Best Vietnamese Food in San Francisco

“Best Vietnamese Food in San Francisco” is a journey worth embarking on, and at FoodVietnamese.com, we are excited to share our top recommendations with you. In this article, we delve into the vibrant Vietnamese culinary scene in San Francisco, highlighting the must-visit spots that serve the most authentic and delectable dishes. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of pho or looking to try something new, our guide will help you find the best Vietnamese food experiences in the city. Join us as we explore the flavors and aromas that make San Francisco a haven for Vietnamese cuisine lovers.

1. Ly’s Vietnamese Cuisine

Absolutely stellar experience at Ly’s Vietnamese Cuisine! I visited with two friends after a trusted recommendation from another very good friend, and it exceeded all expectations. The food was simply incredible – each dish bursting with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. The beef pho and chicken pho were truly delicious, with rich and savory broth that left us wanting more. The five spice chicken was cooked perfectly, though a little sweet, and the garlic noodles were buttery and flavorful. The portions were super generous, especially the crab paste noodles, which were a delightful new discovery for us with their umami taste. The service was outstanding; attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming, making us feel right at home. The ambiance added to the whole experience, with a cozy and vibrant feel that made our meal even more enjoyable. Ly’s Vietnamese Cuisine is now our go-to spot for a fantastic meal. Highly recommended! Can’t wait to visit again and try more dishes!

Contact Info

• Address: 1779 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
• Phone: +1 415-563-1927
• Menu: lyspho.com

2. Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant

Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant is an absolute gem! This place serves authentic and fresh Vietnamese food that’s clearly a local favorite. We were seated immediately, and our food arrived within just 5 minutes. The flavors were incredible and the service was fast and friendly. During our stay at the Hilton, while recovering from a cold, we craved some comforting soup and decided to try Golden Star based on its stellar reviews. We ordered the House Special Beef Pho and the Five Spice Chicken and Imperial Rolls Rice Plate, with a fried egg on top, of course! Each dish was spot on with its flavors, making it the perfect comfort food experience.

As a Vietnamese who grew up in Vietnam, I was thrilled with my bowl of Bun Bo Hue. It was delicious and full of flavor. My partner’s vermicelli with grilled chicken was also delightful.

The pho was perfect: clear, flavorful broth, perfectly cooked rice noodles, razor-thin sliced beef, and fresh, savory herbs. It was served within minutes, and we enjoyed it with a refreshing lemon soda. The price was super affordable, making this place an even better find. If you’re looking for a decent Bun Bo Hue in San Francisco, Golden Star is the spot. It might not be the absolute best I’ve ever had, but it definitely satisfies the craving at a great price.

Contact Info

• Address: 11 Walter U Lum Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
• Phone: +1 415-398-1215
• Menu: ordergoldenstarvietnameserestaurant.com

3. Sunflower Vietnamese Restaurant

Sunflower Vietnamese Restaurant is a charming spot that I frequent often. The lemongrass beef vermicelli is my absolute favorite, but honestly, nothing on the menu will disappoint. The food is consistently delicious, and the staff is friendly with great attitudes, making every visit enjoyable. I highly recommend Sunflower as a must-try if you haven’t already!

The fresh spring rolls and beef pho are also solid choices. While I wished for more basil or mint in the rolls and a better noodle-to-shrimp ratio, the flavors were still satisfying. The beef pho had a good taste, although I felt it could have used more aromatic spices like star anise to enhance its character.

Sunflower is the best Vietnamese dining in the city, offering a straightforward, unpretentious neighborhood cafe vibe. The service is efficient, if a bit cold at times, but the food more than makes up for it. Prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a healthy meal without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a regular dining option or a place to grab a quick, tasty meal, Sunflower Vietnamese Restaurant is a great choice.

Contact Info

• Address: 288 Connecticut St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
• Phone: +1 415-861-2336

4. Pho 2000

Pho 2000 is an absolutely fantastic spot for no-frills pho. If you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese pho in the Tenderloin, this is the place to be. The broth is delicious with perfectly balanced flavors. I ordered a large combo pho, and the portion was huge—probably the diameter of a basketball. The bowl comes with plenty of meat and all the standard pho toppings and side condiments like bean sprouts, mint, lime, peppers, Sriracha, and chili oil. The price is cheap, and the service is extremely fast and efficient.

The area might seem unsafe, so it’s better to visit during daylight hours and consider taking a taxi. Despite the neighborhood, the pho soup is amazing and the price is low, likely because of the location. The meat and tendons were thinly sliced, which was different from what I’m used to, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Pho 2000 has a rich history, with the owner being a former help cook at Pho Thai Binh Duong, which was the best pho spot in SF during the 80s and 90s. Although Pho 2000 captures about 70% of that legendary flavor, it’s still good enough to beat all other pho places around here.

While the pho is excellent, the service could use some improvement. I had to ask for my iced coffee twice before I got it, and it wasn’t as good as I hoped. Despite this, the food makes it worth the visit. Overall, Pho 2000 simply hits the spot for a good traditional meal. Highly recommended for pho enthusiasts!

Contact Info

• Address: 637 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
• Phone: +1 415-474-1188

5. Sai’s Vietnamese Restaurant & Bar

Sai’s Vietnamese Restaurant & Bar offers a delightful dining experience with spacious and stylish interiors that have a down-to-earth charm. The service is friendly and attentive, making every visit pleasant. The vegetarian food is really good, although a bit bland, but I’m eager to return to try the vegetarian pho. The pho, in general, is great with good quality ingredients and perfect hot large servings. I highly recommend trying the eggplant beef and rice – it’s delicious!

The beef noodle bowl and veggie noodle bowl were both very good, and my mum and I agree that this is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants we’ve ever been to. The food consistently comes out hot and quickly, with friendly service from the entire staff. We’ve been eating at Sai’s for years, and that won’t change.

One minor downside is that the to-go containers and plastic bags come with an extra charge, which I found out only after receiving the bill. It would have been better if they informed us when we requested the to-go boxes. Despite this, the overall experience at Sai’s is worth it, and I’d rate it a solid 4 out of 5.

Contact Info

• Address: 42 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
• Phone: +1 415-362-3689
• Menu: saisvietnameserestaurant.com

6. Hoi An 1608 Vietnamese Restaurant

Hoi An 1608 Vietnamese Restaurant offers exceptional Vietnamese food with super flavorful and freshly made dishes. The interiors are beautifully done, showing the owner’s dedication and effort in creating a welcoming space. The atmosphere is both modern and traditional, making it a lovely place to dine.

I had the Vegetarian Pho, which was phenomenal. It’s a great option for vegans and those who are gluten-free. The owner recommended not getting the bean sprouts with the veggie pho to maintain the broth’s light flavor, and he was right—it was delicious! We also had a wonderful conversation with the owner about the broths, which added to the experience.

When we first checked out the menu, the warm and friendly host made a great impression, leading us to decide to dine there. We ordered the vegan pho, whole sea bream, a filet and potato dish, and a bottle of wine. Every dish impressed us. However, the vegan pho confused me as it looked like it had chicken in it. The host explained it was tofu designed to look like chicken. While I didn’t appreciate the chicken-like appearance, it didn’t detract from the pho’s delicious broth and other ingredients.

The chicken pho and Vietnamese mini pancakes were tasty, though the portion sizes were a bit small for the price. The beef pho was decent but slightly overpriced at $21 and had fatty beef with little flavor.

Despite these minor issues, the quality of the food, the excellent service, and the charming vibe of Hoi An 1608 make it a top-notch restaurant. I highly recommend giving it a try for a flavorful and enjoyable dining experience.

Contact Info

• Address: 1608 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
• Phone: +1 415-888-8870
• Menu: hoiancuisine.com

7. Kevin & Chris’s Noodle House

Kevin & Chris’s Noodle House is a must-visit for pho lovers! One of the best phos I’ve ever had – the soup was incredibly delicious, light, and fresh. We also enjoyed the spring rolls and meatballs, served with sprouts, cilantro, lemon, and jalapenos. The chicken soup was a highlight, and even the small portion was huge for me. Definitely worth visiting again!

This place consistently delivers excellent value with fast and friendly service. The shrimp cake with the rice and pork chop combo was the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve tried many. If you’re really hungry and don’t want to wait, Kevin’s is the best choice.

Though they don’t accept Apple Pay (only cash and credit cards as of July 1, 2024), the quality of the food more than makes up for it. For just $12, you can get a terrific, hearty noodle dish. However, keep in mind they don’t serve alcohol.

The restaurant is always bustling with people, a testament to its popularity. However, my experience with the service has been mixed. On one occasion, the waiters lacked common courtesy, which was disappointing. Despite this, the soups and stews are consistently good.

While the bun (noodle bowl) and imperial roll were underwhelming, lacking flavor and excitement, the overall experience with the pho and other dishes makes this place stand out. Kevin & Chris’s Noodle House remains a top spot for pho and hearty meals, and I will definitely be returning for their exceptional soups.

Contact Info

• Address: 1833 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
• Phone: +1 415-664-0469

8. An Chi Vietnamese Cuisine

An Chi Vietnamese Cuisine offers a mix of experiences, but overall, it’s a place worth visiting for its delicious food and reasonable prices. My first visit was fantastic, greeted by a friendly person who made me want to come back. The food was pretty good too! However, my last two visits were disappointing due to the service. A lady with glasses and a ponytail was extremely rude, rolling her eyes at me while I ordered, making me feel like a disturbance. Despite this, I love the place for its yummy food and fast, pleasant service that usually fills me up without breaking the bank.

The pho broth is excellent, not overloaded with warm spices but rich, beefy, and just salty enough. The grilled pork banh mi and fresh spring rolls are also quite good. We loved everything we ordered, including fried imperial rolls, banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe), pho ga (chicken pho), beef and pork vermicelli rolls, banh mi, and sauteed beef. The food is incredibly fresh, flavorful, reasonably priced, and served in generous portions.

One downside is that the place could be a little cleaner, and parking can be a challenge with vigilant meter maids in the area. Despite these issues, the quality of the food and the friendly service (on most visits) make An Chi Vietnamese Cuisine a place I will definitely return to in the future.

Contact Info

• Address: 4683 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112, United States
• Phone: +1 415-333-9997

9. Bac Lieu Restaurant

Bac Lieu Restaurant is a cozy Mekong Delta Vietnamese gem in Bernal Heights, offering a delightful mix of noodle soups, bun, and rare-find appetizers like Banh Khot (little shrimp pancakes similar to takoyaki balls). The service here is very friendly, making each visit pleasant.

For the best experience, stick to the chef’s recommendations, such as the Bun Mam (Bac Lieu Noodle Soup) with round noodles in a rich seafood broth topped with shrimp, fish filet, and pork slices. The Bun Bo Hue, while tasty, could use a broth with deeper flavor and the noodles were slightly overcooked. However, the light and crispy spring rolls, served with lettuce wraps, were a nice touch.

This hidden gem serves some exquisite Vietnamese dishes that were new to me. Highlights include the b12 Bac Lieu noodle soup (bun mam), sugarcane juice, and the beef pho. The Bac Lieu soup is stellar, with a seafood-based fish-paste broth and generous portions of shrimp, fish, and squid. It’s perfect for a cold, foggy San Francisco day and even great for nursing a hangover. Despite usually not being a seafood fan, I loved this dish thanks to the glowing recommendations.

The sugarcane juice is not too sweet and pairs well with the noodle soup. The beef pho tai is excellent, with great beef quality and a broth that isn’t too salty or heavy on MSG, nor oily.

The appetizers, like the Bo Tai Chanh (rare beef carpaccio) and Spiced Quails, were incredibly good. Although the Bun Rieu had less crab meat than expected, the appetizers more than made up for it. The entrees could be a bit more generous in terms of meat, but overall, Bac Lieu Restaurant is a fantastic spot for some unique and delicious Vietnamese cuisine. I will definitely be coming back again!

Contact Info

• Address: 3216 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
• Phone: +1 415-282-9088
• Menu: baclieusf.com

10. Y & Y Vietnamese Cuisine

Y & Y Vietnamese Cuisine is a standout spot on Clement Street in the Richmond District, and one of my favorite pho restaurants in the city. Sibling to Yummy Yummy on Irving, it offers huge portions at very reasonable prices, making it perfect for a delicious and affordable meal. The food is incredibly authentic and tasty, with some of my go-to dishes being Number 37, bun bo hue, Five Spice Chicken, Banh Cuon, Pho Dac Biet, Spring Rolls, Cha Gio, and their Vietnamese Coffee.

The interior is small, clean, and intimate, with about 10 tables. The staff is both friendly and attentive, serving food quickly and efficiently, making it a great spot to bring the family for a filling meal.

On a recent visit, I enjoyed a wonderful crepe-type Vietnamese dish and a banh mi veggie sandwich. The warm and hospitable service added to the overall experience. The pho here is some of the best I’ve had in a long time, and the consistent taste, even after years, is impressive.

While the cha gio (imperial roll) wasn’t to my liking due to an unusual addition of taro root (a trend I’ve noticed in other Vietnamese restaurants recently), the rest of the food more than made up for it. The soup and beef dish I had were excellent.

Overall, Y & Y Vietnamese Cuisine is a great spot for a quick Vietnamese lunch or a more relaxed family meal. Despite the small space, it’s usually not an issue even during busy times like Friday lunch hours. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic and affordable Vietnamese dining experience. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Contact Info

• Address: 914 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
• Phone: +1 415-387-2938

11. Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon is a charming spot if you’re in the mood for noodle soup. The portions are generous, and the food is very delicious. The staff here go out of their way to make you feel like a treasured friend, with a warm and friendly demeanor that enhances the dining experience. The atmosphere is bright and inviting, and they even put up seasonal and holiday decorations, which adds a festive touch to your meal.

However, my experience with the food was mixed. While the egg rolls and crab & shrimp crispy rolls sounded promising, they were stuffed with cheap ingredients like carrots and nấm mèo (a type of mushroom), with no discernible taste of pork, crab, or shrimp. This was disappointing, especially at $12+. I couldn’t even finish the crab & shrimp rolls, which is unusual for me.

Cleanliness was also an issue. The plate we received was dirty, even after wiping it off. The decor, while festive, felt a bit overdone with no empty space on the walls and New Year decorations still up in May.

Service was a mixed bag. While the staff was generally nice and friendly, I had a negative experience with an online pickup order. I placed an order through their website while staying at a nearby hotel, but upon arrival, I was told they were not accepting online orders. This left me having to dispute the charge with my credit card company, and the gentleman was quite rude about it.

Despite these hiccups, Miss Saigon has its charm with its friendly staff and cozy atmosphere. If you’re looking for a place with large portions and a welcoming vibe, it’s worth a visit, though be mindful of the mixed reviews on food quality and cleanliness.

Contact Info

• Address: 100 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
• Phone: +1 415-522-0332
• Menu: misssaigoncuisine.com

As we conclude our culinary journey through the “Best Vietnamese Food in San Francisco”, we hope you’ve found inspiration to explore these incredible dining spots. From flavorful pho to savory spring rolls, each restaurant on our list offers a unique taste of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage right here in the heart of the city. At FoodVietnamese.com, we’re passionate about bringing you the best food experiences, and we believe these recommendations will help you discover new favorites and revisit timeless classics. Thank you for joining us, and happy eating!