When it comes to options for bánh mì, pho, spring rolls and Vietnamese iced coffee, Northern Virginia diners are spoiled with choices. Seven Corners is anchored by the Eden Center, a shopping complex that’s home to more than three dozen restaurants and touted as one of the largest concentrations of Vietnamese-owned businesses on the East Coast. This busy hub draws visitors for everything from bubble tea to roast duck or snail soup, although it’s not the only local spot for outstanding Vietnamese fare. Here are a few of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the area, in both Eden Center and beyond.
Banh Mi DC Sandwich
Baguettes are baked inhouse daily at this popular sandwich shop located next door to Pho 75 in Falls Church. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line for an affordable lunch—the bánh mì sandwiches clock in at well under $10. Toppings like mayo, pate, cilantro, hot peppers and pickled radishes, carrots and cucumbers are joined by a variety of fillings, from grilled pork or meatballs to dill fish cake or tofu. The deli-style shop also sells snacks like egg rolls, fried sesame balls, sticky rice and smoothies. // 3103C Graham Road, Falls Church
Chay
Vegetarians and vegans rejoiced with the arrival of Chay, which brings bold Vietnamese flavors to the table sans animal products. The stylish family-owned eatery recreates favorite recipes using entirely vegetarian ingredients. That means the “shaky beef,” “clam dip,” “lemongrass drumettes” and “escargot ham” are all created with tofu and other soy proteins. Colorful salads, spicy noodle soups, golden crepe platters and even bánh mì-style baguette sandwiches with Vietnamese soy ham round out the menu. // 6351 Columbia Pike, Suite 201, Falls Church (Barcroft Plaza)
Four Sisters Grill
This beloved Vietnamese restaurant that started in the Eden Center and later relocated to the Mosaic District closed its Mosaic location in 2023 after a 30-year run, but its family-run offshoot, Four Sisters Grill, lives on in Clarendon. Described as a “cross between the family businesses, Song Que Deli and Four Sisters Restaurant,” the casual grill serves a tight list of classic dishes divided into appetizers (spring rolls, garden rolls and papaya salad), bánh mì sandwiches and jasmine rice bowls or vermicelli noodle bowls topped with proteins such as lemongrass pork, sauteed tofu or black pepper beef. // 3035 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington (Clarendon)
Huong Viet
One of the Eden Center’s OGs, the cash-only Huong Viet is a reliable place to try a wide range of authentic Vietnamese dishes. Noodle soups are a great choice here, from pho to brothy concoctions with crabmeat. The duck salad is also worth a taste. // 6785 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church (Eden Center)
Nam Viet Restaurant
This homey restaurant is one of the last remnants of Clarendon’s storied history as “Little Saigon,” and it’s still going strong in the neighborhood nearly 40 years later. The family-owned establishment helmed by chef Ngoc Anh Tran, aka “Mrs. Thoi,” has cultivated a loyal following with dishes like spicy garlic noodles with minced pork and chicken, as well as deep fried pork spareribs sautéed with garlic, chilies and a special seasoning blend. During soft shell crab season, don’t miss the chance to eat the crustaceans deep-fried, Saigon-style, with homemade lemon-pepper dipping sauce. // 1127 North Hudson St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Nue
This ambitious Falls Church newcomer has been impressing food critics, starting with its romantic floral decor and inventive cocktails incorporating flavors like caramelized pineapple and ginger fish sauce. Founder Tuyet Nhi Le serves her own takes on classic Viet dishes such as pho pate, seafood egg rolls and a green papaya “Caesar” salad. Try the not-so-traditional pappardelle with Vietnamese short rib ragu, and raw oysters with nước chấm-yuzu mignonette granita. // 944 W. Broad St., Falls Church (Founders Row)
Nhu Lan Sandwich Shop
For real-deal bánh mì, it’s hard to beat this unassuming quick-service shop, open since 1986. The “secret butter” sauce on each sandwich is highly touted, and the meat options include meatball, chicken, shredded pork, as well as the classic combo of mixed meats, pate and head cheese. // 6763 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church (Eden Center)
Pho 75
Bring cash to this no-frills Best of Arlington winner, a local institution now celebrating its 40th year in business with multiple storefronts in the area. Open from morning until night in Rosslyn and Falls Church (as well as Herndon, Centreville, Fairfax and Dulles), Pho 75’s specialty is steaming hot bowls of noodles in comforting, savory broth. Doctor it up to your liking with your choice of meat, from flank steak to chicken or tripe, and toppings such as chilies, bean sprouts and fresh herbs. // 1721 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. (Rosslyn) // 3103 Graham Road, Falls Church
Present
This long-running Falls Church restaurant has a very Zen mantra about being in the moment (hence the name, Present) and the decor is just as soothing, right down to its indoor pond. Menu items have artful names like “rainbow white clouds” (steamed rice cakes) and “pig at the seaside” (vermicelli noodle soup with pork, shrimp and crabmeat). Customer favorites include autumn rolls wrapped in a crispy rice thread wrapper; caramelized pork cooked in a clay pot; and Vietnamese sweet and sour soup served in sharable sizes. // 6678 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Rice Paper
There’s much to ponder while looking over the lengthy menu at this Eden Center stalwart. Go for a seafood-loaded hot pot, shrimp- and pork-stuffed crepe, the special combo rice platter, or perhaps one of a plethora of noodle dishes. Local food critics count among the legions of fans of this long-running restaurant, which opened in 2012 and underwent a renovation a few years ago to create a jewel-box like dining room with pretty blue booths. // 6775 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church (Eden Center)
Thanh Son Tofu
Soy products get the respect they deserve at this tiny takeout, where you’re likely to encounter a line of customers queuing up for its namesake specialty: house-made Vietnamese-style tofu. The menu’s myriad variations include fresh or fried, unflavored or dusted with spices like lemongrass chili pepper. The shop is also known for desserts like pandan tofu pudding and che ba mau, a tri-color treat made with red bean, white bean, mung bean and green jelly, served with coconut milk and crushed ice. // 6793 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church (Eden Center)