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Quê Việt
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Quê Việt
8.5
Sit-down Vietnamese spot in SoMa known for generous vermicelli platters, crisp imperial rolls, and a broad pho lineup. Portions run large and the kitchen leans savory-herbal rather than sweet, making it a reliable dinner choice near Moscone and the ballpark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combo pho (phở đặc biệt), Grilled pork & imperial roll vermicelli (bún chả giò thịt nướng), Mini shrimp pancakes (bánh khọt)
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Big-flavor plates and pho with generous portions in a low-key room.
Who should go: Pho lovers and hearty eaters near Moscone
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm to avoid peak waits
What to order: Pho dac biet; bún chả giò; bánh khọt
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime—staff are generous if you request.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoMa, especially during evening events at Moscone or Oracle Park; nearby garages on 3rd and Howard typically run $8–$15.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and polos are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate; lively chatter and background music, but you can generally hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer if there’s a convention or game nearby.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; seating is available right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options like vegetarian pho, tofu vermicelli, and imperial rolls.
Vegan options: Limited but available—spring rolls with tofu and some noodle soups if requested without fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes are naturally gluten-free (like rice noodle soups), but cross-contact is possible; staff can advise on safe picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the cozy atmosphere and generous sharing plates make it a relaxed but memorable setting, especially for casual date nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during weekdays; on weekends or during Moscone events, expect a wait or call ahead to secure a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who enjoy noodle soups or shared platters; no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: More authentic, savory-herbal flavor balance and generous portions compared to trendier modern Vietnamese spots in SoMa.
Skip if: If you want quick counter-service or ultra-modern fusion dishes; this is a sit-down experience with a traditional lean.
Quê Việt
8.1
Broad menu near Caltrain covering phở, bánh mì, bún, and rice plates with fast tickets and group-friendly seating. A practical, affordable SoMa choice before or after transit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở Tái Nạm (rare steak & brisket), Charred Chicken Thigh Rice Plate, Bánh Hỏi Grilled Pork
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Wide Vietnamese lineup with speedy service steps from Caltrain.
Who should go: Transit-area diners and office lunch crowds
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner to avoid peak lines
What to order: Phở tái nạm, charred chicken rice plate, bánh hỏi pork
Insider tip: For groups, order a mix of phở and grilled plates to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be difficult during weekday lunch rush; nearby paid lots around Caltrain available (~$5–10).
Dress code: Casual—office wear, jeans, or travel attire are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate—can converse at tables, but peak lunch hours bring steady background chatter.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait; 10–15 minutes max.
Weekday lunch: Lines can form from 12–1 pm, expect 10–20 minute wait for a table.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dishes such as vegetarian phở, tofu vermicelli, and vegetable stir-fries.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—spring rolls and modified noodle/rice plates can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—phở and rice plate options are naturally gluten-free; ask staff to avoid soy sauce-based marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal dates—fast-casual setting by the train station doesn’t lean romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only, with fastest seating outside peak weekday lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—broad menu with mild dishes like chicken phở works well for kids; plenty of space for small groups but no dedicated kids’ amenities.
Best For
Better for: Large groups needing quick, inexpensive Vietnamese variety near transit.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, intimate setting or refined dining experience—this is a fast-casual, practical spot.
Quê Việt
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
Compact SoMa bistro known for clean, beef-forward broth and well-trimmed cuts, including a photogenic short-rib pho. Lunch moves quickly, portions are solid, and execution has stayed steady across busy game days and calmer weeknights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Short Rib Phở, Phở Đặc Biệt (Combo), Chicken Phở (Phở Gà)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Clear, beefy broth with precise cuts and fast pacing.
Who should go: Pho fans near the ballpark and SoMa offices
When to visit: Weekdays 11:00–1:00 or after 7:30 pm
What to order: Short-rib phở; combo phở; spring rolls
Insider tip: Ask for fresh herbs on the side to tweak intensity.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available but fills quickly during lunch and game days; nearby paid garages run $10–$15 for short stays.
Dress code: Casual; office wear and jeans are both common. No formal dress required.
Noise level: Moderate; conversations are possible but it gets livelier during peak lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes, as weekends draw both locals and ballpark traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically 5–10 minutes, though prime 12–1 pm can see a short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu and vegetable pho available, plus some non-pho starters.
Vegan options: Limited — broth is beef-based, but a couple of plant-focused appetizers and sides exist.
Gluten-free options: Yes — rice noodles and most pho bowls are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual date than a romantic one. The short-rib pho makes a strong impression, but the space is small and a bit busy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s mostly walk-in. At peak times, expect a brief wait or consider takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — high chairs are limited and the dining room is compact, so best for older kids who can share bowls.
Best For
Better for: Quê Việt stands out for clear, beef-forward broth and consistent execution under pressure, making it more reliable than trendier pho spots nearby.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a quiet, drawn-out meal or a wide vegan selection — alternatives in SoMa may be better suited.
Quê Việt
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Wide-ranging Vietnamese menu—pho, bánh hỏi, rice plates—served with brisk pacing near Caltrain. Reliable for groups and last-minute meals with consistent broths and well-charred grilled meats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bánh Hỏi Thịt Nướng (woven vermicelli with grilled pork), Phở Đặc Biệt, Bò Tái Chanh (lime-cured beef)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A big, versatile menu that handles groups without sacrificing broth quality.
Who should go: Teams and friends needing easy, satisfying Vietnamese
When to visit: Early lunch or after 1:30pm to avoid rush
What to order: Bánh hỏi thịt nướng, phở đặc biệt, charred chicken rice plate
Insider tip: Ask for woven vermicelli (bánh hỏi) with your preferred protein.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tight during peak hours near Caltrain; meter spots open up after 6pm, but there is no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans, tees, and office attire all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively at peak lunch and dinner rush; easy to hold conversations off-peak.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before noon or after 1:30pm; brief waits around 12–1.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple meatless dishes like vegetarian pho, tofu plates, and veggie rolls.
Vegan options: Limited but possible – tofu with rice or noodle dishes can be customized by skipping fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some rice- and noodle-based plates work well, but ask staff to avoid soy sauce or hoisin in prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meals or group outings than romantic dates, given the bright lighting and brisk service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – reservations are rarely necessary; expect a short wait only at peak lunch or dinner times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – simple rice and noodle dishes appeal to children, and high chairs are typically available, though space can be tight during rushes.
Best For
Better for: Large groups needing quick, reliable Vietnamese classics with consistent broths and grilled meats.
Skip if: You’re looking for a romantic ambiance, craft cocktails, or a quieter fine-dining experience.