Seemor

Nem NemB+Worth Trying

Name: Nem Nem
Address: 279 Upper St, London N1 2TZ, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.6

279 Upper St, London N1 2TZ · Vietnamese restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (1051 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Vibrant Vietnamese spot with a huge vegan selection, quick attentive service, and cash-only policy; great flavors at fair prices but expect tight seating and occasional rushed pacing.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Nem Nem delivers competitive casual Vietnamese dining through solid food quality and strong service attentiveness, supported by exceptional speed and fair central-London pricing. However, occasional consistency variations and tight seating prevent a higher grade. The loyal local following and vegan-friendly breadth make it a worthwhile neighborhood choice, though it lacks the distinction to rank among Islington's premier dining destinations.

Restaurant Summary

A compact Vietnamese spot on Upper Street, Nem Nem hums with quick, friendly energy and a loyal local following. Reviewers rave about the breadth of options, especially the vegan lineup, and praise the kitchen for fast turnaround. One diner summed it up neatly: "Food came swiftly and tasted fresh, exactly what we wanted." Do note the close seating and occasional rushed pacing during peak hours. The cooking leans elevated traditional with creative flourishes, not showy but confident. Expect crisp spring rolls, clean pho broths, and crowd-pleasers like pepper duck and mock-fish mains; the approach feels produce-forward and comforting rather than experimental. With many dishes under a tenner, it is a smart choice for flavor-first casual meals, though a few guests wished for larger portions or deeper seasoning on off nights. Families do well here thanks to accessible picks like fried rice, chicken lemongrass, and pho; even picky eaters can find simple, familiar plates. There is no stated kids menu, but staff often guide toward milder options, and the pancake and rice dishes read as kid-friendly comforts. Keep in mind the cash-only policy and tight seating when planning with strollers or groups.

At a Glance

Huge vegan and vegetarian selection with mirror-image dishes
Quick, efficient kitchen and friendly staff
Fair central-London pricing (many mains under £10)
Cash-only policy catches some diners by surprise
Tight seating and occasional rushed pacing at busy times

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Abundant vegan choices that feel special, not secondary
Clean, comforting pho with quick service
Friendly staff who offer helpful recommendations
Standout items like vegan mango fish and grilled vegan scallops

Points of Concern

Cash-only policy causes friction if not anticipated; bring cash or plan for nearby ATM
Seating is compact and tables can turn quickly; some felt hurried
Portion sizes on some small plates feel modest to a subset of diners
Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some generic five-star language in recent months) which may not reflect typical diner experience

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£24-34 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For spice-averse diners, choose Hanoi Chicken Pho or Chicken Lemongrass and request mild
Vegans can build a full meal: Vegan Platter starter, Vegan Mango Fish, and Vegan Fried Rice

Perfect For

Last-minute weeknight pho cravings
Mixed-diet groups seeking strong vegan options
Casual dinners before Angel bars or theater
Fast, flavorful lunch on Upper Street

Location Insights

Area: Bustling high street corridor popular with diners and bar-goers; a mix of locals and visitors around Angel.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, and busy into late evening; typical central London foot traffic.

Nearby: Surrounded by restaurants, pubs, and shops; close to Angel Underground and neighborhood amenities.

IslingtonA trendy and sophisticated area with a sophisticated dining scene featuring boutique restaurants, gastropubs, and innovative culinary establishments. Known for its elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

HighburyA refined sub-area within Islington with a sophisticated urban character, featuring upscale dining options and a cultured social environment.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30 Tuesday12:00–15:00 Wednesday17:00–22:30 Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30 Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30 Saturday12:00–23:00 Sunday12:00–22:30

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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