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Vietnamese barbecue in San Jose

Made for those who refuse to choose between the smoky depth of barbecue and the bright, herbaceous profile of Vietnamese cuisine.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mommy's Banh Mi image 1
Mommy's Banh Mi image 2
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Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with a cozy interior and a small outdoor patio offers a warm, mom and pop vibe despite a slightly commercial look. The space feels a bit cramped but maintains a good, lively atmosphere without loud music. It gets very busy during lunch, attracting a steady flow of guests.

BBQ lemongrass chicken stands out with proper grilling and marinated flavor. The meat stays juicy and flavorful in dishes like vermicelli bowls and banh mi.

Banh mi stands out with options like grilled pork, medallion, and porchetta, all highly praised. Fries served with fish sauce add a unique touch to the Vietnamese food offerings.

People are saying

"The banh mi here is delicious with a perfectly crusty bread."

"The banh mi here is delicious and satisfying."

"The Barbecue lemongrass chicken was excellent."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead on their website to save time.

2

Expect long lines during lunch hours, but they move quickly.

3

Parking is available out front but can be limited.

02
Aina's Vegan Banh Mi image 1
Asian restaurant

Spacious seating blends with a cozy, laid-back vibe highlighted by fresh herbal aromas. A coffee shop atmosphere invites relaxed hangouts with comfortable couches and tables. The spot stands out for its vegan banh mi sandwiches and an attached vegan donut and smoothie bar.

Cheerful Xa-Xiu stands out with its spicy lemongrass and Saigon rolls. BBQ flavors come through as a simple delight in this dish.

Vegan Banh Mi stands out with fresh, light bread and memorable flavors. Options like the Simple Delight and Spicy Lemongrass offer distinct tastes, while the breakfast Banh Mi remains flavorful and satisfying.

People are saying

"The vegetarian banh mi here is so delicious and reasonably priced."

"I thought the vegan banh mi here was so delicious and fresh."

"The Barbecue Banh Mi is unforgettable and so fresh and so good."

Good to know

1

The place closes at 3:30 pm.

2

They have a small shared parking lot in the back, but street parking is also available.

3

All menu items are vegan, offering a variety of options.

03
Pho Bel Air image 1
Pho restaurant

Pho restaurant offers authentic pho with high-quality ingredients and a fast casual vibe supported by a pop music playlist. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, with a clean and inviting space that can get a little loud during peak times. It serves as a convenient late-night option with quick service and easy parking.

BBQ chicken comes in generous portions and tastes yummy. BBQ pork appears in dishes with shrimp and vermicelli or alongside pho and egg rolls.

Pho here features delicious broths with options like beef, seafood, and vegetable pho. Spring rolls come with fresh, crisp lettuce, and the vegetable pho includes perfectly cooked, crisp vegetables.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has really good broth and noodles."

"It's a great late night spot for a quick meal."

"The pho is authentic, tasty, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Pho Bel Air is open until 11pm, making it convenient for late-night diners.

2

Expect a wait time of less than 10 minutes for takeout, even when crowded.

3

Parking is ample and easy to find near the restaurant.

04
Com Tam Dat Thanh image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Low-key strip mall restaurant offers authentic Vietnamese broken rice dishes with flavorful grilled pork and seafood. Atmosphere feels relaxed and lively, with self-serve chili and sauce on tables. Less crowded than similar spots, it serves generous menu combinations including vegetarian options.

Pork has a slightly sweet flavor with a charred BBQ taste. BBQ shrimp stays juicy and plump. BBQ beef pairs well with fried shrimp cake and rice.

Broken rice dishes come with flavorful, filling rice that is not greasy. The cha gio features fluffy pork filling and stands out as a top choice. A vegetarian meat menu and fish sauce option are also available.

People are saying

"This Vietnamese food's pork chop is larger than at other places."

"I thought the pork chop broken rice here was the best."

"The BBQ beef rice plate was massive and so good."

Good to know

1

Prices range from $15 to $20 for a small portion of rice and sides.

2

The restaurant specializes in broken rice dishes with various grilled sides.

3

Self-serve sauce and chili are available on the table for customization.

05
Pho San Jose image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Modern decor features a grass wall, neon sign, and giant mascot painting, creating a unique and clean atmosphere. Spacious indoor and covered outdoor seating offer a relaxing vibe with warm lighting and festive touches. Younger crowds frequent the place, drawn by its fresh pho noodles and rich broth.

Smoked brisket brings smoky BBQ flavors into traditional pho. The Smoked Brisket Phö blends both worlds, combining classic pho with barbecue elements.

Pho here features phenomenal meat and a chicken pho broth that stands out in the area. The pho includes a boneless riblet and bone marrow additions that add rich flavor and depth.

People are saying

"The pho here has phenomenal meat and a well-done, flavorful broth."

"I finally tried the bun rieu, it has thinner noodles."

"The smoked brisket here has such yummy, smoky barbecue flavors."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of parking at Pho San Jose.

2

Pho San Jose accepts both credit cards and cash.

3

Expect a short wait during peak lunch hours.

06
Pho Kim Long image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious Vietnamese restaurant with modern upscale decor and outdoor dining options. Atmosphere is loud and lively, often crowded but not cramped. Offers a unique DIY spring roll experience with table-side grilling.

Vietnamese BBQ features pork chops, BBQ chicken, and grilled fish served with rice paper, vegetables, and vermicelli noodles. Com Tam with pork BBQ and BBQ shrimp also appear on the menu.

Broth stands out as rich and flavorful, making the pho very hearty. Beef pho includes good beef meat and tendon. Prices stay affordable for the Bay Area.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, tastes amazing."

"I loved the grilled fish, you make your own wraps with it."

"You have to try the BBQ pork with vermicelli noodles."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited since it's shared between all the restaurants in the plaza.

2

Pho Kim Long only accepts cash payments.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours; arrive early to avoid waiting.

07
Phin Cafe - Blossom Hill Road | San Jose image 1

Small cafe with wood accents and real plants creates a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Space feels cozy and mellow, attracting people looking for a peaceful spot to relax or meet. Seating is ample, supporting casual visits despite occasional crowding.

BBQ pork sandwich offers a generous amount of meat and rich flavor. The BBQ banh mi and spam musubi pair well with drinks like pandan coffee and tropical fruit tea.

Vietnamese sandwiches like Combo Special Banh Mi and Grilled Pork Banh Mi come fresh and flavorful with reasonable prices. Drinks include authentic Vietnamese coffee options such as Coconut Coffee and Egg Coffee with balanced sweetness.

People are saying

"Their unique coffee flavors like ube and egg coffee are delicious."

"Their unique coffee flavors like ube and egg coffee are delicious."

"The Barbecue pork sandwich had a lot of meat and tasted delicious."

Good to know

1

It gets busy around 10am on Sundays.

2

The wait time is about 30 to 45 minutes.

3

Phin Cafe is laptop friendly with free wifi and ample outlets.

08
Com Tam Thien Huong image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Compact space with modern design and lively atmosphere filled with noise and crowds. Frequented by Vietnamese families creating a communal vibe. TVs display menu items, adding a visual element to the experience.

BBQ plates come with a mix of grilled meats and sides. The #70 combo includes BBQ Pork, Fried Shrimp Cake, and Grilled Shrimp on Sugarcane with rice.

Broken rice plates and pho stand out with scrumptious flavors and generous portions. The com tam thit nuong and beef pho are especially notable for their very good taste and quick service.

People are saying

"I had the best broken rice I've ever had here."

"I thought their pho was the best Vietnamese food in the area."

"I thought the Barbecue combo plate was the best."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, often over 45 minutes, especially during lunch and dinner.

2

Parking is available in the shopping center, but traffic can be heavy nearby.

3

Prices for dishes like thit nuong with broken rice are around $20.95.

09
Duc Huong Sandwiches image 1

Sandwich shop operates as a take-out only spot with no seating and a pickup window for orders. Lines often stretch outside, creating a busy, crowded atmosphere with a steady flow of sandwich lovers. Known for best banh mi, it draws consistent crowds despite a run-down appearance.

Grilled pork stands out with its rich barbecue flavor and tender texture. BBQ pork sandwiches deliver a balanced smoky taste that matches the grilled pork's appeal.

Banh mi sandwiches stand out here with fresh ingredients and solid flavors. The vegetarian banh mi and Banh Mi Dac Biet both deliver consistent quality and taste.

People are saying

"I thought the banh mi sandwiches were the best I'd had."

"I thought the Vietnamese Food banh mi was the best I've ever had."

"The grilled pork barbecue sandwich is seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

They have a buy 4 get 1 free promotion.

2

The restaurant is take out only.

3

Expect long lines on weekends, especially during lunch hours.

10
Lee's Sandwiches image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers a wide selection of freshly made, filling sandwiches with soft, fluffy bread and fresh vegetables. Atmosphere feels bare bones with loud, vulgar music and occasional crowding. Prices are reasonable but sandwiches can be expensive compared to past.

Asian BBQ pork appears in several dishes like the Bahn mi bowl and BBQ pork sandwich. The pork offers a mix of flavors but can vary in quality, with some bites being tough or burnt.

Banh Mi sandwiches come in a large selection with consistently good flavors, including a crispy pork option. The pork and shrimp spring rolls pair well with peanut sauce, and the Vietnamese iced coffee complements the meal.

People are saying

"I thought the Vietnamese sandwiches were delicious and fresh."

"I loved the sandwiches; they were healthy and inexpensive."

"You have to try the BBQ pork; it's a must-try."

Good to know

1

There is free 90-minute parking in the Downtown city garages.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of Vietnamese and Western-style sandwiches.

3

The food options include rice bowls, salads made to order, and ready-to-go items.

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San Jose, California

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