BuiVien Street (TataX) 1030 — Restaurant in Vienna

We had the pleasure of dining at Bui Vien yesterday, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. The restaurant has a unique charm—it’s located in the space of a former Lebanese restaurant, and while they’ve freshened up the interior, they kept some original touches that give the place a distinctive and cozy vibe. It’s a great mix of old and new that works beautifully.

We were a group of three and tried to cover as much of the menu as possible, starting with a variety of appetizers. The summer rolls with duck filling were fresh and flavorful, the fish ball sticks were wonderfully spiced and paired perfectly with their hoisin and spicy sauces, the crispy tofu had the perfect crunch, and the fried vegan wontons were an absolute delight. Every starter brought its own unique flavor profile, and it’s clear a lot of thought goes into each dish.

For the mains, we went with some Vietnamese classics and a few fun surprises. The pho with beef was the standout—it had such a rich, deep, and flavorful broth that felt like pure comfort in a bowl. Truly one of the best pho soups we’ve had in Vienna. The popcorn chicken with rice and sauce was crispy, tender, and just downright delicious, while the bahn mi lived up to its reputation as a staple Vietnamese dish. The pork filling was tender and juicy, and the pate added that perfect touch of indulgence.

Another highlight of our evening was the cocktail menu, especially their happy hour from 17:00 to 19:00. They’ve got a great mix of classics and their own creative creations the drinks were simply phenomenal. The Buddha’s Fist cocktail—with baiju, yuzu, ginger, lime, and chili—was an absolute masterpiece. It had the perfect balance of citrus, spice, and warmth. The Saigon Mule, their take on a Moscow Mule with Saigon beer, was refreshing and unique, and the Guava Sour became an instant favorite for my partner. Each cocktail was crafted with care and packed with flavor—definitely worth a visit for the drinks alone!

The staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming. They made us feel right at home and were happy to answer questions about the menu and cocktails. It’s rare to find a team that’s so passionate about what they do, and it really added to the overall experience.

All in all, Bui Vien is a gem. Whether you’re here for the food, the cocktails, or just the warm and inviting atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed. We’ll definitely be back to explore more of the menu and soak in the great vibes. Highly...

I would like to thank the friendly staff (especially the female server who helped us out on a personal matter on October 4th, I very much appreciated it, thank you :))

Now on to my review:

The good: Spring rolls, Char Siu (delicious sauce!), popcorn chicken bowl, the friendly, courteous staff, the ambiance and atmosphere.

The average: Wok Udon was average, the cocktails were tasty but didn’t feel like they had any alcohol. I had 2 cocktails and had zero buzz :) (Buddha’s fist was really spicy which I loved but it’s not for everyone. I liked Jungle Bird as well but liked the spicy one more).

We will definitely eat...

The service is nice, they have cold beer which I find super. I was expecting a bit more from the food though, it was all right. Bun Bo: The amount of the soup is generous but too fatty for my preference and standards in vietnamese dishes; it is not hot and unfortunately they dont have hot spices but oil that is not a good addition if you take into account that you can see/feel the oil on top of the soup. Caramelized pork belly: does have a nice mixture of flavor and good texture, only "dark" point is the amount, is not much. Prices are fair. Spring rolls (duck) average. Good nuts sauce. They have happy hour...