy a Vietnam craving (used to live in Philly). The spring rolls and pork vermicelli with the sauce have crack. I mean they don't, but I would not be surprised. Holy crap, they always hit the spot. Friends I have taken there say the same thing!
(5)
Amanda C.

I think I just got the wring dish. I was in the mood for grilled pork pho, but when i saw they didn't have it, I changed tracks completely and got chicken chow fun for $13.95. Pretty much immediately after I placed this order a delicious looking vermicelli bowl with spring rolls came out and I instantly regretted what I had chosen (even though I had already decided that the vermicelli is so bland on its own that I didn't want it). Me and the waiters had trouble communicating and I didn't want to risk getting the wrong item. Though the menu says spicy, it seems that it's only spiced with black pepper, so it isn't bad at all. My boyfriend ordered the tofu chow fun ($13.50) and it literally tasted like nothing. I'd give it another chance based on just seeing thenspring rolls, but the chow fun dishes were very mediocre and the language barrier became a little frustrating.
(3)
Christian L.

What's the miracle food that will woop any Cold's ass into submission? I had been sick for a few days and wanted to murder what was ailing my lungs. I'm not Pho-king around when I say Pho (pronounced Fuh) is your best bet for the body rebound. This place offers your standard Vietnames fare, however it's not a cut above the rest. Being an Asian, I do value the the quality of a good spring roll. If anything, you should start with the Vietnames spring rolls. The spring rolls come with peanut/fish sauce (noms) and vegetables for dipping. For the main event, I had the chicken pho. I quickly slurped my broth and inhaled my noodles. I could feel the Cold melting away. It was pretty good, but the portions could have been larger. I'll be back again if I'm in the Chinatown area.
(3)
Ahlora T.

I love Chinatown because of great food spots like this!!! When I was interning on 12th street I asked my boss one day where I should order Chinese food from. I said give me your favorite spot. He told me his favorite spot doesn't deliver and that it's the only spot he goes to in Chinatown. So we walked across the street to Vietnam to sit and eat. It wasn't busy at the time but don't be fooled, around lunch this place is swarming with people! Menu Must haves: You HAVE to try the salt and pepper chicken! It's amazing! That is by far my favorite dish here! The vermicelli is good too!
(5)
Phoebe S.

Usually we got to nearby Xe Lua but on a recent trip to Philly Xe Lua was closed so we tried out Vietnam. Aside from being quite a bit pricier than Xe Lua (granted it's a prettier spot) we weren't that impressed with the food. Spring rolls were good but the iced coffee was not great and the beef carpaccio wasn't good at all. Got takeout but service/atmosphere seemed pleasant.
(3)
Nonafenders U.

2 1/2 stars. Have eaten here a few times and liked it without ever being able to love it due to the following: * Indifferent wait staff. * Bathroom usually needs attendance, atmosphere otherwise cozy. * Appetizer BBQ special is pretty good, and a nice quantity, but the vegetable quality and variety is poor. Read: boring lettuce, huge cucumber slices and browning mint leaves. The rice paper wrappers arrive stuck together. The char flavor on some items is pretty nice, though. The chicken quality is good, as are the chargrilled pork rolls. * Goi cuon aren't special at all. I've had better in Bucks Co. * Vermicelli noodle bowl with char-grilled beef was good, not special * Chicken chow fun was soooooo average. Bleh. * The salted/pepper shrimp tasted nice but was like chewing fingernails as soon as it cooled a bit - not crispy enough. Also featured the intestinal tract with FECES!!! Ugh. * Prices OK for Philly Lastly, asking if my uncle and his girlfriend who are near their 70s liked it, I was told only "it was cold". No other response. This could be for 70-year-old reasons, or that they've eaten in many other more cosmopolitan places, but why even wonder?
(2)
Michelle C.

Everyone always told me how much better Vietnam is than Vietnam Palace but, to be honest, I wasn't really blown away. The options all sounded fantastic, and maybe I just ordered the wrong thing, but my chicken curry with veggies and white rice was pretty run of the mill. The sauce was thick, almost like gravy. Onions overwhelmed on the veggie end and there were a few green peppers thrown in, but I would have liked to see some more color. My girlfriends seemed happy with their selections; some type of seafood stew and an order of salt and pepper shrimp which looked really awesome. Service was excellent and I was surprised how crowded the place got during lunch time, in a section of town I don't find myself in too often. I'll definitely be back to check out the full scope of the menu, but for my first visit, I adorn three full stars.
(3)
Steven B.

The wife and I love this place and have enjoyed delicious meals and adult libations many times. Speaking of libations, they have a flaming volcano drink for two that is great fun. There are plenty of other drinks and beers to also try. We've found that the drinks are generally strong. They don't skimp on the alcohol. The atmosphere here is very pleasant. We're talking multiple floors and multiple rooms and lots of wood. Very nice and the multiple rooms helps keep the noise down. For those readers who normally enjoy Chinese food, Vietnamese is a little different. There is more emphasis on meat especially beef and chicken. There is also seafood but you will see what I mean when you peruse the menu. Vietnamese food often contains the delicious herb called lemongrass. You don't see it as often in Chinese food. Finally there is more emphasis on noodles of several types. If you're new to this type of food start with the BBQ Platter. It's the Vietnamese equivalent of a po-po platter. It will include those delicious crispy spring rolls that many reviewers rave about. Whenever we go here we skip fighting for street parking. Just up the street, past the local police station, is a small lot. It never seems to be full and it's cheap. Give that a try. Vietnam does not take a reservation which usually annoys me but I've never waited long here. They seem to handle the crowds well.
(4)
Joe L.

Great Pho! Also had a live crab cooked in the most interesting and delicious way. Service was great.
(4)
Payal P.

We ate here after the flower show a few weeks ago. My friend suggested it and I quickly said yes after hearing all the good things about this place (not the Palace). We all got different things and we all loved what we got. This was my first Vietnamese experience that didn't involve pho. I got the vermicelli bowl with chicken and spring rolls. It was sooo delicious. I really wanted to finish it all but ended up taking alost half home (it didn't look that big but it was filling). The sauce was yummy, the chicken has such an excellent grilled flavor and was cooked to perfection. I also enjoyed the pickled veggies but I like those in all places, good and bad but these were good! My friends got salt and pepper chicken and a noodle dish which looked good too and I know they both cleaned their plates so they must have enjoyed it as well. I will definitely be back though I am not sure I am willing to stray from the bowl right away.
(5)
Aisling O.

The vermicelli rice bowls won't disappoint, but the wait staff will. It was a cold day. My mother in-law and I wanted to sit and have a glass of wine while my husband parked the car. It was a Sunday evening. There were PLENTY of open tables. They refused to seat us "until our entire party was here". My mother in-law explained that my husband was just parking would be there in less than 10 minutes, but the car the hostess repeated..."we won't seat you unless your entire party is here". Like a robot. In fact the entire wait staff are robotic but the food is great. Who turns down a nice senior citizen on a cold winter's night?
(4)
Diana K.

The food here is extremely flavorful. I am always thinking about the amazing Lemongrass Pork Chops they have here, which I highly recommend! Overall, the inside is very nice and the prices are moderate, but I typically prefer Vietnam Palace across the street for their amazing soup!
(4)
Faye S.

Crispy spring rolls hits the spot every single time. This time, I ordered the stewed beef pho, and while it was delicious and I'm thinking of making this my regular go-to dish when I come here, I could have used more soup and a bigger bowl! And I mean bigger bowl literally, not bigger portion-- it was hard mixing everything together. The portion size itself was decent; I didn't finish all the noodles (but I made sure to pick out all the beef cubes, hehe). Service was good, at least with the actual people taking our order and bringing it over. For some reason the male servers are always super nice, but the female hostesses are always snobby and act like they have better things to do. When we arrived there, we were seated at the sunniest table in the place. My friend and I had to squint because the 6pm sun was beating down on us through the window. I asked the girl bringing our drinks if we could please close the blinds, and she kind of hesitated and said, "Umm...if it's bothering you THAT much, you could just move tables." Obviously it WAS bothering us that much if we asked if we could lower the blinds! Towards the end of the meal I was trying to flag someone down for the check. All the girls were standing around, chatting. Finally I was able to flag a (surprise, surprise) male server walking back into the dining area. Does this place hire girls who have beauty but no brains, or more importantly, customer service skills?! Bottom line: food is great, but don't count on the girls to be polite.
(3)
Michael G.

Read my review of their sister restaurant with the same name. Today's meal here was crispy duck and it was ok but the service was fine. I liked the other place better.
(4)
Kai M.

The only reason people like this place is because it's Americanized and blanded down to the point where you can barely recognize the actual Viet flavors. Sure, they have shiny decor and a hip drinks menu--but the food falls flat, as does the service. Go here if you want to feel like you're being "adventurous" while avoiding any actual gastronomic enlightenment. To be fair, I even tried this place twice: once when it first opened, and again a couple months ago when a friend was determined to convince me that it was now the best Vietnamese in Philly. It's not. Go across the street to Vietnam Palace for that.
(1)
Deirdre M.

Great spring rolls and big portions! I would definitely come back again.
(4)
Michael M.

Upscale. All Americans in there so the level of authentic is not there like I wanted it. If you want traditional this is not the best place. The place is small but very clean. Great staff. Nothing bad to say
(3)
Candice B.

Many a group dinner has been enjoyed here. We have shared great conversations, often offending neighboring diners who just showed up for a good bowl of pho and not pho with a side of loud and inappropriate discussion about bodily functions. The group has, sadly, broken up due to some of its members moving away, but the memories remain wrapped up in rice paper, served with a garnish of pickled carrots and daikon. We never left less than full and satisfied, and the staff always treated us well no matter how many times we flagged them down for refills of water. Vietnam is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Philly. Consistently good food, good atmosphere, and good times.
(5)
Robert P.

We get take out from here at work when we want to treat ourselves. Very high quality Vietnamese food. I had the House Special Bun which had a really tasty assortment of grilled meats and a spring roll on top. Everything was flavorful and cooked well. Was excellent even after a long cold walk down the street after picking it up. Usually gets the salt and pepper chicken which is really solid. Only thing is that it could use some kind of sauce to moisten it up a bit but I know that is not how its traditionally served. Fours stars just cause I've never actually eaten in the restaurant.
(4)
Ria S.

Yummy food, fast and friendly service, and were very accommodating of our large group. I visited with a group of people while we were attending a convention nearby, and we left happy and full.
(4)
Kemi A.

I really want to give this place a 3.5 stars but I'll grade down for reasons I'll explain below. I eyed the menu before going here (I'm notorious for doing this). First of all I should say that I visited this place about 2-3months ago. Was suppose to meet friends here but they were being female dogs so I decided to order to go and eat my meal at home. I forgot what i ordered but it was off the seafood menu (shrimps). I was really looking forward to the meal as I got home and unwrapped the container. I open the container only to be DISAPPOINTED who the f' stole my sauce? Like seriously, u are going to serve me grilled shrimps with rice and NO sauce??? what am I suppose to eat the rice with? The meal was just very dry and VERY disappointing. But still I went back because I had to try the BBQ platter. This time I went with a more legit friend. We shared the platter and my friend was convinced he was sooo hungry he would need another meal besides the platter so he pre-ordered another entree. Well the platter came and it doesn't look at all that big but when you get to eating it's quite a lot of food. We were two starving Africans and we were starved no more after we got thru that platter. My friend had to eat his words cause he was filled. After we finished the platter...I was really stuffed and I was glad i didn't order another entree. They brought out my friend's entree(he ordered what we thought would be the equivalent of shrimp fried rice) and AGAIN NO SAUCE. WTH? is there a shortage on sauce? Is this typical of Vietnamese dishes? cause when you go to a Chinese restaurant and they say "_______" with rice, you better believe "______" is in sauce so u can eat it with the rice. ARGH I was again DISAPPOINTED. Luckily we had the side sauce from the platter still on the table and we used that on the rice...after a while we just picked off the shrimps and sent the rice away. Seriously, u are like paying $12 for 6 grilled shrimps and rice that's worth $0.0004 .... I don't know if I would go back for another sauceless meal....I'll get the platter and just keep it moving from there.
(3)
Jess A.

Not a ton of vegetarian options, but the soup hit the spot on a cold new year's day.
(3)
Med D.

I love Vietnam - can go there over and over again. Always in the mood for it!
(5)
simone H.

Wow...that pretty much sums it up. The service is great, the food comes super fast, and the dishes taste so fresh yet are full of flavor. I've only been here once but I can confidently say this is the best Vietnamese food I've ever had. I ordered the vermicelli pork bowl and it was heaping with meat and fresh vegetables. The fish sauce that comes with the dish is a great addition but if you ask for the peanut sauce it's a real flavor enhancer as well. Everything was delicious, but what really blew me away was the crispy pork spring rolls. My god, they will you give you a full throttle foodgasm! They add crunch and texture to the vermicelli bowl, and they might be the best thing on the menu. I was completely satiated after dinner, but not too full. I left feeling happy and warm inside.
(5)
Amy K.

I am so glad that Yelpers recommended Vietnam Restaurant to me! You might not be able to tell from the outside, but the restaurant is really nice inside. We were told there was a 10-15 minute wait for a table, but as soon as we sat down to wait, our name was called. BF started with a Vietnamese beer, and I chose a tropical rum drink, complete with umbrella. It was really delicious. We shared a couple of appetizers, the fried tofu and the fried veggie spring rolls. They were both really good, but BF liked the tofu better, and I thought the spring rolls were better. The servings were huge for two people. We only ordered one entree, shrimp and broccoli, which was on the specials. It's a good thing because we had so much food! Everything was delicious, the service was excellent, and the portions were more than generous. What more could you ask for?
(4)
Bermie H.

I dined here for dinner with my family on a Saturday night. I had the shrimp and pork roll and #22 Deluxe Noodle Soup. I liked the roll but especially the dipping sauce. Our waiter told us that the bowl for the noodle soup would be very large. It really wasn't that big. Certainly not the same size as other authentic Vietnamese Pho places I've been to. Despite that the noodle soup was very good. For those with babies, they do not have high chairs so be sure to bring a stroller with you.
(4)
Hunter B.

It had been a few years since my last visit to Vietnam, but it was among my top picks for Christmas Day lunch. And since Sang Kee was packed and taking cash only, it quickly went from #2 to the #1 choice. I'm glad. We got there at the perfect time, snagged the table for two at the front window, and started to thaw out with tea and hot sake. There were so many enticing options on the menu, we definitely ordered more than we could handle. Not a problem at all; the leftovers made a perfect Boxing Day lunch. The Tom Lan Bot shrimp (6) were plump, perfectly battered and fried, not heavy at all, just crispy and tasty. The Goi Cuon shrimp &pork rolls (2), not fried, were a nice light counterpoint. As for entrees, the Heo Kho To (claypot pork) was among the best I've had, on par with my old favorite Vietnamese sit-down in San Francisco, the one with the line out the door at lunch and dinner times. The sauce and spice hit just the right note of heat. It even edged out my entree, the Ga Rang Muoi Tieu (salt/pepper chicken), for top honors. I enjoyed the chicken -- which also reheated well -- and its spicy kick, but I thought it came with a sauce. Fortunately, it was cooked so well, it was moist and flavorful, and not nearly as dry as its deceiving looks. All that said, the biggest surprise was the bok choy side dish. I've often seen bok choy cooked down to withered, limp spinach-like consistency. Not this time. The huge stalks were steamed with garlic and coated with garlic sauce, but retained the snap of celery and a burst of flavor with each bite. We agreed that it was the best bok choy either of us have had. After finishing off the tea and sake, we dragged our sated selves back out into the cold, leftovers in hand, and savored the full but not heavy or overloaded feeling. It reminded me of my past visits. And it got me thinking about all of the other menu options I still need to explore on future visits.
(5)
Kate M.

Stuffed Grape Leaves and House Special Vermicelli Bowl THAT'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
(5)
Angela L.

I rate this place 4 stars because of their BBQ platter. When you come with a large group of people, it's very convenient to order the platter. It comes with an assortment of meats, spring roll noodles, egg rolls, and carrots/turnips/lettuce. It comes with rice paper so you can make your own spring roll. A fun way to eat with company! The pho is alright. It's mediocre.
(4)
Rob W.

My favorite spot to visit in chinatown before 3am. They have some killer noodle dishes. The atmosphere is always buzzing, I guess I'm not the only one that likes the place.
(5)
L L.

Good, but literally double the cost of any Vietnamese restaurant in South Philly. There are items on the menu (see: squid vermicelli bowl) that I have not seen elsewhere, so keep that in mind before you overlook the place. Otherwise, it is clean and nice, although I'm fairly certain that their food quality is on par with anything at eleventh and Washington. Meaning perhaps not worth the extra $$$.
(3)
Hank C.

Well, the pho here isn't bad, but the best part of this restaurant is the spring rolls - fresh, hot and totally worth a trip to eat. But, everything else here, unfortunately, was only normal, and that meant I often stopped here for an order of spring rolls to go, and little else. They do have a decent waiting space as it does get busy here, but they are certainly swift in clearing up tables and clearing you out as you finish up. Drinks here are a bit on the weak side, almost cloyingly sweet.
(3)
Annie L.

a great traditional family owned and orientated for two generations restaurant. friendly owners and servers, fair price, some dishes are amazing, especially the BBQ sampler! they are featured on travel channels, different magazines, almost everyone loves this place!
(5)
Elizabeth D.

Enjoyed a really good dinner here on Friday for a friend's birthday. We had a huge group - around 12 people - and the service was great! Many of us had the famous flaming volcano drink, which is tasty, but very sweet. The spring rolls were delicious. Crispy and crunchy, which good filling and a sweet chili sauce to dip them in. I had the house special noodle bowl - with chicken, pork, spring roll, and "meat stick" over vermicelli noodles. It's deceptively big and very filling. All of us had a great, relaxed time eating here.
(4)
Jerry T.

We finally tried this establishment last night. I want to start this by saying that customer service is always considered on an equal basis as the food when I am evaluating an eating establishment. In the case of Vietnam, this is the main reason it is not rated higher. Before I go further with that, lets talk about the food. The often highly rated barbecue platter was indeed good, although I would prefer to be able to soak and prepare my own rice wraps - as they came, already wet and ready, they tend to stick together. Overall, it was good, however. Not exceptional as others have rated it, but good. My partner got the crispy duck which was very tasty, and very crispy as indicated - and I got the salt peppered shrimp which several people had recommended. The shrimp was cooked okay - maybe a bit overcooked - but honestly lacked in real flavor. I expected more taste, but it was rather bland. The sauce helped, but I still found it bland overall. Now the service. When I go to a restaurant I like to feel as if they appreciate the business and are glad to have their customers in their establishment. We got no sense of this at Vietnam. The service was . . . well . . . somewhat robotic - it was as if we were being served by some new automated system that has no ability to interact with the customers. It was service on autopilot. Everything got done, but with no personality, and very little eye contact, which I found off-putting and rather strange. Mostly, the staff remained huddled around the front door quietly chatting and laughing with each other. Again, for me, food and service are equal partners when I am making a decision to return to a restaurant. I am willing to give them one more shot, but if this is the norm for service there, I'll go elsewhere.
(2)
Jen C.

The steamed bok choi was perfectly done and crispy and the portions were substantial. Lots of menu items to pick from to suit anyone's tastes. They could benefit from setting up a few cheaper options as the menu was devoid of lunch specials. The main course pricing is on par with any higher-end restaurant in Chinatown. Bar Saigon on the top floor looks like it'd be a nice, quiet happy hour spot with it's lounge-feel.
(4)
Jennifer L.

This is a favorite restaurant of my husband's as well as some close friends of ours who are on a first name basis with Benny (the owner). We always enjoy going and ordering all sorts of different things that we can pass around and share. I love all the variety, and try to have something new every time. Enjoy the Vietnamese beer (Okay so that I've tried the same of more than once!), we always share the BBQ Platter and our eyes are always bigger than our stomachs as we share a Pho soup and both still order a main course each! Makes for good leftovers! : ) Be prepared to be there for awhile, but that is part of what I really enjoy about it. It's quality time with friends rather than a rushed meal. Everything always tastes extremely fresh, and I'd recommend trying it out if you've never been before.
(4)
robert s.

I am sorry Philly but you guys don't know what good Vietnamese food is. Can I please elaborate? Vietnamese food is very dependent on fresh vegetables and a fish sauce and nam mem (anchovy paste). I go here ordering some of my favorite VN dishes. First I order ground beef with beetle leaf with the anchovy sauce. They say they don't make that sauce. I am stunned and ask the waiter. He says VN people don't come here (instinct tells me to leave). So I switch the appetizer to Banh Xeo, VN crepe. The guys doesn't give me any vegetables and the vegetables they do give me are like cabbage and a mint. I hear the wait staff saying in VN your customer wants vegetables, like it is bizarre. Philly people: the contrast in texture of the basil, mint and lettuce with the crackling crisp of the banh xeo with the sauce brings you to heaven. What they gave me was not properly cooked, too thick banh xeo which I should have returned but was afraid they would do something to my food. For entree I got the vermicilli with egg rolls. It was decent but vegetables were rather skimpy. When I say skimpy, I mean very skimpy because I don't really care fro bean sprouts and I must have sworn I saw like three bean sprouts in the bowl. Is Philly too cold to get proper vegetable for VN food? The one positive I can say about this dish though is they used real rice paper for their egg rolls vs Chinese paper to give it more authenticity. I should have gone with my original instincts and stuck with the Chinese food in Chinatown. Yelpers, you let me down.
(1)
Christie S.

So is it wrong to visit a city I've only been to 1.5 other times & don't really know much about, just for the food & only for a few hours? I don't think so, either! :-) My boyfriend loves this place & we took a day trip from NY to Philly just so he could bring me here on Sat. Food ordered: - Appetizers: Split 2 orders of the Nem Nuong Cuon (Grilled Meat Ball Roll). Basically like a Spring roll but w/a roll of spiced ground pork, vermicelli noodles, bean sprouts, dipped in peanut sauce. Drool! - Entrees: BF had the Bo Nuong Toi Que (Thinly Sliced Grilled Beef in a basil/garlic sauce). I had the Bun Ga Nuong (Grilled Chicken Vermicelli Noodle Bowl). - Beverages: Vietnamese Coffee (mine Iced, his hot), which is very strong coffee w/condensed milk on the bottom that is then stirred (not shaken, hehe). - Dessert: Che Bap (Corn Pudding) & the Coconut Ice Cream. Cool: I discovered how good the Coconut Ice Cream tasted when I took a spoonful of it & then immediately sipped my Iced Coffee. Yummm! Not cool: Side effect was severe brain freeze. Owww! Service was excellent, prices were very reasonable. And everything was sooooo delicious, I couldn't stop raving about how good it all was on our ride back home. Note on parking: Location is in Chinatown, but this also means a lack of parking. We had to circle for a good 30 mins before finding parking about 3-4 blocks away.
(5)
Sumeet B.

Friendly staff, clean establishment, and yummy food! Soups were excellent
(5)
Caroline C.

Edible, but not great by any means or authentic. I am giving it 3 stars because the service was good and it was clean.
(3)
Christopher W.

I grew up eating here with my father. I used to meet him for lunch when I was 10 years old and we kept that tradition alive. It's weird for a kid with an Italian and German heritage to get nostalgic over a House Special Rice Vermicelli- but I do. I struggle to order many different things on the menu over the years because I crave what I have had before- its that good. I can tell you that all of their broken rice and vermicelli bowls are delicious. It's perfect for a hungry man, a weary eater, or a first timer. The veggie options are fantastic with their fresh tofu rolls in hoisin sauce at the top. The BBQ platter puts any other to shame, and is quite the deal for a party of 2. I always take friends to Vietnam and we are never disappointed. Benny Lai (the owner) is a great restaurateur who build this place up like a champ. It used to look like a Jersey diner, and now the entire place is elegantly outfitted with dark wood, and thankfully devoid of numerous fish tanks, stereotypical Asian drawings/calligraphy etc. Fast service and Affordable to boot!
(5)
Bill M.

Another winning spot courtesy of the Lai family (Vietnam Cafe, Fu-Wah). After an awesome showing of Conversations From The Cafe at TBar (one weekend left!) a friend and I decided to try here out. With it 's biggest competition literally right across the street ( yelp.com/biz/vietnam-palâ€¦ ) you'd think it would be hurting on a number of levels. But the family has definitely managed to maintain another awesome establishment. Between the spicy broth and my Chirasha addiction McThrill was feeling the heat! but I loved every moment of eating my seafood claypot (especially the jumbo shrimp). And my friend devoured his salt and pepper chicken in ten minutes flat even though he wasn't that hungry (he normally does it in 5 so it wasn't that impressive.). It was also fun to go through all of the entree option's that aren't yet available in the West Philly Cafe (eventually?) and prepare myself. So overall Vietnam wins. Now I just need to try a Virgin's Downfall (read Chrissy R.'s hilarious review you pervo!).
(5)
Bekah H.

My favorite Vietnamese restaurant of all time by far - nothing compares to it. The food is incredibly delicious, especially for the price. I recommend the Cha Gio and Bun Bo Nuong - which is pretty much what I order every time. (I can not get over how good those crispy spring rolls are!) This spot is minutes from the Market East train station so it's an easy walk and find. (Just look for the pepper plants right outside.) I take everyone I know here for little to no reason at all - just for a good time - and everyone has loved it so far. The food always comes out fresh, hot and quick. The waiters don't bug you a lot, which makes for good conversation amongst your party. I only wished they took reservations... I'd like to spend my birthday here.
(5)
Emily W.

So I really wanted to like this place. I've been craving really good Vietnamese food, and so we ventured here after reading that the Beef Stuffed Grape Leaves are one of Chef Jennifer Carrol's favorite munchies in Philly. And those were delicious- a unique and refreshing departure from our standard fresh summer roll order at Vietnamese places. The little bundles were the perfect size, and the ground meat inside was tender and flavorful. With 10/order, it was a great appetizer for 4 people. I went with one of my two standard Vietnamese orders- the rice noodle bowl with lemongrass chicken (the other is the pho). I'm always amazed by the different versions of the rice noodle bowl that you can find given that there are so few ingredients and so few of them require actual cooking. This one was just okay, average, actually, maybe mediocre. The chicken was tender and lean and had a slight lemongrass + char-grilled flavor, but the rest of the bowl was underwhelming. The noodles were a little over-soaked and soft, the vegetables were not as crisp and plentiful as I like, and they skimped on both the peanuts and the pickled daikon and carrot- the two things that I looove about the noodle bowl. The noodle bowl is supposed to be a refreshing dish full of different textures and bright, clean flavors, but everything was kind of soft and muted here. I probably won't be venturing back for this one. The others in my party seemed to think that their dishes were okay, but again, nothing memorable. My bf got the clay pot chicken, his mom got the crispy noodles with shrimp and vegetables (an impressive presentation but no standout flavor), and his dad got the lemongrass pork vermicelli bowl. The server was really nice, but I don't know if the overall experience was good enough to make me come back and try their pho when the weather gets colder.
(3)
Waldi G.

The food is really good!
(4)
Norwin E.

It'd probably give it another star if it wasn't overpriced for a place that's near chinatown with quality of food similar to a hole-in-a-wall, the dishes are $2-$4 more than what they should be. The House Special Vermicelli bowl is huge and delicious, especially the spring roll that come with it. The place itself is very nice and chic (which is why you pay more and wasn't crowded for lunch. I think they should offer lunch specials. I just don't see the food being more special than a hole-in-a-wall I'd go back if I wanted to go to somewhere fancy for Vietnamese, but not regularly.
(3)
Nnamdi B.

First things first: anyone who thinks the competition across the street even compares to Vietnam Restaurant gets the gas face. With that said, this place is, to use an already overused/corny/strained sports analogy, the Stockton to my Malone. It has fed me some great meals over the years and is frighteningly consistent considering its longevity. I recommend the chicken basil and anything involving either spring rolls or pork chops. The meats have a fresh, smoky flavor to them, the broken rice is perfectly cooked, the portions are forgiving, and the bok choy is one of the best spice sponges I've come across at any restaurant. I haven't tried the pho yet - that's the only reason why I'm withholding a star for the time being. To wit: Last time I went here, I noticed a copy of "Myth of the Welfare Queen" that was chilling above the bar as part of the decor. Even if the food here wasn't awesome, that's worth three stars all by itself. As far as reviews go, it's that kind of attention to detail that keeps my praise high and my sarcasm low.
(4)
Viv V.

I am Vietnamese and I live in Westminster, CA (aka Little Saigon). I can say with fair certainty that I know Vietnamese cooking. That being said, I didn't expect much from such a clean restaurant where half the employees don't know Vietnamese and all the customers are Caucasian. We ordered: - goi du du bo kho: What the heck? Smelled like BBQ/Chinese herbs? They totally used the wrong rao thom. ): AND NO PEANUTS?! Peanuts are essential to the taste of this dish!! It's a topping but it's like a burger without cheese or ketchup, or pizza without the crust. I was really disappointed cause I love goi du du. And the kho bo was too sweet and strong. And they had cai chua on the side. so many things wrong. o_o - bo tai chanh: Pretty good. Came with 2 slices of lemon. I used up at least 5 more slices on top of that. :P Peanutsss thank goodness. But needs more rau thom and there were no onions, which usually accompany this dish. And why is there cai chua?! They just love to add that cai chua everywhere. - cha gio: Good. Crunchy. - gio cuon: Too much bun. o_o Like entirely bun and not much else. And no hanh. And their peanut butter/hoisin sauce was lacking. MORE PEANUTS PLEASE. - com tam thit nuong: I didn't even try this. But my aunt and uncle seemed to be okay with it. - mi xao don thap cam: Okay. The fried noodle basket didn't seem that fresh, but it wasn't completely off the shelf at the store either. The stir fry thap cam was okay. They all kinda taste the same to me. All in all, it's not authentic. It doesn't have the aroma of Vietnamese cooking, of the fish sauces and all the herbs and spices melding in a steamy simmering broth. Peanuts were severely lacking. I stress that because it's a main ingredient in many dishes and sauces. This place is alright if you want a mild version of Vietnamese food and are looking to skip the smell (both the stinky and good) of authentic Vietnamese.
(2)
Veruca S.

I love this place. You can taste the fresh ingredients! The menu selection has something for everyone. The setting is intimate, informal and cozy. The staff is fun and friendly. The pricing is amazingly affordable. I can't say one bad thing about this place. I love most all of their dishes.
(4)
Heather D.

What a delicious find in Chinatown! Went here with an old friend to catch up over a few drinks. After perusing the drink menu, we decided to be efficient and ordered the Volcano drink for two. It was your typical rum-juice drink served in a huge porcelain cup with a small divet in the middle (the volcano) filled with Bacarda 151 that was on fire. It was a great start to a fantastic meal. While the drink was large, I don't think it was that strong. After perusing other Yelp reviews, we decided to order the Vietnamese Ravioli, a combination Vermicelli Dish and the Pork Clay Pot. The Vietnamese Ravioli certainly gets points for being different, but I can't say that I'd order it again. It may be better if it was a litter spicier, or maybe the rice-wine-based dipping sauce was spicy. The Vermicelli dish was excellent. It came with pork, chicken, a type of ground meat log and a vegetarian spring roll. All the meats were seasoned exceptionally well. The ground meat log (sort of like a ground lamb kabob) was a little difficult to eat without a knife, but I persevered. At the bottom of the bowl was a variety of cucumber and carrot that helped offset the blandness of the noodles. My friends Pork Clay Pot was very good as well, set in a sweet, spicy sauce. He finished it all! Since it was a slow Sunday evening, the service was very quick and attentive. While the food could have been a bit spicier, the presentation and attention to detail made up for it. I would highly recommend this place to someone who may be unfamiliar with Vietnamese food. They will definitely want more!
(4)
Khoi L.

I'm Vietnamese and whenever I have a craving, this is the place I goto. My personal favorite is anything in the claypot. Fish in a claypot in particular. Comes with rice and the catfish is cooked in this hot pot. Salt and pepper chicken is good too.
(4)
Hannah K.

I haven't dined in the restaurant, only had takeout, but let me tell you, this has to be the best Vietnamese food in Chinatown. Their fried spring rolls (#4 cha gio) , and the lemongrass marinated pork with rice & a fried egg (#31 com tam suon nuong) is YUMMY! It's so om nom nom nom nommy! They gave me a good sized portion for take out, with 2 porkchops, a huge fried egg, a whole container of white rice & a container of fish sauce. The fried spring rolls also came pre cut, which I love! A great plus for me is that it's only a couple blocks from my apartment. A definite win-win for me. But the only downside is....... It's pricey, compared to the great Viet restaurants on Washington ave. But I guess you're paying for the location.
(4)
Jaime J.

Oh my gosh, I love this place! I have yet to find anything that compares in Pittsburgh - and I probably never will. Most places in Pittsburgh are small and cafe-like...even dirty. Not VR. VR is beautiful and elegant - and so is the food. Everything is fresh and you can see it and taste it. I love getting the lemongrass soup with the fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime on the side. My typical order is #46 and #93, which would be the fresh tofu spring rolls and sate chicken with wide rice noodles. The basil chicken is also very good. They use all white meat chicken, too...which is nice. They have a nice bar - you should try the flaming volcano! The vietnamese coffee is very good too. A dark, chicory coffee served with sweetened, condensed milk.
(4)
Meghann p.

Genuinely good food! Spring Rolls-not fried were excellent! and the dipping sauce too! I had Shrimp Curry- I would recommend a few more shrimp..but veggies were fresh and tasty with this entree! You will not be disappointed
(4)
James B.

This appetizer: 14. Bo Tai Chanh (VIETNAMESE CARPACCIO) Thinly Sliced Raw Flank Steak Marinated in Lime Juice Topped with Vietnamese Herb and Crushed Peanuts is worth a visit on its own. Simple, but amazing. Overall this is a good place, maybe a little overpriced, for Vietnamese. I should mention... not particularly kid-friendly (no high chairs???). Just because you all have black t-shirts on doesn't mean you're too cool for pre-school.
(4)
Katrina G.

Our "go to" for local Pho had always been Vietnam Palace, but decided to try something new. Ordered the chicken pho, beef pho, crispy spring rolls and stuffed grape leaves. Very disappointed with the lack of flavor. Broth was so bland that we couldn't finish the soup. Crispy spring rolls were however slightly better than the palace.
(2)
Andrea m g.

Now I must say I have had better Pho in many other restaurants,but there is no where on earth that has a Vietnamese BBQ platter that can hold a candle to here. This is what our family will order 2 of and call it a meal. I always get extra fish sauce because it is so perfectly blended we could drink it.I also ask for basil with the mint and other herbs and veggies that come with it. This is somewhere we go just a few times a year because I hate driving downtown.The deal is someone else drives and I will roll the fresh springrolls for the group. Works for me! .As we depart the city we stop at a Vietnamese pastry shop on 9th and bring yummy inexpensive treats home for later.
(5)
Jessica S.

My experience here was alright. We came here before a concert, since some of my friends are vegetarian and from their menu, they had a pretty extensive menu with vegetarian offerings. The food was pleasing, but unexceptional to the point of being a little plain, and I can apply that statement to most of the dishes we ordered. I myself got a broken rice platter, but maybe I should've stuck with a more conventional dish like pho. For the money, I think I could have had a more satisfying meal elsewhere in the Chinatown area. This place does have ridiculously speedy service, though; we had a party of 10 or so and were served within 10 minutes of ordering. Another issue I have with the restaurant is that their menu designates some of their alcohol as "Asian-friendly", because it has lower alcohol content. "Cuz Asians can't drink" (the waiter's explanation) is kind of offensive.
(3)
Craig N.

I love Vietnam!! It was a Wednesday and my friend and I wanted to go the "Train Restaurant" and they were closed. Shit!! We were gonna do Penang, but I really wanted Viet, and I was paying, so fuck it, we'll do Vietnam. It was a really humid, hot day so I wanted something light. We split the raw flank steak appetizer, grape leave app and the shrimp + papaya salad. It really hit the spot. I love how they ask, "You sure you want the RAW appetizer"? I always get it here.....raw beef marinated in lime juice sprinkled w/ peanuts and served w/ fish sauce. So ridiculously good. Vietnam serves all needs from the 1st-timer Viet food experience to your Vietnamese great grand ma. I consider it a little upscale, but treat yourself once in a while. Shit, it's not expensive anyway!!
(4)
Paul L.

I adore Vietnam Restaurant. Ever since they remodeled to this classic Vietnamese French decor a few years back, it has become a great place to go if you're in Chinatown but don't necessarily want Chinese food. It's a popular place with great food to back it up. It's best to call by numbers when ordering here. Personally, I love their appetizers and would recommend ordering a few to share as the main meal. The Crispy Spring Roll is literally fried to a crisp but unlike the spring rolls from other places, these are crispy chewy, the pork inside is made authentic by the basil and spices. One of the bests I've had. The Shrimp and Pork Roll is non-fried like the regular summer rolls, I prefer this because you can experience different textures with its soft exterior, the succulent shrimp, the crispy bean sprouts and the silky vermicelli noodles. The star of the appetizers have to be the Stuffed Grape Leaves. It's the best dish on the whole menu. Unlike its Greek counterpart, these are stuffed with beef and the whole thing is charred to perfection. Dip it in sauce and wrapped them inside a lettuce leaf with pickled vegetables and vermicelli and treat it like a lettuce wrap. It's truly amazing. Not to dis their Phos, but there are other restaurants that do better, not to say that theirs are not up to par, but like grandma's chicken noodle soups, we all have our own favorite versions. That said, my favorite noodle soup at Vietnam Restaurant was a Crab and Egg Noodle Soup that unfortunately have been taken out from their menus. Broken rice dishes are basically marinated barbecue meats served with long grain rice that have been broken into smaller pieces. There's history in broken rice but it actually kinda easier to eat and able to absorb more sauce. I love the national famous Lemongrass Pork Chop broken rice or the chicken one. The vermicelli noodle bowls are also great too. Add more ingredients to your heart's content and get a taste of as many things as you want. I can attest to some of the great curries they have but with the great appetizers and dishes, I usually don't go for a main dish because I rather taste 2-3 different things than one main thing. Whatever you do, do try to order a drink like a Vietnamese ice coffee or a fruit shake. If you're more adventurous, try a Vietnamese lemonade or a coconut drink.
(4)
Michael C.

Real Vietnamese restaurant owned by ethnically Vietnamese people. As a result, the pho is authentic and tasty. Their other dishes are good as well. Really, this is the best Vietnamese place I've found in Philly yet. They serve alcohol here too - unique cocktails that I haven't found anywhere else. One drink, I forgot the name of it, is so big that two people can easily get buzzed off it. I'm pretty sure that this is owned by the same family that runs Fuwa and also the newly opening Vietnam Cafe (both in West Philly). They've never done me wrong!
(4)
Angela J.

What a fantastic dinner! My husband and I went out with another couple, and every dish we ordered was fresh, beautifully presented, and most of all DELICIOUS. We tried the flank steak spring rolls, two different soups (one spicy, one mild), the salt and pepper chicken (could have used some dipping sauce, but had amazing flavor), and I had the curry shrimp WOW...best curry I've ever had...veggies cooked perfectly, and the curry had just the right amount of spice. Four of us ate TONS of food, and had a bottle of wine, and the bill was just under $100, what a fabulous price for the entire meal. We will be going back SOON!
(5)
Nate A.

Came here on a bit of lark Friday night after getting out of sorts at Art After 5 at the Museum. We were on our way back across town to Old City and got a hankering for something delicious. Vietnam's glowing neon sign (visible peripherally as you head East on Vine or Race) flickered in my memory and the impulse bit hard. I was insistent that we go and we sat down to a rewarding meal of spring rolls, chow fun and lemon chicken. Pros -Really excellent Vietnamese food. We only sampled 3 items (and missed the much-cited BBQ platter) but were uniformly blown away by the quality and quantity. -Price - big bang for your bucks. -Atmosphere - not divey in the least - considering the China Town location this is refreshing. -Good beers - Singha and a Vietnamese Lager called '33' did the trick in countering the good greasy of the Vietnamese cuisine. Cons (Apologies) -We were in full-on party mode while the place was sporting some serious date-night vibes on Friday. Not a con per se, but a caveat. We were a little loud and silly and may have spoiled the romance for a few people. Though one couple engaged us with the confession that after wrapping up their meal at Vietnam, the perfect Friday concluded with an in-home viewing of 'Fringe' on DVD. Hot!
(5)
Adam J.

Vietnam was one of my first regular spots in Philly and it's proven to be great for everything from dates to family get-togethers. Along with its sister West Philly Cafe, this is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the city, easily beating out its over-hyped South Philly competitors. Decor-wise, this is the nicest Vietnamese restaurant that I've eaten in, which easily explains the slightly steep pricing. There's also a somewhat fancy-seeming bar, which I've never felt compelled to visit. The service is friendly and often inexplicably fast. This isn't to their detriment, though, as a variety of dishes - including the basil beef, lemon grass shrimp, and noodle soups - are all delicious and generously portioned.
(5)
Jason K.

Despite the masturbatory self gratifying essay on the front of the menu that talks about how they try to attain great flavor in their dishes while staying true to Vietnamese tradition, the food was bland and slightly boring. We started with #6 for an appetizer, the Goi Cuon (pork and shirmp spring roll). They were fresh, but lacked imagination. We then had a Pork Clay Pot (#58), and Deluxe Noodle Soup (#22). The pork was tender, and had good spice, but too salty. While it was served with rice, it was lacking something. The Pho I had tasted a little dirty. It wasn't like the fresh version almost across the street at Pho Cali, or other places in the area. The meats were again tender, but boring. Also, no chili sauce was available. We didn't stay for dessert. We probably won't be going back. I'll admit I am not Vietnamese, nor do I know much about their culture, but Vietnam Restaurant is the Kraft singles version of Vietnamese cuisine.
(2)
Christopher M.

Wow, what a bummer. Saturday afternoon, Jan 29th- Date and I went to the Philly car show and afterward- we thought a lunch at Vietnam in Chinatown would really hit the spot. Turned out we felt more like punched in the spot... especially given our previous great experience. We surprised at the dinner-only menu and sub par nature of the appetizer and entrÃ©e. Our appetizer, Ban Xeo, was greasy and seemed more omelet than crepe, with one small piece of shrimp within and no pork evident. My entrÃ©e, Suon Nuong, (Lemon Grass Pork Chops) was fine as always, but my date was a trooper as I saw her battle her way through the quagmire that was the Heo Kho To (Pork Claypot) Something was just wrong with the meat; and I was frustrated we had no lunchtime Vietnam exit strategy. (Sorry- That last pun was as tasteless as the food) I guess one has higher expectations when spending 40+ on lunch for two.
(2)
Ingrid F.

Went on a weekend night and I felt like I was surrounded by adult yuppies. But the food is decent tasting and has large portions, but my dish (#60, i forget what it was called) had a slight burnt flavor. Service was meh. Spring rolls were yummy. I could consider returning to the restaurant to try other dishes, but I probably won't.
(4)
Sara C.

If you want your Vietnamese food with a bit more ambiance and slightly less rushed service (see my reviews of Nam Phuong & Pho Xe Lua - equally good but just not as pretty), Vietnam should be your first choice. Consider it the perfect Vietnamese date night restaurant. The Lai family have built a dynasty of sorts between this spot, the newly expanded Vietnam Cafe out on Baltimore Ave. in West Philly, and their small friendly Fu-Wah Market corner store, also located in West Philly. They're so friendly, and it shows at this location. My usual favorite Vietnamese standards - tofu summer rolls, lemongrass chicken vermicelli, pho ga, the fish claypot, pepper squid - shine at Vietnam. The ingredients taste incredibly fresh - the freakin' bean sprouts crunch like a potato chip! Everything is served and presented with great care. The prices are definitely higher than at the aforementioned restaurants - but it's fair to say you're paying for the experience in those extra $3-4. And there's no doubt in my mind that it's worth it.
(5)
Fernando Q.

My favorite place!!!! Delicious food and great service. I just can't get enough of it!
(5)
David M.

I've been here a few times, and have yet to be disappointed. It's a great restaurant, with a large menu that combines traditional vietnamese cuisine with less adventurous items that even the pickiest eater would enjoy. In fact, my favorite item on the menu is a black bean chicken dish -- not at all something I would have associated with Vietnamese cuisine. Also, they have the best lemonade in town. The only downside to Vietnam is the wait you can expect on a Friday or Saturday night. But, there's a reason people are waiting.
(4)
Mommy Of Two I.

Pros: Fresh GREAT tasting food! Service is excellent. Affordable. Nice ambiance. Cons: Parking esp in Chinatown.
(5)
Max K.

Typical Vietnamese food but a little higher quality than other places. You pay for it a little too but in my mind, it's totally worth it. More refined than the usual Chinatown/South Philly Vietnamese place. I am a repeat customer more here than any other Vietnamese place in the city.
(4)
Catherine K.

I've only had lunch here but overall I was impressed with the food, service, and the price. Went with 12+ co workers and we were all served our food within minutes of each other, which I thought was impressive. I had the spring roll vermicelli which was delicious. There's something about the oil crunch of a spring roll on top of a non-oily noodle lettuce base. I would definitely come back here and might even try to order delivery from here if they offer it.
(4)
Caroline V.

I have been eating here since middle school. I remember coming here after a long day at the beach with the family and we'd stop by on our way home for dinner. Great food and authentic. Absolute faves of mine are the Cha Gio (crispy spring rolls), Banh Xeo (vietnamese crÃªpe) and Hu Tieu My Tho (seafood & pork noodle soup). I definitely recommend it altho get a headstart. There's no reservations and parking is really hard to find in chinatown. Just remember...it's worth it and they have a small waiting room with seating..
(4)
Stefanie A.

It's not the cheapest spot in Chinatown, but it's worth every penny. I went to Vietnam on recommendation from Chef's Feed. We got the spring rolls (good) the bbq platter, featuring grape leaves, and BBQ beef and chicken (very good), and the lemongrass soup, which I found a bit sour. But the BBQ stayed on my mind, so I went back for take out and tried the beef broken rice, which was amazing... Tasty lemongrass beef over bitty rice grains served with a sweet and sour sauce. Great flavors and textures. Yum. I also tried the chicken pho. I didn't love how they packaged it (noodles in a styrofoam container under sprouts, basil and jalapeno--made the noodles hard and the flavors run together) but that wouldn't be an issue if you dined in. Note that they have a bar, so dining in will cost a bit more than the local BYOs, but it's a quirky little spot worth trying with a group so you can enjoy multiple tasty offerings.
(4)
Pips C.

The right place in Philly for our Vietnamese food craving. Excellent "tender greens" and Goi Cuon--pork chop was tender and delicious--not as happy with the beef stuffed grape leaves. Avoid green papaya salad. Tasty cosmopolitan....
(4)
Rich K.

I'd like to give this place a 5 just for their BBQ platter but was put off by the service and lack of attention given by the waitstaff. My water remained empty forever till I asked for more. Diet cokes MUST be served with a lemon in any restaurant. In addition, when I asked for some hot sauce, my waiter took forever to grab a bottle. We were halfway done with the appetizer till we got it. Had the crepe appetizer. It was okay. Needed lots of fish oil and sriracha hot sauce b/c it was stuffed with an absurd amount of bland bean sprouts. Go with one person and get the BBQ platter. It's an assortment of veggies (basil, cilantro, etc) and meat (my favorite was the grape leafs stuffed with meat - probably beef - who knows?) that you wrap along with spring rolls/rice vermicelli/etc. and use fish oil, peanut sauce, or hot sauce to add flavors. I devoured the entire platter in less than 7 minutes. I don't think I've ever had an entree and not utter one word while eating it. I just kept nodding my head YES in response to my friend who kept asking me if it was good. Decor and ambiance were nice for a Vietnamese restaurant. Clean bathroom/hardwood floors/dim lighting. I'm used to dingy and dirty types in NYC.
(3)
Mo P.

Hands down Philly's best Vietnamese restaurant with decor. This place reminds me of Saigon Grill in NYC and the prices are very reasonable. Service is prompt and not so friendly at times. They can be a little nicer to folks with kids and more accommodating overall. This place is not good for large groups and it can get packed so plan on waiting in their large waiting area (in comparison to the size of the restaurant). As for the food.... WOW! The mixed appetizer platter are fantastic and the meatball roll is right on the money. Grilled pork chops, Bun w/ grilled meat, and Pho are all right on the money. The pork chops will melt in your mouth with a crisp slightly charred exterior and the nuc Chom? sauce smothered all over hits all the Vietnamese taste buds of sweet, sour, spicy, savory, and all delicious. I always manage to get parking right in front of the restaurant which makes me love it that much more.
(5)
Erin F.

Vietnam is, arguably, my favorite restaurant in the city. I came here for my birthday before I moved (it was over this birthday meal that it was officially decided that I would move to Philadelphia) and we have come here every few months since then. The noodle bowls are great. I prefer the crispy noodle nests with tofu or the vermicelli noodle bowl with tofu. Either way, you can't go wrong. The sauce is mild enough but still flavorful. My favorite parts about eating here occur on either end of the main course. The appetizer - crispy veggie spring rolls, SO DELICIOUS. And crispy and the sauce is so good. A little spicy, a little not. And the dessert - the corn or black-eyed pea puddings. The pudding is not your standard pudding. It is warm and milky and sweet. I want to get in that tiny bowl and wiggle around for a while. Maybe take a nap while I'm in there. It is the best. Other bonuses: if there's a wait, you can go up to the bar on the third floor and sit and chat, have a drink, and they come to let you know when your table is ready. This is a good date thing. The ambiance is quiet and busy. They give you forks if you're like me and don't want to work while eating and use chopsticks. The food is very, very reasonably priced, as well. This place is good for everyone except for babies who only eat McDonalds, soft pretzels, and Chili's.
(5)
Sara L.

Vietnam is one of my favorite Chinatown spots. It's easily a 4.5 star experience, but I am stingy with my 5 stars. They have a diverse menu of appetizers, salads, soups, rice/noodle dishes, and entrees. It is primarily composed of staples that will appeal to the American palate, and all of the dishes are well-executed. The crispy shrimp, salt and pepper squid, and lemongrass chicken are particular favorites of mine, but every dish I have tried has been tasty. They have a full bar, and a modest selection of wine, beer (including several Asian brews) and saki. The staff is very friendly, though they do abide strictly by some slightly annoying policies: all food must be ordered at the same time (no ordering the app first), and no seating until all members of the party have arrived. I forgive these things because they do manage to keep a very busy restaurant working smoothly and relatively quickly. In my dozens of trips there, I have NEVER had anything wrong with my order. The decor is simple but pleasant with a lot of dark wood and dim lighting. It can be a little loud when it's crowded, but not to the point that you have to yell. Since they do not take reservations, you should expect a wait on Friday or Saturday evening. They have a great bar space on the third floor where you can wait and, if you are wise, enjoy one of their kick-a$$ lemongrass martinis!
(4)
Michelle B.

Really liked this place! Nice environment and really delicious food. Definitely a more upscale option for Chinatown, but the cleanliness and service is worth it the few extra dollars per plate, in my opinion. I got the Pork with Vermicelli and added on a spring roll (which was seriously one of the more delicious spring rolls I've ever had). The rice in the rice dishes was a bit on the soggier side than I would have liked, but overall this didn't take away from a nice and satisfying night out!
(4)
Kristin W.

I had the beef vermicelli noodle bowl - the noodles and veggies were fresh and prepared well. I would have liked a little more beef and to have it be a bit more tender, but overall was pleased. It was a simple, but pleasing dish - next time I'll try something fancier! I also got pineapple smoothie for dessert - great flavor and not too sweet, despite the condensed milk ingredient.
(3)
Jordan L.

Sometimes a girl needs to put down the pho bowl and enjoy some of Vietnam's other culinary treats. Vietnam Restaurant is the perfect place to do this! The boy and I ordered the spring rolls to start with. Instead of the normal two spring rolls served at most other Vietnamese place, it was a MOUNTAIN of spring rolls. Totally a welcomed surprise! We ordered a few of the rice dishes to share between us. All of them hit the spot, and we were full but not stuffed afterwards. Also, this place isn't as...intimidating...as other places in Chinatown can be. The items of the menu are appealing to a wide array of palates, and will provide you with a fork after you've managed to fling your chopstick halfway across the dining room. So pretty much, I could take my mom hear and she'd be happy. This is a great place to take visitors to Philly, go out with friends, or have a date night. Yakatori Boy is right down the street, and this is a great place to grab a bite beforehand.
(4)
Meredith K.

I must have had some sort of magnetic attraction to Vietnam Palace until the other night, because I'd been there four or five times before even thinking to try the Vietnamese restaurant across the street, aptly named Vietnam Restaurant. Well, I'm glad I decided to be adventurous, because Vietnam Restaurant truly impressed me. My boyfriend, friend, and I walked in around 9 p.m. last Saturday after checking out the Greek festival, which left us unimpressed and in search of delicious fare. The hostess informed us that there would be a fifteen-minute wait, but that we could check out the lounge upstairs while we waited. Bar Saigon is a few floors above the restaurant, which itself is two floors. The atmosphere was beautiful and romantic. The main room (there was also an adjoining room, which I didn't really check out) was dimly lit with candles and sconces and had a big-screen TV mounted on the wall, showing what may have been the strangest kung fu movie I've ever seen. The waitress was attentive and let us know when our table downstairs was ready. They've got a nice little operation going here! My Cosmo was delicious, as was my friend's chocolate martini (heavenly, really). When our table was ready, the hostess came upstairs to get us. We were seated in the second-floor dining room. I wasn't too impressed with the atmosphere, but what Vietnam Restaurant lacked in ambiance it made up for with lightning-quick service and beautifully presented, delicious food. I ordered the steamed tofu rolls to start (yum!) and the Singapore Noodles, which had chicken, shrimp, lots of veggies, wide egg noodles, and a savory, mouthwatering brown sauce, for my entree. It wasn't as spicy as I'd have liked, but they offered sriracha to make up for the lack of heat. My companions were all pleased with their dishes as well. We were even pleased when we got the check, which ran us about $17 per person for appetizers and entrees. Even though I just moved to Vietnamese heaven (South Philly), I will still consider making the trek to Chinatown to eat here again in the near future.
(5)
Brooke D.

Ok, this was my first experience with Vietnamese food so take this review with a grain of salt. The restaurant had a nice feel to it, good layout, plenty of light, lovely decor. The wait staff was extremely attentive; my water glass was never empty. The menu was somewhat large and confusing for me so I ended up going with the BBQ platter based on other yelpers' reviews. When it arrived, not long after we ordered it, I was blown away by the presentation. The food looked beautiful! Although I can honestly say I'm not positive what to call most of what was on the platter, I did recognize the spring rolls and lettuce wraps right away (those also ended up being my two favorite things). I wasn't crazy about everything on the platter, but enjoyed the new experience. Also, the sweet and sour type sauce and peanut sauce were both very delicious. Thank you yelp reviewers for helping me make my first Vietnamese dining experience a positive one.
(4)
Allison H.

This is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Philadelphia although I haven't tried much dishes other than the Saigon noodles, which I am obsessed with. Definitely beats the other Vietnamese places on the same street.
(5)
Jeff M.

1. The food I got was absolutely amazing. I kept mentioning how amazing it was throughout the night even after we had walked out of there. I wish I could remember the name of it... It was a noodle bowl, and it had the words "House Special" attached to it. There; now you go find it. 2. The food that my friend got, looked like sauteed vegetables on top of dry ramen noodles. He also told me that it was utterly disgusting. I tried some, and can say that I concur if you take out the word "utterly." 3. I wanted to try the BBQ platter, because the couple next to me had gotten that, but none of my friends were willing to go in on it with me (stingy b*stards); it looked, and smelled amazing. 4. The wait staff were very curt, and we weren't sure who our wait staff was because every time someone came to our table, it was someone new. Regardless, they kept the drinks full. Also, the hostess was leaning against the wall behind our table, so she was effectively hovering over our table the entire night. Not that it made a difference to my friend who got the uncooked ramen; he complained out loud anyway. 5. Occasionally, there would be the smell of what I can only hope was some kind of fish, although I've done a lot of animal dissections that have smelled more palatable. 6. The guy who took our cards for payment at the end messed it up, but I was in a good mood and let it slide. The food was brilliant. The service was adequate, and next time I'm taking a fat dude with me to try the BBQ platter. P.S. I want to try the Vietnamese restaurant across the street from this place, but since I didn't have a bad experience here, I'm kind of scared to mess it up.
(4)
Lisa R.

LOVE LOVE LOVE eating here. There's a great special that has a sampling of lots of different things and is about $25, so it is perfect to share with 1 other person. The lemongrass broken rice dish is great. The pho and other soups are always a good bet. The West Philly location is wonderful too.
(5)
Catherine A.

Yum! Went here with a friend of mine and really, really enjoyed it. It is the best Vietnamese food I've had in Philly so far. We started with the char-grilled pork spring rolls, which were as dependably delicious as they are at any Vietnamese restaurant, and the grilled shrimp, which were out of this world incredible. Seriously, these shrimp were un-fucking-believably delicious, crispy and charred at the tail and seasoned with some delicious just-salty-enough sauce. I don't even really like seafood and I loved these shrimp. Again I repeat: yum! After much debating, for the entree I got pho with beef flank and tendon. I like that they serve this as a basic beef flank soup with add-ins. The broth was very rich, without being salty, the noodles, beef and tendon were plentiful. My friend got the chicken clay pot, which he enjoyed very much. I had a taste and also liked it. We both had the 33 export beer which perfectly complimented the cuisine, but which I thought was an interesting and delicious beer in itself, as well. I definitely recommend it with whatever your order is. The one problem we had was having to put in the order all at once, as we wanted to order our appetizers and then continue perusing the menu. As a consequence, we did not have any dessert, since we didn't think of it when we were ordering the rest of our food. This is kind of annoying, but now that I know the rules my next visit will be better planned. The server was not a friendly, outgoing guy by any stretch, but honestly, he brought us the food and it was delicious, so I don't really care.
(5)
Serena C.

This place definitely rivals the Vietnamese food I've had in the SF Bay Area. It's slightly upscale (i.e. not a hole in the wall) with an understated wood-based decor. Definitely get the Cha Gio (crispy spring rolls): "stuffed with ground pork blended with Asian spices, onion and mushrooms" ($6.50). They arrive piping hot and chopped into 1" long pieces for convenient eating and are served with lettuce leaves for wrapping. Not greasy, and with just the perfect amount of crunch. The pork slices or pork chops with broken rice are classics (~$9), and the phos ($5.50 to $7.50) are tasty as well when you don't want to shell for a plate. I've been told that they make their own ice creams here (the typical Asian flavors, such as mango, coconut, etc.) for dessert, but can't recall trying them. Tip: Don't sit by the window during sunset--the building faces west, so you'll be blinded by the glare.
(5)
Victoria F.

My review of this place is a little mixed and I'm bummed about it. I really wanted to like it more than I did. The dining room is stylish and appealing - but loud. Although there were plenty of tables available, they wouldn't seat us until all of our party arrived. They serve soda by the can rather than from a fountain. The food? Mixed. My tofu chow fun was beyond bland, but one of my friends loved her chicken chow fun and everyone sampled and loved another friend's pork broken rice (seriously, yum. although I'm not crazy about the restaurant I will be back someday to have more of that).
(3)
ginger J.

The reason I give two stars is only because the restaurant is clean. it is definitely not stroller friendly since there are many steps before you can enter the restaurant. The food is really mediocre. It is very americanized. Nothing authentic at all. Even food in a strip mall in bay area has better pho than this restaurant. very disappointed. will not visit again.
(2)
Bob B.

Went with a group of friends. Had the soup with shrimp and it reeked like very old nasty sweat socks and feet. I'm not exaggerating. It literally made me nauseous. To the waiters credit he saw me and did ask if something was wrong, but after smelling that soup there was no way I was ordering anything else. It was foul,
(1)
Niki J.

Not to be confused with thier Sister on 814 s 47th. The prices and menu is the same as their sister but the food, decor, atmosphere and smell is typical of any greasy china town resaurants. If you ate at the one on 47th please do not eat at this one on 11th.
(2)
Anna Marie C.

so this place is way too pretty for a vietnamese restaurant. i went for a friend's birthday, and there was a party of 12 of us, and they wouldn't let us make reservations. uh, what? the food was pretty tasty. i got the crispy noodles. the seafood was fairly fresh (my tongue didn't swell from the shrimp, always a good sign...) and everyone else seemed to enjoy their food too. the barbecue platter looked tasty...and so did the crispy spring rolls. but it helps that the mai tai was ridiculously strong, so probably anything would have tasted good. lastly....why were the drinks way more expensive in their "bar saigon" area than on their regular menu?
(3)
Holly H.

Really good, often crowded, 3 levels of great food that really out among the other Chinatown clutter. Good prices on food and drinks, hit or miss service (is the only reason they're not sitting on a 5 star spot)
(4)
Waide H.

The very first time that I ate at Vietnam was quite a while ago when it was only one building, and the atmosphere was just perfect. The service was excellent and the food was out of this world! I have very good, fond memories of the place and I look forward to eating there again sometime soon, as soon as someone is willing to go with me.....only joking! Again, it is a really good place to have some really good food!
(5)
matt h.

Vietnam is a nicer alternative to the typical Chinatown place. Inside it is pretty large and easily accommodates larger tables. This place was very authentic and their menu was extensive as well. Also, our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and it's items. The menu does a good job of thoroughly explaining items that would be unfamiliar to someone not accustomed to Vietnam cuisine. Even though it was about 80% crowded our service was VERY fast which impressed our whole table. I ordered the Tom Do Tau Xi Crawfish with Black Bean and it was a hefty serving and tasted great. They also have a nice selection of specialty drinks including some with 151 that do the job. I had the Vietnamese beer, 333, which was great. I will be definitely be returning here in the future.
(4)
kate s.

do not confuse this with the one right across the street with the same name...? THE ONE BY THE POLICE STaTION IS THE ONE!!! the staff that works there is fast, friendly, and helpful. I left my stupid scarf there and they had it still after two months under the front desk in a bag. Not crumpled in a pile. (thank you). I have been going there since college...any broken rice dish is excellent for children, the grape leaves are excellent...the food is fresh and the portions are huge. I have always had f ast service so you can totally fit in a lunch there...and not sit there forever in a big group waiting for food , that's so annoying right! try a rainbow ice! its a ping pang in your mouth.
(5)
T. B.

I came here at noon on a Saturday for lunch and we were seated right away (although it got busy very quickly). We ordered a lot of food for 3 people - 3 appetizers, 3 entrees, and some drinks. Bill came to 65 before tip, which I thought was a little pricey for a Vietnamese restaurant. But then again, it's a lot nicer and cleaner than most. The portions were huge, food was just ok, and they didn't have many pure vegetarian options. However the staff was helpful in concocting customized veggie dishes for us, so that was nice. I thought the vermicelli noodles, fried spring rolls, 3 bean drink, and non fried spring rolls were pretty tasty. The pancake was less crispy than I would have liked. I would def come here again.
(3)
Tamiz M.

Really good, really fresh... lots of fresh veggies and herbs. I have been to many Vietnamese places in many cities, this place is real, authentic, fresh Vietnamese cuisine! The BBQ platter is perfect for two people! There are lots of smokey flavors, which I love!
(5)
Fat T.

The food was ok. Nothing to write home about. I would eat here again if I was craving Vietnamese food.
(3)
Rand H.

A local hotel front desk clerk pointed me here for a late night bite. Win! I had the BBQ Pork vermicelli with a crispy spring roll. While not a generous bowl it was great. Actually barbequey.
(5)
Sandy K.

My boyfriend and I randomly decided to try out Vietnam Restaurant, and we loved it! The food was filling and the service was great. I will definitely come back.
(4)
Brian M.

So I've done Vietnam Palace (which is across the street) a number of times and recently did Vietnam Restaurant (the older of the two I hear) for a friend's birthday. Very similar places. I think I like the atmosphere better here - however the food is very similar on both sides of the street. I started with a chicken lemon grass soup - which was amazing. I also recommend getting the grilled meat balls and crispy spring rolls off the appetizer menu - my friends got them and the pieces I stole were great. Unfortunately I got the grilled squid which was a bit chewy - but flavorful. Either way I wasn't a fan. For dinner I got the house special broken rice - which was basically jerked meats over rice. Honestly - it worked... but I can appreciate dry meat if it seems like it was done that way on purpose. Either way - I liked it, but not enough to order it again when I go back. I think I'm looking more towards a seafood based dish next time. If you go - be sure to try one of the wacky milk shake flavors. Jack Fruit is a favorite for me. Also - look across Race street for parking - it's cheaper and only a block away.
(3)
Duy N.

This place is pretty good. I've been here two times. First time I got the cubed steak (bo luc lac), a classic viet dish that was actually disappointing wrt my standards. The second time I got the broken rice with shredded pork, pretty tasty. I've never been to the one across the street so I can't compare them. Overall it's a solid vietnamese place. Maybe next time I'll try canh chua & ca co.
(4)
Kristin H.

Not to be confused with Vietnam Palace across the street, they are continually on the mark with simple, cheap and amazingly tasty food
(4)
veronica c.

take-out was ready in 5 minutes. i like this very much. beef lemongras soup = amazingness!!! perfect way to wrap up jan 1 2012, aka national hangover day:)
(4)
Olivia D.

BBQ platter. that's all you need to know. it's somewhat of a misnomer, so you might not know if you haven't had someone else force you to try it... but the BBQ platter includes an array of meats, fried spring rolls, stuffed something-leaves (grapeleaves?) served with rice vermicelli, rice wrappers, fresh veggies and that yummy vietnamese dipping sauce. you can split one platter between 2 hungry people for an entree, or between 3 people if you get something else to supplement. i first tried a BBQ platter as a college freshman 9 years ago, and since then i've always been looking for reasons to go back to this restaurant. a trip to philly isn't complete without my BBQ platter.
(5)
Kylie H.

I came here with a group of people. They all shared an appetizer which included a variety of meat. Being pescetarian, I was excluded from this. I ordered the seafood lemon grass soup. I didn't really like it. The soup didn't have much substance, and there were canned mushrooms in it, not fresh. I think I will have to come back and order something else, because the place seems to be reviewed so well.
(3)
Viviane T.

I'm Vietnamese and when I go to these places, I'm hard to please, however, this restaurant have yet to disappoint me. When living in Philadelphia for six years, I went here almost four times a month and each time that I come here for dinner I always order the BBQ platter. If it's just for two, this platter is more than enough. The dish is a "make it yourself summer roll" filled with spring rolls, chicken stripes, mixed veggies, rice noodles, and meat stuff grape leaves to die for. If you're unsure as to how you would make this mouth watering masterpiece, just ask and they will show you the way. You mix and match the ingredients provided and once wrapped, you dip and eat. I usually dip mine in their lemon/pepper fish sauce, but others like to dip theirs in the peanut sauce provided. Their other dishes are good too, I love their clay pot cat fish, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Their other noodle soup dishes, like the bun bo hue, are delightful and is great during the winter. Upon looking at the prices you might feel that it is over priced, and I do agree, however, for the environment and the quality of food, I feel that it is all worth it (this is the only reason why I'm giving it a 4 star). Their service is prompt, but they do get extremely busy, so if you don't want to wait, call ahead!
(4)
Brian C.

I've only been to Vietnam Rest. once, but they had me at Crispy Spring Rolls... oh yea. Definitely going back. I'll come back with a better review later...
(4)
Ritu K.

I have to say I was pretty disappointed with Vietnam Restaurant. Maybe it was all the anticipation I had of a great meal to be had. The atmosphere is inviting and warm with wood paneled walls (not cheesy or 70s style). The food however left much to be desired for. We probably ordered the wrong things, but something simple such as fresh spring rolls should not be tough and chewy. The pan fried noodles were awful and the basil chicken had little to no flavor (where's the basil). I'm tempted to return and order something else since everyone raves about this restaurant, but there's way too many yummy restaurants in the city to return to one I found mediocre.
(3)
Evann G.

When my fiance told me we were going to dinner at Vietnam for a friend's birthday, I actually asked him what kind of food he thought they served. He was like, umm, Vietnamese food. Well, I thought maybe they had some sort of avant garde or ironic name and they were actually a hot dog place or something. You never know! Anyway, this is my new favorite restaurant. We've been here twice now and it's ruined me for all other food. The beef with broken rice is like a drug. It's actually sort of gross how fast I consume it. The pork clay pot inspires similarly crude behavior. But the food is just so good! We've also tried the Vietnamese ravioli, chicken with broken rice, and chicken clay pot. None of them disappointed, although none stood out as much as the two mentioned above. But! For dessert! You can get corn pudding! And it tastes like the actual DEFINITION of 'delicious.' Seriously, you must try it. Drinks are tasty, fun, and humorously-named. Service has been spotty. But the food! Oh yeah.
(4)
Danielle W.

I am not going to lie- my local Vietnamese place in St. Louis, Missouri is the best Vietnamese that I have ever had in my life. Granted, I love the noodle soups with veggies and tofu, which is really hard to screw up, but there is just something about my hometown joint that just can't be beat!! Vietnam was definitely a good place though- don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my noodle soups with raw tofu, veggies, and a delicious lemongrass martini... The restaurant was small and in the middle of china town- Philly. A little sketchy area filled with the smells of every Asian restaurant mashed together, a familiar smell, but not necessarily one that would make your mouth water. The service was good and the food was pretty good too- We ordered a few cocktails and a spring roll to start... The spring rolls were really yummy and the dipping sauce was nice and lite. Definitely a good start to a great evening. I had the tofu noodle soup bowl, which was alright...not impressed, but the tofu was steamed well. I think that is a plus!! The veggies were loaded into my soup, but there definitely could have been more. My boyfriend got a noodle bowl and it looked great, they loaded up meatballs ontop and lots of noodles on the bottom. He said it was yummy- he couldn't even finish half of it! Everyone else in my party loved their food and thought it was refreshing not to walk out of the restaurant feeling like we had to roll ourselves to the car. Thumbs up Vietnam- even though my local hometown spot is a tab better:)
(3)
Nancy C.

I have been wanting to come to Vietnam for a while, but was so afraid I would be disappointed (we moved here not too long ago & know that all Vietnamese restaurants are not the same). But... IT WAS REALLY GOOD! I absolutely love Bun Ga Nuong (Grilled Chicken & Rice Noodle Bowl) & not only was I not disappointed, it was even better at Vietnam than what I was used to in Albuquerque (sorry, Viet Taste!). My husband had a clay pot seafood dish that he really liked, the seafood was fresh & abundant, with an excellent spiciness (we like spiciness). The staff were efficient, the bathrooms were very clean (yeah!). We will definitely return regularly.
(4)
Kate C.

I forgot how good the food is here. We usually go to Vietnam Palace across the street because of it has a wider range of vegetarian menu items. But today I shook things up and had lunch at Vietnam. Veggie spring roll vermicelli and a Vietnamese iced coffee is a delicious lunch. Not healthy, but thoroughly and completely delicious. The decor is beautiful too.
(4)
Wei T.

Went here for a quick dinner with a friend. Pleasant, quiet atmosphere, with friendly service. I tried the shrimp/pork summer roll and the seafood noodle bowl; both were very good. Prices were low, too!
(3)
Kim G.

They have a stocked bar for cocktails, which is not common in vietnamese restaurants (most of us are lightweights). They've been mentioned in several magazines, which is apparent at the entrance, but probably just for being the one of two vietnamese restaurants in philly with the other one being directly across the street. Other than that, the've got nice napkins...? The service was average, and the vegetarian eggrolls were way below average. Veggie in this case means "no meat," and doesn't mean "vegetables." Go figure! It was a fried not yet golden brown roll, with vermicelli, a mushroom or two and pepper...everywhere. It was so peppery I couldn't taste much else. It was stronger than sriracha. The fish sauce was sugary, without a kick. We have a term in Vietnamese, pronounced "Zuhh-Ehhhggccck!" That's what I told my mom about it. .
(2)
Stephanie B.

Delicious authentic vietnamese food! Restaurant is very clean and more than I expected for the typical asian restaurant. Will definitely come back here when I"m in philly again.
(5)
LaLaLa Lynda L.

Love this restaurant, but I just had a bad experience trying to book a private party with them. This business needs to find someone else to run their private party booking!
(2)
casy r.

Not a good place to enjoy your evening! I came to this restaurant at least once a week. I consider myself is a value customer. But I never impressed about their service. I was at this place for dinner tonight. Service was terrible. I asked the waiter if I can order my meal while I am waiting for my friend at the table. He said "No" and then he replied that he can't take my order until my friend come. He said that it is the rule that his boss has given and they have to follow the rule. On a Monday night at 7pm, there are only two tables occupied. 8 tables are empty. And there were no reservations and no other people waiting. He has to follow the stupid rule and let me wait in the waiting area. I talked to the manager, I can't really believe that this guy sounds even worse. He was so rude and said that if I am not happy then I go Vietnam Palace across the street. Basically he kicked their customers out of their place. His name is Allen but he refused to give me his last name. He also refused to give me his boss contact info. Who is the owner of this restaurant? I don't think it is hard to find out. Does the owner ever know how their employees treat their customers? If the restaurant keeps the service like this, sooner or later the business at this restaurant will be moving to across the street. By the way, Vietnam Palace across the street from Vietnam is a very good restaurant and their food is good and the service is much better than this place. I really feel sorry the owner of this restaurant.
(1)
Jake V.

Recommended by a co-worker, Vietnam supposedly started as a hole-in-the-wall kind of place that worked itself up. And boy, is it impressive. The food is fresh, varied and delightful. The atmosphere is really classy but not too stuffy. And yet, all the prices are reasonable. The only problem is that I've always had to wait to get a seat but I guess it's due to it's earned popularity. On a side note, I also enjoy Vietnam because when ever I get to mention the name, instead of just saying the name, I tend to sing the name to the tune of Van Halen's "Panama". And although Vietnam does not feature David Lee Roth flying around on a wire or a bass guitar shaped like a Jack Daniels bottle (that I know of), it is almost as great.
(5)
Brian K.

It's an Anglo version of Vietnamese food. Everything is OK but not great. Not really spicy, not as authentic, vibrant as the good Vietnamese restaurants that I've been to. As someone else stated, the service is robotic. Bring out food, clean table, etc. but no interaction such as "did you enjoy your food, do you need anything, etc?". It would be better if they at least had a few hot girl servers instead of all guys who just stand up front chatting with each other. Good selection of beer and cocktails but middle of the road food.
(3)
Catherine C.

This is probably my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown. I never order grilled meatballs at a Vietnamese restaurant as I usually just order pho or vermicelli, but a friend who introduced me to this restaurant offers the meatballs. They were so delicious! Each time I go I have to order it because they're just that good! The restaurant is clean, quiet, but they do charge more than most Vietnamese restaurants. If I'm looking for yummy cheap pho I'd go down to South Philly, but if I'm looking for yummy meatballs then this is the place!
(4)
Jeong L.

Don't go here if this place is really busy. The food will come out below average level. When we went there when this place was packed, the food was so disappointing. My pho was overcooked, and my bf's food was burnt.
(3)
Adam F.

Yes there are better Vietnamese and Pho restaurants in South Philly, but most of them are hole-in-the-walls. Vietnamese restaurant is in Chinatown (convenient location) and has a nice ambiance and full bar. The food is still really good - I recommend the house special Vermicelli.
(4)
Derek C.

2.5 stars. This restaurant looks nicer than your average Vietnamese restaurant but the food isn't up to par. It's also pricier than your typical Vietnamese restaurant prices. Spring rolls were fresh and crispy Pho Tai was average. Bo Luc Lac (beef cubes) were bleh. The meat was tough and dry and 15+ bucks I really don't know where all the positive reviews are coming from since there are so many other options
(2)
Foodimus M.

It's a testament to how good this place is that while in Australia (much closer to Vietnam, much more Vietnamese food available than Philadelphia) I was still daydreaming about this restaurant and comparing meals I had to their offerings. Food - Generous portions, perfect flavors, delicious sauces. Everything is deceptively simple, but it's the best of what it is. Best crispy spring rolls, best fish sauce (even if they don't make it, probably?), best meat ball rolls, best best bok choy, best broken rice platters, yes, EVEN the best pho. Although their prices have crept up over the years, I still think it's a bargain, and I wouldn't rather go anywhere else. Their drinks are really good too: best vietnamese iced coffee (have I bested myself out of believability yet?), and the fruit mixtures are interesting and worth trying - jack fruit is sweet like pineapple, and their limeade is a unique alternative to lemonade or soda. Service - Perfect. The staff are friendly, accommodating, and prompt. There's no frills to this place, but the decor is welcoming and tasteful, and the interior is clean and surprisingly large: there's an upstairs which they open on weekends or when traffic swells the downstairs to capacity. My only complaint is that they close for a week at the end of summer for their own vacation (who can blame them?). But I always end up driving down and hoping to eat on that week...somehow this has serendipitously happened over each of the last three years. I cry and die a bit inside, but it's just an affirmation of my love for Vietnam.
(5)
Tony O.

Vermacelli with meatballs and spring rolls. very good.
(5)
Ann L.

OK so I visit my brother in Philly maybe max 3 weekends a year, and we ALWAYS go to this restaurant. we ALWAYS get the same dishes...the bun (rice noodles )with either the mixed meats (for the boys) or grilled chicken (for me). SOOOO TASTY. I've eaten this dish countless places, in more authentic restaurants, across Vietnam, orange county in california (the mecca of vietnamese food), at home. And this by far takes the top spot (sorry mom!). A little pricey for what you actually get but the place looks so much nicer and cleaner than your average vietnamese restaurant. The service is good. Order extra carrot/radish pickles!!
(5)
Projectshave L.

I adore fish in claypot with Vietnamese caramel sauce (nuoc mau). The version here is not that good. The sauce was too salty, kind of thin. And it was more expensive than the cheap Vietnamese places I usually go to.
(2)
Brian C.

Surefire winner on most any day here. Interior has a warm and inviting feel since their updated French colonial renovation years ago-- skirts the balance between atmospheric and convivial. The diverse, clean flavors evident in the cooking are consistently well-executed: rich and vivid w/o feeling heavy-handed. Had an amazing meal of fish in a clay pot here; would recommend just about anything in a clay pot! Great Bun (vermicelli), Goi Cuon (summer rolls), Cha Gio (spring rolls) and soups. Very affordable, and way better for food and decor than rival Vietnam Palace across the street. Indelibly wedded to my love of Vietnamese food...
(5)
John F.

This is one of our favorite places in Philadelphia. The food is great, very reasonably priced, and the service is solid. I love the lime chicken, my wife loves the chicken and broken rice. The crispy spring rolls are amazing.
(5)
Dean D.

Ordered pork spring rolls and the house special noodle bowl. Being a self proclaimed spring roll aficionado, I give their fresh pork spring rolls high marks. The pork is crispy with a great BBQ flavor adding both texture and taste to the spring roll. The dipping sauce also compliments this appetizer very well. Next, I had the house vermicelli noodle bowl, number 45 on their menu. Unfortunately, my phone died and I was unable to snap a picture of this beautiful dish. Not the best I've had but still very good. The dish included fried spring roll, chicken, BBQ pork, Vietnamese sausage and pickled vegetables along with the noodles, sauce and cilantro. I'd definitely order it again. As for the restaurant itself, I thought the dining area was clean and very comfortable. Service was pretty good and prices were reasonable.
(3)
Cara B.

Wonderfully tasty food!! Services is excellent and so helpful navigating the menu when your a first timer eating Vietnamese!
(5)
Jason C.

This place is a phenomenal restaurant and it hit me on a sweet spot that reminded me of the nostalgic moments of eating char-grilled korean BBQ at the best restaurants in Korea. I tried 3 dishes: the Thit Nuong Cuon (chargrilled pork rolls), COMBINATION BROKEN RICE, PHO TAI. I know I'm very biased towards this grilling style and I'm absolutely certain many will not agree with this, but I thought that the chargrilling at Vietnam Cafe was done to perfection. The chicken, beef, and pork in my combination broken rice dish was very thinly sliced, lightly marinated, and chargrilled until the edges are slightly burned. This makes the meat extremely crispy on the outer edges. The smell of the lightly burnt meat and marinade brings a flavor you cannot experience with the standard type of grilling methods. This is Asian (korean/vietnamese style) grilling at its finest. The truly amazing thing about this dish was that the meat was relatively moist. The way the chef did this was to cut the meat very thinly at the edges and slightly thicker towards the center which causes the outer edge of the meat pieces to get slightly burnt while making the center parts of the meat relatively moist. Conceptually this is relatively simple, but it is something that is very difficult to execute. Because the meat is so thin, you have a very narrow window to take the meat off the grill. If you overcook it just a TAD BIT then the whole meat becomes extremely tough. This was not the case at Vietnam Cafe. My feelings about the meat were the same for the chargrilled pork rolls. In addition to the meat, the fresh lettuce, the chewy rice vermicelli and the rice wrapping added depth and texture to the taste that was different from the rice dish. In sum, this place absolutely rules with the the broken rice dishes. It was a blessing to have experienced Vietnamese-style chargrilling of this level. As for the pho, I would explore other options. While the Pho shows a very natural flavoring and minimal, if any MSG, I found the noodles to be less chewy and the soup on the blander side compared to Pho specialty shops like Pho75. On a final note, Vietnam Restaurant is extremely clean (they have hand sanitizers and umbrella bags as you enter), has a great decor and a very friendly staff. This restaurant is one of the rare exceptions where great decor goes hand in hand with fantastic food at good prices. I just wish we had such a Vietnamese place in DC =\ 5* for the chargrilled dishes.
(5)
Jenn H. H.

the smaller, swankier, and mahogany ensconsed vietnamese restaurant on 11th, right across the street from its arch nemesis, vietnam palace. i've been going to this place for an extremely long time, long before it got its fancy multi-million dollar renovation and used to be a crappy ass dive. seriously, it was a hole. the food is still good, fresh, and still very reasonably priced. not that i have anything against the more divey vietnamese places (i loves em) sometimes, it's nice to have a bit of ambiance. so for good vietnamese with ambiance, this is the place. plus, they have those huge and strong drinks you can share, like the flaming volcano!
(4)
Madeleine Q.

their BBQ Platter is a MUST TRY. they keep increasing the price but its definitely worth getting especially as a shared appetizer dish. their pho is small in portion but tasty. Also, their pork chop and broken rice dish is surprisingly good--not oily and fatty but juicy and clean.
(4)
Mum D.

Vietnam blew my mind. Not that it's perfect. For example our server forgot to bring us those famous bean sprouts with lime and cilantro, which accompany all noodle dishes. And the chicken in my noodle soup could have been better. The broth however was perfect. Ambiance is cozy and cool at the same time-a rare combination. Only tried one dish but surely will be back for more.Wish it was closer to my house so I could try the whole menu. And what about the drinks list? Mmm, enticing!Maybe I'll move:-)
(4)
miss l.

2 and a half stars. i've been going to this place since i was a child and wow how it's changed every year for the worse.... the quality of the food has fallen DRAMATICALLY. the service has varied, when i went as a child, the servers were wonderfully polite. over the years, i had some bad experiences with the wait staff there. now its just "ok". the thing that kills me is the quality of the food. used to be the best vietnamese place i could ever imagine.. now its just EHH. last time i went, they didnt even give me basil with my pho and bun. and the bean sprouts were old as hell. ALSO big problem here... they need to dust/clean big time... their floors and windows are FILTHY. too bad you can't get in a time machine, cos only then would i recommend this place.
(2)
Charlotte K.

The food here was delicious. The service was terrible. We were sent upstairs as a larger party, then the man serving up there proceeded to address us rudely and abruptly, not only refusing to answer several questions but treating us as if asking were an insult ("do you have decaf coffee?" "do you have summer rolls?" being two of our extraordinary and bizarre requests. ) Probably wouldn't go again.
(3)
Mike E.

The food is nice. The starters are better than the main courses, and can fill you up. My personal favorite is the meat balls with the rice paper. The service is good. They will let you sit only once the entire group is present.
(4)
Paige W.

I have yet to find a more unstuffed but satisfied kind of full than the one I get from a delicious bowl of chicken vermacelli here. But I am still trying to find a good appetizer and dessert to accompany it. Any ideas? I'm not into the spring rolls. But the entrees are killer - just be sure to get there at an off time or you'll be relegated to the across-the-street and slightly less good Vietnam Palace.
(4)
Art S.

We have been going to this restaurant since their earliest days of being open. Last night, after having nor been there for a few years, we went back and the food was as fantastic as ever. The meals were delicious - appetizers to entrees and the look and feel of the place is just as perfect. Can't recommend it enough.
(5)
Alex M.

The atmosphere and service are very fine. The space is large, generous, and welcoming, and the staff are lovely. It's also a pleasure to eat in this neighborhood and to be surrounded by this particular demographic (the diversity of the neighborhood and the University proximity clearly help account for the fact that the casual diners who frequent this place give off more of a hip, aware, NYC-like vibe than is usual for Philadelphia). I'm not in Philly enough to have eaten here a second time yet, but on our first visit my two friends and I found the food to be solid although not stellar. Will definitely return soon, though, for all the good points mentioned above.
(4)
Jessica E.

Vietnam has fast and friendly service, delicious and reasonably priced food, and a clean and chic dining area. What more could you want? Although I should clarify that when I say delicious food, I am really only speaking about one item, which is the house special vermicelli (used to be #37, but I believe they changed it to #46) because that is all that I have ever had. Every time I go to Vietnam, I feel like I should try something new, but I just cannot bring myself to pass up the opportunity to enjoy this tasty dish that includes a variety of meats, vegetables, and spring rolls over thin rice noodles. It's a substantial portion that really could be two meals, but somehow I always eat the whole thing because apparently I have a Vietnamese food addiction problem. (Actually that addiction also goes for food from other Asian countries as well as hamburgers.) I have also enjoyed the lemongrass martini here on several occasions, which I would highly recommend.
(5)
Alex s.

You must order the spring rolls. They are unparalleled. It has gotten a little pricier over the years, but it has an upscale modern atmosphere. Also the corn rice pudding is worth a try.
(5)
Bootsy L.

I'd be a bigger fan if there wasn't such a wait for the table but, my goodness!!!, starting with the veg spring rolls all but made up for that. A great deal on a not-so-great street in the City of Brotherly Love. It's my fave place in town and remains my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the NE.
(5)
Susan L.

Decent food, but I'm not sure I'd go back. The chicken dishes my bf and I had tasted like reheated chicken. The veggie spring rolls that everyone raves about were not good--they tasted soapy. Friends we went with had veggie tofu dishes that they loved and come to Vietnam for. Perhaps this is a hit or miss kind of restaurant. Nice atmosphere and decor.
(3)
diana f.

Mmm, this place is delicious. The food tastes like it should be really expensive, when it's actually very reasonably priced. The atmosphere is decent, although sometimes I felt like the tables were a little too close and you're dining with the stranger sitting next to you. We went here for Valentine's Day last year and it was a really good meal. I have to agree with the person who recommended the spring rolls. You're only getting half the experience if you don't try them!
(4)
RESPECT MY A.

Hungover? GO HERE! get the sweet and sour chicken soup or some beef pho and call it a day. or.... dont call it a day until you've had some crispy veggie spring rolls, beef jerky papaya salad, char-grilled shrimp and an iced vietnamese coffee too. oh my god im ADDICTED.
(5)
stephanie x.

This place gets by on the fancier and more Americanized decor compared to their Chinatown counterparts. We walked in and the first thing I realized was all the patrons were non-Asian. It was the first red flag. The second was that the decor was completely Americanized. The ambiance is much more suited for a romantic dinner than a typical Chinatown restaurant where the servers are running amuck and patrons are talking loudly. Also be prepared to spend at least twice as much as a "real" Vietnamese restaurant. We ordered the shrimp rolls and it came out smelling like it's been sitting in week old wet towels. We had to ask the server to take it back due to the smell. The server told us it was the smell of the wrapper. I don't know who he thinks he is fooling, but it's not the first time we have had shrimp rolls, and we know it's not supposed to stink like MILDEW. The main dishes admittedly did not stink, but the flavors (or lack thereof) were terrible. It's by far the WORST restaurant I've ever been to, anywhere in the world. I'd give it zero stars if I could.
(1)
Scott J.

The food has always been fantastic at Vietnam. Can't beat the quality of food for the price. We drive from NJ all the time to go here!
(5)
Richie R.

probably one of the favorite asian food eateries (other than penang) for white people to go to. nevertheless, no matter where you're from, you'll definitely agree the food is totally awesome! as any good place, it gets packed on weekends and no, you cant make reservations, so try and check it out during the week. the bbq platter is a must!!! the drinks are also fruity and will get you more tipsy than you would expect. vietnamese coffee is also very good. absolutely worth checking out, if only during the week.
(4)
Janet l.

my favorite restaurant in philly! the food here is great, and i also love the dark shiny wood decor inside. the service is also very fast and friendly, even when they're busy. and the prices are quite low considering how great everything is. i love vietnam!
(5)
Sharon G.

Great deal and good vegetarian options! I can eat Vietnamese soup again!! Yay!
(4)
Lee Ann D.

Right now, Vietnam is my very favorite restaurant in Philly. The spring rolls are nice and crunchy - perfect with vermicelli. The egg noodle soup was tasty and just the right size (just big enough that it's still hot when you get to the bottom of the bowl). Fresh food, great service, and inexpensive. Plus, the bathrooms are probably the nicest in Chinatown.
(5)
Levi D.

My girlfriend and I have been here twice this week for Vietnam's spectacular and surprisingly inexpensive pho beef soup to sooth our colds. We also had the grilled shrimp, which was also superb. The atmosphere is so sleek and romantic, it's hard to believe that most items on the menu are only around $10. The service was excellent, with our friendly server checking on us frequently but not obnoxiously so. I will consistently recommend Vietnam to anyone and will continue to refer to this place as Philly's best bowl of pho. This truly is as good as it gets.
(5)
Jocelyn F.

I'm not by all means a Vietnamese cuisine expert - but I do love it and can say this place is AWESOME!! I've tried Vietnamese food in most cities I visited and so far Tampa had the best but this place gives it a run for it's money. The crispy spring rolls were delicious and it comes with a really good amount already cut up. Then we also got beef ball Pho (beef meatball) and the broken rice dish with both chicken and pork. AMAZING!! Additionally - the service is awesome. They are on top of all of our needs and really pleasant. Anytime I'm in Philly I will be coming back to this place. So so good.
(5)
Jenn W.

I thought I wrote a review for this, But This is My Go-to for Vietmanese food,always consistently good & nice portions!! Been going here for years, even before they remodeled!!The owners have another location on Baltimore pike & catered my friends bridal shower & of course exceptional food !!! The pho , the summer rolls, & rice dishes are the BEST. Dont forget grape leave appetizer!!! Yumm!!! Return Factor: Totally!!
(5)
nigel r.

Love vietnam but orderd Pho tonight and the whole house smells like bad chicken. NOT fresh at all. Such a bummer because we love eating there. DO NOT order Pho there. Otherwise, great food.
(2)
CK A.

Very close to Reading Station. We walked from the Embassy Suites and it was not a problem. This restaurant has been there for several years. The Uber driver told us there were two Vietnamese restaurants, but the best one was on the east side of the street. We were seated immediately. The menu was extensive. The waiters were helpful in picking items out for this Hoosier who had never been to a Vietnamese restaurant. Serving size was huge. Prices were quite reasonable. Restaurant was clean and so were the bathrooms. Tor those of you who don't like chain restaurants, this is a good choice.
(5)
Drew B.

This place was really good. I had Pho and also got an order of fried tofu. Both were excellent. The place was clean inside and prices were decent. About the only thing missing was iced tea. You can get that almost anywhere. This is one of the few places that doesn't have it.
(4)
Robert H.

Had the chicken basil dish. The bok choice was awesome. My wife had the squid vermicelli and that was even better. Everything was grilled and delicious. Highly recommend...
(4)
Lanha T.

Decided to come here after reading previous reviews. The pho here lacked flavor and oddly sized. The large had a lot of noodles but barely any broth and in a more medium sized bowl than large. The egg rolls are randomly cut into pieces instead of coming whole. Comes with a side of iceberg lettuce instead of romaine. The banh xeo was decent but not great. Crispy crepe with mainly bean sprouts and onions. Good amount of shrimp with ground pork. The crepe itself lacked flavor so had to compensate but using a lot of nuoc mam. The cafe phe sua da comes pre made over ice. Not dripping in a French press for you to pour over ice on you're own. Definitely not your moms cooking.
(2)
Norm J.

I came to Vietnam with my colleagues one evening after a long day at a client site. I had heard good things about Vietnam so I "strongly" suggested that we come here for dinner. Since there were 8 of us we decided to get a couple appetizers to share: grilled meatballs, crispy spring rolls, grilled shrimp, stuffed grape leaves and crispy veggie spring rolls. All of the appetizers were good, but the grille meatballs were AMAZING!! For our entrees we got: *Beef Basil - packed with beef and very flavorful. *Salt/Pepper Shrimp - delicious! This is a must try. *Crispy Duck - not worth trying. Meat was a little tough and lacking in flavor. *Chicken Pad Thai - similar to Pad Thai you'd have at any Thai restaurant, but none the less still very good. *Sweet and Sour Chicken - great flavor and was definitely liked by all. The best part of our dining experience at Vietnam was the drinks! *Suffering Bastard was the drink that everyone at the table loved...and som of us had more than 1. It's a mixture of rum, Creme de cassis, Myer's Rum, Bacardi 151, Sour Mix and Fruit Juices. I highly recommend you get this drink. Even if you don't like rum I still recommend this drink. I could hardly taste the rum, but half way through the second drink I can say that my body was feeling the drink. *Virgin's Downfall is something I recommend you try as well. This drink is a blend of whiskey, vodka, grenadine and fruit juices. *Zombie was a drink that my boss loved. He thought the drink was pretty amazing and that the alcohol sneaks up on you. My colleagues and I thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience (especially the booze) at Vietnam. I'll definitely be dining here again next time I'm in my home city.
(4)
Lana D.

My family was coming to town and my parents only eat Vietnamese food. This is definitely not the place to go, what a disappointment and waste of money. I've eaten at MANY restaurants in my life and this is by far the absolute worst. We were a party of 6, each ordered an entree and NO ONE finished anything. Everyone literally took 2 bites and that was it. The broth was practically water, absolutely flavorless and bland. Total bill was about $85 - extremely overpriced for plain noods in water -flavorless and bland. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. Absolute disappointment.
(1)
Lin Z.

We drove into the city to eat here last night with friends. I work in the City so have been here more than my dining partners. It is very good -- better than the burb's Vietnamese cuisine, but also a little pricier, surprisingly. For apps we ordered the beef meatball spring rolls and pork spring rolls (both non fried), beef stuffed grape leaves, and crispy pancake. The springrolls were excellent, and relative bargains at ~$6.50 each. My stuffed grape leaves, on the other hand, were pricey at ~$11 for 8 stuffed leaves. I thought this was pretty steep; they were delicious, but still. I ordered the vermicelli with crispy spring rolls. My dining partners had a seafood noodle soup, a stirfried noodle dish and a pork in clay pot dish. The crispy pancake was stuffed with extremely fresh beansprouts and shrimp and delicious but under-seasoned, so the accompanying sauce was a must. We did not do dessert. Cons: I didn't see wines by the glass - maybe I missed them, or maybe they don't have them (What?). Beers are ~$5. I had an ice coffee (see Pros) -- my fave. Basil looked a little absent tonight. I get that it's winter, but this is a Vietnamese restaurant, so I sort of expect it. Oh well, NOT byob. Pros: Best iced coffee. Sweetened condensed milk makes all the difference. Food overall is very good. A notch better than my local Vietnamese restaurant, but with prices that are correspondingly higher.
(3)
Herbie H.

I had pretty high expectations for Vietnam, as I really enjoyed my meal at one of the sister restaurants, Grill Fish Cafe in West Philly. Our meal had high and low points. We started with the Crispy Crepe appetizer - which was seemed part omelet and part crepe. It was filled with onions, veggies, and shrimp (I believe.) It was a generous portion for an appetizer, and was split very nicely between two people. I ordered the Lemongrass Soup, replacing the Chicken for some fried tofu (a request that could be accommodated.) After some deliberation and questions with the waiter (some soup has small/large size options), my boyfriend ordered the Seafood Noodle Soup (only available in large). Mine came out first, and had this bright, beautiful, colorful broth that tasted as good as it looked and smelled. The tofu was fried perfectly, and the noodles helped to soak up the incredibly flavorful and slightly spicy broth. I definitely would order this again. My boyfriend's order comes out and it's a smaller bowl than mine. The waiter sets the soup down and we both see no seafood at all, but only a few pieces of broccoli. We call the waiter over and explain that he had ordered the Seafood Noodle Soup. After a moment of hesitation, the waiter scoops the bowl up and leaves. A solid 10 minutes later (I am halfway through my soup - trying not to eat every last drop before his soup comes out) - a new dish is put in front of him. It is the same bowl. With the same broccoli. With maybe 3 or 4 shrimp on top. He ate about half of it. It was 100% not what he ordered. It was flavorless (unless steamed broccoli water and tasteless rice noodles sound appealing) and unexciting. Service otherwise was acceptable, and the atmosphere was pretty nice. It's just a shame that he ordered and was charged for one thing, but received another.
(3)
Robert P.

Always great ! Spring rolls are literally the best thing you can eat. The Ban Xoe crepe I love. Salt and pepper chicken is yummy. Any tofu dish will make you very happy. It's just gotten so expensive. Come on Benny you used to be a bargain!
(4)
Undercova A.

AWFUL. Horrible. Inedible. Vietnam used to be one of my favorite vietnamese restaurants. No more. I ordered the grilled beef over vermicelli only to receive what can best be described as shaved, tough, cold pieces of meat served on gummy, lukewarm, stuck together noodles. So unidentifiable, I suppose the meat was beef. I was honestly concerned that my waiter had brought over someone's leftovers. No waiter in sight... And when he reappeared and I complained, I was met with a shrug and asked whether I wanted the check then. Really? This wasn't all that sucked. Vietnam was under air conditioned and the "wine" tasted like Welch's. No one looked happy and the place....at 8 pm on a Friday...was far less populated than surrounding restaurants. What a shame.
(1)
Meghan S.

My roommate and I ventured out on a snowy Sunday morning, hungover, in desperate need of Pho. We'd been to pho Cali before, but wanted to try something new. Vietnam restaurant had some good reviews, so we decided to try it out. This place was so nice inside! Hardwood floors, professional waitstaff, extremely fast service. But still casual enough to go in with sweats (well, nicer sweats). We had tea, shrimp spring rolls, and pho - all for about 12 bucks each. You can't beat it. I need to go back soon to try the BBQ platter. The table next to us got it and I was drooling!
(5)
Elvi W.

Bbq platter is huge..love the crispy spring rolls and bbq chicken..and make your own spring rolls. We ordered the lemongrass chicken noodle..don't like it.pho beef is better.
(4)
Stephen B.

My three star rating is based on value for the dollar. I was jones'n for PHO on a wintery day. My usual place on Race and 9th was closed. I had been wanting to try this as part of my goal to eat at every restaurant in Chinatown. This one has a cozy warm feel. I must say I was disappointed at the portion size for $6.95. It came in a bowl the size of a diner soup bowl. It had about a 90/10 % noodle to broth ratio and about 1 oz of sliced beef. The flavor was good, but on the light side as PHO broth's go. And to their credit they did give me an extra bowl of broth at no charge. I just don't understand why they wouldn't just keep the noodle and meat proportions and put it in a larger bowl with more broth (pennies right?), but the perception of value is greatly increased for little cost. Oh well, that's just my opinion. Wouldn't rush back here with all the other options in town.
(3)
Earl L.

I used to love this place, but after seeing their new prices, I just can't. They've jacked up prices to the point where they're about 75-100% more expensive than other Vietnamese restaurants. I refuse to pay $13.95 for a vermicelli bowl here when I can get a comparable meal just down the street for $6.95 at Pho Xe Lua. Ridiculous. Their interior looks nice though. They have that going for them.
(1)
Jessica C.

I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday a few weeks back. This restaurant came highly recommended by the birthday girl. I have never been to a Vietnamese restaurant so I was excited for the meal. I started my meal with the Dua beverage.. a mix of coconut juice, coconut meat and ice. It was a little too sweet for my liking but I drank it anyway. Other friends ordered the Rainbow Ice and Jack Fruit Shake and the drinks were hit or miss, some liked them and some didn't. Overall, the drinks were very sweet. I ordered the Chicken Curry as my entree. The curry was good but I have had better curry before. I was so hungry that I ended up eating my entire meal. I finished my meal with a traditional coffee. The server gave me the coffee and instructed me to stir. He said that there was condensed milk at the bottom so I had to stir to mix it into the coffee. I stirred and took a sip of my coffee. The coffee was very sweet and strangely tasted more like chocolate than coffee. The service was good. Our server memorized the number of each meal/drink/app on the menu which was very impressive. Vietnam does not take reservations.
(3)
Zanna H.

This place is not bad but not great either. I prefer across the street. I feel the food is executed a little better & they pickled veggies are superior. For what this place did right - the shaking beef special was very good and the dolma (beef stuffed charred grape leaves) were pretty good but once again I feel across the street does them better. On the whole since they are literally across the street I doubt I will ever choose this one over the other again.
(3)
Alex L.

Had the chef special duck soup and pho tai. Ordered the large and it came out looking like a small when compared to other places. Head was pounding after. Too much msg!
(2)
James Y.

Amazing Food! I'm was very happy with my meal and service. Food was fresh and yummy!!
(4)
Kyle S.

There are few restaurants that lead me to write reviews, but such a poor dining experience has led me to put pen to paper so to speak. The ambience of the restaurant is good and the restaurant is accommodating to children. The appetizers of a wonton chicken soup, Chinese broccoli and veggie spring rolls were all pretty good. However, the entrÃ©es were very bad. We ordered spicy lemongrass soup. The soup was not spicy and worse, the chicken was bland. Upon asking the waiter about the soup he said it "was not spicy" despite spicy being in THE NAME of the dish. When we asked the waiter to take the dish back, he did so quickly and did not ask if we would prefer another or if he could do anything to help. We also had beef dishes that were better, but still bland. I recommend searching for another place to dine if flavor is your prerogative for the evening.
(2)
Brian P.

Order the BBQ platter and split it with a friend. Grab a flaming cocktail or Tsingtao and you're all set. So good. Other menu items are fine too but the platter is where it's at.
(4)
Tim D.

I decided to try this place because my regular Pho spot Pho Xe Lua is closed on Wednesdays. It is much nicer looking but that's about it. The prices are approximately double, and the "large" bowl of Pho is about the same size as a small bowl at every Pho place I've been to all over the country and didn't even fill me up. Pho lovers, don't bother. Too bad I did not read Stephen B.'s review as he summed up my sentiments exactly. I guess you were there on a Wednesday too!
(2)
Joshua L.

I agree with the reviewers who said it was a tad bland. I ordered the house special vermicelli and the shrimp rolls. Both could have used more herbs and the vermicelli less meat and more vegetables. Overall it wasn't a bad experience. The Rainbow Ice was rather tasty and the meat was satisfying at times. The food bite from bite was inconsistent and I missed some of the more pungent flavors in the dishes. Not worth the price tag! Much better Vietnamese to be had in this city.
(2)
Sarah W.

Fantastic! we went there 5 friends with very different preferences - and we all loved it! see you soon
(4)
Jennifer B.

My childhood is filled with memories of enjoying the annual Philadelphia Flower Show and then walking to Vietnam for some lunch/dinner with my family. This has happened more times than I can count, and each time its been wonderful. It may not be the typical family tradition, but it's mine and I love it. Even now that I live in CO, any opportunity I have to come back to Vietnam is an exciting day indeed. I've been to Vietnam more times than I can count and two things are guaranteed, my Mom and I order the Flaming Volcano for two, and the table shares the BBQ Platter. If this is all you eat and drink at Vietnam you'll be in heaven. The Flaming Volcano for two includes rum, vodka, gin, brandy, grenadine, Bacardi 151 and fruit juice. This is a boozy beverage and will leave two people feeling the buzz as they suck down every drop. And don't let them take the drink too soon, as the ice melts and mixes with the remaining booze and juice you can have a "second drink". Don't forgot to blow out the flame and drink the rum from the center, it's a warm burn as it makes it's way slowly down your throat. The BBQ Platter includes, crispy spring rolls, beef stuffed grape leaves, char-grilled chicken, grilled meat balls, rice vermicelli, lettuce, and rice paper sprinkled with crushed peanuts. They say this serves two people but I think this easily serves four to five people, especially if you're ordering entrees. The crispy spring rolls are those addicting spring rolls that you dream about. If I was on a desert island and could only have three things, I would want these spring rolls to be one of the three items. In addition to the spring rolls, the grilled meatballs are delicious and I love taking the lettuce or the rice paper and making a wrap with the rice vermicelli, char-grilled chicken, pickled vegetables and topping the whole thing with some peanut sauce. The BBQ Platter will feed the table and people will fight over the last bites. I've tried multiple entree items and they have all been good, but nothing has the variety that the BBQ Platter offers. The BBQ Platter gives you multiple items and a mixture of tastes that a single entree cannot offer. Take my word for it, order the BBQ Platter! And if you're feeling a bit crazy, the Flaming Volcano for two is the perfect accompaniment.
(4)
Tracey H.

Best spring rolls ever! Nobody in the city can beat their spring rolls, and trust me I have tasted alot of spring rolls around the city of Philadelphia, and New York, and The Vietnam Resturant comes out on top!
(5)
Jo S.

Best spring rolls. Every time I am in Philly I have to make a stop here for the bun vermicelli with chicken and spring rolls. Consistently excellent food and nice atmosphere.
(5)
Jessica C.

Very nice lunch spot! Prompt service, affordable and tasty food. (The spring rolls are amazing!) Will definitely be back, can't wait to try other things on the menu.
(4)
Cynthia A.

Best Vietnamese food in Philadelphia. Service is always good and the food is consistently excellent.
(5)
Eric J.

Food is fairly good, and it has a pleasant atmosphere.
(3)
Chris P.

Perhaps Vietnam was too hyped, but I prefer Pho Ha in south Philly.
(2)
Courtney J.

I wish I could give Vietnam 3.5 stars. I bumped it up to 4 for two reasons - the ambience and the service. The restaurant decor is nice and clean, especially for those who are wary of other Chinatown establishments. Our waiter was brutally honest, which I appreciate, and let us know which dishes NOT to order (shouldn't everything on the menu be good?) The spring rolls were tasty, probably not the best I've ever had though. The portion was very generous so it filled me up. It's a good thing because the pho was the smallest I've ever seen (like cereal bowl size). Perfect for a child, but not a hungy man. Next time I think I'll try a BBQ dish instead.
(4)
Matt A.

OK. I'll settle this issue and we can be done with these guys for now. If you have never had Vietnamese or are a new comer to the food you will think you have been dropped off in the jungle and need to get shots before leaving so you don't get some disease from the pickled veggies. Otherwise, you might have gone to other Vietnamese Places where the food is --how we say "LESS --SAFE". If it is your first time there you will love it and you should get the BBQ platter and maybe another appetizer or entree' but don't overdo it no need to waste your time because it really does all taste the same They follow a strict robotic favor profile that works here in Philly where most people just have not been exposed to more of this excellent cuisine. Play it safe here and don't expect to get something unique and really good in China Town Philadelphia will get the most blan or blan in every sense of the Asian experience in Chinatown Philly style. We really need to upgrade that whole area...its gotten a pass for too long and just renovations and ducks in the window are not going to cut it moving forward as the more authentic and flavor-full Asian meals will be found in the burbs or corners of the Philly areas as we move forward. It is a shame that Chinatown doesn't get better represented because the phone area --like other cities --- could provide a cool cultural experience -- enough preaching city planning and cultural cuisine. Go if you want a good safe Vietnam Meal --BBQ Platter is Best with a Lime/Lemon Iced-Tea. Oh...and watch out for parking....they will love to write you a ticket on your visit to Chinatown...go across Vine to parking lot or find a spot with 2 hours. Don't park behind the 11th street police station --its their personal lot and they will tow you. Peace...Out. Matty
(3)
Kelly W.

I vote Vietnam Restaurant for the best crispy veggie spring rolls! No other vietnamese place has the same crispy texture. They tend to be flakey rather than this sizzly, bubbly, crunchy texture. I love the cold vermicelli dishes and the bok choy is wonderful. The catfish claypot was somewhat salty, but very tasty. Vietnam Restaurant has a very calm, quiet feel. Dark wood with minimal decorations give it a clean, sleek look. So far, it remains to be my favorite vietnamese place in Philly.
(4)
Luke L.

Stop reading this and go eat some food. I always get the salt and pepper chicken, I suggest you do the same!
(4)
Brian S.

Went on Christmas Eve 2009. Got there early, which was good, as it filled up 30 minutes after we got there. Clean, orderly place. Neighborhood is a bit sketchy, so be careful walking, particularly on side streets. Service was friendly and efficient. Food was excellent. I got spring rolls - fantastic. Unlike any I've had elsewhere. I got the vermicilli noodle bowl with various barbecue meat toppings. Absolutely delicious. Meat barbecue flavors I'd never tasted, plus some crisp and cold vegetables thrown in for contrast. Sorry, can't remember what my dining partner got, but he thought his was excellent as well. Very inexpensive, for what you get. Again, very clean, which I really like in a restaurant. Only thing I wasn't crazed about was the Vietnamese iced coffee. It was expensive, for a small glass with no refills, and it was really no different than many iced coffees I've had elsewhere. I would definitely go back.
(5)
Jason M.

We have a ole' time saying in Philadelphia that goes a little something like this... "Fuck youse" You don't like this place? You think youse better then this restaurant? Fuck youse. It could be less crowded anyhows if all the haters split and went to NYC based Penang which sux balls. 1st and foremost, let's get this outta da way: The spring rolls are the stuff of legends. Now moving on... This is not a Pho house nor a noodle house though they have both, it's a BBQ place. Try the charbroiled pork, beef, chicken or shrimps. Get broken rice combination and add spring rolls or squids or even the pork chops. It comes on the bone and as everyone is well aware meat taste better on the bone. Oh, you're squeamish about bones? Fuck youse. And the drinks? OMG the drinks. My inner Bukowski(that's my livers pet name) screams with anticipation. It's tropical kitch paradise: Zombie with 151, Scorpians, Navy Grog, Mai Tai and the boku dinky dow of all drinks: The Flaming Volcano. The menu calls it a drink for lovers to be shared. I recommend 1 per head with a friendly race to the bottom. FYI don't drink the puddle of 151 while it's still on fire. Other highlights here are the salt and pepper seafood, the BBQ platter app is good every once in a while, papaya salad with beef jerky, and the raw flank steak appetizer(oh, raw meat makes you even more squeamish den bones? Youse knows the answer) Skip the stir fries and hot pots.
(5)
Alison C.

Always delicious! Yum!
(4)
Eric H.

Now this is what I'm talking about. Great Vietnamese food. I brought my boss here, who is Vietnamese, and he agreed the food is great and really authentic. Their crispy rolls are awesome. Only place with better crispy rolls is a place called Tu Lan in San Francisco. I could eat here every day. Best broken rice dishes I've ever had. Crispy noodles, vermicelli, coconut drink, yum, yum!
(5)
Ivy L.

This is a great Vietnamese place I recommend to all my friends. We love their food and the restaurant is cute. Just do yourself a favor and make sure you have the right place. There is a place just across the street that looks nicer and its called Vietnam Palace... no good! Check out Vietnam
(5)
Emanuel K.

I've been here, as well as to its across-the-street-rival Vietnam Palace countless times, and to be honest I don't think I could differentiate between the two in a blind taste test. If I had to pick one, this one would win on the basis of atmosphere alone. I've tried literally dozens of their dishes and I don't think I've ever had a single thing that wasn't tasty. There are a couple dishes, however, which I can always rely on, such as the charbroiled pork and vermacelli (classic) and the salt and pepper shrimp (unreal). Let me tell me tell you about these shrimp. Actually, forget that, just order them next time you go.
(5)
Jason J.

This place is amazing! It's hard not to stop in when I'm in the area. My favorite food is the Vietnamese Meatballs. The service is really fast, too. The place isn't that big, so if you can, an early arrival might ensure your seated right away.
(5)
Anonymous R.

I visited this place since it got many good reviews. The atmosphere is nice, with a second floor with more tables. Most of the diners were American. The food was ok, portion sizes were smaller than typical Vietnamese dishes, and were the perfect size. There are no vegetarian Pho options if your friends are vegetarian. I would come here again for the atmosphere.
(3)
Lidia B.

I've been going to this place since, as everyone refers to it, the hole in the wall. My parents have known this family for ages. I must agree this place is hit or miss, but the cha gio is the best in the city, or anywhere really. Rather they the usually egg roll wrapper everyone else uses, they use banh chang, which is much more difficult to roll, and produces a very crispy light texture that makes this dish very pleasant. Also good here is their banh cuon, which is minced pork with wood's ear rolled in rice noodle, served with fresh steamed bean sprouts and herbs. On nights we're just in the mood for a traditional home cooked Vietnamese dinner. We'll order the salt baked squid served crispy and salty with fresh hot peppers, sauteed baby bok choy with garlic, and braised fish in a great caramelized sauce. All complimented with sweet jasmine rice. Washed down with a traditional spicy sour soup. The staff is friendly and the restaurant is comfortable. Not all restaurants have 100% fool proof menu's and this one is not an exception, give it a try, and when you find what you like stick with it because I guaranteed you won't find it better anywhere else!
(4)
di z.

The food wasnt very vibrant, as I imagined it would be. I waited a long time to try vietnamese, and I was disappointed I guess. My seafood dish was a soup of brine. Couldnt taste much of it. I dont think I would go again, maybe if someone recommended it very intensely.
(2)
Oski B.

Not as cheap as the Vietnamese places on Washington between 16th and the Italian Market, but definitely a better atmosphere. Food is served nearly as soon as you place your order so there's not much time to build up an appetite. Come hungry!
(4)
Dan M.

We were looking for a place where we could get in with a party of 6 right away around 7 PM on a Saturday night without having to wait. We gave Vietnam Restaurant a shot and could not have been happier with the outcome. We got in right away and had prompt service throughout the meal. We got the crispy spring roll appetizer which my wife and I thought was delicious. I got the shrimp curry and was very pleased. My friend got a crawfish dish that was excellent. I'm not from Philly and can't compare with the other restaurants in the area but I feel confident in saying this is one well worth checking out!
(5)
Melissa D.

The veggie spring rolls are off the hook!! I've been coming here for years, both eat-in and take out (if you call ahead they do curbside service so you don't even have to get out of the car!!) and everything I've tried has been fresh and delicious. I'm a fan of the shrimp vermicelli, but I also love the claypots and nothing beats the spicy lemongrass soup in the winter. I haven't had the pho yet but it seems to be a favorite and I'm sure its great!
(4)
Brandon S.

Wow, I can't believe all the great reviews of this place! I travel 100% for work and have done so the last 9 years. Therefore, I eat out almost every night of the week. I have also spent quite a bit of time in Asia for work and I can honestly say this is probably the worst Asian food I've had in the States. I ordered a noodle dish and the noodles were completely charred. Every bite tasted like burnt charcoal. This is the first bad review I've ever written on yelp. The two stars is only because the service was really good and the ambiance was nice.
(2)
Shaman S.

fast service, clean, tasty, and authentic. It's always a good experience visiting Vietnam! My favorite joint in Philly!
(5)
Lucinda D.

Great food, nice ambiance, cheap. Another great dinner at Vietnam!
(5)
Jake P.

Boy that picture is misleading. That's not how this place is at all. For those that prefer a classier (used loosely) atmosphere to Chinatown, this restaurant is crowded, cozy, and a bit more aesthetically pleasing than you'll find a few blocks south. Still, as Jennifer rightly pointed out, the food is much blander, the portions aren't as humbling, and the price is 75% higher. Vietnamese food is a messy-good-time. That said, unless you're such a lush where you need a cocktail widdit, I see no reason to slop up Pho here. Between what's popping on Race Street and Washington Ave., there's plenty of better places, for less money, with a more fun/authentic feel.
(2)
Sue H.

quick review... :D prb one of my favorite vietnamese restaurants in CC (for PHOs (beef noodle soup) go to washington ave like...nam phuong (11th and washington) corner of the shopping center order beef cubes if pho's not ur thing) since its humble beginnings VR have stayed true to their customers by keeping the menu consistent over the years... FOOD: MUST HAVES: BBQ platter... feeds a good party of 4... basically it's ur VR version of pu pu platter with rice paper and veggies... (fyi... extra rice paper will cost ya!!) Vermicelli with crispy spring rolls (ADD MEAT) vs the other way around... you'll get more spring rolls this way:D... havta say they have THE best crispy spring rolls around... don't know how they do it... but it's prb THE thing that made me a regular at this place... (fyi...comes with sprinkling of peanuts...so for those who are allergic...just ask to omit it) why 4stars?? unfortunately prices have gone up over the yrs... i mean for something that used to $4.95 that's now close to $10 think it's a bit excessive... AND also... being that it's a vietnamese restaurant most pho lovers would be left disappointed for their soup base flavor and portion size (esp for those who've eaten in s.philly)...
(4)
Coley W.

I've been coming to Vietnam Restaurant for years, since long before it morphed into a slick upscale eatery. Back in the day, it was just another hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant. To tell the truth, I kind of miss the hole in the wall place. I really miss the hole in the wall prices. But one thing that has remained constant over the years is the fried spring rolls. They are the best in the world. Seriously, I've been all over the country and I've spent a considerable amount of time in Vietnam and I feel confident that Vietnam Restaurant's spring rolls are the best. Not only that, but the vegetarian rolls are just as good as the meat filled ones. Outside of the spring rolls, the menu can be hit or miss. But who cares? (The writing in Playboy can a little over the top, but I'm not buying the magazine for the articles, now am I?) Just get an order of spring rolls and an order of bun with spring rolls on top and wash it down with a Tiger Beer. Then make a mental note to go running the next day.
(4)
Eugene B.

There is a reason why Vietnam Restaurant has been on Philadelphia's Top 50 Restaurants for a few years and that is because the food is just killer. My family and I have been going since 1997 when the restaurant was still a hole in the wall, but as they've changed the interior of the restaurant the food remained the same with it's authentic tastes. Try the bbq platter, the vermicelli dishes are great as well as the Chicken with basil. You really can't go wrong with the food here. I've taken all my close friends to this place and they still continue to go. The only bad part is trying to find street parking. Enjoy!
(4)
Daniel H.

This place is nice, pretty snug. I've had my share of pho before and I've never seen anything as skimpy on the size of the dish, that's not to say its bad. The spring rolls were excellent. Service was mediocre, its kind of like the factory atmosphere I've seen from other peoples reviews. I'd give it 4 stars if the soup was bigger and the service friendlier. I'll definitely be back and hope it's a little better next time.
(3)
Ti L.

I went there again and had to add another star. I'm never disappointed with this place and I've tried something new each time. The lemongrass pork chops, saigon noodles, crispy duck, the chinese broccoli... my mouth is watering just thinking about it... go eat there! And you have to try the summer roll #6... the peanut sauce has a kick! Small little building, but good ambiance for a date or dinner with friends.
(5)
Kent W.

There's a minimum you have to order to eat here. No problem. The food was average. No problem. At least give me freaking hot bowl of pho or a bigger bowl dammit; the broth was bland. The spring roll could use a lot of work. My first impression wasn't great, and I don't intend to come back. Back across the street...(I was nice enough to leave 3 stars --- punk)
(3)
Mai H.

Not bad food - Not excellent either. They have really gone down hill. Used to be one of my favorite places to go, now I find the food is bland and overpriced. Not authentic anymore. And what's with not leaving the Sriracha on the table and making me ask for it?? Er rather, I had to "steal" it from the table next to us because the waiter took forever to come back/ Want reasonably priced and really good vermicelli dishes, head to Pho Saigon on Columbus Blvd.
(3)
Nicole V.

I am torn between 3 and 4 stars...The last time I was here it was an agonizing wait; granted it was a Friday evening but still for arriving at 7:40 and for 3 people to not be seated until 9 is just crazy. Maybe I would have gone elsewhere if they had been honest about the wait time, but they said 20 min. On a Friday night after waiting for a while we didn't want to go elsewhere and have to wait even longer to eat so we stuck it out. I will never do that again. Their food is good though and reasonably priced. I would like to give Vietnam 4 stars for their yummy food and prices, but the wait and unhelpful staff really let me down last time I visited, especially since I talked this place up to a friend and then we had to wait while starving.
(3)
Addy W.

Best noodle bowls and spring rolls in the land! Portions are gargantuan!
(5)
David F.

IF you like bland, gloppy Vietnamese food aimed at suburbanites then this is the place for you.
(1)
whitney h.

Vietnam offers a classy place place with decent service and excellent traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The decor is nice and not gaudy like some other Vietnamese restaurants on 11th and Race. The service is brisk but courteous they keep it moving. What stands out is how great the food is. Enjoy
(4)
Robert C.

Disappointing is the name of my experience here at Vietnam Restaurant and Saigon Bar. Both are housed in the same building, with the restaurant occupying the first two stories and the bar lounge taking up the third. They don't take reservations. Fine. My party of 6 to 7 all show up within a 15 minute window of each other for an early dinner on Friday night - 7:00 pm. Myself and one other person were the first to show. We were super hungry and thought that we could get spring rolls or something while we waited at the bar with our drinks. We were informed that there was NO FOOD ALLOWED at the bar (except for the disgusting shrimp chips that dry out your tongue - weak, especially since we were vegetarian). So we wait. When everyone shows up, the bar staff indicates that because we have 7 people instead of six, we're going to have to wait at least 30 minutes. Fine.. I'm starving, but I drink up my calories and enjoy the company. 50 minutes later they tell us it'll be at least another five minutes as the party is paying. 10 minutes after that we all trooped downstairs to be seated. When we get down to the second floor - the room is half empty. Many many tables were all empty. Seriously... wtf? Now if all of this resulted in delicious Vietnamese food - all would have been forgiven and forgotten. Instead - the seafood my friends got were consistently over cooked... I had more grease in my vegetable chow fun noodles than noodles... and the rice noodle with spring roll was simplistic in flavor (i.e. salt, salt, and more salt). Yuk. Why two stars despite the disappointment? They certainly didn't get any stars for the food.... First star - The decor was decent and the lounge-y ambience of the bar comfortable... their cocktail menu also contributes to this star. Second star - They at least have it together to coordinate between the maitre'd and the bar staff upstairs so that provided you don't have to wait an hour for your table, you can get seated reasonably fast.
(2)
Chrissy R.

I like Vietnam better than Vietnam Palace. The food is just better here. One time I ordered a crazy chinatown cocktail called "Virgin's Downfall" and the waiter in his horribly accented English says to me "After this-Virgin NO MORE" which I'm sure he practised forever and says it all the time, but I don't care. He's and by extension, Vietnam won.
(4)
Mimi H.

it is ridiculous how good this place is. despite the fact that i get the same thing EVERY SINGLE TIME I EAT THERE, it is out of this world delicious. i suggest the crispy noodles with vegetables (without mushrooms, unless you like mushrooms, in which case there's something wrong with you anyway) and the fried tofu. you'd think something as simple as fried tofu can't be THAT good, but then you'd be wrong. i'm always pleasantly full, but not uncomfortably so when i leave. also, if you're a fancy pants like my friend pete "gatsby", you can just get gin and some ice cream.
(5)
Earl L.

I used to love this place, but after seeing their new prices, I just can't. They've jacked up prices to the point where they're about 75-100% more expensive than other Vietnamese restaurants. I refuse to pay $13.95 for a vermicelli bowl here when I can get a comparable meal just down the street for $6.95 at Pho Xe Lua. Ridiculous. Their interior looks nice though. They have that going for them.
(1)
Lana D.

My family was coming to town and my parents only eat Vietnamese food. This is definitely not the place to go, what a disappointment and waste of money. I've eaten at MANY restaurants in my life and this is by far the absolute worst. We were a party of 6, each ordered an entree and NO ONE finished anything. Everyone literally took 2 bites and that was it. The broth was practically water, absolutely flavorless and bland. Total bill was about $85 - extremely overpriced for plain noods in water -flavorless and bland. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. Absolute disappointment.
(1)
Jessica C.

I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday a few weeks back. This restaurant came highly recommended by the birthday girl. I have never been to a Vietnamese restaurant so I was excited for the meal. I started my meal with the Dua beverage.. a mix of coconut juice, coconut meat and ice. It was a little too sweet for my liking but I drank it anyway. Other friends ordered the Rainbow Ice and Jack Fruit Shake and the drinks were hit or miss, some liked them and some didn't. Overall, the drinks were very sweet. I ordered the Chicken Curry as my entree. The curry was good but I have had better curry before. I was so hungry that I ended up eating my entire meal. I finished my meal with a traditional coffee. The server gave me the coffee and instructed me to stir. He said that there was condensed milk at the bottom so I had to stir to mix it into the coffee. I stirred and took a sip of my coffee. The coffee was very sweet and strangely tasted more like chocolate than coffee. The service was good. Our server memorized the number of each meal/drink/app on the menu which was very impressive. Vietnam does not take reservations.
(3)
Zanna H.

This place is not bad but not great either. I prefer across the street. I feel the food is executed a little better & they pickled veggies are superior. For what this place did right - the shaking beef special was very good and the dolma (beef stuffed charred grape leaves) were pretty good but once again I feel across the street does them better. On the whole since they are literally across the street I doubt I will ever choose this one over the other again.
(3)
Alex L.

Had the chef special duck soup and pho tai. Ordered the large and it came out looking like a small when compared to other places. Head was pounding after. Too much msg!
(2)
James Y.

Amazing Food! I'm was very happy with my meal and service. Food was fresh and yummy!!
(4)
Kyle S.

There are few restaurants that lead me to write reviews, but such a poor dining experience has led me to put pen to paper so to speak. The ambience of the restaurant is good and the restaurant is accommodating to children. The appetizers of a wonton chicken soup, Chinese broccoli and veggie spring rolls were all pretty good. However, the entrÃ©es were very bad. We ordered spicy lemongrass soup. The soup was not spicy and worse, the chicken was bland. Upon asking the waiter about the soup he said it "was not spicy" despite spicy being in THE NAME of the dish. When we asked the waiter to take the dish back, he did so quickly and did not ask if we would prefer another or if he could do anything to help. We also had beef dishes that were better, but still bland. I recommend searching for another place to dine if flavor is your prerogative for the evening.
(2)
Brian P.

Order the BBQ platter and split it with a friend. Grab a flaming cocktail or Tsingtao and you're all set. So good. Other menu items are fine too but the platter is where it's at.
(4)
Tim D.

I decided to try this place because my regular Pho spot Pho Xe Lua is closed on Wednesdays. It is much nicer looking but that's about it. The prices are approximately double, and the "large" bowl of Pho is about the same size as a small bowl at every Pho place I've been to all over the country and didn't even fill me up. Pho lovers, don't bother. Too bad I did not read Stephen B.'s review as he summed up my sentiments exactly. I guess you were there on a Wednesday too!
(2)
Joshua L.

I agree with the reviewers who said it was a tad bland. I ordered the house special vermicelli and the shrimp rolls. Both could have used more herbs and the vermicelli less meat and more vegetables. Overall it wasn't a bad experience. The Rainbow Ice was rather tasty and the meat was satisfying at times. The food bite from bite was inconsistent and I missed some of the more pungent flavors in the dishes. Not worth the price tag! Much better Vietnamese to be had in this city.
(2)
Sarah W.

Fantastic! we went there 5 friends with very different preferences - and we all loved it! see you soon
(4)
Catherine C.

This is probably my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown. I never order grilled meatballs at a Vietnamese restaurant as I usually just order pho or vermicelli, but a friend who introduced me to this restaurant offers the meatballs. They were so delicious! Each time I go I have to order it because they're just that good! The restaurant is clean, quiet, but they do charge more than most Vietnamese restaurants. If I'm looking for yummy cheap pho I'd go down to South Philly, but if I'm looking for yummy meatballs then this is the place!
(4)
Jeong L.

Don't go here if this place is really busy. The food will come out below average level. When we went there when this place was packed, the food was so disappointing. My pho was overcooked, and my bf's food was burnt.
(3)
Jennifer B.

My childhood is filled with memories of enjoying the annual Philadelphia Flower Show and then walking to Vietnam for some lunch/dinner with my family. This has happened more times than I can count, and each time its been wonderful. It may not be the typical family tradition, but it's mine and I love it. Even now that I live in CO, any opportunity I have to come back to Vietnam is an exciting day indeed. I've been to Vietnam more times than I can count and two things are guaranteed, my Mom and I order the Flaming Volcano for two, and the table shares the BBQ Platter. If this is all you eat and drink at Vietnam you'll be in heaven. The Flaming Volcano for two includes rum, vodka, gin, brandy, grenadine, Bacardi 151 and fruit juice. This is a boozy beverage and will leave two people feeling the buzz as they suck down every drop. And don't let them take the drink too soon, as the ice melts and mixes with the remaining booze and juice you can have a "second drink". Don't forgot to blow out the flame and drink the rum from the center, it's a warm burn as it makes it's way slowly down your throat. The BBQ Platter includes, crispy spring rolls, beef stuffed grape leaves, char-grilled chicken, grilled meat balls, rice vermicelli, lettuce, and rice paper sprinkled with crushed peanuts. They say this serves two people but I think this easily serves four to five people, especially if you're ordering entrees. The crispy spring rolls are those addicting spring rolls that you dream about. If I was on a desert island and could only have three things, I would want these spring rolls to be one of the three items. In addition to the spring rolls, the grilled meatballs are delicious and I love taking the lettuce or the rice paper and making a wrap with the rice vermicelli, char-grilled chicken, pickled vegetables and topping the whole thing with some peanut sauce. The BBQ Platter will feed the table and people will fight over the last bites. I've tried multiple entree items and they have all been good, but nothing has the variety that the BBQ Platter offers. The BBQ Platter gives you multiple items and a mixture of tastes that a single entree cannot offer. Take my word for it, order the BBQ Platter! And if you're feeling a bit crazy, the Flaming Volcano for two is the perfect accompaniment.
(4)
Adam F.

Yes there are better Vietnamese and Pho restaurants in South Philly, but most of them are hole-in-the-walls. Vietnamese restaurant is in Chinatown (convenient location) and has a nice ambiance and full bar. The food is still really good - I recommend the house special Vermicelli.
(4)
Derek C.

2.5 stars. This restaurant looks nicer than your average Vietnamese restaurant but the food isn't up to par. It's also pricier than your typical Vietnamese restaurant prices. Spring rolls were fresh and crispy Pho Tai was average. Bo Luc Lac (beef cubes) were bleh. The meat was tough and dry and 15+ bucks I really don't know where all the positive reviews are coming from since there are so many other options
(2)
Foodimus M.

It's a testament to how good this place is that while in Australia (much closer to Vietnam, much more Vietnamese food available than Philadelphia) I was still daydreaming about this restaurant and comparing meals I had to their offerings. Food - Generous portions, perfect flavors, delicious sauces. Everything is deceptively simple, but it's the best of what it is. Best crispy spring rolls, best fish sauce (even if they don't make it, probably?), best meat ball rolls, best best bok choy, best broken rice platters, yes, EVEN the best pho. Although their prices have crept up over the years, I still think it's a bargain, and I wouldn't rather go anywhere else. Their drinks are really good too: best vietnamese iced coffee (have I bested myself out of believability yet?), and the fruit mixtures are interesting and worth trying - jack fruit is sweet like pineapple, and their limeade is a unique alternative to lemonade or soda. Service - Perfect. The staff are friendly, accommodating, and prompt. There's no frills to this place, but the decor is welcoming and tasteful, and the interior is clean and surprisingly large: there's an upstairs which they open on weekends or when traffic swells the downstairs to capacity. My only complaint is that they close for a week at the end of summer for their own vacation (who can blame them?). But I always end up driving down and hoping to eat on that week...somehow this has serendipitously happened over each of the last three years. I cry and die a bit inside, but it's just an affirmation of my love for Vietnam.
(5)
Dean D.

Ordered pork spring rolls and the house special noodle bowl. Being a self proclaimed spring roll aficionado, I give their fresh pork spring rolls high marks. The pork is crispy with a great BBQ flavor adding both texture and taste to the spring roll. The dipping sauce also compliments this appetizer very well. Next, I had the house vermicelli noodle bowl, number 45 on their menu. Unfortunately, my phone died and I was unable to snap a picture of this beautiful dish. Not the best I've had but still very good. The dish included fried spring roll, chicken, BBQ pork, Vietnamese sausage and pickled vegetables along with the noodles, sauce and cilantro. I'd definitely order it again. As for the restaurant itself, I thought the dining area was clean and very comfortable. Service was pretty good and prices were reasonable.
(3)
Cara B.

Wonderfully tasty food!! Services is excellent and so helpful navigating the menu when your a first timer eating Vietnamese!
(5)
Jason C.

This place is a phenomenal restaurant and it hit me on a sweet spot that reminded me of the nostalgic moments of eating char-grilled korean BBQ at the best restaurants in Korea. I tried 3 dishes: the Thit Nuong Cuon (chargrilled pork rolls), COMBINATION BROKEN RICE, PHO TAI. I know I'm very biased towards this grilling style and I'm absolutely certain many will not agree with this, but I thought that the chargrilling at Vietnam Cafe was done to perfection. The chicken, beef, and pork in my combination broken rice dish was very thinly sliced, lightly marinated, and chargrilled until the edges are slightly burned. This makes the meat extremely crispy on the outer edges. The smell of the lightly burnt meat and marinade brings a flavor you cannot experience with the standard type of grilling methods. This is Asian (korean/vietnamese style) grilling at its finest. The truly amazing thing about this dish was that the meat was relatively moist. The way the chef did this was to cut the meat very thinly at the edges and slightly thicker towards the center which causes the outer edge of the meat pieces to get slightly burnt while making the center parts of the meat relatively moist. Conceptually this is relatively simple, but it is something that is very difficult to execute. Because the meat is so thin, you have a very narrow window to take the meat off the grill. If you overcook it just a TAD BIT then the whole meat becomes extremely tough. This was not the case at Vietnam Cafe. My feelings about the meat were the same for the chargrilled pork rolls. In addition to the meat, the fresh lettuce, the chewy rice vermicelli and the rice wrapping added depth and texture to the taste that was different from the rice dish. In sum, this place absolutely rules with the the broken rice dishes. It was a blessing to have experienced Vietnamese-style chargrilling of this level. As for the pho, I would explore other options. While the Pho shows a very natural flavoring and minimal, if any MSG, I found the noodles to be less chewy and the soup on the blander side compared to Pho specialty shops like Pho75. On a final note, Vietnam Restaurant is extremely clean (they have hand sanitizers and umbrella bags as you enter), has a great decor and a very friendly staff. This restaurant is one of the rare exceptions where great decor goes hand in hand with fantastic food at good prices. I just wish we had such a Vietnamese place in DC =\ 5* for the chargrilled dishes.
(5)
Jennifer C.

In a suggested itinerary on MSN Travel, Vietnam Restaurant came highly recommended especially for a short trip to Philly. We were only in the city for a few days, and I wanted to check this place out as it made it onto this coveted bucket list. Though we definitely had a decent meal here, and I ogled some amazing-looking dishes around me as we sat and waited for our food, I still felt ever so slightly underwhelmed. I guess I've become really spoiled living in New York, namely in Queens, where excellent, excellent (x2!) Vietnamese restaurants are at my disposal. Although this resto in Philly was more upscale than the run-of-the-mill Pho Banc's you'd normally see in New York (where you share a 10-top with a bunch of strangers), presentation and taste-wise, there was minimal difference. In fact, the only difference I could detect was the uptick in price. That, and better artwork. They have really beautiful photography adorning the walls. But honestly, would I pay the premium just to see it? Pass. If Vietnamese restaurants are hard to come by in Philly (which I doubt, because I did see another one right across the street), then by all means, give this place a go. The interior is clean, and furnished with dark tables and chairs, setting the mood for a nice, romantic dinner if you've plans to take a date. They also have a second floor, which we peeked at right before we left, and it certainly seemed like a cozy space. If you're looking for cheap eats however, I might search the neighborhood a little harder. The food here is pretty good, but slightly expensive (and another Yelp reviewer from Cali, Viv V, who is Vietnamese, does not think this place is truly authentic, either). One other gripe, when I ordered my Vietnamese wonton noodle soup, I had specifically asked for rice flour noodles instead of egg noodles, and though the waiter had agreed to the substitution, in the end, I was served egg noodles. Apparently, he did not care for what I had wanted, and to ignore or forget such a small request like that, I think, sheds an unfavorable light on them. 2.5 stars.
(2)
Candice F.

Pretty good food with a nice quiet atmosphere. Beef Soup to share is fun and yummy! Also ordered the Lime Chicken, which is sort of similar to General Tso's chicken with a hint of lime/tang! Sweet and Sour Shrimp was yummy. The pineapple hunks were clearly canned, but the dish wasn't bad overall. The shrimp were actually super delicious.
(4)
A B.

While the menu isn't overly creative, and there are certainly cheaper options of similar food in the immediate area, this place has a nice intimate atmosphere over which to enjoy a meal and conversation.
(3)
Sam B.

Super fast service with great dish options. Love the vermicelli with the roll on top. Filling and delicious and good service.
(4)
Sasha B.

We were really hungry and not familiar with the area at all, so I just looked up nearest eateries. This one came up with 4 stars, so we just went for it. What a mistake -I usually read lower grade reviews before committing. This is the worst Vietnamese restaurant I've been to. For is bland - chicken overlooked, meat tasteless. Service was OK though, and decor is nice. So go there if you don' care about the taste. Not me.
(2)
Elle P.

The seafood claypot tasted more like a watered down version of kimchi jigae (Korean kimchi stew). The beef sate pho was made somewhat carelessly. The noodles were clumped together and chewy. There were only few pieces of bean sprouts. If you were expecting large portions that you find in typical pho places, this place wasn't it. The restaurant interior was nice and you can tell that they were going for a more upscale look. I was a bit disappointed with this restaurant with all of the rave reviews. I wish I had seen Jennifer C's, my NY buddy, review before coming here.
(2)
Jana C.

2.5 lunch Cute interior and charming warm wood. Food came out too quickly---banh xeo could have been fried longer and so could the filling ingredients. More sloppily cut ashen onions spied i than ever I saw some pork or prawns. the only herb given to is was basil. boo. And iceberg leaves?!? really? Papaya salad bit pedestrian, in my opinion. Did the job. Our chicken lemongrass noodle soup was also 'just alright' getting the theme here? Cafe sue da was excellent. Big kick, deep roast, strong....but at $3.95/ small cup?!? Again....really?!!!!!!! Lunch ended up being close to $40 because of the rip-off!!!! drinks. Had I only known and not assumed....
(3)
Pao P.

The place is very nice and clean. Had some spring rolls for appetizers, it was ok. My wife loved them. I got myself the shrimp vermicelli which was ok, typical flavors with the sweet and sour sauce. My wife got the wonton soup, she liked it. Got chicken fried rice and grilled pork over rice. They use long grain rice for the fried rice which is still good but it had a charred taste. Not sure if it was a little burnt or that's how it's supposed to taste. The grilled pork was good, had a duck sauce flavored to it. Overall, it's a good place to eat, will try again in the future.
(3)
Trent S.

Best. Cha Gio (pork and shrimp fried spring rolls). Ever. Also the Che Dau - a must have at the end of your meal. Love x3 this place.
(5)
Topaz S.

This was an incredibly disappointing experience. Yelp completely failed me. Service was all but not existent. After sticking us in the back room they forgot about us. We watched another table leave without ever getting served. Wish we had done the same. None of the spicy dishes even had flavor, much less spice. When. My wife asked about the lack of spice in her soup, she was told it wasn't supposed to be spicy. Yet the dish is called " Spicy lemongrass soup.". My sister-in-ordered a plate of plain noodles for her 4 year old. They came covered and fully dressed. When we sent a dish back, we weren't asked if we wanted something else or offered an apology. The appetizers were the one saving grace, but not enough to make this worthwhile. And then they made us sit around and wait for a bill. Stay away.
(1)
Denise K.

The shrimp vermicelli and crispy tofu was very good. They are however limited in their vegetarian menu. My boyfriend got the crispy tofu egg noodles which was bland and a disappointment. The service was a bit slow and off. They got one of the orders wrong but we took it anyways.
(3)
Ron H.

Shrimp, porkspringroll, wonton soup, and pork vernicille. You shouldn't need a big long review to come here and try the food. It's a Philly staple, and it's still the best Vietnamese in the city. One of those rare gems that doesn't change over time despite raving reviews from every imaginable outlet. Add to the fact that they get slammed with the convention center traffic, it's a wonder they haven't turned into a has-been. Start off with the flaming volcano (great for 2, don't attempt to drink it all yourself!), and a few aps before moving on to the noodles and main dishes. 2nd floor bar isn't a bad place to eat lunch or grab something quick for two people when the main restaurant is too crowded. Skip weekends as it's always too long of a wait.
(5)
Gerald S.

Pleasant environment for a first lunch at Vietnam Restaurant on 11th Street. Dark wood tones, extensive menu, and apparently, a good bar. My lunch was simple; Pho Tai. The bowl was smaller than at other VN locales, but tasty and well presented with a full plate of accessories (spouts, lime, jalapenos,basil leaves). The flank steak was thin and lean. The broth as doctored at the table, spicy and engaging. The noodles, soft and of adequate volume. At $6.95, it was exactly what I wanted for a light lunch. The Vietnamese coffee was also very satisfying. I need to visit a few more times and try more on the menu before coming to a final opinion on this pleasant fixture on the edge of Chinatown.
(3)
Dennis L.

This is a fancy viet restaurant, with a pretty large menu offering. I ordered the Jicama Summer Rolls which were pretty good. Veggie based root vegetable thing I just wanted to try out and it was pretty delicious. The BBQ deluxe broken rice was also not too bad. The pork was pretty over cooked though, the flavor wasn't too bad. I really did like the shredded pork and the egg... quiche? Either way, it's not a bad spot and pretty spacious for large parties. I went relatively early in the night, but it seems to do pretty well. Although, it seemed like many patrons were tourists.
(3)
Edward W.

Been here several times. Nice decor and friendly service. Consistently good food. Comprehensive clear menu. Welcoming dishes. Had mixed appetizer platter. Generous portion of delicious treats Sprung rolls hit the spot For the main I had the country style beef in soy and Worcestershire Just the right degree if salty decadence.
(4)
M B.

I've been going to Vietnam for years - and I consistently get the same 3 things (having been around the menu a few times): - Chargrilled pork rolls - Shrimp wonton and noodle soup - The House Special----awesome They let you share their soups if you have a party of two. Good times are had by all.
(4)
Shereen C.

Vietnam Restaurant is all right, but there's much better Vietnamese food to be had in Chinatown (and in Philly in general). House special bun (vermicelli) was so-so. BBQ pork was mostly overcooked -- some pieces were fine but others were very dry. Spring roll was not bad. Chicken was also overcooked and bland. Sausage was fine. Noodles themselves were fine. There weren't enough toppings (chopped peanuts, herbs, etc.) Disappointing in general. Much better bun can be had for half the price at many other Vietnamese restaurants in the city. BBQ Pork w/ broken rice was similar. The pork was the same as in the bun -- some pieces were overcooked, while some were okay. Service was on the inattentive side. I needed more sauce for my vermicelli, and waited a long while before a server showed up & noticed that I needed something. Decor is nice, so in that sense, this is a comfortable place to sit in. I'd recommend Vietnam Restaurant only if you didn't care much about food, value, or service, but just wanted a nice-looking place in Chinatown to eat Vietnamese.
(2)
Stevie S.

Last week was my third (and final) visit to Vietnam while living in Philly. Service was mediocre and the Vegetable Chow Fun w/ tofu had all the flavor of smoked water. It was seriously awful. Wife tried it and agreed - unbelievably flavorless. We joked that the broth was simply bong water. Never had a good meal there. Never going back.
(2)
Shawn S.

A friend recommended Vietnam over Vietnam Palace and I was glad it delivered. My GF enjoyed an appetizer of the special Vietnamese Ravioli which was delicious and a perfect starter. The entrees were delivered with impeccable timing after the app was finished. I had the house special vermicelli which was delicious and more than enough food. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the Vietnamese meatballs in the dish which were delicious. My Gf had the beef pho and she could not stop raving about it. With three great meals, I felt it was worth the five star rating. Next time I would like try the volcano drink, looks fun.
(5)
Bradford G.

You are screwed if you don't know what you're doing here. The menu is goes like this: noodles with beef, noodles with chicken, rice with shrimp, rice with chicken... you get the idea. Fortunately, the menu also says "ask for help ordering!" So I did. The waiter said, "Um, whatchu like?" I said beef, and he pointed to about every beef dish. Uh oh. So I waited until my date picked something and then I said "Oh that was what I was going to get!" She's too nice so she said okay and picked something else. Now, she's not Asian, but damn she picked right on, as I hoped. I thanked her by adding to this page a picture of her drinking a volcano bowl. The food is good, a great place to go if you're headed to the Trocadero. What to order? Start with a volcano bowl, skip the appetizers, and get #45 with a side of hot sauce. It's like a noodle dish with apps on top. Good food, quick service.
(4)
Angie K.

The only dish acceptable at this restaurant is the house special bun (vermicelli).Their spring rolls are the best I've tried at a Vietnamese restaurant because it is so chewy and crispy at the same time. Even so, their portions are small for the $$. That being said, I only go here because it is conveniently located in Chinatown, and I often don't feel like driving to the more authentic restaurants. Convenient, yes. Authentic, no.
(3)
Serena D.

Went there for lunch. I loved the decor, above the average environment restaurants in Chinatown, it's nice and clean. We ordered the crispy spring roll, it was delicious, a little bit too salty though. Both my friend and I ordered the noodle soup. I'm a big Pho fan, but the pho here didn't meet my expectation, less of flavor. On the other hand, maybe it also means they didn't put MSG in the food, not like other Chinese restaurants. The price is reasonable and the service is friendly. Will go back to try some rice dishes.
(3)
Jenn S.

This place was so ridiculously good, we ended up there 2 nights in a row! Must order: ~ Summer rolls: really fresh julienned veggies and shrimp rolled up in a soft rice roll, dip in peanut sauce and DONE! ~ Grilled pork chop broken rice: Love the marinade they have on the chops! It's sweet and sour all at the same time. The broken rice is soo addictive, not as heavy as traditional asian sticky rice or even jasmine rice...the plate looks intimidating because it's a huge amount of rice but it's deceiving, you really do want that much rice on a plate for this one. ~ Grilled beef over vermicelli noodles: I think it's the same marinade as the pork above but this is served over very thin rice noodles. You add teh fish sauce dressing to the entire thing and toss. It's heaven in a bowl. Dish comes lukewarm/room temp because that's how it's supposed to be eaten. ~ Crispy spring rolls: Fried made to order, light and piping hot when it get to your table. Wrapped in some of the red leaf lettuse that it comes bedded on and it's a real treat. And the service was attentive but not obtrusive!
(5)
Liz W.

We have been going to Vietnam Restaurant for at least 9 years and it never disappoints! The food is consistently great. I can't speak for the service lately since we have done exclusively take-out the past few years. My husband's favorite meal is the house special vermicelli - the portion is huge and there is plenty in it (I think it's pork, spring rolls, Vietnamese meatballs). My absolute favorite is either the house special crispy egg noodle or the crispy egg noodle with tofu. The spring roll appetizer is also delicious!! Their pho is good too though it is tough if you get take-out since the noodles come in a container and end up stuck together. If you get it I would recommend a giant bowl to mix it all together. But even still it's pretty good! (Note: I am by no means a pho expert, just going by what I think tastes good) Definitely worth eating here or doing take-out!
(4)
Megan M.

This has been in my top 5 favorite restaurants in the city for years and has never fallen from grace. The BBQ platter and flaming volcano ate a must have. Everytime we go we get these and mix it up with other dishes. Another favorite of ours is the tomato crab soup. Vietnam has always served really good food; we have never had a bad experience.
(5)
Jameson W.

Crispy spring rolls, crispy spring rolls, crispy spring rolls. You really don't need to know anything more. Just order them and be prepared to deal with the crack addiction that comes with them. This place is reasonable prices and nice decor. The menu is not amazing start to finish, some stuff is just good. But the key stuff is amazing: crispy spring rolls, summer rolls, pho. The vermicelli bowls are good. I recommend adding a spring roll to any bowl.
(5)
Kim S.

Delicious food + nice decor makes for a great meal. I am never disappointed with this place to which I often dine in or do take out. Their nuoc mam sauce is the best! Even out of towners are impressed with this place. If only they would deliver....
(5)
Im T.

I have been going to this restaurant for the last 15 or so years.. The food was so so and the waiter was bad. We were seated upstairs and had to ask for utensils, bowls, etc. Ordered many dishes, stuffed grape leaf were burnt, pork wonton did not have hardly any pork, the sea food soup was not the best. Usually bring extra food home, but this visit, did not bother to bring any back home. Not sure if I will go back Will try the restaurant across the street.
(2)
Jessica M.

I really like Vietnam, but it's one of those places where I have to order my tried-and-true or face disappointment. Serious exception - they had a garlic bok choy side dish the last time I visited that was ah-mazing. Perfectly salty, oily, and flavorful while still seeming relatively healthy as a plate of cabbages. What is my favorite? The crispy spring rolls vermicelli. If you don't eat fish, be sure to get an alternate sauce, but you won't miss the traditional fishiness, I promise. The pickled veggies, the cold rice noodles, and the hot-and-crispy rolls make this a perfect dish. Dishes I haven't liked include the veggie noodle soup (tasted like the inside of a tin can) and some kind of extra-bitter broccolini dish. Back to the good stuff -- I love, love, love the black eyed peas pudding for dessert. It's sticky rice with coconut and black eyed peas - perfect for this Southern girl who enjoyed leftover rice with sugar and milk. I'm still super-impressed the the peas made it into a dessert, and I can't get enough.
(4)
Jenny G.

Stay away if you are looking for traditional Vietnamese fare. I was really looking forward to trying the restaurant after reading that they served Banh xeo, but it ended up being one disappointment after another. Every dish we ordered looked like they were made in a rush and tasted extremely bland. We had to dip everything in the nuoc cham (that accompanied every dish) to make them palatable. If you are considering ordering the following menu items, I would advise you to reconsider: Banh Xeo with shrimp Char-grilled pork rolls Stuff grape leaves with beef Chicken Papaya salad Saigon noodles Crispy tofu
(1)
Brian C.

This is a pretty dependable place to go for Vietnamese food in Chinatown. I think that this restaurant and the restaurant across the street, Vietnam Palace, are both comparable as far as quality of food and taste. The main reason I come here is convenience. It's in a great location, right in Chinatown. In fact, this is a great place to run out for lunch and grab a quick bite. The spring rolls are tasty, and I usually get one of the vermicelli bowls with either spring rolls or char grilled pork. I love the fish sauce that it comes with and usually just empty the sauce into my noodles before I enjoy.
(3)
Mike F.

One of my favorite places to eat. The house special noodle bowl knows no competition when I'm there and I always come back to it. If you want a little more space or easier parking you can always visit their West Philadelphia location.
(5)
Miriam W.

The best thing we three did at Vietnam Restaurant was take the advice of yelpers and order the BBQ platter! When it arrived we were overwhelmed by the bounty: crispy spring rolls, beef stuffed grape leaves, chargrilled chicken, grilled meatballs, rice vermicelli, lettuce and rice paper (to wrap it all up in!) They say it serves two - if you plan on ordering other main dishes, it can easily serve four. For dinner I ordered the chicken pho (my litmus test for Vietnamese food) and the broth (my favorite part) was a bit like bland dishwater. I also wish it had been served in a larger bowl; delivered as it was the soup was sloshing over the side. Still, I'd return for the BBQ platter any day of the week!
(4)
Jihye T.

It is safe to bet that we would eat Vietnamese at less once a week. Overall, the ambience and decor of the restaurant is nice, particularly compared to typical Asian restaurants in Chinatown. However, the food was too salty, and not good enough to make us come back any time soon. And let's face it, you don't eat Vietnamese food for decor or ambiance... The ambiance. Perhaps an old row home? It's very clean, and has dark wood interior that is inviting. No wait on a Friday night dinner time, but enough patrons dining to have a pleasant noise level. The order: Bun w chicken. We have had this dish at almost every Vietnamese restaurant we have been to... The bowl was too small to adequately combine the noodles, veggies and chicken so that you can have taste of all different ingredients in one bite.... The chicken also lacked the grill flavor that we have come to expect. There was no herbs or anything special to make this simple dish shine. Bo Lu Loc ... The beef cubes were way to salty... and it's not a compliment when I say that I prefer the cubes of beef from chipotle over this. Also, would have preferred water cress or some other vegetable over iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and soggy cucumbers...
(3)
Parker S.

I had high hopes for Vietnam after being told this is one of the top places to eat vietnamese in philly. overall, i enjoyed the food but I don't think its my absolute favorite in the city. I remain of fan of Mekong River in Pennsport. I think the atmosphere and service are better and most importantly I like the food there more. With that said, I really enjoyed my food here and wouldnt object to going back.
(4)
Jennifer M.

This is by far my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, with the exception of one I used to go to in Charlotte, NC. I usually start with the Goi Cuon/Shrimp & Pork Roll as it is the closest thing to Summer Rolls here. Then I must have a Vermicelli Noodle Bowl. Choose any protein, as they are all good, fresh, and filling. The cocktails here are also delicious, but my favorite is their French Martini. I've tried so many times to recreate this one, with no luck. I brought a girlfriend here that used to be married a Vietnamese guy and she exclaimed that everything was very authentic. We had a couple of cocktails and appetizers and just laughed. The waiters are efficient, attentive, but not pushy. The ambiance is always clean and cheerful. On a weeknight, there is usually no wait for a table, but come Saturday night, you may have a bit of a wait. Still, as the food is quite reasonable in price, authentic, and super fresh, it is definitely worth it!
(5)
Oliver C.

I drove from DC to Philly once just to satisfy a Vietnam craving (used to live in Philly). The spring rolls and pork vermicelli with the sauce have crack. I mean they don't, but I would not be surprised. Holy crap, they always hit the spot. Friends I have taken there say the same thing!
(5)
Amanda C.

I think I just got the wring dish. I was in the mood for grilled pork pho, but when i saw they didn't have it, I changed tracks completely and got chicken chow fun for $13.95. Pretty much immediately after I placed this order a delicious looking vermicelli bowl with spring rolls came out and I instantly regretted what I had chosen (even though I had already decided that the vermicelli is so bland on its own that I didn't want it). Me and the waiters had trouble communicating and I didn't want to risk getting the wrong item. Though the menu says spicy, it seems that it's only spiced with black pepper, so it isn't bad at all. My boyfriend ordered the tofu chow fun ($13.50) and it literally tasted like nothing. I'd give it another chance based on just seeing thenspring rolls, but the chow fun dishes were very mediocre and the language barrier became a little frustrating.
(3)
Christian L.

What's the miracle food that will woop any Cold's ass into submission? I had been sick for a few days and wanted to murder what was ailing my lungs. I'm not Pho-king around when I say Pho (pronounced Fuh) is your best bet for the body rebound. This place offers your standard Vietnames fare, however it's not a cut above the rest. Being an Asian, I do value the the quality of a good spring roll. If anything, you should start with the Vietnames spring rolls. The spring rolls come with peanut/fish sauce (noms) and vegetables for dipping. For the main event, I had the chicken pho. I quickly slurped my broth and inhaled my noodles. I could feel the Cold melting away. It was pretty good, but the portions could have been larger. I'll be back again if I'm in the Chinatown area.
(3)
Ahlora T.

I love Chinatown because of great food spots like this!!! When I was interning on 12th street I asked my boss one day where I should order Chinese food from. I said give me your favorite spot. He told me his favorite spot doesn't deliver and that it's the only spot he goes to in Chinatown. So we walked across the street to Vietnam to sit and eat. It wasn't busy at the time but don't be fooled, around lunch this place is swarming with people! Menu Must haves: You HAVE to try the salt and pepper chicken! It's amazing! That is by far my favorite dish here! The vermicelli is good too!
(5)
Phoebe S.

Usually we got to nearby Xe Lua but on a recent trip to Philly Xe Lua was closed so we tried out Vietnam. Aside from being quite a bit pricier than Xe Lua (granted it's a prettier spot) we weren't that impressed with the food. Spring rolls were good but the iced coffee was not great and the beef carpaccio wasn't good at all. Got takeout but service/atmosphere seemed pleasant.
(3)
Nonafenders U.

2 1/2 stars. Have eaten here a few times and liked it without ever being able to love it due to the following: * Indifferent wait staff. * Bathroom usually needs attendance, atmosphere otherwise cozy. * Appetizer BBQ special is pretty good, and a nice quantity, but the vegetable quality and variety is poor. Read: boring lettuce, huge cucumber slices and browning mint leaves. The rice paper wrappers arrive stuck together. The char flavor on some items is pretty nice, though. The chicken quality is good, as are the chargrilled pork rolls. * Goi cuon aren't special at all. I've had better in Bucks Co. * Vermicelli noodle bowl with char-grilled beef was good, not special * Chicken chow fun was soooooo average. Bleh. * The salted/pepper shrimp tasted nice but was like chewing fingernails as soon as it cooled a bit - not crispy enough. Also featured the intestinal tract with FECES!!! Ugh. * Prices OK for Philly Lastly, asking if my uncle and his girlfriend who are near their 70s liked it, I was told only "it was cold". No other response. This could be for 70-year-old reasons, or that they've eaten in many other more cosmopolitan places, but why even wonder?
(2)
Michelle C.

Everyone always told me how much better Vietnam is than Vietnam Palace but, to be honest, I wasn't really blown away. The options all sounded fantastic, and maybe I just ordered the wrong thing, but my chicken curry with veggies and white rice was pretty run of the mill. The sauce was thick, almost like gravy. Onions overwhelmed on the veggie end and there were a few green peppers thrown in, but I would have liked to see some more color. My girlfriends seemed happy with their selections; some type of seafood stew and an order of salt and pepper shrimp which looked really awesome. Service was excellent and I was surprised how crowded the place got during lunch time, in a section of town I don't find myself in too often. I'll definitely be back to check out the full scope of the menu, but for my first visit, I adorn three full stars.
(3)
Steven B.

The wife and I love this place and have enjoyed delicious meals and adult libations many times. Speaking of libations, they have a flaming volcano drink for two that is great fun. There are plenty of other drinks and beers to also try. We've found that the drinks are generally strong. They don't skimp on the alcohol. The atmosphere here is very pleasant. We're talking multiple floors and multiple rooms and lots of wood. Very nice and the multiple rooms helps keep the noise down. For those readers who normally enjoy Chinese food, Vietnamese is a little different. There is more emphasis on meat especially beef and chicken. There is also seafood but you will see what I mean when you peruse the menu. Vietnamese food often contains the delicious herb called lemongrass. You don't see it as often in Chinese food. Finally there is more emphasis on noodles of several types. If you're new to this type of food start with the BBQ Platter. It's the Vietnamese equivalent of a po-po platter. It will include those delicious crispy spring rolls that many reviewers rave about. Whenever we go here we skip fighting for street parking. Just up the street, past the local police station, is a small lot. It never seems to be full and it's cheap. Give that a try. Vietnam does not take a reservation which usually annoys me but I've never waited long here. They seem to handle the crowds well.
(4)
Amy L.

One of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants in Philly. The spring rolls are one of the best I had compared to other Vietnamese restaurants I been to. The service is friendly and the setting is nice. The prices are affordable. They take reservations for large parties.
(4)
Ken H.

My friends were craving for Asian food without too much walk in Philly. We just found this restaurant via yelp. The decor for this restaurant is definitely nicer than other Pho restaurants. However, I was a bit disappointed with the food. yes its pricey compare with how much I normally paid in LA. Yes the food does have some MSG feel to it and yes its somewhat greasy but I did get my stomach filled with some food. We all left happy. The taste is kinda blend and unremarkable but I guess for Philly, I have to settle with what they have here.
(3)
Rebecca S.

Really, just genuinely good, filling without being heavy, food. Dinner out with at least one friend requires the ordering of the crispy spring rolls, I don't know whether we like the rolls better or the pickled carrots as we fight for the last of each every time. After greasy spring rolls, I tend to veer toward lighter fare. My go-to is always the won-ton soup loaded with every last bean sprout on the plate and an extra squeeze of lime. My companion for tonight's rendezvous ordered the grilled chicken vermicelli (which he pronounces with a "ch"....the Italian in him that he just can't shake). He never really deviates from his order, I don't really either, but after watching order after order of the flaming volcano cocktail brought out to tables, am thinking that I need to get back there and expand my palate in the realm of cuisine and cocktail. This restaurant is always crowded, a surefire sign that it's got a little something special going on. I say, 5-stars "woohoo! as good as it gets"...or in Charlie Sheen's words "WINNING!"
(5)
Therese M.

I've been coming here for my birthday dinner with the family for years. There are 7 of us so we've tried many items on the menu and have never been disappointed. My favorites are the crispy spring roll w/pork (cha gio) and the pho tai w/beef. The pho is the perfect meal for a cold night in the city. Add some sriracha and you're good to go!
(4)
Mark R.

Spring rolls are awesome....seafood pot...great....beef plate...amazing totally great
(5)
Kelly W.

Always a great meal! We like to bring out-of-town guests to eat here, and they always really enjoy it. My favorite dish is #47, Bun Cha Gio Chay (VEGGIE SPRING ROLLS VERMICELLI). The portions are substantial, but you don't feel like death even when you're so full. The Vermicelli Noodle Bowls are lighter fare, but delicious and filling. Water glasses are refilled constantly. Food is served very fast, typically ten minutes or less after ordering. To get the full experience, you must order the Flaming Volcano (at least one time!) The drink is meant to be shared, and it adds to the fun of the experience.
(4)
Vichet O.

I like this place, but I, like everyone else who has been to both Vietnam Palace and Vietnam Restaurant, can't help but compare the two. And if I rate Vietnam Palace at a solid 4 stars, I have to give this place 3.5... fortunately for Restaurant, I can't rate half stars, so I rounded up because I have no reason NOT to like this place. This sums up my opinion: If Vietnam Palace burned to the ground, Vietnam Restaurant would be my one stop shop for Viet cuisine in Philadelphia. Now I have to beg the Lai family not to burn Vietnam Palace down. Anyway, I cop to being a bit biased here. But, if you'll hear me out, it's because of my personal preferences and the kind of food I personally grew up with, which Palace seems to build on a little bit better, or at least differently, than Restaurant does. And no, it's not because Palace makes it like mom used to. I'm not even Vietnamese, so that can't be the case. But, if I had to say it, the milder flavors of Vietnam Restaurant ARE reminiscent of my family's cooking. And I don't have to pay for that. Anyway, everything I've ever had at Palace, I've had here: nem nuong, cha gio, vermicelli with charbroiled pork (of course), seafood over pan fried egg noodle, and various broken rice dishes, and just for kicks, pho. The portions are about the same as across the street (huge), and everything is tasty. You will probably like this place, if not love it, and I admit it's a good way to get acquainted with restaurant style Viet cuisine. Now for specifics: The charbroiled pork here is smokier than at Palace, and with a milder twang of fish sauce and lime mixed up in the marinade, it's less pungent and probably much more palatable (and thus recommendable) to those who have never tried Vietnamese street meat before. The cha gio (fried pork spring rolls, otherwise known as "imperial rolls") here is much more evenly textured and flakier/crisper than Palaces. The thing is, I love Palace's cha gio because the mushrooms and carrots that are inside are much more coarsely chopped, and the whole thing is fried at a higher temperature (or possibly with a different skin) to make it crunchy (versus crispy/flaky). The nem nuong, like the char broiled pork, is smokier, yet milder. Texture is about the same - think meat balls, with a grilled caramelized dusting on the outside. Vermicelli is, well, vermicelli. So really, for me, the difference came down to the accompanying meat. I've already covered that topic. As for atmosphere, this place is built with multiple cozy dining rooms. The bathrooms are nicer, if a bit cramped. There's also a bar I've never been to at the top. The ambiance is nice. I'm always a fan of dim lighting and dark woodwork. They're not quite as "modernized" in appearance as their neighbor, but that's because Palace's most recent renovation was sometime in the last 5 years, whereas Restaurant has looked this swanky since the 90s. Check this place out. It won't disappoint. I just can't rate it on the same level as Palace. Pro-tip: Ask for peanuts on the side. They seem to be much more peanut shy over here, which is definitely prudent considering how many people have peanut allergies. I'm so happy I don't. PS I'm just going to say it, because I have no other way to express it. For whatever reason, over the years, I noticed the following: white people like this place better than Vietnam Palace. Just saying.
(4)
diane g.

Best vietnamese spring rolls in Philly. Food is consistently good. Love the barbecue platter with a little of everthing. Dont like that they make you wait for your whole party to seat you. Nice decor and wait staff.
(4)
Hope K.

I had a great dining experience here. The service was very attentive - water constantly refilled, the waiter kept a close eye but didn't hover, and friendly. I ordered the chicken noodle bowl with a crispy egg roll and it was delicious. Crunchy cabbage texture, noodles cooked just to my liking, chicken was grilled and just a bit smoky, other flavors were bright and well balanced. I also ordered the lemongrass martini and liked it. The prices were very reasonable and the whole thing including tip cost me under $30. I also liked the ambiance of the restaurant with flattering lighting and warm colors although the tables are a little tight. I went early so it wasn't very crowded and it was a good meal near the convention center.
(4)
Monique B.

Pretty decent pho soup here. Nothing amazing, but good flavor and decent service. Rather than have us wait they opened up another section of the restaurant to seat us right away. Mixed cocktails were a bit sweet though. My friends had the curry chicken and it was pretty light on flavor and spice. My other friend had the spicy lemongrass chicken soup (I think it was a special) and it looked the most delicious of all we ordered. I will probably go back, but not anytime soon.
(3)
Dan F.

I'm always fascinated when reviews for a place are all over the map. I've read "completely inauthentic," "sweat socks," "pleasant," and "overwhelming onions." I will add another review to the mix that doesn't match the others. Our party of 5 LOVED Vietnam Restaurant. A simple plate of bok choi literally halted all conversation among a group of people who otherwise cannot shut up. Silence, other than repeated murmurs of OMG this is SO. GOOD. Summer rolls followed and just the preparation of the pork alone made my thighs clap. My entree, salt and pepper chicken, was absolutely incredible and perfectly executed: bright, super-spicy, and complex with the crunchy onions, peppers, chilis, and greens, and miraculously, no trace of oil. My friend's pork chop plate was very nice - but to be honest, my dish was the nipple pinching winner. Throw in some Tsing Tao, Sapporo or Singha and sake and you have a lovely evening indeed. Service was A+. (And the waiter was kind of ripped...) I don't think I've ever heard a table of people chorus on through every bite just how wonderful the food is. Granted we are pasty white and cannot evaluate the cuisine to an authenticity standard, but having lived in a neighborhood for years where Vietnamese food was the only option, I myself feel reasonably certain Vietnam Restaurant is in the running. Absolutely worth checking out.
(5)
John P.

Upscale Vietnamese place without the upscale prices.
(4)
anthony r.

Can be hit or miss. Stay away from the Beef sate. Awful and the meat was reminiscent of Steakums. Stick with the Bun dishes.
(3)
Kurt I.

Its still 5 stars, have no fear, I just wanted to point out a few things. This place knows tofu. If you enjoy tofu, Vietnam can fry it into chunks and make a nice soy/scallion sauce for dipping and it will be the (hands down) best tofu you've ever had. Like, OMG did I just have a food-gasm, yes that good. Imagine your tongue high fiving your mouth with every bite - its just that damned good. Drinks. They can make them, and watch out - they tend to end up strong. I decided to get the goofiest thing ever - the flaming volcano. Basically its everything fruity mixed with everything alcoholic, and its served to you - on fire. Sounds ok to me. This dumb looking drink WILL kick your ass. Vietnam - you may be my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia.
(5)
Isabella L.

I have all sorts of fond memories of Vietnam. Dining or takeout this place delivers. I love my all time fav broken rice with chicken, but pretty much anything I ever tried here was good. Look it's not authentic vietnamese but if you're like me and want it a bit Americanized this is your place. The cocktails are HARDCORE and served up in all sorts of fun glasses. Price for food and drinks is reasonable too. The ambience is so charming. It's in a converted brownstone with 2 main levels and the restrooms are between floors - very cute. The service was always at least ok but never spectacular - probably the one thing they could work on. I loved this place so much I took my parents here the one time they visited me in Philly during a torrential downpour- and they're from L.A., home of the most eclectic and delicious Asian food (well maybe second to the bay area). Vietnam, if I ever get back to Philly, prepare yourself for some of my serious lovin.
(5)
Steven M.

Great Vietnamese food, with excellent service! Equal to if not better than similar options in New York City. The traditional dishes are made well and quite flavorful.
(4)
Yoshi F.

This has been my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Philadelphia and I have been to a number of them. The best Vietnamese restaurant that I have ever been to was at Little Saigon, which is in Glendale, AZ. Back to the review, my wife and I didn't even sit down for dinner tonight because they don't have high chairs. Are you serious? How can you not have a high chair! We ended up going to Vietnam Palace, which was across the street and the food was very good and more importantly they had a high chair.
(2)
Lauren B.

Not the best pho i've ever had but still very good.
(4)
James Y.

Generally not a fan of Vietnamese food, and this place hasn't been able to change my opinion. It's clean and nicely decorated, so definitely more upscale then usual hole-in-wall places in Chinatown.
(3)
Trang N.

I have been coming to Vietnam for years prior to the renovation. Growing up on Vietnamese cooking, this was a great place to pop in for me to grab some comfort food. Over the years, although the food is still good, I feel the robust flavors of my childhood have been watered down for the 'western' palate and I've had to request additional condiments to spice my dishes.This is by far one of the pricier Viet eateries around town, which by the Philly restaurant scene is still very cheap. The staff's friendly, and I always exchange warm conversation since they recognize me through my many visits. The servers tend to dart around the dining room, making service very quick and efficient, but the intimacy next to none. The new reno boasts wall to wall wood has become a nightmare for holding any kind of conversation, either that or people have blurred the octave of indoor vs. outdoor voice. All in all, a great place for the introduction to the Vietnamese cuisine, but there are a lot of other places around with better flavors!
(4)
Celeste B.

The spring rolls were outstanding and I liked the savory crepe, although it could not hold a candle to Oakland's Xyclo. Very clean and cute inside. My combination vermicelli bowl was good. I am spoiled by living in SF. I went to lunch there twice. The servers were forlorn but accommodating. I can envision returning. One big complaint is that they did not offer a veggie side that was reasonably priced. I wanted a little sald, green beans or broccoli. They did have a large broccoli entree but I just want a small side dish not a 11 dollar second meal. 3 stars if it was in the Bay Area., but I will give it a 4 stars for being in Philadelphia
(4)
Anna P.

This is at the TOP of my list for my favorite restaurant in the city! I absolutely LOVE the BBQ platter for 2 people which is a sample of chicken, spring rolls, meatballs and grapeleaves and it comes w/ lettuce and rice paper to wrap all of the tasty goodness up in...AND THEN you are served a peanut sauce to dip your rollup in, which to me was what won me over from the competition across the street. If it's cold, treat yourself to their PHO which is comforting and phenomenal. AND you must order a FLAMING VOLCANO. It is a planter size drink full of different rums and they light it on fire! What entertainment! And sometimes I like to end the evening with some of their delicous and warm rice puddings. Mmmmm...maybe, I'll go there tonight!
(5)
Monica S.

Large, clean Chinatown haunt with food that everyone can enjoy. From picky eaters to adventurous ones; vegetarians to carnivores, Vietnam satisfies every palate. Meateaters shouldn't miss the BBQ platter (which is more than enough to feed 3) and then wash that down with a steaming bowl of pho. You've also gotta love their flaming punchbowls filled with liquor to the brim. My vote goes to this Vietnam over the across the street neighbor...especially if you're on a date.
(4)
Meghan C.

I am by no means a Vietnamese food expert, but everything I've had on this menu is incredible. The service is great, the prices are fantastic, the lemongrass martini is addictive. I usually get Bun Nem Nuong because I'm sorry...vermicelli and meatballs...how can I not? If you have a peanut allergy, BRING YOUR EPI-PEN!
(5)
Karen F.

Really good food and great Iced Coffee - pus decent service (but it was really hot in there this last time we went for lunch. The Chicken over broken rice (or banh) is great and the Chinese broccoli in garlic sauce was crispy and tender and cooked to perfection. And you can get flaming rum drinks, too - though we never do. Love Vietnam for a quick comforting meal.
(4)
Alexis F.

I have been going to the Vietnam Restaurant since I was a tiny baby (I am now 22 years old). It is hands down my favorite restaurant I have been to anywhere! My family and I always order a large array appetizers to share as our meal! The crispy spring rolls are a must, along with the beef with grape leaves! The salt and pepper squid is another one of our all time favorites! This dish is not on the appetizer menu but is a great dish to share as an appetizer. The Vietnamese Restaurant is always my first choice restaurant for any occasion!
(5)
Joanne T.

I really don't know why i've never been to this place before. I guess we just head to chinatown for chinese and Washington Ave for our Vietnamese. We couldn't really enjoy ordering what ever we pleased because were trying to eat healthier and make better choices. I loved how this place was clean and did not feel like quick grab bite Viet place; more like an actual restaurant. This would be a nice place to take out guests or first timers of Vietnamese cuisine. I wish we could've tried their famous cocktail drink. We did indulge in some grilled shrimp on skewers. They were delicious. I ordered a pho noodle seafood soup. It was kind of bland. I ended up taking it home. They did add extra soup for me, however i never ate it anyway. The bf got a bowl of pho. He enjoyed how the size of this bowl was perfect; not your typical jumbo size. I def gotta come back here and check out the rest of the menu.
(3)
Tiffany B.

Being from New York, I'm tired of Vietnamese restaurants that can't make the cut, so I was pleasantly surprised that: one, this restaurant offers authentic dishes, and two, my favorite snack food is on the menu (it rarely makes an appearance in more Americanized restaurants). Maybe it was wrong of me to have high expectations for this restaurant, but it didn't disappoint -- far from it. We started with thit nuong cuon. I've only had this appetizer either in the comfort of my own home or California, and this one reminded exactly of the ones in California, and it was dee-licious, sweetly char-grilled meat wrapped in the most refreshing of vegetables and vermicelli. Now my favorite: banh cuon. The best way to describe the dish is a rice noodle ravioli or crepe filled with peppered minced pork and wood ear mushroom. It is then topped off with cha (pork roll), fried shallots, and spicy fish sauce. Since it is my favorite, I'm a bit more critical...and it suited my tastebuds wonderfully. I actually recall being incredibly giddy. For the main course, the Boyfriend and I split ga chanh, which although drenched in a savory sauce, was crisp and tender and juicy. I truly enjoyed everything about this restaurant. The food is indeed authentic and delicious. The wait staff were all Vietnamese and courteous (which made it fairly easy and less awkward to order since it feels strange to Americanize my Vietnamese more than it already is). Even the decor resembled a Vietnamese stilt house.
(4)
Hoa T.

I don't know why I haven't review this place sooner. Maybe it's because it's a common practice for me to come here. The food is top notch. I judge a vietnamese restaurant by a lot of things and the fish sauce is one of them. It's our bread and butter really. If you can't make it right, everything taste horrible. This place gets it right. If you ever venture outside of pho, try the rice dish (com tam or broken rice). It's awesome. The only thing that I came across that is not exactly authentic but still tasty is the bo luc lac or shaken beef. The dish is supposed to come with water crest. The restaurant has it with lettuce instead. Other than that, explore and you will be surprised how wonderful everything is.
(4)
Tiffany L.

DELICIOUS vietnamese food, if a tad pricier than most. the quality and taste are phenomenal. we had the bbq sampler appetizer plate. they say it's for 2, but 4 of us barely finished it. :) we also had the vietnamese "crepe" with shrimp, the pork, and papaya/beef jerky salad. a definite step away from the standard pho and spring roll order, but much tastier. last, had a beef jerky and papaya salad - also good, served at room temperature. i'd definitely come back. we only came into philly for the day, and this place was definitely better than pat or geno's. :)
(4)
Joyce T.

I read the reviews and decided to take my folks to this place but not impressed. We ordered beef noodle soup and Com Tam Ga Nuong (grilled chicken over rice). Somehow the broth was flavorless. The chicken was a bit dry and too salty. The presentation of the plate wasn't inviting. The environrnent of restaurant is absolutely good and restroom is clean. The vietnamese food I've tried is better than this place.
(2)
G Y.

Went here for an early dinner on a Friday night with my husband. I've ordered take out from the place across the street several times, but thought we would give this place a try because the reviews were consistently good. We received our appetizer and entree within maybe 6 minutes of ordering it. The beef jerky papaya salad was really good, though shredded thinner than I'm used to so I feel like I usually get a larger portion elsewhere. The beef over broken rice was also pretty good, though it felt like it needed more vegetables or some kind of light sauce/liquid to bring everything together. My favorite part was probably the taro rice pudding for dessert! I love taro and coconut milk and it was the perfect warm, semi-sweet end to this meal. We will definitely be back! My only real complaint would be that the tables were pretty close together, and there were two group of 6-10 people in the room we were in, so it made it a little difficult to hold a conversation. Our food came out so quickly that it didn't matter too much, but it would have been nice to keep the groups who were very talkative together and the couples wanting a quiet date night in another room.
(4)
David A.

A mixed bag. Great atmosphere for Chinatown. A plus here. Wait service efficient but far from welcoming. The food, some good, some not so good and nothing that blew me away. Soups were ok. Best dish was a garlic shrimp. Chicken in a clay pot was overcooked and lacked flavor. Vermicelli with assorted toppings was good but needed more seasoning. Vietnamese was a nice change but I have had much better. When in Chinatown I will stick with Sang Kee.
(3)
Sudo N.

I had pho here last week for lunch and I was not happy with the outcome. The broth was not very flavorful, and the pieces of pork in it were too old and had an off-taste. The soup was not served hot enough to properly cook the bean sprouts. I will not get pho here again. Cost was around $8.
(2)
Joe L.

Great Pho! Also had a live crab cooked in the most interesting and delicious way. Service was great.
(4)
Payal P.

We ate here after the flower show a few weeks ago. My friend suggested it and I quickly said yes after hearing all the good things about this place (not the Palace). We all got different things and we all loved what we got. This was my first Vietnamese experience that didn't involve pho. I got the vermicelli bowl with chicken and spring rolls. It was sooo delicious. I really wanted to finish it all but ended up taking alost half home (it didn't look that big but it was filling). The sauce was yummy, the chicken has such an excellent grilled flavor and was cooked to perfection. I also enjoyed the pickled veggies but I like those in all places, good and bad but these were good! My friends got salt and pepper chicken and a noodle dish which looked good too and I know they both cleaned their plates so they must have enjoyed it as well. I will definitely be back though I am not sure I am willing to stray from the bowl right away.
(5)
Aisling O.

The vermicelli rice bowls won't disappoint, but the wait staff will. It was a cold day. My mother in-law and I wanted to sit and have a glass of wine while my husband parked the car. It was a Sunday evening. There were PLENTY of open tables. They refused to seat us "until our entire party was here". My mother in-law explained that my husband was just parking would be there in less than 10 minutes, but the car the hostess repeated..."we won't seat you unless your entire party is here". Like a robot. In fact the entire wait staff are robotic but the food is great. Who turns down a nice senior citizen on a cold winter's night?
(4)
Diana K.

The food here is extremely flavorful. I am always thinking about the amazing Lemongrass Pork Chops they have here, which I highly recommend! Overall, the inside is very nice and the prices are moderate, but I typically prefer Vietnam Palace across the street for their amazing soup!
(4)
Faye S.

Crispy spring rolls hits the spot every single time. This time, I ordered the stewed beef pho, and while it was delicious and I'm thinking of making this my regular go-to dish when I come here, I could have used more soup and a bigger bowl! And I mean bigger bowl literally, not bigger portion-- it was hard mixing everything together. The portion size itself was decent; I didn't finish all the noodles (but I made sure to pick out all the beef cubes, hehe). Service was good, at least with the actual people taking our order and bringing it over. For some reason the male servers are always super nice, but the female hostesses are always snobby and act like they have better things to do. When we arrived there, we were seated at the sunniest table in the place. My friend and I had to squint because the 6pm sun was beating down on us through the window. I asked the girl bringing our drinks if we could please close the blinds, and she kind of hesitated and said, "Umm...if it's bothering you THAT much, you could just move tables." Obviously it WAS bothering us that much if we asked if we could lower the blinds! Towards the end of the meal I was trying to flag someone down for the check. All the girls were standing around, chatting. Finally I was able to flag a (surprise, surprise) male server walking back into the dining area. Does this place hire girls who have beauty but no brains, or more importantly, customer service skills?! Bottom line: food is great, but don't count on the girls to be polite.
(3)
Michael G.

Read my review of their sister restaurant with the same name. Today's meal here was crispy duck and it was ok but the service was fine. I liked the other place better.
(4)
Kai M.

The only reason people like this place is because it's Americanized and blanded down to the point where you can barely recognize the actual Viet flavors. Sure, they have shiny decor and a hip drinks menu--but the food falls flat, as does the service. Go here if you want to feel like you're being "adventurous" while avoiding any actual gastronomic enlightenment. To be fair, I even tried this place twice: once when it first opened, and again a couple months ago when a friend was determined to convince me that it was now the best Vietnamese in Philly. It's not. Go across the street to Vietnam Palace for that.
(1)
Deirdre M.

Great spring rolls and big portions! I would definitely come back again.
(4)
Michael M.

Upscale. All Americans in there so the level of authentic is not there like I wanted it. If you want traditional this is not the best place. The place is small but very clean. Great staff. Nothing bad to say
(3)
Candice B.

Many a group dinner has been enjoyed here. We have shared great conversations, often offending neighboring diners who just showed up for a good bowl of pho and not pho with a side of loud and inappropriate discussion about bodily functions. The group has, sadly, broken up due to some of its members moving away, but the memories remain wrapped up in rice paper, served with a garnish of pickled carrots and daikon. We never left less than full and satisfied, and the staff always treated us well no matter how many times we flagged them down for refills of water. Vietnam is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Philly. Consistently good food, good atmosphere, and good times.
(5)
Robert P.

We get take out from here at work when we want to treat ourselves. Very high quality Vietnamese food. I had the House Special Bun which had a really tasty assortment of grilled meats and a spring roll on top. Everything was flavorful and cooked well. Was excellent even after a long cold walk down the street after picking it up. Usually gets the salt and pepper chicken which is really solid. Only thing is that it could use some kind of sauce to moisten it up a bit but I know that is not how its traditionally served. Fours stars just cause I've never actually eaten in the restaurant.
(4)
Ria S.

Yummy food, fast and friendly service, and were very accommodating of our large group. I visited with a group of people while we were attending a convention nearby, and we left happy and full.
(4)
Kemi A.

I really want to give this place a 3.5 stars but I'll grade down for reasons I'll explain below. I eyed the menu before going here (I'm notorious for doing this). First of all I should say that I visited this place about 2-3months ago. Was suppose to meet friends here but they were being female dogs so I decided to order to go and eat my meal at home. I forgot what i ordered but it was off the seafood menu (shrimps). I was really looking forward to the meal as I got home and unwrapped the container. I open the container only to be DISAPPOINTED who the f' stole my sauce? Like seriously, u are going to serve me grilled shrimps with rice and NO sauce??? what am I suppose to eat the rice with? The meal was just very dry and VERY disappointing. But still I went back because I had to try the BBQ platter. This time I went with a more legit friend. We shared the platter and my friend was convinced he was sooo hungry he would need another meal besides the platter so he pre-ordered another entree. Well the platter came and it doesn't look at all that big but when you get to eating it's quite a lot of food. We were two starving Africans and we were starved no more after we got thru that platter. My friend had to eat his words cause he was filled. After we finished the platter...I was really stuffed and I was glad i didn't order another entree. They brought out my friend's entree(he ordered what we thought would be the equivalent of shrimp fried rice) and AGAIN NO SAUCE. WTH? is there a shortage on sauce? Is this typical of Vietnamese dishes? cause when you go to a Chinese restaurant and they say "_______" with rice, you better believe "______" is in sauce so u can eat it with the rice. ARGH I was again DISAPPOINTED. Luckily we had the side sauce from the platter still on the table and we used that on the rice...after a while we just picked off the shrimps and sent the rice away. Seriously, u are like paying $12 for 6 grilled shrimps and rice that's worth $0.0004 .... I don't know if I would go back for another sauceless meal....I'll get the platter and just keep it moving from there.
(3)
Jess A.

Not a ton of vegetarian options, but the soup hit the spot on a cold new year's day.
(3)
Med D.

I love Vietnam - can go there over and over again. Always in the mood for it!
(5)
simone H.

Wow...that pretty much sums it up. The service is great, the food comes super fast, and the dishes taste so fresh yet are full of flavor. I've only been here once but I can confidently say this is the best Vietnamese food I've ever had. I ordered the vermicelli pork bowl and it was heaping with meat and fresh vegetables. The fish sauce that comes with the dish is a great addition but if you ask for the peanut sauce it's a real flavor enhancer as well. Everything was delicious, but what really blew me away was the crispy pork spring rolls. My god, they will you give you a full throttle foodgasm! They add crunch and texture to the vermicelli bowl, and they might be the best thing on the menu. I was completely satiated after dinner, but not too full. I left feeling happy and warm inside.
(5)
Amy K.

I am so glad that Yelpers recommended Vietnam Restaurant to me! You might not be able to tell from the outside, but the restaurant is really nice inside. We were told there was a 10-15 minute wait for a table, but as soon as we sat down to wait, our name was called. BF started with a Vietnamese beer, and I chose a tropical rum drink, complete with umbrella. It was really delicious. We shared a couple of appetizers, the fried tofu and the fried veggie spring rolls. They were both really good, but BF liked the tofu better, and I thought the spring rolls were better. The servings were huge for two people. We only ordered one entree, shrimp and broccoli, which was on the specials. It's a good thing because we had so much food! Everything was delicious, the service was excellent, and the portions were more than generous. What more could you ask for?
(4)
Bermie H.

I dined here for dinner with my family on a Saturday night. I had the shrimp and pork roll and #22 Deluxe Noodle Soup. I liked the roll but especially the dipping sauce. Our waiter told us that the bowl for the noodle soup would be very large. It really wasn't that big. Certainly not the same size as other authentic Vietnamese Pho places I've been to. Despite that the noodle soup was very good. For those with babies, they do not have high chairs so be sure to bring a stroller with you.
(4)
Hunter B.

It had been a few years since my last visit to Vietnam, but it was among my top picks for Christmas Day lunch. And since Sang Kee was packed and taking cash only, it quickly went from #2 to the #1 choice. I'm glad. We got there at the perfect time, snagged the table for two at the front window, and started to thaw out with tea and hot sake. There were so many enticing options on the menu, we definitely ordered more than we could handle. Not a problem at all; the leftovers made a perfect Boxing Day lunch. The Tom Lan Bot shrimp (6) were plump, perfectly battered and fried, not heavy at all, just crispy and tasty. The Goi Cuon shrimp &pork rolls (2), not fried, were a nice light counterpoint. As for entrees, the Heo Kho To (claypot pork) was among the best I've had, on par with my old favorite Vietnamese sit-down in San Francisco, the one with the line out the door at lunch and dinner times. The sauce and spice hit just the right note of heat. It even edged out my entree, the Ga Rang Muoi Tieu (salt/pepper chicken), for top honors. I enjoyed the chicken -- which also reheated well -- and its spicy kick, but I thought it came with a sauce. Fortunately, it was cooked so well, it was moist and flavorful, and not nearly as dry as its deceiving looks. All that said, the biggest surprise was the bok choy side dish. I've often seen bok choy cooked down to withered, limp spinach-like consistency. Not this time. The huge stalks were steamed with garlic and coated with garlic sauce, but retained the snap of celery and a burst of flavor with each bite. We agreed that it was the best bok choy either of us have had. After finishing off the tea and sake, we dragged our sated selves back out into the cold, leftovers in hand, and savored the full but not heavy or overloaded feeling. It reminded me of my past visits. And it got me thinking about all of the other menu options I still need to explore on future visits.
(5)
Kate M.

Stuffed Grape Leaves and House Special Vermicelli Bowl THAT'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
(5)
Angela L.

I rate this place 4 stars because of their BBQ platter. When you come with a large group of people, it's very convenient to order the platter. It comes with an assortment of meats, spring roll noodles, egg rolls, and carrots/turnips/lettuce. It comes with rice paper so you can make your own spring roll. A fun way to eat with company! The pho is alright. It's mediocre.
(4)
Rob W.

My favorite spot to visit in chinatown before 3am. They have some killer noodle dishes. The atmosphere is always buzzing, I guess I'm not the only one that likes the place.
(5)
L L.

Good, but literally double the cost of any Vietnamese restaurant in South Philly. There are items on the menu (see: squid vermicelli bowl) that I have not seen elsewhere, so keep that in mind before you overlook the place. Otherwise, it is clean and nice, although I'm fairly certain that their food quality is on par with anything at eleventh and Washington. Meaning perhaps not worth the extra $$$.
(3)
Hank C.

Well, the pho here isn't bad, but the best part of this restaurant is the spring rolls - fresh, hot and totally worth a trip to eat. But, everything else here, unfortunately, was only normal, and that meant I often stopped here for an order of spring rolls to go, and little else. They do have a decent waiting space as it does get busy here, but they are certainly swift in clearing up tables and clearing you out as you finish up. Drinks here are a bit on the weak side, almost cloyingly sweet.
(3)
Annie L.

a great traditional family owned and orientated for two generations restaurant. friendly owners and servers, fair price, some dishes are amazing, especially the BBQ sampler! they are featured on travel channels, different magazines, almost everyone loves this place!
(5)
Elizabeth D.

Enjoyed a really good dinner here on Friday for a friend's birthday. We had a huge group - around 12 people - and the service was great! Many of us had the famous flaming volcano drink, which is tasty, but very sweet. The spring rolls were delicious. Crispy and crunchy, which good filling and a sweet chili sauce to dip them in. I had the house special noodle bowl - with chicken, pork, spring roll, and "meat stick" over vermicelli noodles. It's deceptively big and very filling. All of us had a great, relaxed time eating here.
(4)
Jerry T.

We finally tried this establishment last night. I want to start this by saying that customer service is always considered on an equal basis as the food when I am evaluating an eating establishment. In the case of Vietnam, this is the main reason it is not rated higher. Before I go further with that, lets talk about the food. The often highly rated barbecue platter was indeed good, although I would prefer to be able to soak and prepare my own rice wraps - as they came, already wet and ready, they tend to stick together. Overall, it was good, however. Not exceptional as others have rated it, but good. My partner got the crispy duck which was very tasty, and very crispy as indicated - and I got the salt peppered shrimp which several people had recommended. The shrimp was cooked okay - maybe a bit overcooked - but honestly lacked in real flavor. I expected more taste, but it was rather bland. The sauce helped, but I still found it bland overall. Now the service. When I go to a restaurant I like to feel as if they appreciate the business and are glad to have their customers in their establishment. We got no sense of this at Vietnam. The service was . . . well . . . somewhat robotic - it was as if we were being served by some new automated system that has no ability to interact with the customers. It was service on autopilot. Everything got done, but with no personality, and very little eye contact, which I found off-putting and rather strange. Mostly, the staff remained huddled around the front door quietly chatting and laughing with each other. Again, for me, food and service are equal partners when I am making a decision to return to a restaurant. I am willing to give them one more shot, but if this is the norm for service there, I'll go elsewhere.
(2)
Jen C.

The steamed bok choi was perfectly done and crispy and the portions were substantial. Lots of menu items to pick from to suit anyone's tastes. They could benefit from setting up a few cheaper options as the menu was devoid of lunch specials. The main course pricing is on par with any higher-end restaurant in Chinatown. Bar Saigon on the top floor looks like it'd be a nice, quiet happy hour spot with it's lounge-feel.
(4)
Jennifer L.

This is a favorite restaurant of my husband's as well as some close friends of ours who are on a first name basis with Benny (the owner). We always enjoy going and ordering all sorts of different things that we can pass around and share. I love all the variety, and try to have something new every time. Enjoy the Vietnamese beer (Okay so that I've tried the same of more than once!), we always share the BBQ Platter and our eyes are always bigger than our stomachs as we share a Pho soup and both still order a main course each! Makes for good leftovers! : ) Be prepared to be there for awhile, but that is part of what I really enjoy about it. It's quality time with friends rather than a rushed meal. Everything always tastes extremely fresh, and I'd recommend trying it out if you've never been before.
(4)
robert s.

I am sorry Philly but you guys don't know what good Vietnamese food is. Can I please elaborate? Vietnamese food is very dependent on fresh vegetables and a fish sauce and nam mem (anchovy paste). I go here ordering some of my favorite VN dishes. First I order ground beef with beetle leaf with the anchovy sauce. They say they don't make that sauce. I am stunned and ask the waiter. He says VN people don't come here (instinct tells me to leave). So I switch the appetizer to Banh Xeo, VN crepe. The guys doesn't give me any vegetables and the vegetables they do give me are like cabbage and a mint. I hear the wait staff saying in VN your customer wants vegetables, like it is bizarre. Philly people: the contrast in texture of the basil, mint and lettuce with the crackling crisp of the banh xeo with the sauce brings you to heaven. What they gave me was not properly cooked, too thick banh xeo which I should have returned but was afraid they would do something to my food. For entree I got the vermicilli with egg rolls. It was decent but vegetables were rather skimpy. When I say skimpy, I mean very skimpy because I don't really care fro bean sprouts and I must have sworn I saw like three bean sprouts in the bowl. Is Philly too cold to get proper vegetable for VN food? The one positive I can say about this dish though is they used real rice paper for their egg rolls vs Chinese paper to give it more authenticity. I should have gone with my original instincts and stuck with the Chinese food in Chinatown. Yelpers, you let me down.
(1)
Christie S.

So is it wrong to visit a city I've only been to 1.5 other times & don't really know much about, just for the food & only for a few hours? I don't think so, either! :-) My boyfriend loves this place & we took a day trip from NY to Philly just so he could bring me here on Sat. Food ordered: - Appetizers: Split 2 orders of the Nem Nuong Cuon (Grilled Meat Ball Roll). Basically like a Spring roll but w/a roll of spiced ground pork, vermicelli noodles, bean sprouts, dipped in peanut sauce. Drool! - Entrees: BF had the Bo Nuong Toi Que (Thinly Sliced Grilled Beef in a basil/garlic sauce). I had the Bun Ga Nuong (Grilled Chicken Vermicelli Noodle Bowl). - Beverages: Vietnamese Coffee (mine Iced, his hot), which is very strong coffee w/condensed milk on the bottom that is then stirred (not shaken, hehe). - Dessert: Che Bap (Corn Pudding) & the Coconut Ice Cream. Cool: I discovered how good the Coconut Ice Cream tasted when I took a spoonful of it & then immediately sipped my Iced Coffee. Yummm! Not cool: Side effect was severe brain freeze. Owww! Service was excellent, prices were very reasonable. And everything was sooooo delicious, I couldn't stop raving about how good it all was on our ride back home. Note on parking: Location is in Chinatown, but this also means a lack of parking. We had to circle for a good 30 mins before finding parking about 3-4 blocks away.
(5)
Christopher W.

I grew up eating here with my father. I used to meet him for lunch when I was 10 years old and we kept that tradition alive. It's weird for a kid with an Italian and German heritage to get nostalgic over a House Special Rice Vermicelli- but I do. I struggle to order many different things on the menu over the years because I crave what I have had before- its that good. I can tell you that all of their broken rice and vermicelli bowls are delicious. It's perfect for a hungry man, a weary eater, or a first timer. The veggie options are fantastic with their fresh tofu rolls in hoisin sauce at the top. The BBQ platter puts any other to shame, and is quite the deal for a party of 2. I always take friends to Vietnam and we are never disappointed. Benny Lai (the owner) is a great restaurateur who build this place up like a champ. It used to look like a Jersey diner, and now the entire place is elegantly outfitted with dark wood, and thankfully devoid of numerous fish tanks, stereotypical Asian drawings/calligraphy etc. Fast service and Affordable to boot!
(5)
Bill M.

Another winning spot courtesy of the Lai family (Vietnam Cafe, Fu-Wah). After an awesome showing of Conversations From The Cafe at TBar (one weekend left!) a friend and I decided to try here out. With it 's biggest competition literally right across the street ( yelp.com/biz/vietnam-palâ€¦ ) you'd think it would be hurting on a number of levels. But the family has definitely managed to maintain another awesome establishment. Between the spicy broth and my Chirasha addiction McThrill was feeling the heat! but I loved every moment of eating my seafood claypot (especially the jumbo shrimp). And my friend devoured his salt and pepper chicken in ten minutes flat even though he wasn't that hungry (he normally does it in 5 so it wasn't that impressive.). It was also fun to go through all of the entree option's that aren't yet available in the West Philly Cafe (eventually?) and prepare myself. So overall Vietnam wins. Now I just need to try a Virgin's Downfall (read Chrissy R.'s hilarious review you pervo!).
(5)
Bekah H.

My favorite Vietnamese restaurant of all time by far - nothing compares to it. The food is incredibly delicious, especially for the price. I recommend the Cha Gio and Bun Bo Nuong - which is pretty much what I order every time. (I can not get over how good those crispy spring rolls are!) This spot is minutes from the Market East train station so it's an easy walk and find. (Just look for the pepper plants right outside.) I take everyone I know here for little to no reason at all - just for a good time - and everyone has loved it so far. The food always comes out fresh, hot and quick. The waiters don't bug you a lot, which makes for good conversation amongst your party. I only wished they took reservations... I'd like to spend my birthday here.
(5)
Emily W.

So I really wanted to like this place. I've been craving really good Vietnamese food, and so we ventured here after reading that the Beef Stuffed Grape Leaves are one of Chef Jennifer Carrol's favorite munchies in Philly. And those were delicious- a unique and refreshing departure from our standard fresh summer roll order at Vietnamese places. The little bundles were the perfect size, and the ground meat inside was tender and flavorful. With 10/order, it was a great appetizer for 4 people. I went with one of my two standard Vietnamese orders- the rice noodle bowl with lemongrass chicken (the other is the pho). I'm always amazed by the different versions of the rice noodle bowl that you can find given that there are so few ingredients and so few of them require actual cooking. This one was just okay, average, actually, maybe mediocre. The chicken was tender and lean and had a slight lemongrass + char-grilled flavor, but the rest of the bowl was underwhelming. The noodles were a little over-soaked and soft, the vegetables were not as crisp and plentiful as I like, and they skimped on both the peanuts and the pickled daikon and carrot- the two things that I looove about the noodle bowl. The noodle bowl is supposed to be a refreshing dish full of different textures and bright, clean flavors, but everything was kind of soft and muted here. I probably won't be venturing back for this one. The others in my party seemed to think that their dishes were okay, but again, nothing memorable. My bf got the clay pot chicken, his mom got the crispy noodles with shrimp and vegetables (an impressive presentation but no standout flavor), and his dad got the lemongrass pork vermicelli bowl. The server was really nice, but I don't know if the overall experience was good enough to make me come back and try their pho when the weather gets colder.
(3)
Waldi G.

The food is really good!
(4)
Norwin E.

It'd probably give it another star if it wasn't overpriced for a place that's near chinatown with quality of food similar to a hole-in-a-wall, the dishes are $2-$4 more than what they should be. The House Special Vermicelli bowl is huge and delicious, especially the spring roll that come with it. The place itself is very nice and chic (which is why you pay more and wasn't crowded for lunch. I think they should offer lunch specials. I just don't see the food being more special than a hole-in-a-wall I'd go back if I wanted to go to somewhere fancy for Vietnamese, but not regularly.
(3)
Sumeet B.

Friendly staff, clean establishment, and yummy food! Soups were excellent
(5)
Levi D.

My girlfriend and I have been here twice this week for Vietnam's spectacular and surprisingly inexpensive pho beef soup to sooth our colds. We also had the grilled shrimp, which was also superb. The atmosphere is so sleek and romantic, it's hard to believe that most items on the menu are only around $10. The service was excellent, with our friendly server checking on us frequently but not obnoxiously so. I will consistently recommend Vietnam to anyone and will continue to refer to this place as Philly's best bowl of pho. This truly is as good as it gets.
(5)
Jocelyn F.

I'm not by all means a Vietnamese cuisine expert - but I do love it and can say this place is AWESOME!! I've tried Vietnamese food in most cities I visited and so far Tampa had the best but this place gives it a run for it's money. The crispy spring rolls were delicious and it comes with a really good amount already cut up. Then we also got beef ball Pho (beef meatball) and the broken rice dish with both chicken and pork. AMAZING!! Additionally - the service is awesome. They are on top of all of our needs and really pleasant. Anytime I'm in Philly I will be coming back to this place. So so good.
(5)
Jenn W.

I thought I wrote a review for this, But This is My Go-to for Vietmanese food,always consistently good & nice portions!! Been going here for years, even before they remodeled!!The owners have another location on Baltimore pike & catered my friends bridal shower & of course exceptional food !!! The pho , the summer rolls, & rice dishes are the BEST. Dont forget grape leave appetizer!!! Yumm!!! Return Factor: Totally!!
(5)
nigel r.

Love vietnam but orderd Pho tonight and the whole house smells like bad chicken. NOT fresh at all. Such a bummer because we love eating there. DO NOT order Pho there. Otherwise, great food.
(2)
CK A.

Very close to Reading Station. We walked from the Embassy Suites and it was not a problem. This restaurant has been there for several years. The Uber driver told us there were two Vietnamese restaurants, but the best one was on the east side of the street. We were seated immediately. The menu was extensive. The waiters were helpful in picking items out for this Hoosier who had never been to a Vietnamese restaurant. Serving size was huge. Prices were quite reasonable. Restaurant was clean and so were the bathrooms. Tor those of you who don't like chain restaurants, this is a good choice.
(5)
Drew B.

This place was really good. I had Pho and also got an order of fried tofu. Both were excellent. The place was clean inside and prices were decent. About the only thing missing was iced tea. You can get that almost anywhere. This is one of the few places that doesn't have it.
(4)
Robert H.

Had the chicken basil dish. The bok choice was awesome. My wife had the squid vermicelli and that was even better. Everything was grilled and delicious. Highly recommend...
(4)
Lanha T.

Decided to come here after reading previous reviews. The pho here lacked flavor and oddly sized. The large had a lot of noodles but barely any broth and in a more medium sized bowl than large. The egg rolls are randomly cut into pieces instead of coming whole. Comes with a side of iceberg lettuce instead of romaine. The banh xeo was decent but not great. Crispy crepe with mainly bean sprouts and onions. Good amount of shrimp with ground pork. The crepe itself lacked flavor so had to compensate but using a lot of nuoc mam. The cafe phe sua da comes pre made over ice. Not dripping in a French press for you to pour over ice on you're own. Definitely not your moms cooking.
(2)
Elvi W.

Bbq platter is huge..love the crispy spring rolls and bbq chicken..and make your own spring rolls. We ordered the lemongrass chicken noodle..don't like it.pho beef is better.
(4)
Stephen B.

My three star rating is based on value for the dollar. I was jones'n for PHO on a wintery day. My usual place on Race and 9th was closed. I had been wanting to try this as part of my goal to eat at every restaurant in Chinatown. This one has a cozy warm feel. I must say I was disappointed at the portion size for $6.95. It came in a bowl the size of a diner soup bowl. It had about a 90/10 % noodle to broth ratio and about 1 oz of sliced beef. The flavor was good, but on the light side as PHO broth's go. And to their credit they did give me an extra bowl of broth at no charge. I just don't understand why they wouldn't just keep the noodle and meat proportions and put it in a larger bowl with more broth (pennies right?), but the perception of value is greatly increased for little cost. Oh well, that's just my opinion. Wouldn't rush back here with all the other options in town.
(3)
Norm J.

I came to Vietnam with my colleagues one evening after a long day at a client site. I had heard good things about Vietnam so I "strongly" suggested that we come here for dinner. Since there were 8 of us we decided to get a couple appetizers to share: grilled meatballs, crispy spring rolls, grilled shrimp, stuffed grape leaves and crispy veggie spring rolls. All of the appetizers were good, but the grille meatballs were AMAZING!! For our entrees we got: *Beef Basil - packed with beef and very flavorful. *Salt/Pepper Shrimp - delicious! This is a must try. *Crispy Duck - not worth trying. Meat was a little tough and lacking in flavor. *Chicken Pad Thai - similar to Pad Thai you'd have at any Thai restaurant, but none the less still very good. *Sweet and Sour Chicken - great flavor and was definitely liked by all. The best part of our dining experience at Vietnam was the drinks! *Suffering Bastard was the drink that everyone at the table loved...and som of us had more than 1. It's a mixture of rum, Creme de cassis, Myer's Rum, Bacardi 151, Sour Mix and Fruit Juices. I highly recommend you get this drink. Even if you don't like rum I still recommend this drink. I could hardly taste the rum, but half way through the second drink I can say that my body was feeling the drink. *Virgin's Downfall is something I recommend you try as well. This drink is a blend of whiskey, vodka, grenadine and fruit juices. *Zombie was a drink that my boss loved. He thought the drink was pretty amazing and that the alcohol sneaks up on you. My colleagues and I thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience (especially the booze) at Vietnam. I'll definitely be dining here again next time I'm in my home city.
(4)
Lin Z.

We drove into the city to eat here last night with friends. I work in the City so have been here more than my dining partners. It is very good -- better than the burb's Vietnamese cuisine, but also a little pricier, surprisingly. For apps we ordered the beef meatball spring rolls and pork spring rolls (both non fried), beef stuffed grape leaves, and crispy pancake. The springrolls were excellent, and relative bargains at ~$6.50 each. My stuffed grape leaves, on the other hand, were pricey at ~$11 for 8 stuffed leaves. I thought this was pretty steep; they were delicious, but still. I ordered the vermicelli with crispy spring rolls. My dining partners had a seafood noodle soup, a stirfried noodle dish and a pork in clay pot dish. The crispy pancake was stuffed with extremely fresh beansprouts and shrimp and delicious but under-seasoned, so the accompanying sauce was a must. We did not do dessert. Cons: I didn't see wines by the glass - maybe I missed them, or maybe they don't have them (What?). Beers are ~$5. I had an ice coffee (see Pros) -- my fave. Basil looked a little absent tonight. I get that it's winter, but this is a Vietnamese restaurant, so I sort of expect it. Oh well, NOT byob. Pros: Best iced coffee. Sweetened condensed milk makes all the difference. Food overall is very good. A notch better than my local Vietnamese restaurant, but with prices that are correspondingly higher.
(3)
Herbie H.

I had pretty high expectations for Vietnam, as I really enjoyed my meal at one of the sister restaurants, Grill Fish Cafe in West Philly. Our meal had high and low points. We started with the Crispy Crepe appetizer - which was seemed part omelet and part crepe. It was filled with onions, veggies, and shrimp (I believe.) It was a generous portion for an appetizer, and was split very nicely between two people. I ordered the Lemongrass Soup, replacing the Chicken for some fried tofu (a request that could be accommodated.) After some deliberation and questions with the waiter (some soup has small/large size options), my boyfriend ordered the Seafood Noodle Soup (only available in large). Mine came out first, and had this bright, beautiful, colorful broth that tasted as good as it looked and smelled. The tofu was fried perfectly, and the noodles helped to soak up the incredibly flavorful and slightly spicy broth. I definitely would order this again. My boyfriend's order comes out and it's a smaller bowl than mine. The waiter sets the soup down and we both see no seafood at all, but only a few pieces of broccoli. We call the waiter over and explain that he had ordered the Seafood Noodle Soup. After a moment of hesitation, the waiter scoops the bowl up and leaves. A solid 10 minutes later (I am halfway through my soup - trying not to eat every last drop before his soup comes out) - a new dish is put in front of him. It is the same bowl. With the same broccoli. With maybe 3 or 4 shrimp on top. He ate about half of it. It was 100% not what he ordered. It was flavorless (unless steamed broccoli water and tasteless rice noodles sound appealing) and unexciting. Service otherwise was acceptable, and the atmosphere was pretty nice. It's just a shame that he ordered and was charged for one thing, but received another.
(3)
Robert P.

Always great ! Spring rolls are literally the best thing you can eat. The Ban Xoe crepe I love. Salt and pepper chicken is yummy. Any tofu dish will make you very happy. It's just gotten so expensive. Come on Benny you used to be a bargain!
(4)
Undercova A.

AWFUL. Horrible. Inedible. Vietnam used to be one of my favorite vietnamese restaurants. No more. I ordered the grilled beef over vermicelli only to receive what can best be described as shaved, tough, cold pieces of meat served on gummy, lukewarm, stuck together noodles. So unidentifiable, I suppose the meat was beef. I was honestly concerned that my waiter had brought over someone's leftovers. No waiter in sight... And when he reappeared and I complained, I was met with a shrug and asked whether I wanted the check then. Really? This wasn't all that sucked. Vietnam was under air conditioned and the "wine" tasted like Welch's. No one looked happy and the place....at 8 pm on a Friday...was far less populated than surrounding restaurants. What a shame.
(1)
Meghan S.

My roommate and I ventured out on a snowy Sunday morning, hungover, in desperate need of Pho. We'd been to pho Cali before, but wanted to try something new. Vietnam restaurant had some good reviews, so we decided to try it out. This place was so nice inside! Hardwood floors, professional waitstaff, extremely fast service. But still casual enough to go in with sweats (well, nicer sweats). We had tea, shrimp spring rolls, and pho - all for about 12 bucks each. You can't beat it. I need to go back soon to try the BBQ platter. The table next to us got it and I was drooling!
(5)
Meghann p.

Genuinely good food! Spring Rolls-not fried were excellent! and the dipping sauce too! I had Shrimp Curry- I would recommend a few more shrimp..but veggies were fresh and tasty with this entree! You will not be disappointed
(4)
James B.

This appetizer: 14. Bo Tai Chanh (VIETNAMESE CARPACCIO) Thinly Sliced Raw Flank Steak Marinated in Lime Juice Topped with Vietnamese Herb and Crushed Peanuts is worth a visit on its own. Simple, but amazing. Overall this is a good place, maybe a little overpriced, for Vietnamese. I should mention... not particularly kid-friendly (no high chairs???). Just because you all have black t-shirts on doesn't mean you're too cool for pre-school.
(4)
Katrina G.

Our "go to" for local Pho had always been Vietnam Palace, but decided to try something new. Ordered the chicken pho, beef pho, crispy spring rolls and stuffed grape leaves. Very disappointed with the lack of flavor. Broth was so bland that we couldn't finish the soup. Crispy spring rolls were however slightly better than the palace.
(2)
Andrea m g.

Now I must say I have had better Pho in many other restaurants,but there is no where on earth that has a Vietnamese BBQ platter that can hold a candle to here. This is what our family will order 2 of and call it a meal. I always get extra fish sauce because it is so perfectly blended we could drink it.I also ask for basil with the mint and other herbs and veggies that come with it. This is somewhere we go just a few times a year because I hate driving downtown.The deal is someone else drives and I will roll the fresh springrolls for the group. Works for me! .As we depart the city we stop at a Vietnamese pastry shop on 9th and bring yummy inexpensive treats home for later.
(5)
Jessica S.

My experience here was alright. We came here before a concert, since some of my friends are vegetarian and from their menu, they had a pretty extensive menu with vegetarian offerings. The food was pleasing, but unexceptional to the point of being a little plain, and I can apply that statement to most of the dishes we ordered. I myself got a broken rice platter, but maybe I should've stuck with a more conventional dish like pho. For the money, I think I could have had a more satisfying meal elsewhere in the Chinatown area. This place does have ridiculously speedy service, though; we had a party of 10 or so and were served within 10 minutes of ordering. Another issue I have with the restaurant is that their menu designates some of their alcohol as "Asian-friendly", because it has lower alcohol content. "Cuz Asians can't drink" (the waiter's explanation) is kind of offensive.
(3)
Craig N.

I love Vietnam!! It was a Wednesday and my friend and I wanted to go the "Train Restaurant" and they were closed. Shit!! We were gonna do Penang, but I really wanted Viet, and I was paying, so fuck it, we'll do Vietnam. It was a really humid, hot day so I wanted something light. We split the raw flank steak appetizer, grape leave app and the shrimp + papaya salad. It really hit the spot. I love how they ask, "You sure you want the RAW appetizer"? I always get it here.....raw beef marinated in lime juice sprinkled w/ peanuts and served w/ fish sauce. So ridiculously good. Vietnam serves all needs from the 1st-timer Viet food experience to your Vietnamese great grand ma. I consider it a little upscale, but treat yourself once in a while. Shit, it's not expensive anyway!!
(4)
Paul L.

I adore Vietnam Restaurant. Ever since they remodeled to this classic Vietnamese French decor a few years back, it has become a great place to go if you're in Chinatown but don't necessarily want Chinese food. It's a popular place with great food to back it up. It's best to call by numbers when ordering here. Personally, I love their appetizers and would recommend ordering a few to share as the main meal. The Crispy Spring Roll is literally fried to a crisp but unlike the spring rolls from other places, these are crispy chewy, the pork inside is made authentic by the basil and spices. One of the bests I've had. The Shrimp and Pork Roll is non-fried like the regular summer rolls, I prefer this because you can experience different textures with its soft exterior, the succulent shrimp, the crispy bean sprouts and the silky vermicelli noodles. The star of the appetizers have to be the Stuffed Grape Leaves. It's the best dish on the whole menu. Unlike its Greek counterpart, these are stuffed with beef and the whole thing is charred to perfection. Dip it in sauce and wrapped them inside a lettuce leaf with pickled vegetables and vermicelli and treat it like a lettuce wrap. It's truly amazing. Not to dis their Phos, but there are other restaurants that do better, not to say that theirs are not up to par, but like grandma's chicken noodle soups, we all have our own favorite versions. That said, my favorite noodle soup at Vietnam Restaurant was a Crab and Egg Noodle Soup that unfortunately have been taken out from their menus. Broken rice dishes are basically marinated barbecue meats served with long grain rice that have been broken into smaller pieces. There's history in broken rice but it actually kinda easier to eat and able to absorb more sauce. I love the national famous Lemongrass Pork Chop broken rice or the chicken one. The vermicelli noodle bowls are also great too. Add more ingredients to your heart's content and get a taste of as many things as you want. I can attest to some of the great curries they have but with the great appetizers and dishes, I usually don't go for a main dish because I rather taste 2-3 different things than one main thing. Whatever you do, do try to order a drink like a Vietnamese ice coffee or a fruit shake. If you're more adventurous, try a Vietnamese lemonade or a coconut drink.
(4)
Michael C.

Real Vietnamese restaurant owned by ethnically Vietnamese people. As a result, the pho is authentic and tasty. Their other dishes are good as well. Really, this is the best Vietnamese place I've found in Philly yet. They serve alcohol here too - unique cocktails that I haven't found anywhere else. One drink, I forgot the name of it, is so big that two people can easily get buzzed off it. I'm pretty sure that this is owned by the same family that runs Fuwa and also the newly opening Vietnam Cafe (both in West Philly). They've never done me wrong!
(4)
Angela J.

What a fantastic dinner! My husband and I went out with another couple, and every dish we ordered was fresh, beautifully presented, and most of all DELICIOUS. We tried the flank steak spring rolls, two different soups (one spicy, one mild), the salt and pepper chicken (could have used some dipping sauce, but had amazing flavor), and I had the curry shrimp WOW...best curry I've ever had...veggies cooked perfectly, and the curry had just the right amount of spice. Four of us ate TONS of food, and had a bottle of wine, and the bill was just under $100, what a fabulous price for the entire meal. We will be going back SOON!
(5)
Nate A.

Came here on a bit of lark Friday night after getting out of sorts at Art After 5 at the Museum. We were on our way back across town to Old City and got a hankering for something delicious. Vietnam's glowing neon sign (visible peripherally as you head East on Vine or Race) flickered in my memory and the impulse bit hard. I was insistent that we go and we sat down to a rewarding meal of spring rolls, chow fun and lemon chicken. Pros -Really excellent Vietnamese food. We only sampled 3 items (and missed the much-cited BBQ platter) but were uniformly blown away by the quality and quantity. -Price - big bang for your bucks. -Atmosphere - not divey in the least - considering the China Town location this is refreshing. -Good beers - Singha and a Vietnamese Lager called '33' did the trick in countering the good greasy of the Vietnamese cuisine. Cons (Apologies) -We were in full-on party mode while the place was sporting some serious date-night vibes on Friday. Not a con per se, but a caveat. We were a little loud and silly and may have spoiled the romance for a few people. Though one couple engaged us with the confession that after wrapping up their meal at Vietnam, the perfect Friday concluded with an in-home viewing of 'Fringe' on DVD. Hot!
(5)
Adam J.

Vietnam was one of my first regular spots in Philly and it's proven to be great for everything from dates to family get-togethers. Along with its sister West Philly Cafe, this is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the city, easily beating out its over-hyped South Philly competitors. Decor-wise, this is the nicest Vietnamese restaurant that I've eaten in, which easily explains the slightly steep pricing. There's also a somewhat fancy-seeming bar, which I've never felt compelled to visit. The service is friendly and often inexplicably fast. This isn't to their detriment, though, as a variety of dishes - including the basil beef, lemon grass shrimp, and noodle soups - are all delicious and generously portioned.
(5)
Jason K.

Despite the masturbatory self gratifying essay on the front of the menu that talks about how they try to attain great flavor in their dishes while staying true to Vietnamese tradition, the food was bland and slightly boring. We started with #6 for an appetizer, the Goi Cuon (pork and shirmp spring roll). They were fresh, but lacked imagination. We then had a Pork Clay Pot (#58), and Deluxe Noodle Soup (#22). The pork was tender, and had good spice, but too salty. While it was served with rice, it was lacking something. The Pho I had tasted a little dirty. It wasn't like the fresh version almost across the street at Pho Cali, or other places in the area. The meats were again tender, but boring. Also, no chili sauce was available. We didn't stay for dessert. We probably won't be going back. I'll admit I am not Vietnamese, nor do I know much about their culture, but Vietnam Restaurant is the Kraft singles version of Vietnamese cuisine.
(2)
Christopher M.

Wow, what a bummer. Saturday afternoon, Jan 29th- Date and I went to the Philly car show and afterward- we thought a lunch at Vietnam in Chinatown would really hit the spot. Turned out we felt more like punched in the spot... especially given our previous great experience. We surprised at the dinner-only menu and sub par nature of the appetizer and entrÃ©e. Our appetizer, Ban Xeo, was greasy and seemed more omelet than crepe, with one small piece of shrimp within and no pork evident. My entrÃ©e, Suon Nuong, (Lemon Grass Pork Chops) was fine as always, but my date was a trooper as I saw her battle her way through the quagmire that was the Heo Kho To (Pork Claypot) Something was just wrong with the meat; and I was frustrated we had no lunchtime Vietnam exit strategy. (Sorry- That last pun was as tasteless as the food) I guess one has higher expectations when spending 40+ on lunch for two.
(2)
Ingrid F.

Went on a weekend night and I felt like I was surrounded by adult yuppies. But the food is decent tasting and has large portions, but my dish (#60, i forget what it was called) had a slight burnt flavor. Service was meh. Spring rolls were yummy. I could consider returning to the restaurant to try other dishes, but I probably won't.
(4)
Sara C.

If you want your Vietnamese food with a bit more ambiance and slightly less rushed service (see my reviews of Nam Phuong & Pho Xe Lua - equally good but just not as pretty), Vietnam should be your first choice. Consider it the perfect Vietnamese date night restaurant. The Lai family have built a dynasty of sorts between this spot, the newly expanded Vietnam Cafe out on Baltimore Ave. in West Philly, and their small friendly Fu-Wah Market corner store, also located in West Philly. They're so friendly, and it shows at this location. My usual favorite Vietnamese standards - tofu summer rolls, lemongrass chicken vermicelli, pho ga, the fish claypot, pepper squid - shine at Vietnam. The ingredients taste incredibly fresh - the freakin' bean sprouts crunch like a potato chip! Everything is served and presented with great care. The prices are definitely higher than at the aforementioned restaurants - but it's fair to say you're paying for the experience in those extra $3-4. And there's no doubt in my mind that it's worth it.
(5)
Fernando Q.

My favorite place!!!! Delicious food and great service. I just can't get enough of it!
(5)
David M.

I've been here a few times, and have yet to be disappointed. It's a great restaurant, with a large menu that combines traditional vietnamese cuisine with less adventurous items that even the pickiest eater would enjoy. In fact, my favorite item on the menu is a black bean chicken dish -- not at all something I would have associated with Vietnamese cuisine. Also, they have the best lemonade in town. The only downside to Vietnam is the wait you can expect on a Friday or Saturday night. But, there's a reason people are waiting.
(4)
Mommy Of Two I.

Pros: Fresh GREAT tasting food! Service is excellent. Affordable. Nice ambiance. Cons: Parking esp in Chinatown.
(5)
Max K.

Typical Vietnamese food but a little higher quality than other places. You pay for it a little too but in my mind, it's totally worth it. More refined than the usual Chinatown/South Philly Vietnamese place. I am a repeat customer more here than any other Vietnamese place in the city.
(4)
Catherine K.

I've only had lunch here but overall I was impressed with the food, service, and the price. Went with 12+ co workers and we were all served our food within minutes of each other, which I thought was impressive. I had the spring roll vermicelli which was delicious. There's something about the oil crunch of a spring roll on top of a non-oily noodle lettuce base. I would definitely come back here and might even try to order delivery from here if they offer it.
(4)
Caroline V.

I have been eating here since middle school. I remember coming here after a long day at the beach with the family and we'd stop by on our way home for dinner. Great food and authentic. Absolute faves of mine are the Cha Gio (crispy spring rolls), Banh Xeo (vietnamese crÃªpe) and Hu Tieu My Tho (seafood & pork noodle soup). I definitely recommend it altho get a headstart. There's no reservations and parking is really hard to find in chinatown. Just remember...it's worth it and they have a small waiting room with seating..
(4)
Stefanie A.

It's not the cheapest spot in Chinatown, but it's worth every penny. I went to Vietnam on recommendation from Chef's Feed. We got the spring rolls (good) the bbq platter, featuring grape leaves, and BBQ beef and chicken (very good), and the lemongrass soup, which I found a bit sour. But the BBQ stayed on my mind, so I went back for take out and tried the beef broken rice, which was amazing... Tasty lemongrass beef over bitty rice grains served with a sweet and sour sauce. Great flavors and textures. Yum. I also tried the chicken pho. I didn't love how they packaged it (noodles in a styrofoam container under sprouts, basil and jalapeno--made the noodles hard and the flavors run together) but that wouldn't be an issue if you dined in. Note that they have a bar, so dining in will cost a bit more than the local BYOs, but it's a quirky little spot worth trying with a group so you can enjoy multiple tasty offerings.
(4)
Pips C.

The right place in Philly for our Vietnamese food craving. Excellent "tender greens" and Goi Cuon--pork chop was tender and delicious--not as happy with the beef stuffed grape leaves. Avoid green papaya salad. Tasty cosmopolitan....
(4)
Rich K.

I'd like to give this place a 5 just for their BBQ platter but was put off by the service and lack of attention given by the waitstaff. My water remained empty forever till I asked for more. Diet cokes MUST be served with a lemon in any restaurant. In addition, when I asked for some hot sauce, my waiter took forever to grab a bottle. We were halfway done with the appetizer till we got it. Had the crepe appetizer. It was okay. Needed lots of fish oil and sriracha hot sauce b/c it was stuffed with an absurd amount of bland bean sprouts. Go with one person and get the BBQ platter. It's an assortment of veggies (basil, cilantro, etc) and meat (my favorite was the grape leafs stuffed with meat - probably beef - who knows?) that you wrap along with spring rolls/rice vermicelli/etc. and use fish oil, peanut sauce, or hot sauce to add flavors. I devoured the entire platter in less than 7 minutes. I don't think I've ever had an entree and not utter one word while eating it. I just kept nodding my head YES in response to my friend who kept asking me if it was good. Decor and ambiance were nice for a Vietnamese restaurant. Clean bathroom/hardwood floors/dim lighting. I'm used to dingy and dirty types in NYC.
(3)
Mo P.

Hands down Philly's best Vietnamese restaurant with decor. This place reminds me of Saigon Grill in NYC and the prices are very reasonable. Service is prompt and not so friendly at times. They can be a little nicer to folks with kids and more accommodating overall. This place is not good for large groups and it can get packed so plan on waiting in their large waiting area (in comparison to the size of the restaurant). As for the food.... WOW! The mixed appetizer platter are fantastic and the meatball roll is right on the money. Grilled pork chops, Bun w/ grilled meat, and Pho are all right on the money. The pork chops will melt in your mouth with a crisp slightly charred exterior and the nuc Chom? sauce smothered all over hits all the Vietnamese taste buds of sweet, sour, spicy, savory, and all delicious. I always manage to get parking right in front of the restaurant which makes me love it that much more.
(5)
Erin F.

Vietnam is, arguably, my favorite restaurant in the city. I came here for my birthday before I moved (it was over this birthday meal that it was officially decided that I would move to Philadelphia) and we have come here every few months since then. The noodle bowls are great. I prefer the crispy noodle nests with tofu or the vermicelli noodle bowl with tofu. Either way, you can't go wrong. The sauce is mild enough but still flavorful. My favorite parts about eating here occur on either end of the main course. The appetizer - crispy veggie spring rolls, SO DELICIOUS. And crispy and the sauce is so good. A little spicy, a little not. And the dessert - the corn or black-eyed pea puddings. The pudding is not your standard pudding. It is warm and milky and sweet. I want to get in that tiny bowl and wiggle around for a while. Maybe take a nap while I'm in there. It is the best. Other bonuses: if there's a wait, you can go up to the bar on the third floor and sit and chat, have a drink, and they come to let you know when your table is ready. This is a good date thing. The ambiance is quiet and busy. They give you forks if you're like me and don't want to work while eating and use chopsticks. The food is very, very reasonably priced, as well. This place is good for everyone except for babies who only eat McDonalds, soft pretzels, and Chili's.
(5)
Sara L.

Vietnam is one of my favorite Chinatown spots. It's easily a 4.5 star experience, but I am stingy with my 5 stars. They have a diverse menu of appetizers, salads, soups, rice/noodle dishes, and entrees. It is primarily composed of staples that will appeal to the American palate, and all of the dishes are well-executed. The crispy shrimp, salt and pepper squid, and lemongrass chicken are particular favorites of mine, but every dish I have tried has been tasty. They have a full bar, and a modest selection of wine, beer (including several Asian brews) and saki. The staff is very friendly, though they do abide strictly by some slightly annoying policies: all food must be ordered at the same time (no ordering the app first), and no seating until all members of the party have arrived. I forgive these things because they do manage to keep a very busy restaurant working smoothly and relatively quickly. In my dozens of trips there, I have NEVER had anything wrong with my order. The decor is simple but pleasant with a lot of dark wood and dim lighting. It can be a little loud when it's crowded, but not to the point that you have to yell. Since they do not take reservations, you should expect a wait on Friday or Saturday evening. They have a great bar space on the third floor where you can wait and, if you are wise, enjoy one of their kick-a$$ lemongrass martinis!
(4)
Michelle B.

Really liked this place! Nice environment and really delicious food. Definitely a more upscale option for Chinatown, but the cleanliness and service is worth it the few extra dollars per plate, in my opinion. I got the Pork with Vermicelli and added on a spring roll (which was seriously one of the more delicious spring rolls I've ever had). The rice in the rice dishes was a bit on the soggier side than I would have liked, but overall this didn't take away from a nice and satisfying night out!
(4)
Kristin W.

I had the beef vermicelli noodle bowl - the noodles and veggies were fresh and prepared well. I would have liked a little more beef and to have it be a bit more tender, but overall was pleased. It was a simple, but pleasing dish - next time I'll try something fancier! I also got pineapple smoothie for dessert - great flavor and not too sweet, despite the condensed milk ingredient.
(3)
Jordan L.

Sometimes a girl needs to put down the pho bowl and enjoy some of Vietnam's other culinary treats. Vietnam Restaurant is the perfect place to do this! The boy and I ordered the spring rolls to start with. Instead of the normal two spring rolls served at most other Vietnamese place, it was a MOUNTAIN of spring rolls. Totally a welcomed surprise! We ordered a few of the rice dishes to share between us. All of them hit the spot, and we were full but not stuffed afterwards. Also, this place isn't as...intimidating...as other places in Chinatown can be. The items of the menu are appealing to a wide array of palates, and will provide you with a fork after you've managed to fling your chopstick halfway across the dining room. So pretty much, I could take my mom hear and she'd be happy. This is a great place to take visitors to Philly, go out with friends, or have a date night. Yakatori Boy is right down the street, and this is a great place to grab a bite beforehand.
(4)
Meredith K.

I must have had some sort of magnetic attraction to Vietnam Palace until the other night, because I'd been there four or five times before even thinking to try the Vietnamese restaurant across the street, aptly named Vietnam Restaurant. Well, I'm glad I decided to be adventurous, because Vietnam Restaurant truly impressed me. My boyfriend, friend, and I walked in around 9 p.m. last Saturday after checking out the Greek festival, which left us unimpressed and in search of delicious fare. The hostess informed us that there would be a fifteen-minute wait, but that we could check out the lounge upstairs while we waited. Bar Saigon is a few floors above the restaurant, which itself is two floors. The atmosphere was beautiful and romantic. The main room (there was also an adjoining room, which I didn't really check out) was dimly lit with candles and sconces and had a big-screen TV mounted on the wall, showing what may have been the strangest kung fu movie I've ever seen. The waitress was attentive and let us know when our table downstairs was ready. They've got a nice little operation going here! My Cosmo was delicious, as was my friend's chocolate martini (heavenly, really). When our table was ready, the hostess came upstairs to get us. We were seated in the second-floor dining room. I wasn't too impressed with the atmosphere, but what Vietnam Restaurant lacked in ambiance it made up for with lightning-quick service and beautifully presented, delicious food. I ordered the steamed tofu rolls to start (yum!) and the Singapore Noodles, which had chicken, shrimp, lots of veggies, wide egg noodles, and a savory, mouthwatering brown sauce, for my entree. It wasn't as spicy as I'd have liked, but they offered sriracha to make up for the lack of heat. My companions were all pleased with their dishes as well. We were even pleased when we got the check, which ran us about $17 per person for appetizers and entrees. Even though I just moved to Vietnamese heaven (South Philly), I will still consider making the trek to Chinatown to eat here again in the near future.
(5)
Brooke D.

Ok, this was my first experience with Vietnamese food so take this review with a grain of salt. The restaurant had a nice feel to it, good layout, plenty of light, lovely decor. The wait staff was extremely attentive; my water glass was never empty. The menu was somewhat large and confusing for me so I ended up going with the BBQ platter based on other yelpers' reviews. When it arrived, not long after we ordered it, I was blown away by the presentation. The food looked beautiful! Although I can honestly say I'm not positive what to call most of what was on the platter, I did recognize the spring rolls and lettuce wraps right away (those also ended up being my two favorite things). I wasn't crazy about everything on the platter, but enjoyed the new experience. Also, the sweet and sour type sauce and peanut sauce were both very delicious. Thank you yelp reviewers for helping me make my first Vietnamese dining experience a positive one.
(4)
Allison H.

This is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Philadelphia although I haven't tried much dishes other than the Saigon noodles, which I am obsessed with. Definitely beats the other Vietnamese places on the same street.
(5)
Jeff M.

1. The food I got was absolutely amazing. I kept mentioning how amazing it was throughout the night even after we had walked out of there. I wish I could remember the name of it... It was a noodle bowl, and it had the words "House Special" attached to it. There; now you go find it. 2. The food that my friend got, looked like sauteed vegetables on top of dry ramen noodles. He also told me that it was utterly disgusting. I tried some, and can say that I concur if you take out the word "utterly." 3. I wanted to try the BBQ platter, because the couple next to me had gotten that, but none of my friends were willing to go in on it with me (stingy b*stards); it looked, and smelled amazing. 4. The wait staff were very curt, and we weren't sure who our wait staff was because every time someone came to our table, it was someone new. Regardless, they kept the drinks full. Also, the hostess was leaning against the wall behind our table, so she was effectively hovering over our table the entire night. Not that it made a difference to my friend who got the uncooked ramen; he complained out loud anyway. 5. Occasionally, there would be the smell of what I can only hope was some kind of fish, although I've done a lot of animal dissections that have smelled more palatable. 6. The guy who took our cards for payment at the end messed it up, but I was in a good mood and let it slide. The food was brilliant. The service was adequate, and next time I'm taking a fat dude with me to try the BBQ platter. P.S. I want to try the Vietnamese restaurant across the street from this place, but since I didn't have a bad experience here, I'm kind of scared to mess it up.
(4)
Lisa R.

LOVE LOVE LOVE eating here. There's a great special that has a sampling of lots of different things and is about $25, so it is perfect to share with 1 other person. The lemongrass broken rice dish is great. The pho and other soups are always a good bet. The West Philly location is wonderful too.
(5)
Catherine A.

Yum! Went here with a friend of mine and really, really enjoyed it. It is the best Vietnamese food I've had in Philly so far. We started with the char-grilled pork spring rolls, which were as dependably delicious as they are at any Vietnamese restaurant, and the grilled shrimp, which were out of this world incredible. Seriously, these shrimp were un-fucking-believably delicious, crispy and charred at the tail and seasoned with some delicious just-salty-enough sauce. I don't even really like seafood and I loved these shrimp. Again I repeat: yum! After much debating, for the entree I got pho with beef flank and tendon. I like that they serve this as a basic beef flank soup with add-ins. The broth was very rich, without being salty, the noodles, beef and tendon were plentiful. My friend got the chicken clay pot, which he enjoyed very much. I had a taste and also liked it. We both had the 33 export beer which perfectly complimented the cuisine, but which I thought was an interesting and delicious beer in itself, as well. I definitely recommend it with whatever your order is. The one problem we had was having to put in the order all at once, as we wanted to order our appetizers and then continue perusing the menu. As a consequence, we did not have any dessert, since we didn't think of it when we were ordering the rest of our food. This is kind of annoying, but now that I know the rules my next visit will be better planned. The server was not a friendly, outgoing guy by any stretch, but honestly, he brought us the food and it was delicious, so I don't really care.
(5)
Serena C.

This place definitely rivals the Vietnamese food I've had in the SF Bay Area. It's slightly upscale (i.e. not a hole in the wall) with an understated wood-based decor. Definitely get the Cha Gio (crispy spring rolls): "stuffed with ground pork blended with Asian spices, onion and mushrooms" ($6.50). They arrive piping hot and chopped into 1" long pieces for convenient eating and are served with lettuce leaves for wrapping. Not greasy, and with just the perfect amount of crunch. The pork slices or pork chops with broken rice are classics (~$9), and the phos ($5.50 to $7.50) are tasty as well when you don't want to shell for a plate. I've been told that they make their own ice creams here (the typical Asian flavors, such as mango, coconut, etc.) for dessert, but can't recall trying them. Tip: Don't sit by the window during sunset--the building faces west, so you'll be blinded by the glare.
(5)
Victoria F.

My review of this place is a little mixed and I'm bummed about it. I really wanted to like it more than I did. The dining room is stylish and appealing - but loud. Although there were plenty of tables available, they wouldn't seat us until all of our party arrived. They serve soda by the can rather than from a fountain. The food? Mixed. My tofu chow fun was beyond bland, but one of my friends loved her chicken chow fun and everyone sampled and loved another friend's pork broken rice (seriously, yum. although I'm not crazy about the restaurant I will be back someday to have more of that).
(3)
ginger J.

The reason I give two stars is only because the restaurant is clean. it is definitely not stroller friendly since there are many steps before you can enter the restaurant. The food is really mediocre. It is very americanized. Nothing authentic at all. Even food in a strip mall in bay area has better pho than this restaurant. very disappointed. will not visit again.
(2)
Bob B.

Went with a group of friends. Had the soup with shrimp and it reeked like very old nasty sweat socks and feet. I'm not exaggerating. It literally made me nauseous. To the waiters credit he saw me and did ask if something was wrong, but after smelling that soup there was no way I was ordering anything else. It was foul,
(1)
Todd V.

Vietnam is not very good. I was surprised at how awesome the ratings are because this place did not live up to it at all. The crispy spring rolls and chicken with vermicelli are talked about a lot on here so I got them. Big let down. The spring rolls were unremarkable and the chicken was AWFUL. None of my friends liked their dishes either. On top of that, the service was as bad as everyone says it is.
(2)
David G.

I have been going to Vietnam long long before the renovations and expansions, linoleum floor, plastic chairs.... and the BEST damn food. I'm talking so good I'm at home writing this and I'm Pavlov's dog here (ding!) Sooooo so very good. Recommended: bun bo nuea (spelling is wrong but its a soup, get it with the pigs foot. Trust me.) Any broken rice pork chop combo. Spring rolls. Pennywort drink is sublime. Mmmmm. Benny Lai is a great guy, great service there and now its very classy decor. I miss Benny's brother, liked going there even for take out he was extremely nice and made u feel at home. He has his own place now I think. Go to Vietnam its THE best.
(5)
Gina B.

Fantastic! Broken rice pork chops, chicken chow fun, chicken papaya salad, veggie pho, and chicken lemongrass soup....all so good. Great flavor, good service, and quality restaurant. I ate here 2 nites in a row cuz it was so delicious, on my business trip. Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Allen M.

I was willing ot give Vietnam a try, but after seeing the few choices of vegetarian dishes on the menu, I wish I would have gone elsewhere... Nevertheless, what I got was delicious - Tofu Rolls appetizer, Tofu Vermicelli Bowl and Chinese Brocolli, and Coconut Ice Cream for dessert. The restaurant was clean, and the service was quick and efficient - although, I felt the prices were a bit expensive... My firends love this place, but I think I'd pass on it next time - Vietnam Palace across the street has more vegetarian options, I hear...
(3)
Elizabeth B.

Totally amazing food! I have been to the ACTUAL Vietnam and had meals not as delish as this. We were originally recommended to go to a restaurant next door, but since it was closed went here instead... so glad we did! The appetizer platter was completely devoured and left us all full. Consisted of some sort of thin rice tortilla (almost cellophane noodle-y), spring rolls, stuffed grape leaves, chicken, noodles and more... then miraculously we were ready for more when we saw our entrees! I had a wonderful sweet and sour chicken dish. Afterward, there were DEFINITELY enough bites left to take home for another two meals! Will be enjoying that tommorow for lunch, I think.
(5)
Alessia K.

So me and the babe are on a new kick of trying all the places I have been talking about for a few years. We finally made it to Vietnam and it was so worth the wait. First off, let me say I feel really bad for the place across the street named "Vietnam Palace." Everyone I have talked to is always like, "Oh yea, Vietnam is awesome...but the one across the street with the "restaurant" title. They get a bad rap but I am sure the food is just fine at the palace. Anywho, Vietnam was perfection. We were seated right away on a Friday night. We ordered the giant bowl of liquor called the Flaming Volcano. It was about 6:30 and we got a few glances from the classier people in the joint. The drink was freaking awesome though and pretty strong (the rest of the night was not one of my finest moments). I will say that the veggie spring rolls were the best in the city (if anyone has a different opinion please let me know) We pretty much inhaled the rolls because they were so crispy and filled with delish veggies. We also shared two entrees, the spicy, crunchy and beautiful salt and pepper shrimp. The other entree was a noodle dish with shrimp and chicken which was also fresh and flavorful. Everyone else in the place was slurping on the Pho which looked divine but it was 85 degrees out and I was not in the mood to sweat like a man. All in all, the place is fantastic and I cannot wait to go back and try everything. I might even try the Palace just because I feel bad.. Enjoy!
(5)
Kevin T.

I had a spring roll noodle bowl. It was very tasty. I enjoyed it. I have a dear friend that is Vietnames so I am a bit spoiled. I will be coming back here.
(4)
Kylie H.

I came here with a group of people. They all shared an appetizer which included a variety of meat. Being pescetarian, I was excluded from this. I ordered the seafood lemon grass soup. I didn't really like it. The soup didn't have much substance, and there were canned mushrooms in it, not fresh. I think I will have to come back and order something else, because the place seems to be reviewed so well.
(3)
Rand H.

A local hotel front desk clerk pointed me here for a late night bite. Win! I had the BBQ Pork vermicelli with a crispy spring roll. While not a generous bowl it was great. Actually barbequey.
(5)
Sandy K.

My boyfriend and I randomly decided to try out Vietnam Restaurant, and we loved it! The food was filling and the service was great. I will definitely come back.
(4)
Cassie T.

Wow, what a gem! We wandered in here pretty randomly, after pondering between here and Vietnam Palace across the street. From the outside you could never tell that this place is such a classy establishment! The restaurant goes up three floors with a really nice lounge area on the highest floor with a bunch of fun cocktail choices and beer to occupy you while you wait for a table. Also, sweet shrimp chips! The atmosphere of the place is great, it's cozy, clean, and feels really nice, unlike most places in Chinatown. The service is very professional, friendly, and fast! I would say that this would be an awesome place to take a date. They have a pretty wide selection of Vietnamese food, from Pho to vermicelli noodle bowls to meat dishes and crispy noodle dishes as well. We all got the vermicelli noodle bowls, which were around 8.50-9.50 per bowl, and they were excellent! (and generously portioned as well) I would say that the crispy spring rolls are definitely something that is done well here! MMmm. The food came out fast as well! And for people who judge places by their bathrooms, Vietnam restaurant has really nice bathrooms. What a classy joint. Highly recommended. I'll be back soon!
(5)
Alexa R.

I have been here three times, but this was by far my most fun and tasty experience. I attribute it to my company and the fact that I made the right choices! A table of four we were and started with the barbeque platter, which was awesome. It consists of lettuce wrap fixings, stuffed grape leaves, meat kebabs, vermicelli, sauces, chicken and veggies. I had to restrain myself and not fill up too much on apps - a common problem for me. I wanted pho for dinner, but not anything with beef. I initially ordered veggie noodle soup, but our very kind and nice waiter warned me that my soup would be bland if I went that route. I explained that I wanted pho, but could they do it with chicken or veggies? He happily obliged. Everyone else at the table got noodle dishes and I did sneak a bite of my husband's. He ate a lot of it and still had enough left over for lunch. One of my dinner companions made me laugh because she said she once ordered something at Vietnam that was so delicious, but she can't remember what it was and is in a constant quest to figure it out! It was pretty crowded for a Tuesday night, but we had no problems getting a table and having good service.
(4)
Fat T.

The food was ok. Nothing to write home about. I would eat here again if I was craving Vietnamese food.
(3)
Brian M.

So I've done Vietnam Palace (which is across the street) a number of times and recently did Vietnam Restaurant (the older of the two I hear) for a friend's birthday. Very similar places. I think I like the atmosphere better here - however the food is very similar on both sides of the street. I started with a chicken lemon grass soup - which was amazing. I also recommend getting the grilled meat balls and crispy spring rolls off the appetizer menu - my friends got them and the pieces I stole were great. Unfortunately I got the grilled squid which was a bit chewy - but flavorful. Either way I wasn't a fan. For dinner I got the house special broken rice - which was basically jerked meats over rice. Honestly - it worked... but I can appreciate dry meat if it seems like it was done that way on purpose. Either way - I liked it, but not enough to order it again when I go back. I think I'm looking more towards a seafood based dish next time. If you go - be sure to try one of the wacky milk shake flavors. Jack Fruit is a favorite for me. Also - look across Race street for parking - it's cheaper and only a block away.
(3)
Duy N.

This place is pretty good. I've been here two times. First time I got the cubed steak (bo luc lac), a classic viet dish that was actually disappointing wrt my standards. The second time I got the broken rice with shredded pork, pretty tasty. I've never been to the one across the street so I can't compare them. Overall it's a solid vietnamese place. Maybe next time I'll try canh chua & ca co.
(4)
Kristin H.

Not to be confused with Vietnam Palace across the street, they are continually on the mark with simple, cheap and amazingly tasty food
(4)
veronica c.

take-out was ready in 5 minutes. i like this very much. beef lemongras soup = amazingness!!! perfect way to wrap up jan 1 2012, aka national hangover day:)
(4)
Olivia D.

BBQ platter. that's all you need to know. it's somewhat of a misnomer, so you might not know if you haven't had someone else force you to try it... but the BBQ platter includes an array of meats, fried spring rolls, stuffed something-leaves (grapeleaves?) served with rice vermicelli, rice wrappers, fresh veggies and that yummy vietnamese dipping sauce. you can split one platter between 2 hungry people for an entree, or between 3 people if you get something else to supplement. i first tried a BBQ platter as a college freshman 9 years ago, and since then i've always been looking for reasons to go back to this restaurant. a trip to philly isn't complete without my BBQ platter.
(5)
Viviane T.

I'm Vietnamese and when I go to these places, I'm hard to please, however, this restaurant have yet to disappoint me. When living in Philadelphia for six years, I went here almost four times a month and each time that I come here for dinner I always order the BBQ platter. If it's just for two, this platter is more than enough. The dish is a "make it yourself summer roll" filled with spring rolls, chicken stripes, mixed veggies, rice noodles, and meat stuff grape leaves to die for. If you're unsure as to how you would make this mouth watering masterpiece, just ask and they will show you the way. You mix and match the ingredients provided and once wrapped, you dip and eat. I usually dip mine in their lemon/pepper fish sauce, but others like to dip theirs in the peanut sauce provided. Their other dishes are good too, I love their clay pot cat fish, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Their other noodle soup dishes, like the bun bo hue, are delightful and is great during the winter. Upon looking at the prices you might feel that it is over priced, and I do agree, however, for the environment and the quality of food, I feel that it is all worth it (this is the only reason why I'm giving it a 4 star). Their service is prompt, but they do get extremely busy, so if you don't want to wait, call ahead!
(4)
Brian C.

I've only been to Vietnam Rest. once, but they had me at Crispy Spring Rolls... oh yea. Definitely going back. I'll come back with a better review later...
(4)
Ritu K.

I have to say I was pretty disappointed with Vietnam Restaurant. Maybe it was all the anticipation I had of a great meal to be had. The atmosphere is inviting and warm with wood paneled walls (not cheesy or 70s style). The food however left much to be desired for. We probably ordered the wrong things, but something simple such as fresh spring rolls should not be tough and chewy. The pan fried noodles were awful and the basil chicken had little to no flavor (where's the basil). I'm tempted to return and order something else since everyone raves about this restaurant, but there's way too many yummy restaurants in the city to return to one I found mediocre.
(3)
Evann G.

When my fiance told me we were going to dinner at Vietnam for a friend's birthday, I actually asked him what kind of food he thought they served. He was like, umm, Vietnamese food. Well, I thought maybe they had some sort of avant garde or ironic name and they were actually a hot dog place or something. You never know! Anyway, this is my new favorite restaurant. We've been here twice now and it's ruined me for all other food. The beef with broken rice is like a drug. It's actually sort of gross how fast I consume it. The pork clay pot inspires similarly crude behavior. But the food is just so good! We've also tried the Vietnamese ravioli, chicken with broken rice, and chicken clay pot. None of them disappointed, although none stood out as much as the two mentioned above. But! For dessert! You can get corn pudding! And it tastes like the actual DEFINITION of 'delicious.' Seriously, you must try it. Drinks are tasty, fun, and humorously-named. Service has been spotty. But the food! Oh yeah.
(4)
Danielle W.

I am not going to lie- my local Vietnamese place in St. Louis, Missouri is the best Vietnamese that I have ever had in my life. Granted, I love the noodle soups with veggies and tofu, which is really hard to screw up, but there is just something about my hometown joint that just can't be beat!! Vietnam was definitely a good place though- don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my noodle soups with raw tofu, veggies, and a delicious lemongrass martini... The restaurant was small and in the middle of china town- Philly. A little sketchy area filled with the smells of every Asian restaurant mashed together, a familiar smell, but not necessarily one that would make your mouth water. The service was good and the food was pretty good too- We ordered a few cocktails and a spring roll to start... The spring rolls were really yummy and the dipping sauce was nice and lite. Definitely a good start to a great evening. I had the tofu noodle soup bowl, which was alright...not impressed, but the tofu was steamed well. I think that is a plus!! The veggies were loaded into my soup, but there definitely could have been more. My boyfriend got a noodle bowl and it looked great, they loaded up meatballs ontop and lots of noodles on the bottom. He said it was yummy- he couldn't even finish half of it! Everyone else in my party loved their food and thought it was refreshing not to walk out of the restaurant feeling like we had to roll ourselves to the car. Thumbs up Vietnam- even though my local hometown spot is a tab better:)
(3)
Nancy C.

I have been wanting to come to Vietnam for a while, but was so afraid I would be disappointed (we moved here not too long ago & know that all Vietnamese restaurants are not the same). But... IT WAS REALLY GOOD! I absolutely love Bun Ga Nuong (Grilled Chicken & Rice Noodle Bowl) & not only was I not disappointed, it was even better at Vietnam than what I was used to in Albuquerque (sorry, Viet Taste!). My husband had a clay pot seafood dish that he really liked, the seafood was fresh & abundant, with an excellent spiciness (we like spiciness). The staff were efficient, the bathrooms were very clean (yeah!). We will definitely return regularly.
(4)
Kate C.

I forgot how good the food is here. We usually go to Vietnam Palace across the street because of it has a wider range of vegetarian menu items. But today I shook things up and had lunch at Vietnam. Veggie spring roll vermicelli and a Vietnamese iced coffee is a delicious lunch. Not healthy, but thoroughly and completely delicious. The decor is beautiful too.
(4)
Wei T.

Went here for a quick dinner with a friend. Pleasant, quiet atmosphere, with friendly service. I tried the shrimp/pork summer roll and the seafood noodle bowl; both were very good. Prices were low, too!
(3)
Kim G.

They have a stocked bar for cocktails, which is not common in vietnamese restaurants (most of us are lightweights). They've been mentioned in several magazines, which is apparent at the entrance, but probably just for being the one of two vietnamese restaurants in philly with the other one being directly across the street. Other than that, the've got nice napkins...? The service was average, and the vegetarian eggrolls were way below average. Veggie in this case means "no meat," and doesn't mean "vegetables." Go figure! It was a fried not yet golden brown roll, with vermicelli, a mushroom or two and pepper...everywhere. It was so peppery I couldn't taste much else. It was stronger than sriracha. The fish sauce was sugary, without a kick. We have a term in Vietnamese, pronounced "Zuhh-Ehhhggccck!" That's what I told my mom about it. .
(2)
Stephanie B.

Delicious authentic vietnamese food! Restaurant is very clean and more than I expected for the typical asian restaurant. Will definitely come back here when I"m in philly again.
(5)
LaLaLa Lynda L.

Love this restaurant, but I just had a bad experience trying to book a private party with them. This business needs to find someone else to run their private party booking!
(2)
casy r.

Not a good place to enjoy your evening! I came to this restaurant at least once a week. I consider myself is a value customer. But I never impressed about their service. I was at this place for dinner tonight. Service was terrible. I asked the waiter if I can order my meal while I am waiting for my friend at the table. He said "No" and then he replied that he can't take my order until my friend come. He said that it is the rule that his boss has given and they have to follow the rule. On a Monday night at 7pm, there are only two tables occupied. 8 tables are empty. And there were no reservations and no other people waiting. He has to follow the stupid rule and let me wait in the waiting area. I talked to the manager, I can't really believe that this guy sounds even worse. He was so rude and said that if I am not happy then I go Vietnam Palace across the street. Basically he kicked their customers out of their place. His name is Allen but he refused to give me his last name. He also refused to give me his boss contact info. Who is the owner of this restaurant? I don't think it is hard to find out. Does the owner ever know how their employees treat their customers? If the restaurant keeps the service like this, sooner or later the business at this restaurant will be moving to across the street. By the way, Vietnam Palace across the street from Vietnam is a very good restaurant and their food is good and the service is much better than this place. I really feel sorry the owner of this restaurant.
(1)
Jake V.

Recommended by a co-worker, Vietnam supposedly started as a hole-in-the-wall kind of place that worked itself up. And boy, is it impressive. The food is fresh, varied and delightful. The atmosphere is really classy but not too stuffy. And yet, all the prices are reasonable. The only problem is that I've always had to wait to get a seat but I guess it's due to it's earned popularity. On a side note, I also enjoy Vietnam because when ever I get to mention the name, instead of just saying the name, I tend to sing the name to the tune of Van Halen's "Panama". And although Vietnam does not feature David Lee Roth flying around on a wire or a bass guitar shaped like a Jack Daniels bottle (that I know of), it is almost as great.
(5)
Brian K.

It's an Anglo version of Vietnamese food. Everything is OK but not great. Not really spicy, not as authentic, vibrant as the good Vietnamese restaurants that I've been to. As someone else stated, the service is robotic. Bring out food, clean table, etc. but no interaction such as "did you enjoy your food, do you need anything, etc?". It would be better if they at least had a few hot girl servers instead of all guys who just stand up front chatting with each other. Good selection of beer and cocktails but middle of the road food.
(3)
Niki J.

Not to be confused with thier Sister on 814 s 47th. The prices and menu is the same as their sister but the food, decor, atmosphere and smell is typical of any greasy china town resaurants. If you ate at the one on 47th please do not eat at this one on 11th.
(2)
Anna Marie C.

so this place is way too pretty for a vietnamese restaurant. i went for a friend's birthday, and there was a party of 12 of us, and they wouldn't let us make reservations. uh, what? the food was pretty tasty. i got the crispy noodles. the seafood was fairly fresh (my tongue didn't swell from the shrimp, always a good sign...) and everyone else seemed to enjoy their food too. the barbecue platter looked tasty...and so did the crispy spring rolls. but it helps that the mai tai was ridiculously strong, so probably anything would have tasted good. lastly....why were the drinks way more expensive in their "bar saigon" area than on their regular menu?
(3)
Holly H.

Really good, often crowded, 3 levels of great food that really out among the other Chinatown clutter. Good prices on food and drinks, hit or miss service (is the only reason they're not sitting on a 5 star spot)
(4)
Waide H.

The very first time that I ate at Vietnam was quite a while ago when it was only one building, and the atmosphere was just perfect. The service was excellent and the food was out of this world! I have very good, fond memories of the place and I look forward to eating there again sometime soon, as soon as someone is willing to go with me.....only joking! Again, it is a really good place to have some really good food!
(5)
matt h.

Vietnam is a nicer alternative to the typical Chinatown place. Inside it is pretty large and easily accommodates larger tables. This place was very authentic and their menu was extensive as well. Also, our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and it's items. The menu does a good job of thoroughly explaining items that would be unfamiliar to someone not accustomed to Vietnam cuisine. Even though it was about 80% crowded our service was VERY fast which impressed our whole table. I ordered the Tom Do Tau Xi Crawfish with Black Bean and it was a hefty serving and tasted great. They also have a nice selection of specialty drinks including some with 151 that do the job. I had the Vietnamese beer, 333, which was great. I will be definitely be returning here in the future.
(4)
kate s.

do not confuse this with the one right across the street with the same name...? THE ONE BY THE POLICE STaTION IS THE ONE!!! the staff that works there is fast, friendly, and helpful. I left my stupid scarf there and they had it still after two months under the front desk in a bag. Not crumpled in a pile. (thank you). I have been going there since college...any broken rice dish is excellent for children, the grape leaves are excellent...the food is fresh and the portions are huge. I have always had f ast service so you can totally fit in a lunch there...and not sit there forever in a big group waiting for food , that's so annoying right! try a rainbow ice! its a ping pang in your mouth.
(5)
T. B.

I came here at noon on a Saturday for lunch and we were seated right away (although it got busy very quickly). We ordered a lot of food for 3 people - 3 appetizers, 3 entrees, and some drinks. Bill came to 65 before tip, which I thought was a little pricey for a Vietnamese restaurant. But then again, it's a lot nicer and cleaner than most. The portions were huge, food was just ok, and they didn't have many pure vegetarian options. However the staff was helpful in concocting customized veggie dishes for us, so that was nice. I thought the vermicelli noodles, fried spring rolls, 3 bean drink, and non fried spring rolls were pretty tasty. The pancake was less crispy than I would have liked. I would def come here again.
(3)
Tamiz M.

Really good, really fresh... lots of fresh veggies and herbs. I have been to many Vietnamese places in many cities, this place is real, authentic, fresh Vietnamese cuisine! The BBQ platter is perfect for two people! There are lots of smokey flavors, which I love!
(5)
Tracey H.

Best spring rolls ever! Nobody in the city can beat their spring rolls, and trust me I have tasted alot of spring rolls around the city of Philadelphia, and New York, and The Vietnam Resturant comes out on top!
(5)
Jo S.

Best spring rolls. Every time I am in Philly I have to make a stop here for the bun vermicelli with chicken and spring rolls. Consistently excellent food and nice atmosphere.
(5)
Jessica C.

Very nice lunch spot! Prompt service, affordable and tasty food. (The spring rolls are amazing!) Will definitely be back, can't wait to try other things on the menu.
(4)
Cynthia A.

Best Vietnamese food in Philadelphia. Service is always good and the food is consistently excellent.
(5)
Eric J.

Food is fairly good, and it has a pleasant atmosphere.
(3)
Chris P.

Perhaps Vietnam was too hyped, but I prefer Pho Ha in south Philly.
(2)
Courtney J.

I wish I could give Vietnam 3.5 stars. I bumped it up to 4 for two reasons - the ambience and the service. The restaurant decor is nice and clean, especially for those who are wary of other Chinatown establishments. Our waiter was brutally honest, which I appreciate, and let us know which dishes NOT to order (shouldn't everything on the menu be good?) The spring rolls were tasty, probably not the best I've ever had though. The portion was very generous so it filled me up. It's a good thing because the pho was the smallest I've ever seen (like cereal bowl size). Perfect for a child, but not a hungy man. Next time I think I'll try a BBQ dish instead.
(4)
Matt A.

OK. I'll settle this issue and we can be done with these guys for now. If you have never had Vietnamese or are a new comer to the food you will think you have been dropped off in the jungle and need to get shots before leaving so you don't get some disease from the pickled veggies. Otherwise, you might have gone to other Vietnamese Places where the food is --how we say "LESS --SAFE". If it is your first time there you will love it and you should get the BBQ platter and maybe another appetizer or entree' but don't overdo it no need to waste your time because it really does all taste the same They follow a strict robotic favor profile that works here in Philly where most people just have not been exposed to more of this excellent cuisine. Play it safe here and don't expect to get something unique and really good in China Town Philadelphia will get the most blan or blan in every sense of the Asian experience in Chinatown Philly style. We really need to upgrade that whole area...its gotten a pass for too long and just renovations and ducks in the window are not going to cut it moving forward as the more authentic and flavor-full Asian meals will be found in the burbs or corners of the Philly areas as we move forward. It is a shame that Chinatown doesn't get better represented because the phone area --like other cities --- could provide a cool cultural experience -- enough preaching city planning and cultural cuisine. Go if you want a good safe Vietnam Meal --BBQ Platter is Best with a Lime/Lemon Iced-Tea. Oh...and watch out for parking....they will love to write you a ticket on your visit to Chinatown...go across Vine to parking lot or find a spot with 2 hours. Don't park behind the 11th street police station --its their personal lot and they will tow you. Peace...Out. Matty
(3)
Kelly W.

I vote Vietnam Restaurant for the best crispy veggie spring rolls! No other vietnamese place has the same crispy texture. They tend to be flakey rather than this sizzly, bubbly, crunchy texture. I love the cold vermicelli dishes and the bok choy is wonderful. The catfish claypot was somewhat salty, but very tasty. Vietnam Restaurant has a very calm, quiet feel. Dark wood with minimal decorations give it a clean, sleek look. So far, it remains to be my favorite vietnamese place in Philly.
(4)
Luke L.

Stop reading this and go eat some food. I always get the salt and pepper chicken, I suggest you do the same!
(4)
Brian S.

Went on Christmas Eve 2009. Got there early, which was good, as it filled up 30 minutes after we got there. Clean, orderly place. Neighborhood is a bit sketchy, so be careful walking, particularly on side streets. Service was friendly and efficient. Food was excellent. I got spring rolls - fantastic. Unlike any I've had elsewhere. I got the vermicilli noodle bowl with various barbecue meat toppings. Absolutely delicious. Meat barbecue flavors I'd never tasted, plus some crisp and cold vegetables thrown in for contrast. Sorry, can't remember what my dining partner got, but he thought his was excellent as well. Very inexpensive, for what you get. Again, very clean, which I really like in a restaurant. Only thing I wasn't crazed about was the Vietnamese iced coffee. It was expensive, for a small glass with no refills, and it was really no different than many iced coffees I've had elsewhere. I would definitely go back.
(5)
Jason M.

We have a ole' time saying in Philadelphia that goes a little something like this... "Fuck youse" You don't like this place? You think youse better then this restaurant? Fuck youse. It could be less crowded anyhows if all the haters split and went to NYC based Penang which sux balls. 1st and foremost, let's get this outta da way: The spring rolls are the stuff of legends. Now moving on... This is not a Pho house nor a noodle house though they have both, it's a BBQ place. Try the charbroiled pork, beef, chicken or shrimps. Get broken rice combination and add spring rolls or squids or even the pork chops. It comes on the bone and as everyone is well aware meat taste better on the bone. Oh, you're squeamish about bones? Fuck youse. And the drinks? OMG the drinks. My inner Bukowski(that's my livers pet name) screams with anticipation. It's tropical kitch paradise: Zombie with 151, Scorpians, Navy Grog, Mai Tai and the boku dinky dow of all drinks: The Flaming Volcano. The menu calls it a drink for lovers to be shared. I recommend 1 per head with a friendly race to the bottom. FYI don't drink the puddle of 151 while it's still on fire. Other highlights here are the salt and pepper seafood, the BBQ platter app is good every once in a while, papaya salad with beef jerky, and the raw flank steak appetizer(oh, raw meat makes you even more squeamish den bones? Youse knows the answer) Skip the stir fries and hot pots.
(5)
Eric H.

Now this is what I'm talking about. Great Vietnamese food. I brought my boss here, who is Vietnamese, and he agreed the food is great and really authentic. Their crispy rolls are awesome. Only place with better crispy rolls is a place called Tu Lan in San Francisco. I could eat here every day. Best broken rice dishes I've ever had. Crispy noodles, vermicelli, coconut drink, yum, yum!
(5)
Ivy L.

This is a great Vietnamese place I recommend to all my friends. We love their food and the restaurant is cute. Just do yourself a favor and make sure you have the right place. There is a place just across the street that looks nicer and its called Vietnam Palace... no good! Check out Vietnam
(5)
Emanuel K.

I've been here, as well as to its across-the-street-rival Vietnam Palace countless times, and to be honest I don't think I could differentiate between the two in a blind taste test. If I had to pick one, this one would win on the basis of atmosphere alone. I've tried literally dozens of their dishes and I don't think I've ever had a single thing that wasn't tasty. There are a couple dishes, however, which I can always rely on, such as the charbroiled pork and vermacelli (classic) and the salt and pepper shrimp (unreal). Let me tell me tell you about these shrimp. Actually, forget that, just order them next time you go.
(5)
Jason J.

This place is amazing! It's hard not to stop in when I'm in the area. My favorite food is the Vietnamese Meatballs. The service is really fast, too. The place isn't that big, so if you can, an early arrival might ensure your seated right away.
(5)
Anonymous R.

I visited this place since it got many good reviews. The atmosphere is nice, with a second floor with more tables. Most of the diners were American. The food was ok, portion sizes were smaller than typical Vietnamese dishes, and were the perfect size. There are no vegetarian Pho options if your friends are vegetarian. I would come here again for the atmosphere.
(3)
Lidia B.

I've been going to this place since, as everyone refers to it, the hole in the wall. My parents have known this family for ages. I must agree this place is hit or miss, but the cha gio is the best in the city, or anywhere really. Rather they the usually egg roll wrapper everyone else uses, they use banh chang, which is much more difficult to roll, and produces a very crispy light texture that makes this dish very pleasant. Also good here is their banh cuon, which is minced pork with wood's ear rolled in rice noodle, served with fresh steamed bean sprouts and herbs. On nights we're just in the mood for a traditional home cooked Vietnamese dinner. We'll order the salt baked squid served crispy and salty with fresh hot peppers, sauteed baby bok choy with garlic, and braised fish in a great caramelized sauce. All complimented with sweet jasmine rice. Washed down with a traditional spicy sour soup. The staff is friendly and the restaurant is comfortable. Not all restaurants have 100% fool proof menu's and this one is not an exception, give it a try, and when you find what you like stick with it because I guaranteed you won't find it better anywhere else!
(4)
Alison C.

Always delicious! Yum!
(4)
di z.

The food wasnt very vibrant, as I imagined it would be. I waited a long time to try vietnamese, and I was disappointed I guess. My seafood dish was a soup of brine. Couldnt taste much of it. I dont think I would go again, maybe if someone recommended it very intensely.
(2)
Oski B.

Not as cheap as the Vietnamese places on Washington between 16th and the Italian Market, but definitely a better atmosphere. Food is served nearly as soon as you place your order so there's not much time to build up an appetite. Come hungry!
(4)
Dan M.

We were looking for a place where we could get in with a party of 6 right away around 7 PM on a Saturday night without having to wait. We gave Vietnam Restaurant a shot and could not have been happier with the outcome. We got in right away and had prompt service throughout the meal. We got the crispy spring roll appetizer which my wife and I thought was delicious. I got the shrimp curry and was very pleased. My friend got a crawfish dish that was excellent. I'm not from Philly and can't compare with the other restaurants in the area but I feel confident in saying this is one well worth checking out!
(5)
Melissa D.

The veggie spring rolls are off the hook!! I've been coming here for years, both eat-in and take out (if you call ahead they do curbside service so you don't even have to get out of the car!!) and everything I've tried has been fresh and delicious. I'm a fan of the shrimp vermicelli, but I also love the claypots and nothing beats the spicy lemongrass soup in the winter. I haven't had the pho yet but it seems to be a favorite and I'm sure its great!
(4)
Brandon S.

Wow, I can't believe all the great reviews of this place! I travel 100% for work and have done so the last 9 years. Therefore, I eat out almost every night of the week. I have also spent quite a bit of time in Asia for work and I can honestly say this is probably the worst Asian food I've had in the States. I ordered a noodle dish and the noodles were completely charred. Every bite tasted like burnt charcoal. This is the first bad review I've ever written on yelp. The two stars is only because the service was really good and the ambiance was nice.
(2)
Shaman S.

fast service, clean, tasty, and authentic. It's always a good experience visiting Vietnam! My favorite joint in Philly!
(5)
Lucinda D.

Great food, nice ambiance, cheap. Another great dinner at Vietnam!
(5)
Jake P.

Boy that picture is misleading. That's not how this place is at all. For those that prefer a classier (used loosely) atmosphere to Chinatown, this restaurant is crowded, cozy, and a bit more aesthetically pleasing than you'll find a few blocks south. Still, as Jennifer rightly pointed out, the food is much blander, the portions aren't as humbling, and the price is 75% higher. Vietnamese food is a messy-good-time. That said, unless you're such a lush where you need a cocktail widdit, I see no reason to slop up Pho here. Between what's popping on Race Street and Washington Ave., there's plenty of better places, for less money, with a more fun/authentic feel.
(2)
Sue H.

quick review... :D prb one of my favorite vietnamese restaurants in CC (for PHOs (beef noodle soup) go to washington ave like...nam phuong (11th and washington) corner of the shopping center order beef cubes if pho's not ur thing) since its humble beginnings VR have stayed true to their customers by keeping the menu consistent over the years... FOOD: MUST HAVES: BBQ platter... feeds a good party of 4... basically it's ur VR version of pu pu platter with rice paper and veggies... (fyi... extra rice paper will cost ya!!) Vermicelli with crispy spring rolls (ADD MEAT) vs the other way around... you'll get more spring rolls this way:D... havta say they have THE best crispy spring rolls around... don't know how they do it... but it's prb THE thing that made me a regular at this place... (fyi...comes with sprinkling of peanuts...so for those who are allergic...just ask to omit it) why 4stars?? unfortunately prices have gone up over the yrs... i mean for something that used to $4.95 that's now close to $10 think it's a bit excessive... AND also... being that it's a vietnamese restaurant most pho lovers would be left disappointed for their soup base flavor and portion size (esp for those who've eaten in s.philly)...
(4)
Coley W.

I've been coming to Vietnam Restaurant for years, since long before it morphed into a slick upscale eatery. Back in the day, it was just another hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant. To tell the truth, I kind of miss the hole in the wall place. I really miss the hole in the wall prices. But one thing that has remained constant over the years is the fried spring rolls. They are the best in the world. Seriously, I've been all over the country and I've spent a considerable amount of time in Vietnam and I feel confident that Vietnam Restaurant's spring rolls are the best. Not only that, but the vegetarian rolls are just as good as the meat filled ones. Outside of the spring rolls, the menu can be hit or miss. But who cares? (The writing in Playboy can a little over the top, but I'm not buying the magazine for the articles, now am I?) Just get an order of spring rolls and an order of bun with spring rolls on top and wash it down with a Tiger Beer. Then make a mental note to go running the next day.
(4)
Eugene B.

There is a reason why Vietnam Restaurant has been on Philadelphia's Top 50 Restaurants for a few years and that is because the food is just killer. My family and I have been going since 1997 when the restaurant was still a hole in the wall, but as they've changed the interior of the restaurant the food remained the same with it's authentic tastes. Try the bbq platter, the vermicelli dishes are great as well as the Chicken with basil. You really can't go wrong with the food here. I've taken all my close friends to this place and they still continue to go. The only bad part is trying to find street parking. Enjoy!
(4)
Daniel H.

This place is nice, pretty snug. I've had my share of pho before and I've never seen anything as skimpy on the size of the dish, that's not to say its bad. The spring rolls were excellent. Service was mediocre, its kind of like the factory atmosphere I've seen from other peoples reviews. I'd give it 4 stars if the soup was bigger and the service friendlier. I'll definitely be back and hope it's a little better next time.
(3)
Ti L.

I went there again and had to add another star. I'm never disappointed with this place and I've tried something new each time. The lemongrass pork chops, saigon noodles, crispy duck, the chinese broccoli... my mouth is watering just thinking about it... go eat there! And you have to try the summer roll #6... the peanut sauce has a kick! Small little building, but good ambiance for a date or dinner with friends.
(5)
Kent W.

There's a minimum you have to order to eat here. No problem. The food was average. No problem. At least give me freaking hot bowl of pho or a bigger bowl dammit; the broth was bland. The spring roll could use a lot of work. My first impression wasn't great, and I don't intend to come back. Back across the street...(I was nice enough to leave 3 stars --- punk)
(3)
Mai H.

Not bad food - Not excellent either. They have really gone down hill. Used to be one of my favorite places to go, now I find the food is bland and overpriced. Not authentic anymore. And what's with not leaving the Sriracha on the table and making me ask for it?? Er rather, I had to "steal" it from the table next to us because the waiter took forever to come back/ Want reasonably priced and really good vermicelli dishes, head to Pho Saigon on Columbus Blvd.
(3)
Nicole V.

I am torn between 3 and 4 stars...The last time I was here it was an agonizing wait; granted it was a Friday evening but still for arriving at 7:40 and for 3 people to not be seated until 9 is just crazy. Maybe I would have gone elsewhere if they had been honest about the wait time, but they said 20 min. On a Friday night after waiting for a while we didn't want to go elsewhere and have to wait even longer to eat so we stuck it out. I will never do that again. Their food is good though and reasonably priced. I would like to give Vietnam 4 stars for their yummy food and prices, but the wait and unhelpful staff really let me down last time I visited, especially since I talked this place up to a friend and then we had to wait while starving.
(3)
Addy W.

Best noodle bowls and spring rolls in the land! Portions are gargantuan!
(5)
David F.

IF you like bland, gloppy Vietnamese food aimed at suburbanites then this is the place for you.
(1)
whitney h.

Vietnam offers a classy place place with decent service and excellent traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The decor is nice and not gaudy like some other Vietnamese restaurants on 11th and Race. The service is brisk but courteous they keep it moving. What stands out is how great the food is. Enjoy
(4)
Robert C.

Disappointing is the name of my experience here at Vietnam Restaurant and Saigon Bar. Both are housed in the same building, with the restaurant occupying the first two stories and the bar lounge taking up the third. They don't take reservations. Fine. My party of 6 to 7 all show up within a 15 minute window of each other for an early dinner on Friday night - 7:00 pm. Myself and one other person were the first to show. We were super hungry and thought that we could get spring rolls or something while we waited at the bar with our drinks. We were informed that there was NO FOOD ALLOWED at the bar (except for the disgusting shrimp chips that dry out your tongue - weak, especially since we were vegetarian). So we wait. When everyone shows up, the bar staff indicates that because we have 7 people instead of six, we're going to have to wait at least 30 minutes. Fine.. I'm starving, but I drink up my calories and enjoy the company. 50 minutes later they tell us it'll be at least another five minutes as the party is paying. 10 minutes after that we all trooped downstairs to be seated. When we get down to the second floor - the room is half empty. Many many tables were all empty. Seriously... wtf? Now if all of this resulted in delicious Vietnamese food - all would have been forgiven and forgotten. Instead - the seafood my friends got were consistently over cooked... I had more grease in my vegetable chow fun noodles than noodles... and the rice noodle with spring roll was simplistic in flavor (i.e. salt, salt, and more salt). Yuk. Why two stars despite the disappointment? They certainly didn't get any stars for the food.... First star - The decor was decent and the lounge-y ambience of the bar comfortable... their cocktail menu also contributes to this star. Second star - They at least have it together to coordinate between the maitre'd and the bar staff upstairs so that provided you don't have to wait an hour for your table, you can get seated reasonably fast.
(2)
Chrissy R.

I like Vietnam better than Vietnam Palace. The food is just better here. One time I ordered a crazy chinatown cocktail called "Virgin's Downfall" and the waiter in his horribly accented English says to me "After this-Virgin NO MORE" which I'm sure he practised forever and says it all the time, but I don't care. He's and by extension, Vietnam won.
(4)
Mimi H.

it is ridiculous how good this place is. despite the fact that i get the same thing EVERY SINGLE TIME I EAT THERE, it is out of this world delicious. i suggest the crispy noodles with vegetables (without mushrooms, unless you like mushrooms, in which case there's something wrong with you anyway) and the fried tofu. you'd think something as simple as fried tofu can't be THAT good, but then you'd be wrong. i'm always pleasantly full, but not uncomfortably so when i leave. also, if you're a fancy pants like my friend pete "gatsby", you can just get gin and some ice cream.
(5)
Jenn H. H.

the smaller, swankier, and mahogany ensconsed vietnamese restaurant on 11th, right across the street from its arch nemesis, vietnam palace. i've been going to this place for an extremely long time, long before it got its fancy multi-million dollar renovation and used to be a crappy ass dive. seriously, it was a hole. the food is still good, fresh, and still very reasonably priced. not that i have anything against the more divey vietnamese places (i loves em) sometimes, it's nice to have a bit of ambiance. so for good vietnamese with ambiance, this is the place. plus, they have those huge and strong drinks you can share, like the flaming volcano!
(4)
Madeleine Q.

their BBQ Platter is a MUST TRY. they keep increasing the price but its definitely worth getting especially as a shared appetizer dish. their pho is small in portion but tasty. Also, their pork chop and broken rice dish is surprisingly good--not oily and fatty but juicy and clean.
(4)
Tony O.

Vermacelli with meatballs and spring rolls. very good.
(5)
Ann L.

OK so I visit my brother in Philly maybe max 3 weekends a year, and we ALWAYS go to this restaurant. we ALWAYS get the same dishes...the bun (rice noodles )with either the mixed meats (for the boys) or grilled chicken (for me). SOOOO TASTY. I've eaten this dish countless places, in more authentic restaurants, across Vietnam, orange county in california (the mecca of vietnamese food), at home. And this by far takes the top spot (sorry mom!). A little pricey for what you actually get but the place looks so much nicer and cleaner than your average vietnamese restaurant. The service is good. Order extra carrot/radish pickles!!
(5)
Projectshave L.

I adore fish in claypot with Vietnamese caramel sauce (nuoc mau). The version here is not that good. The sauce was too salty, kind of thin. And it was more expensive than the cheap Vietnamese places I usually go to.
(2)
Brian C.

Surefire winner on most any day here. Interior has a warm and inviting feel since their updated French colonial renovation years ago-- skirts the balance between atmospheric and convivial. The diverse, clean flavors evident in the cooking are consistently well-executed: rich and vivid w/o feeling heavy-handed. Had an amazing meal of fish in a clay pot here; would recommend just about anything in a clay pot! Great Bun (vermicelli), Goi Cuon (summer rolls), Cha Gio (spring rolls) and soups. Very affordable, and way better for food and decor than rival Vietnam Palace across the street. Indelibly wedded to my love of Vietnamese food...
(5)
John F.

This is one of our favorite places in Philadelphia. The food is great, very reasonably priced, and the service is solid. I love the lime chicken, my wife loves the chicken and broken rice. The crispy spring rolls are amazing.
(5)
Mum D.

Vietnam blew my mind. Not that it's perfect. For example our server forgot to bring us those famous bean sprouts with lime and cilantro, which accompany all noodle dishes. And the chicken in my noodle soup could have been better. The broth however was perfect. Ambiance is cozy and cool at the same time-a rare combination. Only tried one dish but surely will be back for more.Wish it was closer to my house so I could try the whole menu. And what about the drinks list? Mmm, enticing!Maybe I'll move:-)
(4)
miss l.

2 and a half stars. i've been going to this place since i was a child and wow how it's changed every year for the worse.... the quality of the food has fallen DRAMATICALLY. the service has varied, when i went as a child, the servers were wonderfully polite. over the years, i had some bad experiences with the wait staff there. now its just "ok". the thing that kills me is the quality of the food. used to be the best vietnamese place i could ever imagine.. now its just EHH. last time i went, they didnt even give me basil with my pho and bun. and the bean sprouts were old as hell. ALSO big problem here... they need to dust/clean big time... their floors and windows are FILTHY. too bad you can't get in a time machine, cos only then would i recommend this place.
(2)
Charlotte K.

The food here was delicious. The service was terrible. We were sent upstairs as a larger party, then the man serving up there proceeded to address us rudely and abruptly, not only refusing to answer several questions but treating us as if asking were an insult ("do you have decaf coffee?" "do you have summer rolls?" being two of our extraordinary and bizarre requests. ) Probably wouldn't go again.
(3)
Mike E.

The food is nice. The starters are better than the main courses, and can fill you up. My personal favorite is the meat balls with the rice paper. The service is good. They will let you sit only once the entire group is present.
(4)
Paige W.

I have yet to find a more unstuffed but satisfied kind of full than the one I get from a delicious bowl of chicken vermacelli here. But I am still trying to find a good appetizer and dessert to accompany it. Any ideas? I'm not into the spring rolls. But the entrees are killer - just be sure to get there at an off time or you'll be relegated to the across-the-street and slightly less good Vietnam Palace.
(4)
Art S.

We have been going to this restaurant since their earliest days of being open. Last night, after having nor been there for a few years, we went back and the food was as fantastic as ever. The meals were delicious - appetizers to entrees and the look and feel of the place is just as perfect. Can't recommend it enough.
(5)
Alex M.

The atmosphere and service are very fine. The space is large, generous, and welcoming, and the staff are lovely. It's also a pleasure to eat in this neighborhood and to be surrounded by this particular demographic (the diversity of the neighborhood and the University proximity clearly help account for the fact that the casual diners who frequent this place give off more of a hip, aware, NYC-like vibe than is usual for Philadelphia). I'm not in Philly enough to have eaten here a second time yet, but on our first visit my two friends and I found the food to be solid although not stellar. Will definitely return soon, though, for all the good points mentioned above.
(4)
Jessica E.

Vietnam has fast and friendly service, delicious and reasonably priced food, and a clean and chic dining area. What more could you want? Although I should clarify that when I say delicious food, I am really only speaking about one item, which is the house special vermicelli (used to be #37, but I believe they changed it to #46) because that is all that I have ever had. Every time I go to Vietnam, I feel like I should try something new, but I just cannot bring myself to pass up the opportunity to enjoy this tasty dish that includes a variety of meats, vegetables, and spring rolls over thin rice noodles. It's a substantial portion that really could be two meals, but somehow I always eat the whole thing because apparently I have a Vietnamese food addiction problem. (Actually that addiction also goes for food from other Asian countries as well as hamburgers.) I have also enjoyed the lemongrass martini here on several occasions, which I would highly recommend.
(5)
Alex s.

You must order the spring rolls. They are unparalleled. It has gotten a little pricier over the years, but it has an upscale modern atmosphere. Also the corn rice pudding is worth a try.
(5)
Bootsy L.

I'd be a bigger fan if there wasn't such a wait for the table but, my goodness!!!, starting with the veg spring rolls all but made up for that. A great deal on a not-so-great street in the City of Brotherly Love. It's my fave place in town and remains my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the NE.
(5)
Susan L.

Decent food, but I'm not sure I'd go back. The chicken dishes my bf and I had tasted like reheated chicken. The veggie spring rolls that everyone raves about were not good--they tasted soapy. Friends we went with had veggie tofu dishes that they loved and come to Vietnam for. Perhaps this is a hit or miss kind of restaurant. Nice atmosphere and decor.
(3)
diana f.

Mmm, this place is delicious. The food tastes like it should be really expensive, when it's actually very reasonably priced. The atmosphere is decent, although sometimes I felt like the tables were a little too close and you're dining with the stranger sitting next to you. We went here for Valentine's Day last year and it was a really good meal. I have to agree with the person who recommended the spring rolls. You're only getting half the experience if you don't try them!
(4)
RESPECT MY A.

Hungover? GO HERE! get the sweet and sour chicken soup or some beef pho and call it a day. or.... dont call it a day until you've had some crispy veggie spring rolls, beef jerky papaya salad, char-grilled shrimp and an iced vietnamese coffee too. oh my god im ADDICTED.
(5)
stephanie x.

This place gets by on the fancier and more Americanized decor compared to their Chinatown counterparts. We walked in and the first thing I realized was all the patrons were non-Asian. It was the first red flag. The second was that the decor was completely Americanized. The ambiance is much more suited for a romantic dinner than a typical Chinatown restaurant where the servers are running amuck and patrons are talking loudly. Also be prepared to spend at least twice as much as a "real" Vietnamese restaurant. We ordered the shrimp rolls and it came out smelling like it's been sitting in week old wet towels. We had to ask the server to take it back due to the smell. The server told us it was the smell of the wrapper. I don't know who he thinks he is fooling, but it's not the first time we have had shrimp rolls, and we know it's not supposed to stink like MILDEW. The main dishes admittedly did not stink, but the flavors (or lack thereof) were terrible. It's by far the WORST restaurant I've ever been to, anywhere in the world. I'd give it zero stars if I could.
(1)
Scott J.

The food has always been fantastic at Vietnam. Can't beat the quality of food for the price. We drive from NJ all the time to go here!
(5)
Richie R.

probably one of the favorite asian food eateries (other than penang) for white people to go to. nevertheless, no matter where you're from, you'll definitely agree the food is totally awesome! as any good place, it gets packed on weekends and no, you cant make reservations, so try and check it out during the week. the bbq platter is a must!!! the drinks are also fruity and will get you more tipsy than you would expect. vietnamese coffee is also very good. absolutely worth checking out, if only during the week.
(4)
Janet l.

my favorite restaurant in philly! the food here is great, and i also love the dark shiny wood decor inside. the service is also very fast and friendly, even when they're busy. and the prices are quite low considering how great everything is. i love vietnam!
(5)
Sharon G.

Great deal and good vegetarian options! I can eat Vietnamese soup again!! Yay!
(4)
Lee Ann D.

Right now, Vietnam is my very favorite restaurant in Philly. The spring rolls are nice and crunchy - perfect with vermicelli. The egg noodle soup was tasty and just the right size (just big enough that it's still hot when you get to the bottom of the bowl). Fresh food, great service, and inexpensive. Plus, the bathrooms are probably the nicest in Chinatown.
(5)
Caroline C.

Edible, but not great by any means or authentic. I am giving it 3 stars because the service was good and it was clean.
(3)
Nnamdi B.

First things first: anyone who thinks the competition across the street even compares to Vietnam Restaurant gets the gas face. With that said, this place is, to use an already overused/corny/strained sports analogy, the Stockton to my Malone. It has fed me some great meals over the years and is frighteningly consistent considering its longevity. I recommend the chicken basil and anything involving either spring rolls or pork chops. The meats have a fresh, smoky flavor to them, the broken rice is perfectly cooked, the portions are forgiving, and the bok choy is one of the best spice sponges I've come across at any restaurant. I haven't tried the pho yet - that's the only reason why I'm withholding a star for the time being. To wit: Last time I went here, I noticed a copy of "Myth of the Welfare Queen" that was chilling above the bar as part of the decor. Even if the food here wasn't awesome, that's worth three stars all by itself. As far as reviews go, it's that kind of attention to detail that keeps my praise high and my sarcasm low.
(4)
Viv V.

I am Vietnamese and I live in Westminster, CA (aka Little Saigon). I can say with fair certainty that I know Vietnamese cooking. That being said, I didn't expect much from such a clean restaurant where half the employees don't know Vietnamese and all the customers are Caucasian. We ordered: - goi du du bo kho: What the heck? Smelled like BBQ/Chinese herbs? They totally used the wrong rao thom. ): AND NO PEANUTS?! Peanuts are essential to the taste of this dish!! It's a topping but it's like a burger without cheese or ketchup, or pizza without the crust. I was really disappointed cause I love goi du du. And the kho bo was too sweet and strong. And they had cai chua on the side. so many things wrong. o_o - bo tai chanh: Pretty good. Came with 2 slices of lemon. I used up at least 5 more slices on top of that. :P Peanutsss thank goodness. But needs more rau thom and there were no onions, which usually accompany this dish. And why is there cai chua?! They just love to add that cai chua everywhere. - cha gio: Good. Crunchy. - gio cuon: Too much bun. o_o Like entirely bun and not much else. And no hanh. And their peanut butter/hoisin sauce was lacking. MORE PEANUTS PLEASE. - com tam thit nuong: I didn't even try this. But my aunt and uncle seemed to be okay with it. - mi xao don thap cam: Okay. The fried noodle basket didn't seem that fresh, but it wasn't completely off the shelf at the store either. The stir fry thap cam was okay. They all kinda taste the same to me. All in all, it's not authentic. It doesn't have the aroma of Vietnamese cooking, of the fish sauces and all the herbs and spices melding in a steamy simmering broth. Peanuts were severely lacking. I stress that because it's a main ingredient in many dishes and sauces. This place is alright if you want a mild version of Vietnamese food and are looking to skip the smell (both the stinky and good) of authentic Vietnamese.
(2)
Veruca S.

I love this place. You can taste the fresh ingredients! The menu selection has something for everyone. The setting is intimate, informal and cozy. The staff is fun and friendly. The pricing is amazingly affordable. I can't say one bad thing about this place. I love most all of their dishes.
(4)
Heather D.

What a delicious find in Chinatown! Went here with an old friend to catch up over a few drinks. After perusing the drink menu, we decided to be efficient and ordered the Volcano drink for two. It was your typical rum-juice drink served in a huge porcelain cup with a small divet in the middle (the volcano) filled with Bacarda 151 that was on fire. It was a great start to a fantastic meal. While the drink was large, I don't think it was that strong. After perusing other Yelp reviews, we decided to order the Vietnamese Ravioli, a combination Vermicelli Dish and the Pork Clay Pot. The Vietnamese Ravioli certainly gets points for being different, but I can't say that I'd order it again. It may be better if it was a litter spicier, or maybe the rice-wine-based dipping sauce was spicy. The Vermicelli dish was excellent. It came with pork, chicken, a type of ground meat log and a vegetarian spring roll. All the meats were seasoned exceptionally well. The ground meat log (sort of like a ground lamb kabob) was a little difficult to eat without a knife, but I persevered. At the bottom of the bowl was a variety of cucumber and carrot that helped offset the blandness of the noodles. My friends Pork Clay Pot was very good as well, set in a sweet, spicy sauce. He finished it all! Since it was a slow Sunday evening, the service was very quick and attentive. While the food could have been a bit spicier, the presentation and attention to detail made up for it. I would highly recommend this place to someone who may be unfamiliar with Vietnamese food. They will definitely want more!
(4)
Khoi L.

I'm Vietnamese and whenever I have a craving, this is the place I goto. My personal favorite is anything in the claypot. Fish in a claypot in particular. Comes with rice and the catfish is cooked in this hot pot. Salt and pepper chicken is good too.
(4)
Hannah K.

I haven't dined in the restaurant, only had takeout, but let me tell you, this has to be the best Vietnamese food in Chinatown. Their fried spring rolls (#4 cha gio) , and the lemongrass marinated pork with rice & a fried egg (#31 com tam suon nuong) is YUMMY! It's so om nom nom nom nommy! They gave me a good sized portion for take out, with 2 porkchops, a huge fried egg, a whole container of white rice & a container of fish sauce. The fried spring rolls also came pre cut, which I love! A great plus for me is that it's only a couple blocks from my apartment. A definite win-win for me. But the only downside is....... It's pricey, compared to the great Viet restaurants on Washington ave. But I guess you're paying for the location.
(4)
Jaime J.

Oh my gosh, I love this place! I have yet to find anything that compares in Pittsburgh - and I probably never will. Most places in Pittsburgh are small and cafe-like...even dirty. Not VR. VR is beautiful and elegant - and so is the food. Everything is fresh and you can see it and taste it. I love getting the lemongrass soup with the fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime on the side. My typical order is #46 and #93, which would be the fresh tofu spring rolls and sate chicken with wide rice noodles. The basil chicken is also very good. They use all white meat chicken, too...which is nice. They have a nice bar - you should try the flaming volcano! The vietnamese coffee is very good too. A dark, chicory coffee served with sweetened, condensed milk.
(4)

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Address : 221 N 11th St
Philadelphia, PA, 19107
Phone (215) 592-1163
Website https://www.eatatvietnam.com/vr_contact.php
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Vietnam Restaurant

221 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107

Vietnam Restaurant Menu

Appetizers

Noodle Soup

Rice Platter

Traditional Soup

Meats

Dessert

Healthy Meal suggestions for Vietnam Restaurant

Appetizers

Noodle Soup

Rice Platter

Traditional Soup

Meats

Dessert

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