No matter how many times you’ve tried to recreate pho or banh mi at home, there’s something special about savoring authentic Vietnamese flavors in a bustling local restaurant. Fortunately, Somerville offers a vibrant culinary scene where you can dive into steaming bowls of pho, crisp spring rolls, and aromatic coffee. From family-run gems in Union Square to modern spots in Davis Square, here are 18 essential Vietnamese restaurants to explore.
Noodle Market
$ | (781) 646-2400 | WEBSITE
The popular Vietnamese spot in Somerville is a vegan-friendly staple thanks to their refreshing watercress noodle soup, flavorful Pho Dac Biet, and range of noodle and rice dishes like Tom Yung noodle and curry. The service is quick and friendly to both regulars and newcomers, and there’s convenient free street parking on Sundays to enjoy your comforting meal. The only problem: Noodle Market doesn’t take reservations.
So, similar to many spots on this guide, expect to wait about 15-20 minutes when your pho craving kicks in.
Huong Que Vietnamese Restaurant
$ | (617) 288-7939 | WEBSITE
Provided you’re willing to circle the block a few times and don’t mind a tight squeeze, finding parking near Huong Que Vietnamese Restaurant will be the best decision you make all week. The wait actually moves pretty quickly at this Boston spot, and in any case, it’s worth the hassle, even if you’re looking to grab one of their cozy tables inside. The bún bò Huế is fantastic, and the vermicelli with grilled pork and shrimp and pork lotus salad are stellar.
They also have a small, tight menu that ensures freshness in every meal, with dishes like steamed pork intestine and bún riêu packed with generous amounts of crab, pork, and tofu.
Banh Mi K
$ | (617) 201-5301 | WEBSITE
Banh Mi K is yet another cozy Vietnamese spot in Somerville to fuel up on their perfectly-baked banh mi sandwiches (they’re known for their fresh, high-quality ingredients). Head inside for tofu banh mi, grilled beef banh mi, and tempura shrimp banh mi that taste like comfort food (in a great way). Pair everything with tasty chicken wings marinated in fish sauce, spring rolls, or grilled beef rice noodle bowls.
Pho Town 7
$ | (781) 874-0742 | WEBSITE
Do you like authentic Vietnamese flavors and clean, modern spots that serve fresh food daily? Then the contemporary restaurant in Somerville (est. 2025) awaits. This certainly won’t be the most extravagant meal you’ll ever have, but the chicken pho with yellow noodles and shrimp rolls served without tails will keep you satisfied and the rich broths will keep you the most satisfied.
Như Lan Restaurant
$ | (617) 288-7314 | WEBSITE
Như Lan Restaurant serves classic Vietnamese dishes with authentic flavors, like their standout roast pork banh mi sandwiches. For lunch, expect to see things like beef noodle soup with tender meat and clear broth, fresh ingredients, and hearty portions. The cozy atmosphere is more modest—a few blocks from downtown with limited parking and a cash-only policy.
An Nam
$$ | (617) 616-5566 | WEBSITE
An Nam in Somerville serves some of the best Vietnamese food in the area. So there will inevitably be a higher price point (especially for those authentic Hue dishes). Once you settle into the clean, nicely designed interior, prepare to savor fantastic catfish claypot, pork belly vermicelli, and melt-in-your-mouth pho.
Ba Lẹ Restaurant
$ | (617) 265-7171 | WEBSITE
The big draw at Ba Lẹ is the authentic Vietnamese flavors, complete with tasty banh mi and boba tea to keep you satisfied on busy Dorchester afternoons. Another is that this place is affordable, so it’s easy to fuel up on BBQ chicken banh mi and shrimp spring rolls before heading out for adventurous takeout.
Bánh Mì Lê
$ | (617) 481-2921 | WEBSITE
Ordering everything from this Quincy spot is practically a given because they serve some of the best Vietnamese food in the area. Bánh Mì Lê’s varied menu features everything from impressive tofu banh mi to delicious beef banh mi. And whenever we stop by (which is, basically, all the time), we always go for the vegetarian fried noodles, and the flavorful bánh cuốn. The friendly service makes it a favorite for casual lunches.
Soup Shack JP
$ | (617) 477-9805 | WEBSITE
Do yourself a favor and get the Tan Tan Men Ramen at Soup Shack JP. If that’s a little too much for lunch, the rest of the menu isn’t super long but has everything you need: pho, udon, curry, and a kimchi side that is a necessity. Soup Shack JP has become one of the more neighborhood-y places near Jamaica Pond, with a bunch of outdoor tables and a cute interior.
Phở Pasteur
$ | (617) 482-7467 | WEBSITE
If you want to savor some of the best Vietnamese food in the city, head to Phở Pasteur. The casual Chinatown spot for a meal of pho, hu tieu, and bun mien xao reminds us of a bustling Saigon eatery. Generous portions, springy noodles, and clear broth are everywhere, and the flavor is one best enjoyed while seated within one of their simple tables. Better yet, Phở Pasteur’s service is prompt and friendly, which definitely comes in handy during busy lunch hours.
Saigon Fusion
$ | (617) 236-1464 | WEBSITE
The cozy Vietnamese noodle spot near Berkeley with its warm, plant-filled charm is pho royalty, and everybody knows it. Which is why there will be a line to eat inside, even on a hot day. Everyone is here for the rich, fresh pho with its highly praised broth and the spring rolls made with fresh ingredients. But one of the best things you can get here is the meat that isn’t chewy at all. It’s tender and flavorful, and the authentic taste takes the dish over the top.
6 Ơi Kitchen
$ | (617) 533-7290 | WEBSITE
Plenty of counter seating and delicious Banh mi sandwiches are the top draws of 6 Ơi Kitchen. You’ll probably have to wait for a spot during peak hours (they don’t take reservations), so grab a Vietnamese iced coffee to sip while you browse the menu. The breakfast fare is served from morning until early afternoon, but they also have a lunch menu which includes highlights like the Mì Quảng noodle dish.
Phở 2000 Restaurant
$ | (617) 436-1908 | WEBSITE
At Phở 2000 in Somerville, you’ll be able to have your bowl of pho, order some spring rolls to go with it, and enjoy it all in a casual family setting (there are also quick takeout options). The Bun bo Hue and fried catfish are good, and there are heartier things like Beef 7 Ways and Vietnamese iced coffee if you’ve already hit your soup quota for the week.
Pho Viet’s
$ | (617) 562-8828 | WEBSITE
Pho Viet’s calls itself a Vietnamese restaurant, but they’re much more than that—they have very good takes on classic banh mi. The fact that the pho comes in generous portions with high-quality ingredients is also exciting. You might have to wait for a table in their small indoor space (they don’t take reservations), but the chef’s special tofu and curry chicken are worth it.
Phở Lemongrass
$ | (617) 731-8600 | WEBSITE
One Vietnamese spot to get on your radar: Phở Lemongrass, a reliable choice in Somerville. They deliver a solid lunch with generous portions for the price, including vegetarian and vegan options, like Vermicelli Bun and pork chop rice plates. Comfortable traditional decor.
Pho Le Restaurant
$ | (617) 506-6294 | WEBSITE
Pho Le Restaurant is one of the best spots in Somerville to settle in with a steaming bowl of pho, enjoy their own convenient parking lot, and savor authentic Vietnamese flavors that transport you straight to the streets of Hanoi. If you’ve never tried their vegetable pho during lunch, an early visit is a perfect excuse to do so, especially for the fresh string beans, squash, and zucchini, hu tieu, and bun mang vit (get the iced coffee).
Pho Eastern
$ | (781) 605-0509 | WEBSITE
The home of the flavorful, tender, and herb-fresh pho tai with meatballs is also serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine in their pleasant and clean space daily. You can order the pho, of course, as well as bun, rice dishes, and sides like spring rolls and fried rolls, and complement it all with fresh herbs and tasty vegetarian options, including veggie summer rolls and tofu rice dishes (reasonable prices are typical for the strip mall location).
Reservations are not typically needed with convenient parking available.
Saigon NV
$ | (781) 397-1473 | WEBSITE
We really like this Malden Center Vietnamese spot for its authentic and satisfying cuisine. And, like the best pho places in the greater Boston area, Saigon NV also serves the Phở Dặc Biệt with its rich broth, including the special pork that people can’t even describe. Ordering the Bun Bo Hue or Banh Canh Cua, which come with options for extra broth and steamed veggies, is also never a bad idea.
This place has a cozy atmosphere with plenty of street parking near the convenient location, though it may get busy during peak hours.