Cafe Sen - Viet Bistro — Restaurant in Milton Keynes

​My dining experience at Cafe Sen was highly disappointing and left me feeling that the establishment is significantly overpriced and overrated. The prices here are unjustifiably high when compared to similar local spots, like Mii U. For the cost, I expected far better culinary execution and kitchen preparedness than what was delivered. ​The food quality was inconsistent, starting with the chicken wings. They were drastically overcooked and dried out. The crispiness came not from a perfectly rendered, glazed finish, but from being fatally overcooked, resulting in a brittle, dry texture instead of a juicy interior. This lack of finesse turned what should have been a flavorful appetizer into a greasy disappointment. ​Furthermore, we were profoundly let down by the service and kitchen management. Despite being one of the very first customers of the evening/lunch service, a primary item—the Curry—was already unavailable. We didn't receive any adequate apology or explanation for this oversight, which only compounded the feeling of poor value. This is unacceptable, especially considering the higher prices, and suggests poor inventory management or a lack of preparation before opening. ​Adding to the disruptive experience, the staff initiated a seating rearrangement during the service. This was loud and intrusive, significantly disrupting the atmosphere and our attempt to enjoy what little good was left of the meal. In a restaurant with these price points, I expect the focus to be entirely on the guest experience, not on audible, internal logistics during dining hours. ​Ultimately, the high prices at Cafe Sen, combined with the poor execution of basic items, the immediate unavailability of key menu options, and the disruptive service environment, make the value proposition terrible—especially when places like Mii U offer superior quality for less. I cannot recommend this restaurant when better value and execution are...

Cafe Sen is a hidden gem in Milton Keynes, offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine that truly impresses. The menu is diverse and caters to various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. The Banh mì sandwiches, particularly the lemongrass beef and grilled pork, are standout choices with their fresh ingredients and flavorful fillings. The Pho, especially the beef variant, boasts a rich and aromatic broth that warms the soul. For those seeking something different, the Bún noodle salads provide a refreshing and satisfying meal.

My wife loved the decoration – it was so light, with little bright colours throughout. It felt refreshing and added a calm, cheerful vibe to the whole place.

The ambiance is cozy, making it a perfect spot for both casual lunches and intimate dinners. Overall, Cafe Sen delivers on both taste and atmosphere, making it a must-visit for lovers of...

Update to a previous 4 star review. After having a great experience here several times I popped in for lunch and ordered a Banh Mi and a Vietnamese coffee recently. The place looks great after the refurb and the Pho coming out also looked lovely. Unfortunately my pork Banh Mi was really poor with very little filling (both pork and vegetables) and very little taste, I had this previously and it was so much better. I'm not sure whether they've cut back on filling or I was just unlucky. Coffee was still good as was service. Prices have increased quite a bit so to get a far inferior banh mi for a higher price was very disappointing. Had I reviewed based on food only it would have been 1 star. Sorry about the photo I had eaten most of it when I realised I should have backed up my review. You can see very little veg and there were only 3 slices of pork in the...