There’s a question that haunts every serious eater in Norcross: “What are we? Adventurers? Or creatures of habit? Or seekers of the sublime?” We pondered this while inhaling pho fumes and mainlining fish sauce. Norcross is good at Vietnamese food. Brothy bowls, banh mi, and ones with herbs so fresh they whisper secrets. After consuming a staggering amount, we’ve earned the title Lords of the Pho.
Super Banh Mi Pho
$ | (678) 292-6912 | WEBSITE
Like everything in Norcross, Super Banh Mi Pho is likely to be quite delightful to anyone from outside of Norcross. A Dragonball Z-themed spot, that’s more restaurant than convenience store, serves a banh mi that will cost you about $12 a head to enjoy. That said, their Vietnamese baguette creations do taste good. Be it the Dac Biet with multiple meat cuts, vegetarian options, or any other variety—the sandwich delivers.
Viet Kitchen
$ | (470) 395-6174 | WEBSITE
Viet Kitchen, a tucked-away spot in Norcross, is home to some of the most soulful Vietnamese cooking in Georgia. Their family-style dinners will speak to anyone who’s ever craved a meal that tastes like it was made by someone’s grandmother. Despite being unassuming from the outside, the place is big on vibrant, authentic flavors, while still having a relaxed atmosphere so welcoming that we’d happily spend an entire afternoon there.
Our pick is the bun Bo hue, a spicy beef noodle soup that tastes like it’s simmered with the essence of a dozen perfect street food stalls from Saigon.
Pho Van Loi
$ | (770) 864-1657 | WEBSITE
The pho from Pho Van Loi’s Hong Kong Market stall is the best kind of pho. It’s hot, it’s aromatic, it’s got a rich sheen of fatty broth, and (inevitably) a generous pile of herbs next to it. The broth is deep with beef flavor and the noodles are perfectly tender. One bowl might be the classic beef pho, the next a spicy Bun Bo Hue. Like all proper pho, these are big bowls. Oh, and those last sips of broth at the bottom? They’re the best bit. Just know the place is only open during market hours.
Hu Tieu My Tho – VN Noodle
$ | (470) 767-8888 | WEBSITE
The Vietnamese noodle spot in Norcross is a go-to for big bowls of soup. Everything is made fresh and, unlike some pho shops, we’re not inclined to drown the entire bowl in hoisin sauce. Noodles can lean a little inconsistent (either over or under) but that’s part of the kitchen’s charm. The broth has got a pleasant depth and the veggies are swimming in freshness. It’s proper grub for not a lot.
Nam Phuong Vietnamese Restaurant
$ | (770) 409-8686 | WEBSITE
Nam Phuong Vietnamese Restaurant is a classic Vietnamese establishment in Norcross where those who know the moves are richly rewarded. The first is that this is a serious spot for shaking beef, the second is that you should always get the family set course, and the third is pho. What pho is up to fate. It might be rare steak and brisket. Or it might be chicken and meatballs.
Either way, you’ll get a fantastic, authentic, steaming bowl that’s best enjoyed over a dinner that spills into conversation.
Wow Banh Mi N Pho
$ | (770) 558-6168 | WEBSITE
This Vietnamese spot in Norcross has its hands in many bowls, but the most compelling one involves a rich beef pho. It’s a generous serving (broth, noodles, brisket, the works) and arrives at the table like a steaming, aromatic treasure. Its broth—slow-simmered with just enough depth—is both comforting and exciting. The pho sits with a side of fresh bean sprouts for good measure, and comes with tender brisket for a little savory delight.
Pho Dai Nam Vietnamese Kitchen
$ | (770) 680-4987 | WEBSITE
Served in a simple white bowl, with the kind of sturdy, practical spoon that could be from any Vietnamese home kitchen, this Norcross staple’s signature take on a classic isn’t your average pho job. The broth is rich and aromatic, the noodles are plentiful and tender, and there’s something particularly satisfying about eating something so innately Vietnamese in a dining room that’s basically a haven for comfort seekers.
The laminate tables, fluorescent lighting, and apron-wearing staff (“more broth, sir?”) are all excellent value enablers, which is very handy when this bowl comes with the inevitable side-effect of complete contentment.
Wong Kee BBQ and Peking Duck Restaurant
$ | (678) 205-0105 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of gleaming roasted meats on display at Wong Kee BBQ and Peking Duck Restaurant, but the only ones you should care about are your own. They should either be getting involved with their signature crispy pork, or plopping a generous portion of roast duck onto your plate, or both. The quintessential Cantonese BBQ spot, Wong Kee deals in two things only: authenticity and satisfaction.
The limited seating in the modern, renovated space feels clean and welcoming, with friendly service that makes you feel right at home. The ‘Pick 2’ Rice plate with roast pork and roast duck, served with those tangy pickled mustard greens, is the move here—though the duck could use a bit more roasting, the well-seasoned meats make for a fantastic lunch. Don’t skip the wonton noodle soup either, with its rich, fragrant broth and wontons that practically dissolve on your tongue.
While some might wish for crispier noodles in the pan-fried dishes, overall, Wong Kee delivers exactly what you want: delicious, no-fuss Chinese BBQ that hits the spot every time.
VN Tofu
$ | (470) 533-9999 | WEBSITE
Arguably the most straightforward on this list, VN Tofu’s mung bean cake reimagines a classic Vietnamese dessert before presenting it in a simple, clean package that looks fit to grace any kitchen counter. Tender layers of mung bean, made even richer with coconut milk, are pressed into a shimmering green square, and served alongside fragrant black rice. It isn’t just one of the best desserts in Norcross, it’s one of the best desserts in the entire metro area.
This is truly one of Georgia’s great hidden gems.
Yany Express
$ | (770) 368-0094 | WEBSITE
Yany Express shows how well a consistent, home-cooked atmosphere mixes with noodles that are about as delicate as a pair of work boots. The deep, savory creations from this authentic Vietnamese restaurant in Norcross are filled with a variety of traditional delights. Be it a spicy bún bò huế with a dangerously slurpable broth, or a tender cơm tấm đặc biệt 7 món combination that’s best approached with a cold drink over lunch and a relaxed afternoon afterwards.
Huy’s Sandwiches
$ | (770) 666-6762 | WEBSITE
Everything at Huy’s Sandwiches is done to a standard that makes you lean back in your chair, undo your top button, and exhale with pleasure. A performative ‘wow’ rarely goes amiss either. Unsurprisingly the sandwiches at this hidden gem have the same effect and even better is the friendly service from owner Huy who provides helpful recommendations. The fillings vary but the feeling their sandwiches give doesn’t, so be it BBQ pork, regular pork, beef, or combination, you’re going to be happy.
