When we’re hunting for the best Vietnamese food in Tustin, we look for a few essentials. The perfect pho broth, for instance, or banh mi that makes us forget all other sandwiches. We’ve compiled all the standout spots on our list. But in sunny Southern California, another element matters: authenticity that transports you straight to the streets of Saigon. Here are the 10 best places where you can experience exactly that.
Cơm Tấm Kiều Giang
$ | (714) 537-5550 | WEBSITE
Cơm Tấm Kiều Giang feels like the kind of spot you’d find tucked away in a Little Saigon strip mall, with its simple tables, bright lighting, and the constant hum of families sharing big plates. It’s decorated with just a few Vietnamese art prints and some potted plants, keeping things clean and focused on the food. There’s a small counter up front where you order, and it’s a great place for a quick, satisfying lunch in Tustin.
The portions are huge, so don’t expect delicate plating—but just think of it as your own personal feast. If you’re craving something hearty, go straight for the broken rice plate with grilled pork chop and crispy bean curd.
Thuyền Viên Vegetarian Restaurant
$ | (714) 490-0242 | WEBSITE
There’s only one place we know of where you can eat lemongrass “chicken” that tastes like the real thing, enjoy a refreshing vegan flan, then discover you’ve been eating entirely plant-based, and it’s Thuyền Viên. This is the spot for Vietnamese vegetarian food, and the menu is full of vibrant flavors. There are a lot of popular dishes like the fried tofu with rau răm, spring rolls, and the flavorful “bistec,” and there’s also the energy bowl and phò. And pretty much everything is worth ordering.
But the atmosphere is simple and clean, so we recommend using this place for a quick, satisfying meal. A very good meal that comes with speedy service and friendly staff.
Mo Pho Mi
$ | (714) 714-0300 | WEBSITE
Eating healthy Vietnamese food in Orange County is usually pleasant and rewarding, but there will be certain days when you crave something that feels like a warm, comforting hug. When that happens, go to Mo Pho Mi. It’s a Vietnamese restaurant in Tustin with a beautiful indoor-outdoor space that’s perfect for when you want to feel cozy and peaceful, without actually being at home. The food here is Vietnamese-inspired, and they specialize in a type of noodle soup called pho.
You’re probably thinking that sounds just like any other pho – and, yes, it’s very similar. As a reward for noticing the similarities, get yourself a bowl with their rich broth that’s been simmered overnight (and add an order of grilled pork bahmi).
Ha Long Bay Pho & Grill
$ | (714) 852-3897 | WEBSITE
Much like a steaming bowl of pho or the aroma of fresh herbs, Ha Long Bay Pho & Grill is best enjoyed when you’re craving authentic Vietnamese comfort. So the next time you find yourself in Tustin, go check out this spot. It’s a family-run place that many locals believe is the best Vietnamese restaurant in town, and, as the name suggests, it’s more of a pho and grill joint than a fancy eatery – though you could eat their wonderful pho or house special pho and call it a feast.
The broth is great (especially the hearty and robust one with plenty of meat and vegetables), but keep an eye out for the freshly made Vietnamese coffee. It tastes like equal parts strong coffee and sweet condensed milk, and it’ll make you want to purchase a coffee plantation, a dairy farm, or both. Enjoy a few of these dishes at a table in the clean, simple dining room, or just sit at one of the family-style tables and soak in the warm, welcoming vibe that keeps Pho lovers coming back.
Carrot & Daikon Banh Mi – Century
$ | (657) 263-4003 | WEBSITE
Another banh mi spot in Tustin, Carrot & Daikon Banh Mi – Century is also a favorite for sandwich lovers, and it’s known for its friendly service with staff like the sweet lady at Century going above and beyond. It’s a clean location with a convenient drive-thru, and if you need to grab something quickly, there’s also a modernized menu with various options and presentations.
Start your lunch here the next time you want to enjoy a good sandwich in a reliable spot that a lot of people seem to know about.
OWA Mi Gia Ky
$ | (714) 486-3332 | WEBSITE
Some Vietnamese spots feel like sterile food halls where everything tastes like it came from a factory. Others feel like cramped storefronts where the broth is priced like it’s liquid gold. OWA Mi Gia Ky falls somewhere in between – which is the best case scenario for a noodle shop. It’s in Tustin, and it’s a great place to grab a bowl with a couple of friends and enjoy a satisfying meal, without having to wait forever or break the bank.
Nước Mía Viễn Tây
$ | (714) 531-9801 | WEBSITE
If you want to drink a fresh sugarcane juice on a sunny California afternoon while you watch the world go by, head to Nước Mía Viễn Tây, a popular spot in Tustin. The inside is set up like a cheerful cafe, with a clean counter where they squeeze the sugarcane and some festive seating in the back, but there’s also a convenient parking area right in front where you can grab your drink to go.
There are also some solid snacks available, like various Vietnamese treats for when you need something that isn’t just sugarcane. So if you’re looking for a new go-to refreshment stop, Nước Mía Viễn Tây is perfect.
Phở Bắc Kỳ Restaurant
$ | (714) 573-1298 | WEBSITE
A handful of Vietnamese restaurants dot the Tustin dining scene, but the standout is Phở Bắc Kỳ, a local spot tucked away from the main strips. While most of the seating is indoors (sit near the window if you want to watch the neighborhood bustle), the space isn’t very big, so larger groups should plan accordingly. The pho-focused menu features a range of Vietnamese dishes, including Pho Nam and steamed chicken Pho, as well as surprisingly soft beef tendon, though Banh Mi isn’t available.
The broth is notably exceptional compared to other pho places, and the food is reasonably priced, serving as a satisfying alternative to Little Saigon’s options.
Mama Hong’s
$ | (714) 685-9571 | WEBSITE
Above all else, Mama Hong’s is an excellent culinary destination. This Vietnamese restaurant is known for its variety of delicious dishes – and it’s located right in the heart of Tustin. So now, when you’re craving authentic Vietnamese flavors, you can make the short drive and be in the immediate vicinity of some oxtail pho and a pork chop special to satisfy your hunger.
Except, of course, if you have to wait for a table at Mama Hong’s – which is something you should expect during prime dining hours (it’s consistently popular with locals and visitors alike). But if you’re a fan of traditional Vietnamese cuisine with creative touches, you’ll want to check this place out. It’s like that, but with the addition of comforting, familiar dishes that stay true to their roots while offering something special.
The menu is extensive, and consists of options that are both very Vietnamese and very satisfying, so this is absolutely a place for a full meal – it’s a place to settle in, enjoy the trio appetizer to start, and leave completely content.
Lepho Vietnamese cafe
$ | (714) 203-1900 | WEBSITE
One of the best Vietnamese spots in Tustin also has an atmosphere that’s more inviting than your own kitchen. It’s called Le Pho Vietnamese cafe, and it’s a Vietnamese restaurant in Tustin where you can eat some Wagyu ribeye pho, chicken egg rolls, and a bunch of other stuff that’ll make you want to set up a permanent table here.
With its warm lighting and homey feel, the dining area is a perfectly pleasant place to eat this food, but if you’re looking for that elevated street vendor vibe, you should grab a seat near the window. It’s full of cute decor, welcoming touches, and upscale-but-cozy furnishings, and it feels like an idealized version of your favorite neighborhood haunt.