The Twin Cities have one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the Midwest, rooted in refugee resettlement after 1975 and concentrated along Nicollet Avenue's 'Eat Street' in Minneapolis and University Avenue in St. Paul. Chef Christina Nguyen of Hai Hai won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest, putting the Twin Cities' Vietnamese food scene on the national map.
From Eat Street to James Beard
The scene spans generations-old pho houses that have anchored Eat Street since the late '80s to newer, chef-driven restaurants reinterpreting Vietnamese flavors — a range that makes Minneapolis-St. Paul one of the country's most underrated Vietnamese food cities.
Top Vietnamese Spots
Quang
Eat Street, Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis • Legendary pho house
Open since 1989, the neighborhood's go-to spot with an enormous pho menu and beef noodle soup locals swear by.
Hai Hai
Northeast Minneapolis • Creative modern Vietnamese
James Beard-winning chef Christina Nguyen's lush restaurant reimagines Vietnamese flavors through coconut curries and turmeric crepes.
Trieu Chau
University Ave, St. Paul • No-frills local favorite
A beloved, unpretentious spot for traditional Vietnamese cooking.
Ngon Bistro
St. Paul • Upscale Vietnamese
Considered the city's top choice for elevated, refined Vietnamese dining.
Pho Ca Dao
Twin Cities • Pho specialist
Frequently cited as home to some of the best pho in Minnesota.
🏆 Our Picks
Best Overall: Quang - Eat Street's legendary pho house since 1989
Best Splurge: Hai Hai - James Beard-winning modern Vietnamese
Best Upscale: Ngon Bistro - refined Vietnamese dining in St. Paul
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Spin for Minneapolis VietnameseFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best Vietnamese restaurants in Minneapolis?
Some standout Vietnamese spots in Minneapolis featured in this guide include Quang, Hai Hai and Trieu Chau.
How do I find Vietnamese restaurants near me in Minneapolis?
Use ChooseMy.Food's free restaurant picker — set your location to Minneapolis, filter by Vietnamese, and spin the wheel for an instant pick from a top-rated nearby restaurant.
When's the best time to visit Vietnamese restaurants in Minneapolis?
Weekday evenings and early lunch hours typically mean shorter waits at popular spots. For weekend visits, consider going early or booking a reservation where available.