Pho is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup that has made its way into the hearts and stomachs of New Yorkers.
With its rich broth, tender meat, and fragrant herbs, pho is the ultimate comfort food.
Here are the 12 best pho spots in NYC.
1. Lucy’s Vietnamese
- Website
- Address: 262 Irving Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
- Phone: (347) 240-1599
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Lucy’s Vietnamese is a small but mighty spot that offers a range of Vietnamese specialties such as pho, noodle bowls, and banh mi sandwiches across its three locations in Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Bedford Stuyvesant.
One of their standout dishes is the 14-hour smoked brisket pho, which is simply divine.
The chicken pho is equally delicious, with tender meat and perfectly cooked noodles.
The bread on the banh mi is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the meats are seasoned to perfection.
There are vegan options available, which are equally tasty and reasonably priced.
The service is quick and efficient, and you will appreciate the outstanding service provided by the staff, particularly Stanley.
Though the shop is small, the modern twist on Vietnamese food and the delicious dishes make it worth the visit.
2. Sao Mai
- Website
- Address: 203 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
- Phone: (212) 358-8880
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Sao Mai is a small family-run Vietnamese restaurant that has gained a big reputation for its delicious, authentic cuisine.
I would recommend the traditional staples, especially the pho, which many have called the best they’ve ever had.
The rich and warming broth, packed with protein, is a standout feature of the pho.
But it’s not just the pho that impresses; other dishes like the Bun Bo Hue and the pork dish have also garnered high praise.
It’s the kind of place where you can come for a hearty, satisfying meal with family or friends, and leave feeling full and content.
Sao Mai is a must-try for anyone in search of authentic Vietnamese cuisine in the East Side.
From the flavorful broth to the expertly cooked proteins, this little gem has a lot to offer.
3. Hanoi House
- Website
- Address: 119 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
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Hanoi House is a popular Vietnamese restaurant that has won the hearts of many food enthusiasts.
The menu is limited but the dishes are creative and delicious. The pho is a must-try and is served with four types of beef cuts.
The restaurant is known for its bold and flavorful dishes, such as the Dac Biet pho that comes with bone marrow and fried dough.
The staff are friendly and efficient, making for a great dining experience.
The outdoor seating area is currently open and heated, perfect for chilly weather.
However, due to its popularity, reservations are a must to avoid long waiting times.
One thing that sets Hanoi House apart from other Vietnamese restaurants is its modern fusion twist on traditional dishes.
For example, the shaking beef is a popular dish that features a sublime sauce. Their Vietnamese iced coffee is also a must-try.
4. Pho Bang
- Website
- Address: 157 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, United States
- Phone: +1 212-966-3797
Pho Bang is a casual Vietnamese restaurant located in Chinatown, offering traditional pho and other regional dishes.
Their pho is considered one of the best in town by many.
The soup is well-balanced, with a rich taste of noodles and not too salty broth.
The restaurant is also affordable, with a high quality-price ratio.
The staff is friendly and attentive, creating a warm atmosphere that adds to the dining experience.
However, it is worth noting that the restaurant is cash-only.
Despite its basic decor, the restaurant has been open for over 10 years and has maintained its low prices and high quality of food.
I would recommend trying the combination rice noodle beef soup, curry chicken with bread, spicy and sour soup, Vietnamese spring rolls, and the espresso black condensed milk iced coffee.
If you’re a pho lover, Pho Bang is definitely worth a visit.
5. Khe-Yo
- Website
- Address: 157 Duane St, New York, NY 10013, United States
- Phone: +1 212-587-1089
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Khe-Yo is a Southeast Asian restaurant in New York City that puts a Laotian twist on its dishes.
Its industrial-styled interior, complete with exposed brick walls, creates a unique and cozy atmosphere for diners.
The beef used in the dishes is Creekstone, which makes it a viable option for halal eaters.
The flavors of the dishes are expertly balanced, resulting in a culinary experience that never fails to impress.
Despite the American appearance of the servers, the food at Khe-Yo has a distinct and authentic taste that transports diners to Southeast Asia.
The pho is especially noteworthy, with generous portions and beautiful plating. The sake paloma pairs perfectly with it and enhances the depth of flavor.
While the service can be slow, it is worth the wait.
It’s worth noting that Khe-Yo serves pho for lunch only.
Accessibility is not a concern, as the restaurant is handicap accessible with a street-level entrance.
Street parking and nearby parking lots make it convenient for visitors.
Khe-Yo is located near several notable New York City landmarks, including the WTC, 911 Memorial, City Hall, Battery Park, and the Financial District, making it an excellent stop for both tourists and locals alike.
6. Saiguette
- Website
- Address: 935 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025, United
- Phone: +1 212-866-8886
Saiguette is a snug spot that has gained popularity for its delicious banh mi and pho and also offers a variety of Vietnamese entrees for eat-in or takeout.
Their menu includes classics like beef pho, lemongrass pork sandwich, and shrimp Laska.
I would recommend the lemongrass pork banh mi with perfect portion size and flavorful, tender meat.
The sandwich had a nice balance of carrots, cilantro, and cucumber with a little bit of heat.
Saiguette has the best banh mi in the Upper West Side, with great prices and portions.
7. Thái Sơn
- Website
- Address: 89 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013, United States
- Phone: +1 212-732-2822
Thái Sơn is a must-try Vietnamese restaurant located in Chinatown, New York. This no-frills spot is known for its authentic and delicious pho, grilled chicken rice dishes, and spring rolls.
The fresh atmosphere and friendly service make for an enjoyable dining experience.
You will like the savory broths of the pho and Bun Bo Hue, which come with generous portions of meat, tendon, and tripe at a very affordable price.
Additionally, the lettuce wrap platter is a hit among diners, featuring large portions of meaty spring rolls, meatballs, and juicy grilled pork chops.
While the street may not be the most attractive, Thái Sơn’s outdoor seating area is spacious and clean, offering a comfortable setting for diners.
Although another Vietnamese restaurant next door sells similar dishes at a lower price, Thái Sơn’s authenticity and flavorful offerings make it a standout spot in the area.
If you’re in the mood for some delicious Vietnamese cuisine, Thái Sơn is the place to go.
8. V-Nam Cafe
- Website
- Address: 20 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
- Phone: (212) 780-6020
V-Nam Cafe is a hidden gem that serves up some of the best Vietnamese cuisines in NYC.
From the moment you step inside, the unassuming storefront belies the deliciousness that awaits.
Their pho and spiced-to-order sandwiches are among the standout dishes on the menu. But what really sets V-Nam Cafe apart is the attention to detail in their food.
Everything is seasoned to perfection, and the pickled veggies add just the right amount of tanginess to the dishes.
I would also recomend their lemongrass beef sandwich, which was bursting with flavor and had the perfect amount of heat.
V-Nam Cafe is definitely worth a visit, even if you’re a native New Yorker who has never been there before.
Their classic Banh Mi sandwich is said to be one of the best in the city, and the ice coffee is the perfect accompaniment.
You won’t be disappointed!
9. Saigon Shack
- Website
- Address: 114 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, United
- Phone: +1 212-228-0588
Saigon Shack is a beloved Vietnamese eatery in the heart of NYC, known for its delicious pho and banh mi sandwiches.
Despite being a cash-only establishment, you can order and pay through a convenient food app, making the experience seamless.
The staff is friendly and professional, providing quick service to its patrons.
The restaurant offers a great ambiance with fantastic music, adding to the dining experience.
The Short Rib Pho is a must-try, and the shrimp vermicelli bowl with egg roll is flavorful and satisfying.
The grilled pork bahn mi is also delicious and highly recommended.
While it can get busy during peak hours, the food is consistently great, making it worth the wait.
10. Bánh
- Website
- Address: 942 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
- Phone: (917) 639-3151
Bánh is a charming and cozy Vietnamese restaurant located in NYC. It offers a relaxed and narrow atmosphere, which is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, always ready to suggest the best dishes from their extensive menu.
One of the standout dishes is the Bo Bo sandwich, made with tender, well-seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and a lightly toasted baguette.
Another popular dish is sticky rice with pork, which is perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
In addition to their tasty food, Bánh also serves classic Vietnamese iced coffee, which is a perfect complement to any meal.
If you’re looking for something unique, try their homemade strawberry and lime soda. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
The restaurant has outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying your meal in the fresh air.
The menu is extensive, with many dishes that you won’t find at other Vietnamese restaurants.
And don’t forget to end your meal with their delicious Xôi Mặn (Sticky rice with sweet sausage, ham, pork flakes, quails egg, scallion oil and pate).
11. Pho Grand
- Website
- Address: 277C Grand St, New York, NY 10002
- Phone: (212) 965-5366
Pho Grand is a small, cozy eatery located in Chinatown, New York City.
Despite its simple and old-fashioned appearance, it serves some of the best pho in town.
The staff is friendly and efficient, and the food is served promptly.
Vegetarians will love the tofu with vegetables, which is cooked to perfection and served with a mouth-watering sauce.
The prices at Pho Grand are reasonable, and the portions are generous.
It’s a great place to grab a quick meal without breaking the bank.
And if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, don’t miss the bathrooms!
Covered in professionally-done graffiti, they’re a true work of art.
All in all, Pho Grand is a must-visit for anyone in the mood for delicious Vietnamese food in a laid-back, unpretentious setting.
12. High Lúa
- Website
- Address: 182 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
- Phone: (347) 844-9666
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Nón Lá is a charming Vietnamese restaurant that serves traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi.
Besides beef brisket pho, I would recommend the Bun Bo Hue, which is rich and flavorful, with perfectly cooked pork trotter and soft, chewy tendon.
The portions are generous, and the side of sprouts and greens adds a touch of crispness and freshness to the dish.
The family that owns the restaurant is known for their friendly service and warm home-cooked vibe.
The decor of the restaurant is well thought out and super clean, and the staff are friendly and speak Vietnamese.
The restaurant is motivated by passion, inspiration, and tradition, and strives to bring the authenticity of Vietnamese cuisine to everyone.
