Vietnamese Restaurant, The

5.8 Average

Food  6      Ambience  3      Service  7      Value  7     

I cannot count how many times over the past 15 years we’ve dined at The Vietnamese by ourselves, or with friends.

The décor has never been anything to write home about (even after a fire gutted it some years ago) boasting utilitarian furniture, laminex tables and obligatory shrine and good fortune mascots. No frills or fuss.

The wait staff don’t get fazed by much either and are pretty efficient at getting maximum amount of bums on and off seats each shift. The comprehensive menu offers both Vietnamese and more pedestrian Chinese style dishes from which to choose. A good percentage of lunchtime diners order the Pho, which bodes well for the quality of the stock and other fresh ingredients presented to the table.

There is also a $15 special lunch menu on offer with a choice of dishes served with rice and a drink ($2 extra for seafood choices). Both Combination Spring Rolls (or Vegetarian Spring Rolls) from the Vietnamese menu ($7 for 4) are a must-order item. Combination Rolls contain mince, prawns, vermicelli noodles and black fungus amongst other ingredients, whilst the Vegetarian hold tofu, black fungus and vermicelli noodles etc.

The spring rolls are wrapped in rice paper (not wheat-based spring roll wrappers) before being deep fried and present as blistered, crunchy cigar shapes alongside the small bowl of fish sauce for dipping. Salt & Pepper Squid ($15.50) is another winner here, set on crunchy raw cabbage and topped with diced chilli and onion.

You also can’t go wrong with the Sugar Cane prawns @ $12.50 (make your own rolls with fresh ingredients) or Salt & Pepper Quail ($12 for 2). It’s a tried and true formula, and whilst other, newer neighbouring venues are offering a couple of cheaper lunchtime offers to lure in the punters, The Vietnamese obviously knows it can count on its reputation as a stayer amongst the many Asian dining venues in the Valley to keep their many loyal customers coming back.

Mar 29, 2011 

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  8     

I have eaten here on numerous occasions over the years. After a few disappointing visits a few years ago, I was a little uncertain if I wanted to try it again but I am pleased to say that on my recent visit, the food was once again fantastic! I won't be waiting so long before I return again!

Oct 18, 2010 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

The food here is great if you know what to order. I have been coming here for years and I know what the best dishes are. If you are unsure of what to order, always ask the waiters because they are more than willing assist you in your selection.

The service here is great if you can get any especially on those very busy night. It is more like a diner than restaurant and their decor needs a bit of sprucing up but I don't go there to look at the walls. If you like to eat in peace then get in early otherwise a booking is a must on any night. I must say this is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Brisbane. Try it out and see for yourself.

Jul 09, 2010 

7.8 Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  5      Service  7      Value  9     

We travel from Central Queensland to eat here! Food is never a disappointment, service is attentive without being overbearing. Can be very noisy on busy nights, forget the romance! Can't beat the value for money.

Jun 26, 2010 

4.3 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  6      Service  2      Value  6     

This place is always packed, and it has a huge reputation, but I have eaten here a few times, and although it is ok, I would not say the reputation is completely justified. The food is more Chinese than Vietnamese. There seems to never be any Asian people eating there either.

We ordered two soups and mains. We got our soups after 35 minutes wait. Two couples sat next to us who arrived 10 minutes after us and they received their entrees then main before we even got our entree soups! Finally the soup arrived after 45 minutes. It was ok, not great, just average, alot of msg. Then we waited for 40 more minutes and our mains did not arrive. We were tired and hungry still and decided to leave and pay for the soups.

When the bill totalled the mains as well we pointed out we never received them and that the waitresses never wrote down the orders either. They just said 'sorry about that' casually. We went and ate a main at a better place across the street. Never again will I go to this place.

Apr 05, 2010 

5.8 Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  7      Value  6     

Went here for a birthday lunch as there is nothing like good vietnamese food. Unfortunately, this was nothing like good vietnamese food. 3 dishes came out looking exactly the same. Basically meat in what appeared to be a Kan Tong stir through sauce. Very disappointing. To be fair the Phos that people were getting looked good and fresh and I should have ordered one of those.

Mar 30, 2010 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  9     

This is frantic place at the best of times. It is more a cafe than a restaurant and I can say as I have been out the back and down stairs few times that both kitchens are spotless. Very fresh clean food well priced and very friendly staff
Sometimes hard to get in but worth a visit especially if you are not looking to spend much. Exceptionally good (for a Vietnamese place) wine list.

Jan 21, 2010 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

We love this place- fresh, great food. Always quick, clean, friendly service! Nice unassuming, lively environment where you can relax and enjoy a great chat with friends and family!

Jan 04, 2010 

4.5 Below Average

Food  2      Ambience  1      Service  8      Value  7     

The worst vietnamese food I've had in some time. I've heard people rave about this place, can't see why. The service mind you, was very good. Shame about the food.

Feb 26, 2009 

3.5 Below Average

Food  2      Ambience  3      Service  4      Value  5     

This place is more of a diner than a restaurant. The ambience feels really cheap so the meals could have been cheaper also. The food was so-so, I had the combination crispy noodles and was not impressed.

Jul 25, 2008