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Le Soleil
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Le Soleil
8.6
Le Soleil offers a refined take on Vietnamese classics, blending traditional flavors with contemporary presentation. Known for its elegant ambiance and attentive service, it's a favorite for both casual diners and special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry Crab, Hai Nan Chicken, Squid Ink Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Elevated Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist in a chic setting.
Who should go: Food enthusiasts seeking a refined dining experience.
When to visit: Ideal for dinner dates or celebratory meals.
What to order: Curry Crab, Hai Nan Chicken, Squid Ink Fried Rice.
Insider tip: Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be difficult during peak hours. Paid parking lot nearby.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans are fine but leaning towards dressy is recommended.
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your date, but still lively enough for a fun atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated menu section with various vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan options available.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, Le Soleil's elegant ambiance and refined cuisine make it an excellent spot for a first date. The quiet, intimate setting allows for easy conversation, and the elevated menu will impress without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's possible to get a table without a reservation, but it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially on weekends. The restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? While the atmosphere is more geared towards adults, children are welcome. The menu offers some milder options for younger diners, but it's best suited for older children or family meals.
Best For
Better for: Le Soleil offers a refined take on traditional Vietnamese flavors with a modern presentation, ideal for special occasions or romantic dinners. The chic atmosphere and attentive service set it apart from casual Vietnamese spots.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more casual, quick bite, or a louder, more energetic environment, there are other Vietnamese restaurants better suited for those needs.
Le Soleil
8.5
Long-running Vietnamese dining room where phở shares the menu with garlic noodles, shaken beef, and seafood. The traditional phở comes with quality cuts and polished service in a comfortable sit-down setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Traditional Phở (ribeye, brisket, meatball), Chicken Noodle Soup, Crab & Shrimp Tomato Soup
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Refined, full-service Vietnamese with a proper traditional phở option.
Who should go: Sit-down seekers and business lunches
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for steady pacing
What to order: Traditional phở; chicken noodle; garlic noodles
Insider tip: If you want a fuller meal, pair phở with the quail or shaken beef.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clement and 5th Avenue; can be tight during dinner rush—arrive early or use nearby side streets.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts and neat attire fit the setting, though business-casual is common for lunch.
Noise level: Moderate—steady conversation hum but comfortable enough for table talk or date conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—features vegetable phở, garlic noodles, and tofu-based entrees.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify a few dishes upon request; broths are not fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes—phở and rice noodle dishes are naturally gluten-free; confirm sauces if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Le Soleil’s warm lighting, attentive service, and balanced noise level make it ideal for conversation without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights; on weekends, reservations are recommended as walk-ins may wait 30+ minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably so—high chairs available and staff are accommodating, though the atmosphere leans adult during dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Polished service and broader Vietnamese menu compared to quick-service pho shops; ideal for dates or business meals.
Skip if: You’re craving a quick or budget pho fix—casual counter spots nearby serve faster and cheaper.