0 Followers
Kim Son Vietnamese Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Kim Son Vietnamese Restaurant
7.9
Longstanding Richmond mainstay with a deep menu spanning noodle soups, rice plates, and home-style specials. It’s the reliable, low-key choice when you want classic flavors without the scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bun Rieu (crab-tomato noodle soup), Five-Spice Chicken over Vermicelli, Sugarcane Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Decades of steady execution and a broader-than-usual traditional menu.
Who should go: Families and old-school pho lovers
When to visit: Early evening; parking is easier and service is quicker
What to order: Bun rieu, five-spice chicken, sugarcane shrimp
Insider tip: Ask for fish sauce–lime on the side to customize brightness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clement and nearby side streets is usually manageable before 6:30pm but fills quickly after dinner rush; no dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are all fine; it’s a neighborhood spot without pretense.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is easy at smaller tables, though it can get lively on weekends with families dining in groups.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak dinner hours, especially between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; fast seating and quick service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several tofu and vegetable-based soups and rice plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify some items (e.g., tofu with vegetable broth), but fish sauce is common in many dishes.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some rice noodle dishes and rice plates work, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of a date is casual comfort food—this is more for longtime couples or low-pressure meetups than romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; the restaurant doesn’t typically take reservations except for large groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very; plenty of family groups, booster seats available, and accommodating staff who handle kids easily.
Best For
Better for: Large family-style meals, generous portions, and traditional recipes that haven’t been watered down for trendiness.
Skip if: You’re after a sleek or romantic setting—go to a newer Vietnamese bistro like Le Soleil instead.
Kim Son Vietnamese Restaurant
7.9
Long-running Balboa Street standby offering a wide menu from phở to rice plates with friendly, no-frills service. Portions are solid and the kitchen stays consistent across classic comfort dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở tái nạm (rare & brisket), Bánh hỏi thịt nướng (grilled pork with woven noodles), Cá kho tộ (caramelized fish in clay pot)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Wide-ranging menu with steady execution and generous portions.
Who should go: Families craving classic Vietnamese plates
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for easier seating
What to order: Phở tái nạm; bánh hỏi grilled pork; clay-pot fish
Insider tip: Request extra herbs and limes—staff is happy to oblige.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Balboa and 33rd is usually available within a block; meters are free after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual — everyday wear is perfectly fine; locals often drop in post-errands or after the park.
Noise level: Moderate — lively family chatter but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; tables turn fairly quickly.
Weekday lunch: No wait — walk right in most afternoons.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tofu and vegetable stir-fries plus vegetarian phở.
Vegan options: Limited — a few adaptable dishes if you request no fish sauce or meat broth.
Gluten-free options: Yes — rice noodles and steamed dishes are safe options, though no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, authentic spots — it’s more about comfort than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, and turnover is steady even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — staff are accommodating, high chairs are available, and portions suit sharing.
Best For
Better for: Large menu breadth and consistency across soups, rice plates, and noodle dishes — more reliable than trendier competitors.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sleek, modern setting or high-end presentation; this is comfort-first dining.
Kim Son Vietnamese Restaurant
7.8
Long-running Balboa Street standby where phở sits beside comfort classics like curry noodle soup and rice plates. Portions are hearty, prices fair, and it’s a dependable family meal option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở tái gân sách (rare steak, tendon, tripe), Curry chicken noodle soup, Bún bò Huế (when available)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Hearty, classic phở with a broad, old-school Vietnamese menu.
Who should go: Families and comfort-food hunters
When to visit: Weekend lunch before peak
What to order: Phở tái gân sách; curry noodle soup; bún bò Huế
Insider tip: Call ahead—rotating soups like bún bò Huế aren’t daily.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Balboa is generally available but can fill quickly during dinner hours; parallel spaces open up more easily a block or two off the main strip.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—jeans and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate - lively during weekend meals but quiet enough for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes typical without reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several tofu and vegetable noodle soups and rice plates available.
Vegan options: Limited - broth-based dishes typically use animal stock, but a few dry noodle and rice options qualify.
Gluten-free options: Partially - rice noodles and steamed rice are safe, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date—it's more about hearty comfort food and casual vibes than ambiance, though a shared bowl of phở makes a friendly, low-pressure meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Reservations aren’t typical; most guests walk in. Only large family groups might call ahead on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—plenty of space for families, quick service, and mild noodle soups kids enjoy. High chairs and booster seats are available.
Best For
Better for: Broader traditional Vietnamese comfort dishes and portion size than many nearby pho-only shops.
Skip if: You’re seeking trendy modern Vietnamese plating or plant-based menus—this is a classic, no-frills spot.