Saigon City: Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in San Mateo, CA

It’s a little crowded even though it’s 4pm on Thursday—many takeout orders. Very authentic Vietnamese I think. Their Vietnamese fresh spring roll was awesome Would like to visit again to try other foods. The tricky part is no parking around the place. You need to find a public street parking.

They serve authentic pho. Nice and friendly service. I was waiting for my friend in front of the restaurant 15 minutes before they open. They let me in because outside was cold. So nice!

I’ve been to this restaurant awhile ago, almost a decade ago. Food was not good. So I never came back again. Swore I wouldn’t come back again. I had been wanting Vietnamese food a few times now. I went to Pho Element, that place turned out not good at all. So I thought it’s been sooo long since I’ve been back here, I should give it another chance. I got these to go: - Bun Rieu (for me) - Beef and tendon Pho (for the husband) - and an appetizer, Banh Hoi Tom mia All 3 dishes were surprisingly delicious! The noodles were separated from the broth and half cooked, which was awesome of them to do. That way, when I got home, I still had time to reboil the broth and they wouldn’t get soggy or stick together. I was able to fully cook the noodles with the reboiled broth. Tasted as if it were brought to me at the restaurant. So good! The appetizer was also really good. They gave us a full bag of veggies, which was also awesome! Didn’t skimp! Service, was as expected, mug faces. But that’s usually how it is. That does not bother me. As long as the food is good, I’m good! Aside from mug faces, the food was ready for me as soon as I got there. Took me about 10 min to arrive. The person that helped me was nice. Before I paid, he said, “let me go check to make sure if your food is ready.” It was. The person that took my order on the phone, was there as well. She said “thank you for coming.” That was nice. I’m very happy that they stepped up their game. I’m definitely coming back again! Thank you, Saigon City Rest for upping your game, cooking delicious food! Please keep it up! You are my only go-to for Vietnamese food when I’m missing home-cooked meals!

I usually have Pho in the San Jose area. I was visiting my brother-in-law and they took me here for lunch. Street parking space can be hard to find. The restaurant is nice and clean. The service is very good. The Pho is good but not great.

First time to try their food. I ordered grilled beef with vermicelli and rice paper. It was a big portion and tasty served with a full plate of fresh veggies which I really love it. The beef was not too oily as other Vietnamese food restaurants. Also, it’s not pricey at all. Compared with other places, this dish could be more than $20 . Thank you for the waiter to recommend me the good option and the lady who might be the owner is so kind. She saw me really enjoyed with fresh veggies, she even offered me another plate. While, the other restaurants charged more for veggies. Seeing the place outside, it doesn’t look modern and outstanding but I think it’s a hidden gem for authentic Vietnamese food from Saigon cuisine. I saw them expanding new eating area soon. So, the restaurant will look newer and more space. Only one thing I wouldn’t be happy is the cleanliness of restroom since it’s used for both women and men.

Good food and friendly service! It’s nothing fancy, but it is everything you can expect from a pho place. Prices are reasonable, and the food is of good quality. Also, they are generous on portion size — even the meat! I had never seen so much juicy grilled chicken on my broken rice dish at other pho places. I would come back again next time I’m in town.

If you're looking for a hearty meal -- eat in or to go; this place has that and more. I've come here over the years for their great Pho and a chicken dish, oh and their yummy teas; and I almost always can't finish the entire meal -- hearty, good and plenty. It's all good, convenient and the folks are not just friend, but generous -- I once saw them helping someone who didn't quite have enough; just because. Good people. #TheBrokerWithAHeart.

First time in central San Mateo and realize there’s so many Asian food around. Stumbled across this shop and decided to give their rice dishes a try. The pork chop was flavorful and sweet. Good mix is lean and fat meat on the bone. Though the meat was a little on the drier side the further away it was from the bone. The salad on the side came with some mayo creamy sauce. I wish it was placed on the side and not directly on the dish. Otherwise the service was attentive and quick. Overall enjoy my dinner with my partner