Seemor
Plum Vietnamese RestaurantB+Worth Trying
210 W 94th St, New York, NY 10025
· Vietnamese restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Caterer
· 4.5/5 Google (401 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Cozy Upper West Side spot for pho, curries, and banh mi with friendly service and creative touches, but portions for pho run small and authenticity varies.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Plum Vietnamese Restaurant delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by exceptional duck curry and aromatic pho broth, paired with attentive, welcoming service that creates a genuinely cozy atmosphere. However, inconsistent execution—particularly small pho portions and occasional bland seasoning—prevents the grade from climbing higher, and the hidden gem appeal remains neighborhood-focused rather than destination-worthy. Worth visiting if nearby, especially for curries and non-pho items.
Restaurant Summary
Plum feels like a neighborhood refuge: a compact room with cozy, welcoming energy where staff often pace courses thoughtfully. One diner said their server was "attentive and sweet," and the space reads comfortable and calm most nights. Expect a menu that blends Vietnamese staples with a few playful twists, not a purist temple of tradition. The cooking leans Vietnamese comfort with gentle fusion touches. Fans rave about the richly aromatic pho broth and especially the duck curry with lychee, while others find the pho portions light or the seasoning milder than expected. If you enjoy spring rolls, tofu or chicken curries, and a well-toasted banh mi, you are in the sweet spot; traditionalists may prefer non-pho items when seeking deeper flavors. Families do well here: servers have provided a kid place setting unprompted, and approachable dishes like banh mi, grilled chicken, rice, and mild curries help. There is vegan pho and vegetarian small plates, plus clearly marked gluten-free items, though spice levels and customizations can be limited—review the menu and ask about non-spicy options before ordering.
At a Glance
- Cozy neighborhood vibe with friendly, attentive service
- Duck curry and tofu curry draw consistent praise
- Vegan and gluten-free options clearly marked
- Pho portions often feel small for the price
- Extras like sprouts or chili may incur charges
What Sets It Apart
- coconut duck curry with lychee
- vegan pho option
- neighborhood-friendly vibe
- happy hour cocktails
What People Love
- Rich curry sauces that feel indulgent
- Pho broth that tastes slow-simmered to many
- Warm, neighborhood-hug service
- Spring rolls that arrive crisp and fresh
Points of Concern
- Pho portions and meat quantity are frequently called small for the price
- Authenticity expectations vary; fusion touches and seasoning may feel mild to purists
- Some extras and add-ons incur charges that surprise guests
- Occasional service lapses near closing or busy times
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair Crispy Spring Rolls ($9) with Duck Curry ($25) for balance
- Value route: Banh Mi ($14) plus Curry Puff ($9)
- Vegan path: Vegan Pho ($15) and Steam Dumplings ($9)
Perfect For
- A comforting pho-and-curry night on the UWS
- A casual date with cozy ambiance
- Solo bar-seat dinner with quick service
- Families seeking approachable Southeast Asian dishes
Location Insights
Area: Residential Upper West Side block near Broadway; family-friendly, casual dining mix with neighborhood foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady pedestrian flow typical of UWS evenings.
Nearby: Close to Broadway retail, 96th St transit, and Riverside/CPW; draws neighbors and passersby.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, catering to a mix of families and professionals. The area is known for its safe, community-oriented atmosphere with a blend of historic brownstones and modern apartment buildings, attracting diners who appreciate both comfort and quality.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square, located in the southern part of the Upper West Side, is known for its cultural venues like Lincoln Center and a lively dining scene that includes a mix of upscale and casual restaurants, often frequented by arts patrons and neighborhood residents.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:30
Tuesday11:30–21:30
Wednesday11:30–21:30
Thursday11:30–21:30
Friday11:30–21:30
Saturday11:30–21:30
Sunday11:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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