Best Upscale Vietnamese Restaurants in Times Square | Upscale Vietnamese Food

27 restaurants in Best Upscale Vietnamese Restaurants in Times Square | Upscale Vietnamese Food

• FIKA Grand Central — Scandinavian · rated 5/5: This sleek Scandinavian sanctuary offers a serene escape from the rhythmic pulse of the terminal, where minimalist design meets the warmth of a perfectly pulled espresso. The air carries the comforting aroma of spiced cardamom buns and artisanal chocolates, inviting travelers to embrace the Swedish art of the coffee break amidst the architectural grandeur of Grand Central.
• Cozy Rice — Chinese · rated 4.9/5: Located inside the 38 Food Hall at 42 W 38th St #4, New York, Cozy Rice is a delightful Asian eatery offering comfort food staples like fresh rice rolls and Chinese crepes. This family-friendly spot is perfect for solo lunches or casual dinners with a fair-priced menu, including kids' options. Popular dishes include custard egg buns and steamed empanadas. Open Monday to Saturday, it's a must-visit for delicious, fresh-made Asian cuisine.
• AweSum DimSum — Chinese · rated 4.7/5: Located at 160 E 23rd St, New York, AweSum DimSum is a casual, industrial-style eatery specializing in authentic Cantonese dim sum. With a 4.7-star rating from over 1,500 reviews, this family-friendly venue offers a variety of baked, fried, and steamed buns, as well as vegetarian options. The restaurant is open every day and provides easy online ordering, takeout, and delivery services, making it a perfect spot for a quick, flavorful meal.
• Cha Pa's Noodles and Grill — Vietnamese · rated 4.5/5: Located in Hell’s Kitchen, Cha Pa's Noodles and Grill offers an unpretentious and cozy dining experience with classic Vietnamese comfort foods. From flavorful pho to vermicelli bowls and banh mi, the menu satisfies diverse tastes with vegetarian options available. The staff is known for being kind and attentive, enhancing the warm, informal atmosphere. Popular for its hearty meals and reasonable prices ($10-20), it's ideal for families and groups.
• Michael's New York — American · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Michael's New York offers a refined dining experience at 24 W 55th St. With an attentive staff, a 4.5-star rating from 318 reviews, and elegant decor, it's perfect for business lunches, intimate dinners, and family celebrations. Open weekdays from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Michael's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Wine and dessert lovers will be delighted with their offerings. Reservations recommended. (Phone: +1 212-767-0555)
• Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns — Chinese · rated 4.4/5: The rhythmic thwack of hand-pulled noodles provides a lively soundtrack to this bustling sanctuary, where clouds of fragrant steam billow from stacked bamboo baskets. Each delicate soup dumpling is a masterclass in precision, offering a sudden, savory burst of rich broth encased in translucent, hand-pleated dough. It’s a sensory journey into the heart of Chinese soul food, where the warmth of the kitchen and the bold, ginger-laced aromas create an unforgettable urban escape.
• Ippudo 5th Avenue — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Located in Midtown West's Little Brazil, Ippudo 5th Avenue is a beloved ramen restaurant known for its cozy, communal seating and quick service. The menu caters to diverse tastes, featuring vegetarian options, popular pork buns, chicken wings, and takoyaki, complemented by a selection of beer, wine, sake, and cocktails. With a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, it's a delightful spot for both lunch and dinner.
• The Counter — American · rated 4.3/5: This high-energy, modern eatery transforms the classic American burger into a personalized masterpiece, inviting guests to craft their own culinary journey amidst a sleek, industrial-chic backdrop. The air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling patties and toasted buns, while an endless palette of artisanal toppings and creamy, hand-spun shakes ensures every visit is a fresh, flavor-packed adventure.
• Schnippers Quality Kitchen — American · rated 4.2/5: Schnippers brings the nostalgic charm of a classic American roadside stand into the heart of the city, where the rhythmic sizzle of the flat-top grill and the warm glow of neon create a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere. Golden-brown chicken and griddled burgers are served alongside thick, hand-spun milkshakes, offering a sensory celebration of comfort food crafted with elevated ingredients and a modern urban pulse. It is a bustling retreat where the satisfying crunch of a perfectly seasoned fry and the buttery warmth of a toasted bun provide a soulful escape from the surrounding city rush.
• An'nam — Vietnamese · rated 4.2/5: An'nam transports diners to the heart of Southeast Asia with its warm, lantern-lit ambiance and the intoxicating aroma of star anise and charred ginger drifting from the kitchen. The experience centers on the vibrant harmony of Vietnamese flavors, where steaming bowls of fragrant broth and crisp, herb-laden delicacies celebrate a perfect balance of cooling freshness and deep, savory warmth.
• Pho 39 — Vietnamese · rated 4.2/5: Nestled in Midtown South, Pho 39 is a charming Vietnamese eatery that offers comforting dishes like pho, vermicelli, banh mi, and summer rolls, with vegetarian options available. Known for its fast service and reasonable prices, this casual spot is perfect for lunch or dinner with family. At Pho 39, you'll find a relaxed atmosphere and a welcoming space that's both cozy and kid-friendly.
• Noona Noodles — Korean · rated 4.2/5: Located in the heart of Koreatown, Noona Noodles is a bustling Korean noodle shop offering comforting dishes for lunch and dinner. With a 4.2-star rating from 188 reviews, the menu features popular items such as ramen, spring rolls, and brisket pho, along with healthy and vegetarian options. The casual atmosphere and friendly staff make it an inviting spot, whether you’re dining in or opting for takeout.
• Schnippers Quality Kitchen — American · rated 4/5: This vibrant urban eatery reimagines the classic American roadside stand, where the nostalgic sizzle of the griddle and the aroma of searing beef fill a bright, bustling space. Diners tuck into an array of masterfully crafted burgers, from juice-dripping classics crowned with melted cheese to inventive plant-based creations, all served on toasted buns that capture the essence of elevated comfort food.
• Friki Tiki — American · rated 4/5: Friki Tiki invites guests into a vibrant, neon-lit tropical retreat where the air is filled with the aroma of jerk spices and the lively hum of a perpetual island getaway. The kitchen crafts a whimsical parade of bold, shareable treasures, ranging from crispy short rib cigars and zesty "frikimole" to chilled platters of fresh-shucked oysters and golden, loaded totchos. This spirited sanctuary blends the casual comfort of a burger on a sweet Hawaiian bun with the playful decadence of signature cheesecake, making every meal feel like a sun-soaked celebration.
• Dim Sum Palace — Chinese · rated 3/5: Steaming bamboo baskets arrive in a flurry of activity at this lively destination, where the fragrant aroma of jasmine tea mingles with the savory scent of hand-folded dumplings. Guests are swept into a spirited communal experience as they discover a parade of delicate har gow, golden-fried spring rolls, and honey-glazed pork buns, all served in an atmosphere that captures the timeless energy of a traditional Cantonese tea house.
• Nan Xiang Express Dumplings — Chinese: Steam rises in fragrant clouds from stacked bamboo baskets in this vibrant, modern space where the delicate art of the Shanghainese soup dumpling takes center stage. Each bite-sized treasure reveals a rich, savory broth encased in translucent, hand-pleated dough, perfectly complemented by the satisfying crunch of golden-brown pan-fried buns and crisp scallion pancakes. It is a soulful, fast-paced destination that captures the bustling energy of a traditional dumpling house while delivering a refined and accessible culinary experience.
• An'nam — Vietnamese: Soft lantern light and the fragrant steam of slow-simmered broths create an intimate sanctuary that honors the rich, soulful culinary heritage of Vietnam. Each plate is a vibrant tapestry of fresh herbs, crisp textures, and deep umami flavors, where traditional techniques transform simple ingredients into sophisticated dishes that dance between sweet, sour, and salty. It is a place where time slows down over shared plates and aromatic teas, offering a sensory journey that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
• Loveley's Old Fashioned Hamburgers — American: Step back in time at this nostalgic burger joint where the rhythmic sizzle of the flat-top grill and the savory aroma of searing beef create an instantly welcoming, old-school charm. Hand-pressed patties are smashed to crispy-edged perfection and tucked into soft, toasted buns alongside classic fixings, delivering a pure, unpretentious taste of Americana in every bite. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch at the counter or lingering over a thick milkshake, the space hums with a timeless energy that celebrates the simple joy of a perfectly executed hamburger.
• Smash House — American: The air hums with the rhythmic press of the spatula and the irresistible sizzle of beef hitting a scorching griddle, drawing diners into a high-energy space where casual comfort meets culinary craft. Golden, lacy-edged patties are stacked high with molten cheese and tucked into pillowy brioche buns, delivering a satisfying crunch and savory depth in every bite. Paired with heaps of seasoned fries and thick, hand-spun shakes, it’s a vibrant destination for those seeking the ultimate, unpretentious indulgence in a modern, urban setting.
• Fat Boys Burgers — American: This vibrant neighborhood haunt pulses with the nostalgic energy of a classic roadside diner, where the rhythmic sizzle of the flat-top grill and the scent of searing beef fill the air. Towering, juice-dripping burgers arrive draped in molten cheese and tucked into buttery toasted buns, offering a decadent, hands-on feast that celebrates the messy, soul-satisfying art of the perfect American meal.
• Dim Sum Palace — Chinese: Stepping into this vibrant culinary landmark feels like entering a grand banquet hall where the air is thick with the fragrance of jasmine tea and the rhythmic clinking of porcelain. Towering stacks of bamboo steamers arrive at bustling tables, revealing delicate translucent dumplings and pillowy barbecue pork buns that celebrate the timeless art of Cantonese tea lunch. It is a lively, communal celebration of flavor where every bite offers a masterclass in texture and tradition, inviting guests to linger over shared plates in an atmosphere of spirited elegance.
• Tim Ho Wan — Chinese: Steaming bamboo baskets arrive in rapid succession at this bustling dim sum destination, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of ginger and toasted sesame. Golden, sugar-crusted BBQ pork buns give way to tender, honeyed centers, while translucent shrimp dumplings and silky rice rolls showcase the delicate precision of Cantonese craftsmanship. The lively atmosphere hums with the energy of a shared feast, inviting diners to dive into a parade of bite-sized treasures and endless pots of fragrant tea.
• Dimsum Garden — Chinese: Steaming bamboo baskets arrive in a rhythmic dance of service, releasing clouds of fragrant vapor that carry the savory aromas of ginger, scallions, and toasted sesame throughout the bustling dining room. From the delicate pleats of hand-folded soup dumplings to the golden crunch of pan-fried buns, every dish celebrates the art of the bite-sized feast, inviting diners to linger over pots of jasmine tea in a space alive with energy and tradition.
• Smash House — American: The air at Smash House is thick with the savory perfume of searing beef and the rhythmic, metallic clatter of spatulas pressing against a scorching griddle. Diners bite into burgers defined by their signature lacey, caramelized edges and molten layers of cheese, all tucked into pillowy toasted buns that soak up every ounce of flavor. It is a high-energy haven where the simplicity of a perfectly executed crust meets the nostalgic, messy joy of a quintessential American feast.
• Carmine's — Italian: Step into a whirlwind of nostalgic energy where towering platters of family-style classics and the intoxicating scent of roasted garlic define the quintessential Italian-American experience. The bustling dining room, adorned with vintage photographs and warm lighting, hums with the laughter of large groups sharing heaping portions of pasta and hand-rolled meatballs in a spirited celebration of abundance and tradition.
• Obao — Thai: Stepping into Obao feels like entering a bustling Southeast Asian night market where the air is thick with the intoxicating scents of lemongrass, charred ginger, and sizzling woks. Beneath the glow of industrial-chic lanterns, diners feast on a vibrant fusion of Thai and Vietnamese street food that masterfully balances fiery spices with cooling, aromatic herbs. This high-energy sanctuary transforms traditional flavors into a modern culinary celebration, offering a sensory journey through the heart of Bangkok and Hanoi.
• Black Burger — American: Step into a sleek, urban sanctuary where the smoky aroma of flame-seared patties and the rhythmic sizzle of the griddle create an immediate sense of culinary anticipation. Here, artisanal burgers are elevated to an art form, featuring succulent, hand-pressed beef nestled between signature dark-hued buns and layered with bold, gourmet toppings that dance on the palate. The experience is a masterclass in casual indulgence, pairing inventive flavor profiles with a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere that turns a simple meal into a memorable event.