Any insider tips for OBAO - Midtown?

Ask for the back section if you want a slightly quieter room with more greenery and space for sharing plates.

When should I visit OBAO - Midtown?

Prime-time dinner Friday or Saturday; reserve for larger parties.

Who should go to OBAO - Midtown?

Groups and couples wanting lively Thai-Vietnamese with cocktails.

Any insider tips for Mama’s Cupboard?

Look for the downstairs entrance off 53rd—seating is limited, so ordering ahead for pickup can save you a wait at peak lunch.

What should I order at Mama’s Cupboard?

Classic banh-mi, vermicelli bowl with your protein choice, kimchi-loaded fries.

When should I visit Mama’s Cupboard?

Weekday lunch or early dinner before the speakeasy vibe.

Who should go to Mama’s Cupboard?

Midtown workers craving inventive banh mi and casual Thai-Viet.

Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Midtown East (10022)

Q: What is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Midtown East?

OBAO - Midtown is our top pick for Vietnamese restaurants in Midtown East, scoring 8.4/10. A long-running, high-volume Thai-Vietnamese restaurant where pho, curries, and cocktails are executed with enough consistency to draw locals and visitors alike.

Q: What should I order at OBAO - Midtown?

Pho Bo Short Rib, masaman short rib curry, Pad Kee Mao.

2 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

OBAO - Midtown

A long-running, high-volume Thai-Vietnamese restaurant where pho, curries, and cocktails are executed with enough consistency to draw locals and visitors alike.

Notable Picks

#1 OBAO - Midtown

8.4

$$ Midtown East

Vibes: Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings Business Lunch Power Players Trendy Table Hotspots

Lively Thai-Vietnamese spot established in 2009 that blends street-food staples with polished presentation, from short rib curries to pho and cocktails. High-volume delivery, years of steady crowds, and a broad menu make it a go-to in Midtown East for groups, business dinners, and pre-theater meals.

Must-Try Dishes: Pho Bo Short Rib, Masaman Short Rib Curry, Pad Kee Mao

What makes it special: A long-running, high-volume Thai-Vietnamese restaurant where pho, curries, and cocktails are executed with enough consistency to draw locals and visitors alike.

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#2 Mama’s Cupboard

8.1

$$ Midtown East

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Basement-level Thai-Vietnamese kitchen in Midtown East focused on banh mi, vermicelli bowls, and snackable small plates. The menu skews fresh and bright, with Viet-style herbs layered over Thai-leaning salads and rice bowls, and a following from nearby office workers looking for something more interesting than standard fast casual.

Must-Try Dishes: Classic Banh-mi, Vermicelli Bowl, Kimchi-loaded Fries

What makes it special: A Vietnamese-led banh mi and bowl shop that turns into a late-night speakeasy-style jazz space after hours.

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