Seemor
Ngon NgonA-Worth Trying
144 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1R 5DP
· Vietnamese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Southeast Asian restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1399 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Reliable, flavorful Vietnamese with standout pho, fast friendly service, tight seating, and very good prices for central London.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Ngon Ngon delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional pho broth and seafood execution paired with genuinely friendly, fast service. Tight seating and cramped conditions prevent higher grading, while scattered allergen and food-illness reports require careful verification despite overall cleanliness. Fair pricing and loyal following make it a competitive neighborhood favorite, though not a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
Ngon Ngon is a compact Clerkenwell favorite where bowls of steaming pho fly out fast and the room feels warm and bustling. Diners praise the broth as deeply aromatic and comforting, with one noting it was the best they tried in London. Service is brisk and genuinely friendly, though the ground floor can feel cramped at peak times. The cooking leans classic Vietnamese done with care—think rich beef and chicken pho, crisp spring rolls, and standout seafood like Ha Noi fish—more elevated traditional than experimental. Prices are fair for the area, portions are generous, and the kitchen keeps things moving, which suits quick lunches and low-key dinners. For families, the menu has plenty kids will actually eat: mild chicken pho, stir-fried noodles, and crispy rolls. It is tight inside and can get noisy, so earlier visits or the ground floor seats are better for little ones. Vegan tofu pho and a vegetable broth help with dietary needs, but confirm allergens carefully.
At a Glance
- Deep, flavorful pho broth with generous portions
- Fast, friendly service even when busy
- Strong value for central London pricing
- Tight seating and noticeable noise at peak times
- Isolated allergy and food-illness complaints; verify needs
What Sets It Apart
- monkfish_pho_specialty
- value_for_central_london
- fast_kitchen_turnaround
What People Love
- Broth depth that tastes slow-cooked
- Crispy, satisfying spring rolls
- Seafood highlights like Ha Noi fish
- Prices that feel fair for the quality
- Staff who keep things moving
Points of Concern
- Space is tight with close tables; basement may feel less ventilated
- Occasional dish misses (dry beef, overly oily spicy versions)
- Booking and phone/website issues reported at busy times
- Review patterns show signs of occasional marketing-style superlatives without detail; interpret extremes cautiously
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£24-34 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose tofu or vegetable broth for vegan needs
- Chicken meat halal but standard chicken broth not halal; request vegetable broth if needed
- Seafood mains are pricier but strong value compared to similar central London options
Perfect For
- A speedy but satisfying workday lunch
- Casual weeknight pho cravings
- Solo comfort-food stop near Farringdon
- Group catch-ups that prioritize flavor over space
Location Insights
Area: Creative, office-heavy Clerkenwell with design studios and media firms; lively weekday lunches and casual evening crowds.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit arterial road with steady foot traffic; typical central London vigilance advised.
Nearby: Close to Farringdon and Exmouth Market; mix of pubs, cafes, and independent eateries; strong lunch demand.
ClerkenwellClerkenwell is renowned for its trendy dining scene, featuring a mix of modern restaurants, traditional pubs, and artisanal eateries. The area has a creative and cosmopolitan vibe, attracting a diverse crowd interested in innovative cuisine and a lively social atmosphere. It balances historic architecture with contemporary urban living, making it popular for both work and leisure.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–15:30, 17:00–21:30
Tuesday11:30–15:30, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday11:30–15:30, 17:00–22:00
Thursday11:30–15:30, 17:00–22:30
Friday11:30–15:30, 17:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–15:30, 17:00–22:30
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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