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ZipPicks Awards
Best Hidden Gems Vietnamese in Outer Richmond
Best Cheap Eats Vietnamese in Outer Richmond
Best Pho in Outer Richmond
Master Critic Review
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.
Hours
Monday11am - 8pm
Tuesday11am - 8pm
Wednesday11am - 8pm
ThursdayClosed
Friday11am - 8pm
Saturday11am - 8pm
Sunday11am - 8pm