Viet's Cafe (CLOSED)

305 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02476

While the Boston area has become home to some outstanding Vietnamese restaurants, many of them are tiny and have little atmosphere. Not so for Viet's Cafe, a top dining spot in a restaurant-rich town (Arlington). Viet's Cafe is a quiet, comfortable place with two big rooms, a friendly waitstaff, and some of the best Vietnamese food west of Boston.

Viet's Cafe has a menu that is almost frustratingly varied; indeed, there are so many delicious items served here that a combination plate would be a nice option on the menu. Standouts at Viet's Cafe include the tasty vermicelli dishes and the classic noodle soups. One other recommendation is the jasmine tea, a fragrant drink that soothes the stomach. If you have room for dessert, try the green tea or red bean ice cream, as both can help cool down your system if your main dish was a spicy one.

It must be noted that while Boston's Hidden Restaurants only reviews restaurants that it considers top quality, this writer has some particular favorites, and Viet's Cafe is surely one of these. And after talking about this restaurant with several Arlington locals, it appears that I am not the only one who feels this way. Whether you come for a Friday night date, a quiet midweek dinner, or a quick lunch, Viet's Cafe is one Boston-area restaurant that you will want to return to time and time again.