Welcome to FoodVietnamese.com! In this article, we are excited to share our top picks for the 12 Best Vietnamese Food in San Jose, CA. Whether you are a local or just visiting, San Jose boasts a vibrant Vietnamese culinary scene that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From savory pho to delectable banh mi, our curated list highlights the must-try dishes that showcase the rich flavors and authentic tastes of Vietnam. Join us as we explore the Best Vietnamese Food in San Jose and discover new favorites that will leave you craving for more.
1. PHỞ HÀ NỘI SAN JOSE
“PHỞ HÀ NỘI SAN JOSE” offers a delightful dining experience with some standout dishes worth mentioning. The pho and short rib are highly recommended, and the hot sauce adds a perfect kick. The Vietnamese coffee is strong, though it might not be everyone’s preference. Next time, I plan to try their sticky rice side dish and rice plates.
I found the prices reasonable for the quality provided. A small raw slap beef bowl costs $17.50, which I think is fair given the portion size and taste. The pho has a bit of a northern Vietnamese twist, which was slightly salty but the beef was tender and flavorful.
The restaurant is quite popular, so be prepared for a potential wait during peak hours. There are both indoor and outdoor seating options, which is convenient. The service follows a typical pho restaurant style where you order from the waitress, and the food is brought to you by a runner.
The beef stew pho was particularly impressive, though it seemed less popular and took a bit longer to be served. It comes with a couple of nice baguette breads which complement the dish well.
Overall, I’d rate this place close to four stars. The water tasted a little off, but the food quality and service make up for it. If you visit “PHỞ HÀ NỘI SAN JOSE,” you’ll likely leave satisfied with a good meal.
Contact info
- Located in: San Jose Vietnam Town
- Address: 969 Story Rd #6048, San Jose, CA 95122, United States
- Phone: +1 408-239-0888
2. HUE Restaurant
“HUE Restaurant” is a fantastic spot for delicious Vietnamese tapas. The food here is truly impressive, with a variety of dishes that stand out, especially the Bun Bo Hue which tastes authentically amazing. The rice noodle texture is fresh and delightful, and dishes like the green bean egg crepe and Bánh Beo are must-tries. The drinks are also enjoyable, with the combination drink being particularly yummy.
The seating is comfortable, and the service is both fast and attentive. The staff are quick and responsive, making for a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant is clean and well-maintained, although the air conditioning could be a bit stronger for added comfort.
Their limited-time promotion offers a great deal with a choice of four popular entrees for $12 for takeout, or four appetizers for $5, making it an excellent value. I tried their mì quảng, which was a full portion and tasted great. I’ll definitely be trying other dishes next time.
Although the restaurant uses MSG, which may not suit everyone, the overall quality and authenticity of the food make it worth a visit. Despite a personal allergic reaction to MSG, I still found the food flavorful. For anyone without a sensitive stomach, I highly recommend giving “HUE Restaurant” a try. It’s one of the go-to spots in San Jose for a reason!
Contact info
- Located in: Paloma Plaza
- Address: 3005 Silver Creek Rd STE 190, San Jose, CA 95121, United States
- Phone: +1 408-223-1021
- Menu: hue-restaurant.com
3. Dac Phuc
“Dac Phuc” offers an authentic North Vietnamese Pho experience that stands out in San Jose. The Pho soup here is generously served with fresh herbs and soybean sprouts, making it a favorite for many. The crispy Pho Ap Chao and banana brûlée are also special highlights worth trying. The restaurant is family-run, adding a warm, friendly touch to the dining experience.
However, it’s important to note that the broth can be quite cloudy, which might affect the subtle, clear, hearty flavor that Pho lovers expect. While the food quality is generally good, there have been instances where orders were incorrect, and the service at the front was less than friendly.
Despite these drawbacks, the unique dishes and the authentic taste of the Pho make it a notable spot. The restaurant has its strengths, but for those seeking the best Pho experience in San Jose, it might be worth exploring other nearby options as well.
Contact info
- Address: 198 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, United States
- Phone: +1 408-297-5517
4. Pho Lynn Restaurant
“Pho Lynn Restaurant” is a solid choice for delicious Vietnamese food, consistently delivering tasty dishes at very reasonable prices. While it’s not a traditional sit-down restaurant, it operates as a ghost kitchen with pickup-only service, and a few outdoor tables that aren’t particularly inviting for dining.
I was particularly happy with the sandwich I ordered. The food quality is excellent, with generous portions and a friendly staff. The Banh mi was huge, and the egg roll side was super hot and came with sweet chili sauce, which was a nice touch.
The restaurant recently moved to 949 Ruff Drive, SJ, within a collective of commercial kitchens geared towards food delivery services like DoorDash. While there is a waiting area, it’s primarily for Door Dashers waiting for orders.
Despite the changes, Pho Lynn continues to impress with its great taste and good portions. I’ll definitely be ordering from here more often and recommend it for anyone looking for a reliable and delicious Vietnamese food option in San Jose.
Contact info
- Address: 949 Ruff Dr, San Jose, CA 95110, United States
- Menu: pholynn.com
5. Bún Bò Huế An Nam
“Bún Bò Huế An Nam” has been known for its delicious Bun Bo Hue, a traditional beef noodle soup that’s distinct from Pho. While the food quality was excellent in the past, it has somewhat declined recently. The service is average, and since price inflation, the restaurant is less crowded, which means you no longer have to wait for a table on weekends. However, it’s important to note that they only accept cash, so make sure to bring some with you.
The atmosphere inside the restaurant is cozy, adorned with wall paintings of traditional Vietnamese countryside scenes. However, the exterior can be off-putting, with homeless individuals often begging outside.
The Bun Bo Hue remains a standout dish, cooked to perfection with lots of vegetables on the side. The seating is spacious, the prices are reasonable, and the service is fast. The sugarcane juice is fresh and delicious, highly recommended to complement your meal.
One of the highlights is how quickly orders are taken and food is served. The pork meatloaf in the Bun Bo Hue is particularly noteworthy, whether homemade or store-bought, it adds a unique flavor. The only suggestion is to have authentic chili sauce readily available for those who prefer extra heat.
A thoughtful touch is the availability of scissors to cut up the noodles for kids, making it a family-friendly option. Overall, “Bún Bò Huế An Nam” offers a good dining experience despite some areas needing improvement.
Contact info
- Located in: Kelley Park Plaza
- Address: 740 Story Rd #3, San Jose, CA 95122, United States
- Phone: +1 408-993-1755
6. Pho Bel Air
“Pho Bel Air” is an excellent spot for pho with tasty dishes that will delight your taste buds. The meat melts in your mouth, and the overall quality is superb. If you’re a local, you shouldn’t wait any longer to try this place! The crispy egg roll is also a highlight, with fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.
The shop owner has a wonderful smile and provides kind, attentive service to customers, adding a warm touch to the dining experience. I had a large bowl of pho with chicken, which was about $18. Despite the price, the portion was satisfying and could fill you up even if you opted for a smaller size.
Overall, “Pho Bel Air” offers a delightful pho experience with excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere, despite the slightly high prices.
Contact info
- Located in: Airport place
- Address: 1751 N First St Suite 60, San Jose, CA 95112, United States
- Phone: +1 408-452-1060
- Menu: phobelair.square.site
7. Com Tam Thanh
“Com Tam Thanh” is a wonderful spot for Vietnamese cuisine that I have been frequenting since it opened. The food quality has always been top-notch. I particularly love the Shaking Beef with fish sauce, vermicelli with BBQ pork, and of course, their pho. The beef mushroom broccoli large serving and avocado smoothie are also delicious.
One thing to keep in mind is that there is no air conditioning, so it can get quite warm inside, but the overall experience is mostly pleasant.
I recently introduced an old friend to this restaurant, and it was a special moment. The Banh Mi is pretty good, and it was even more special to share it with my friend Rylan, who served as a missionary in Vietnam many years ago and is now in the US army. It felt nostalgic and meaningful to enjoy the same food so far from where we first met.
I recommend trying the Fried Pork Spring Rolls, Noodle Soup with Tomato Seafood and Snails, and the Pork Chop Rice Plate with assorted meats. They also have a vegetarian menu or section, making it somewhat suitable for vegetarians.
Parking can be a bit of a challenge, as there are limited spots available, but there is a free parking lot nearby.
Overall, despite the price increase and lack of air conditioning, “Com Tam Thanh” remains a solid choice for delicious Vietnamese food with a welcoming atmosphere.
Contact info
- Address: 905 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128, United States
- Phone: +1 408-279-8588
- Menu: comtamthanh.biz
8. Mi Quang Co Thao
“Mi Quang Co Thao” is a charming restaurant with authentic Vietnamese decor reminiscent of Hội An. The ambiance is further enhanced on Friday evenings with their exquisite Cung Đàn Xưa entertainment, making it a delightful place to spend an evening. The hostess is beautiful and welcoming, ensuring a warm reception for all customers.
The broth in the chicken pho is very good, although I found some bones in the chicken, which was not to my liking. Overall, the soup was tasty, and they even have an open mic karaoke which adds a fun and lively touch to the experience. However, it is a bit pricey, with a bowl of chicken pho costing $18.50.
I also tried the Mi Quang Gà (chicken), which was beautifully presented but unfortunately, the chicken was a bit dry. Including a 15% tip, the total came to $21.32.
Parking can be a bit tricky as it is limited, but there is more parking available behind the restaurant. The location is somewhat hidden off the street in a small business center area, which can be a bit difficult to find.
Despite these minor inconveniences, I will definitely be coming back to try other dishes. The overall experience, from the decor to the entertainment and food, makes “Mi Quang Co Thao” a worthwhile visit.
Contact info
- Address: 1560 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112, United States
- Phone: +1 408-216-9035
9. Pho Dao Restaurant
“Pho Dao Restaurant” is a solid choice for Vietnamese cuisine in the area, offering delicious soup and a standout beef cube steak. The service is reliable, and the restaurant is usually not too crowded, which makes for a relaxed dining experience.
The beef cube steak comes with a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with the tender meat, although the accompanying salad and tomatoes were a bit generic. The soup served with the meal is sweet and not overly laden with MSG, which is a plus. The egg rolls, despite being a serving of three, are quite filling.
The pho here is particularly noteworthy, with fresh rice noodles and tender, tasty meats. They use high-quality cuts rather than eye round for the rare meat in pho, which adds to the overall quality. The bún dishes are also generous with vegetables, addressing a common complaint at other places.
My mother, who is Vietnamese, highly recommends this restaurant, praising the quality and authenticity of the dishes. The Pho Special with Sliced Beef on the Side, Beef Soup, Fresh Pho Noodles, Beef Pho, and Spring Rolls are all excellent choices.
Parking is convenient with plenty of free spaces available in the lot. The restaurant is casual and kid-friendly, and it’s also accessible for those with wheelchairs, being located on the ground floor with no thresholds.
Overall, “Pho Dao Restaurant” provides a pleasant dining experience with high-quality Vietnamese food, ample parking, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Contact info
- Address: 1631 N Capitol Ave, San Jose, CA 95132, United States
- Phone: +1 408-816-3366
10. Cơm Gà Nam An SJ
“Cơm Gà Nam An SJ” is an exceptional Vietnamese restaurant that offers the best pho ga I have ever tasted, rivaled only by my parents’ homemade versions. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm hospitality. I ordered number 16, which includes pho ga and goi ga. The food was served quickly and was both delicious and flavorful, yet light and free from any MSG taste.
The owner was incredibly sweet and even made me a to-go cup of tea, adding a personal touch to the experience. The chicken pho and chicken salad are highly recommended, as well as the pho ga. The chicken was soft, juicy, and perfectly cooked, and the broth and noodles were excellent.
The restaurant maintains a focus on its specialty dishes rather than trying to include every common Vietnamese dish, which ensures high quality and authenticity. The rice was heavenly, and the veggies were crisp and well-seasoned. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, making it an affordable option.
The restaurant has a cozy, mom-and-pop feel, and there is plenty of free parking available, making it convenient to visit. There is also a vegetarian menu or section for those who prefer meat-free options.
Overall, “Cơm Gà Nam An SJ” offers outstanding food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place I will definitely visit often.
Contact info
- Address: 348 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112, United States
- Phone: +1 408-297-3402
11. Phở 24 | Vietnamese Cuisine
“Phở 24 | Vietnamese Cuisine” is a solid choice for a satisfying meal with generous portions. The Bun Bo Hue was tasty and not overly spicy, although the beef rib was slightly tough. However, the fact that they offer beef rib, which is often unavailable at other restaurants, is a plus, and I would order it again. The Thai iced tea was good, and the spring rolls were enjoyable, with sizes larger than those from competitors.
The noodles here are fresh and better than expected compared to nearby places. The soup is great and not drenched in oil, adding to the overall quality of the dishes.
The grilled onion beef spring rolls and the soup are highly recommended. The pho has the right flavor and is delicious. The staff can communicate in Vietnamese, which is a nice touch, especially for foreign visitors.
The restaurant has plenty of parking available in front of the store, making it convenient to visit. Overall, while the food was decent but not exceptional, “Phở 24 | Vietnamese Cuisine” offers a good dining experience with generous portions, tasty dishes, and convenient parking.
Contact info
- Address: 5592 Santa Teresa Blvd suite b, San Jose, CA 95123, United States
- Phone: +1 408-224-3888
- Menu: pho24sanjose.com
12. Pho Teresa Restaurant
“Pho Teresa Restaurant” offers a delightful dining experience with its clean and charming atmosphere and absolutely delicious food. The fried egg rolls and wonton soup were bursting with flavor and perfectly prepared, making me wish I had more room to try everything on the menu. The background music adds a pleasant touch, and the service is great.
The pho here is exceptional, with a rich and not overly salty broth, fresh ingredients, and a decent serving of meat. The staff is cheerful and friendly, and the service is prompt. The cleanliness of the place is also commendable.
The restaurant is an awesome spot for pho and orange rice. I particularly loved the filet mignon with the orange rice—everything tasted really fresh! The service is amazing, with all the family members working together to create a welcoming environment. This spot is popular with Kaiser Permanente workers, indicating its strong local reputation.
Located on Santa Teresa Blvd. and Cottle Road in San Jose, CA, across from a Kaiser Hospital, “Pho Teresa Restaurant” is a brand new pho soup kitchen worth trying. I ordered the spicy beef and shrimp spring egg rolls with a coconut smoothie with boba beans, and it was splendid.
If you’re in the area, definitely check out “Pho Teresa Restaurant” for its delicious food, great service.
Contact info
- Located in: Country Square Shopping Center
- Address: 6171 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95123, United States
- Phone: +1 408-513-6665
- Menu: photeresa.com
We hope this guide to the 12 Best Vietnamese Food in San Jose, CA has inspired you to explore the rich and diverse Vietnamese culinary offerings in the area. Each restaurant on our list brings something unique to the table, ensuring that there’s a delicious option for every palate. Whether you’re a fan of pho, banh mi, or any other Vietnamese delicacy, San Jose has a vibrant food scene waiting to be discovered. Thank you for joining us at FoodVietnamese.com, and we look forward to continuing to guide you to the Best Vietnamese Food in San Jose. Happy eating!
