Orange-and-white checkered floors, mustard-colored booths, and paper mâché flowers suspended from the ceiling—this Upper East Side spot is just plain charming. It’s the kind of place you want to drop in on a cold winter’s night to boost your mood but don’t let the whimsical vibe fool you, as the Vietnamese dishes are seriously good. The concise offerings range from rolls and appetizers to larger plates like shaking beef. Kick off a meal with a plate of crispy spring rolls filled with pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles before moving on to a Vietnamese crepe with pork belly and nuoc mam sauce. Of course, pho is a must and the “UES” bowl doesn’t disappoint with its complex 20-hour broth and meltingly tender five-spice smoked short rib.
