50 Best Vietnamese Restaurants in San Francisco

“Everything we ordered was good. In fact we couldn’t eat it all. Your pizza was so delish! Never had chow fun wrapped up in little rolls but it was pretty good. Your shaking beef salad was good too. Definitely a dining experience in Asian fusion!“

“Very authentic and reasonably priced. Tasty too!“

“i'm Vietnamese and this is one of the BEST spots for traditional banh mi in the city. Ingredients are fresh, banh mi is crispy and flaky goodness when you bite in and great balance in flavors. I wish this was on delivery apps because I would order it every week LOL“

“The garlic roast crab here, paired with the garlic noodles, might be one of the most enjoyable meals I’ve had in San Francisco. Just make sure you clean your hands well before eating because you’re gonna dig in deep and go nasty. And don’t skip its head. It’s surprisingly good. Dip some noodles into the garlic oil and eat some of that crab meat and all of the good stuff in one bite, and you’ll be like 🤤🤤🤤“

“We stumbled upon Kevin & Chris’s Noodle House while exploring San Francisco’s Sunset district and decided to dive in for some comforting Vietnamese fare no reservations needed, and we were seated quickly in the casual dining room (put your name and party size on a sheet and they call your name). We ordered the medium pho along with shrimp appetizers and spring rolls, all of which impressed with their freshness, making it a solid spot for noodle lovers craving authentic flavors in the city.

ATMOSPHERE:
This no-frills Vietnamese eatery channels a bustling, community vibe think basic decor with tightly packed tables seating about 40-50, fluorescent lighting, and that constant hum of quick-turnaround diners enjoying steaming bowls. The aroma of simmering broths fills the air, drawing locals and visitors alike in a perpetually lively space that’s efficient and unpretentious perfect for a casual meal in the Sunset, though it can feel crowded during peaks.

MENU:
The menu highlights Vietnamese staples like pho in various sizes and proteins, rice plates, vermicelli bowls, and appetizers including spring rolls, shrimp cakes, and grilled meats. Broths are flavorful and balanced, with options for customization no fancy twists, but affordable and generous portions that keep it straightforward for noodle enthusiasts.

FOOD:
Pho (Medium)
The medium pho arrived piping hot with a rich, aromatic broth that’s not too fatty or salty, loaded with tender noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of meats it was comforting and flavorful, easily one of the better bowls we’ve had in SF, perfect for slurping on a cool day.

Shrimp Appetizers and Spring Rolls
Both the shrimp appetizers (crispy shrimp cakes) and spring rolls were crisp and freshly fried, with a golden exterior that gave way to juicy fillings, accompanied by a nice sweet and sour sauce that added a tangy kick without overpowering. They were addictive starters, great for sharing and setting the tone for the meal highly recommended for their texture and freshness.

SERVICE:
Service was prompt and efficient our order came out ridiculously fast (within minutes), with friendly staff smiling and handling the busy room like pros, making us feel welcome despite the quick pace.

TIPS:
No reservations, so go during off-hours to snag a table without wait, as it packs up quickly. Parking on Irving Street is street-only and competitive, so consider public transit like the N-Judah Muni line. Prices are reasonable (under $20 for a full meal), but portions are hearty watch for add-ons to customize. Pair your pho with a lychee shake for a sweet finish!

OVERALL:
Was it worth the visit? Absolutely. Kevin & Chris’s Noodle House serves up crave-worthy Vietnamese comforts like fresh pho and crispy appetizers in a lively SF setting that’s all about quick, delicious satisfaction. We’ll be back for more bowls next time we’re in the Sunset.“

“great sandwich. the best in the city“

“Delicious garlic crab and noodles“

“Ordered the Chicken Pho and Five Spice Chicken Pho. Both dishes were so good and comforting! The portions are big too.

Love how friendly the staff is and the restaurant itself is very clean and spacious. Can’t wait to come back to this neighborhood gem!“

“We got the bbq chicken pho and pork chop rice plate. Their bbq is nicely seasoned, and everything there was pretty par, including the pho broth and Thai tea. It gets really loud in there though. They need to add some fabric to absorb the sound or something.“

“This is a gem of a place. A small diner, but they know their food. Authentic and inexpensive. Go check them out.“

“Top food, top service, simple atmosphere. Definitely a pleasant surprise for me. The food is worth the money. Ask about the portions, before you order. Two dishes could be enough for four people. Very recommendable.

Vegetarian options: Big portions

Kid-friendliness: Child friendly

Wheelchair accessibility: Possible“

“With its friendly atmosphere, great food, and its gracious portions Yummy Yummy is a hidden gem of SF's Sunset district. Despite not having the fame of its neighbors this family owned phó spot will always be my go to for a nice warm meal, and great company. My wife and I have been coming here for years and not once have we ever had a bad meal. Upon entering you're greeted with a smile and the lovely aroma of home-cooked Vietnamese comfort food. Monday and Tuesday they are closed but please stop by for the best Pho in the city. I always recommend the #1 ( a beef broth Pho) and the #8 ( a beef and peanut broth Pho) and if you need a pick-me-up the Vietnamese iced coffee will keep you going for hours.
If you have a peanut allergy this place is not for you.

Dietary restrictions: Not peanut allergy friendly“

“Absolutely. Delicious 😋l😎“

“Food very tasty n freshly made quick service friendly staff“

“I have been coming to this restaurant for 25 years…how many restaurants can you say that about?? Food is delicious!!“

“It's located in a slightly dangerous place, but it's not dangerous if you go straight into the store! The menu is diverse and the rice noodles are delicious~~~!

The portions were plentiful and the pho itself was delicious, so I went twice during my stay in San Fran! The second time, I ate the spring roll, and I was very satisfied because the filling was good and the sauce was delicious!!!!

Be sure to stop by when you want to eat rice noodles.“

“Food is just amazing. Our server John/Jon is so lovely. Filipino owned. Very welcoming and amazing. My favorite spot eversince it opened“

“Other reviewers are complaining about the cost but they can just eat at Subway. If you care about quality ingredients and creative, precise execution this place is for you. The mackerel sandwich is one of the best sandwiches I’ve had. If a sandwich can be described as “elegant” it’s this sandwich.“

“AMAZING. Accommodated our large table and made sure we had an awesome steamboat experience. Everyone was so friendly and we had more than enough food, with plenty left
Over. Then it only set us back $40 each! We will be back often :)“

“Excellent Vietnamese sandwiches in SSF with reasonable prices. Ordered Crispy Duck Sandwiches ($11) and Combo Pork ($8)- wonderful balance of pickled veggies and protein. Devoured sandwiches instantly and was a hit for everyone. Crispy duck sandwich rates 10/10.“

“The fried rice here was amazingly delicious. There was only a 5-10 minute wait before I got my food and the cashier was a very friendly person. The overall ambiance of the place was excellent too for a takeout place. I give them 5 stars ⭐️. I highly recommend them“

“This review is based on my one time eating Banh Mi here. I had the five spice chicken Banh Mi. The meat was delicious, cilantro was very fresh and the pickled carrots were perfect. The baguette was a miss, the cucumber was not fresh and limp.

I’m coming back to try again and to give the rest of the menu a look. Still left with a happy tummy ☀️“

“Everyone has their favorite pho spot and PPQ has been mine for 20+ years. My go-to is the pho ga (chicken), which always comes out piping hot (a def must!). There's just the right amount of noodles and they never get mushy. The service is efficient. I'm never disappointed with a visit to PPQ!“

“Rolls, bahn mi, and the friendly people and service.. love love this place!!“

“Best option on this side of town. BBQ+Pate is my favorite here.“

“Best service and congeniality! Loved our crispy tofu bun mee sandwich!!!! perfection! This is a MUST EAT spot on the Filmore or when flying out or into sfo. Thank you again for your service and delicious over the top food-dont forget the crispy sweet potato fries! Yum.“

“So good 👍🏾 so fresh easy to order !“

“The best Vietnamese food in the Bay Area! Prices are excellent. Get the Number 5 to sample everything. I would come here at least one a week if I lived nearby! Order to go if you don’t want to sit in the tiny 10-person space. The food is worth it!“

“On a really cold day in SF, this was absolutely what I needed to have in my stomach. I was so hungry and did not really want to walk too far or Uber anywhere so I was lucky enough to stumble upon this place. Even though it’s a bit cramped and looks a little run down, it was very cozy to sit in and get away from the cold.

I ordered my soup and it was ready in less than ten minutes. I ordered a small and let me just say it looked more like a large. I can’t even imagine what the large looks like. My soup was incredibly filling and left me feeling more than satisfied. It had the perfect amount of noodles and meat. I enjoyed every spoonful of it!“

“Decided to try Tin on a whim and was not displeased. One of the best Banh-mi in town with very generous portions of meat. Grilled Pork did the trick, charred, flavorful, I definitely recommend.

It’s pricey ~$15 for a Banh-mi but totally worth it. Expect to wait ~5-8 minutes if you come during lunch time!“

“It had my lips smacking, stayed down the street from this place almost 4 months and just now got to try it.I would definitely bring friends next time“

“We had probably one of the best Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng around the city !
The bread was crunchy toasted, the sweet&sour carrots matched perfectly and the meat was very tasty. The friendly staff was so welcoming and made the experience really authentic.

At a very fair price you get delicious Banh Mi.“

“The owners were really nice to us. We were looking for vegan options and their menu were vegan friendly. They were also incredibly accommodating and reassured us of the contents of the vegan dish we ordered, detailing the ingredients used. Highly recommend.“

“Colder rainy weather has activated my soup craving. I recently stumbled upon this Vietnamese restaurant, and it’s going to be my new ‘go to’ for pho. Pretty sure this was the best pho I’ve ever had. The broth is deep and flavorful and they don’t skimp on the meat portions

The real surprise was their magical made in-house chili oil. The service was friendly and quick, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Nice low key setting when you’re looking to avoid crowds or ‘it’ places. If you’re a pho enthusiast (or just looking for a great meal), you have to check this place out.“

“Very quick and delicious! Got a teriyaki tofu bowl which was YUM. If you are vegetarian make sure to ask for soy sauce as a replacement instead of fish sauce. Highly recommend! Note: has peanuts in it in case anyone is allergic. But looked like it was just a topping so could ask for it without“

“To start, this is only a takeout place. No sitting area here, although I saw chairs hanging upside down. Went on a weekday around 1 and there were 5 people before me waiting for their orders. The service was very fast. The menu is small with one veggie/vegan option and 5-6 meat options. Similar options available for sandwiches, salads and bowls.
I ordered Teriyaki Tofu Vegan Banh Mi. This was the only option in any variety. Sandwich was good. Tofu was juicy but with hints of oilyness. Had mixed feelings while eating it. Veggies were cruncy inside but was missing some kind of sauce in it. Overall, a good sandwich and can be tried once.“

“The banh mi are delicious and the lady who runs this place is super nice. I always get the tofu banh mi, it can be made vegan with no mayo. This is a regular lunch staple on a nice day and then we eat in the panhandle. There are no frills counters if you want to eat in.“

“Extremely surprised by amazing service. The food came out quickly. Vermicelli without broth was amazing. The spring rolls were a piece of art and tasted fresh, the peanut sauce was great, the manager suggested adding some spicy sauce which was great. The Pho version (or vermicelli with broth) they make was ok. We are used to more traditional versions but probably we should have picked the raw meat one to truly compare. The atmosphere was ok. Frequent visits from the delivery drivers are distracting, keeps the door constantly open and kills the vibe - a little rearrangement can solve it“

“The shrimp & chicken crepe is crispy and filled with deliciousness!! 😋“

“Very pleasant and welcoming restaurant in the sunset just a couple of blocks from 19th Avenue. It’s Vietnamese and Chinese (Chu chow) style food with a focus on soups and noodles. We ordered two similar dishes, the braised duck with won ton (#9 on the menu) and soup on the side. One bowl had the thin noodles while the other had the thick or wider noodles. We recommend the wide noodles as the thin noodles were a bit dryer. The soup was a bit simplistic and basic but the noodles and the duck was outstanding. It falls off the bone and almost melts in your mouth. They also have a large number of condiments on the table, including soy sauce, hoisin, dark vinegar, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce and more. The soup noodles were delicious especially with a dip using the small dipping dishes at table side. You also get a small salad plate with pickled cucumbers and either hot or cold soy milk complimentary for each order. Service was excellent and as we had left over noodles, they came and gave us a container filled with their broth to go with our noodles!! That was exceptional service. We do really recommend this place but it can get crowded quickly. There was st least 5 other groups waiting ahead of us but we got in within 20 minutes later. The food does take a bit of time before coming out so be prepared to wait a bit for your order to be served and sip your hot or cold soy milk which was delicious!!!“

“Unique foods with great taste. The quality in overall is high“

“We did a private San Francisco tour as a family and parked a bit outside in the North on a street, due to the parking situation, before visiting the Golden Gate bridge
This was one of the closest restaurants to visit and some of us haven't eaten Vietnamese before, so we wanted to try it.

From outside the restaurant looks a bit shabby and not well maintained. But inside we immediately felt welcome.
The service is great and super friendly.
The meals were served very fast and everything was super tasty.
You get cups of water on the house but I really recommend getting a Thai Mate tea too, if you like that kind of stuff.

For four people and one appetizer we ended up at ~110$ (before tip), which is definitely a fair price.

We were positively surprised in general and I really recommend trying this one out!“

“we are from San Diego and found this place on yelp. The name itself peaked my interest. must say, sandwiches, spring rolls, Thai tea and Vietnamese coffee were to die for. will come back soon.“

“Great grilled pork banh mi!
Got take out grilled pork banh mi to go and enjoyed it outside in the Valencia Live night market. Fresh crispy and soft roll, good amount of grill porked, no excessive amount of Mayo to cover the lack of protein. Generous amount of fresh pickled carrots, cucumber slices, cilantro, and a coupe of slices of jalapeño. Yum… really great balance. Service with a smile also with the cashier and the gentleman that guided me to the cashier for my order is nice too. Will come again when I have a chance. Thanks to Valencia Live, got me out here and I stumbled upon this restaurant.“

“Wow! Real great find! Has a wide variety Vietnamese menu at reasonable prices with very good and quick service!
No frills but looked busy with many locals enjoying their lunch! We both liked our food and would happily return!
There were signs indicating they only take MasterCard & Visa, so probably no AMEX here. Also, looked like they had a $10 minimum to use a credit card, but that's not really hard to meet.“

“#3 - Banh Cuon Thit Nuong (warm rice rolls with grilled lemongrass pork and mint), a true crowd pleaser; fried shallots topping an added savory plus.

#29 - Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), built off a solid pho broth, but could have benefitted from more lemongrass, citrus, sweet.

On a recent morning visit, #21 - Pho Dac Biet (standard combination beef pho) unfortunately came lukewarm with over-cooked noodles.

Overall, solid Vietnamese in the TL worth a visit; I’m hoping the disappointing experience with morning pho was only a fluke and not the standard.“

“Great restaurant, the dishes are rich, the taste is great, the restaurant atmosphere is great, it is worth recommending“

“Tin is an economical Vietnamese lunch place catering to the local corporate crowd with delicious food available as rice, soup pho, and other entrees with fast service and reasonable prices.

Went in for lunch as I was in the area. Order BBQ pork with rice, and a bit of spicy chili on the side. The pork is sliced very thin, and nicely grilled. When dipped in the supplied sauce with a bit of tang, plus some of the picked veggies, it's a good combination of tastes.

The place is semi-self-serve. You order the combo you want, sit down, and when it's ready they'll bring it to your table.

Ordered BBQ pork over rice, plus a diet coke (can) plus tax and tip (18%) came out to be about $24, which is pretty reasonable for lunch.

They can also provide bahn mi (sandwich) and pho (noodle soup) if you prefer your food in those forms.“

“This was one of the best bowls of pho I’ve ever had. I’m new to Hanoi-style pho—everything I’ve had up until now has been Saigon-style—but even as a newcomer to this style, it was clear this bowl was exceptionally well-made.

The broth was outstanding: clear, light, deeply flavorful, and remarkably clean. Unlike most pho places where a thin film of oil floats on top, this broth had no visible grease—something only achievable through real care and technique. Whether they meticulously skimmed it or chilled and defatted it before reheating, the result was a broth that felt refined and deliberate. You could taste the time and attention that went into it.

The meat was equally impressive—tender, juicy, and full of flavor. At many pho spots, rare steak can arrive overcooked or tough, but here, it was perfectly cooked and richly satisfying. The portion size was generous, too.

If I had to offer small criticisms: I personally prefer my noodles a bit more al dente, and I found the tendon slightly inconsistent—some pieces were beautifully soft, while others were a little too firm for my taste. That may just be part of the style, though, and not a flaw.

I also ordered the crab spring rolls, which were excellent. Freshly fried to order, the exterior was crisp, craggy, and delicate, while the filling was juicy and vibrant with fresh vegetables. Easily among the best I’ve had.

I happened to be staying nearby when I visited, but even after I move, this will absolutely be a destination restaurant for me. Highly recommended.“

“Cơm sườn and bánh tằm pleased this Vietnamese Southwesterner’s palate

Best cơm sườn (BBQ porkchop rice) I tried in this zipcode, and the only place that offers bánh tằm (cold rice noodles with coconut sauce) in the whole city AFAIK. Cơm sườn was truly cơm sườn, with two substantial nicely charred porkchops. The fish sauce was the thin, light, tangy one popular in the Southwest and not the thick, sweet, reduced kind often served in Saigon. Iykyk, I like both. Bánh tằm was surprisingly similar to what you can order in Vietnam. The sauce, despite being made from canned coconut cream, was still well balanced and tasty. They also the only place that has bi (shredded pork skin).
Oh there’s soda sữa hột gà (egg soda) a true Southern experience going extinct in its birthplace.

Didn’t care for their hủ tíu (pork and seafood noodle soup), though.“