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Em Vietnamese Bistro
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Em Vietnamese Bistro
8.8
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.
Em Vietnamese Bistro
8.6
Em Vietnamese Bistro in DUMBO does modern Vietnamese cooking with a serious noodle and pho program, backed by a deep menu of Saigon-style small plates. Locals treat it as the go-to when they want richer broths, better ingredients, and a room that works for both date night and catch-up dinners near the waterfront.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Bo (24-hour beef noodle soup), Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup), Coconut Mussels
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Modern Vietnamese bistro where serious pho meets Saigon-style small plates.
Who should go: Couples and small groups craving upscale Vietnamese and pho.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier tables or later evenings after 8.
What to order: Pho Bo, Pho Ga, Coconut Mussels with crusty bread.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu specials and share a few small plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Pearl and Front Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean slightly polished due to the DUMBO location.
Noise level: Moderate; lively bistro energy but still comfortable for conversation at standard tables.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal waits; walk-ins are common and seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including vegetarian pho and small plates like tofu dishes and vegetable-focused sides.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; a few dishes can be made vegan upon request, though broths are not vegan.
Gluten-free options: Pho rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, and many dishes can be adapted; verify sauces with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes; the warm lighting, modern setting, and shareable plates make it relaxed but still special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights and late evenings; on weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive early or after peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably; the space is compact and better suited for older kids who enjoy noodle soups and small plates. No dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Richer, more layered broths and a broader Vietnamese small-plates selection than most neighborhood pho shops.
Skip if: You want a quick, no-frills pho counter—this is a sit-down bistro experience with longer meal pacing.
Em Vietnamese Bistro
8.4
Em Vietnamese Bistro brings modern Vietnamese cooking to Front Street with smoky grilled meats, noodle bowls, and updated classics in a compact, moodily lit space. It draws neighborhood regulars and diners from across Brooklyn for cozy, sharable meals that feel fresher and more design-conscious than a standard pho shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho bo with long-simmered beef broth, Caramelized fish sauce chicken wings, Grilled pork and vermicelli bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Modern Vietnamese comfort dishes served in a small, stylish bistro.
Who should go: Pho and wings fans looking for a cooler date spot.
When to visit: Evenings for a relaxed, neighborhood-dinner atmosphere.
What to order: Pho bo, fish sauce wings, pork vermicelli bowl.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for faster seating and a view of the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited, especially after 6pm; nearest paid garages are on Front St and Pearl St within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most diners lean toward polished streetwear or date-night basics.
Noise level: Moderate; the small, mood-lit room has steady background chatter but you can hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for parties of 2–3 during peak hours; bar seats often free up sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; steady flow but fast-moving tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including tofu noodle bowls, vegetarian spring rolls, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 customizable dishes if you request no fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be made gluten-free by omitting soy-based sauces; pho is naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate lighting and compact layout create a cozy atmosphere, and the shareable menu makes it easy to keep the conversation flowing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for smaller parties. Expect a short wait during weekend dinner, but the bar often turns over quickly and is a reliable fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens may enjoy the noodle bowls, but the room is small and better suited for adults or quiet family outings rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Inventive Vietnamese comfort dishes in a stylish, intimate setting—ideal when you want something homier and more design-forward than a traditional pho shop.
Skip if: You need large-group seating, extremely fast service, or a menu with extensive vegan options.
Em Vietnamese Bistro
8.4
Em Vietnamese Bistro brings modern Vietnamese plates and Saigon-style drinking food to a compact Front Street space just off the DUMBO arches. Pho, vermicelli bowls, and fish sauce wings show up alongside more playful small plates, making it equally good for a casual date or a snacky night with cocktails. The dim, design-minded room feels like a discovery compared to the more obvious waterfront spots nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish sauce wings, Pho bo, Pork vermicelli bowl
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Modern Vietnamese comfort dishes and drinking snacks in a snug, stylish room.
Who should go: Vietnamese fans chasing wings, pho, and cocktails in DUMBO.
When to visit: Evenings when the room fills up but before peak waits.
What to order: Fish sauce wings, pho bo, pork vermicelli bowl.
Insider tip: Grab a bar seat for faster seating and a good view of the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited, especially near the arches; expect to circle or use nearby garages on Pearl or Adams Streets.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most diners wear relaxed outfits with a slight downtown edge.
Noise level: Moderate—busy enough to feel lively but still possible to hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; service is faster and the room is calmer.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including tofu dishes and veggie-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Limited; some bowls can be adjusted but not all sauces are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: A handful of naturally gluten-free dishes, though cross-contact is possible due to shared prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its dim lighting, intimate seating, and playful Vietnamese plates make for an easygoing but memorable first date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, but waits build quickly on weekends. Bar seating is the fastest way in.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens; the small, dim space and cocktail-focused vibe may feel too tight for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Cozy date nights, flavorful Vietnamese comfort dishes, and a more intimate alternative to the bigger waterfront restaurants nearby.
Skip if: You need lots of space for strollers or large groups, want extremely mild flavors, or prefer bright, airy dining rooms.
Em Vietnamese Bistro
8.0
Em Vietnamese Bistro in DUMBO leans heavily on gluten-free rice noodles in its soups and noodle dishes, making it unusually friendly for gluten-free diners. The menu focuses on brothy pho, Saigon-style noodle bowls, and rice plates in a modern, plant-filled room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Bo with gluten-free rice noodles, Hu Tieu signature noodle soup, Bun Rieu Chay with gluten-free vermicelli
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A Vietnamese bistro that builds much of its menu around gluten-free rice noodles and clearly marked options.
Who should go: Gluten-free diners craving pho, noodles, and cozy Vietnamese flavors
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend lunches before peak rush
What to order: Pho Bo with GF noodles, Hu Tieu, Bun Rieu Chay
Insider tip: Mention gluten-free needs clearly; staff can steer you to the safest broths and sauces.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and metered; expect competitive spots after 6pm. Nearby garages on Jay St and Front St offer paid parking.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most diners wear neat everyday wear with a slightly polished edge.
Noise level: Moderate—steady conversation buzz but still easy enough to hold a normal discussion.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on weather and foot traffic; peak hours can see queues.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief 5–10 minute pause during local office lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several rice noodle dishes, soups, and vegetable-forward plates can be prepared vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but present—certain broths and bowls can be made vegan; ask staff for safe swaps.
Gluten-free options: Very strong—many dishes are naturally gluten-free due to rice noodles, and staff clearly guide broth and sauce selections.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The plant-filled room, warm lighting, and comforting pho make it a relaxed but still special-feeling first date spot without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes—especially on weeknights or weekday lunches. Weekends may require a short wait, so arriving early is wise.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy noodles and soups; space is compact, so strollers may be challenging during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Gluten-free noodle dishes and lighter Vietnamese comfort plates in a modern, calming setting.
Skip if: You want a full bar, very large portions, or a more traditional Vietnamese menu with extensive fried items.