Food & Drink

Phở-nominal: 15 Must-Try Vietnamese Restaurants in Chicago!

If you're a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, you're in luck! Chicago has a vibrant Vietnamese community with numerous restaurants serving up delicious dishes from pho to banh mi.

Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch or a sit-down dinner, there's a Vietnamese restaurant in Chicago that will satisfy your cravings.

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Many dishes feature herbs like cilantro and mint, as well as savory sauces made from fish sauce, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce.

Noodles, rice, and vegetables are also staples of the cuisine, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

With so many Vietnamese restaurants to choose from in Chicago, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. That's why we've put together this guide to the best Vietnamese restaurants in the city.

From hole-in-the-wall spots to upscale eateries, we've got you covered. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to explore the delicious world of Vietnamese cuisine in Chicago!

1. Saigon Sisters

Saigon Sisters
567 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661 (Google Maps)

Saigon Sisters is a gem of a Vietnamese restaurant. The food is bursting with flavor and the portions are generous.

The staff is attentive and the owner goes above and beyond to make customers feel welcomed.

The banh mi sandwich and pork belly bao are standouts on the menu. Don't miss out on the delicious pho and squid ink rice.

This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

2. Sunset Pho Caffe

Sunset Pho Caffe
2856 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657 (Google Maps)

Sunset Pho Caffe is a cozy Vietnamese restaurant with a convivial vibe. The family-run eatery offers traditional and unique items on their menu, including a mix of Vietnamese and Yugoslavian cuisine.

The beef lemongrass sandwich is a must-try, and the bread is made per order, ensuring freshness and flavor.

The pho is generous and delicious, made with traditional ingredients and techniques. The restaurant offers exceptional service, making it a neighborhood treasure.

Though the check may take a while to arrive, the food and atmosphere make up for it. Sunset Pho Caffe is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys flavorful Vietnamese food.

3. Nha Hang Vietnam Restaurant

Nha Hang Vietnam Restaurant
1032 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640 (Google Maps)

Nha Hang Vietnam Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

The extensive menu offers a variety of traditional dishes, including showstoppers like marinated pork bahn mi and chicken wings.

The pho is some of the best in town, and the curry chicken and vermicelli soup is a must-try.

The service is speedy and polite, and the atmosphere is homey. Prices are fair and the portions are generous. Don't miss out on this Chicago gem.

4. Nhu Lan Bakery

Nhu Lan Bakery
2612 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (Google Maps)

Nhu Lan Bakery is a Vietnamese restaurant that offers a variety of delicious banh mi sandwiches and Vietnamese drinks.

The restaurant also has vegetarian options available. The prices are reasonable, and the food is consistently fresh and tasty.

The atmosphere is busy and chaotic, but the staff is friendly and efficient. While the decor is not impressive, the food more than makes up for it.

If you're looking for a quick and satisfying Vietnamese meal, Nhu Lan Bakery is definitely worth a visit.

5. MK Noodle Pho

Mk Noodle Pho
3341 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 (Google Maps)

MK Noodle Pho is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves up some seriously delicious food. The pho is a standout dish, with a variety of meats that are cooked to perfection.

The restaurant also offers a selection of banh mi and bun plates that are equally as tasty.

The service is friendly, and the atmosphere is casual and comfortable.

Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, MK Noodle Pho is definitely worth a visit.

6. Le Colonial Chicago

Le Colonial Chicago
57 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611 (Google Maps)

Le Colonial Chicago is a French-Vietnamese restaurant and lounge that offers upscale cuisine in a Gold Coast row house.

With balcony seating and an outdoor patio, the restaurant provides a unique and elegant dining experience. The staff is attentive and professional, making sure that every guest is well taken care of.

The menu features a fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine, with dishes like crispy vegetable rolls, seafood dumpling soup, and bo luc lac.

The presentation and taste of the food are exceptional, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of the dishes. Le Colonial Chicago is a must-visit for anyone looking for a high-end Vietnamese dining experience.

7. LD Pho

Ld Pho
4722 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (Google Maps)

LD Pho is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves delicious and authentic food. The menu is extensive and includes a variety of options for both meat and veggie lovers.

The service is quick, friendly, and welcoming. The restaurant has a cozy and informal atmosphere, making it perfect for a casual dining experience.

The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are generous. The standout menu item is the Salt and Pepper Squid, which is a must-try.

LD Pho is a great spot for anyone looking for a tasty and satisfying meal.

8. Phodega

Phodega
1547 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (Google Maps)

Phodega is a Vietnamese soup cafe and market offering a limited menu of pho and other Asian snacks.

The restaurant has a kitschy and charming vibe with friendly service.

The vegan pho is impressive, but the chicken broth is a game changer.

The holy trinity of pho, banh mi, and combo rice are all great options. The atmosphere is one of a kind and definitely worth checking out.

9. CoCo Vietnamese Sandwiches & Pho

Coco Vietnamese Sandwiches & Pho
1613 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (Google Maps)

CoCo Vietnamese Sandwiches & Pho is a small, easygoing eatery that serves classic Vietnamese dishes.

Their pho is delicious, with a complex and flavorful broth. The vermicelli bowls and fried rice are also highly recommended.

The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the restaurant is doing a good job of maintaining social distance precautions. While the decor is nothing to write home about, the food more than makes up for it.

If you're in the mood for some tasty Vietnamese cuisine, CoCo Vietnamese Sandwiches & Pho is definitely worth checking out.

10. Little Vietnam Restaurant

Little Vietnam Restaurant
1132 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660 (Google Maps)

Little Vietnam Restaurant offers authentic and fresh Vietnamese cuisine. The staff are friendly and the prices are reasonable.

The menu includes a variety of dishes, from pho to banh mi sandwiches, and the portions are generous.

The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, but seating can be limited during peak hours. Takeout is also available for those who are in a hurry.

Little Vietnam Restaurant is a great option for anyone looking for classic Vietnamese fare in a casual setting.

11. Sochi Saigonese Kitchen

Sochi Saigonese Kitchen
1358 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 (Google Maps)

Sochi Saigonese Kitchen is a Vietnamese restaurant that offers consistently great food and service.

The menu is small, but there are lots of great choices. The food is fresh, tasty, and healthy, and the atmosphere is modern and inviting.

The cocktails are a nice twist on the usual menu. The staff is polite and responsive.

Highly recommended for those who want to try authentic Saigonese cuisine.

12. HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

Haisous Vietnamese Kitchen
1800 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608 (Google Maps)

HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen offers a unique dining experience with a menu that blends traditional and fusion Vietnamese cuisine.

The dishes are flavorful and adventurous, with standout items like crispy noodles with mushrooms, chicken wings, and mango with crab salad.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with attentive and charming service. The restaurant also offers a great selection of beer, liquor, and wine.

While not budget-friendly, HaiSous is a great spot for a special occasion or a night out with friends.

13. Saigon Pho

Saigon Pho
3222 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 (Google Maps)

Saigon Pho is a hidden gem of a Vietnamese restaurant. The atmosphere is delightful and the staff is kind and professional.

The star of the show is the pho, which is simply amazing. The broth is incredibly flavorful and the herb condiments are fresh and plentiful.

The spring rolls are also a must-try. Prices are reasonable and the service is quick.

If you're in the mood for some delicious Vietnamese food, Saigon Pho is definitely worth checking out.

14. Lotus Banh Mi

Lotus Banh Mi
166 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 (Google Maps)

Lotus Banh Mi is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves delicious food and has a trendy decor. The staff is friendly and the service is quick, making it a great lunch spot during workdays.

The ginger chicken pho is a must-try dish, with roasted and seasoned chicken that adds great flavor. The beef banh mi and beef pho are also tasty and come in generous portions for the price.

The restaurant offers to-go orders that are well-packaged with separated components. The crispy on the outside and soft on the inside baguette is a highlight in their banh mi sandwiches.

The restaurant is a solid option for Vietnamese eats and a great spot to get some Pho during harsh Chicago winters.

15. Tank Kitchen & Bar

Tank Kitchen & Bar
4706 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641 (Google Maps)

Tank Kitchen & Bar is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves delicious food and exotic drinks.

The modern and sleek atmosphere adds to the dining experience. The Lobster Fried Rice and Catfish Clay Pot are highly recommended dishes.

The friendly staff provides crisp service and adds to the hospitable environment.

If you're looking for a new hidden gem to try, Tank Kitchen & Bar is a great addition to the neighborhood.