Located in the heart of the Lower East Side at 172 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, Saigon Social stands as a vibrant testament to the evolving landscape of contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in the United States. This establishment is more than just a place to dine; it is a cultural bridge that connects the bustling energy of New York City with the soulful, aromatic traditions of Vietnam. By focusing on authentic flavors reimagined through a modern lens, the restaurant has carved out a unique space for itself in one of the most competitive culinary neighborhoods in the world.
The philosophy behind Saigon Social is rooted in the concept of community and the shared experience of a meal. The atmosphere is designed to be welcoming and unpretentious, inviting guests to slow down and appreciate the complexity of ingredients that define Vietnamese cooking. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast of Southeast Asian flavors or a curious newcomer looking to explore new culinary horizons, the restaurant offers an environment where tradition meets innovation in a balanced, thoughtful way.
At its core, the kitchen prioritizes the integrity of its ingredients. By sourcing high-quality produce and balancing the delicate interplay of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy notes, the culinary team ensures that every dish tells a story. The menu reflects a deep respect for heritage recipes while acknowledging the diverse palate of the local New York community. It is this commitment to quality and authenticity that makes Saigon Social a noteworthy destination for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Vietnam in the middle of Manhattan.
What Sets Saigon Social Apart
Authentic Culinary Heritage: The restaurant prides itself on honoring traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques, ensuring that the foundational flavors remain true to their roots while being presented in a contemporary format.
Community-Centric Atmosphere: Situated on Orchard Street, the space is designed to foster connection, making it an ideal spot for gatherings that celebrate the joy of eating together in a warm, inclusive setting.
Thoughtful Ingredient Sourcing: By emphasizing fresh, seasonal components, the kitchen elevates simple, classic dishes into memorable experiences that highlight the natural vibrancy of the ingredients used.
A Modern Perspective on Tradition: The culinary approach bridges the gap between old-world recipes and modern dining expectations, providing a sophisticated yet accessible experience for all guests.
A Culinary Destination in the Lower East Side
Navigating the dining scene in New York City can often feel overwhelming, but Saigon Social offers a refreshing sense of clarity and purpose. Its presence on Orchard Street adds a distinct layer of character to the neighborhood, providing a reliable haven for those who value craftsmanship and cultural expression in their food. The dedication to maintaining a high standard of service and culinary excellence ensures that every visit feels personal and intentional.
As the culinary landscape continues to shift, Saigon Social remains steadfast in its mission to provide a meaningful dining experience. It serves as a reminder that food is a powerful medium for storytelling and connection. For those residing in or visiting New York, a trip to this establishment is an opportunity to engage with a thoughtful interpretation of Vietnamese culture. We invite you to experience the harmony of flavors and the welcoming spirit that define this unique corner of the Lower East Side, where every meal is an invitation to celebrate the art of dining well.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free street parking
Menus
Mains
Bun Cha Ha Noi$26.00
Garlic Noodles$28.00
Crispy Sticky Rice With Pork Belly$26.00
Vegetable Curry$20.00
Bun Bo Hue$23.00
Bun Rieu$23.00
Curried Chicken$26.00
Shaken Beef$38.00
Whole Fried Fish$38.00
Beef Pho$23.00
Oxtail Fried Rice$26.00
Saigon Social Express (12 Pm - 4 Pm)
Banh Mi Thit Nuong | Lemongrass Grilled Pork$11.00
Banh Mi Ga Nuong | Lemongrass Grilled Chicken$11.00
Beef Pho$20.00
Bun Thit Nuong | Grilled Pork Vermicelli Bowl$18.00
Banh Mi Dac Biet| Cold Cut$11.00
Bun Ga Nuong | Grilled Chicken Vermicelli Bowl$18.00
Banh Mi | Sandwiches (Weekend Brunch Only)
Grilled Mushrooms | Banh Mi Nam Chay$14.00
Classic Cold Cuts | Banh Mi Thit Nguoi$14.00
Saigon French Dip$21.00
Lemongrass Pork Belly | Banh Mi Thit Nuong$14.00
Starters
Papaya Salad$18.00
Lemongrass Ribs$20.00
Peashoots$18.00
Spicy Pig Ear Salad$16.00
Spicy Dumplings$15.00
Garlic Lime Leaf Wings$18.00
Photos
Reviews Saigon Social
Violette Ospol
30-05-2026
Fried crab rolls I liked the most. We wrapped rolls in the lettuce leaf and added some dressing on top. It was delicious. Fried rice was good but not special. Beef PHO was ok. I didn’t like hair on the beef’s skin 🙄 In general we liked atmosphere and dining in Saigon Social … More
Uyen Nguyen
30-05-2026
Not a great place for traditional Vietnamese food. Bánh bèo is a little overcooked. The fish sauce is a little garlic-y when it shouldn't be. Bún chả is pretty good, except for the round one that doesn't stay in its shape. And finally the nem lụi is pretty lame, doesn't really taste like the real ones in Vietnam. More
JiShun Zhou
30-05-2026
Good Vietnamese food! The waiter and service was super nice!
The crab soup noodle was very good! The rest wasn’t however the best. A lot of … More
Jamie Chin
30-05-2026
Was here for lunch today and the bone marrow and the beef pho is a must order. The bone marrow that we received was HUGE! The flavor was delicious 🤤. Their beef pho was a special today and the broth is so clean and tasty 😋. The roasted … More
David Makris
30-05-2026
Had dinner last weekend at Saigon Social and really enjoyed it. We were able to try lots of dishes considering there were 4 of us. The standouts were the garlic noodles & oxtail fried rice, Both were excellent & I would recommend basing the … More
kayley pak
30-05-2026
The food was delicious! The restaurant has a very positive vibe! Great service and atmosphere……the atmosphere was a cohesive design matching the food with a modern vibe. Spacious, cozy and great lighting. Beautiful restaurant with great food and staff. Bonus…you get a nice view of the chef working! More
Teri Anvid
30-05-2026
I’ve walked past Saigon Social so many times, and last night my husband and I finally went there for dinner. From the moment we opened the door, our experience was exceptional—the host and restaurant manager were so welcoming, and the … More
Paul Cheong
30-05-2026
Vietnamese flavor bombs. Creative dishes. Definitely worth repeat visits.
The atmosphere wasn't anything to write home about. But the service was good. The chef came out to say hi and recommend dishes. More
SilverBeerNuts !
30-05-2026
Upper Westsider trying a new restaurant to find a gem on Orchard St! Ms. Nguyen has achieved top honors, Michelin level flavorful cuisine across the board! We tried the Mussles, Pho and Vegetarian dish (see photos below) a glass of wine … More
Eric San José
30-05-2026
A very nice restaurant with a friendly staff and good food. Definitely more of a Fusion style Vietnamese restaurant. Clean facilities. Many Star Wars decorations inside , which is great. Reasonably priced. Credit cards 💳 are accepted. We will definitely be going back. … More
Parker Ly
30-05-2026
I have heard good things about this restaurant so I decided to check it out for lunch on the weekend. We ordered the banh beo and grilled lemongrass ribs for appetizers and for entree we ordered the bun cha Ha Noi and banh mi burger. … More
Ryan Narby
30-05-2026
Oh my God…
It’s hard to express how I feel eating and drinking at this restaurant. The hardest part about eating at Saigon Social is writing the review. It makes me angry to the point of outrage to eat here alone with my family. I should be shouting to be heard in a place this good. The people of the lower east side ought to be ashamed of themselves.
First off, 1. The best cocktail over ever had. Okay, listen to me, the Huẽ Vesper is straight up the best cocktail I’ve ever had. Okay? Are you listening to me? The best cocktail I’ve ever had. I’ve had a lot of goddamn cocktails and this is definitively the best one I’ve ever had. I’ve had just about everything there is to try in Seattle. We went to Chavelas in Brooklynn and they had a phenomenal cocktail called the Don Pepino. It had Cucumber and cilantro and it was fascinating us. As a family, we had something like 6 or 7 of them.
This one is way better. I’m actually getting triggered thinking about all the ingredients I now need to buy to drink it. Its basically a Vietnamese twist on a Vesper martini. But I don’t like that description; it makes it sound contrived, like a drink they wanted on the menu “but it’s a Vietnamese place so we have to add in these flavors”. No, it’s so smooth that when I order a vesper martini in the future, I’m going to be thinking “damn, this tastes like some kind of white Huẽ vesper”.
Now I realize I just spent two paragraphs on a cocktail so how is the food? All of the food is amazing. We had the Bánh Xéo, Spicy Dumplings, Whole Fried Fish, Garlic Noodles, and Bun Cha Ha Noi. Everything here is amazing. I trust the team to make the best of everything. I would go into depth but I’m running out of gas here.
I spent a week in New York City and ate at a dozen or more thoroughly researched restaurants. This was definitely the best food and oh by the way the whole staff here is so welcoming and inviting. I can’t believe I almost forgot to mention that.
If I’m ever back in NYC, this is the entirety of my must-visit list.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Elaine Wang Yu
30-05-2026
Saigon Social strikes that perfect balance between tradition and creativity. The chef takes classic Vietnamese dishes and adds her own thoughtful flair, elevating familiar flavors without losing their soul. Every bite is bold, layered, and … More
Bingna Z
30-05-2026
Very customer-friendly.
Cozy and comfy with Vietnamese music on air.
The food is good as pictures shown. More
Drew Ku
30-05-2026
If you’re looking for a spot that perfectly captures the energy of the Lower East Side while serving up some of the most comforting, elevated Vietnamese soul food in the city, Saigon Social is the place iykyk. … More
Meredith Goossen
30-05-2026
Our second time eating here and it has undoubtedly gotten better. Must order: Saigon salad, steamed rice cakes, shrimp spring rolls. We shared the fried porgy and it was so, so delicious. My husband also had the chicken wings (three large … More
may do
30-05-2026
This was my first time at Saigon Social and I’ll TRY to keep it short and sweet: it was an un-pho-gettable experience. From the ambiance and cadence of the night to the food, beverages, and genuinely attentive care, it was one for the books.
I came with a group of friends whose taste buds were not prepared for the umami takeoff into cuisine heaven. Helen and her team thoughtfully curated a prix fixe menu showcasing a beautiful range of Vietnamese dishes made with fresh, vibrant ingredients. There are very few NYC restaurants that operate from a place of true craft where traditional flavors are honored while being brought into something new…and Saigon Social absolutely does that.
We tried just about everything on the menu, and each dish stood distinctly on its own, bursting with flavor, texture, and interactive, hands-on elements. It felt like an intimate culinary adventure— getting to know the ingredients, asking questions (especially from friends newer to Vietnamese cuisine) like, “What is this?” and “How do I eat this?” The answer = there’s no wrong way. This family-style dinner made you feel like you were at home… only better.
Thank you to Helen and the entire team for so graciously accommodating my large group. We may have just found our new recurring spot. 🤠
Price per person
$50–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wait time
No wait
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Booth seating
Javier Kohen
30-05-2026
Great flavors, I especially loved the meat in the bún chả hà nội, it had an excellent char and went perfectly with the Vietnamese broth. The fried fish was good, but too salty for me. More
Sahr N
30-05-2026
Enjoyed a great family style dinner. Saigon Social provided a welcoming & unique space with some delicious plates. More
Allison De La Rosa
30-05-2026
I went last night for a date night with my boyfriend, and it exceeded all our expectations. We sat at the bar, and despite how busy it was, the staff worked together seamlessly. The food was absolutely incredible—the best Vietnamese cuisine … More
Jaime Chien
30-05-2026
Have been here several times over the course of the last 12 months. It's a quaint and cozy place with a menu that has seasonal changes. What I appreciate is the Vietnamese strength brought out in all the ingredients and the intention … More
Ryan Narby
30-05-2026
Oh my God…
It’s hard to express how I feel eating and drinking at this restaurant. The … More
Tyler Browne
30-05-2026
I went to Saigon Social for a date and it was a truly great experience. I loved the bright cabbage salad and we had the bone-marrow with chimichurri for appetizers. Super fresh and tasty. The beef noodle soup was one of the best I ever had … More
George “Geological” Lin
30-05-2026
Amazing food with vegetarian options. Having recently visited Vietnam, Saigon Social definitely have authentic Vietnamese flavors which has been difficult to find in the city (besides bunmi). Servers were attentive and were helpful in … More
Mustafa Ceceli
30-05-2026
Amazing Vietnamese cuisine experience with well selected ingredients. Super delicious and spicy. If you are hot chilly addict , that’s your place. don’t forget to order “round for kitchen” for the friendly staff. More
Kevin Powell
30-05-2026
The service was kind, patience and helpful. Decor was chic and comfortable. My drink- the lychee Paloma- was so, so yummy with the right amount of sweetness and carbonation. The grilled fish with accompanying dipping sauces was absolutely delicious and surpassed my expectations. Would absolutely return and recommend this spot! More
Elisa Martins
30-05-2026
The service is great and I felt really welcomed inside. The food was good! I just felt the pho wasn't great in my opinion because it lacked the vegetables, hoison sauce and lemon I like to put inside. I understand the restaurant wants a modern approach to the Vietnamese cuisine. I just felt the pho was missing something unfortunately. The other things I would like to mention was how cold I felt inside the restaurant. I know it was a super cold night that night, but i definitely felt incredibly cold. But overall great experience. Keep up with the great job guys!
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
A Shen
30-05-2026
Saigon Social is always a great, welcoming experience for updated modern takes on Vietnamese fare.
I always love the pho, particularly the Bun Bo Hue, so always check if they have it that day. They have an amazing Chicken Sando as well during happy hours. Their Pandan Ice Tea and Pink Jade are my favorite mocktails.
Their staple delicious are amazing as well. My favorites are the Garlic Noodles and Pea Shoots. The Crispy Fish and Lemongrass Ribs are top notch as well. The menu rotates regularly so I keep getting drawn back all the time.
Chef Helen often stops by tables to make sure you're enjoying everything as well.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Garlic Noodles with Soft Shell Crab
Steven Leung
30-05-2026
My Lower East Side go to spot for Vietnamese comfort food. The garlic noodles are their staple dish and a must try. I was lucky to have it with soft shell crab while in season. The other apps like bone marrow, ribs with chili lime sauce, and uniquely seasoned chicken wings are also fantastic. Menu change’s seasonally so check what they’re serving (especially the soups) before heading over
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wait time
No wait
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Ali Bakhsh
30-05-2026
The pho here is to be admired; clear yet packed with unctuous, meaty, flavor with well-balanced spices. The only thing that beat the flavors of the pho was the kindness of the staff (massive shoutout to Drew). The folks working here are so passionate about the food they make and that’s apparent with every bite (and sip). Thanks, Saigon Social for an amazing experience!
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Adam Tyler
30-05-2026
This is such a good restaurant!! The food is so tasty and flavorful. They also have happy hour and restaurant week deals. Highlight of the meal was the spicy dumplings. Really friendly, kind, and attentive service
Price per person
$50–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Noise level
Moderate noise
Wait time
No wait
Reviews Saigon Social