GastroRanking-logo
whatsappWhatsapp
phoneCall
desktopWebsite
menuMenu
bookingBooking
4,0

Based on 327 opinions finded in 3 websites

3.5Ambience4.0Cuisine4.0Price3.5Service
site_photo4

Nº 752 in 1517 in Southwark

Nº 7 of 10 Vietnamese in Southwark

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH.. prawnsmeatchickencoconutricesoupporknoodlesspicybrothbunfishmustprawnpay

comment_iconOpinions

My daughter and I have been coming for years, both been to Vietnam and this place is like being right back there..........they have kept the same items on menu and think we have tried everyone, and all brilliant.....always packed , Sad to hear they are moving as this is so near where we live, and large car park......Prices are so reasonable

site_logo

Accck786 . 2022-11-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Pretty good Vietnamese food and not too expensive either. Just be prepared to buy drinks as they do not serve tap water. Plenty of free parking available just outside. Will definitely be back.

site_logo

stockdale83 . 2022-09-25

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I really enjoyed Cafe East, its very authentic and feels a little rough and ready but that adds to the charm in my opinion. Its definitely not somewhere for a romantic date night but if you want good quality authentic Vietnamese food then this is the place. Highly recommended.

site_logo

SUIUHTB . 2022-07-26

MORE AT TripAdvisor

After a few beers at New London we found this gem on Tripadvisor with a good rating and a lovely short stroll from Canada Water. Wow is all I can say and all in our group of 5 thought so to. Started with Banh Cuon/Goi Cuon/ Bi Cuon and Cha Gio - the best I have ever had fresh, large and amazing dipping sauce. then we had a mixture of Pho Dac Biet / Bun Ga Nuong / Bun Cha New Thit Nuong. Wow wow wow.... just superb .. the restaurant was constantly busy and everyone looked very very happy. Home cooked and just amazingly tasty... if you are out that way its a hidden gem.

site_logo

Screamers4 . 2022-05-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Really enjoyed the food here. Simple, fresh and very authentic. Delicious noodle soups full of flavour. No alcohol served. Busy and buzzy vibe.

site_logo

Jean R . 2022-03-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I cannot believe how good it was, and different, even the tea has a different taste delicious and refillable, the smell was something I never smelled before in a green tea and a new flavour too. the service was very friendly and caring. many customers here are vietnanese so this tells me a lot. it is like home. i couldnt take pictures as i was enjoying eating and didn't realised i could take a picture of the tasty food! the stew beef was something else! great!!!

site_logo

F8860XJcristinaf . 2022-03-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We arrived around 2.10pm. Our enjoyment of the great freshly prepared food was spoiled by the surly waiter telling us twice in twenty minutes that the place closes at 3pm. At 2.45pm and as soon as our cutlery was down he was there with a card machine. We paid and left. I appreciate split shifts are hard and the team needs a break, but the frosty attitude of this chap does not make me want to make a return visit. Pity.

site_logo

simon_m247 . 2022-02-28

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Always great food and great service, I order the number 6 which is just the right level of spicy. My girlfriend always asks for a few changes like round noodles etc and they are always happy to do so. Some times I like to try their Vietnamese drinks like the coffee which is also always tasty. Highly recommend taking the time to go here.

site_logo

DavidB18796 . 2021-11-29

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Food is great and very authentic. They don’t serve Booze so be aware of that. Pho very tasty so was beef casserole with baguette. Lots of Vietnamese people in there which is always a good sign. Friendly staff

site_logo

gronkjaee . 2021-08-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The restaurant isn't much to look at and they don't serve tap water which is a bit strange. You go to a restaurant for the food though and the food went above and beyond expectations. I tried a few mains and sides and each one was delicious with a beautiful mix of flavours with great portion sizes. Gorgeous.

site_logo

jereo516 . 2021-06-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

A destination restaurant that people travel a long way to visit and for a good reason. The dishes are authentic and interesting.

site_logo

PBarnettUK . 2021-06-09

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Cafe East serves the best Pho in London. You don't need to know anything else in this review but I need to reach 100 characters.

site_logo

Sankel14 . 2021-06-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Have been here a few times and always order the pho dish. Have yet to try their new lobster pho dish.

site_logo

thisiswhatieat . 2020-08-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We called in here unexpectedly as we had time to kill. It was July 4th. And now cafes could open so we went in. Had a lovely tasty meal. Agree that vegetarian options are limited and did see big sign about tap water but we loved it. I had veggie spring rolls and a prawn pho without the pho soup. Really flavourful.

site_logo

beelineEpsom . 2020-07-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Having visited when it first opened, and swearing that I would never return due to them not serving tap water, some friends insisted that we went. There were eight of us, including a wheelchair user. The restaurant has chosen to use their old disabled access for bins, so the current ramp includes a step at the top, which makes it impossible for a wheelchair user. When we got inside we were asked why we hadn't made a reservation, and explained that the website said that reservations weren't possible. We were told that it was possible for groups of eight or more - why not say this on the website? We asked if smaller children's portions could be made - apparently not. There was only one vegetarian main course on the menu, which was very bland compared to the vietnamese food I've had elsewhere. There is a problem with the floor behind the table we were sitting at, and every time someone walked behind me my chair dipped. .... and they still don't serve tap water. So all in all I will defintely not be going back.

site_logo

London_Andy . 2020-03-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Ate as part of a group of 8, including children. There are only 2 vegetarian starters (spring rolls & summer rolls without prawns), and 1 main course. 3 of the group were vegetarian. The main course was a noodle salad with 2 spring rolls on it. Very unimaginative, very little flavour in the salad. Spring rolls were OK, but very greasy. The summer rolls were flavourless, which was such a shame. The peanut sauce tasted OK though. They don't/won't serve tap water. We asked about half portions of the main courses for the children, but they don't do that either. The menu seemed quite repetitive, and for vegetarians particularly limited. If everything is cooked fresh to order, it would be lovely if dishes could be adapted for vegetarian customers for example. Such a shame. Their website is clear that they do not take reservations, but when we arrived as a group of 8, we were told in no uncertain terms that we should have phoned to book. When we questioned their website policy, we were told that we should have phoned to book anyhow! There are better vietnamese places with a wider choice of dishes which have more flavour. There is a steep wheelchair ramp with a step at the top - not ideal step free access.

site_logo

Jane_McM . 2020-03-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I love the food here. It’s fresh, oh so tasty and completely delicious. I regularly drive up from Kent just to eat their food.

site_logo

Georgina R . 2020-02-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Great food for great prices. Service is fast and beef stew and spring rolls are excellent. Hard to get to if walking from the station. Lots of car parking spaces though.

site_logo

R246RMchrisp . 2020-01-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Restaurante vietnamita a precios decentes con buenos tamaños de porción, pero realmente no me gustaron los sabores de mi BUN BO XAO principal. La salsa de pescado era demasiado acuosa y agregaba poco sabor. Además, los frijoles tenían un horrible sabor crudo.El servicio fue rápido y amistoso.Creo que este restaurante tiene que ser marcado por negarse a proporcionar agua del grifo. Francamente, esperaría que todos los restaurantes proporcionen esto como estándar, incluso si no está obligado por la ley a menos que el restaurante venda alcohol.

site_logo

kevoed . 2019-10-10

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Fuimos como un grupo de 8 más un niño de 5 años a Cafe East para almorzar después de escuchar sobre ellos de un amigo. Había una cola considerable esperando una mesa, pero el personal estaba feliz de acomodar nuestra fiesta. Después de la espera (unos 20 minutos más o menos), nos sentamos. Acabo de pedir los platos principales y las bebidas después de ver el tamaño de las porciones mientras esperamos. La comida era bastante buena ya un precio decente. No hay quejas allí.El personal estaba bastante ocupado y quizás eso afectó el nivel de amabilidad, fueron amables, pero una sonrisa contribuiría en gran medida a hacer que la experiencia fuera excelente.

site_logo

sureshnn . 2019-09-10

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Vine aquí para probar algo de comida y dar mi opinión.Está bien en lo que respecta a estos lugares, pero personalmente no volvería.La comida que tuve no era tan buena como la mayoría de los vietnamitas que he tenido.El menú es claro y los precios son promedio.El servicio estaba bien, pero cuando pedí aceite frío me dijeron que ya estaba en mi sopa y que no necesitaba.De Verdad? ?No me gusta este lugar en absolutoLa comida no está bien.El servicio no está a la alturaEn general, podría ser mucho mejor, pero no lo es.

site_logo

mannie69 . 2019-07-28

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The title says everything. As a Vietnamese guy, I wanted to try the famous cafe East restaurant that people talked about. We were pretty excited at the beginning but got pretty disgusted by the hair blended in the Banh cuon starter. Also, the "no tap water" policy is the dodgiest one I have ever seen for a restaurant, especially that they make the food very spicy on purpose. They are also very stingy on sauce, you would need to ask for hoisin sauce and sriracha if you want some and they would only give you a miserable portion of it. Don't bother going there. There are a lot better Vietnamese restaurant out there that offer better service and better experience.

site_logo

Micheldgfoodhunter . 2019-07-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The food here was fine but over-priced (£9 for two spring rolls on some noodles and salad). This was also the only main vegetarian option!The worst thing was the 'no tap water' policy, on the hottest day of the year. Is it really too much to ask?!

site_logo

Jen B . 2019-06-29

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I went to try their food as it was local. The food was very salty and the staff were unbelievably rude, I ordered 3 pho and they gave us 2 salad sides and then later came back and took one of them away without saying anything. I asked the waiter/ staff why did they take it away they said that one plate should be enough and I'd have to pay extra for another plate. He then said it was a mistake because the other waiter was new and also he was speaking in such a rude tone and told us to eat somewhere else! This is the worst service ever and I won't be coming back. The salad plate was not even enough for 3 adults, very disappointed.

site_logo

Jeremyeatsinlondon . 2019-05-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Good pho with generous portions. Coming from an asian, this is as good as it can get in London. Price is reasonable as well (£9 to £10 per serving). Will surely come back again.

site_logo

haroldc804 . 2019-05-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I recently visited Café East as a group of 9 friends as we were recommended this place by a friend that had visited recently. There have been a lot of complaints about the service and the attitude of the waiter; however, albeit the service slow I did not find it exceptionally rude outside of the cultural norms.

site_logo

tommyhez . 2019-04-11

MORE AT TripAdvisor

fueron muy groseros El lugar cerraba temprano y no dijeron cuando llegamos, trajeron la cuenta a la mesa antes de la comida. Vinieron cuando estábamos comiendo y nos dijeron que debíamos irnos porque se estaban cerrando a las 10, ¡ni siquiera eran las 10!

site_logo

María M . 2019-04-07

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Really fantastic food that arrived quickly. Had to wait a little while for a knife and fork but that's because I can't use chopsticks so I'm the one to blame there! Excellent value for money, can't wait to go back!

site_logo

LauraBaker1988 . 2019-03-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

La calidad de la comida aquí es excepcional y siempre es rápida. Grandes porciones de los ingredientes más frescos. Necesitas revisar este lugar. La decoración es limpia y básica porque la comida habla todo. Puede que tenga que hacer cola para una mesa, pero nunca toma mucho tiempo y, sin duda, vale la pena esperar un poco.

site_logo

Jez754 . 2019-03-10

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Voy a compartir en detalle aquí para que puedan ver la situación y ver si quieren comer aquí.

site_logo

wintochi . 2019-01-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

amazing, colourful and beautiful saadnasfd quhesiahs usahdisdj hisdfdsf hdisi hdadvc dhus dhshf disud djedf jdn

site_logo

Anisa B . 2019-01-09

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We are a party of 3 all and ordered 2 starters 3 mains and 2 drinks and when we requested for one just one not more but just one glass of tap water we were flatly refused! Never coming back again ever ever again. We spent approximately £60 pounds and we won't get a glass of tap water?? How absurd! Ridiculous business practices!

site_logo

JLO1090 . 2018-12-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The food seemed to taste different on a few occasions that i had been there, not sure if they changed the chef. Pho was lovely and tasted authentic.

site_logo

thisiswhatieat . 2018-12-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Serves authentic Vietnamese food. Food is yummy and service has been largely good. You might feel unwelcome at times . If you are not bothered by this it is a great place.

site_logo

Ash S . 2018-11-27

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We visited on a busy Sunday lunchtime with a small baby. We were pleased to see so many Vietnamese people there and we're welcomed by the staff. The food was varied and delicious and reasonably priced. The service was friendly if a little chaotic but we had a great lunch and will be back.

site_logo

djne11026 . 2018-11-26

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The food is average, it use to be better. The staff are very rude and cant speak very good English, they really struggle to understand what you want. The managers who have been working there are a complete joke and behave like clowns, with a very high staff turn over every 6 months.The bathrooms are absolutely filthy, despite complaining several times it looks like they haven't been cleaned in years, that is how bad it is. They are always very busy in the evenings with almost a full restaurant yet they not even afford a cleaner to clean the restaurant properly?? Does the owner not take any pride? I hate to think how they keep their kitchens clean! Yet they can afford to have 5 cameras pointing at all their diners in the restaurant like a jail, what are they so scared of I wonder? I am also suspicious of their business practices as they are able to close their business 2 times a year for 1 month at a time every year. I never have ever seen this anywhere else before, I wonder how they are able to afford to shut for 1 whole month 2 times a year every year, it seems very dodgy to me. Its very clear they have a very bad business attitude as they don't seem to care or listen to their customers who have feed back similar things on trip advisor and facebook for years. They just want to make maximum money and save on basic cost like hiring a cleaner to clean their toilets.

site_logo

Nick C . 2018-10-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

One of these restaurants that reminded me of my parent's cooking 😊 loved it. Flavourful and generous portions.

site_logo

Méline k . 2018-09-28

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I gave this place a few tries, but it only worsened over time. The first visits food was ok, but nothing special, took ages to get served, difficult to order drinks & get help from staff. They come across as rude bc they seem to avoid customers. Still, I tried again bc it seems to have good reviews. On the final visit, I noticed after finishing my pho and tea that the crockery/cutlery had obvious marks that appear when one hasn't washed up the dishes properly ie. marks from the previous diner(s)' food. Yuck, that was pretty gross as I only saw this AFTER I had eaten the food! :-( The whole place seems organised and chaotic. The toilets are...unpleasant. I really don't understand the positive reviews - guys, check your bowls/spoons/cups. The prices are not low either. I can only assume the food critic review was several years old and the place has deteriorated since. There are much better Viet places in the area.

site_logo

FedDown . 2018-09-09

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Firstly the food is lovely, very authentic...the first time we were there.

site_logo

501mariaw . 2018-09-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Love this place. Always busy. Great three-coloured drink and magnificent Pho. Have Malaysian in-laws who think this is as good as anything they have tasted. Will be returning

site_logo

shivanj18 . 2018-08-20

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Very authentic pho, so comforting in the winter. They are closed for the entire month of August. They don’t take reservations. It’s a recipe heavily guarded by the family who owns this restaurant. Quality assured.

site_logo

nichbean . 2018-08-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

If you like Vietnamese food you must pay a visit here! The pho is delicious and it is purely authentic Vietnamese experience !

site_logo

Marilena R . 2018-08-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Loved the spicy main pho. For £8 a great dish. No frills just a great little place for favourful food.

site_logo

NcklIrox . 2018-07-20

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Love the beef pho, it's so tasty and came here more than once with my family! Except for the location, everything is perfect for me,definitely gonna come back !!!

site_logo

dearsunshine521 . 2018-07-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Fantastic food! always come here for the pho, starters are very nice and not too heavy. Would recommend the spicy welldone beef pho, you will fall in love!

site_logo

Baizhou C . 2018-07-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Descubrimos este lugar por accidente un día aunque vivimos a sólo 15 minutos a pie. El ambiente no es especialmente impresionante - es como una cantina vietnamita, así que no esperes mucho más de lo que paredes y techo. Sin embargo, la comida es absolutamente increíble, lleno de sabor y las opciones son muchas. Nunca hemos tenido una mala comida aquí y regresando. También a menudo para llevar, que es una gran opción ya que a menudo es muy difícil conseguir una mesa, especialmente el viernes/sábado por la noche ya que no hagan reservas. No puedo recomendar lo suficiente.

site_logo

Petar A . 2018-07-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

There were very few options for vegetarians. The food was tasteless. Wouldn't recommend. Not worth the price paid.

site_logo

Pratima K . 2018-07-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Fuimos hoy aquí con mi compañera inseparable y el caldo era súper sabrosa y la carne era tierna super. Algo lento en el servicio una vez que se llenaba de gente, pero todos y todas, deliciosa y volvería si vuelvo por la zona. El precio es razonable para los estándares de Londres, a unos 8 GBP).

site_logo

bubbles822 . 2018-06-27

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Good, reasonably priced and consistent Vietnamese food. Always there when you need something comforting and great for pre/post cinema nights.

site_logo

A TripAdvisor Member . 2018-05-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We eventually went for Sunday lunch after all the hype about this place. What a disappointment, the food is totally unauthentic! Any Vietnamese restaurant down kingsland rd is better. Any Vietnamese person will tell you to stay away from this place! The toilets are fifty, the doors are so sticky. Never again, you have been warned!

site_logo

Tony2k12 . 2018-04-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Uno de los mejores restaurantes vietnamitas a los que he ido. Para empezar pedimos el Bahn cuon y cha gio (rollitos de primavera de cerdo); seguido de pho pho y tai, chin bun cha nueva thit nuong alimentación para nosotros cuatro. Era más que suficiente y nos adecuadamente satisfechos! Alex, el anfitrión era muy amable y el servicio en general es excelente. Un montón de aparcamiento alrededor de la cual es una gran ventaja, especialmente en Londres. Lo recomiendo altamente.

site_logo

oscar_oz37 . 2018-03-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

This is a great little Vietnamese place close to the cinema and bowling alley at Surrey Quays. Service is always quick, the food is delicious and authentically Vietnamese and also very good value. My wife and I have a tradition of coming here after we see a film, to eat and discuss the movie Never disappoints.

site_logo

Steve J . 2018-02-19

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I had the chicken, 'meat pie' and pork dish with rice which was very tasty and decent value, my friend is vegetarian however and there is only one dish on the menu that is veggie (despite them listing the summer rolls with prawns and pork as being vegetarian!!)

site_logo

beverleydave . 2018-01-28

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I wish I can find this restaurant earlier. Almost one of the best Vietnamese cuisine I have ever had. I will visit here again!

site_logo

Che-Yi L . 2018-01-24

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We arranged to meet friends at this place and we had amazing food. The atmosphere is cheerful and we were impressed by the quality of the service at the table.

site_logo

Daniela D . 2018-01-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We went to Café East for lunch on a Saturday at about 2pm. I was expecting it to be quiet but it was packed. There was a short wait for a table but once we had our table, service was swift and efficient.

site_logo

Joe D . 2018-01-22

MORE AT TripAdvisor

First impressions: The place looks like a trendy gastropub on the outside but like a bare school canteen on the inside. Fitting then, that it was full of young Asians of student age, which we took as an encouraging sign of authenticity. My partner and I are vegetarian and Southeast Asian restaurants are usually our safe bet, as there are normally plenty of meat-free options to choose from.

site_logo

A G . 2018-01-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I'll admit we chose it because its listed as a cheap eats place. The food was fresh and tasty. The staff were wonderful and happy to try to improve my chop stick skills (lack there of). Would definitely go back!

site_logo

Nikki J . 2018-01-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We live nearby but never thought to review before..

site_logo

kate j . 2018-01-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I’ve been to Cafe East loads of times, but never reviewed it, I think because I saw it less as eating out and just somewhere I came to.

site_logo

Paul M . 2018-01-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

我們點了兩種,一種為蝦仁河粉湯,麵條滑溜,湯頭還不錯,但美中不足有點太油膩點,另一份為春捲套餐,麵線有Q,春捲有酥脆還蠻好吃的^o^

site_logo

彭*筑 E . 2017-12-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Big portions of food. It was the first time eating Vietnamese food and I really have to admit that's not my favorite. Overall everything was okay.

site_logo

Roxie O . 2017-12-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Have heard about this restaurant from other friends and decided to take a group of other friends there on Saturday. We had the summer rolls to start off and they were quite tasty. We asked for the pork to be removed and the staff duly obliged. Most of the table had Pho for main course and I enjoyed it. Try the extra spicy Pho as it packs a punch! I honestly enjoyed the experience and found the staff very accommodating and welcoming. Service was very efficient and I cannot fault this place (except that there is no beef with betel leaves as a choice of starter - it’s my favourite Viet starter). I shall be returning for more Pho in the future!!

site_logo

Liam1D . 2017-11-26

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Cafe East definitley has the best pho I have tasted, the portions are filling yet light, and the flavour is second to none. The food comes quickly and is made to order. The quality of the meat and food is great, especially for the cheap price as well. The staff were nice and polite, would definitley recommend giving this place a try.

site_logo

Amit M . 2017-11-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We've been here before, so know the place, and how packed it can get.But thought it might be a good spot for a quick bite to eat late on Sunday afternoon.It wasn't hugely busy (more than half of the tables were free).But we were asked to wait in line. Which is cool. So we stood in the line behind the person who was in front of us.And another couple rocked up. And stood in line behind us.So far so good.Apart from the person who asked us to queue then ignored us.Then another couple appear. And weren't asked to join the queue. But were shown straight to a table.And when I complain they:1) Ignore the person who was ahead of us in the queue. Which suggests that they have no idea of what the queue was.2) Assume that we, and the couple queuing behind us, were a foursome. Ditto.I really love places that take the p--- out of their customers.Not.

site_logo

Steve H . 2017-11-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

As the title says, Cafe East is as good as any modernised and expensive Vietnamese restaurants in London. Pho was flavourful and the spring rolls with peanut sauce were harmonious. Che Ba Mau (3 colour dessert) is the best in London so far.

site_logo

Mi-Thi N . 2017-10-27

MORE AT TripAdvisor

i had worked for cafe east and although the food was lovely at the time, the business recently had a mice issue which put me off working for the company. i had to share the information as this can effect the customers and also the workers health.

site_logo

Shan N . 2017-10-22

MORE AT TripAdvisor

loved my Bun Chay spring rolls woth noodles n sauce gorgeous. I had takeaway and will return to eat in restauraunt soon hopefully yummm!

site_logo

Eamon M . 2017-10-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Ok let’s start with the food. It’s decent enough considering the price but ive had better. Let me elaborate by saying the pork wasn’t as succulent or crispy as they should’ve been but the cha nem (spring rolls) were cooked well and tasted fine. The fish sauce that accompanied my dish had a nice spicy kick to it but other than that it didn’t have a lot of flavour other than being slightly salty.The thin noodles weren’t overcooked and the salad that came with it was good and fresh enough.The only thing I can’t stand about this place is the consistently poor service. You’d think that the manager himself would greet you, say hello or maybe even break a smile when you walk in but we got nothing; just shown to our seats and done.It felt more like they wanted to get me in and out as fast as possible and this was also the case with the rest of the staff too. The only time I saw anyone crack a smile was when they were gossiping about some customers - well done Cafe East, well done!When they’re not busy the staff just stand there next to each other like prison guards overseeing the inmate diners. Overall the food isn’t bad but absolutely nothing special. It is priced towards the lower end of the market and I guess that’s why it’s such a hit with people. The service as I have mentioned is just poor. It can’t be that hard to crack a smile, show enthusiasm in what you do, or say hello, thank you or bye bye can it?I likely won’t be back.

site_logo

ChungTing . 2017-10-10

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We were been regular customers since we found this restaurant. The food was good at the every beginning. However, we went there again recently and the food just worse and worse plus worst service in London I ever had now. The food lost its original taste, and the waiter just kept us waiting and waiting . 5 minutes for queuing the table which was not bad, but there's another 20 minutes to be served to order our food. Waited another 20 minutes to get the starters, and after we finished the starters, we waited another 30 minutes for our mains. We ordered the food long before the other table of people but they got food way before us. We’ve kept waiting and waiting and waiting. We were being ignored for so many times even when we waved for help. I’m not sure if it’s because we are Asian and other white customers are more valued to them? Will not go again.

site_logo

Viorica C . 2017-10-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

this place gives you a hot sandwich for less than 7 quid...then when it arrives...there's not one...but two salads...and a little basket of crisps...unheard of value...we will be back if we can bear the queues that have already started forming

site_logo

Carrzee . 2017-10-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We have been here multiple times now and it always delivers the taste one seeks with Vietnamese food. You can also see a lot of Vietnamese people travel from various parts of london who come here (a good sign). The place a bit unusual. Not much decor and it’s essentially one large hall. The menu just has a few dishes with variations. But that’s part of the charm. They have perfected their craft. If you like Vietnamese food — then make the effort to come here. You won’t regret it. It does get busy at lunchtime on weekends so you might even have to wait. Note: They seem to take a summer break. So most of August they are closed. Check ahead of coming.

site_logo

avionos . 2017-08-25

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Pho is nice and the pork Vietnamese roll too.. tried many pho in London but this is the best so far.

site_logo

LeeKueng . 2017-08-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I visited this restaurant with friends. The kitchen closes at 10.30 and we started eating around 10. At 10.30 I asked some water before the bill and they answered 'sorry the kitchen is closed', they just gave us the bill. I think this is unacceptable and the food was just average. Not recommended if you like a friendly restaurant with a kind, efficient service.

site_logo

Marco N . 2017-07-22

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We moved to Rotherhithe earlier this year and have passed the cafe many times. We decided to check it out purely out of curiosity. first impression was nicely presented from the outside. And then the big surprise when we went inside, most of the customers are of SE Asian appearance which led us to believe that the food was likely to be excellent. And we weren't disappointed. We had to queue for a table, apparently it is like this all the time at weekends. And then we ordered food that certainly had names we had not come across before. We did very well for a first shot and on speaking to other customers, discovered that virtually everyone had eaten there many times before. We will be going back.

site_logo

Jon T . 2017-07-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

This place was a little hard to find but we were pleased we did (you enter off the parking lot of a strip mall). The food was delicious and well-priced. We found the service quite good and the manager, Mark, was very sweet. One particularly unusual and pleasant surprise was their proprietary blend of tea... never had anything like it before... complex, unusual flavour and very tasty.

site_logo

Ilana W . 2017-07-09

MORE AT TripAdvisor

De court passage à Londres, on est tombé sur ce restaurant vietnamien (aucun rapport avec le nom CAFÉ EAST ). Mais quelle agréable surprise !!!! Les plats un délice, surtout les Pho! À tester absolument!

site_logo

Siva S . 2017-07-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Food is superb! I traveled to several places in Asia and it´s the most similar thing I´ve seen in the UK. The staff is not the most friendly in the world but they are still alright.

site_logo

MickLopes . 2017-07-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The food was great, service was not bad considering it was really busy. Had the rare beef pho and it tasted amazing. Same for my friends. It was disappointing that the banh cuon was sold out when we arrived, but the rest of what we ordered made up for it.

site_logo

GCKNGAI1 . 2017-07-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We love Vietnamese food and regularly eat it at home and abroad. This was good stuff. Loved the taste of the broth of my Pho.The policy around no free tap water is front and centre so not sure what the complaints in other reviews are about. You always have the option of eating elsewhere if this is a deal breaker. It wasn’t for us and we had tea. Great tea. Really loved the tea. Couldn’t figure out the main flavour. Apparently, the owner’s secret blend.Our service was very good but we dined late and it wasn’t very busy. The manager came by to talk with us after our meal. Most pleasant.The price seemed right and the quality and quantity as well. The restaurant has no ambiance what so ever and is in an odd location but worth the trip.Recommended.

site_logo

yournamehereCanada . 2017-06-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We dined here once, to our bad luck on a hot day and in order to sell water, the restaurant does not offer tap water (and advertise this at the entrance, rather rudely). It is a cheapish restaurant for London standards but rejecting diners tap water is a rather crude way of squeezing money out of your customers. We really enjoyed the food but will not be going back.

site_logo

leolion13 . 2017-06-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

this place does serve up decent Vietnamese food for london standards and at affordable prices. they have a core items on the menu and they serve what they are good at which is good. pho, ban cuon, pork chop and ice coffee are all at a decent level.

site_logo

thd007 . 2017-06-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Podobno to jedno z najsmaczniejszych miejsc na londynskiej mapie knajp. Trudno sie z tym nie zgodzic. Wsrod klienteli dominuja azjatyckie rysy, daje sie odczuc ze tacy klienci sa traktowani lepiej niz pozostali. Szczegolnie widac to w czasie obslugiwania. Poza tym nie ma sie do czego przyczepic-jedzenie smaczne, porcje soline, zarowno w wypadku zup jak i drugich dan. Startery tez wspaniale (uwaga moga byc b.gorace)Jesli jestes w okolicy Canada Water-odwiedz Cafe East!

site_logo

Michał G . 2017-05-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I am pretty sure they forgot my order, as my cold appetizer spring rolls took 35 minutes to come. The waiter was avoiding eye contacts when I tried to notice him my food was not there. We needed to ask the manager where the food was... however the dishes were all really good when they came. But everything would have seemed pretty good when I was starving like that.

site_logo

Xiaoman Z . 2017-05-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I went there with my family for a Delicious Vietnamese pho & rice as usual. Value to wait for half an hour.

site_logo

Pandaj8 . 2017-05-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

No free tap water, they even have it on a sign on the wall. Seated quickly, nice menu, fair prices. Orders taken quickly and... Nothing! We wait around 20 minutes with no appetiser. We ask our waiter, he asks in the kitchen, and doesn't tell us anything! We ask again, and they bring our appetiser. A while after that is finished we ask the manager and we are told we are next. The trouble is that other that arrived after we ordered received there meal before we had out appetiser. When the food finally came it was good. I've eaten a lot of Vietnam food, including in Vietnam. Portion size was good, maybe a little heave on the MSG in the beef soup, but the spice was perfect. If the service was better and the offered tap water I would give 5 starts. Ideally I would give 3.5I will give them a try again as the poor service may be down to the server I had. The manager seems better.

site_logo

Jamie M . 2017-05-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Tasty, very nice meals design, good portion sizes, good & fast service, very good pricesVery nice exteriorNot really impressive interior No alcoholic beverages available

site_logo

Martina H . 2017-04-20

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We visited on Easter Monday for Lunch - the place was buzzing and there was a queue - the queuing was well organised the average wait was about 15 minutes.Food was delicious - served quickly and great value for money

site_logo

Andrew_and_Yoko . 2017-04-19

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I had no idea this place existed in the same retail park as Odeon and Hollywood Bowl in Surrey Quays.We had to wait to be seated as it was busy inside with an assortment of different customers from various backgrounds.I would say the menu is pretty simple. They specialise in Pho but you can get dry noodle and rice dishes also.Service was quick and staff was attentive. Food tasted great too.

site_logo

Nvthvniel_Blvck . 2017-03-19

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Taste of Vietnamese street foods- Good & very tasty but little expensive than other in Kingsland road (East London). If you are local then is fine. Overall, great foods but need more generous on vegetables side dishes that come with a set meals.. as for 1 person is 1 veg side dish, but for 2 or 3 persons still get 1 veg side dish! Come on... we all pay the same! We are support your business but need to listen to customers or we going elsewhere with the same what we paid for!

site_logo

miki123romeo . 2017-03-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Visiting our son in London on a cold and wet February day, we popped in to his local vietnamese restaurant for lunch. Our bowls of warming noodle broth were delicious and just what the doctor ordered after a rainy morning in Greenwich. This place is unpretentious canteen style, staff are welcoming and food offered is tasty and great value. Easy to find - under 5 minutes walk from Canada Water tube station.

site_logo

jaffa105 . 2017-03-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Delicious little cafe! Lots of choice and lovely location :) great for small or even bigger gatherings, advisable to book :)

site_logo

Jade L . 2017-03-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

tried this place for the first time on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. It's pretty simple on the inside - like a cafeteria, but the food was great and service was really friendly.Entries were really large, and so were the mains. Everything we had was really delicious and we actually couldn't finish what we'd ordered (which is pretty unusual for us).Will definitely be back

site_logo

holly h . 2017-03-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Recommended by friends! Place is tucked away in the corner of the leisure park. Hard place to find unless you were actually looking for it. Place is very basic looking but the food more than makes up for it. We ordered several meals and it was soon polished off no problem. It was so good that we went back the next day to eat again!The food was authentic , not the run of the mill stuff that usually peddled out. It would have been five star but for the poor decor.

site_logo

Steven Y . 2017-02-20

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The title says it all. Don't miss out on this amazing restaurant! I guarantee, you will not be disappointed!

site_logo

Olga G . 2017-02-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

So let's get the bad out the way. It's a fairly bright soulless space and sometimes you have to queue for ten minutes. It also doesn't serve alcohol.However the service is exceptional and the food is unbelievable. I've eaten all over Vietnam and many different Vietnamese restaurants across London this is by far the best.Ban Cunh light, fluffy well balanced. Spring rolls fresh, herby and crunchy and the Pho Tai Hue is worth queueing for for an hour.This place won't be to some people's taste for the reasons at the start of the review. But if going to restaurants is about quality cost and service then this is very hard to beat.

site_logo

Andrew L . 2017-02-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Very busy restaurant, modern, clean, with super quick service.Menu is traditional viet, all ingredients clearly fresh and good quality, yet very affordable: 8£ for a huge Pho with rare lean beef. Fresh rolls for starter with peanut sauce:delicious!I particularly like that they serve a big plate of fresh greens,chilly and a mountain of soy sprouts to enrich your pho.Add a bit of bacgkround music, warmer colours, and I'll make it my favourite viet restaurant!

site_logo

RaffaLondon . 2017-02-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I've been to Cafe East with a couple of friends. Service was quick, food was really really good and incredibly cheap. We shared a pretty big starter, had a delicious soup and very good tea/coffee and we paid £15 each. I don't give 5 stars only because the location should be styled in order to reflect the quality of their food & culture. But I can't wait to go back!

site_logo

Ivan C . 2017-01-22

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Cafe East has become our go to Vietnamese place. Since moving to London from Canada about 6 months ago, we've tried several places throughout the city and this is the best by a LONG shot. The rice paper prawn wraps are full of flavour and fresh herbs, and the Pho has our top two vote for broth of the dozens of places we've been in different parts of the world. We've also tried and enjoyed the stew, the curry, and a few other dishes; we've not been disappointed yet. Ever time a friend visits from Canada or anywhere else- this is where we go. The staff are attentive, the tea is homemade and incredible, we can't say enough good things about Cafe East!

site_logo

Jessika R . 2017-01-12

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Before we get started, I need to point out that this is only the second time I've eaten Vietnamese food, so I confess that I'm by no means an expert on this particular cuisine. However, having eaten at Cafe East, I'm looking forward to the education.The food looks superficially, like Cantonese. However, that's where the similarity ends. Vietnamese food is more spicy, in some ways like Sichuan, but with different herbs and spices.If you want to get an introduction to vietnamese food, Cafe East is the place to get it. Highly recommended.

site_logo

MalvolioCheshire . 2016-12-29

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Similary restaurants in London

restaurant_img
4,5

127 Opinions

Banh Banh
location-icon46 Peckham Rye, London SE15 4JR England
Vietnamese

This restaurant has become a favourite of ours, and we’ve visited multiple times. The food is consistently tasty and vibrant, especially the papaya salad and the grilled pork with vermicelli – both ar

prawnsmeatchickencoconutricesoupporknoodlesspicybrothbun