Seemor
Rao DeliB+Worth Trying
304 Borough High St, London SE1 1JJ
· Vietnamese restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (318 reviews)
Takeout
Small Vietnamese spot near Borough serving standout pho and banh mi with mostly warm, fast service, though occasional slow or brusque interactions and small starters are noted.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Rao Deli delivers exceptional pho quality with a distinctive flash-fried steak broth that earns consistent praise, supported by friendly, knowledgeable service and fair pricing for central London. However, inconsistent broth execution and variable service speed prevent grade A territory, while compact seating and occasional crowding limit ambiance appeal. A reliable neighborhood favorite rather than a destination standout.
Restaurant Summary
A small Borough spot that feels warm and bustling when the room fills, Rao Deli draws regulars and travelers with bowls of pho that reviewers call among the city’s best. A recent diner put it simply: "The broth was deep and satisfying, I finished every drop." Service trends friendly and practical, though a few nights skewed slow or inattentive. Seating is close, music can run loud, and walk-ins are usually fine if you arrive a bit early. The cooking leans classic Vietnamese with a house twist: a flash-fried steak broth that adds smoky depth to the usual beef pho. The culinary approach reads elevated traditional: focused on long-simmered flavor rather than theatrics. If you like clean, beefy broth, tender meats, and crisp herbs, this is right in your wheelhouse. Starters can feel small for price, but overall value is solid for the location. Families fare well here thanks to simple noodle soups and approachable banh mi. There is no kids menu, but a non-spicy beef or chicken pho usually lands with younger eaters, while tofu options help mixed-diet groups. If your kids are very sauce-sensitive, ask for spice on the side and skip the louder peak periods for a calmer meal.
At a Glance
- Deep, satisfying pho broth with a unique flash-fried steak variant
- Fair prices for central London; mains around the low teens
- Service can be slow or brusque at times despite light crowds
- Starters sometimes feel small or overpriced compared to mains
- Music and seating can run tight; not ideal for long linger
What Sets It Apart
- signature_flash_fried_steak_broth
- photo-verified_local_favorite
- central_location_near_borough_market
What People Love
- Rich, long-simmered pho broth
- House smoky steak-broth twist
- Friendly, practical staff on most visits
- Consistent value for the area
- Fresh banh mi on warm baguettes
Points of Concern
- A minority experienced slow order-taking and inattentive moments even when not full
- Occasional reports of broth being too salty or too mild on separate visits
- Compact space with close table assignments can feel cramped
- Starters like prawn dishes perceived as pricey relative to portion
- Review patterns show authentic mix with some short superlatives; no strong manipulation evidence
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£22-30 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose beef pho if unsure; it is the most consistently praised item.
- Vegetarians can pick the Tofu Noodle Salad or Tofu Banh Mi; confirm sauces for vegan needs.
- Ask about spice adjustments and broth styles (classic vs flash-fried steak) to match preferences.
Perfect For
- A fast, comforting pho dinner near Borough
- Solo noodle cravings without fuss
- Affordable pre-gig meal
- Groups seeking casual Vietnamese with easy walk-in
Location Insights
Area: Busy central London corridor near Borough Market and London Bridge with a mix of offices, tourists, and locals.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic, well lit main streets.
Nearby: Close to Borough Market, London Bridge transport, offices, and hotels; steady lunchtime and early dinner crowd.
SouthwarkVibrant and historically significant area blending medieval architecture with modern development, featuring diverse dining options and proximity to cultural landmarks
Borough Market AreaRenowned food destination with artisanal markets, gourmet restaurants, and a thriving food culture that attracts culinary professionals and food lovers
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:30–21:00
Tuesday17:30–21:00
Wednesday17:30–21:00
Thursday17:30–21:00
Friday17:30–21:00
Saturday
Sunday
Available: Takeout
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