Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Saigon Deli – Seattle
Saigon Deli - Seattle
Photo from Saigon Deli
Saigon Deli at a glance
Seattle West Campus
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#590 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#14 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in Seattle
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
407
Reviews
66.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great food
- Good value
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Parking issues
- Service inconsistency
- Dirty seating
The Vietnamese restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant West Campus neighborhood, Saigon Deli, offers you a delightful culinary escape. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite, where you can savor authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options, vegan choices, or just a comforting meal, this spot has you covered. It’s an ideal destination for a satisfying lunch or dinner experience.
Overview: Introducting Saigon Deli
Saigon Deli offers a straightforward dining experience, often described as a neighborhood place with a homey feel. While the food is frequently highlighted for its quality, some aspects of the dining environment and service have drawn mixed feedback.
Patrons appreciate the generally quiet atmosphere, making it easy to converse. However, occasional issues like a loud kitchen or concerns about cleanliness in the seating area suggest room for improvement in the overall setting.
Good
7
out of 10
407
Reviews
66.3%
Satisfaction
103
negative
34
neutral
270
positive
Saigon Deli earns a respectable overall score of 7, indicating a good performance, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.3%. This suggests that while many find their experience positive, a notable portion of diners have reservations.
Based on over 400 customer comments, with 270 positive and 103 negative observations, the Value (7.7) stands out as a strong point, closely followed by the Food (7.1). Ambience (6.8) and Service (6.5) are rated moderately, reflecting the balance of positive and negative feedback in these areas.
What people like
- Exceptional Pho and Banh Mi
- Outstanding Value
- Friendly, efficient service
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Inconsistent service
- Unkempt dining area
If you’re seeking flavorful Vietnamese cuisine at a compelling price point, Saigon Deli is certainly worth considering. Its strong performance in Food and Value makes it a solid choice for a casual meal.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a less polished dining environment. With a recommendation score of 7.3, it’s a place that delivers on its core offerings, but managing expectations for the overall experience is key.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Saigon Deli
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, earning a 7.1 score, indicating a good culinary experience. With 172 positive remarks out of 261 total, many customers rave about the delicious and fresh banh mi and pho, often praising the generous portions and authentic Vietnamese flavors. However, customer satisfaction sits at a 65.9%, a mixed bag, suggesting some areas for improvement.
Concerns include issues with broth depth, small portions, and occasionally soggy noodles or tough meat, leading to a less consistent experience for some diners.
Food
261
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
61
negative
28
neutral
172
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent Banh Mi
- Delicious Pho broth
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Small, meager portions
- Salty, oily broth
- Soggy noodles
Often praised
- foodI received only 150mL, which was just over half a cup. This visit was a significant disappointment compared to a previous experience where the food was phenomenal, though the service was slow. Today's outcome was far from what we expected.
- banh miMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had an awesome banh mi, and the prices were good for the area. The spring rolls were also delicious.
- phoThe pho is unbeatable besting the dedicated Pho places
- brothMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around some of the best pho I've ever had. The noodles were extremely flavorful, and the broth was rich and complex. While the spring rolls were not good, the pho more than made up for it.
- Vietnamese foodThe food was outstanding, and the prices were fair. I believe this is probably the best Vietnamese food on the Ave.
- bahn mibest bahn mi’s in the university district
- spring rollsMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly satisfying. I consistently order the curry chicken and rice and the spring rolls. The Thai ice tea is absolutely the best I've ever had, and I have significant experience with it, having worked in a Thai restaurant for years.
- breadThe bread is amazingly crunchy and buttered
- noodlesThe noodles were so clean I didn’t see any starch
- portionsthe portions are the same as you'd get anywhere else
Frequently criticized
- brothThe broth was cloudy, salty and having a weird smell
- spring rollsThe noodles were extremely flavorful, and the broth was rich and complex. While the spring rolls were not good, the pho more than made up for it. The small pho was the perfect amount for one person.
- meatthe meat had already been cooked through the broth
- noodlesI ordered two large beef pho. The noodles were too thin to be good, and there were only about 5-6 slices of beef, which were overcooked. While the broth was super good and the basil and bean sprouts were fresh, the portion size and quality were not acceptable for $30, not including tip.
- phoIt tasted like beef bouillon or a Top Ramen packet
- spicy beef noodle soupWhat was most disappointing was the meager portion of fillings: only two small wontons, two pieces of imitation crab, and three pieces of shrimp, which felt lacking given the "wonton and seafood" advertised in the name. My friend's spicy beef noodle soup had a delicious broth but barely any noodles, making it more like a soup than a noodle soup. The banh mi was also very average.
- vermicelliI love vermicelli so much that I order it everywhere I travel, but I never expected to have such an unappetizing vermicelli in America. The egg noodles were not crispy, but soggy.
- Bun Bo HueThe Bun Bo Hue didnt come with vegetables or usual toppings
- Spicy Phospicy Pho was a bit too spicy
- Vietnamese coffeehow upsettingly little coffee I actually got
If you're craving excellent banh mi or a flavorful pho, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially given the good score. Just be aware that some dishes might have inconsistent portions or broth quality, so manage your expectations for certain items.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.5 with a customer satisfaction of 63.7%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and amazing service, often highlighting how fast orders are and appreciating the personal touch from the owner. With 51 positive remarks out of 80 total comments, there's a clear appreciation for quick meal turnarounds and helpful recommendations.
However, not everyone has had a smooth experience. About 28 comments point to occasional issues like waiting time and feeling that the place can be understaffed. Some describe the service as rude or disorganized, with instances of wrong food or forgotten items.
While the speed is often praised, there are also mentions of service being a bit slow at times, indicating some inconsistency.
Service
80
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
28
negative
1
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, fast staff
- Owner recognition
- Quick order turnaround
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Long waiting times
- Order errors
Often praised
- serviceVery kind, hospitable and efficient service
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe owner is very nice and friendly
- staffthe staff that I did interact with were very kind!
- customer servicedelivered excellent customer service!
- fastAffordable, fast, and delicious!
- packagingI enjoyed the great food and found the good prices to be a significant plus. Getting take out was a positive experience as it was quick and packaged nicely. I particularly enjoyed the Vietnamese Sandwich.
- take outI ordered to go since parking is limited
- amazing serviceI cannot thank you enough, Saigon Deli! I will be ordering through you from now on and telling everyone about this amazing service. Thank you, thank you!
- familyI love the family that runs this place
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe girl/student had EarPods the whole time. She didn’t take instructions well.
- customer servicedidn't have great customer service
- understaffedthe place being understaffed
- Servicewoman walked I in the back and was ready in a minute
- businessI am sad that the business has gone down hill.
- deliverywhen it got delivered
- experienceOne of worst experiences I had.
- forgotten iced teaForgot the ice tea
- hostcouldn't tell who the host was
- lazyit comes across as lazy
If youre looking for a quick meal and appreciate friendly, fast service, youll likely have a good experience here. Just be aware that service can be a bit inconsistent, so be prepared for potential minor hiccups during busier times.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many customers really appreciate the overall atmosphere, often describing it as having a lovely homey feel. The noise level is frequently noted as quiet and easy to talk in, and the cleanliness often gets an excellent rating. With 20 positive comments out of 32, the ambience scores a respectable 6.8, indicating a generally good experience.
However, it's not all sunshine and roses. Some folks found parking to be quite difficult, and there are concerns about a loud kitchen staff. Limited seating indoors and even a dirty seating area were also mentioned.
While the score is good, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 62.5%, reflecting these 8 negative points.
Ambience
32
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Quiet noise level
- Excellent cleanliness
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Loud kitchen staff
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere were also great
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- placeA hole in the wall type of place
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- cleanliness ratingtheir cleanliness rating is "excellent"
- family run restaurantsmall family run restaurant
- homey feelThe bread was fluffy and crunchy, and the broth was flavorful. The food was tasty, and the atmosphere had a homey feel. It offered good value for money.
- neighborhood placeNice neighborhood place.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- place to eatmakes for a quick, casual place to eat pho
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- kitchen staffthe kitchen staff are always shouting
- loud kitchenloud in the kitchen
- parkingI appreciated that I was able to request for sauce, which enhanced the dish. I opted for take out as parking is limited, making it a convenient choice for dinner. The price per person was between $20–30.
- seatingLimited seating indoors
- seating areaBoth soup dishes were savory, though my pho broth was overly seasoned. The overall experience was marked by disorganized service, a dirty seating area, and only decent food. I would likely not return and would prefer to try a new Vietnamese restaurant.
- supplies/food ingredientsplace had supplies/food ingredients sitting out everywhere
- tableAfter a 5-minute wait, we had to ask for assistance, and the host, who was conversing with a friend, then seated us. The table was dirty, requiring us to ask for a towel to clean it. I ordered the been pho, and my partner ordered their spicy noodle dish.
If youre looking for a cozy, clean spot with a good atmosphere and dont mind potential parking challenges, this place could be a nice fit. Just be prepared for a potentially loud kitchen or limited seating, especially during busy times.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines, boasting a 7.7 score and a solid 79.4% customer satisfaction! Many rave about the affordable and cheap prices, often highlighting the good value and inexpensive options. With 27 positive remarks, guests frequently mention getting great portions for their money, making it a go-to for budget-friendly meals.
However, not everyone agrees on the value, with 6 negative comments pointing to concerns about the price and feeling scamming in some instances. A few customers felt the amount or quality of food didnt justify the cost, citing issues like small portions for the price or unexpected charges that didnt match the menu. It seems consistency in pricing and portioning could use a look.
Value
34
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Price discrepancies
- Perceived overcharging
- Poor value
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the great food and found the good prices to be a significant plus. Getting take out was a positive experience as it was quick and packaged nicely.
- priceI discovered this place by having dinner with a friend, and it was soooo sooo good! The pho was amazing, and at a pretty good price as well. I've only been a few times, but I wish I could go more!
- affordableThe staff is very nice and helpful, offering great recommendations. I could write a whole other review dedicated to the Bahn mi; it is delicious and very affordable!
- valueoverall great value
- affordabilitySO AFFORDABLE!
- affordable Vietnamese platesgastronomic staple for affordable Vietnamese plates
- cheapA unique offering I discovered here, which I haven't seen at other Vietnamese sandwich places up north, is the option to add a fried egg to my Banh mi. These sandwiches are incredibly filling, essentially a whole meal, yet they're listed as appetizers on the menu and are absurdly cheap, hovering around the $5 mark. It's remarkable how they can satisfy you for such a low price.
- cheap and cheerful mealLove a good cheap and cheerful meal!
- costI tried the Bahn Mi and it was so good and inexpensive. The Pho had a wonderful broth and it was a large portion for the low cost. I was also impressed by how fast it came out; I was shocked at their speediness.
- decently pricedThis is an extremely nice family-owned restaurant! The banh-mi's are very yummy and decently priced. The bread is hard and crispy, so that may not be for everyone.
Frequently criticized
- pricecharge seven bucks for two tiny chicken spring rolls
- TotalTotal: $7.90
- scamminginstead of scamming
If youre looking for an affordable meal with generally good portions, this place is definitely worth checking out, especially for its often-praised "good value. " However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in pricing or portion sizes, as a few guests have noted some discrepancies. Overall, its a strong contender for budget-conscious diners.
How are the prices at Saigon Deli?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 73 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in this $11–$20 range, with a good number also opting for meals in the $1–$10 bracket, showing prices cluster nicely around the more affordable side.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering it’s a Vietnamese Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value, especially with many guests finding options in the more budget-friendly ranges.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Saigon Deli
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Tiny, Bland Spring Rolls for Too Much Money
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I found the spring rolls to be unbelievably small for the price, costing seven bucks for just two. To make matters worse, they were completely bland.
I would definitely skip them next time and regret coming here in the first place.
- spring rolls2
- price2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Savory Pho with Budget-Friendly Prices
My experience at this restaurant was primarily focused on their Pho with beef. The broth was notably savory with a pleasant amount of oil. I was impressed by the prices, which were the cheapest I've encountered at a pho establishment.
However, the dish only came with brisket slices, and I did miss the tendons and tripe. I requested extra Thai basil and unfortunately, it seemed I took the last portion. A positive note on the noodles: they were so clean that I didn't see any starch when I broke them apart, which is a great indicator of quality.
I ordered the large size, and while large pho portions usually overwhelm me, I managed to clean my bowl without feeling overly full. The amount was just right, though slightly smaller than I anticipated, but sufficient after a 6-mile run. I'm considering returning to try their banh mi, as the plate it's served on has a great vibe, and possibly their banh canh due to its irregular nature.
- broth8
- prices10
- brisket slices6
- tendons and tripe4
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Amazing Service Saved My Event!
This place went absolutely above and beyond today when I made an error in ordering for a student lunch event. I had put in the wrong day for my massive order of 34 sandwiches and somehow -- within half an hour! -- they were able to make the order and save the event!
I cannot thank you enough, Saigon Deli! I will be ordering through you from now on and telling everyone about this amazing service. Thank you, thank you!
- massive order10
- amazing service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Bahn Mi Haven with Legendary Spicy Tofu
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for their bahn mi. I also have to give a shout out to the spicy tofu with rice dish; I don't know the name, but it was legendarily good. The food here is a solid 5, and the service and atmosphere also received perfect scores of 5.
- bahn mi9
- spicy tofu with rice dish10
- food10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Affordable, Fast, Delicious Banh Mi!
This lovely lil hole in the wall place was my saving grace during grad school. It's affordable, fast, and delicious! I especially love their banh mi.
- banh mi10
- affordable9
- fast9
What Saigon Deli offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dietary options and meal types can you find at Saigon Deli?
Saigon Deli caters to various preferences, offering you healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options. You can enjoy small plates, quick bites, coffee, and full meals for lunch or dinner. It’s a versatile spot for a satisfying Vietnamese culinary experience.
What are the service and accessibility features at Saigon Deli in West Campus?
Saigon Deli offers you convenient dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with both an accessible entrance and seating. While street parking can sometimes be difficult in West Campus, free street parking is usually available for your visit.
How does Saigon Deli rate overall?
Saigon Deli holds a 7 out of 10, with 66.3% customer satisfaction. Its Food (7.1) and Value (7.7) are strong, while Ambience (6.8) and Service (6.5) are rated moderately.
What are the standout dishes at Saigon Deli?
Customers frequently praise the pho for its rich broth and the banh mi for its quality and crunchy bread. Many consider them among the best Vietnamese options in the area.
Are there any common issues at Saigon Deli?
Some patrons have noted challenges with parking and occasional inconsistencies in service. There have also been comments regarding the cleanliness of the dining area and specific food items like spring rolls.