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Em Vietnamese Bistro
$$ · Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, Pho

57 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

ZipPicks Awards

Best Vietnamese in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn Best Pho in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn Best Trendy Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Em Vietnamese Bistro 8.8
Dumbo
Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Em Vietnamese Bistro brings a modern Vietnamese dining room to DUMBO, with coconut mussels, beef pho and Ly's chicken wings backed by cocktails and a polished room. Locals treat it as a go-to for dates, small celebrations and pre- or post-waterfront dinners when they want Vietnamese that feels a bit more special than a neighborhood pho shop.
Must-Try Dishes: Ly's chicken wings, Beef pho (pho bo), Oc xao dua coconut mussels
Scores:
Value: 7 Service: 8.6 Consistency: 8.8 Food Quality: 9.2 Atmosphere: 8.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Modern DUMBO Vietnamese bistro where seafood plates, pho and cocktails share the spotlight.
Who should go: Brooklynites wanting elevated Vietnamese in a stylish setting.
When to visit: Evenings and weekend nights for full DUMBO buzz.
What to order: Ly's chicken wings, beef pho, coconut mussels.
Insider tip: Reserve for prime weekend times and ask about off-menu or seasonal specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Front St. and Pearl St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean slightly polished for DUMBO date nights, but jeans and a nice top fit in.
Noise level: Moderate; conversational at most tables, but it rises during peak weekend service.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lunch service can be lighter and more relaxed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options including tofu and vegetable-focused dishes; staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; 2–3 dishes can be adapted depending on sauces.
Gluten-free options: Many items are naturally gluten-leaning; pho and some small plates can be made gluten-free with clear communication.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes; the polished room, balanced noise level, and shareable plates create a relaxed but elevated atmosphere that works well for early relationship chemistry.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights, but expect a wait on weekends. Bar seats sometimes open up faster and can be a solid fallback for two.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy broader flavors; no dedicated kids’ menu and the ambiance leans more adult, especially at night.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for elevated Vietnamese dining, date nights, and groups seeking craft cocktails and a polished setting rather than a purely traditional pho house.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual, budget-friendly Vietnamese meal or need a very quiet dining room during peak weekend hours.