Van Da is a rarity in the NYC restaurant scene. Located in a quieter block on the edge of the East Village and Lower East Side, this Vietnamese restaurant has won accolades like Michelin and New York Times recommendations. The food is good, the space, while small, is well designed. And yet it’s an easy walk in on a weeknight.

The food is contemporary Vietnamese, a bit more elevated versions of street comfort food from various regions of Vietnam. The menu is tight, a stark contrast from the numbered multi-page menus of mom and pop shops, though it hits on the same homey flavors. There’s classics like banh beo and banh it ram, and less classic dishes like the pho short rib grilled cheese and lemongrass beef tartare. It’s best to come in a group, order one of everything and feast.

2026 Update: Van Da is “temporarily” closed, it’s looking like it will reopen as a concept under Helen Nguyen of Saigon Social.