If you’re looking for the best Vietnamese food in NOVA, you have a lot of options. Here are 25 top-rated spots — broken down by city — that pass the taste test based on customer reviews.
Alexandria
Pho Ngon, 5810 Kingstowne Ctr., Ste. 140
This unassuming spot has anything but unassuming flavors — it’s been serving up homestyle Vietnamese classics like pho and vermicelli in Kingstowne Town Center for nearly 25 years. Not in the mood for a full meal? Grab a Vietnamese coffee or bubble tea for a pre- or post-shopping sweet treat.
Saigon Rolls, 606 King St.
Customization is the name of the game at this newly opened spot in Old Town Alexandria. Pick your protein or go vegetarian to craft the perfect roll — and don’t forget the house-made sauces.
Pho Factory, 6237 Little River Tpke.
When all you want is a good meal fast, Pho Factory has you covered. Reviewers praise this spot for its quick service, generous portions, and quality of ingredients.
Caphe Banh Mi, 407 Cameron St.
Banh mis are the star of the menu at this cozy Old Town restaurant. Eat like a regular with reviewer Doug B.'s go-to order: a lemongrass banh mi with extra jalapenos. Pro tip: If you want to sit inside, make sure to arrive early — tables often fill up quick.
Pho Viet Flare, 514 S. Van Dorn St., Ste. B
Friendly, fresh, and flavorful are the top words used to describe this family-owned spot in West Alexandria. We’ll let you be the judge on if their soups live up to their claim of being “the most authentic Vietnamese noodle soup in town.”
Cozy up at Chill Zone cafe for live music paired with Vietnamese bites + bevs.
Photo via @chillzone_cafe
Arlington
Pho 75, 1721 Wilson Blvd.
This no-frills spot has been serving the NOVA community for more than 30 years, and it’s consistently lauded by customers as having the best pho in the area. Pro tip: Leave your card at home when visiting — this spot is cash-only.
Chill Zone Cafe, 2442 N. Harrison St.
This cozy cafe is known for hosting local musicians throughout the year. Grab a Viet tropical latte featuring banana and coconut oil and some mango sticky race + stay awhile.
Roll Play: The Happy Eatery, 1800 N. Lynn St., Ste. 102
Try the spicy oxtail pho special or create your own dish from scratch at this restaurant known for modernizing classic Vietnamese dishes. Conveniently located near Rosslyn Station, it opens daily at 6:30 a.m. and doesn’t close until 1 a.m., meaning cravings can be satisfied at nearly any time.
Pho Saigon Pearl, 950 S. George Mason Dr., Ste 116
Flavorful broths, fresh herbs, and slow-cooked meats are some of this restaurant’s highlights. While dishes like the steak and brisket pho are the stars of the menu, don’t sleep on its other classic staples like the rice and spring rolls.
Four Sisters Grill, 3035 Clarendon Blvd.
Located in the heart of Arlington, this spinoff of the famous Four Sisters Restaurant offers hearty dishes with bold and fresh flavors, counter-service style. Eat dinner on the patio before heading across the street for a nightcap at Brass Rabbit Pub.
Fairfax + Fairfax County
East Wind, 10414 Main St.
Located in Old Town Fairfax, this family-owned neighborhood spot is known for serving up comforting, traditional dishes like pho, vermicelli, shaky beef, and clay pot rice.
Okonomi Asian Grill, 9623 Fairfax Blvd.
This fusion eatery boasts a unique roster of flavors that pull from Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, and Hawaiian cultures — just to name a few. Build your own bowl (just like at Chipotle) to create a fully custom meal that hits all the right notes.
Eden Center, Falls Church
No guide to Vietnamese food in NOVA would be complete without highlighting Eden Center. Recognized as the largest Vietnamese commercial and cultural center on the East Coast, you’ll find more than 40 restaurants, bakeries, and lounges here serving up everything from savory crepes to classic banh mis.
Lantern House Kitchen & Bar, Reston
Old meets new at this upscale fusion spot that’s perfect for a date night or evening out with friends. Pair your braised short rib pho with a smoked butterscotch Old Fashioned for a meal that packs a flavor punch.
Pho VietFresh, Herndon
When you want a classic noodle soup served up in a hearty portion, this is your spot. Reviewers also consistently praise its friendly staff, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service.
Loudoun County
Saigon Bistro, Sterling
If you want a meal that reminds you of true Vietnamese home cooking, look no further. Reviewer Josephine H. recommends venturing beyond the pho to try hearty dishes like the crab noodle soup or rice vermicelli bowl.
4 Sisters Asian Snack Bar, Ashburn
From the minds behind Four Sisters Grill comes this quick-service spot specializing in drinks like boba, milk tea, and Vietnamese iced coffee. Pair your bev with a bite — reviewers recommend the banh mis.
Pho-Nomenal, Ashburn
Reviews rave about the next-level service at this establishment, and it’s captured 1,800+ Google and Yelp reviews to prove it. In addition to classic dishes like pho and vermicelli, don’t skip the drinks here — the boba teas + limeades are most recommended.
Pho Bar, Leesburg
While the menu here caters to all sorts of dietary preferences + restrictions, reviewers rave about the vegetarian options. Try the vegetarian pho, packed with squash, snap peas, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, and tofu for healthy, hearty meal.
Fredericksburg
Pho Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant, 2601 Salem Church Rd., Ste. 105
Bowls of rich, flavorful comfort await at this family-owned staple that’s been serving Fredericksburg for 20+ years. Keep it classic with a bowl of the beef or chicken pho, paired with the soft garden rolls and peanut sauce.
Bubblebee, 1005 Princess Anne St.
It’s hard not to be in a sunshine state of mind when you stop by this colorful cafe specializing in bubble tea. Reviewers recommend ordering drinks between 20-50% sweetness for the perfect pick-me-up — oh, and did we mention you can also make your own cotton candy?
Try Sprig and Sprout’s lotus goi salad, made with young lotus stems that are high in fiber + rich in vitamins and minerals.
Photo via @sprigandsprout
Georgetown + DC
Simply Banh Mi, 1624 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Don’t let the half-basement location fool you — this takeout-only spot is serving up some of “the best Vietnamese food in Georgetown” according to reviewer Hoang L., including vegetarian and halal options. Plus, it just opened a second location in Arlington.
Doi Moi, 1800 14th St. NW
Vietnamese and French cuisines might not sound like they go together on paper, but Doi Moi is changing that notion — to the tune of nearly 2,000 reviews across Google and Yelp. Need some order inspiration? Reviewer Rumit P. recommends the ratatouille curry and crispy spiced tofu. Pro tip: Reservations for this spot are highly encouraged, especially on weekends.
Sprig and Sprout, 2317 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of pho or vermicelli or a quick banh mi bite, make your meal just the way you like it at this highly customizable, self-service spot.
68 Restaurant, 1197 20th St. NW
Taiwanese and Vietnamese food come together at this fusion eatery. Try one of the menu staples like shaking beef, salt and pepper shrimp, or ribeye pho, or switch it up with one of the monthly rotating Chef Specials.
