Some say that a steaming bowl of pho, fragrant with star anise and cinnamon, is the ultimate comfort. We strongly agree. And in a city like Oakland, we are blessed with not only incredible Vietnamese food, but vibrant spots to savor it. From family-run pho houses in East Oakland to modern bánh mì specialists in Temescal, here are 19 essential destinations for authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Mẹ Và Con Vietnamese Kitchen
$ | (510) 595-5338 | WEBSITE
Thanks to its cozy rotating tree centerpiece, deliciously fresh vermicelli bowls, and some of the strongest soju cocktails in North Oakland, this spacious spot is one of the neighborhood’s most welcoming Vietnamese kitchens. And though no one should come here expecting a life-changing plate of phở, a meal at Mẹ Và Con still hits the spot and is always a reliably satisfying time.
Right now, you can either dine in their warm, casual dining room or at one of the tables in their small adjacent parking lot. Either way, you’ll have plenty of room to settle in, dig into some crispy bánh mì, and quietly order another round of egg coffees for the table. They welcome walk-ins or you can plan ahead for their popular sizzling brisket.
Phở Mekong
$ | (510) 451-3688 | WEBSITE
This Vietnamese gem in Oakland, with its cozy and intimate setting, serves authentic, fantastic Vietnamese cuisine. You can’t go wrong with any of the phở soups or noodle dishes, but make sure the beef stew with rice noodles and the beef combo phở hit the table as well. The restaurant is open with a relaxing atmosphere, large portion sizes, and excellent service that has made it a local favorite for years.
Monsoon
$ | (510) 817-4032 | WEBSITE
This Oakland gem, tucked away with its quiet atmosphere, serves the best pork vermicelli bowl in the city. The meat, marinated for hours, is gloriously grilled and tender, and it’s topped with fresh herbs and a splash of tangy sauce, before being served over delicate rice noodles. Head to Monsoon on a weekday lunch and you’ll find the whole place buzzing – office workers, students, local families, and everyone in between.
You could certainly get a tofu Banh mi or the short ribs and walk away thrilled, but there isn’t anything that should deter you from that simple, but glorious bowl.
Holy Basil Phở And Cocktail bar
$$ | (510) 601-8818 | WEBSITE
Holy Basil Phở And Cocktail Bar offers a variety of vegan options, including the popular Spicy Lemongrass with vegan beef and pork belly, and the Vegan Spicy Lemongrass Beef Noodle Soup. There’s fresh bao buns, garlic noodles, and tofu vermicelli, but the dish that you must order is the Chili Lemongrass soup. This warming bowl comes with rich broth, tender vegan beef, aromatic lemongrass, and topped with fresh herbs.
It’s spicy, savory, profoundly comforting, and a soup we would happily eat on a cold day, for lunch, or dinner. With very good prices, attentive service, and a cozy atmosphere, Holy Basil continues to be a favorite for dine-in and delivery alike.
Tay Ho Oakland Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (510) 836-6388 | WEBSITE
The Oakland gem has reopened for both dine-in and takeout with a spacious indoor dining area that flows into the main room. They have a slightly revised menu featuring Vietnamese classics and shared plates, but don’t worry, their famous garlic noodles with short ribs and the catfish curry in young coconut are still available. Plus, all their house specials like the Banh Cuon Dac Biet are ready for takeout as well.
Binh Minh Quan
$ | (510) 893-8136 | WEBSITE
Binh Minh Quan, a standout among Oakland’s Vietnamese restaurants, is where you go for savory rib and flank pho with a rich, deep-flavored broth that keeps customers coming back. The spacious dining room has ample seating and great organization, though given its popularity, expect a bit of a wait during peak hours.
The BBQ pork banh mi and combo rice plate with pork chop and shrimp cake are delicious staples, while the vermicelli noodle bowl with chicken, beef, and shrimp, along with the Nuoc Da Me, shine for their freshness and vibrant taste. Service is attentive and friendly without feeling pushy, and while the atmosphere is welcoming and clean, it’s the consistently fresh ingredients and satisfying meals that truly make this place a gem.
CAM ANH DELI RESTAURANT
$ | (510) 451-4389 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been craving Cam Anh Deli’s warm, cozy atmosphere and standout Thai iced tea as much as we have, this community gem in Oakland is still serving up authentic Vietnamese dishes with not just one, but multiple vegan options like lemongrass tofu banh mi. The space is spotlessly clean, the tables are thoughtfully arranged, and there’s a constant, welcoming flow of customers. In other words, the perfect setting for a delicious, healthy meal.
The friendly owner and super friendly staff make every visit feel exceptional, and the reasonable prices mean you can enjoy a flavorful feast without hesitation. It’s a wonderful spot for families and vegans alike, and knowing they serve food to the unhoused population three days a week adds to its warm appeal. While some dishes can be hit or miss, the overall experience keeps us coming back.
Banh Mi Ba Le
$ | (510) 261-9800 | WEBSITE
Banh Mi Ba Le took its place among Oakland’s Vietnamese food scene as a weekend-only destination, and didn’t miss a beat in creating a spot that’s ideal for a quick, satisfying meal. Their small counter-service setup sees a steady stream of people looking for bánh mì sandwiches, with the #7 and #8 being particularly popular choices. They’re serving everything from the classic meatball and egg to fully stuffed veggie options, too. The kind staff and fast service make the short wait worthwhile.
Vien Huong Restaurant
$ | (510) 465-5938 | WEBSITE
Open since the 1980s, Vien Huong is a Chinatown institution serving steaming bowls of Hu Tieu and strong iced coffee in their clean, authentic dining room. The menu is filled with good dishes, but their culinary masterpiece is the “Number 1” – it’s filled with tender liver, chewy rice noodles, and savory pork broth, all topped with homemade chili satay sauce and is a must-order that can easily satisfy one hungry diner. Vien Huong is open daily for breakfast and lunch, cash is required.
Mon Superette
$ | (510) 907-3112 | WEBSITE
Mon Superette has captured the hearts of many across Oakland and now has locations throughout the city – all of which are open for indoor dining. The bustling original location feels like a market itself, except instead of produce and endless aisles, there are Vietnamese spring rolls with shrimp and incredibly fresh ginger wellness shots. They’ve been serving the classic shrimp spring rolls since opening and they’re fresh, balanced, and delicious.
As far as the food goes, we usually get the shrimp spring rolls with vermicelli noodles, peanut sauce, and fried banana.
Đà Nẵng Quán Vietnamese Cuisine
$ | (510) 268-1368 | WEBSITE
Đà Nẵng Quán Vietnamese Cuisine near Lake Merritt has reopened for indoor dining. That means plenty of space for Bun Bo Hue, Pho Dac Biet, and some of the best fresh sugarcane juice in town.
Cam Huong
$ | (510) 444-2500 | WEBSITE
Cam Huong could’ve easily just been another forgettable Asian deli people grab a quick bite from while running errands. Instead, it’s become our absolute go-to spot for Vietnamese food in Oakland. The banh mi bread is perfectly crusty yet soft, and the grilled pork gives it a savory depth that doesn’t overwhelm the fresh vegetables. Be sure to try the slightly sweet Pandan and coconut jelly dessert after your meal. The family-owned shop has been serving loyal customers for over a decade.
Pho Anh Dao
$ | (510) 836-1566 | WEBSITE
Pho Anh Dao has been a staple in Oakland for years, and the menu hasn’t changed much since it opened. The signature dish is the chicken pho, but we tend to go for either a bahn mi sandwich with fresh meat and delicious flavors or the build-your-own fried rice situation. And aside from serving solid food, Pho Anh Dao is always a dependable good time, with sauces being available at every table. Plus, if you stick around long enough, the friendly staff will probably check on you multiple times.
Their simple and clean interior is open daily, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop
$ | (510) 465-3522 | WEBSITE
The Vietnamese sandwich shop in Chinatown has been a family-run spot for years and is one of those special places in Oakland where food enthusiasts and neighborhood regulars mingle – even at the small counter by the bakery next door. The grilled pork banh mi is a fantastic choice to savor and the incredibly crispy bread sets the standard for what will always be a satisfying meal.
Phởsho Dough (TELEGRAPH AVE)
$ | (510) 788-5755 | WEBSITE
Nestled along Telegraph Avenue, Phởsho Dough stands out as one of the top Vietnamese spots in Oakland. It’s easy to understand the appeal – the menu features outstanding dishes from banh mi packed with meat and veggies to world-class pho, they offer fresh shrimp spring rolls that customers order multiple times a week, and generous portions come at reasonable prices.
But what truly sets this place apart is how it maintains that cozy, neighborhood energy that makes you want to linger at the outdoor tables, enjoying the friendly service and house-made spicy sauce long after your meal is finished.
Pho King
$ | (510) 444-0448 | WEBSITE
Pho King is a bustling Vietnamese spot with a spacious interior and outdoor seating in a busy part of Oakland. Whether you’re there for lunch or dinner, it’s a great place to try dishes like Bun Bo Hue and mi quang, or the BBQ pork banh mi sandwich. Get a hot tea or a vermicelli bowl while you’re there, too.
Fresh & Best II
$ | (510) 836-7942 | WEBSITE
This cozy Vietnamese spot in downtown Oakland has always been one of our go-to places for a quick, satisfying meal, and with their consistently fresh ingredients and generous portions, we’re happy to keep coming back for more. Because at the end of the day, being able to grab a spicy pork Banh Mi or a grilled pork Banh Mi that’s both delicious and affordable is something that no food-loving person passes up on. This is also a great spot to head to after exploring downtown all afternoon.
Lemon Pepper
$ | (510) 879-7070 | WEBSITE
Find Lemon Pepper in Oakland, a cozy spot perfect for family gatherings or quick lunches. The charming restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine, like their highly praised spring rolls and top-notch Jasmine rice and chicken wings. The noodle soup and rice plates are also highly recommended. All dishes are served in a clean environment with friendly staff, one of whom is the owner—a.k.a. where you’ll find our favorite Vietnamese coffee in town. Make sure to leave room for a rice plate or two.
Vientian Cafe
$ | (510) 535-2218 | WEBSITE
Vientian Cafe is open throughout the week, but you should plan your visit for the evening because that’s when the full Lao Special menu becomes available. The Mok Pa, a Lao catfish specialty, is steamed in banana leaves, which gives it a delicate herbal aroma that you’ll be craving when you’re reminiscing about the meal later.
The East Oakland location is also quite accessible, with straightforward street parking and a cozy dining room with warm lighting, family photos, and traditional woven textiles.
