Seemor
Ant HouseB+Worth Trying
97 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AG
· Vietnamese restaurant, Cocktail bar
· 4.7/5 Google (409 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Stylish Vietnamese spot on the Pho Mile with creative touches, strong cocktails, and standout Hanoi-style dishes; good value overall but expect occasional slow service and mixed feelings on pho authenticity.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Ant House delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by exceptional Hanoi-style specialties (bun cha, sticky rice) and attentive, personable service. However, inconsistent execution—particularly with pho— and occasional service slowness during busy periods prevent a higher grade. The stylish, cozy interior and strong cocktail program make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though the compact space and mixed pho reviews limit broader appeal.
Restaurant Summary
A small, stylish Vietnamese on the Pho Mile, Ant House feels cozy and welcoming with low lighting, warm wood, and a cocktail bar hum in the background. Service skews friendly and personal—one diner noted, "the team checked in and made sure we had what we needed"—though it can be unhurried at busy lunch. Plates arrive with a modern flourish without losing the comfort-food soul. The cooking leans contemporary and Hanoi-focused: bun cha Hanoi and sticky rice bowls get raves for flavor and generous portions, while creative touches show up in the banh mi and the drinks list. If pho is your litmus test, feedback is mixed—some find it satisfying, others want deeper broth and more herbs—so aim for the house specialties if you are particular. Cocktails and playful zero-proof drinks make it fun for casual date nights. Families will find it manageable: spring rolls, mild noodles, and banh mi are kid-friendly picks, and the calm vibe helps at earlier hours. The room is small, so strollers and large prams may be awkward, but service is accommodating. If you have very picky eaters, stick to simpler dishes and avoid the chilli-heavy items.
At a Glance
- Standout Hanoi-style dishes (bun cha, sticky rice) with generous portions
- Stylish, cozy room with a strong cocktail and mocktail program
- Good value for the area, especially with drink specials
- Pho quality and authenticity perceptions vary
- Service can be slow at busy times; small dining room
What Sets It Apart
- hanoi_style_specialties
- creative_cocktails_with_fun_ice
- cozy_jazz_bar_ambience
What People Love
- Comforting Hanoi flavors that feel house-special
- Cute, creative drinks with playful presentation
- Warm staff interactions and owner presence
- Portions that feel generous for the price
Points of Concern
- Pho and some broths receive mixed feedback, with a few diners finding them bland or greasy
- Occasional slow service at lunch and during busy periods; one-off reports of being ignored
- Isolated safety flags (undercooked chicken in older reviews; one food poisoning claim in 2024) despite otherwise clean impressions
- Small space and limited seating can constrain large groups
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£28-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Cheesy Prawn Spring Rolls (£8) and Green Papaya Salad (£7) to share.
- Choose a noodle main like Tai Lan Pho (£12) if you prefer lighter broth, or opt for Bun Ca (£16) for a richer fish-tomato profile.
- If available, switch to bun cha or sticky rice as the signature route for maximum satisfaction.
Perfect For
- Casual date night with cocktails
- Craving Hanoi-style bun cha and sticky rice
- Small group catch-up before Shoreditch drinks
- Solo bite with Vietnamese coffee
Location Insights
Area: Trendy East London corridor known for Vietnamese restaurants, cocktail bars, and creative crowd.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban vigilance advised at night.
Nearby: Surrounded by competing Vietnamese venues, near museums/galleries and Shoreditch nightlife.
HackneyA trendy and eclectic neighborhood with a rich mix of vintage shops, contemporary restaurants, street art, and a thriving food and cultural scene. Known for its progressive atmosphere and diverse community.
DalstonA particularly trendy sub-area within Hackney, known for its cutting-edge music venues, vintage stores, and diverse international dining options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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