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Viet Grill

restaurants•
London
London

Viet Grill

58 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DP, United Kingdom

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Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked into London's famous Pho Mile on Kingsland Road, Viet Grill has carved out a reputation for bringing genuine Vietnamese street market energy to Shoreditch. With charcoal robata grills crackling away and tropical decor transporting you straight to Saigon, this isn't your typical London Vietnamese joint. The question is whether the elevated pricing matches the authentic ambitions.

Viet Grill: Shoreditch's Charcoal-Fired Vietnamese Haven

Where authentic street food meets trendy Kingsland Road sophistication

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside Viet Grill and you're immediately struck by the deliberate theatricality of it all. Tropical leaf wallpaper climbs the walls while dark mahogany accents ground the space with sophistication, creating an intriguing balance between street market authenticity and Shoreditch polish. The full-length bar anchors the room, while the open charcoal robata grills fill the air with those distinctive sweet-sour-spicy aromas that make your mouth water before you've even ordered. The energy level here registers a solid 7.8 out of 10 - there's a genuine buzz that captures the bustling atmosphere of Vietnamese street markets without feeling forced or gimmicky. It's clearly designed for groups and social dining, with a conversation-friendly environment that works equally well for dates or larger gatherings. The LGBTQ+ friendly vibe adds to the welcoming atmosphere, though some guests have noted occasional odor issues that can detract from the otherwise immersive experience.

Food & Drink

The menu showcases authentic Vietnamese barbecue with a focus on elevated sharing plates that justify the restaurant's higher-end positioning. Signature dishes include the essential beef pho, delicate banh cuon Hanoi steamed rice rolls, and hearty thit kho with jasmine rice. The charcoal robata grills aren't just for show - they deliver genuine Vietnamese barbecue flavors that set this place apart from the countless pho shops dotting Kingsland Road. Standout dishes include the salt & pepper squid, bun cha, and crispy coconut pancakes, while the green papaya salad and Saigon broken rice breakfast round out a menu that spans from street food classics to more refined interpretations. The creative cocktails deserve special mention, cleverly blending British spirits with Southeast Asian flavors in a way that feels natural rather than gimmicky. Reviewers consistently praise the authentic quality and fresh ingredients, suggesting the kitchen takes its craft seriously. The charcoal grilling technique adds a distinctive smoky depth that elevates familiar dishes beyond standard London Vietnamese fare.

Service & Experience

Service appears to be the venue's Achilles heel, with the AI analysis specifically noting that staff can be slow and inattentive during peak hours. This inconsistency seems at odds with the otherwise polished operation and higher price point. The warm hospitality mentioned in reviews suggests the team has good intentions, but execution can falter when the restaurant fills up with its mix of locals and tourists. Given the bustling atmosphere and social dining focus, you'd expect service to match the energy level, but the occasional lapses suggest this is an area where Viet Grill hasn't quite hit its stride. The inconsistencies are particularly noticeable given that mains average £16 - at that price point, diners rightfully expect more reliable attention.

Value for Money

With mains averaging £16 and pricing running decidedly higher-end for Vietnamese food in London, Viet Grill positions itself firmly in the premium category. The price level of 2 out of 4 reflects this elevated positioning, which puts it well above typical Pho Mile establishments. However, reviewers consistently describe it as good value for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, suggesting the quality justifies the premium. The charcoal grilling technique, elevated sharing plates concept, and genuine attention to authentic flavors help rationalize the date-night pricing. While it's certainly not a casual weeknight option for most budgets, the special occasion worthiness seems genuine. The availability on Uber Eats adds convenience, though delivery likely diminishes the charcoal-grilled experience that's central to the restaurant's appeal.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Based on insider advice, Tuesday lunch at 2pm offers the sweet spot with shorter queue times and better service attention. The restaurant operates with split hours Monday through Friday (11am-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm), making those afternoon slots ideal for avoiding the dinner rush. Weekend service extends later, with Saturday running until 11pm, but expect higher energy levels and potentially slower service during peak periods.

What to Focus On

Start with the salt & pepper squid as your 'side quest' - it's specifically recommended by insiders. The beef pho remains essential, but don't miss the bun cha and banh cuon Hanoi for the full charcoal-grilled experience. The creative cocktails deserve attention, particularly for their British-Southeast Asian fusion approach. For sharing plates, focus on anything coming off the charcoal robata grills to experience what sets this place apart.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Hit that Tuesday 2pm slot for optimal experience with shorter queues and attentive serviceThe charcoal robata grills are the real star - prioritize dishes that showcase this technique over standard preparationsWhile delivery is available via Uber Eats, the smoky aromas and bustling atmosphere are half the experience - dine in when possible

The Final Verdict

Viet Grill succeeds in bringing authentic Vietnamese street market energy to Shoreditch's competitive dining scene, with charcoal robata grills providing genuine differentiation from the countless pho shops nearby. The tropical decor and buzzing atmosphere create an immersive experience that justifies the premium positioning, while the elevated sharing plates demonstrate real culinary ambition. However, service inconsistencies and the higher price point mean this isn't a casual neighborhood spot - it's positioned firmly as a special occasion destination. The authenticity feels genuine rather than manufactured, and the LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere adds to its appeal. While occasional odor issues and service lapses prevent it from achieving excellence, the unique charcoal-grilled approach and creative cocktails make it a worthy addition to the Pho Mile landscape.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Date night diners seeking authentic Vietnamese with elevated ambianceGroups wanting shareable plates and creative cocktails in a buzzing atmosphereVietnamese food enthusiasts looking for charcoal-grilled specialties beyond standard pho offerings

Quick Details

1

Viet Grill

⭐️ Charcoal grill
⭐️ Tropical decor
✨ Trendy shoreditch
⭐️ Lgbtq friendly
🍸 Creative cocktails

Tropical leaf wallpaper and mahogany accents transport you straight to busy Vietnamese street markets, while charcoal robata grills create authentic barbecue flavors that gas simply can't replicate. This Pho Mile standout elevates Vietnamese BBQ into sharing plates perfect for groups, with creative cocktails that blend British spirits with Southeast Asian flavors. The full-length bar and modern aesthetic attract a trendy Shoreditch crowd, but the authentic charcoal techniques keep Vietnamese families coming back. Signature dishes like salt & pepper squid and crispy coconut pancakes showcase traditional preparations with contemporary presentation. The bustling atmosphere buzzes with sweet-sour-spicy aromas that make your mouth water before you even see the food. While pricing runs higher-end at £16 average mains, the authentic quality and vibrant LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere justify the investment for special occasions.

What's Great

✓ Charcoal robata grills create authentic Vietnamese barbecue flavors

✓ Tropical decor and mahogany accents recreate Vietnamese street market atmosphere

Keep in Mind

× Service can be slow and inattentive during peak hours

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit the Tuesday lunch slot at 2pm for shorter queues and try the salt & pepper squid

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Wed, Fri: 11am-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm\nThu: 11am-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm\nSat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 11am-10pm"
📍58 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DP, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7613 5928
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Viet Grill has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Vietnamese Food London: Charcoal Grills to Hidden Pho Gems 2025 reference image

Vietnamese Food London: Charcoal Grills to Hidden Pho Gems 2025

restaurants in london•
Aug 21, 2025
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