ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Eats in Bensonhurst
Best Pho in Bensonhurst
Master Critic Review
Em Vietnamese Kitchen
8.3
A more polished Vietnamese kitchen on the 86th Street corridor where the pho lane is built on a long-simmered beef-bone broth and higher-end cuts. Order in the noodle-soup rhythm—one bowl, one supporting bite—and you’ll get the cleanest read on what they do best.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Bo (Beef Pho), Bun Bo Hue, Pho Ga
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Pho built on long-simmered broth with upgraded beef cuts.
Who should go: Pho-first diners who want a nicer setting
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Pho Bo, Bun Bo Hue, Pho Ga
Insider tip: Skip menu sprawl—commit to one bowl and add herbs generously.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on 86th Street and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm, easier earlier in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but the room skews a bit polished.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during dinner but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and vegetable-forward noodle and rice dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetarian options can be made vegan by skipping certain add-ins; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—pho uses rice noodles and naturally gluten-free broth, but cross-contact is possible.
Best For
Better for: A cleaner, more refined pho experience with deeper broth and better-quality beef cuts than most neighborhood options.
Consider Alternatives If: You’re looking for ultra-cheap pho, super-fast turnover, or a late-night-only noodle run.