Arlington, Texas, is rich. Not just in football fervor and cowboy culture, but in vibrant Vietnamese kitchens that are worth your time. From sizzling pho houses and tiny banh mi spots, to one of DFW’s best bun cha grills—here are the best places to eat in and around 76010.
Thanh Thanh
$$ | (817) 275-2449 | WEBSITE
A meal at this Vietnamese restaurant in Arlington should involve at least one round of the Seven Courses of Beef, a delicately garnished grilled beef specialty, and a rich crab and asparagus soup—or three. With an inviting, modern interior featuring white tablecloths and huge lazy Susans, and a spacious, clean dining room filled with groups celebrating special occasions, Thanh Thanh is the spot to hit up if you’re craving some iconic Vietnamese dishes.
It also doubles up as a great venue for wedding receptions.
Ba Le Vietnamese Restaurant
$ | (817) 274-0381 | WEBSITE
This authentic Vietnamese pho spot is one of those ‘if you know you know’ kind of places. Get in line at the counter and try to grab one of the few tables inside. The sooner you eat the brisket pho—a rich beef broth with tender slices of brisket, fresh herbs, and rice noodles—after it arrives, the better.
Stop by Ba Le for a quick banh mi lunch special, or come with a friend on a busy weekend for a bowl of their signature pho (the beef pho with meatballs is also excellent) while waiting patiently for about ten minutes in a cozy corner of Arlington.
Pham Thi Truoc Restaurant
$ | (817) 274-0094 | WEBSITE
The com ga xoi mo at this Arlington restaurant is immediately-order-another-plate-after-one-bite kind of good. With perfectly marinated Cornish hen, a crispy deep-fried exterior, and a side salad that complements it beautifully, this is the kind of dish you can always find the stomach space for. Trust us when we say you won’t want to share one. Pham Thi Truoc’s dining room is clean and welcoming, and you’ll eat surrounded by the comforting buzz of a neighborhood spot that loves its customers.
The Bún Thịt Nướng, which comes with generous portions of grilled pork over noodles, is a real winner too.
Tgblessing Vietnamese cuisine and catering
$$ | (214) 549-6076 | WEBSITE
You might visit Tgblessing Vietnamese Cuisine with the intention of trying just their signature lobster dish, but you’ll end up leaving the welcoming establishment with an order of fried shrimp balls with that unique coconut coating, a generous portion of ca nuong, a bowl of excellent canh chua, and some ca kho tho for later. With authentic Vietnamese offerings like their sweet and sour fish soup and caramelized fish, you’ll want to sample them all.
And you should, because the food tastes even better than it sounds—which is impressive when the descriptions are that appealing.
Lotus Cafe
$ | (817) 563-7500 | WEBSITE
Lotus Cafe is a calm and relaxing Vietnamese restaurant with clean white walls and a bottle of Sriracha on every table. It serves well-liked beef meatball pho, awesome spring rolls, and a DIY orange chicken situation that arrives steaming in a ceramic bowl. With plenty of kid-friendly portions and genuinely tasty crab wanton options, and a shakkin rock and roll dish, this popular spot is perfect for a quick lunchtime meal with picky eaters. Oh, and the owner often greets guests out front too.
The BNK Cafe
$$ | (682) 320-8047 | WEBSITE
A cozy Vietnamese spot tucked away in Arlington, The BNK Cafe serves up some seriously good food. Their menu is packed with tasty options like fried mini egg rolls, buttered fried wings, and standout dishes such as five spice quail and scallops. The place is intimate and clean, with a friendly, attentive staff that makes you feel right at home. During the day, it’s perfect for families looking for a relaxed meal, but come evening, it transforms into a lively, club-like atmosphere.
If you manage to snag a table early, consider yourself lucky—this place is a gem.
Mon Viet Cafe
$ | (682) 276-1504 | WEBSITE
You’ll pretty much always find Mon Viet Cafe buzzing with people, whether that’s families with children enjoying kid-friendly options while parents savor fresh goi coun, or friends sharing a bowl of steaming pho dac biet at a wheelchair-accessible table. When the atmosphere’s welcoming, the clean setting paired with the carefully presented Filet mignon pho, feels surprisingly authentic, despite the fact it’s in a strip mall in Arlington.
The menu of Vietnamese classics are always reliable so order confidently.
Viet Tofu
$ | (817) 277-2078 | WEBSITE
Viet Tofu is a solid all-rounder, making great Vietnamese tofu dishes from simple ingredients. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff mean it’s a great spot for quick lunches, catching up with friends, and for people who appreciate authentic flavors without the fuss. There’s enough variety on the menu to keep everyone happy, from the hot tofu with ginger syrup to the pandan flavor soy milk that’s a must-try. Just remember to bring cash and come early for the best selection.
Hu Tieu My Tho Restaurant
$ | (817) 804-1904 | WEBSITE
Despite the bustle of Arlington outside, any rush is left behind after you step into Hu Tieu My Tho. At this Vietnamese spot, the lighting is soft, conversations are cozy, and the Hu Tieu My Tho will result in complete quiet as everyone’s attention turns to mixing rice noodles and slurping the rich, savory broth. Our regular order is the signature noodle bowl for two. It’s likely enough food for three, but whatever you don’t finish should be boxed up for a flavorful, comforting lunch tomorrow.
Sprout’s Springroll & Pho
$ | (817) 286-3858 | WEBSITE
Whether it’s a Tuesday lunch or Saturday evening, this Arlington favourite fills up fast. This Vietnamese restaurant near the stadium is ideal for a relaxed meal. Head here for a low-key weeknight dinner or a group catch-up over flavorful pho and the best spring rolls in town. Everything we’ve tried at Sprout’s Springroll & Pho, from the fresh basil chicken and tender spring rolls made to order at the bar, to the rich pho broth with perfect seasoning is worth an order.
