Lai Rai — Restaurant in London

Visited this restaurant on a Friday night. When we arrived, it was fully booked, so we left our number with the hostess and went to a nearby pub to wait. After some time, we returned, only to find out they had tried to call us—but had taken our number down incorrectly. Fortunately, we were still able to get a table upstairs.

We asked if there were any Vietnamese staff and were told that only the chef was Vietnamese.

We ordered:

Beef jerky

Bánh tráng trộn

Bánh đa quẹt (with chả cá Lã Vọng)

The beef jerky was enjoyable—one of the few Vietnamese restaurants in London where I’ve seen it offered. The bánh tráng trộn was a little too wet, quite tangy, and the portion could have been more generous. The rice cracker dish was underwhelming and didn’t resemble anything I’ve encountered in Vietnam.

Service-wise, the waiter came across as a bit pushy, trying to get us to order more food than we wanted, which took away from the relaxed dining experience.

Areas for improvement:

Staff could take a less forceful approach when recommending dishes.

Portion sizes and quality could be improved, especially given the higher price point.

It would be great to see more traditional Vietnamese options on the menu, such as fermented shrimp paste with rice crackers or ốc xào (stir-fried snails).

For a place that’s intended to pair food with drinks, it also closes surprisingly early.

That said, I really like the overall concept and the vibe of the restaurant. With a few adjustments, it could become a standout destination for authentic Vietnamese...

Authentic Vietnamese with a Playful Twist – Lai Rai is a Must-Visit!

Tucked away on Rye Lane, Lai Rai offers a refreshingly modern take on Vietnamese cuisine while staying true to its bold, comforting roots. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is electric – a perfect blend of casual street-style charm and contemporary flair.

The menu is small but sharp, focused on doing a few things really well. The green papaya salad was fresh and vibrant with just the right level of heat,The black sesame rice crackers with creamy dip and herbs were a surprising highlight, offering the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Cocktails at Lai Rai are where things get playful. The "Phở Please" – a whisky-based drink with phở-spiced syrup – was a standout, warming and aromatic with a clever nod to Vietnam’s most iconic dish. Pair it with a cold Saigon Special beer, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.

Service was friendly and relaxed, making it feel like a hangout spot more than a formal dinner. It's clear that Lai Rai isn’t just about food – it’s about fun, flavor, and a fresh take on tradition.

Verdict: Whether you're craving a taste of Vietnam or looking for somewhere new to gather with friends over drinks and shared plates, Lai Rai is an absolute gem. Come for the food, stay...

A Hidden Gem – Truly Exceptional! I had the pleasure of dining at Lai Rai Restaurant recently, and it was an experience worth sharing! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with tasteful décor and a relaxed, cozy vibe that made us feel instantly comfortable.

The service was outstanding – friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff who clearly take pride in what they do. They were more than happy to make recommendations and explain the dishes, which was a nice touch.

Now, the food – absolutely delicious! Every dish we tried was full of flavour, beautifully presented, and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chạo cốm was a standout – perfectly cooked and packed with authentic flavour. You can tell a lot of care goes into the preparation.

Portion sizes were generous, and the prices were very reasonable given the quality of the food and service. It’s clear Lai Rai is passionate about delivering an exceptional dining experience, and they truly succeed.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service. I’ll definitely be...