We came on Sunday for an early dinner (5pm). No wait for a large table and there were quite a few four tops still available. Food wise leaned on the salty end. Otherwise the food was pretty good. We ordered: Tofu papaya salad - Sour, sweet and very fresh with Thai basil flavor. My favorite dish of the night Salt and pepper calamari - Calamari was not stir fried and not battered and was cooked perfectly, I wish this had a little more pepper flavor but still delicious Butter fried chicken wings - Also not battered, chicken wings were only salted on the outside. This was good but would not get this again as there was little to no butter flavor Seafood stir fry noodle - It is hard to screw up a chop suey type dish. Delicious Curry tofu - Surprisingly on the sweet side. Not my preferred flavor but if you like your curry not spicy, this is a good dish to try Salmon Vietnamese clay pot - I was expecting more out of this dish, it was predominately chucks of Salmon over onions. My toddler loved this Combination fried rice with pineapple - This was on the salty end but flavor was good and was a family favorite Service was hit and miss, when you had their attention it was great but difficult to get their attention at times. Overall would recommend if you were looking for a more upscale Vietnamese dining experience.
Overview
Kettles Vietnamese Bistro in Santa Rosa offers a vibrant culinary escape into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, with every dish showcasing the rich flavors and fresh ingredients that define this beloved cuisine. Located at 1202 W Steele Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, this cozy bistro has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Vietnam.
The first thing you notice when walking into Kettles Vietnamese Bistro is the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The modern yet rustic decor sets the tone for a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you're here for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, the ambiance invites you to settle in and savor every moment. The friendly staff adds to the experience, providing attentive service without being intrusive.
One of the standout features of Kettles Vietnamese Bistro is its menu, which offers a diverse range of traditional dishes with a modern twist. From the moment you browse through the menu, it's clear that the restaurant prides itself on quality and authenticity. Popular dishes like Pho, Banh Mi, and Goi Cuon (Vietnamese spring rolls) are expertly crafted, combining fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and savory proteins.
The Pho at Kettles is a must-try. The broth is rich and flavorful, with the perfect balance of spices that transport your taste buds straight to Vietnam. Whether you prefer it with tender slices of beef, chicken, or tofu, each bowl is made to order, ensuring that every bite is just as delicious as the last. Pair it with a side of crispy Banh Mi, and you’ll have a complete Vietnamese experience that hits all the right notes.
For those who enjoy lighter fare, the Goi Cuon (spring rolls) are a crowd favorite. Packed with shrimp, pork, or tofu, along with fresh herbs and rice noodles, these rolls are served with a side of peanut dipping sauce that adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang. The freshness of the ingredients truly shines through in this dish, making it a perfect starter or snack to enjoy with friends.
But what really sets Kettles Vietnamese Bistro apart from other local eateries is its dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The herbs are aromatic, the vegetables are crisp, and the proteins are tender and juicy. Even the rice noodles are cooked to perfection, ensuring the right texture in every dish. This focus on quality ingredients elevates every meal, making it clear that Kettles is committed to offering the best of Vietnamese cuisine.
Beyond the food, the restaurant's location in Santa Rosa offers the perfect backdrop for a casual yet satisfying dining experience. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite or planning to sit down for a more leisurely meal, the cozy bistro feels like a hidden gem in the heart of the city. The space is intimate enough to feel personal yet spacious enough to accommodate larger groups.
If you're visiting for the first time, it’s worth mentioning that Kettles Vietnamese Bistro has gained a strong following thanks to its consistency and attention to detail. Many customers rave about the friendly service, the comforting atmosphere, and, of course, the food. Online reviews highlight the pho as a standout dish, with numerous mentions of its rich flavor and balance. It's no surprise that the bistro has earned its reputation as one of the best places in town for Vietnamese cuisine.
In addition to the main menu, Kettles Vietnamese Bistro also offers a variety of specials that showcase seasonal ingredients and creative takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes. The bistro is always evolving, introducing new flavors and options for regular patrons to enjoy.
For those who live in or around Santa Rosa, visiting Kettles Vietnamese Bistro is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Whether you're seeking a hearty bowl of pho on a chilly day or craving a fresh and flavorful Banh Mi, this bistro delivers authentic Vietnamese flavors in a comfortable and inviting setting. Next time you're in the area, make sure to stop by and treat yourself to a culinary journey that you won't soon forget.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe space ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
I had not been to Kettles since I retired and was craving Vietnamese so came here for lunch. I appreciated that the noise level was quite low and the restaurant appeared very clean. The server was attentive, patient & friendly. We had the Mango Salad which was delicious- tasted so fresh with great flavor. The Orange Tofu was extremely sweet (which some may like)- I'd not order this again. My Vietnamese Coffee was nice and strong- a little pricey I thought at $7.75. All in all a good meal with kind service and a nice variety on their menu.
This might be the best pho broth I have tasted outside of Vietnam. It’s a very clean, delicate, and well balanced traditional pho broth. I tried both the chicken and beef. They’re 10/10! There are other dishes on the menu, some were fusion or modern Viet adaptation dishes. I prefer the traditional pho here. It’s a gem and worth trekking over 2 hours to get here. I’d highly recommend this restaurant for their Star dish-beef pho. The restaurant itself is very beautifully decorated. It’s inviting and definitely one of the most upscale Vietnamese restaurants out there. It’s comparable to Slanted Door, but has better, more authentic food.
Food was good specially their Korean Beef ribs which came with rice and a salad. It was tasty and soft to bite. There were a lot of dishes to choose from. The Pho Combi was also full of meat. The dessert: fried banana with vanilla ice cream was so good too. Price was okay. Servers were nice but not as attentive. Overall a good place to eat and have a drink specially after work.
Had the combo rice plate and everything was great! They even add some pickled veggies to the veggie part of the dish. The bun bo hue / beef noodle soup was also pretty good.
If I could give this place 10 stars I would. Service is outstanding. If only I could recall the two names of the staff that waited on me two different times. I believe their names were Lilay and Gabriel but I could be wrong, anywho… service was outstanding! The moment I walked in I was immediately greeted every time. I was always asked if I had any questions about the menu and was constantly checked on while dinning. Food was delish! I’ve had the pho and banh mi sandwich and both were delicious, portions were good and the flavors were even better. The restaurant is a big location with tons of seating indoors. The atmosphere is very chill and relaxing, you can stop by for lunch or dinner and have a very casual experience. Tons of parking in a private lot. If you’re in the area and looking for PHO I highly recommend Kettles. Enjoy!
Waaaay over exceeded our expectations! This is really delicious food!!! Super friendly people running it too!!! Can't wait to come back!