Top 10 Vietnamese Restaurants in New Orleans
New Orleans is home to some of the world's finest restaurants. Although New Orleans is mainly known for its Creole and Cajun cuisine, the city is also home to a deep-rooted Vietnamese culture and some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the South.
Here are some of the best local places to grab a bite next time you're craving a banh mi, pho, or other Vietnamese classics!
1. Lilly's Cafe
1813 Magazine St., (504) 599-9999
Lilly's Cafe is known for it's family friendly ambiance and delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Ms. Lilly herself is known for her positive energy, friendly attitude, and home-made cooking. Their menu has choices for everyone, with multiple vegetarian, seafood, and meat options.
Lilly's Cafe was voted in the Best of Gambit for seven years in a row, Eater's Best 38 Essential Restaurants, and Where Yat's Best of the Big Easy from 2018 to 2024! No wonder it's number one for this guide.
2. Pho Tau Bay
1565 Tulane Ave., (504) 368-9846
Pho Tau Bay has been a serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine for decades ran by generation after generation. Originating in 1960s Vietnam, Pho Tau Bay became a local favorite for Vietnamese food in 1982 after opening their Westbank location and then moving to their current Tulane Avenue location.
With praise from chefs Anthony Bourdain and Emeril Lagasse for their home-made ingredients, this is a must visit.
3. Dough Nguyener's
433 Lafayette St., Gretna, (504) 581-8255
If you're craving a banh mi and a chocolate sprinkled donut, Dough Nyguener's has got you covered! Opened in 2023, Dough Nyguener's chefs and bakers bring the freshest ingredients to your palate with their Vietnamese and New Orleans twist.
Louisiana Gulf shrimp and crab toast, garlic ramen noodles, fried chicken tossed in Szechuan sauce, traditional banh mi, and sweet pastries are just some of the menu items! Check out their original location in Gretna or visit their cafe location in Mid-City on 2424 Tulane Ave, Ste 1A, which has a different menu from the Gretna location.
4. Dong Phuong
14207 Chef Menteur Hwy., (504) 254-0214
If you're from New Orleans, you've heard of Dong Phuong's king cakes. As one of the first eateries in New Orleans East, Dong Phuong opened in 1982, serving meals to the Vietnamese community in New Orleans that settled in the city after the Vietnam War.
After Hurricane Katrina, Dong Phuong expanded by delivering freshly baked pastries and breads. In 2008, Dong Phuong started baking their now nationally famous king cakes and, by 2018, Dong Phuong won the James Beard American Classic Award for their timeless appeal and high quality food. Dong Phuong offers a full menu, sweet pastries, and seasonal offerings. Check out their website to order online!
5. Mint Modern Vietnamese
5100 Freret St., (504) 218-5534
instagram.com/mintmodernbistro
Get a bang for your buck at Mint Modern Vietnamese, located on Freret Street. Not only do they have happy hour specials and reasonable prices, some of their menu items include fried chicken and pandan waffle, kimchi burger, and Vietnamese iced coffee.
Recently making it's 10 year anniversary, Mint is a great spot to grab a quick bite or to catch up with some friends over some modern and delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
6. Tan Dinh
1705 Lafayette St., Gretna, (504) 361-8008
Taking charge as one of the best Vietnamese spots in Gretna, Tan Dinh prides themself on top notch ingredients and high quality meals. Their menu is vast, so there's always something else to try!
Ranging from fried frog legs and marinated quail to traditional spring rolls and pressed vermicelli patties, Tan Dinh has something for everyone. Check out their website to view a gallery of signature dishes!
7. Ba Chi Kitchen & Bar
3547 18th St., Metairie, (504) 584-8118
Once known as Ba Chi Canteen on Maple Street, the business reopened in October 2023 as Ba Chi Kitchen & Bar in Metairie. Owner and Chef Phat Vu combines his Vietnamese culture with global concepts creating a unique and exciting menu.
Some of Ba Chi's favorites are their "bacos" (steamed bun tacos), gyoza nachos, and kimchi fries. Chef Vu's Asian fusion concept is a hit and Ba Chi Kitchen & Bar is the proof!
8. Cafe Minh
4139 Canal St., (504) 482-6266
Cafe Minh opened in 2007 by husband and wife chefs Minh Bui and Cynthia Vu Tran. As refugees from Vietnam, they both came to New Orleans with a dream and a goal. Chef Bui began his culinary learning at Commander's Palace with Emeril Lagasse, while Chef Tran earned her culinary degree from Johnson and Wales.
Cafe Minh combines Vietnamese flavors with modernized French and American cuisine using high quality, local ingredients. Next time you're trying to decided where to go for lunch, stop by Cafe Minh in Mid-City for cornmeal crusted calamari and banh mi!
9. Le's Baguette Banh Mi Cafe
4607 Dryades St., (504) 895-2620
Owners Michael and Michelle Le opened Le's Baguette in 2017, naming the restaurant after the delicious bread we all know and love. Le's Baguette has a cozy and intimate ambiance with classic menu items including vermicelli bowls, pho, and banh mis.
Known as a hidden gem in the heart of Uptown, don't miss out on everyone's best kept secret!
10. Viet Orleans Bistro
300 Baronne St., (504) 333-6917
facebook.com/viet-orleans-bistro
If you're looking for a quick bite, dinner with friends, or date night, then Viet Orleans Bistro is right up your alley. Viet Orleans combines classic Vietnamese cuisine with local seafood dishes, making it the perfect Vietnamese New Orleans fusion.
Viet Orleans Bistro is known for their casual vibe, friendly service, and consistently delicious dishes.
Best Vietnamese Food in NOLA
New Orleans is home to some of the best restaurants, chefs, and people. These top 10 Vietnamese restaurants are sure to help you narrow down where to go next!
