Best Vietnamese Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Bodega SF
Modern Vietnamese fine dining with a family legacy since 2003
Notable Picks
#1
Bodega SF
8.9
Matthew Ho's modern interpretation of his family's Bodega Bistro legacy brings elevated Northern Vietnamese cuisine back to the Tenderloin. The tasting menu and creative cocktails complement traditional dishes like bun cha and authentic Hanoi-style pho.
Must-Try Dishes:
Northern Style Pho, Bun Cha (Pork & Noodles), Bo Tai Chanh (Beef Carpaccio)
What Makes it Special: Modern Vietnamese fine dining with a family legacy since 2003
8.8
House of An’s upscale Vietnamese-Californian landmark reborn in FiDi, pairing polished service with signatures like roasted Dungeness crab and secret-recipe garlic noodles. A power-dinner standby with private dining and strong beverage program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Dungeness Crab, Garlic Noodles, Tuna Cigars
What Makes it Special: Refined Vietnamese-Californian cooking with signature crab and garlic noodles.
#3
Lily
8.8
Chef Rob Lam’s Vietnamese cooking leans polished and precise, from turmeric fried catfish bánh mì to duck confit egg rolls. Locals use it for date nights and special-occasion lunches thanks to thoughtful flavors and balanced execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turmeric Fried Catfish Bánh Mì, Duck Confit Egg Rolls, Grilled Pork Bún
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven Vietnamese with refined technique and seasonal touches.
#4
Turtle Tower
8.7
Iconic Northern Vietnamese spot known for clear, delicate broths and Hanoi-style pho. Locals come for precision and consistency—simple bowls executed with discipline in a casual FiDi setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Ga (chicken), Pho Bo Tai (rare beef), Chicken Congee
What Makes it Special: Hanoi-style pho with crystal-clear broths and restrained garnishes.
#5
Le Soleil
8.6
Le Soleil offers a refined take on Vietnamese classics, blending traditional flavors with contemporary presentation. Known for its elegant ambiance and attentive service, it's a favorite for both casual diners and special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry Crab, Hai Nan Chicken, Squid Ink Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Elevated Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist in a chic setting.
8.5
Newer Noe Valley dining room focused on pho bò, bún bò Huế, and vermicelli plates with clean broths and careful seasoning. It’s a comfortable sit-down option for a warming bowl and unfussy service.
Must-Try Dishes:
#33 Beef Combination pho, Bún bò Huế, BBQ pork vermicelli
What Makes it Special: Broth-forward pho and Central-style soups in a calm setting.
#7
Pho Viet
8.5
An unassuming pho spot offering a variety of options with fresh herbs, hearty broths, and a casual atmosphere. It's a favorite among locals for its hearty portions and fast service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai, Pho Bo, Banh Mi
What Makes it Special: Hearty pho with fresh herbs and quality broths.
#8
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)
What Makes it Special: Big-flavor plates and pho with generous portions in a low-key room.
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
High-volume pho shop known for clean, aromatic broth and speedy execution. It’s a dependable Inner Sunset go-to with a wide cut list and efficient service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet (house combo), Rare Steak & Brisket (tai nam), Chicken Pho
What Makes it Special: Clean, balanced broths with precise cut combinations.
#10
Mong Thu Cafe
8.4
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family-run since 1993, this tiny cafe serves exceptional Vietnamese comfort food with distinct broths for each soup variety. The bun rieu and chicken pho draw devoted regulars to this cash-only gem where portions overflow and prices stay remarkably low.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bun Rieu (Crab Tomato Soup), Pho Ga (Chicken Pho), Banh Mi Bo Kho (Beef Stew Sandwich)
What Makes it Special: Multiple distinct soup broths made fresh daily in tiny kitchen
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
High-volume pho shop known for clean, aromatic broth and speedy execution. It’s a dependable Inner Sunset go-to with a wide cut list and efficient service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet (house combo), Rare Steak & Brisket (tai nam), Chicken Pho
What Makes it Special: Clean, balanced broths with precise cut combinations.
#12
Saigon Sandwich
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cash-only Little Saigon staple serving classic bánh mì at lightning speed from a tiny counter. Lines move fast for crisp baguettes stuffed with pate, roast meats, and pickled veg—still one of the city’s best-value eats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banh Mi Xiu Mai (meatball), Roast Pork Banh Mi, Special Combo (pâté + cold cuts)
What Makes it Special: Old-school, cash-only bánh mì counter turning out SF’s most iconic cheap eats.
8.4
Chef Vanessa Dang brings 25+ years of culinary expertise to Vietnamese tapas with French influences. The art-filled space features an extensive wine list with 150+ bottles and a late-night happy hour on Friday and Saturday from 9pm until close, making it a favorite for post-dinner drinks and small bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Noodles, Salt and Pepper Prawns, Ahi Tuna Carpaccio
What Makes it Special: Vietnamese-French fusion tapas with late-night happy hour
#14
Hai Ky Noodles
8.3
Little Saigon stalwart known for Cantonese-Vietnamese noodle soups and a legendary braised duck leg wonton bowl. No-frills setting, big flavors, and prices that keep neighborhood regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised duck leg with wonton egg noodles, House special wonton egg noodle soup, Beef stew noodle soup
What Makes it Special: Beloved Little Saigon noodle house with an iconic duck-leg soup.
#15
Hem by LeQuy
8.3
Modern Vietnamese spot on the Valencia corridor serving clean, balanced takes on classics alongside comforting homestyle plates. Locals come for thoughtful flavors without the fuss and a calm room that still feels Mission-casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork vermicelli), Cá kho tộ (caramelized fish claypot), Chả giò (crispy imperial rolls)
What Makes it Special: Thoughtful, modern Vietnamese plates anchored by tradition.
Neighborhood phở house on Polk with clear, aromatic broths and tidy bowls. Portions are satisfying without being heavy, and service moves briskly at peak lunch hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở tái (rare beef), Chicken phở, Bún thịt nướng
What Makes it Special: Brisk, reliable phở with clean broths on busy Polk Street.
#17
Lao Table
8.3
Stylish full-service spot where pho appears in elevated forms like beef short rib and duck. Broths are aromatic and richer, plated with a bit of polish for date nights or business dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Beef Short Rib, Pho Duck, Khao Piak Sen
What Makes it Special: Upscale takes on pho in a polished SoMa dining room.
#18
My Canh
8.3
Late-night Vietnamese stalwart known for steaming bowls of banh canh cua and robust broths. Locals come for generous portions, quick service, and a no-frills room that prioritizes flavor over flash.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banh Canh Cua (crab thick noodles), Bun Bo Hue, Pho Dac Biet
What Makes it Special: Hearty, deeply flavored soups served late in a humble spot.
#19
Pho Golden
8.3
Steady, family-run Vietnamese spot known for clean, aromatic broths and a broad menu that goes beyond pho. Portions are hearty, service is warm, and weekend tables draw multi-generational neighborhood crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house special), Bún bò Huế, Bánh khọt (mini savory pancakes)
What Makes it Special: Clean, fragrant broths with a deep menu beyond pho standards
#20
Pho Huong Viet
8.3
Family-run spot serving clear, aromatic broths and Northern-leaning noodle bowls that punch above the strip-mall setting. Locals come for dependable pho, crisp spring rolls, and portions that still feel fair for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Ga (chicken pho), Bun Cha Hanoi, Cha Gio (fried spring rolls)
What Makes it Special: Clean, deeply seasoned broths and Hanoi-style touches rarely found nearby.
8.3
Potrero Hill standby serving a broad Vietnamese menu—crispy crepes, noodle soups, and rice plates—at fair prices. It’s the go-to neighborhood choice for comforting classics with quick service and steady execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vietnamese crepe (bánh xèo), Lemongrass chicken rice plate, Bún bò Huế
What Makes it Special: Long-running neighborhood spot with a deep menu and fast pacing.
#22
Tanglad
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
Casual Vietnamese street-food spot in the heart of the Castro serving pho, bun rieu, rice plates and banh mi with quick counter service. Locals come for five-spice chicken, lemongrass beef, and a comforting bowl of noodle soup without a long wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bún riêu (tomato-crab noodle soup), Garlic noodles, Grilled lemongrass beef vermicelli
What Makes it Special: Street-food menu with broad range from pho to banh mi.
#23
Tín on Kearny
8.3
Weekday, lunch-only outpost serving focused bowls, pho, and bánh mì with quick counter service. Portions are hearty, herbs are fresh, and orders move fast for the FiDi crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bún Thịt Nướng (grilled pork vermicelli), Phở Đặc Biệt, Imperial Rolls
What Makes it Special: Lunch-only Vietnamese staples executed fast with fresher-than-average herbs.
#24
Tín on Spear
8.3
Counter-service Vietnamese with bright, clean flavors—think five-spice chicken, shaking beef, and generous vermicelli bowls. A reliable downtown lunch move with quick lines and consistent execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Five-Spice Chicken over Rice, Bo Luc Lac (Shaking Beef), Imperial Rolls with Nuoc Cham
What Makes it Special: Well-executed classics served fast without feeling generic.
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Group Dining Gatherings
Long-running SoMa spot known for northern-leaning pho, bun bo hue, and Hanoi specialties done with clean broths and balanced seasoning. It’s a reliable lunch-to-dinner choice near Moscone with efficient service and consistent execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Bo (beef pho), Bun Bo Hue, Cha Ca La Vong
What Makes it Special: Northern-style broths and Hanoi classics in a central SoMa setting.
#26
Viet Noms
8.3
Modern Vietnamese counter spot with clean broths and crunchy-fresh veggies. Vegetarian pho and tofu bánh mì are light, satisfying options that travel well for takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegetarian Pho, Tofu Bánh Mì, Fresh Veggie Spring Rolls
What Makes it Special: Vegetarian pho with clear broth and crisp herbs.
Casual Parkside spot known for a deeply beefy phở with a dramatic short rib plus crisp bánh xèo and rich curry noodle soups. Service moves fast and friendly, with a steady local crowd and consistent bowls that hit on cold, foggy evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Beef Rib Phở, Bánh Xèo (crispy crêpe), Curry Noodle Soup
What Makes it Special: Signature short-rib phở with hearty, beef-forward broth.
8.3
Y & Y offers a diverse menu of Vietnamese dishes, from traditional pho to creative fusion options. The spacious interior and attentive service make it a comfortable choice for groups and families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet, Banh Xeo, Grilled Pork Vermicelli
What Makes it Special: A broad menu catering to both traditional and modern tastes.
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Compact Castro shop specializing in crisp, well-balanced bánh mì and Vietnamese drinks. Expect fast turns, fresh baguettes, and generous fillings at wallet-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Special (cold-cut combo) bánh mì, Grilled pork bánh mì, Shaking beef bánh mì
What Makes it Special: Fresh-baked baguettes and classic bánh mì done right.
8.2
Lively Vietnamese spot known for maximalist seafood dishes—from the over-the-top “Phozilla” to crab-fried rice—backed by a full bar. It’s a buzzy Inner Sunset destination for shareable plates and cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
“Phozilla” lobster pho, Dungeness crab fried rice, Grilled whole fish (market)
What Makes it Special: Spectacle-forward Vietnamese seafood and cocktails in a high-energy room.
Chinatown fixture known for a broad Vietnamese menu with dependable bowls of pho ga and beef pho. It’s an easy sit-down option with quick service and pricing that fits casual lunches or early dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho ga (chicken pho), Beef pho with brisket and tendon, Bun bo Hue
What Makes it Special: Broad Vietnamese menu with consistently good pho in Chinatown.
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Busy, pho-focused spot known for clean broths, quick turnaround, and generous portions. Locals lean on the beef combo and chicken pho for dependable downtown comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở Đặc Biệt (Beef Combo), Phở Tái Bò Viên (Rare Beef & Meatballs), Phở Gà (Chicken)
What Makes it Special: Pho-first menu with fast service and steady execution.
8.2
A cozy neighborhood spot offering authentic Vietnamese dishes at affordable prices. Known for its friendly service and consistent quality, it's a go-to for locals craving comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Bo Hue
What Makes it Special: Authentic flavors served in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Lower Haight standby for garlic noodles, imperial rolls, and wok-leaning plates served in a sit-down setting. Reliable portions and steady execution make it a neighborhood dinner fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Five Spice chicken with garlic noodles, Imperial rolls, Shaking beef (bò lúc lắc)
What Makes it Special: Sit-down Vietnamese with beloved garlic noodles and hearty plates.
#35
Pho Tan Hoa
8.2
Since 1996, this Tenderloin institution has been serving traditional Vietnamese pho with rich, complex broths and generous portions of quality beef. The no-frills atmosphere focuses entirely on delivering authentic flavors that have earned mentions in travel guides worldwide.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet (House Special), Pho Tai (Rare Beef), Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle)
What Makes it Special: Authentic Northern Vietnamese pho with 28 years of consistency
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Vietnamese-style crab feasts—roasted Dungeness with garlic butter and peppercorn—paired with garlic noodles and shareable sides. It’s the Richmond go-to for celebratory seafood dinners with the whole table involved.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Dungeness Crab, Garlic Noodles, Imperial Rolls
What Makes it Special: Signature Vietnamese-style crab with crowd-pleasing garlic noodles.
#37
Angiday
8.1
Haight spot serving pho, bánh mì, and Vietnamese café drinks with quick counter service and a few cozy seats. Locals use it for a reliable noodle-and-sandwich fix before or after the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef pho, Lemongrass pork bánh mì, Pandan latte
What Makes it Special: Compact Vietnamese menu with well-executed pho and bánh mì.
8.1
Southern-leaning Vietnamese comfort dishes with generous portions and a friendly, family-run feel. Known for bold flavors, grilled meats, and noodle plates that hit on value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nước mắm wings, Grilled pork with garlic noodles, Bún bò Huế
What Makes it Special: Big-flavor Southern Vietnamese plates built for hearty appetites.
#39
Bun Mee
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Vietnamese banh mi specialist known for crisp baguettes, bright pickles, and fast counter pacing. Downtown workers lean on it for flavorful, affordable sandwiches with reliable turnaround.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Combo banh mi, Five-Spice Chicken banh mi, Hanoi-Style Crispy Catfish
What Makes it Special: Snappy, herb-packed banh mi with balanced sauces and crunch.
#40
DragonEats
8.1
Compact banh mi and rolls shop turning out crisp, well-stuffed sandwiches and tidy rice-paper rolls for a sub-$15 lunch. Quick service and consistent bake on the baguettes make it a dependable grab-and-go stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast pork banh mi, Garlic butter chicken banh mi, Shrimp fresh rolls
What Makes it Special: Well-balanced banh mi with fresh herbs and snappy pickles at true lunch prices.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
No-frills Chinatown staple serving pho, bun bo hue, and rice plates at wallet-friendly prices. Locals lean on hearty bowls, fast service, and a central spot just off Portsmouth Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bun Bo Hue, Pho Tai, Imperial Rolls
What Makes it Special: Chinatown’s longtime go-to for affordable, comforting Vietnamese noodle soups.
Women-owned Vietnamese truck known for garlic noodles, bánh mì, and rice boxes, appearing regularly at SPARK Social’s Mission Bay park. Expect fast counter service and rotating specials; check the day’s lineup before you go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Noodles w/ Lemongrass Chicken, Classic Bánh Mì (pâté & pork), Shaking Beef Rice Box
What Makes it Special: Rotating Vietnamese truck bringing garlic noodles, bánh mì, and rice boxes to SPARK.
8.1
Neighborhood Vietnamese standby in the Marina serving straightforward bowls of pho, garlic noodles, and grilled meats with speedy, friendly service. It’s a low-key room where locals warm up with rich broths and share imperial rolls before a stroll along Lombard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Combo Pho, Five-Spice Chicken Garlic Noodles, Imperial Rolls
What Makes it Special: Comfort-first pho and garlic noodles made fast and reliably.
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Neighborhood standby for garlic noodles, imperial rolls, and generous rice plates served fast at the counter. Locals lean on it for reliably balanced broths and portions that feel like a deal for Inner Sunset.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Noodles with Imperial Roll, Grilled Lemongrass Pork over Rice, Beef Pho
What Makes it Special: Fast, satisfying classics with standout garlic noodles combos.
#45
Pho Queen
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Neighborhood Vietnamese spot for clean broths, balanced bowls, and quick counter pacing. Locals lean on reliable pho, tidy vermicelli plates, and straightforward banh mi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai (rare beef), Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork vermicelli)
What Makes it Special: Balanced broths and a broad, well-executed core menu.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family-run since the early 1980s, serving fast, affordable classics to FiDi and Jackson Square. Portions are generous; the menu spans pho, bun, and rice plates turned quickly for weekday crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Imperial Rolls, Grilled Pork Vermicelli, Beef Pho
What Makes it Special: Long-running, family-owned counter with swift tickets and sharp value.
#47
An Chi
8
Compact counter-service noodle and banh mi shop with fast ticket times and bright, punchy flavors. It’s a go-to for quick bowls, grilled-pork vermicelli, and under-$15 lunches along the Geary corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork vermicelli), Pho Dac Biet, Combo Banh Mi
What Makes it Special: Speedy, affordable bowls and sandwiches with crisp, fresh herbs.
#48
Banh Mi King
8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Compact counter-service spot in the Transbay/Rincon corridor serving straightforward pho alongside banh mi. Broth leans clean and comforting, portions are solid for the price, and it’s efficient for office-day lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Beef Noodles, Pho Chicken Noodles, Pork Belly Banh Mi
What Makes it Special: Affordable pho in a fast, downtown-friendly format.
#49
Banh Mi Viet
8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Counter-service bánh mì shop on Divisadero known for crisp bread, bright pickles, and fast turnaround. It’s a go-to for affordable lunch runs and quick picnic pickups for nearby parks.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ pork bánh mì, Garlic butter chicken bánh mì, Vietnamese iced coffee
What Makes it Special: Well-built bánh mì on airy baguettes at true value pricing.
#50
Banhwich
8
Compact Vietnamese counter doing classic banh mi on the cheap with quick turnarounds. Fresh herbs, pickles, and warm baguettes make it a reliable weekday lunch move.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combo Pork Banh Mi, Grilled Chicken Banh Mi, Egg Rolls
What Makes it Special: Classic, affordable banh mi with speedy service.