Best Affordable Vietnamese Restaurants in San Jose | Affordable Vietnamese Food

30 restaurants in Best Affordable Vietnamese Restaurants in San Jose | Affordable Vietnamese Food

• SimpleViet — Vietnamese · rated 5/5: Sunlight streams into this airy space where the fragrant steam of slow-simmered pho broth carries notes of star anise and charred ginger to every table. Crisp garden-fresh herbs and zesty lime brighten bowls of silky noodles and tender proteins, offering a vibrant journey through the soul of Vietnamese street food in a setting that feels both modern and deeply authentic.
• NORTH - Seasonal Vietnamese Cuisine and Bar — Vietnamese · rated 4/5: Stepping into NORTH, guests are greeted by a sophisticated fusion of modern elegance and the aromatic allure of fresh herbs and charred spices. The kitchen celebrates the rhythm of the seasons, transforming peak-harvest ingredients into vibrant plates that balance the delicate heat, acidity, and umami of traditional Vietnamese soul food. Artfully crafted cocktails infused with tropical botanicals provide the perfect companion to an evening of shared plates, making every visit a fresh exploration of Southeast Asian artistry.
• Pav Bhaji And More — Indian · rated 4/5: The air at Pav Bhaji And More is thick with the intoxicating scent of spiced butter and sizzling vegetables, drawing diners into a vibrant space that celebrates the soul of Indian street food. Golden, butter-toasted buns wait to be dipped into rich, crimson mashes, while the rhythmic clinking of spatulas on the tawa yields fragrant heaps of spiced pulao and zesty, handheld snacks. A steaming cup of aromatic Amruttulya tea provides the perfect, creamy finish to this high-energy culinary journey through the bustling flavors of the roadside stall.
• Humphry Slocombe — American · rated 4/5: This avant-garde creamery reimagines the classic ice cream parlor as a playground for the adventurous palate, where bold, unconventional ingredients and sophisticated flair take center stage. Guests can indulge in the legendary crunch of bourbon-soaked Secret Breakfast or the aromatic depth of Vietnamese Coffee, perhaps sharing a whimsical, multi-layered ice cream cake that transforms a simple treat into a decadent celebration. From the nostalgic sweetness of Honey Graham to the silky ribbons of Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple, every scoop offers a vibrant journey through unexpected and expertly crafted flavors.
• Mooyah — American · rated 3/5: This lively modern haunt invites guests to build their own culinary masterpieces, where juicy, flame-grilled patties are stacked high with crisp toppings and nestled into pillowy, baked-in-house buns. The experience is anchored by mountains of double-fried, hand-cut potatoes and thick, hand-spun shakes that bring a whimsical, nostalgic sweetness to every savory bite.
• CA Bakehouse — Vietnamese · rated 3/5: This vibrant bakery invites guests into a world where the sweet, tropical scent of pandan and toasted sesame fills the air, signaling a creative marriage of French pastry technique and bold Southeast Asian flavors. Shatteringly crisp Portuguese egg tarts and chewy, neon-green waffles lead a parade of inventive treats, from pillowy choux pastries bursting with earthy ube to dense mochi cakes infused with the bright essence of guava and black sesame. Every bite celebrates a playful yet sophisticated approach to modern baking, transforming traditional ingredients into colorful, edible art.
• Merit Vegetarian Cuisine — Chinese: This vibrant sanctuary reimagines classic comfort food through a plant-based lens, where the air is filled with the tempting aroma of sizzling golden rolls and pillowy, cloud-like steamed buns. Diners are invited to explore a playful landscape of textures, from the satisfying crunch of zesty jalapeno pops and ocean-inspired nuggets to the tender, savory depth of house-made pot stickers. It is a welcoming space where traditional flavors meet modern vegetarian ingenuity, offering a soulful dining experience that proves plant-based eating can be both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
• Pho #1 — Vietnamese: Steaming bowls of fragrant, spice-infused broth take center stage at this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the air is perpetually thick with the comforting aromas of star anise and slow-simmered beef. Guests find a soulful retreat in every spoonful, customizing their experience with mountains of fresh herbs and bright citrus that elevate the silky rice noodles into a restorative, multi-layered feast.
• Lados — Indian: Lados pulses with the vibrant energy of a South Asian street market, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin and the rhythmic sizzle of spiced patties on the grill. Diners dive into legendary bun kababs nestled in buttery, toasted brioche and succulent grilled meats that burst with bold, authentic heat and fragrant herbs. It is a lively destination where traditional flavors are reimagined with a modern edge, offering a soulful and fiery escape in every hand-crafted bite.
• Sushi Confidential — Japanese: Vibrant energy meets culinary playfulness at this modern haunt, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of salt-and-pepper calamari and the chatter of a lively crowd. Artfully plated "bombs" of fresh salmon and delicate hamachi spoons offer bursts of umami, while crispy poke tacos and pillowy mushroom bao buns showcase a bold fusion of textures and global influences. The experience is a spirited celebration of inventive flavors, served in a chic setting that feels like a well-kept neighborhood secret.
• Green Lotus — Vietnamese: Green Lotus invites diners into a tranquil, light-filled sanctuary where the fragrant steam of fine vermicelli and the savory aroma of char-grilled pork mingle in the air. The kitchen masterfully balances texture and tradition, serving up everything from the satisfying crunch of seasoned oyster mushrooms to the delicate, sweet complexity of vegan shrimp pressed onto sugar cane. Each plate arrives as a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese-inspired flavors, offering a refreshing escape that caters beautifully to both plant-based explorers and traditionalists alike.
• Straits Restaurant — Vietnamese: Straits Restaurant captures the vibrant pulse of Singaporean soul food, where the air is perfumed with the rich, spicy aroma of simmering laksa and fragrant coconut rice. Diners dive into a sensory feast of succulent chili crab and aromatic black pepper specialties, pairing bold Southeast Asian flavors with chilled beer buckets or a delicate lychee martini in a high-energy atmosphere that feels like a perpetual celebration.
• Pacific Catch — Seafood: Stepping into this vibrant coastal sanctuary feels like a journey across the Pacific, where the air carries the fragrant heat of red curry and the briny sweetness of freshly steamed clams. The kitchen masterfully bridges continents, serving up everything from the bright, citrus-kissed crunch of Vietnamese salads to the smoky, tender depth of slow-cooked sticky ribs in a space that hums with the relaxed energy of a seaside getaway.
• Kettle'e Cafe — Indian: Kettle'e Cafe invites diners into a vibrant, eclectic space where the aromatic sizzle of a wok meets the comforting char of a perfectly grilled burger. The air is thick with the scent of toasted buns and zesty spices, as the kitchen turns out everything from creamy avocado-topped sandwiches to the nostalgic, street-style heat of a classic Bun Kabab. It is a flavorful crossroads where casual cafe culture blends seamlessly with bold Indo-Chinese flair, offering a warm and spirited escape for every craving.
• Dough Burger — American: The intoxicating scent of golden, oven-fresh buns and searing savory beef fills this energetic space, where the humble burger is elevated to a culinary art form. Each creation balances the pillowy softness of signature dough with the rich, smoky char of premium patties and vibrant, farm-fresh accents. It is a destination where rustic comfort meets modern flair, offering a soulful dining experience that celebrates the perfect harmony of bread and flame.
• Phở Bel-Air — Vietnamese: Phở Bel-Air offers a sophisticated sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of long-simmered, spice-infused broths welcomes guests into a sleek, sun-drenched dining room. Vibrant platters of garden-fresh herbs and zesty lime accompany bowls of silky noodles and premium meats, crafting a sensory journey that balances soulful Vietnamese tradition with a touch of modern luxury.
• Lee's Sandwiches — Vietnamese: Golden, crackling baguettes emerge warm from the oven, serving as the crisp foundation for a vibrant fusion where savory meats and tangy pickled vegetables collide in a celebration of Vietnamese-French heritage. The space buzzes with the rich, sweet aroma of slow-dripped iced coffee, creating a lively atmosphere where the tradition of a classic pâtisserie meets the bold, spirited energy of a modern Asian deli.
• Bình Dân Quán — Vietnamese: This lively neighborhood haunt hums with the spirited energy of a traditional Vietnamese eatery, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of charred lemongrass and aromatic, long-simmered broths. Diners gather around bustling tables to share vibrant plates overflowing with crisp herbs and tender meats, each bite delivering a masterclass in the delicate balance of heat, salt, and citrus. It is a place where the simplicity of the setting gives way to the soulfulness of the cuisine, offering an unpretentious and deeply authentic journey through the heart of Southeast Asian street food culture.
• Bambu — Vietnamese: This vibrant tropical oasis invites guests into a world of colorful layers and refreshing textures, where the sweet aroma of coconut milk and pandan fills the air. Artisanal dessert drinks like the creamy Smashed Avocado and the jewel-toned Longan Sunrise offer a symphony of exotic fruits and house-made jellies, creating a playful, sensory escape in every sip. Whether indulging in the earthy richness of a Taro Lover or the bright, crisp notes of a Summer Delight, every visit feels like a sun-drenched getaway captured in a glass.
• Mommy's Bánh Mì — Vietnamese: This vibrant eatery celebrates the soulful art of the Vietnamese sandwich, where the shatter-crisp crunch of warm baguettes gives way to layers of aromatic lemongrass chicken and succulent, slow-roasted porchetta. Bright, herb-strewn vermicelli bowls offer a refreshing alternative, piling tender grilled medallions and golden fried chicken atop cool noodles and a colorful medley of tangy pickled vegetables. Every dish feels like a heartfelt tribute to tradition, blending bold, savory flavors with a fresh energy that invites diners to savor the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and zest.
• Tofoo Cơm Chay — Vietnamese: Stepping into this vibrant plant-based sanctuary, guests are greeted by the fragrant steam of simmering pho broths and the bright, herbaceous crunch of traditional Vietnamese street food reimagined. Golden, shatteringly crisp spring rolls and silky house-made tofu take center stage, artfully paired with zesty lime, fiery chilies, and heaps of garden-fresh herbs that dance across the palate. Every bowl offers a soulful celebration of texture and spice, proving that meatless dining can be both deeply comforting and brilliantly bold.
• Dakao — Vietnamese: Dakao transports diners to the bustling streets of Saigon, where the intoxicating aroma of lemongrass-scented grilled meats and simmering star anise fills the air. The experience centers on vibrant, soul-warming bowls of pho and crusty, hand-crafted banh mi that burst with the crunch of pickled vegetables and the heat of fresh chilies. This lively space celebrates traditional Vietnamese flavors with every fragrant herb and savory bite, offering an authentic escape into Southeast Asian culinary heritage.
• KoJa Kitchen — Korean: This vibrant fusion destination reimagines the classic burger by nestling succulent Korean-style meats between two golden, pan-seared rice buns that offer a satisfying, caramelized crunch in every bite. The atmosphere crackles with urban energy as the kitchen turns out creative street-food staples drizzled with bold, umami-rich sauces and topped with zesty garnishes that masterfully bridge the flavors of Seoul and Tokyo.
• Phở Wagon — Vietnamese: Phở Wagon invites diners into a lively atmosphere where the deep, savory perfume of slow-simmered bone broth and toasted spices fills the air. Vibrant platters of crisp bean sprouts and fragrant Thai basil accompany every steaming bowl, creating a customizable symphony of textures and flavors that captures the heart of Vietnamese soul food.
• SP2 — American: SP2 pulses with a sophisticated energy, offering a vibrant social landscape where the indulgence of chilled oysters and caviar bumps meets the smoky, charred allure of St. Louis style ribs. The kitchen masterfully balances refined artistry with bold comfort, serving up everything from silken ahi tuna tartare to pillowy pork belly steam buns that melt against a backdrop of chic, modern design.
• Phở Passion — Vietnamese: Steam rises from oversized ceramic bowls in this vibrant space, where the intoxicating aroma of star anise and charred ginger signals a deep commitment to the art of the slow-simmered broth. Silky rice noodles and tender proteins mingle with a garden of crisp bean sprouts and fragrant Thai basil, offering a soul-soothing symphony of textures and flavors in every spoonful. The warm, inviting atmosphere transforms a simple meal into a heartfelt experience, making it a neighborhood sanctuary for those seeking authentic comfort and culinary craftsmanship.
• Phonomenal — Vietnamese: Steaming bowls of aromatic broth take center stage at this vibrant Vietnamese eatery, where the air is perpetually perfumed with the comforting scent of star anise, charred ginger, and slow-simmered spices. Diners find sanctuary in the ritual of customizing their pho with heaps of emerald-green herbs and zesty lime, while the kitchen also turns out golden, crispy spring rolls and savory noodle bowls that dance with the bright, clean flavors of Southeast Asia.
• Dave's Hot Chicken — American: Vibrant street art and neon glows set a high-energy backdrop for a fiery encounter with Nashville-style heat, where the air hums with the aroma of toasted cayenne and sizzling oil. Each hand-breaded tender delivers a shattering crunch and succulent interior, perfectly balanced by tangy pickles, creamy kale slaw, and the cooling comfort of a toasted brioche bun. This is a bold, sensory-driven destination where diners navigate a spectrum of spice levels in a space that feels as edgy and electric as the flavors on the plate.
• Phở Liên Noodle House — Vietnamese: Steaming bowls of aromatic broth take center stage at Phở Liên Noodle House, where the comforting scent of star anise and slow-simmered beef fills the vibrant, welcoming space. Guests can begin their journey with the satisfying crunch of tamarind-glazed wings or bright, citrusy lotus root salads before diving into a silky bowl of pho topped with tender ribbons of premium filet mignon. It is a soulful destination that celebrates the balance of fresh herbs and deep, savory flavors, offering a quintessential taste of Vietnamese comfort in every spoonful.
• VN Grill — Vietnamese: VN Grill pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern street market, where the sizzle of lemongrass chicken and the sweet, savory aroma of soy-ginger glazes fill the air. Guests craft their own culinary journey through colorful bowls of tamarind butter shrimp and tender kalbi-style beef, or indulge in playful fusion snacks like crisp banh mi tacos and golden nori fries loaded with savory toppings.