Pho and Bun – A New Vietnamese Classic Awaits

Pho & Bun on Shaftesbury Avenue is the latest delicious creation of Andy Le, owner of the highly successful Viet Eat in Holborn. This new restaurant has been drawing in guests from all over London since it’s opening in November 2015 and after a fantastic meal, I imagine it will continue to do so!

Located in between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square (approx. 6min walk from either tube), Pho & Bun was full upon our 8pm arrival save for a table we had thankfully booked. The restaurant is split over two levels, so don’t be put off if you don’t see any tables on the ground floor, there may be some available on the lower floor – that being said, I took a peak downstairs and that was also full so best to book just in case especially if your party is four people or more.

We were warmly greeted and guided straight to our table and handed a menu (which was relatively superfluous, as I already knew I wanted to try the steamed milky bun burger!) and some prawn crackers with a smooth satay dip. To start, my guest and I shared the pork & crab spring roll and the salt & pepper squid, which arrived promptly, and hot to our table. Both of the starters absolutely delicious and I cannot recommend them enough, there was not a crumb left in sight! The spring rolls were crispy and the flavours complimented each other wonderfully. The squid was perfectly spicy without having the unpleasant aftertaste often associated with chilli.

This led way for the main event, the bao/burger fusion – a 28 day dry aged beef burger, served with Viet Eat’s signature rich smoky mayonnaise and fresh salad with a thin slice of mango, all served in a smooth milky colour hirata bun. The beef was juicy and served medium rare (pink in the centre but with no blood) which combined well with the soft steamed bun; although be warned, as the burger is made fresh it can become quite messy so make sure you have a napkin nearby! We shared a portion of sweet potato fries that were a perfect accompaniment to the burger, with one portion proving an ample amount for two diners!

Andy Le should be proud of his new establishment; the staff were beyond friendly, the atmosphere was warm and homely and the food was excellent. With such a large varied choice of restaurants in the local area, Pho & Bun needed to make an impact to ensure it survives and with such fantastic service and delicious food – it has definitely secured my vote.

Details can be found HERE

76 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6ND, UK

Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday 12:00 – 22:30
Friday – Saturday 12:00 – 23:00
Sunday 12:00 – 22:00