Vietnamese cuisine is a love letter to balance—where fresh herbs meet smoky char, delicate broths embrace bold spices and the crunch of pickled vegetables complements tender meats. Across Australia, chefs are honouring tradition while pushing boundaries, showcasing Vietnam’s vibrant culinary heritage with a local twist. From bustling city streets to the rolling hills of wine country, here are five Vietnamese restaurants bringing authentic flavours and innovative dishes to the table.
The Balfour Kitchen – New Farm, QLD
Tucked away in a beautifully restored Queenslander on Balfour Street, The Balfour Kitchen is an oasis of calm just minutes from Brisbane’s city centre. Whether you're enjoying a slow breakfast on the verandah, sipping cocktails on the rooftop with views of the Storey Bridge, or gathering under fragrant frangipani trees in the courtyard, this venue exudes elegance. The menu is a modern love affair between Vietnam and France, resulting in a refined take on traditional dishes.
Expect fresh, punchy flavours with every bite, starting with hiramasa kingfish paired with dashi and ginger or a Wagyu beef bao filled with celeriac remoulade. Larger plates showcase sustainably sourced seafood and ethically farmed meats, like crispy pork belly with green papaya and bean sprouts or delicate squid with rice noodles and a zesty nam jim dressing. Finish on a sweet note with green tea ice cream and almond praline—because indulgence is part of the experience.
Noi Vietnamese Eatery – Fullarton, SA
Step into a sun-drenched atrium at Noi Vietnamese Eatery, where the bubbling pond and market garden transport diners straight to the Vietnamese countryside. The owners, Thy and Quang Nguyen, weave their childhood memories into every dish, infusing traditional Vietnamese flavours with the warmth of home cooking and a touch of chargrilled smokiness.
Kick off your meal with crisp vegetarian spring rolls, best dipped into a bold garlic fish sauce. Then, dive into the twice-cooked pork belly, lacquered in a sticky tamarind glaze and balanced with a green apple salad. For a taste of the sea, the coconut lemongrass pipis with Hanoi beer and chilli bring briny richness, while wok-tossed crab with butter and chilli is a hands-on delight. Wood-grilled chilli salt lamb ribs with mint and lime sauce offer a smoky, fragrant alternative—perfect with a side of wok-tossed beans and jasmine rice.
The Spot on Melbourne – North Adelaide, SA
For a no-fuss, flavour-packed Vietnamese feast, The Spot on Melbourne is North Adelaide’s go-to destination. Wooden tables, potted plants and a breezy alfresco space set the stage for comforting, authentic Vietnamese favourites that keep locals coming back for more.
Start your culinary adventure with housemade prawn and crabmeat spring rolls, delicately wrapped and served with a sweet chilli sauce. Pho lovers can choose between rare tender beef or chicken in a deeply aromatic broth, slow-cooked to perfection. For something handheld, the crackling roast pork bánh mì is a standout, layered with housemade pâté, pickled carrot, cucumber, fresh coriander and a fiery hit of chilli. The steamed bao buns are another must-try—especially the soft-shell crab version, where the crisp crustacean meets a refreshing mix of salad, fresh herbs, housemade sauce and crushed peanuts.
In the heart of South Australia’s famed wine country, Barossa Pho brings a taste of Vietnam to Angaston, blending time-honoured family recipes with the charm of a rustic cottage setting. With polished timber, French doors and a tranquil courtyard shaded by leafy trees, this intimate eatery makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
Start with a plate of grilled quail, its smokiness enhanced by a bright capsicum and red onion salad with tamarind sauce. Chicken wings with nuoc cham dipping sauce offer a crispy, tangy contrast. The main event? A comforting bowl of Vietnamese chicken curry, its fragrant broth infused with ginger and lemongrass, loaded with tender potato and carrot. Or opt for Bo Sot Vang—fragrant spiced Wagyu beef slow-braised with ginger and carrots, offering a deep, rich flavour that pairs beautifully with a glass of local Shiraz.
Vietnam Why Not Restaurant – Manly, NSW
A vibrant new addition to Manly’s dining scene, Vietnam Why Not brings authentic Vietnamese fare to Sydney’s Northern Beaches with a playful spirit. Murals, hanging lanterns and bursts of colour create a lively setting where every meal feels like a celebration.
Kick things off with crisp crab and prawn spring rolls, dunked into a punchy dipping sauce, or try the green rice-crusted prawns paired with a tangy cocktail sauce. For mains, the warm, rich coconut curry with tender chicken, potato and carrot is comfort in a bowl, perfect for breezy beachside evenings. Those craving bold, punchy flavours should opt for the shaking beef—a stir-fry of juicy beef cubes, capsicum, celery and onion in a pepper sauce, packing just the right amount of heat. If you’re in the mood for something unexpected, the roast duck with passionfruit sauce offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour and umami.
Vietnamese cuisine is a masterclass in contrast—delicate yet bold, fresh yet indulgent. Across Australia, these five venues capture the essence of Vietnam, whether through smoky chargrilled meats, fragrant broths, or vibrant, herbaceous salads. So, whether you’re in Brisbane, Adelaide, the Barossa, or Sydney, there’s a steaming bowl of pho or a crisp, caramelised pork belly waiting for you.
