You know that moment when you’re watching a Vietnamese film, and a steaming bowl of beef pho pops onto the screen? Suddenly, you’re craving all things Vietnamese—and fast!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you sorted. Our team embarked on a flavour-packed mission, visiting some of the best Vietnamese spots around Auckland. After countless bowls of pho and plates of fresh spring rolls, we’re ready to spill the beans (sprouts) on our top picks.
Ready to satisfy those cravings? Let’s dig in!
How We Chose the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Auckland
- Flavor and Presentation: We focused on places that nail authentic Vietnamese flavours while delivering beautifully presented dishes.
- Menu Variety: Restaurants with a diverse selection of dishes—catering to all cravings—made the cut.
- Service: We sought out spots with friendly, knowledgeable staff who make dining a pleasure.
- Pricing: Finally, we picked restaurants that balance quality, portion sizes, and price to offer great value.
Get your chopsticks ready for some seriously good eats!
1. Le Vietnamese Kitchen
| WEBSITE | https://www.vietnamesekitchen.co.nz/ |
| ADDRESS | 107 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +64 9 376 6107 |
| BUSINESS HOURS | Monday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10 AM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM |
What makes Le Vietnamese Kitchen stand out is its creative blend of traditional Vietnamese flavours with a French twist, crafted by chef David Cao.
I tried their beef pho, and it was an explosion of flavour! The tender, juicy beef struck the perfect balance between fatty and lean cuts. Plus, the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients really elevated the dish.
My fellow researchers ventured into some unique options, like the Kaffir Lime Chicken and Mekong Chicken Curry—definitely not your usual fare.
The ambiance is another win. Designed to resemble an upscale Vietnamese street food market, the lively and fun vibe added a special touch to our meal. The friendly, attentive staff even helped us snap a group photo, making the experience extra memorable.
That said, our visit wasn’t without its hiccups. Despite the restaurant being half-empty, we were seated in a cramped spot, which dampened the otherwise stellar dining experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique culinary blend Delicious dishes Fresh ingredients Lively atmosphere Friendly service | Cramped seating |
Reviews
Will definitely return with empty stomachs again to try more
“Absolutely delicious food. Went for a special occasion and decided to get anything we liked the sound of and it paid off. Got to try some absolutely incredible food that I have never experienced before from the well-seasoned crispy half duck to the lightly fried squid and the amazing ribs. Will definitely return with empty stomachs again to try more.”
Quinn Garner, Google review
We enjoy all items ordered
“We enjoy all items ordered, the were served quickly, full of flavor, and spring rolls were crisp and cold and our hot dishes were piping hot. There seemed to be as many locals as us tourist and that to me is alway a good sign.”
Stacy Klone, Google review
2. Sen Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar
| WEBSITE | http://senkitchen.co.nz/ |
| ADDRESS | 26 Normanby Road, Mount Eden |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +64 9 630 5790 |
| BUSINESS HOURS | Monday to Saturday: 11 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
We recently checked out Sen Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar, and it felt like we’d been whisked away to a charming corner of Northern Vietnam!
The cozy, inviting atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying some solo downtime. From the moment we stepped in, the heavenly kitchen aromas and warm staff welcome set the tone for a great experience.
What sets Sen apart is their commitment to freshness. Each dish bursts with vibrant herbs and crisp veggies, with generous use of lemongrass, Vietnamese mint, and fish sauce. It’s not only flavourful but also a great option for those with gluten or dairy sensitivities.
Now for the showstopper: the Bún Chả. The grilled pork, marinated and charcoal-cooked to smoky perfection, was so good that one of our friends couldn’t stop singing its praises. The dish is paired with soft vermicelli noodles, though a small quibble we and other diners noted was that the noodles could’ve been served a bit warmer.
All in all, Sen delivers a fresh and flavour-packed Vietnamese dining experience that’s worth a visit!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inviting atmosphere Delicious aromas Attentive staff Fresh ingredients Authentic flavors Diet-friendly | A few reports on service delays |
Review
I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results
“I recently had my car detailed by Capital Detailing, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. They provided a wash and wax service, and my car looked brand new afterward. The quality of their work and the level of service were simply amazing. The staff were incredibly professional and made the entire process smooth and easy. They were super efficient, getting the job done quickly without sacrificing quality. The price was absolutely worth it for the results I received. I would highly recommend Capital Detailing to anyone looking for top-notch car detailing services. They are, without a doubt, the best detailer in Queenstown!”
Brook Johnson, Google review
The best auto detailing service in Queenstown
“Great service. I’m my opinion the best in Queenstown.”
Sam Brooks, Google review
3. Vie Coffee and Vietnamese Street Food
| WEBSITE | https://www.instagram.com/viecafenz/ |
| ADDRESS | 28 Shortland Street |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +64 9 630 5790 |
| BUSINESS HOURS | Monday to Friday: 11 AM – 10 PM Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM |
If you’re craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on Hue flavours, Vie is a must-try!
Their dedication to traditional recipes and authentic ingredients shines through, making it feel like a little taste of central Vietnam right here in Auckland. It’s a refreshing shift from the more mainstream Vietnamese offerings.
One standout dish we tried was their Banh Xeo, reimagined as canapés. This creative spin delivers all the classic flavours in a modern, bite-sized form. Unlike the usual pancake-style, these are crispy, thin, and irresistibly satisfying—almost like a fried tortilla.
Vie’s coffee menu is another highlight. Whether you go for their decadent egg coffee or the creamy, tropical coconut coffee, you’re in for a treat. It’s the perfect pairing to round off your meal.
The only drawback? The prices lean toward the higher end, especially for what’s essentially elevated street food. But for the quality and unique experience, it might just be worth it!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inviting atmosphere Delicious aromas Attentive staff Fresh ingredients Authentic flavors Diet-friendly | A few reports on service delays |
Reviews
I’ve visited several times, and I always feel quite happy with the experience
“This is probably the best Bun Bo Hue I’ve tasted so far in Auckland since Viet Kitchen on Dominion Road shut down. I’ve visited several times, and I always feel quite happy with the experience. The broth is rich, and it comes with plenty of herbs and meat. You can also add a side of vegetables, which even further complements the dish nicely.”
Robin Li, Google review
This Vietnamese street-style restaurant is pretty authentic
“It is our first time here at Viecafe. It is a Vietnamese street-style restaurant and they are pretty authentic. The platter is a must, the spring rolls are the best as well as the grilled chicken and pork. We also ordered a grilled pork on rice, and definitely tasted the char grill on their pork. Prices are around $14-20 mostly.”
Lo Jannis, Google review
4. An An Vietnamese Restaurant
| ADDRESS | 28 Shortland Street |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +64 9 302 1225 |
| BUSINESS HOURS | Monday to Friday: 11 AM – 10 PM Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM |
Our undercover visit to An An turned out to be a delightful experience that’s still got our researcher buzzing—he’s even planning his next birthday celebration there!
The service was a standout from the start. After a little accident involving spilled water, the server not only handled it with grace but came back with a fresh drink and a big smile. That kind of warmth and professionalism is rare and truly memorable.
The menu is a treasure trove of Vietnamese favourites with some creative twists. The pho was a highlight, with its rich, aromatic broth and perfectly balanced spices like star anise and cinnamon.
One unique find was their Dalat Pizza, a Vietnamese street food specialty made with grilled rice paper topped with eggs, ground pork, and fried shallots—a crispy, flavourful delight!
While the food and service were top-notch, be prepared for slightly higher prices. But for an experience like this, it’s well worth splurging once in a while.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inviting atmosphere Delicious aromas Attentive staff Fresh ingredients Authentic flavors Diet-friendly | A few reports on service delays |
Reviews
We definitely recommend dining here
“We ordered Pho Bo Tai Chin/Beef Noodle Soup Medium ($20) and Bun Cha Nem Ha Noi/Northern Vietnam Specialty ($25) and it was seriously so AMAZING. We are Vietnamese ourselves and the flavors are so authentic and rich. Both of the dishes we had are musttrys! The service is so good here. They offered us a whole teapot of jasmin tea for free, because their heater is broken. We definitely recommend dining here and will for sure do that again as well. Guys, don’t miss out on this one!!”
Hanni Shi, Google review
Very tasty food and superb staff
“Excellent lunch very tasty. Staff were absolutely super and the environment is very colourful and Pleasant extremely clean and tidy. I recommend this restaurant to all your friends.”
Ann Crowley, Google review
5. Banh Mi Delight
| WEBSITE | https://banhmidelight-avondale.tuckerfox.co.nz/ |
| ADDRESS | 28 Shortland Street |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +64 9 630 5790 |
| BUSINESS HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 7 PM |
Our undercover trip to Banh Mi Delight was a smashing success! From the warm welcome to the satisfying bites, it was clear this place is about more than just food—it’s about the experience.
The staff were incredibly friendly and took the time to chat with us about their favourite dishes, making the whole process feel personal and fun. Their genuine enthusiasm set the tone for a great meal.
We tried the grilled pork banh mi, which was fantastic! The pork was tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by the pickled veggies and fresh herbs. For our vegan teammate, the tofu banh mi was a hit—savory stir-fried tofu with crisp veggies that didn’t feel like an afterthought.
While we stuck to classics, the staff recommended some creative fusion options, like the teriyaki chicken banh mi—definitely something we’re saving for next time.
That said, not every flavour combo seemed to resonate with diners. A few people mentioned the lemongrass beef vermicelli bowl felt a bit off balance, but the banh mi sandwiches were crowd-pleasers all around.
Overall, Banh Mi Delight delivers on its promise of fresh, vibrant Vietnamese flavours, with enough variety to keep us coming back for more!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inviting atmosphere Delicious aromas Attentive staff Fresh ingredients Authentic flavors Diet-friendly | Mixed reviews on their fusion flavors |
Review
The owner is very friendly
“We always come here for their chicken banh mi and iced coffee combo. Pate is generous and I love the pickled veggies. The owner is so friendly too. It’s always nice supporting a family business.”
Camille Madelle, Google review
The owner is lovely, service is quick and food tastes amazing
“Been here a few times since they moved to avondale and so satisfied with the quality all round The owner is lovely, service is quick and food tastes amazing.. My go to dish is the Pho Noodle Soup but the chicken salad & spring rolls (both fresh or fried) hit the spot too.. whatever you try it’ll have a great variety of flavours, always be fresh & delicious, filling but not heavy and a true delight as the name implies! One of our staple takeaway locations now”
Tanaya Pilisi, Google review
