Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Atlanta: Where to Go for Pho, Bánh Mì, and More

Atlanta’s Vietnamese food scene has grown fast over the past decade, spreading from Buford Highway into neighborhoods like Midtown, West Midtown, and East Atlanta. Whether you live in the city or are visiting and searching for the best Vietnamese in Atlanta, you’ll find everything from old-school pho houses to modern Vietnamese-American spots.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to standout Vietnamese options, what each area is known for, and how to choose the right spot for what you’re craving.

Quick Guide: Top Areas for Vietnamese Food in Atlanta

Use this as a starting point, then narrow down by what kind of Vietnamese food you want.

Best Vietnamese on Buford Highway (Atlanta’s Core Corridor)

If you ask locals where to find the best Vietnamese in Atlanta, Buford Highway almost always comes up first. Running northeast from the city, it’s lined with Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Mexican, and other international restaurants.

A few types of places you’re likely to find here:

1. Classic Pho Houses

Many Buford Highway spots specialize in pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. You’ll typically see:

• Pho bò (beef pho) with brisket, flank, tendon, or meatballs
• Pho gà (chicken pho) with a lighter, clearer broth
• Optional add-ins like extra noodles, tripe, or tendon

Signs you’re at a solid pho spot in Atlanta:

• A menu that focuses heavily on soups and vermicelli bowls
• Plenty of fresh herbs (basil, cilantro), lime, jalapeños, and bean sprouts brought to the table
• A busy lunch crowd, often including Vietnamese families and workers from nearby businesses

Many of these restaurants sit in shopping centers along Buford Highway between the City of Atlanta and Doraville, just inside and outside the perimeter (I-285). Parking is usually free in front of the plazas.

2. Bánh Mì and Snack Shops

Buford Highway also has shops and bakeries where you can grab:

• Bánh mì sandwiches (grilled pork, cold cuts, chicken, tofu, etc.)
• Spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) with shrimp, pork, or tofu and peanut sauce
• Egg rolls (chả giò) and other small fried bites
• Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá)

These spots are ideal when you want a quick, under-$15 meal rather than a full sit-down dinner.

3. Family-Style and Regional Dishes

Some Buford Highway restaurants offer deeper menus with:

• Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup from Central Vietnam)
• Cơm tấm (broken rice plates with grilled meats)
• Clay pot dishes, whole fish, or hot pots for group dining

If you’re with a group in Atlanta and want to explore beyond pho, Buford Highway is usually the most reliable place to find these traditional dishes.

Vietnamese in Doraville & Chamblee (Just Outside the City)

Just northeast of Atlanta, Doraville and Chamblee along Buford Highway and adjacent roads are packed with Vietnamese and other Asian restaurants. If you’re coming from Brookhaven, Dunwoody, or Peachtree Corners, this area may be more convenient than intown spots.

What This Area Is Especially Good For

• Big-group meals: Tables that can comfortably seat large families and friend groups
• Hot pot and specialty soups: Often more available in the suburbs than in-town
• Parking-friendly: Most restaurants are in plazas with large lots

Common layouts: large dining rooms, TVs showing Vietnamese channels, and big laminated menus. It’s casual and straightforward, good for both weekday dinners and weekend lunches.

Vietnamese in Midtown & West Midtown (Trendy and Date-Night Friendly)

If you’re staying or living closer to Midtown, Downtown, or West Midtown and don’t want to drive to Buford Highway, you can still find good Vietnamese closer to the city center.

These in-town restaurants often:

• Offer modern twists on classic dishes
• Have cocktail programs or curated wine/beer lists
• Feature stylish interiors suitable for date nights or group outings

You’re more likely to see menus that include:

• Vietnamese-style wings, bao, or shareable small plates
• Dishes that blend Vietnamese flavors with Southern or American ingredients
• Vegetarian-friendly options clearly labeled

For office workers in Midtown or visitors staying near Peachtree Street, in-town Vietnamese spots offer the most convenient, walkable choice.

Vietnamese in East Atlanta, Decatur, and Surrounding Neighborhoods

On the east side, around East Atlanta Village, Edgewood, Kirkwood, and Decatur, Vietnamese flavors often show up in:

• Casual fusion restaurants
• Cafés that include bánh mì or Vietnamese coffee on the menu
• Vegetarian-leaning menus that reinterpret classic dishes

These options can be great if you’re already in the area for shopping, music, or nightlife and want something flavorful but not too heavy.

Types of Vietnamese Dishes to Look For in Atlanta

Knowing the main categories of Vietnamese food helps you scan menus faster and pick the right restaurant.

Pho (Phở)

Atlanta’s Vietnamese spots almost always serve pho. You’ll see bowls built around:

• Beef broth with rice noodles and various cuts of beef
• Chicken broth with shredded or poached chicken
• Toppings: onion, scallions, cilantro, basil, lime, chili peppers

If it’s your first time exploring Vietnamese food in Atlanta, starting with pho on Buford Highway is a safe, satisfying choice.

Vermicelli Bowls (Bún)

These are room-temperature bowls with:

• Rice vermicelli noodles
• Fresh herbs and shredded lettuce
• Grilled pork, shrimp, chicken, or tofu
• Pickled vegetables and a side of fish sauce-based dressing

They’re popular in Atlanta’s summer heat because they’re lighter than soup but still filling.

Rice Plates (Cơm)

Typical components:

• Steamed or broken rice
• Grilled meat (pork chop, chicken, short ribs), fried egg, maybe pâté or shredded pork
• Pickles and cucumbers

These are hearty and usually available at both Buford Highway and in-town spots.

Bánh Mì

A Vietnamese sandwich on a crusty baguette with:

• Choice of protein (grilled pork, cold cuts, chicken, tofu, etc.)
• Pickled carrots and daikon
• Cilantro, cucumber, jalapeños
• Mayonnaise or pâté

Many Atlanta residents grab bánh mì for a quick lunch to-go, especially along Buford Highway and in certain intown neighborhoods.

Fresh Rolls & Small Plates

Common starters you’ll see across Atlanta:

• Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls)
• Chả giò (crispy fried rolls)
• Salt-and-pepper fried calamari or shrimp
• Vietnamese wings with fish sauce or caramelized glazes

These are great to share if you’re trying a new place with a group.

How to Choose the Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Atlanta for You

Because there are dozens of Vietnamese options across the region, it helps to narrow by what matters most to you.

1. Proximity vs. “Destination” Dining

• If you’re willing to drive:
  Buford Highway and Doraville usually offer the greatest number of traditional options and the best value.

• If you want to stay close to hotels or central neighborhoods:
  Midtown, West Midtown, and Eastside options are more convenient, often with trendier vibes.

2. Atmosphere

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a no-frills, quick meal?
  → Strip-mall pho houses on Buford Highway and in Doraville are ideal.

• Are you planning a date night or birthday dinner?
  → Look toward Midtown/West Midtown Vietnamese-inspired restaurants with full bars and more curated interiors.

• Do you need a family-friendly space?
  → Many larger suburban Vietnamese restaurants near Chamblee and Doraville seat big family groups easily.

3. Dietary Preferences

Across Atlanta’s Vietnamese restaurants, you can often find:

• Gluten-light options: Many dishes use rice noodles and rice-based wrappers, though soy sauces and marinades may contain gluten.
• Vegetarian/vegan choices: Tofu, vegetable pho, and meatless vermicelli bowls are increasingly common, especially intown.

If you have serious allergies or strict dietary needs, it’s a good idea to:

• Call ahead during non-peak hours
• Ask about fish sauce, oyster sauce, peanuts, and cross-contact in fryers or grills

Practical Tips for Enjoying Vietnamese Food in Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific pointers to make your experience smoother:

Getting There and Parking

• Buford Highway / Doraville / Chamblee:
  Most restaurants sit in plazas with large parking lots and are easiest to reach by car. Traffic on Buford Highway can be heavy at rush hour; going slightly earlier or later than peak dinner time can help.

• Midtown / Downtown / West Midtown:
  Expect a mix of paid street parking, paid decks, and sometimes valet at night. If you’re near MARTA, Midtown and Arts Center stations can put you within walking distance of some Vietnamese-inspired spots.

• East Atlanta / Decatur:
  Street parking and small lots are common. On busy evenings, you may need to circle for a spot or use a nearby pay lot.

When to Go

• Lunch:
  Great for pho, bánh mì, and rice plates, often at lower prices than dinner.

• Dinner:
  Better if you want a leisurely meal, cocktails, or to try multiple sharable dishes.

Weekend evenings can be busy, particularly at popular Buford Highway and Midtown locations, so planning a slight off-peak time (for example, 5:30 p.m. or after 8 p.m.) can shorten waits.

Ordering Like a Local

• For a first-timer, pairing pho with an appetizer like fresh spring rolls gives a good introduction.
• If you’re visiting Atlanta during colder months, many locals turn to large pho bowls or Bún bò Huế for something rich and comforting.
• In the summer, bún vermicelli bowls, bánh mì, and iced Vietnamese coffee are especially popular.

How to Find Current Vietnamese Options in Atlanta

Because restaurants can open, move, or close, it’s helpful to:

• Search by “Vietnamese restaurant” + the exact neighborhood (e.g., “Vietnamese restaurant Midtown Atlanta” or “Vietnamese Buford Highway”).
• Check recent reviews and menus to confirm they still serve the dishes you’re interested in (especially if you’re seeking vegan options, hot pot, or specific regional soups).
• For visitors staying downtown or in Midtown, ask hotel staff for current local favorites; many keep updated lists of nearby restaurants.

Key Takeaways for Finding the Best Vietnamese in Atlanta

• Buford Highway and nearby Doraville/Chamblee remain the core areas for classic, affordable, and traditional Vietnamese food.
• Midtown, West Midtown, and Eastside neighborhoods offer more modern, fusion, and atmosphere-focused takes that are convenient for intown residents and visitors.
• Decide first whether you want traditional pho and family-style dishes or trendy small plates and cocktails, then choose the neighborhood that fits.
• Atlanta’s Vietnamese scene is broad enough that you can find something good whether you’re near Peachtree Street, out by I-285, or exploring the Eastside.

With this framework, you can zero in on the part of Atlanta that fits your plans and enjoy some of the best Vietnamese food the city has to offer.