Seemor
Union Viet Restaurant & CafeB+Worth Trying
120 Union St, London SE1 0FR
· Vietnamese restaurant, Cafe, Pho restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (772 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Flavor-forward Vietnamese spot near Borough with standout pho and friendly service, but pricing and portion debates plus occasional service lapses mean expectations should be tuned.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Union Viet delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality in pho and Bun Hue, backed by genuinely warm and attentive service. However, quality variation in broth depth and seasoning and occasional portion concerns on premium items prevent a higher grade. The cozy hidden-gem location near Borough Market appeals to locals and South Bank visitors, but tight seating and delivery-driven service delays limit the overall experience.
Restaurant Summary
Slip off Union Street into a small room that feels warm and bustling. Staff are chatty and helpful, and bowls of pho land with a comforting aroma. One diner summed it up: "A generous, soothing broth and friendly faces made a gray day brighter." It is casual and compact, with cozy neighborhood vibes and the occasional hum of delivery activity. The cooking leans traditional Vietnamese with a few elevated touches—think clay-pot fish and bánh khot alongside pho and Bun Hue. The culinary approach leans elevated-traditional: recognizable dishes, careful seasoning, and homemade desserts rather than flashy fusion. Most diners praise flavor and warmth, though a minority report lighter seasoning or smaller protein portions in higher-priced bowls. Families should find it approachable thanks to familiar, mild-leaning options like chicken wings, steamed buns, and gentler pho. Space is tight, so prams may be awkward at peak times. Kids who enjoy noodles and simple meats will be fine; adventurous eaters can nibble on tofu summer rolls or cassava cake for dessert.
At a Glance
- Comforting pho and Bun Hue with many repeat fans
- Friendly, hands-on service with owner presence
- Portions vs price debated on certain items (e.g., premium bowls, bánh khot)
- Service pace can slow when delivery orders spike
- 12.5% service charge commonly applied
What Sets It Apart
- clay_pot_specials
- homemade_vietnamese_desserts
- neighborhood_hidden_gem_location
- upstairs_space_for_groups
What People Love
- Broths that feel restorative on cold days
- Homemade desserts like cassava and banana cake
- Personal, welcoming staff interactions
- A tucked-away, cozy setting near big attractions
Points of Concern
- Pricing can feel high for certain specials and premium noodle bowls; some find protein portions light
- Service can be slow or scattered during busy periods due to delivery load
- A few isolated safety incidents reported in past reviews (one broken glass; one alleged food poisoning)
- Review patterns show occasional short, generic praise alongside many credible, detailed reviews
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£30-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Share a starter (spring rolls £8-9) and a special (cá kho tộ £19.50) for balanced value.
- End with cassava cake (£6.50) for a classic homemade dessert at a friendly price point.
- Price-sensitive diners may prefer standard pho over the £25 premium bowls.
Perfect For
- A warming noodle bowl after Tate Modern
- Casual weeknight dinner near Borough
- Small group catch-ups upstairs
- Quick solo lunch with banh mi and coffee
Location Insights
Area: Mixed commercial and cultural district near South Bank, popular with office workers and museum-goers.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked during day and early evening.
Nearby: Walkable to Borough Market and Tate Modern; offices and creative studios nearby bring weekday lunch trade.
BanksideA vibrant riverside neighborhood featuring historic architecture, modern cultural institutions, and a dynamic dining and arts scene. Home to major attractions like Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
Union Street QuarterA transitional urban area blending historic industrial architecture with contemporary office and residential spaces, characterized by innovative dining and creative workspaces.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Friday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Saturday12:30–21:00
Sunday
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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