Residents of San Jose have lots of options when it comes to Vietnamese restaurants, but it seems that no matter who you ask, Vung Tau is on the list of the region’s very best offerings. This restaurant first opened in the mid-1980s, and it's been popular ever since.

What makes this restaurant so beloved? First of all, Vung Tau’s menu goes beyond the standard bahn mi or pho, and more fully represents the diversity and range of Vietnamese cuisine. All customers have their personal favorites, but regulars particularly recommend the lotus root salad, hu tieu ban am sa dec (a rice noodle soup that is the elevated seafood cousin to traditional pho), and the com bo luc lac (stir-fried beef with tomatoes). Vegetarians also appreciate the kitchen’s ample meat- and dairy-free options Take-out orders are accepted by phone, and there’s a private parking lot on site. If you’re dining in, reservations aren’t absolutely necessary but are a good idea at peak times if you want to avoid a wait.

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