A small, lively Leith Vietnamese spot with standout banh mi, solid pho, and unusually good coffee; best for a casual lunch or takeaway, though space is tight and a few diners find portions or value uneven.
The Bami delivers exceptional food quality anchored by freshness and expertly made banh mi and pho, paired with warm, attentive service that keeps regulars returning. The modest, intimate setting and consistent execution across the menu support reliable dining, though the compact space and straightforward ambiance keep it just short of the very top tier.
The Bami feels like one of those compact neighborhood places that wins people over fast: bright, busy, and a little bit squeezed for space, but full of regulars and happy first-timers. Reviews keep circling back to the same pleasures — a crispy banh mi, a deeply comforting pho, and coffee drinks that inspire suspiciously strong loyalty. One regular basically summed it up as a place people keep coming back to for the food and the welcome. The cooking is rooted in classic Vietnamese comfort food rather than culinary fireworks, and that is very much the point. Banh mi and pho are the headliners, with enough vegan options and add-ons to keep the menu useful without making it feel overcomplicated. If you want a dependable lunch or a casual dinner built around fresh herbs, pickles, broth, and properly toasted bread, this is a very easy place to like. Families can manage here, but only if they are happy with Vietnamese flavors and a small room. The menu has recognizable options like banh mi, rolls, and pho, plus vegan versions, so there are kid-friendly paths if your kids will eat sandwiches or noodles. The reality check is simple: this is not a big kids’-menu restaurant, and the cozy dining room can feel tight for larger family groups.
Area vibe: Bohemian, up-and-coming area with independent shops, cafés, and a lively food scene.
Safety: Generally safe with active street life though some streets quieter after late night.
What's nearby: Near Leith Walk linking city centre to Leith, close to cafes, bars, independent shops and bus routes to central Edinburgh.