Lai Rai

Very pleasant experience, with a lot of potential. The staff were incredibly friendly, the atmosphere was lovely. The food in general was good, but there are a few areas of improvement. Some dishes felt like they were missing something. A few dishes were on the dry side (likely intended to be served with saucier dishes) but because the plates were brought out when they were ready, there was long gaps between them, meaning they couldn’t be enjoyed together. With a little more attention to timing, this could be a fantastic spot.

An unforgettable experience! I tried a dish I’ve never seen anywhere else — creative, beautifully presented, and packed with bold flavors. This is not your typical Vietnamese spot — it’s a culinary adventure. Can’t wait to come back!😻😻🙌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Great new Vietnamese diner-style spot with a cool, unique menu! The vegan food was all excellent and the Papaya Jellyfish Salad and Coconut Mussels were a standout

probably one of the most exciting dining experiences I’ve had in London (and I’ve lived here most of my life). the creativity in their menu is something really special; the salads and vegetable dishes especially are a standout. these aren’t just sides - they’re packed with flavour, textures & thoughtful combinations I haven’t seen anywhere else in here in London. you can tell every dish is crafted with intention, from the bold seasoning to the playful plating. it’s fun, communal and warm <3 the vibe is also perfect! Whether you’re catching up with friends, going on a date, or just want to share great food in a lively yet intimate setting. (note for my fellow nut allergy sufferers: they were very accommodating so I enjoyed the true Vietnamese dishes as much as my friends did!) i enjoyed the PM menu & will definitely return for the banh mi during the day Lai Rai is a very rare gem - it’s magic and I highly recommend!

Authentic Vietnamese with a Playful Twist – Lai Rai is a Must-Visit! Tucked away on Rye Lane, Lai Rai offers a refreshingly modern take on Vietnamese cuisine while staying true to its bold, comforting roots. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is electric – a perfect blend of casual street-style charm and contemporary flair. The menu is small but sharp, focused on doing a few things really well. The green papaya salad was fresh and vibrant with just the right level of heat,The black sesame rice crackers with creamy dip and herbs were a surprising highlight, offering the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Cocktails at Lai Rai are where things get playful. The "Phở Please" – a whisky-based drink with phở-spiced syrup – was a standout, warming and aromatic with a clever nod to Vietnam’s most iconic dish. Pair it with a cold Saigon Special beer, and you’ve got a match made in heaven. Service was friendly and relaxed, making it feel like a hangout spot more than a formal dinner. It's clear that Lai Rai isn’t just about food – it’s about fun, flavor, and a fresh take on tradition. Verdict: Whether you're craving a taste of Vietnam or looking for somewhere new to gather with friends over drinks and shared plates, Lai Rai is an absolute gem. Come for the food, stay for the vibes.

Absolutely LOOOOVE. Two people dinner, satiated, satisfied, filled with surprises and joy. Amazing service, cute interior design brings me back to Childhood Asia. Nice music choice as well! - I adored the pork dish (dunno what’s called in full name) but basically smoky pork on a thin layer of coffee sauce. I was like: 😲 whaaat… you can do this? The coffee sauce was amazing, such good innovation right there. The level of smokiness was just perfect. Yum! - I loved the salad! Perfect spice level giving you the summer spirit-lift and zest. Great for a starter. - For dessert, highly recommend the fish sauce ice cream and cucumber sorbet. Fish sauce ice cream - never heard of this! You can make this flavour into ice cream?! And tasted soooo good! The cucumber sorbet is just so refreshing, perfect for summertime dessert. - Staff are super friendly and attentive. Perfect for a cute date of two / friends catch-up, they also have spaces upstairs so suitable for various occasions. Would definitely come back. Reasonable price point.

Amazing vibe with a modern twist on authentic Vietnamese cuisine! Tried their lunch menu and was impressed by the fresh ingredients and bold, creative flavors. Definitely coming back for dinner!

Visited this restaurant on a Friday night. When we arrived, it was fully booked, so we left our number with the hostess and went to a nearby pub to wait. After some time, we returned, only to find out they had tried to call us—but had taken our number down incorrectly. Fortunately, we were still able to get a table upstairs. We asked if there were any Vietnamese staff and were told that only the chef was Vietnamese. We ordered: Beef jerky Bánh tráng trộn Bánh đa quẹt (with chả cá Lã Vọng) The beef jerky was enjoyable—one of the few Vietnamese restaurants in London where I’ve seen it offered. The bánh tráng trộn was a little too wet, quite tangy, and the portion could have been more generous. The rice cracker dish was underwhelming and didn’t resemble anything I’ve encountered in Vietnam. Service-wise, the waiter came across as a bit pushy, trying to get us to order more food than we wanted, which took away from the relaxed dining experience. Areas for improvement: Staff could take a less forceful approach when recommending dishes. Portion sizes and quality could be improved, especially given the higher price point. It would be great to see more traditional Vietnamese options on the menu, such as fermented shrimp paste with rice crackers or ốc xào (stir-fried snails). For a place that’s intended to pair food with drinks, it also closes surprisingly early. That said, I really like the overall concept and the vibe of the restaurant. With a few adjustments, it could become a standout destination for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in London.