Guide to Vietnamese restaurants in London

Family-run restaurant Viet Soho was founded by two political refugees from Vietnam. The space is understated with a homey and welcoming vibe. For an affordable taste of authentic Vietnamese flavours, this spot is a great option. Snack on small plates or try pho, bún, or noodles, paired with Vietnamese soft drinks or coffee.

Vibrant Clerkenwell restaurant Ngon Ngon has a bright yellow exterior that'll certainly catch your eye. Traditional dishes are served here in a friendly and welcoming environment. Expect all the classics like summer rolls, pho, and rice and noodle dishes. Pair your food with a Vietnamese beer or traditional coffee.

Head to Ninh's for Vietnamese food in Highbury. This is high quality authentic food in a space that's fuss-free and simple. Sample homemade dishes like pho, bún, or curry, as well as plenty of rice and noodle recipes. Desserts, wine, and local and Vietnamese drinks are also available here.

Deptford is a popular destination for Vietnamese cooking and one in-demand restaurant in the area is Viet Anh Pho. This cosy family eatery has a homey feel. The menu includes a choice of banh mi sandwiches, small plates like pork ribs or summer rolls, pho, and bún. Homemade fruity soft drinks are available here as well.

There are a number of branches of Banh Mi Keu Deli dotted around London. These spaces are sleek and airy, serving Vietnamese classics including the famous banh mi sandwich that gives the place its name. A casual menu of sandwiches, noodles, rice dishes, and snacks is available here.

If you want Vietnamese cooking in Camberwell, head to Viet Café. This local spot has a rustic look and a mouthwatering menu of street food. Try a refreshing bún salad, a banh mi, pho, or comforting mains like grilled pork with rice. Takeaway meals and catering services are also on offer from this cosy eatery.

Sprigs Vietnamese in Hammersmith is a laid-back counter-service spot that's ideal for casual meals. Locally-sourced ingredients are used to make the traditional dishes here, served in a bright and contemporary space. Try banh mi, salad, or noodle soup paired with a freshly-made bubble tea.

Get Vietnamese dishes in Chinatown from Viet Food. This is authentic street food served in a spacious contemporary restaurant with exposed brickwork and lots of light. Try dishes like soup, pho, bún, and noodles. This place also does a chef's table experience and set menus if you can't decide what to eat.

Sông Quê Café in Kingsland Road is a Vietnamese stalwart in London. The restaurant has a vibrant green colour scheme and serves authentic dishes, including 11 different types of soupy pho. The space is modest with warm and friendly service, making it a comfortable place to discover this type of cooking.

Bang Bang Vietnamese Kitchen has a cool vibe and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is buzzy, with wall art and communal tables that suit solo diners. Classic Vietnamese dishes are on the tempting menu - think rich noodle soups, refreshing salads, and curries. Coffee, beer, and soft drinks are also available.

Plant-based diners don't need to miss out on Vietnamese cooking. Sen Viet is the country's first fully vegan Vietnamese restaurant. There's a warm and friendly atmosphere and a considerable menu of favourite recipes, including a set lunch and a choice of traditional dishes. Fresh juices are also served here.

Rao Deli began as a street food stall and now has a permanent base in Borough High Street. You can sample authentic Vietnamese recipes in a smart and minimalist dining space. Pho simmered for 20 hours is a popular dish here, plus there are noodle salads and jasmine rice topped with various tasty ingredients like curry or crispy pork belly.

A popular spot for workers on their lunch break, City Caphe serves Vietnamese family recipes prepared with fresh ingredients. You can sample authentic noodle soup or try rice or noodles with the toppings of your choice. This place often attracts a crowd so be prepared to queue up.

If your favourite sandwich is a banh mi then get yourself over to Banh Mi Bay. These casual eateries offer a variety of tasty banh mi fillings, as well as other Vietnamese classics like pho, stir-fries, and bún noodle salads. These spacious eateries are popular with local workers and also offer catering and office lunch delivery services.

Get a traditional Vietnamese sandwich in the heart of Hackney at Banh Mi Hoi-An. This small and bustling shop is a popular choice for lunch, serving a concise menu of banh mi and rice bowls full of traditional flavours. Sandwiches come with a variety of fillings and you can eat-in or take yours away.

With low-lighting, dark wood, and brown leather, classic restaurant Cơm Việt has a romantic and intimate atmosphere. This Covent Garden venue is a top choice for a cosy meal. There's an express lunch option and a set menu that's great for pre- or post-theatre. A variety of traditional dishes are served here, plus there's beer from Vietnam.

Family-run eatery Hoa Sen serves up Vietnamese dishes to Covent Garden diners. It's a stylish and low-lit spot with an extensive à la carte menu as well as a three course set option. Dishes on offer include spring rolls, stir-fries, pho, and noodles. A concise range of wine is also available.

You'll get a unique gourmet offering at Green Papaya Xi'Viet. This is Vietnamese cuisine with a twist from the Xi'an region of China. It's a comfortable space with a bold and colourful exterior and a varied menu of meat and fish recipes, pho, and noodles. Big group bookings are welcome at this restaurant.

Full of earthy colours and traditional art and decor, award-winning restaurant Saigon Saigon is a popular choice for discovering Vietnamese dishes. Private dining is also available here. On weekdays there's a low-cost set lunch, and the main menu includes spring rolls, caramel pork cooked in a clay pot, stir-fries, and noodle soups.

Tay Do Café has been established in East London for more than 20 years. It's a laid-back restaurant with a BYOB policy. The interior is vibrant and at communal tables you can feast on classic dishes like frog's legs and seafood. Vegan meals are on offer here too.

Casual family-run eatery Mien Tay has unfussy locations around the city, some of which operate a BYOB policy. Try out Vietnamese home cooking in a comfortable setting here. The menu features pho, curries in a traditional clay pot, stir fries, and salads. Takeaways are also available here.

Head to Phở Thuý Tây Café to explore a diverse menu of classic Vietnamese recipes. The restaurant is spacious and decorated with plants in the windows. There are dishes here to suit every preference, whether you're craving a sandwich, noodles in soup or a stir-fry, or meaty comfort food served with rice. 

Near to Finsbury Park there's Viet Ngon, a contemporary local restaurant with exposed brick and bright painted walls. Traditional Vietnamese dishes are served in this relaxed venue - expect spring rolls, pho that's stewed for 24 hours, curries, and noodles. Beer, wine, and cocktails are on the drinks list.

Nom Nom and Nem Nem serve innovative Vietnamese sharing plates that are fab for sociable get-togethers. These places give you a broad experience of Vietnamese cooking in a warm and friendly environment. Classic main dishes like noodles, pho, curries, and health-conscious salads are also served. Private dining is also available.

Cay Tre was one of the capital's first Vietnamese eateries and still serves tasty recipes in a bright and elegant setting. You can sample a variety of classic dishes including spring rolls, pho, and curries. A fixed lunch option is also available plus there's a menu especially for children.

At BunBunBun you can sample bun cha, a dish from the Hanoi region of rice noodles and salad topped with tempting ingredients. You can also BYOB, making this a great destination for a low-cost meal. Banh mi sandwiches are also available. There restaurants have a contemporary look complete with wall art.

Family-run restaurant Viet Garden is a popular venue in Islington. The interior is stylish with a look that's rustic and modern. The menu is all about traditional home cooking. Start a meal with spring rolls or bánh xèo pancakes, followed by pho, noodles, salads, and meat and seafood recipes. The restaurant also does an affordable weekday lunch deal.

Minimalist eatery Café East has a canteen vibe and a simple appearance. It's a bustling family-run restaurant where everybody is welcome. A simple menu is available with spring and summer rolls, noodle soup, and fried noodles and rice. You can also order Vietnamese soft drinks and coffee.

Friendly Deptford restaurant Eat Vietnam donates 10% of all its tips to charities in Vietnam. This cosy space celebrates the food and culture of the country and offers a wide range of classic dishes. Expect summer rolls, crispy pancakes, and pho. Kids' dishes are served too, plus juice, coffee, and alcoholic drinks.

Try Vietnamese street eats at Pho & Bun in Shaftesbury Avenue. The space is vibrant and trendy with wall art and exposed brickwork. Small plates, pho, and salads are all served here, as well as innovative burgers with a steamed bao for a bun. This restaurant also does set menus for lunch and dinner.

Viet Grill welcomes you with a red neon sign at the entrance. The interior has a tropical vibe with leather furniture and patterned wallpaper. Regional dishes from all over Vietnam are on the menu, from fresh salads to pho, curry, and dishes with noodles. Cocktails, fruity soft drinks, wine, and Vietnamese beer are available.

Family-run Hackney restaurant Hai Café is a peaceful spot with a distinctive chequered floor. The speciality is Vietnamese home cooking. The compact space has just five tables but you can grab a takeaway too. On the seasonal menu you'll find pho, curries, and banh mi, plus weekly special dishes.

Contemporary eatery Bánh Bánh is full of light, plants, and bursts of colour. These cheerful venues are popular places to try Vietnamese cuisine. On the menu you'll find small plates like chicken wings and salads, spring and summer rolls, and noodle dishes, plus refreshing cocktails and Vietnamese coffee.

Crouch End's Khoai Café is a well-established local favourite. This green-fronted restaurant is compact and bustling, and has a developed a reputation for having a friendly atmosphere. Here you can try prawn toast, salads, pho, fried noodles, and a variety of regional Vietnamese specialities. 

Have Vietnamese food for lunch with Chao! Now. This compact and cosy place has some tables but is mainly popular for takeaways. Office deliveries are available too. Check out the menu of banh mi sandwiches, rice bowls, noodle soup, and spring and summer rolls with a choice of different fillings.

Caphe House in Bermondsey is a top destination for casual Vietnamese meals. It's a family-run counter-service eatery with exposed brick walls and colourful neon signs. A large menu of classic dishes is available - think steamed buns, summer rolls, banh mi, and rice and noodles. Hot and cold drinks and Asian beers are also available here.

Take your pick from five types of soothing pho at Café Mama Pho. Whilst pho is a speciality here, you can try other dishes like summer rolls, pancakes, and refreshing salads with vermicelli noodles and your choice of toppings. Complete the meal with a Vietnamese beer. The restaurants are simple but have personality.