Best of 13 vietnamese restaurants in San Jose
When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, San Jose is a foodie's paradise. With a diverse range of Vietnamese restaurants, diners can enjoy traditional Pho, Banh Mi, and Spring Rolls, as well as innovative fusion dishes. These restaurants not only offer delicious food but also a chance to experience the rich culture and flavors of Vietnam, right in the heart of San Jose.
1. PHỞ HÀ NỘI SAN JOSE
Family-owned, Friendly service, Fast delivery
A group of friends, including one from San Jose, asked for pho recommendations in Orange County. Pho Ha Noi was the popular choice. The restaurant specializes in northern Vietnamese cuisine, which has gained popularity in the area. The staples ordered consisted of Pho đặc biệt and bún chả Hà Nội, along with Chinese donuts for dipping. However, the pho was disappointing as it didn't have the expected northern style broth that is beefier in taste. Moreover, the garlic vinegar condiment was missing. Despite the disappointment with the pho, the restaurant's cleanliness and welcoming environment were commendable.
The appetizers served at Pho Ha Noi, particularly their chicken wings, were a hit among the group. Additionally, their happy hour offered competitively priced dishes, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious customers. The pho served at the restaurant was good, although it didn't fulfill the expectation of the northern style broth. Another unique feature of the restaurant was the use of a paper covering on the table, which added a unique touch to the dining experience. Overall, Pho Ha Noi provides a pleasant dining experience, with delicious food and a comfortable ambiance.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
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2. Pho Kim Long
Family owned and operated, Fresh ingredients, Homemade broth
Pho noodle soup is a highly regarded dish in Vietnamese cuisine due to its delicious taste and distinct flavor profile. Some individuals may find it to be too salty or sweet, but many others enjoy its satisfying taste. The soup is known to hit the spot and leave a lasting impression on those who try it.
Vietnamese food, in general, is highly praised for its delicious taste, generous portions, affordable pricing, and quick service. Popular Vietnamese dishes include Pho noodle soup, Bun Rieu, Bun Cha, and Fried Chow Fun Noodles with Chicken and Seafood. Each dish offers a unique flavor and experience, making Vietnamese cuisine a favorite among food enthusiasts. The cuisine's affordability and speedy service also make it a great option for those looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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3. Pho Dao Restaurant
Family-owned, Fresh ingredients, Traditional recipes
Pho Dao Restaurant is a excellent choice for Vietnamese cuisine, offering a variety of dishes with standout options being their delicious pho and Bun Bo Hue. The Salted Plum Drink is a must-try, providing a perfect balance of salt and carbonation.
The pho served at Pho Dao Restaurant is noteworthy, featuring a broth that is expertly seasoned and combined with melt-in-your-mouth meat. Similarly, the Bun Bo Hue offered boasts chewy, thick white noodles and tender beef, providing a satisfying and delicious dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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4. Bún Bò Huế An Nam
Traditional family recipe, Homemade noodles, Spicy broth
Bun Bo Hue An Nam is a well-regarded establishment known for its delightful offerings. Reviewers have consistently praised the quality of the wine available. In addition to that, customers enjoy the selection of iced coffee, fresh juices, and ice tea. The establishment also provides a takeaway service for those who wish to enjoy their food off-premises.
The restaurant, Bun Bo Hue An Nam, has been awarded an impressive 4-star rating. This rating is a testament to the consistent quality of their service. The food is served in a timely manner, with the right balance of meats, soup, noodles, and vegetables. This ensures a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience for all patrons.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
5. Com Tam Thanh
Family-owned, uses traditional recipes and ingredients
The dish I ordered, a com tam thit nuong or rice plate with BBQ pork, was delicious and served piping hot. However, the service was a bit unreliable during my visit. As it was their first day of operation, I am hopeful that this is something they can improve upon in the future.
The hotel rooms are bright, clean, and inviting after being aired out. The menu offered at the restaurant is substantial and features a wide variety of rice dishes.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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6. Đà Lạt
Live Vietnamese music on weekends, traditional decor.
The restaurant, known to locals as the 'big prawn' place, offers a special dish featuring noodles topped with large prawns, crab prawns, and pork meat, served with a choice of rice, egg, or clear noodles, either dry or in soup. During my travels in the area, I sought out this Vietnamese mom-and-pop shop to satisfy my craving for classic Pho soup. The restaurant delivered with plentiful servings and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The soup, in particular, proved to be divine, making for an enjoyable and satisfying meal.
The 'big prawn' place is famous for its special noodle dish, complete with generous portions of prawns, crab prawns, and pork meat, accompanied by a selection of rice, egg, or clear noodles, available in both dry and soup versions. On my travels, I stopped by this authentic Vietnamese mom-and-pop restaurant to enjoy a bowl of their renowned Pho soup. With its large servings and laid-back ambiance, the establishment exceeded my expectations. But it was the soup that truly stole the show, offering a delicious and satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. KV Noodle
Family-owned with authentic recipes and fresh ingredients
A hidden gem of a restaurant offers delicious food and exceptional service. Kathy, the owner, goes above and beyond to make customers feel welcomed and appreciated. The vegetarian options are impressive, particularly the vegetarian spring rolls with their fresh ingredients and mouth-watering peanut sauce.
During my first visit to this restaurant, I discovered it through positive online reviews, and I'm glad I did. Kathy, the owner, personally served customers, and her dedication to providing excellent service was evident. I enjoyed the combination Beef Pho with bone, which had a rich and satisfying flavor, as it didn't contain MSG unlike many other restaurants. This is a must-try place for anyone who values delicious food and great service.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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8. VN Grill
Family-owned, fresh ingredients, homemade recipes
A recent visit to a Vietnamese restaurant left a lasting impression on me. Upon entering, the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff immediately stood out. The menu featured an array of traditional Vietnamese dishes, all prepared with vibrant flavors and fragrant herbs.
This restaurant is a hidden gem, offering a contemporary take on Vietnamese cuisine while still maintaining excellent service. It's the perfect place to explore Vietnamese flavors with a modern twist, making it a standout dining experience. I highly recommend adding this spot to your list of must-visit restaurants.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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9. Vịt Đông Quê
Family-owned, Traditional Recipes, Fresh Ingredients
Bánh bèo, or steamed rice cakes, are a popular dish at the restaurant, highly praised by customers and considered some of the best outside of Hue, Vietnam. The restaurant has gained a reputation for its delicious and authentic Bánh bèo.
Another customer favorite is the duck noodle soup, which features a broth that is exceptionally flavorful. The soup's popularity is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The end result is a rich and savory broth that customers rave about.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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10. HUE Restaurant
Family-owned, focuses on fresh ingredients
HUE Restaurant is a well-known establishment for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, offering a wide range of dishes that showcase the rich and varied flavors of the country's culinary traditions. One current promotion features four popular entrees for takeout or four appetizers for only $5, providing an affordable opportunity to sample some of the restaurant's delicious offerings.
During my visit, I tried the Banh Beo and Banh Ram It appetizers. Banh Beo consists of steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, garlic, green onions, and pork sprinkles, while Banh Ram It features deep-fried rice cakes with the same toppings. Both dishes were absolutely delightful, and I found myself immediately hooked on the unique and flavorful combination of ingredients.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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11. Tan Dinh Cafe
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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12. Nam Vang Restaurant
Family-owned, fresh ingredients, vegetarian options
Nam Vang Restaurant is a popular destination for food lovers, especially those who enjoy hu tieu. One of the most highly recommended dishes at the restaurant is the dry nam vang rice noodle dish, which features a perfectly balanced sauce and an abundant variety of seafood and meat, including squid, shrimp, pork, heart, and liver. This tasty and well-seasoned dish is sure to satisfy any seafood or noodle lover.
Another standout dish at Nam Vang Restaurant is the combination dry noodle. This popular dish features a delightful mix of rice noodles and egg noodles, making it a favorite among regular customers. The noodles are perfectly cooked and well-seasoned, making for a truly satisfying meal. Whether you're a fan of rice noodles or egg noodles, or both, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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13. Đà Thành Restaurant
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
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