Best Vietnamese Restaurants in River North (Chicago)

Not my first time at Le Colonial but my first review. Relaxed ambiance with a Vietnamese theme. We were courteously seated and served, the service is as expected from a high-end dining experience. However, the food was the star of our dining experience. The mocktail lyche iced tea was 2 of 5 stars, probably wouldn’t order again. The chicken dumplings were amazing 10/10! Very flavorful accompanied by an equally tasty sauce. A definite must try. My first time trying pho which was delicious another 10/10. Crisp yet comforting broth flavors, perfect for the cold Chicago night. The crispy shrimp and pork rolls were also very good 8/10. For entrees, their specialty fried rice was excellent 10/10. The shaking beef was another favorite must try 10/10. Roasted salmon and chicken curry were good but not on par with our other menu choices, 6/10.

Excellent food and service. We may make it an annual Thanksgiving tradition.

I had an amazing experience at Saigon Sisters! The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff making us feel right at home. The food was absolutely delicious – the short rib pho is a must-try, incredibly flavorful and comforting. The BBQ eggplant was a delightful surprise, with a smoky and savory taste that paired perfectly with the meal. And you can't go wrong with the spicy fried chicken bao – the best appetizer on the menu, crispy and packed with flavor! Highly recommend this gem for anyone craving authentic, high-quality Vietnamese cuisine.

I walked by Pasteur a few times this summer after beach days, always slowing down to admire its charm. The space looked so beautiful and inviting, and one morning, I paused to peek inside. Though the restaurant wasn’t open, the owner, Kim, noticed me and came out to chat. Her warmth and genuine interest made such an impression, I knew I had to come back. Last night, after recovering from bronchitis, I finally made it out for dinner. Pasteur was the perfect choice—and it exceeded all expectations. The Vibe The space is stunning—elegant yet cozy. Real flowers on every table and soft tea lights create a warm, welcoming ambiance. It’s the kind of place where you feel instantly at ease. Families, couples, and friends were softly enjoying themselves, while the staff moved gracefully throughout the room. The Drinks We started with a ginger pear martini that was light and refreshing—exactly what I needed. My friend ordered a Negroni next, and I enjoyed a perfectly balanced old fashioned. The cocktail list is creative without being over-the-top, and everything we tried was spot-on. The Food We shared a few dishes, and each one played out perfectly: • The Saigon Crepe (starter): A crispy rice flour crepe filled with shrimp, chicken, and mushrooms. You wrap pieces in fresh herbs and lettuce—fun, interactive, and absolutely delicious. • Signature Beef Steak: Tender cubes of filet mignon wok-seared to perfection, served with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. • Curry Duck: Roasted duck in a fragrant red curry with vegetables and kaffir lime herbs. We added a bit of chili oil for extra heat, and every bite was better than the last. The Service Kim herself was running the floor that night. She stopped by to chat and noted the menu is 39-years in the making. And it shines through in every detail, making the meal feel personal and special. Final Thoughts Pasteur is an experience. Between the thoughtful food, beautiful ambiance, and Kim’s passion, I found a new favorite spot.