Kandice VincentThere’s nothing like a huge steaming bowl of pho to bring comfort after a hard day’s work or to warm you up on a chilly day.
But Vietnam’s culinary offerings go beyond just pho. Think savory banh mi sandwiches for a quick snack, refreshing Vietnamese desserts like che chuoi, and traditional drinks like ca phe sua da.
Thankfully, Toronto has the best Vietnamese restaurants. Get ready to be transported to the bustling streets of Vietnam upon discovering the delicious world of Vietnamese cuisine!
Pho Hung
Website: phohung.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/pho-hung-vietnamese-restaurant
Address: 350 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2G4
Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 593-4274
Originating from humble beginnings, founder Nguyen Dac Thoi brought his family and culinary expertise to Canada, opening the first Pho Hung restaurant in 1985.
While the original location may no longer stand, its legacy lives on in the bright and spacious establishment at 350 Spadina Avenue.
Managed by Thoi and his family across their three locations, Pho Hung promises an authentic Vietnamese dining experience.
We recommend a bowl of their signature Pho Hung Duc Biet, a beefy rice noodle soup that’s seriously loaded with flavor. You’ll dive into a rich broth filled with different beef cuts and tasty meatballs!
Pair your meal with a refreshing beverage. You can crack open an ice-cold domestic or imported beer, sip their house wine, or enjoy their spirits and cognac.
Pro Tip:
Take your authentic Vietnamese meal to the next level with Pho Hung’s enticing add-ons. Options include additional vegetables, spicy sauce, an extra egg, additional rice noodles, or extra beef or chicken – mmm, yes, please!
Pho Tien Thanh
Website: photienthanh.wordpress.com
Instagram: instagram.com/pho-tien-thanh
Address: 57 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Y9
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 588-6997
Pho Tien Thanh is a bustling no-frills spot that’s been dishing out hearty Vietnamese bowls for nearly thirty years. As you walk in, you’re instantly embraced by the aroma of homemade broth, a labor of love crafted daily by owner Tuan Vo.
Within its iconic pink walls, Pho Tien Thanh offers a variety of soups, including a vegan option, all brimming with flavorful broth and generous portions of meat or tofu.
Their house-style beef noodle soup is a crowd favorite, featuring a mouthwatering mix of beef cuts, tendon, and tripe.
For those craving a bit of heat, the spicy beef noodle soup is a must-try, while seafood lovers will enjoy their minced prawns in crab noodle soup.
And don’t forget to cap off your meal with a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee, the perfect sweet and caffeinated pick-me-up.
Pro Tip:
Remember that Pho Tien Thanh only accepts cash or debit cards, so come prepared or make a quick stop at their on-site ATM.
Golden Turtle
Website: goldenturtle.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/goldenturtleossingtonto
Address: 125 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z2
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 531-1601
Golden Turtle is a beloved family-run gem serving up authentic Vietnamese cuisine since 1987. Owned and operated by the Vo family, including Huyen Vo, her kids, and a team of dedicated relatives, the restaurant exudes warmth and tradition.
Their menu features an array of Vietnamese dishes, but it’s their signature steaming bowls of pho that keep customers coming back for more.
From classic rare beef pho tai to exotic options like spicy satay chicken and vegan tofu and veggie, each bowl is divine, especially when topped with their famous chili sauce!
Don’t miss out on their ultra-crispy deep-fried spring rolls or their fresh salad rolls.
And be sure to order their Vietnamese-style iced coffee, made with the iconic Cafe du Monde –a New Orleans chicory coffee– and condensed milk.
Pro Tip:
For those addicted to Golden Turtle’s irresistible lemongrass and hot chili sauce, you’re in luck! You can take home a jar to enjoy anytime.
Saigon Lotus
Website: saigonlotus.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/saigonlotustoronto
Address: 6 St Andrew St, Toronto, ON M5T 1K6
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 901-1115
Tucked away in downtown Toronto is Saigon Lotus. Founded by Hieu Tran, who has over 20 years of experience, this restaurant is known for its healthy and delicious plant-based, vegan dishes.
Known for her success with other Asian-inspired restaurants, she offers the authentic flavors of Vietnamese vegan cuisine. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or simply curious about exploring plant-based options, Saigon Lotus is truly a must-try Vietnamese joint.
We simply love their amazing pan-fry vegan pho, a medley of assorted tofu, seitan, and fresh vegetables served with aromatic rice noodles and chili hoisin sauce. You won’t even miss the meat in this flavorful dish!
For a sweet end to your meal, definitely try their mango sticky rice, featuring sweet sticky rice paired with ripe mango slices and a drizzle of condensed milk.
Pro Tip:
Good news for those bringing their own cars! Parking is hassle-free as Saigon Lotus is conveniently located next to a public parking lot.
Lac Vien
Website: lacvien.com
Instagram: instagram.com/lacvienrestaurant
Address: 141 Cartwright Ave, Toronto, ON M6A 1V4
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 344-7933
Founded in 2010, Lac Vien has a great team that’s passionate about bringing Vietnamese flavors to everyone.
To kick off your meal, go for their crispy spring rolls or deep-fried cream cheese wonton–or both! For a lighter option, you can sample their spicy and refreshing mango salad instead.
When it comes to main courses, don’t miss out on the smoky goodness of their grilled pork chop dish. It’s a crowd fave, served with a satisfying portion of tender grilled pork chop atop fluffy steamed rice with a fried egg on the side.
Wash it all down with their smooth and creamy jackfruit milkshake, and you’re all set!
With seating for 80 indoors and 30 on the patio–weather permitting–along with ample parking, Lac Vien offers a comfortable dining experience for all occasions.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning a special event, consider Lac Vien’s holiday catering services, offering personalized assistance to meet all your catering needs. Be sure to reserve orders at least 48 hours in advance!
Pho Linh
Website: pho-linh-restaurant.business.site
Instagram: instagram.com/pho-linh-restaurant
Address: 1156 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1B6
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 10 AM – 8:45 PM
Fri – Sat: 10 AM – 9:45 PM
Contact: (416) 516-3891
Along College Street sits Pho Linh, a cozy spot known for its comforting bowls of pho ga or chicken pho. Despite its unassuming exterior, this Vietnamese gem has been making patrons happy with its classic dishes since the late ’90s.
As soon as you take a seat, you’re greeted with a complimentary cup of green tea—iced in the summer and piping hot during colder months.
The menu boasts a variety of Vietnamese classics, but we’re addicted to their flavor-packed bahn cuon or steamed rice paper rolls. Topped with fragrant coriander and crispy fried garlic, you might even want to take some home with you.
Also, don’t leave without trying their che ba mau, a cute tri-coloured dessert drink made with layered jelly and creamy coconut milk. It’s the perfect sweet ending to your pho-nomenal meal!
Pro Tip:
Just remember, Pho Linh is cash-only and doesn’t take reservations, so be sure to come prepared and arrive early to beat the crowds!
Ginger Restaurant
Website: gingerone.ca/index.html
Instagram: instagram.com/ginger-restaurant-212-queen-street-west
Address: 212 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z2
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 977-8778
Enter Ginger Restaurant and prepare to be wowed by their MSG-free Vietnamese cuisine served with a smile. With 15 years of service, they strive to exceed your expectations with every dish.
Ginger’s cafeteria-style setup adds to the charm—order at the counter, grab a number, and await your freshly prepared meal. You can also customize your order to suit your taste and rest assured, everything is made fresh to order.
Start your food trip with their homey lemongrass tofu and veggie spring roll with vermicelli, a refreshing and balanced dish.
For a heartier option, indulge in their veggie masterpiece featuring tender grilled eggplant and flavourful tofu smothered in a rich curry sauce.
And don’t pass up the chance to try their spicy beef papaya salad—a yummy and refreshing blend of spicy beef and crisp papaya.
Pro Tip:
Pad Thai enthusiasts will love Ginger Restaurant’s Pad Thai grilled shrimp and hot-sour chicken. It’s a flavor-packed and filling dish that’ll transport you to the streets of Hanoi!
Pho 90
Website: pho90.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/pho90intoronto
Address: 90 Weston Rd, Toronto, ON M6N 0A7
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 901-2790
Pho 90 is helmed by Hung Ton and Sang Nguyen. They carry on the legacy of authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Toronto, fulfilling a promise made to their late friend and former owner, Chef Don Duong.
Transitioning from real estate to the food industry, Nguyen and Tôn infuse their passion into every dish, offering a homestyle menu.
Pho 90 has several pho variations, including chicken and vegan options. They even have a northern-style beef soup bowl with chopped beef and fresh ginger that not all Vietnamese joints serve!
Their bestseller, however, is the rare beef tripe pho, served with richly seasoned broth and aromatic spices like star anise and cinnamon. Pair this with one of their tropical milkshake flavors, including durian, jackfruit, and soursop!
Located in a space adorned with remarkable artwork and tall ceilings, Pho 90 exudes sophistication while retaining its roots as a former cozy brunch spot.
Pro Tip:
Grab one of Pho 90’s banh mi to-go for a late-night snack. This go-to Vietnamese treat features your choice of meat and homemade pate, a creamy blend of chicken liver and fresh herbs, perfectly complementing the pickled veggies.
Hanoi 3 Seasons
Website: instagram.com/gilbert_li
Instagram: instagram.com/hanoi-3-seasons
Address: 1135 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K9
Hours: Tue – Sun: 12 PM – 4 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 469-3010
Encased in lush green walls, Hanoi 3 Seasons welcomes newcomers to Vietnamese cuisine with open arms and authentic flavors. With a concise menu of classic dishes, this North Vietnamese eatery prides itself on quality and freshness.
Kick off your culinary journey with the fresh shrimp rolls, bursting with three plump shrimp and crisp vegetables.
For the main course, choosing the Hanoi 3 Seasons Special or pho dac biet is a no-brainer. It has a flavorful broth and tender and well-seasoned toppings, including perfectly braised tendon – yum!
Plus, their Vietnamese iced coffee is generously portioned with rich coffee and condensed milk. This is ideal for sipping on the go.
For an al fresco dining experience, we recommend grabbing a table at their lovely recently renovated patio.
Pro Tip:
If you’re bringing your own car to Hanoi 3 Seasons, then consider opting for paid street parking such as Green P or nearby parking garages.
Mi Mi
Website: mimi6pho.com
Instagram: instagram.com/mimigerrard
Address: 686A Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y3
Hours: Mon – Sun: 12 PM – 8:30 PM
Contact: (416) 778-5948
Mi Mi, a popular local joint, especially amongst the college crowd, has been serving tasty Vietnamese meals since 1994.
With their “Do it yourself” combos, diners can unleash their creativity by crafting their own fresh rolls. They can choose from beef, pork, or shrimp, accompanied by rice papers and uber-fresh fine herbs.
Sample their mouthwatering grilled meat with banh hoi, a succulent dish that’s worth every effort in rolling up those fresh rolls. Other menu options to try are their BBQ beef soup, BBQ pork soup, or shrimp dumpling soup.
With nearly 30 varieties of pho – available as rice dishes or with broth on the side – Mi Mi’s caters to every palate while remaining budget-friendly.
Be sure to sign up as a member to enjoy their loyalty program, earning 1 point for every $1 spent.
Pro Tip:
Remember to bring cash as Mi Mi operates on a cash-only basis. But, in case you forget, note that they do have an ATM on-site for your convenience.
Pho Metro
Website: phometro.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thephometro
Address: 2057 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1R 2Z4
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 8:30 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 750-8898
Pho Metro offers unbeatable deals on authentic Vietnamese cuisine, ranging from steaming bowls of pho to vermicelli and tempting rice meals.
What’s unique about it is that it shares its space with Banh Mi Metro, both run by the same family. Meaning, diners can transition from enjoying a sit-down meal to grabbing snacks and steamed buns to go.
We suggest starting your meal with their traditional hot tea–and the icing on the cake is that it’s complimentary.
For the noodle lovers, go for their vermicelli with grilled chicken and a spring roll, boasting juicy and smoky chicken topped with sprouts, carrots, and cucumber.
Similarly, pho enthusiasts would love their House special noodle soup is surely a must-try, featuring tender rare beef, brisket, beef balls, and tripe. On top are crunchy bean sprouts, basil, lime, and green onion for added flavors and textures.
Pro Tip:
Consider customizing your pho experience at Pho Metro by adding provided hot sauce and hoisin to taste, enhancing the spice and richness of this classic dish.
Nang Saigon
Website: nangsaigon.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/nangsaigon.ca
Address: 450 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X8
Hours: Tue – Thurs, Sun: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (416) 536-5966
Nang Saigon was born out of a profound passion for Vietnamese culinary heritage. Their cooking philosophy is centered on merging traditional Vietnamese flavors with global influences.
Despite its limited menu, spanning just three pages, Nang Saigon strives to deliver quality dishes that leave a lasting impression.
Their spring rolls, in particular, stand out as some of the best we’ve ever tried. It boasts a perfect balance of crispiness and flavor, complemented by its heavenly house fish sauce.
For mains, the beef rib pho with rice noodles and the lemongrass beef vermicelli dish are both highly recommended. The rib meat is impressively tender and bursting with intense flavors.
For those seeking something different, their coconut coffee offers a refreshing twist. This Vietnamese staple combines the richness of cold brew coffee with the subtle sweetness of coconut water.
Be forewarned, they serve generous portions, so you might have to take a portion of your meal to-go!
Pro Tip:
Consider looking up the names of Vietnamese dishes beforehand or have your phone handy, as Nang Saigon’s menu doesn’t have pictures. Remember, we first eat with our eyes, so that’ll help you know what to expect.
Dear Saigon
Website: dearsaigon.com
Instagram: instagram.com/dearsaigon.official
Address: 185 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1P7
Hours: Mon – Fri: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Sat – Sun: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (437) 914-9132
Dear Saigon is a heartfelt venture founded by two sisters in 2014 – Chau Ngo and Christine Ngo Bio. They’re self-taught chefs turned co-owners who immigrated to Canada from Vietnam with a dream of sharing their culinary heritage.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by a charming display of pink and white flowers adorning the ceiling. This is in honor of the female owners of the joint – plus, it looks really gorgeous!
Now, on to the food – Dear Saigon’s menu strikes a perfect balance between street food and sophisticated dishes.
Savor their House Special Pho, featuring premium cuts of rare beef, brisket, tendon, tripe, and beef balls in an authentic, 12-hour broth. This is a recipe passed down through generations in the Ngo family.
For coffee enthusiasts, they offer the silkiest Vietnamese coffee in the city IMHO. Their creamy, refreshing beverage– made with sweetened condensed milk and oversized ice cubes –is a perfect balance of toasty coffee flavors.
Pro Tip:
Those looking for a solid non-caffeinated option packed with fruity goodness should try their refreshing strawberry guava smoothie. It’s bursting with zesty, concentrated flavors!
Vit Beo
Website: vitbeo.com
Instagram: instagram.com/vit.beo.to
Address: 858 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M2
Hours: Tue – Sun: 12 PM – 4 PM, 5 PM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 792-3333
Vit Beo has been a Bloor St. hotspot since its opening in January 2018. As a second-generation Vietnamese-Canadian, owner David Huynh’s vision is to offer an intimate expression of Vietnamese food with a modern flair.
The menu features a variety of exquisite Vietnamese snacks. Congee, pho, and banh xeo are on offer, complemented by a selection of craft beers available until the wee hours of the morning – perfect for night owls!
One crowd-pleasing dish is Pho Bo Ko, a creative twist on the classic pho – dry rice noodles topped with a warmly spiced beef stew, basil, celeriac, and carrot. The addition of butter adds richness to the dish, while lime cuts through the flavors.
For those looking to sip on something unique, Vit Beo offers batched tap cocktails served in cute teacups, which is very unique, not to mention Insta-worthy.
Pro Tip:
For the adventurous, try their signature cocktail, the Vanishing Point. Crafted with Monkey Shoulder scotch, this “milk punch” is infused with unexpected ingredients like fish sauce, citrus, and sesame seed oil.
