We first tried Vietnam House Restaurant because of its popularity in Edinburgh. Claiming to be the city’s first family-run, authentic Vietnamese restaurant, we think it certainly lives up to its reputation.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Haymarket station, the restaurant’s intimate size added to its charm. Decorated with beautiful yellow hanging lanterns and adorned with Vietnamese scenery paintings, it really helped set the mood for our dining adventure.

We thought the star of the evening was their sensational crispy roast duck. Cooked to perfection, the duck was wonderfully flavorful and its crispy skin left us craving more. 

Equally impressive was the vermicelli with grilled pork meat. The pork was tender and smoky, pairing well with the sweet and savoury marinade, while the vermicelli noodles had a pleasing texture.

What added to the experience was the warm and friendly staff, who mentioned they also run Little Vietnam in Glasgow.

However, it’s worth noting that due to the restaurant’s size, there’s a maximum dining time of 2 hours per booking. Diners who like to lounge around after a meal might need to go elsewhere.

Additionally, it does not have an alcohol licence, so diners looking for a tipple might be disappointed. They do encourage you to BYOB for a fee.

Lastly, some reports of reservation mix-ups have been noted, so it’s advisable to double-check your booking.

Boasting two decades of culinary mastery, Vietnam House Restaurant promises an expert dining experience. With its doors open every day of the week, the restaurant offers accessibility for all.

We think the interior exudes a rustic charm, featuring wood accents, a striking red theme, and enchanting hanging rattan lanterns. It’s a welcoming space suitable for families, large groups, and couples.

We loved their vegetarian Bun Bo Hue, a spicy noodle soup option; it shines with its generous portion brimming with tofu, vegetables, and a sumptuous broth. A generous topping of fresh herbs, crisp bean sprouts, and homemade garlic oil elevates the dish.

Their fried spring rolls were also amazing. They were crispy and fresh, and the accompanying fish sauce complements the rolls perfectly.

We also enjoyed their Vietnamese coffee. We thought it was skillfully balanced and not overly sweet, which made for a delightful caffeine fix.

The service stands out with the attentive and amiable waitstaff. They paid attention to us, but they weren’t overbearing or pushy.

Unfortunately, their pho dish fell short of expectations. We thought it was a bit bland, leaving a rather lacklustre impression.

A strict two-hour limit per booking might also make diners feel like they’re being rushed.

While alcohol is not available on-site, the restaurant permits guests to bring their own libations for a nominal fee.

Next, we took a brisk one-minute stroll from Haymarket station to NAM, an independent gem that aims to deliver authentic Vietnamese flavours.

We appreciated the restaurant’s simple yet homey ambiance. While it’s not very spacious, it’s impeccably clean with lots of natural light.

Unlike other Vietnamese restaurants, they offer vegetarian options. A crowd favourite is their lotus tofu rice meal, served with fragrant Jasmine rice.

Their chicken pho also exceeded expectations. Not only was it quite flavorful, but its portion was generous as well.

Next, we tried their tender chicken dish wrapped in lotus leaves and served with rice. It was so delicious and filling that it made us want to come back to the restaurant at a later date.

Unlike other Vietnamese spots, NAM offers alcoholic beverages, including a refreshing house cocktail. This is great for those who like sipping cocktails or beers along with their meals.

The staff also exuded warmth and hospitality. They were always smiling warmly, and we felt very welcome from the get-go.

Do note that NAM takes a break on Mondays, making it unavailable for dining.

Also, it opens at the later hour of 5 PM on most days, so this might not be the ideal dining option for the early birds or the lunch crowd.

They’re also comparatively pricier than other restaurants. For instance, their chicken pho is £12.90, which is a tad more expensive than their competitors’ pricing.

We also chose to visit SEN, a restaurant that’s on a mission to introduce contemporary Vietnamese cuisine to Edinburgh’s food scene.

We thought its modern interior was quite lovely. It boasts a striking black, yellow, and light wood theme, adorned with enchanting yellow lanterns against a dark ceiling.

We also appreciate its separate vegan and vegetarian menu. SEN offers delectable dishes like Saigon avocado summer rolls and wok-tossed pak choi.

Unlike other Vietnamese spots, this restaurant serves alcohol. This is great for those looking to have a beer with their curry or spring rolls – yum!

As for their food, the summer rolls were a delightful starter. They were bursting with freshness and enhanced by the vibrant flavours of mint.

The duck curry was also delicious, featuring tender meat complemented by taro, potato, and lotus root, all bathed in a Southeast Asian curry sauce.

Their attentive and cheerful staff members were always ready to assist, which created a pleasant dining experience.

We did find SEN on the pricier side, particularly their £16 pho. We consider it a bit overpriced since we could get the same quality and portion of pho at a cheaper price elsewhere.

Also, we interviewed a former customer who described a reservation mishap. He arrived for a pre-booked table only to face an additional 15-20 minute wait.

Due to its popularity and limited space – only 6 tables –  securing a table at SEN can be challenging, so reserving in advance is highly recommended.

Pho was born in June 2005, a lovechild of Stephen and Juliette Wall. It was inspired by their captivating journey through Vietnam and their newfound affection for its cuisine.

They claim to prepare everything fresh in-house, which we appreciate – from their summer and spring rolls to their pork and lemongrass meatballs.

You can also stay connected while you dine, thanks to Pho’s complimentary WiFi.

Plus, the restaurant offers wheelchair access and features a disabled toilet for the convenience of all guests.

Unlike other restaurants which open in the afternoon, they’re open for diners daily from 12 PM onwards, making it accessible for the lunchtime crowd and dinner guests.

We loved their spring rolls, which were crunchy and fresh, perfectly complemented by a dipping sauce. We also found their shrimp curry to be wonderfully balanced.

The service was also impeccable. For instance, a polite and friendly waiter promptly replaced a dropped spoon right away with minimal fuss.

Students can even enjoy a 15% discount on food, making Pho an attractive option for scholars on a budget.

For those with dietary restrictions, Pho is a haven, as the majority of menu items are gluten-free, and accredited by Coeliac UK.

One downside of our visit was the waiting time. We sat around for 35-40 minutes before our food arrived.

Another minor inconvenience was the automatic inclusion of tips in the bill, with some patrons we interviewed noting that the tip amounted to nearly 40%.