Vietnam One — Restaurant in Lakeside

During a recent training trip, we decided to stop for lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant and opted for the Bun Dac Biet (Special Vermicelli Combo).

Upon tasting the dish, we were pleasantly surprised; it was the best Vietnamese food we’ve had in Virginia thus far. The flavors were vibrant and well-balanced, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam. However, we ultimately rated the meal four stars instead of five due to the overall experience.

The service was impressively quick — our order arrived within five minutes. However, while speed is commendable, it did leave us wanting more substance in our dishes. For $17, the Bun Dac Biet featured thin slices of chicken, thin slices of pork, an egg roll, fresh vegetables, and a generous portion of vermicelli.

Coming from a region known for its exceptional Vietnamese cuisine, I expected a little more protein for the price. In my opinion, the dish would be more appropriately priced at around $13 given the quantity served.

In summary, while the taste and service were commendable, the portion size relative to the price left us feeling a bit underwhelmed. If you’re in the area and looking for delicious Vietnamese food, this spot is worth a visit — just keep an eye on...

Unattentive. I have an errand to run at the West End and was looking to get my fixing of pho. Unfortunately my pho so of choice, the unassuming but excellent Pho So 1 on Rigsby Road was closed on Tuesdays, so I walked into Vietnam One instead. No one SAT me to a table, so I just sat myself down at the table in front of the cash register/kitchen entrance. I waited for about 5 minutes and saw the waiter walked out with other patrons' order. They saw me sitting there with no menu, a glass of water or any indication that I've been attended to, but just went about their business. Keep in mind that the restaurant was NOT busy at the time. It wasn't until almost 10 minutes that the older waiter acknowledged my presence and handed me the menu and a glass of water. This is not the first time this has happened... just that irked me enough this time because it was slower than last time and I had to wait longer. By comparison to the other pho so, their prices are also about $1 more expensive and not as good (the broths are full of oil & grease). Next time when I come by and need to get my fixing of pho, and Pho So 1 is closed, I'll just call in and order take-out from Mekong...

The service is horrible but their food and prices are great. I've been going a long time since I love cheap Pho but I can't tell you how many times I've sat with an empty glass. I went today and wasn't checked on even once. Even though I was in the restroom when my food came out. You really think they would have come by but no, not at all. I walked up front and asked for a knife. I went in at 10:30 when there was one other person there so it wasn't due to being busy either. When I ran out of water I made the loud slurping noise one time with my straw to see if they would come refill it.. no, all 3 of them just stayed up front talking to each other. I had to stop a boy walking by to ask for another glass of water and a to-go container. I even heard the table next to ask for straws and the lady still had to walk up front and ask for them. When the lady brought my to-go box she smiled and asked if everything was okay... Um... I'm leaving now but thanks for asking. As long as they keep making good Pho at a good price I'll keep going with it in mind I'll have to track down...