There isn’t much physical evidence that Arlington’s Little Saigon, a Vietnamese enclave in Clarendon, ever existed. But one remaining business, Nam-Viet Restaurant, is still dishing out savory sustenance, just as it has been for more than three decades, while continuing to impress a new generation of diners. Nam-Viet goes far beyond pho and fried rice, with fare like deep-fried pork belly that is so ideally seasoned, delightfully crispy, and lacking in grease that each meaty bite can stand on its own or be paired with the accompanying lemon-pepper sauce for an added zing.

We are the last remnant of the Little Saigon area,” Richard Nguyen says of the landmark Vietnamese restaurant his parents, Nguyen Van Thoi and chef Ngoc Anh Tran (known as “Mrs. Thoi”), opened in Clarendon in 1986—back when the neighborhood held a large concentration of refugees from war-torn Vietnam. “Our building still looks the same while everywhere around us has been upgraded,” he remarks. Most of the Vietnamese businesses that formed the fabric of Clarendon’s diaspora in the ’80s decamped to the Eden Center and Annandale as Arlington rents increased.

This Vietnamese mainstay was founded in 1986 by Nguyen Van Thoi, a former interpreter for the US Army, and his wife, Ngoc Thi Tran. Since Nguyen passed away in 2005, his son Richard has helped continue his legacy of crispy spring rolls and annual dinners for fellow prisoners of war (including the late John McCain). Richard has also started his own traditions, such as bringing meals—including “pad Thoi,” named after his father—to hospital workers and first responders every Christmas Eve.

There’s also Pho Cyclo on the corner of Gallows Road and Route 50 in Merrifield (same shopping center as Grevey’s), which serves merely ordinary Pho along with a full menu of other Vietnamese fare. I do, however, like the 3-wheeled bike in the front of Pho Cyclo, sort of a desperate attempt at motif in the midst of a dreary strip mall. What does an East Timorese taxi driver having just pedaled home from his morning shift have in common with John Holmes?

A long-time Arlington restaurant, Nam Viet in Clarendon is a community staple. This family-owned business is owned and operated by the Nguyen family, with matriarch Ngoc Anh Tran (also known as Mrs. Thoi) serving as the head chef joined by her son Richard Nguyen as the restaurant’s general manager. Their menu is expansive, with specials such as Can Tho Crispy Glazed Baby Back Ribs, a variety of appetizers, side dishes and much more.

Address: 1127 N Hudson St, Arlington, VA 22201Phone:+1 (703) 522-7110Website:namvietva.comDetails: $$, Vietnamese restaurant. Nam-Viet is a Vietnamese restaurant that has garnered high praise for its excellent staff, inviting atmosphere, and flavorful menu. Customers rave about the quality and taste of the food, with standout dishes like crispy spring rolls and Hoanh Thanh soup receiving special mention.

For more than 30 years, Nam-Viet Restaurant has been bringing the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine to the Arlington community. Their menu features a wide variety of classic dishes, including pho, fried rice, and noodle dishes, as well as a great selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, with a simple decor friendly atmosphere.

Nam-Viet Restaurant, a gem in Arlington’s dining world, stands out with its distinctive mix of traditional Vietnamese flavors and modern culinary takes. The restaurant’s decor offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, allowing the food to take center stage. Nam-Viet’s specialty dishes represent the richness of Vietnamese cuisine.

This family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Vietnamese dishes for decades, making it a beloved spot for pho, spring rolls, and other traditional delights.