Seemor
Em Vietnamese BistroB+Worth Trying
57 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
· Vietnamese restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (939 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Polished Vietnamese spot in DUMBO delivering flavorful pho, small plates, and warm hospitality, with some service and auto-gratuity friction; best for dine-in noodles and shared plates.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Em Vietnamese Bistro delivers solid neighborhood dining with excellent food quality—particularly standout pho broth, wings, and clams that justify repeat visits. Strong service attentiveness and a appealing DUMBO waterfront location enhance the experience, but inconsistent execution and isolated food safety concerns prevent a higher grade. Worth visiting for reliable Vietnamese comfort food in a welcoming setting, though occasional quality dips and policy friction temper enthusiasm.
Restaurant Summary
In DUMBO’s waterfront hum, this bistro feels warm and welcoming without losing its buzz. Plates land quickly, staff often guide choices, and a diner summed it up: rich, satisfying broth and crisp, saucy wings that draw repeat visits. However, expect a crowd at peak times and occasional policy rigidity around seating and tipping. The cooking leans elevated traditional: clean pho with a fresh-noodle option, garlic butter clams with bread for dipping, and a glossy shaking beef that tastes great to many but can feel small for the price. It is more comfort-forward than flashy, best enjoyed as shared plates plus a noodle bowl if you want a full tour of flavors. Families do fine here thanks to wings and fried rice, spring rolls, and mild noodle bowls. There is no explicit kids menu, but banh mi and simple noodles fit cautious eaters. Portions are reasonable; premium proteins cost more, so plan accordingly if the table includes adventurous teens and selective younger diners.
At a Glance
- Clean, flavorful pho with optional fresh noodles
- Signature wings and clams are consistent crowd-pleasers
- Auto-gratuity for large parties and time limits frustrate some
- Inconsistent service warmth and occasional seating issues
- Great DUMBO location for pre-show or waterfront strolls
What Sets It Apart
- fresh-noodle-option
- garlic-butter-clams-with-bread
- signature-ly-wings
- polished-dumbo-setting
What People Love
- Comforting, clean pho broth
- Crispy, savory wings with nuoc mam
- Clams with bread for dipping
- Attentive guidance from staff on noodles and dishes
Points of Concern
- Auto-gratuity applied to large parties (20-25%) and perceived rushing at peak times
- A few reports of lukewarm or bland pho and small premium portions
- Isolated food-safety complaints (foreign object, worm with sprouts) and to-go temperature issues
- Review patterns show signs of potential solicitation via repeated staff-name praise, though overall authenticity remains solid
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$38-$58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Dau Hu Chien with green sauce and Bun Dau Hu (soy-based sauce).
- Gluten-avoiders: Pho and Bun noodles are listed gluten-free; confirm sauces.
- Budget-friendly: Banh mi $8-$10.50 plus a smoothie.
Perfect For
- Pre-show dinner before St. Ann’s Warehouse
- Casual date with shared plates and pho
- Family meal with approachable Vietnamese dishes
- Warm-up bowl on a cold day
Location Insights
Area: Trendy waterfront district drawing locals, creatives, and tourists; polished casual dining with scenic walks nearby.
Safety: Well-trafficked and well-lit; generally safe with heavy evening foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Brooklyn Bridge Park, St. Ann’s Warehouse, and boutiques; heavy weekend tourism.
Brooklyn HeightsBrooklyn Heights is a historic and affluent neighborhood characterized by tree-lined streets, brownstone buildings, and stunning views of Manhattan. The dining scene here includes upscale restaurants, cozy cafes, and casual eateries catering to both residents and visitors seeking a refined yet approachable atmosphere.
Front Street CorridorThe Front Street Corridor is a small but distinct area within Brooklyn Heights featuring a mix of commercial spaces and residential buildings. It offers a variety of dining options from casual to mid-range, attracting a diverse crowd looking for convenient and quality food options near the waterfront and transit hubs.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–16:00, 17:30–21:00
Tuesday
Wednesday12:00–16:00, 17:30–21:00
Thursday12:00–16:00, 17:30–21:00
Friday12:00–16:00, 17:00–21:30
Saturday12:00–16:00, 17:00–21:30
Sunday12:00–16:00, 17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →