I've been here many times with Vietnamese friends as they insist that it's the best Pho in Tampa. It is the best Pho I have ever had, but they also have many other great choices such as Noodle Bowls and meat dishes. The decor is typical of an Asian restaurant. It has a very quiet and peaceful ambiance. The staff is very polite and knows the menu very well. As a big fan of Vietnamese food and based on the recommendations of Vietnamese friends I can recommend Saigon Bay to anyone having a craving for Pho or Vietnamese food.
(5)
Jenette S.
You are instantly greeted with a feeling of WOW! Where am I?! It was busy for lunch but we were seated quickly. It is a mom and pop feel restaurant and that's a good thing. They were already saying hello to us as we walked in and seated us in an area that, if no other tables were by you would have though a panda would walk up next to you. The decor is absolutely adorable! I love the bamboo feel and the little touches all around the dining room. We tried the hot tea and Vietnamese coffee. They were both very delightful. All of the meals came out looking so absolutely fresh and totally clean. You won't find that feeling at many other Vietnamese restaurants but that also hinders as you want some fat and gristle on your meat for that other bit of zest. Nevertheless, the food was very tasty and the pho broth was full and flavorful. The ambiance along with the service and yummy food will bring me back here as soon as I'm on that side of town again.
(4)
Elina L.
Thank you Yelp! I was craving some Vietnamese pho and wanted to try out a new place. There are few other restaurants that serve Vietnamese near by, but based on the reviews, I picked this one. As most local Asian restaurants in the area, it offers basic no frill decor, yet it was tasteful and clean. I was very happy to find Bobo Teas on the menu. Variety was outstanding! I settled on papaya and was not disappointed. Not sure why it had some whipped cream on it, sounds a little Americanized, but it was very tasty and even creamer when expected. I ordered pho soup. To my surprise, they brought we small dinner salad that came with it. It was fresh, crisp and had home-made ginger dressing. Very nice touch and was appreciated. My soup was good, can say that it stood out among local restaurants, but it was consistent and flavorful. This place is a definite keeper. Looking forward to coming back and exploring other dishes.
(4)
Benjamin H.
Still looking for good pho in Tampa and this is not it. Nice place. Not great. The pho needs a lot of help to taste even a little like real soup. Kinda tastes like they left out all the best parts.
(3)
Chrissy S.
They were just shut down a couple days ago by the state health dept for roach infestation.
(1)
Mark P.
Saigon Bay gets an Incomplete grade from me. I ordered my favorite Viet dish, bun bo nuong, took one bite of the meat and I had to spit it out. I don't know what kind of mystery meat it was but it wasn't like any kind of beef I've ever had. It had a strange texture and gaminess to it. I couldn't eat it. My server (owner?) suggested I get something else but I just couldn't. I paid for my drink and left to go elsewhere. That meal was a fail.
(1)
Pyra-Danny V.
Consistently good Vietnamese food--how consistent? I realized I've been checking this place out for TEN YEARS! Mind you this doesn't blow my mind away nor make me drool about it when I'm cuddling a pillow at night, but it's just good... consistent... Vietnamese food. The inside is pretty spacious with lots of bamboo decor and although I've never seen it totally filled up, there's normally a good number of patrons inside. JUST HOW GOOD FOOD? The Veggies accompanying our dishes (whether it was the Beef Combo Pho, Vermicelli Pork Noodle bowls, or even with the Rice) was crisp and fresh and the herb variety delivered a great range of flavors that paired well with the proteins. The Meats and even Pho broth were seasoned well allowing the original meat taste to still cut through. Not too much. Great portion size for the price. SERVICE AND TIMING Could both slightly use a little work but were not deal-breakers. Appetizer times have easily run into the main course and sometimes you can be left waiting longer than needed for the bill. The servers are rather stoic here but that's almost expected at most Asian restaurants.
(4)
Joseph A.
Sorry to say that I was disappointed. The spring rolls were full of noodles and has little flavor, the peanut sauce was watery and bland. The best vietnamese spring rolls can be found at the Cheesecake Factory! The special fried rice with pineapple and seafood has less then 6 pineapple cubes, 3 shrimp and a few pieces of last weeks squid. However the pho was good, I had the beef, it was better then most places. That's why I gave them 2 stars. The interior was ok as was the service.
(2)
Day W.
Tried the authentic family dishes; papaya salad $7, sweet and sour soup $17, ca kho to $14, and salty pork riblets $13. They would had been very good but all three were sweeter than they should be. The riblets tasted like they were made with sweet barbecue sauce. I'll have to ask them to make the dishes saltier next time. Very good service.
(3)
Jonathan S.
Spot on Vietnamese food, but chinese style dishes are more vegetable than protein. I'll stick with the Vietnamese Bun (rice vermicelli) make sure you ask for peanut sauce along with the fish sauce it comes with. Great place to go if you're in the university area.
(4)
Mona S.
Don't judge the book by its cover. In this case don't judge Saigon bay's signage. My relatives were visiting from Texas and we just had a long day at Busch Gardens. We just looked at the nearest place on yelp and Saigon Bay popped out. We drove and saw the place, we all thought it's like those hole in a wall dirty places but it was such a surprised when we got inside. Aside from looking decent, the food there were all tasty and delicious. The serving size will surely satisfy you. We loved their crab fried rice and seafood pineapple fried rice.
(5)
Jill Erin C.
So glad I searched on Yelp for a restaurant near our hotel. We chose it based on the reviews and I am so glad we did. The fresh rolls with peanut sauce were to die for, the seaweed salad was delicious, and my clear noodles were heavenly. My husband got the crispy fried noodles with shrimp and I couldn't keep my chopsticks out of his plate!
(5)
Ashley H.
This is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Tampa! I love the Pho here and the lunch specials are very affordable but also filling.
(5)
Mechell Y.
This is a great little spot. It is tranquil. She staff is fast and friendly. The menu is LARGE! There are tons of options for The vegetarians and the meat lovers. There are even multiple seafood (shrimp, fish and calamari) options. The portion sizes are perfect for the price you pay. My hubby and I will definitely be back!
(4)
Bianca G.
Visiting the area, I had a craving for some pho so I thought to check this place out. I had the chicken pho, and it was delicious! I wanted to try it since I've only ever had beef pho, but this didn't disappoint. The atmosphere is chill and awesome, and the interior of the restaurant is really nice. Additionally, the staff there is really nice too. I recommend this place for some good food :)
(5)
Brooke H.
Amazing tilapia fish special. Really healthy Amazing kimchi. The veggie steam dupling I wouldn't order again. The prices are amazing. 42 bucks got wine and beer, two appetizers and two special dinners. For ny this would have been at least $60 bucks.
(5)
Isabeau B.
What an amazing restaurant! My husband and I just got home from a month long trip abroad and, this Vietnamese food is and authentic and delicious as anything we had overseas. The service was fantastic, our drinks were never empty, the Thai tea was great and my husband just loved the Vietnamese coffee, the cocktails were perfect and at $3.95 an incredible deal. We had spring rolls and fresh rolls to start which were simply superb. My husband got the "H1" a noodle dish with squid, crab claws, shrimp, and pork which was just delicious and I had the beef curry which had just the right amount of heat and such great flavor. If you're looking for a great deal, amazing good, and good service do not pass up siagon bay while you're in Tampa.
(5)
Roberto T.
Best Pho I'm the world. Don't care If they happen to be in Tampa. Keep the service bad but great food. Everybody that left a bad review sucks more.
(5)
Brittany L.
Best Vietnamese place I've found so far in Florida! Good boba drinks! Very authentic! Best food ever I love it!!! It's about a mile from Busch gardens!
(5)
Jason C.
I can't speak to their other food, but their lunch specials are fantastic and delicious! They've changed it so you can order the lunch special any time now. I especially love the lemongrass chicken bun. Each special comes with a spring roll and salad. They have vegetarian options as well. They're always super quick and provide good service.
(5)
Dena P.
I'm really surprised how beautiful the interior is when I walked in. It was not what I was expecting from a traditional Vietnamese restaurant and I'm very pleased. The service was also on track and my cup was always filled. The food was also pretty good. I had nothing negative to say and actually will come here more often because its clean and also not crazy rushed like other places near by. They also have nice lunch specials if you're on a budget!
(4)
Radhika A.
Definitely by far my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the area. I always call in when I'm craving pho and they have it ready for me within 10 minutes. The food is delicious and their soup is always very hot even after my 15 minute drive home.
(5)
Andrew C.
I usually come here with my family. I usually get the bun thit nuong or the pork chop with broken rice. Those are the 2 best dishes there.
(4)
Melissa D.
Being a Viet student away from home, it's nice to have a Vietnamese restaurant nearby campus. Food is generally pretty good and the pricing is reasonable. Not to mention they provide USF discounts for students who show their IDs.
(4)
Krish K.
I often go to saigonbay on Fowler. Infact once in every week. Taste, quality and even quantity of food is good :) They always maintain the standards. They have very good staff. They are warm and friendly. Must go place if you like to try different from routine. I am glad I tried Saigonbay!! :)
(5)
Blue S.
Great food! I would highly recommend the tamarind beef and also the curry chicken! The cheese wontons were lovely. It's a great place to go with friends and share everything family style (although you don't have too)! Very quick service and attentive staff.
(5)
William J.
I love this place, the service is excellent and so is the food. I usually get the "b9" and a spring roll appetizer.
(5)
William F.
The pho was delicious and filling, and the price was a deal. Service was fast and our waiter was personable. Definitely worth trying
(5)
Hime U.
only the pried rice is good!
(3)
Elizabeth D.
My soup was ok did not hit the spot. I had to go to Pho Hoa the next day to satisfy my craving for spicy Vietnamese soup. The ambiance is a bit nicer than Pho Quyen across Fowler but the food left a little to be desired.
(3)
Steve E.
I'm very fond of spicy Vietnamese Pho soup, and I've been trying big bowls of the beef broth and rice noodles all around town in search of the subtle variations of this popular Asian street food. Saigon Bay was my latest stop, and this restaurant is located along Fowler Avenue just east of the USF campus. It's tucked into a strip mall across from the University Square Mall, and near the intersection of 22nd Street. From the outside, Saigon Bay looks like most other Asian restaurants with a big banner out front proclaiming daily lunch specials for $6.95. Inside, this place is decorated much nicer than many other Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese carry-out restaurants with a bamboo bar, soothing color scheme and authentic artwork. The place is large inside, but only a few tables were filled at lunchtime. The menu was extensive with several varieties of Pho as well as Spring rolls, Com Dia rice platters, vermicelli rice bowls, and a selection of chicken, beef, pork and seafood platters. Sadly they do not offer any Bahn Mi sandwiches. I ordered the soft-shell crab appetizer which was lightly breaded and served tempura-style with a spicy mayo dipping sauce. I also ordered my traditional bowl of Pho with slices of beef and beef meatballs amid the rice noodles, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and spicy beef broth. The crab was outstanding, and well worth a return trip. The Pho was good, though not as spicy and herbaceous as I typically enjoy. I think the Pho broth across the street at Pho Quyen is much better, and the broth at Saigon Deli on Waters is still the best in town. Still, this is a nice place, and worth a visit as you do your own sampling of Vietnamese food around the Tampa Bay area.
(3)
Annie N.
I've been here maybe 3-4x in the last 4 years I've been in FL and there wasn't really anything of significance that impressed me about the place. Food was pretty forgettable, not bad but not great. I did try a smoothie once and was disappointed and just gave it to my friend after a few sips. Some things that did jump out and stuck in my mind was that I thought decor of the place was kind of cute with the bamboo designs. I was also pleasantly surprised with a small complimentary salad when dining-in. The salad wasn't incredible or anything, just a nice gesture. It's been awhile, so I may give it a try again and see if I can get a refresher on their flavor if I happen to be in the area. I've tried Pho, Spring Rolls, and Bun Thit Nuong here.
(3)
Lan N.
Their food is very good. Nice setting and atmosphere. Good service, finally a vietnamese restaurant in Tampa that I can enjoy!
(5)
Norman M.
The decor is really nice which is the first thing that you'll notice when you walk in. It feels very "exotic" in there with all of the bamboos. Lots of Bamboos. The waitresses were cordial but I found it comical how she was like: "Hi, please sit here, what would you like the drink? ::hands you menu:: what would you like to order?" Whoa! Slow down! What's the rush?? Appetizer - We had their summer rolls (the white ones) which they call something else to separate themselves from the uniformity of the other Vietnamese establishments, unfortunately, i cant remember what they call it, so I'm going to stick with summer rolls. You could absolutely tell that they were old and had been made a few hours if not the day before. The ends of the rolls where it's folded over were stale, chewy, and dry. The "skin" was almost completely white and it did not have that stretch factor like fresh rolls do. They did not include pork like some other establishments, however the shrimp was of decent half dollar size. cut in half. Main Entree - My girlfriend had the Pho with everything. The Pho broth was really bland and the pho noodles were really starchy. The beef selection was not the traditional thin sliced beef, but rather thick and dry. The meatball (singular)... well, that's the same everywhere. The herbs that were provided were wilting and the jalapeno slices were dried out and looked like they've been sitting out for a while. She had to "add" her own flavoring which was the Rooster Sauce and Hoisin Sauce. I had the Vermicelli noodles with Pork and Fried Spring rolls. My presentation was a little bit better with the pork kabob-ed on 2 sticks. I'm used to the real pork chops sliced up so this was different. Once again, like my girlfriends noodles, these noodles were really starchy too. You could tell that they had been cooked way ahead of time. The Spring Roll (singular) was alright, but you could tell it was store bought. What really weirded me out was the pork. It didn't taste like regular pork. it almost tasted like a hot dog. It had a very bouncy consistency to it. It wasn't terrible, but it was a little offsetting. All in all, the service was attentive, though, a little rushed, and the owner was friendly. The food, well, I hate to say, tasted really cheap. My stomach felt really bloated after we left and I still feel a little bit bloated this morning. I know the economy sucks and that the customers might be coming in less, but please if you ever read this, don't cheap out on the customers that do come in.
(2)
jeff t.
From what I remember, it was a decent place. Kinda forgettable though to be completely honest. It doesn't compare to Pho Quyen food wise, but it was a nice place to eat out at. Venue was clean and service was great (Better than Pho's service). If you live around the USF area and want to eat Viet food, I guess this is the best place you got.
(2)
Callie S.
This place is good but why the three stars? I really do want to give two but I don't want to be harsh. This place is not consistent at all. I ordered beef lemon grass wrap the three times I came here. Each time the meat tasted different and the portions were not the same. First time it was great and was served on a plate. A gentleman served me and I specifically ordered with no cilantro and he did a great job. Second and third time an older woman served me and both times were served in a bowl. Third time she charged me for rice paper??? It is called beef lemon grass WRAP. Why on earth am I being charged for rice paper? I don't care about a couple of dollars. When I asked the waitress simply said it does not come with it. She brings me the menu and shows me "see it does not say it come with it" I told her the other two times I was not charged and that she should mention to all her customers because that's just weird. She did not care. I really doubt that I will be returning :/
(3)
Coty S.
After reading all of the rave reviews, I had to stop by and give Saigon Bay a try. The convenient location and menu options were enough to bring me in, even without any reviews. But, those menu items are not actually available to my surprise. The facilities and decor are nice enough, nothing particularly fancy about them. The waitress appeared to be rushed, even though there were only three tables of customers. They were sold out of Beef Stew with Baguette, Che Ba Mau, and any choice of Banh Mi. Sooooo... I ordered a rice plate with pork chops, it was just decent. I could have cooked something better at home. The chops were a thicker cut and still a little dry. The Pho lacked depth of flavor, and I even recognized the brand of bouillon cube used to create it. It was sad to see such wilted herbs and browned sprouts served on the side. There are many Vietnamese restaurants in Tampa worthy of trying, even on the same street as Saigon Bay. I recommend trying to somewhere else. I wish I did.
(2)
Thu T.
food is very good and the restaurant is clean. This is the best Vietnamese restaurant compare with the others. The reason I don't give 5 stars is because they are not hire someone to clean the toilet
(4)
Marianne C.
I got hooked on Vietnamese food when visiting my daughter in Washington DC where she introduced me to Pho. Ever since them whenever I am out of town I try to find a nearby Vietnamese restaurant. UNFORTUNATELY I like Pho so much that I have never tried anything else but because I have had it in so many different restaurants now I can call myself somewhat of an "expert" and honestly Saigon Bay Pho is one of THE best. I ate in once and took it for take out another and look forward to going back when I am in the area again.
(5)
Robin T.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! I've come here a million times and I always get the pho tai with meat on the side and no cilantro (if you like your meat on the rarer side, you should always get meat on the side for pho because then you can put the meat in yourself and it will be slightly rarer and it's cool to watch it cook in the broth!). Every time I come here, they know exactly what I want and remember my order and they are so nice here. The pho is pretty good -- one of the best in Tampa, though I do think that the broth is slightly better at Pho Quyen, and sometimes the noodles can be a bit clumpy. But I did not have very high expectations for pho restaurants when I first moved to Tampa from Philly, and this place has far exceeded my expectations! I wish this place existed in South Tampa (where I live) because pho is one of my favorite comfort/hangover foods, and every time I'm hungover on the weekend, I crave this place so much!! There's nothing like a nice, hot bowl of delicious noodles to ease away your pains from drinking too much the night before. I also tend to eat here every time I feel myself getting sick -- I'm not sure if there's any research or evidence to back it up, but I swear that pho fights away the common cold! The inside of this place is super cute and has a great atmosphere. Pho tai is one of my favorite dishes, so I rarely ever stray away from that order, but I've come numerous times with friends and other people, and they all seem to really like their dishes. Great lunch specials!!
(4)
Cheryl L.
My first experience with authentic Vietnamese food aside from Pho. This place has a beautiful interior. The service is very good, and the food is even better. The prices are excellent, ranging from $8 - $12. I ordered a lunch special, and it came with a spring roll, which was delicious. This is definitely a great place to go for a yummy lunch in Brandon.
(4)
Carlos H.
Maybe my best experience eating at a Vietnamese restaurant in Tampa. I didn't really order true Vietnamese food, I had their ~$5 Sweet & Sour Chicken Combo which came with spring rolls and rice, a good deal. I ate the chicken, but didn't really eat too much of the rice. The chicken was tender enough and the sauce tasted good. I also order some fresh rolls, which were great with some hoisin sauce. They apparently have bubble tea here, so I'll have to come back and try it sometime. The restaurant had a nice atmosphere to it and the smell wasn't strong like at Pho Quyen. They had some bamboo decorations and nicely colored walls. Service-wise the waiter was friendly and took good care of us.
Saigon Bay is an alright Vietnamese place. The food has its good and subpar days. Some days the ingredients are fresher so the food is better. I usually order a big noodle pho with spring rolls. Comes with a lot of food. My total is always around $10. The ambiance is okay as well. I frequently I there because it is convenient.
(3)
P A.
The best vietnamese restaurant so far in Tampa. But the price online doesn't match the real price!
(4)
Leslie F.
It was a very rainy summer afternoon and I had already driven to and from South Tampa twice as I had forgotten my house keys at my beau's apartment. I live on the opposite side of town-a good 30 minutes away. I was tired, frustrated to high heavens and was on the verge of a pounding stress headache. I needed some comfort food and I needed it fast! For most native "Tampans," food like chicken noodle soup, Mac n cheese and fried chicken would be the likely "pick-me-ups." Not I. For when I'm feeling down in the dumps, there is only one thing I crave: Vietnamese Pho. I've had Pho at many fine Tampa Vietnamese establishments but there happens to be a very good (and very cheap) option near USF, just 10 minutes from my home. I walked into Saigon Bay and wondered why on earth they were so slow. This place is awesome! I've truly never had a bad experience when I've dined here. Knowing exactly what I wanted, I placed my to-go order for the Beef combination Pho and threw in "fresh rolls" for an added palate perk. With a $2 tip for the to-go service, I spent under $15 on one HUGE bowl of Pho and 2 shrimp stuffed fresh rolls. When I got home, my belly was aching for comfort from the steamy hot soup. I poured half of the broth into one of my medium-sized mixing bowls and then added the meat- only using half of the generous portion of medium rare beef slices and meatballs. I topped it off with the traditional pho ingredients that Saigon Bay had so nicely packaged separately. Bean sprouts, jalapenos, cilantro, mint, glass noodles and even a bit of srriacha were added to the aromatic beef broth. With fork and spoon in hand, I devoured half of this fresh and healthy soup in no time. Four hours later, I indulged in finishing my comfort food favorite and ate the fresh rolls for dessert. No complaints Saigon Bay. No complaints at all.
(4)
Jinny T.
This is my favorite restaurant ever! The food quality and decor is amazing and this is truly a "fast food" place. The setting is not of a typical, standard Vietnamese restaurant with just tables and chairs. I have tried over half of their menu already and I can say they have a wide variety of dishes including vegetarian. The pricing is cheaper compared to other Vietnamese restaurants so a lot of USF students dine here. The servers are always experienced and attentive. I love their pho and their pork chops. Mmm! Make sure to order thai tea with boba and flaming banana! :) My boyfriend orders a restaurant speciality: extra spicy chicken fried rice with pineapple and chinese sausage. And I love tamarind shrimp (acquired taste!), bo luc lac, and sweet and sour squid.
(5)
Michael O.
I'm not a fan of photos soup but the charbroiled pork with white rice and spring roll. The meal was excellent, service was great, and service was top notch. I also tried the hot tea which had good flavor.
(5)
Angela A.
This is one of our favorite restaurants; not just Vietnamese restaurants, but restaurants over all. The staff is very courteous and efficient and the food is amazing. I am the very happiest when I'm eating a big bowl of pho, complete with fresh toppings and Scriracha! Yum. My sons always get other things on the menu and they've never been disappointed. There are never any leftovers! The spring rolls are some of the best I've had. I've never been disappointed. We go back again and again!
(4)
Chris K.
3.5 is what i'd actually give. Pho broth is not too sweet, could be a little (just a little) saltier. Sister complained of too much cilantro, but I thought it was fine. 2 for $3 fried spring rolls are okay (points lost here) - I've definitely had better, they lean taste-wise almost towards Chinese spring rolls, not what I ordered. Like most vietnamese restaurants, their service is pretty quick. Decor is bamboo-themed but is almost too much - on the walls, windows, seat dividers, tables, plants, then you start looking for stuff, like the chopsticks! I'd go again.
(3)
Tim C.
I am really worried that I cannot find a good Vietnamese restaurant like this after I leave Tampa.
(4)
Susie F.
Last time We come here for pho it was good but this time we try their sushi Everybody got really sick , Their sushi is a joke if you want some pho is a good choice but stay away their sushi
(1)
Rosy T.
Finally found a vietnamese restaurant close! my bf and i tried the Chicken pho, beef combo pho, papaya salad, taro milk tea, fresh roll. Their milk tea isn't that good, but their papaya salad is delish!
(4)
Shan H.
I was visiting friends in Tampa when we ended up at this place on a whim. I was pleasantly surprised. It's a quiet little place in a shopping center, service was nice and the menu is pretty big. I ended up ordering the Beef Congee and it was delicious, WAY bigger than I expected but i didn't mind at all especially for the price. You get a huge bowl of Congee which is essentially seasoned porridge with your meat choice inside with a side of what looks like a deep fried baguette with jalapenos on the side for you to add into your Congee at your leisure. Next time I'm in Tampa I will definitely making a stop here again.
(5)
Matthew E.
Saigon bay. Your fresh rolls are the best I have ever had! And your pho ga soup and chicken curry is to die for! I love how friendly and FAST your service is. Those fresh rolls come out in the blink of an eye. Delicious food I wonder why you guys are never busy!? You're a gem of Vietnamese food in Tampa. Prices are good too! Love it! I'm a regular with my mother and boyfriend.
(5)
Allyn M.
This place is totally unassuming, but great! Their restaurant is way bigger on the inside than you would think looking at it from the outside (a TARDIS restaurant if you will). The menu is extensive. We had two different types of spring rolls as appetizers and I had a meat pho that was great. My spouse had a seafood noodle dish that was great. Plus, two appetizers, a drink, and two entrees were $30 or so dollars, which was great for the amount of food you get.
(5)
Michelle B.
Great service and delicious food.
(4)
J A.
Had the papaya salad and the rice with grilled pork. I am delighted that this restaurant provides the option of brown rice! The unsweetened ice tea was sublime, and the food was excellent. I look forward to returning.
(4)
Becky S.
This place is GREAT! They serve delicious, traditional Vietnamese food. Today was my first visit but I'll definitely be back. The decor was adorable... bamboo along the walls and as a fence dividing the restaurant. Very clean. I wish I had taken a picture so you could see the inside. I ordered the Charbroiled pork on vermicelli. DELICIOUS!!! and it was a huge portion for $8!! The only reason i didn't give it a five-star rating is because i need to go back and try more items on the menu...
(4)
M. L.
The restaurant is embellished with bamboo, bamboo lights, bamboo wallpapers, and more bamboo that I'm surprised it's not named "Bamboo Bay" =p With the bamboo-fied interior design accent brings a calming and warm atmosphere to the restaurant. (Finally, no random year-round Christmas lights! Hehe.)Tables are clean, spacious, servers are prompt, menu has a wide selection to choose from with a reasonable price but a tad bit more expensive compared to your typical Vietnamese restaurant. Starters is the complimentary salad with "Thai" peanut sauce. Random, yes. I shouldn't complain since it's "complimentary" but the portion size of the salad is quite small, no, ridiculously small! I was done in two bite, no lie! But the sauce made up for it, I suppose. Like others, I had their popular Charbroiled Pork w/ Vermicelli. The portion this time was finally plentiful. Unlike other Vietnamese restaurants, the pork were actually on skewers(thumbs up), laying across the bowl making it that much more appealing. The meat was perfectly grilled as it was not too dry or too juicy and the flavors were marinated well. After the first bite, I could tell the meat was made in a patty style then grilled because the meat would fall apart nicely in your mouth. Their fish sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste but still complimented the meat, veggies, and noodles well. They also had Grilled Squid on Vermicelli which is I would think is a wild dish but it wasn't as wild as I thought. Just like the Charbroiled Pork on Vermicelli but with squid instead ... However, they do offer other "interesting" dish that I'd like to try next time. Overall, great service, relaxing atmosphere, and good cookin' food. :)
(3)
Lauren C.
Really good Beef Pho and Fresh Rolls. Good customer service, too.
(3)
Josh K.
Most places are closed on July 4th and I don't blame them. Well, we were all glad to find that Saigon Bay remained open and there were plenty of people coming to enjoy the authentic Vietnamese dishes. We ordered the breast chicken noodle soup (pho), charbroiled pork & fried spring roll roll on rice, egg noddle with shrimp - crab claw - roast pork - squid, and iced coffee. Everything tasted good and the servers were very attentive. I saw on the menu that they have some specialties that I missed earlier: crispy rice crepe stuffed with bean sprout - seafood - meat, calamari stuffed with pork - chicken - vegetables - bean thread, beef wrapped in onion sliced beef marinated with lemongrass sauce. I will definitely come back to try these interesting dishes!
(4)
Ed C.
I was in Tampa for a weekend trip an was curious how Vietnamese pho here compared with west coast pho. Spring rolls were not great at all. The beef combination pho was subpar compared to price. Pretty spoiled with the Vietnamese restaurants in California and Reno, NV.
(2)
Wanda P.
My daughter and I have eaten there in the past. We went on 8/25 and this greeted us at the door. The restaurant was closed to protect health and safety!!! Won't ever go there again.
(1)
Timothy J.
Tried to find a good vietnamese place to eat. We tried this place since it was near USF campus. The actual restaurant is nestled in the back corner of the complex it is in. The decoration is nice and it's a fairly classy restaurant. The service was awesome. They checked up on us quite a bit and I never had to ask them to refill my water. I got the charbroiled pork chop with fried spring roll rice plate. It was just a typical vietnamese pork-chop, honestly nothing special for me. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely good and something I do recommend. The one thing that turned me off to it was that it was pretty expensive for just a typical vietnamese place. I paid $10 total for this rice-plate. I've had better pork-chops for less. I'll most likely try the pho next time and update this review when I do.
(3)
Kevin N.
I must say the smoothie is awesome but PHO isn't that good. BBH (Bún Bò Hu) is't great either. It must be the way they cut the beef. If your teeth isn't that good, don't try it. The beef was so big...
(3)
kelli h.
I travel all over the country for work and every city I find the Pho spots. Best in the whole country, Denver!! This spot is my favorite in Tampa. I've been to at least 6 so far in Tampa. Great service, Fresh, flavorful broth, and the shrimp spring rolls were great too. Worth the trip. Yum!
(4)
Samantha D.
This is an excellent place for good and reasonably priced food. Beef pho is enough for three. The broken rice is good. Rolls are good. Excellent service!
(5)
Cynthia G.
I have to give credit where credit is due. This Saigon Bay Vietnamese Restarant met my best expectations for me trying it out for the first time. I had quail...A plus is the rating from me. The quail was fresh, tasty, exquisite, and the skin was golden brown and crispy. Just like I like my chicken but this quail was better than chicken. I also had a dish with grilled shrimp noodles and a vegetable mix. It was delicious also. I was very well pleased with how inviting and friendly the staff was. They were all very friendly and kind. They answered all questions that I had without hesitation and was courteous while doing so. Kudos to you Saigon Bay! I would definitely recommend this restaurant to others with only great things to say! Keep up the great work and much more success to you!
(5)
Victoria B.
I've been coming to Saigon Bay since 2010 when my Vietnamese grandmother dragged me in and I've been returning since I enrolled at USF. The servers are polite and so sweet and the food is amazing. They have great options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. So if you're in the Tampa area definitely check it out.
(5)
Thuy H.
Ordered the hot and sour soup and it was super duper sour. There was a strong vinegar taste to it with large chucks of pineapple to give it sweetness and a tad bit tartness. I wasn't too impressed but it was unique tasting enough for me to continue eating it. My husband ordered the chicken combo plate and it was tender and pleasant tasting. It tasted more Chinese than it does Vietnamese. It was a step up from the last time we were here.
(3)
Tae J.
Pho and pork chop with 2 eggs.. and yeah fresh rolls.. so good.. plus vietnamese coffee!!
(4)
Lydia L.
love this restaurant! the employees are really friendly. the inside environment is warm and decorated nicely. you can feel the family owned restaurant vibe, its quite pleasant. their boba is really sweet, sweeter than other bobas i have tried so make sure to get some water as well to balance the taste. i have ordered their phö twice and the charbroiled pork once. i really love the portions of the meals! so much noodles and broth. not sure how to compare the taste to other phös ive had, i forget what they taste like. but id say its pretty good at saigon bay. the pork dish gave me 3 more meals when i took home the leftovers. i even got my sister addicted to this restaurant. she always gets the charbroiled beef (i think thats the name of hers lol). i will definitely visit this vietnamese restaurant for years to come. good people, good food, great prices!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Eric R.
I've been here many times with Vietnamese friends as they insist that it's the best Pho in Tampa. It is the best Pho I have ever had, but they also have many other great choices such as Noodle Bowls and meat dishes. The decor is typical of an Asian restaurant. It has a very quiet and peaceful ambiance. The staff is very polite and knows the menu very well. As a big fan of Vietnamese food and based on the recommendations of Vietnamese friends I can recommend Saigon Bay to anyone having a craving for Pho or Vietnamese food.
(5)Jenette S.
You are instantly greeted with a feeling of WOW! Where am I?! It was busy for lunch but we were seated quickly. It is a mom and pop feel restaurant and that's a good thing. They were already saying hello to us as we walked in and seated us in an area that, if no other tables were by you would have though a panda would walk up next to you. The decor is absolutely adorable! I love the bamboo feel and the little touches all around the dining room. We tried the hot tea and Vietnamese coffee. They were both very delightful. All of the meals came out looking so absolutely fresh and totally clean. You won't find that feeling at many other Vietnamese restaurants but that also hinders as you want some fat and gristle on your meat for that other bit of zest. Nevertheless, the food was very tasty and the pho broth was full and flavorful. The ambiance along with the service and yummy food will bring me back here as soon as I'm on that side of town again.
(4)Elina L.
Thank you Yelp! I was craving some Vietnamese pho and wanted to try out a new place. There are few other restaurants that serve Vietnamese near by, but based on the reviews, I picked this one. As most local Asian restaurants in the area, it offers basic no frill decor, yet it was tasteful and clean. I was very happy to find Bobo Teas on the menu. Variety was outstanding! I settled on papaya and was not disappointed. Not sure why it had some whipped cream on it, sounds a little Americanized, but it was very tasty and even creamer when expected. I ordered pho soup. To my surprise, they brought we small dinner salad that came with it. It was fresh, crisp and had home-made ginger dressing. Very nice touch and was appreciated. My soup was good, can say that it stood out among local restaurants, but it was consistent and flavorful. This place is a definite keeper. Looking forward to coming back and exploring other dishes.
(4)Benjamin H.
Still looking for good pho in Tampa and this is not it. Nice place. Not great. The pho needs a lot of help to taste even a little like real soup. Kinda tastes like they left out all the best parts.
(3)Chrissy S.
They were just shut down a couple days ago by the state health dept for roach infestation.
(1)Mark P.
Saigon Bay gets an Incomplete grade from me. I ordered my favorite Viet dish, bun bo nuong, took one bite of the meat and I had to spit it out. I don't know what kind of mystery meat it was but it wasn't like any kind of beef I've ever had. It had a strange texture and gaminess to it. I couldn't eat it. My server (owner?) suggested I get something else but I just couldn't. I paid for my drink and left to go elsewhere. That meal was a fail.
(1)Pyra-Danny V.
Consistently good Vietnamese food--how consistent? I realized I've been checking this place out for TEN YEARS! Mind you this doesn't blow my mind away nor make me drool about it when I'm cuddling a pillow at night, but it's just good... consistent... Vietnamese food. The inside is pretty spacious with lots of bamboo decor and although I've never seen it totally filled up, there's normally a good number of patrons inside. JUST HOW GOOD FOOD? The Veggies accompanying our dishes (whether it was the Beef Combo Pho, Vermicelli Pork Noodle bowls, or even with the Rice) was crisp and fresh and the herb variety delivered a great range of flavors that paired well with the proteins. The Meats and even Pho broth were seasoned well allowing the original meat taste to still cut through. Not too much. Great portion size for the price. SERVICE AND TIMING Could both slightly use a little work but were not deal-breakers. Appetizer times have easily run into the main course and sometimes you can be left waiting longer than needed for the bill. The servers are rather stoic here but that's almost expected at most Asian restaurants.
(4)Joseph A.
Sorry to say that I was disappointed. The spring rolls were full of noodles and has little flavor, the peanut sauce was watery and bland. The best vietnamese spring rolls can be found at the Cheesecake Factory! The special fried rice with pineapple and seafood has less then 6 pineapple cubes, 3 shrimp and a few pieces of last weeks squid. However the pho was good, I had the beef, it was better then most places. That's why I gave them 2 stars. The interior was ok as was the service.
(2)Day W.
Tried the authentic family dishes; papaya salad $7, sweet and sour soup $17, ca kho to $14, and salty pork riblets $13. They would had been very good but all three were sweeter than they should be. The riblets tasted like they were made with sweet barbecue sauce. I'll have to ask them to make the dishes saltier next time. Very good service.
(3)Jonathan S.
Spot on Vietnamese food, but chinese style dishes are more vegetable than protein. I'll stick with the Vietnamese Bun (rice vermicelli) make sure you ask for peanut sauce along with the fish sauce it comes with. Great place to go if you're in the university area.
(4)Mona S.
Don't judge the book by its cover. In this case don't judge Saigon bay's signage. My relatives were visiting from Texas and we just had a long day at Busch Gardens. We just looked at the nearest place on yelp and Saigon Bay popped out. We drove and saw the place, we all thought it's like those hole in a wall dirty places but it was such a surprised when we got inside. Aside from looking decent, the food there were all tasty and delicious. The serving size will surely satisfy you. We loved their crab fried rice and seafood pineapple fried rice.
(5)Jill Erin C.
So glad I searched on Yelp for a restaurant near our hotel. We chose it based on the reviews and I am so glad we did. The fresh rolls with peanut sauce were to die for, the seaweed salad was delicious, and my clear noodles were heavenly. My husband got the crispy fried noodles with shrimp and I couldn't keep my chopsticks out of his plate!
(5)Ashley H.
This is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Tampa! I love the Pho here and the lunch specials are very affordable but also filling.
(5)Mechell Y.
This is a great little spot. It is tranquil. She staff is fast and friendly. The menu is LARGE! There are tons of options for The vegetarians and the meat lovers. There are even multiple seafood (shrimp, fish and calamari) options. The portion sizes are perfect for the price you pay. My hubby and I will definitely be back!
(4)Bianca G.
Visiting the area, I had a craving for some pho so I thought to check this place out. I had the chicken pho, and it was delicious! I wanted to try it since I've only ever had beef pho, but this didn't disappoint. The atmosphere is chill and awesome, and the interior of the restaurant is really nice. Additionally, the staff there is really nice too. I recommend this place for some good food :)
(5)Brooke H.
Amazing tilapia fish special. Really healthy Amazing kimchi. The veggie steam dupling I wouldn't order again. The prices are amazing. 42 bucks got wine and beer, two appetizers and two special dinners. For ny this would have been at least $60 bucks.
(5)Isabeau B.
What an amazing restaurant! My husband and I just got home from a month long trip abroad and, this Vietnamese food is and authentic and delicious as anything we had overseas. The service was fantastic, our drinks were never empty, the Thai tea was great and my husband just loved the Vietnamese coffee, the cocktails were perfect and at $3.95 an incredible deal. We had spring rolls and fresh rolls to start which were simply superb. My husband got the "H1" a noodle dish with squid, crab claws, shrimp, and pork which was just delicious and I had the beef curry which had just the right amount of heat and such great flavor. If you're looking for a great deal, amazing good, and good service do not pass up siagon bay while you're in Tampa.
(5)Roberto T.
Best Pho I'm the world. Don't care If they happen to be in Tampa. Keep the service bad but great food. Everybody that left a bad review sucks more.
(5)Brittany L.
Best Vietnamese place I've found so far in Florida! Good boba drinks! Very authentic! Best food ever I love it!!! It's about a mile from Busch gardens!
(5)Jason C.
I can't speak to their other food, but their lunch specials are fantastic and delicious! They've changed it so you can order the lunch special any time now. I especially love the lemongrass chicken bun. Each special comes with a spring roll and salad. They have vegetarian options as well. They're always super quick and provide good service.
(5)Dena P.
I'm really surprised how beautiful the interior is when I walked in. It was not what I was expecting from a traditional Vietnamese restaurant and I'm very pleased. The service was also on track and my cup was always filled. The food was also pretty good. I had nothing negative to say and actually will come here more often because its clean and also not crazy rushed like other places near by. They also have nice lunch specials if you're on a budget!
(4)Radhika A.
Definitely by far my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the area. I always call in when I'm craving pho and they have it ready for me within 10 minutes. The food is delicious and their soup is always very hot even after my 15 minute drive home.
(5)Andrew C.
I usually come here with my family. I usually get the bun thit nuong or the pork chop with broken rice. Those are the 2 best dishes there.
(4)Melissa D.
Being a Viet student away from home, it's nice to have a Vietnamese restaurant nearby campus. Food is generally pretty good and the pricing is reasonable. Not to mention they provide USF discounts for students who show their IDs.
(4)Krish K.
I often go to saigonbay on Fowler. Infact once in every week. Taste, quality and even quantity of food is good :) They always maintain the standards. They have very good staff. They are warm and friendly. Must go place if you like to try different from routine. I am glad I tried Saigonbay!! :)
(5)Blue S.
Great food! I would highly recommend the tamarind beef and also the curry chicken! The cheese wontons were lovely. It's a great place to go with friends and share everything family style (although you don't have too)! Very quick service and attentive staff.
(5)William J.
I love this place, the service is excellent and so is the food. I usually get the "b9" and a spring roll appetizer.
(5)William F.
The pho was delicious and filling, and the price was a deal. Service was fast and our waiter was personable. Definitely worth trying
(5)Hime U.
only the pried rice is good!
(3)Elizabeth D.
My soup was ok did not hit the spot. I had to go to Pho Hoa the next day to satisfy my craving for spicy Vietnamese soup. The ambiance is a bit nicer than Pho Quyen across Fowler but the food left a little to be desired.
(3)Steve E.
I'm very fond of spicy Vietnamese Pho soup, and I've been trying big bowls of the beef broth and rice noodles all around town in search of the subtle variations of this popular Asian street food. Saigon Bay was my latest stop, and this restaurant is located along Fowler Avenue just east of the USF campus. It's tucked into a strip mall across from the University Square Mall, and near the intersection of 22nd Street. From the outside, Saigon Bay looks like most other Asian restaurants with a big banner out front proclaiming daily lunch specials for $6.95. Inside, this place is decorated much nicer than many other Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese carry-out restaurants with a bamboo bar, soothing color scheme and authentic artwork. The place is large inside, but only a few tables were filled at lunchtime. The menu was extensive with several varieties of Pho as well as Spring rolls, Com Dia rice platters, vermicelli rice bowls, and a selection of chicken, beef, pork and seafood platters. Sadly they do not offer any Bahn Mi sandwiches. I ordered the soft-shell crab appetizer which was lightly breaded and served tempura-style with a spicy mayo dipping sauce. I also ordered my traditional bowl of Pho with slices of beef and beef meatballs amid the rice noodles, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and spicy beef broth. The crab was outstanding, and well worth a return trip. The Pho was good, though not as spicy and herbaceous as I typically enjoy. I think the Pho broth across the street at Pho Quyen is much better, and the broth at Saigon Deli on Waters is still the best in town. Still, this is a nice place, and worth a visit as you do your own sampling of Vietnamese food around the Tampa Bay area.
(3)Annie N.
I've been here maybe 3-4x in the last 4 years I've been in FL and there wasn't really anything of significance that impressed me about the place. Food was pretty forgettable, not bad but not great. I did try a smoothie once and was disappointed and just gave it to my friend after a few sips. Some things that did jump out and stuck in my mind was that I thought decor of the place was kind of cute with the bamboo designs. I was also pleasantly surprised with a small complimentary salad when dining-in. The salad wasn't incredible or anything, just a nice gesture. It's been awhile, so I may give it a try again and see if I can get a refresher on their flavor if I happen to be in the area. I've tried Pho, Spring Rolls, and Bun Thit Nuong here.
(3)Lan N.
Their food is very good. Nice setting and atmosphere. Good service, finally a vietnamese restaurant in Tampa that I can enjoy!
(5)Norman M.
The decor is really nice which is the first thing that you'll notice when you walk in. It feels very "exotic" in there with all of the bamboos. Lots of Bamboos. The waitresses were cordial but I found it comical how she was like: "Hi, please sit here, what would you like the drink? ::hands you menu:: what would you like to order?" Whoa! Slow down! What's the rush?? Appetizer - We had their summer rolls (the white ones) which they call something else to separate themselves from the uniformity of the other Vietnamese establishments, unfortunately, i cant remember what they call it, so I'm going to stick with summer rolls. You could absolutely tell that they were old and had been made a few hours if not the day before. The ends of the rolls where it's folded over were stale, chewy, and dry. The "skin" was almost completely white and it did not have that stretch factor like fresh rolls do. They did not include pork like some other establishments, however the shrimp was of decent half dollar size. cut in half. Main Entree - My girlfriend had the Pho with everything. The Pho broth was really bland and the pho noodles were really starchy. The beef selection was not the traditional thin sliced beef, but rather thick and dry. The meatball (singular)... well, that's the same everywhere. The herbs that were provided were wilting and the jalapeno slices were dried out and looked like they've been sitting out for a while. She had to "add" her own flavoring which was the Rooster Sauce and Hoisin Sauce. I had the Vermicelli noodles with Pork and Fried Spring rolls. My presentation was a little bit better with the pork kabob-ed on 2 sticks. I'm used to the real pork chops sliced up so this was different. Once again, like my girlfriends noodles, these noodles were really starchy too. You could tell that they had been cooked way ahead of time. The Spring Roll (singular) was alright, but you could tell it was store bought. What really weirded me out was the pork. It didn't taste like regular pork. it almost tasted like a hot dog. It had a very bouncy consistency to it. It wasn't terrible, but it was a little offsetting. All in all, the service was attentive, though, a little rushed, and the owner was friendly. The food, well, I hate to say, tasted really cheap. My stomach felt really bloated after we left and I still feel a little bit bloated this morning. I know the economy sucks and that the customers might be coming in less, but please if you ever read this, don't cheap out on the customers that do come in.
(2)jeff t.
From what I remember, it was a decent place. Kinda forgettable though to be completely honest. It doesn't compare to Pho Quyen food wise, but it was a nice place to eat out at. Venue was clean and service was great (Better than Pho's service). If you live around the USF area and want to eat Viet food, I guess this is the best place you got.
(2)Callie S.
This place is good but why the three stars? I really do want to give two but I don't want to be harsh. This place is not consistent at all. I ordered beef lemon grass wrap the three times I came here. Each time the meat tasted different and the portions were not the same. First time it was great and was served on a plate. A gentleman served me and I specifically ordered with no cilantro and he did a great job. Second and third time an older woman served me and both times were served in a bowl. Third time she charged me for rice paper??? It is called beef lemon grass WRAP. Why on earth am I being charged for rice paper? I don't care about a couple of dollars. When I asked the waitress simply said it does not come with it. She brings me the menu and shows me "see it does not say it come with it" I told her the other two times I was not charged and that she should mention to all her customers because that's just weird. She did not care. I really doubt that I will be returning :/
(3)Coty S.
After reading all of the rave reviews, I had to stop by and give Saigon Bay a try. The convenient location and menu options were enough to bring me in, even without any reviews. But, those menu items are not actually available to my surprise. The facilities and decor are nice enough, nothing particularly fancy about them. The waitress appeared to be rushed, even though there were only three tables of customers. They were sold out of Beef Stew with Baguette, Che Ba Mau, and any choice of Banh Mi. Sooooo... I ordered a rice plate with pork chops, it was just decent. I could have cooked something better at home. The chops were a thicker cut and still a little dry. The Pho lacked depth of flavor, and I even recognized the brand of bouillon cube used to create it. It was sad to see such wilted herbs and browned sprouts served on the side. There are many Vietnamese restaurants in Tampa worthy of trying, even on the same street as Saigon Bay. I recommend trying to somewhere else. I wish I did.
(2)Thu T.
food is very good and the restaurant is clean. This is the best Vietnamese restaurant compare with the others. The reason I don't give 5 stars is because they are not hire someone to clean the toilet
(4)Marianne C.
I got hooked on Vietnamese food when visiting my daughter in Washington DC where she introduced me to Pho. Ever since them whenever I am out of town I try to find a nearby Vietnamese restaurant. UNFORTUNATELY I like Pho so much that I have never tried anything else but because I have had it in so many different restaurants now I can call myself somewhat of an "expert" and honestly Saigon Bay Pho is one of THE best. I ate in once and took it for take out another and look forward to going back when I am in the area again.
(5)Robin T.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! I've come here a million times and I always get the pho tai with meat on the side and no cilantro (if you like your meat on the rarer side, you should always get meat on the side for pho because then you can put the meat in yourself and it will be slightly rarer and it's cool to watch it cook in the broth!). Every time I come here, they know exactly what I want and remember my order and they are so nice here. The pho is pretty good -- one of the best in Tampa, though I do think that the broth is slightly better at Pho Quyen, and sometimes the noodles can be a bit clumpy. But I did not have very high expectations for pho restaurants when I first moved to Tampa from Philly, and this place has far exceeded my expectations! I wish this place existed in South Tampa (where I live) because pho is one of my favorite comfort/hangover foods, and every time I'm hungover on the weekend, I crave this place so much!! There's nothing like a nice, hot bowl of delicious noodles to ease away your pains from drinking too much the night before. I also tend to eat here every time I feel myself getting sick -- I'm not sure if there's any research or evidence to back it up, but I swear that pho fights away the common cold! The inside of this place is super cute and has a great atmosphere. Pho tai is one of my favorite dishes, so I rarely ever stray away from that order, but I've come numerous times with friends and other people, and they all seem to really like their dishes. Great lunch specials!!
(4)Cheryl L.
My first experience with authentic Vietnamese food aside from Pho. This place has a beautiful interior. The service is very good, and the food is even better. The prices are excellent, ranging from $8 - $12. I ordered a lunch special, and it came with a spring roll, which was delicious. This is definitely a great place to go for a yummy lunch in Brandon.
(4)Carlos H.
Maybe my best experience eating at a Vietnamese restaurant in Tampa. I didn't really order true Vietnamese food, I had their ~$5 Sweet & Sour Chicken Combo which came with spring rolls and rice, a good deal. I ate the chicken, but didn't really eat too much of the rice. The chicken was tender enough and the sauce tasted good. I also order some fresh rolls, which were great with some hoisin sauce. They apparently have bubble tea here, so I'll have to come back and try it sometime. The restaurant had a nice atmosphere to it and the smell wasn't strong like at Pho Quyen. They had some bamboo decorations and nicely colored walls. Service-wise the waiter was friendly and took good care of us.
(4)Rachel M.
I have had a kick for a while with Vietnamese food, so I wanted to try this place. What I liked the most from this place is the décor of cute little bamboo on the walls. They made it very nice. We ordered directly from the lunch menu which they have every day. It was only $6.95. I ordered noodles with chicken, and my husband had his sweet and sour chicken. I also had fresh spring rolls. I did not find it as tasty as other places which was a bit of a disappointment. Maybe was it because I ordered from the lunch menu. Not sure, but I am glad I tried it. It is quite nice inside.
(2)Grace E.
Saigon Bay is an alright Vietnamese place. The food has its good and subpar days. Some days the ingredients are fresher so the food is better. I usually order a big noodle pho with spring rolls. Comes with a lot of food. My total is always around $10. The ambiance is okay as well. I frequently I there because it is convenient.
(3)P A.
The best vietnamese restaurant so far in Tampa. But the price online doesn't match the real price!
(4)Leslie F.
It was a very rainy summer afternoon and I had already driven to and from South Tampa twice as I had forgotten my house keys at my beau's apartment. I live on the opposite side of town-a good 30 minutes away. I was tired, frustrated to high heavens and was on the verge of a pounding stress headache. I needed some comfort food and I needed it fast! For most native "Tampans," food like chicken noodle soup, Mac n cheese and fried chicken would be the likely "pick-me-ups." Not I. For when I'm feeling down in the dumps, there is only one thing I crave: Vietnamese Pho. I've had Pho at many fine Tampa Vietnamese establishments but there happens to be a very good (and very cheap) option near USF, just 10 minutes from my home. I walked into Saigon Bay and wondered why on earth they were so slow. This place is awesome! I've truly never had a bad experience when I've dined here. Knowing exactly what I wanted, I placed my to-go order for the Beef combination Pho and threw in "fresh rolls" for an added palate perk. With a $2 tip for the to-go service, I spent under $15 on one HUGE bowl of Pho and 2 shrimp stuffed fresh rolls. When I got home, my belly was aching for comfort from the steamy hot soup. I poured half of the broth into one of my medium-sized mixing bowls and then added the meat- only using half of the generous portion of medium rare beef slices and meatballs. I topped it off with the traditional pho ingredients that Saigon Bay had so nicely packaged separately. Bean sprouts, jalapenos, cilantro, mint, glass noodles and even a bit of srriacha were added to the aromatic beef broth. With fork and spoon in hand, I devoured half of this fresh and healthy soup in no time. Four hours later, I indulged in finishing my comfort food favorite and ate the fresh rolls for dessert. No complaints Saigon Bay. No complaints at all.
(4)Jinny T.
This is my favorite restaurant ever! The food quality and decor is amazing and this is truly a "fast food" place. The setting is not of a typical, standard Vietnamese restaurant with just tables and chairs. I have tried over half of their menu already and I can say they have a wide variety of dishes including vegetarian. The pricing is cheaper compared to other Vietnamese restaurants so a lot of USF students dine here. The servers are always experienced and attentive. I love their pho and their pork chops. Mmm! Make sure to order thai tea with boba and flaming banana! :) My boyfriend orders a restaurant speciality: extra spicy chicken fried rice with pineapple and chinese sausage. And I love tamarind shrimp (acquired taste!), bo luc lac, and sweet and sour squid.
(5)Michael O.
I'm not a fan of photos soup but the charbroiled pork with white rice and spring roll. The meal was excellent, service was great, and service was top notch. I also tried the hot tea which had good flavor.
(5)Angela A.
This is one of our favorite restaurants; not just Vietnamese restaurants, but restaurants over all. The staff is very courteous and efficient and the food is amazing. I am the very happiest when I'm eating a big bowl of pho, complete with fresh toppings and Scriracha! Yum. My sons always get other things on the menu and they've never been disappointed. There are never any leftovers! The spring rolls are some of the best I've had. I've never been disappointed. We go back again and again!
(4)Chris K.
3.5 is what i'd actually give. Pho broth is not too sweet, could be a little (just a little) saltier. Sister complained of too much cilantro, but I thought it was fine. 2 for $3 fried spring rolls are okay (points lost here) - I've definitely had better, they lean taste-wise almost towards Chinese spring rolls, not what I ordered. Like most vietnamese restaurants, their service is pretty quick. Decor is bamboo-themed but is almost too much - on the walls, windows, seat dividers, tables, plants, then you start looking for stuff, like the chopsticks! I'd go again.
(3)Tim C.
I am really worried that I cannot find a good Vietnamese restaurant like this after I leave Tampa.
(4)Susie F.
Last time We come here for pho it was good but this time we try their sushi Everybody got really sick , Their sushi is a joke if you want some pho is a good choice but stay away their sushi
(1)Rosy T.
Finally found a vietnamese restaurant close! my bf and i tried the Chicken pho, beef combo pho, papaya salad, taro milk tea, fresh roll. Their milk tea isn't that good, but their papaya salad is delish!
(4)Shan H.
I was visiting friends in Tampa when we ended up at this place on a whim. I was pleasantly surprised. It's a quiet little place in a shopping center, service was nice and the menu is pretty big. I ended up ordering the Beef Congee and it was delicious, WAY bigger than I expected but i didn't mind at all especially for the price. You get a huge bowl of Congee which is essentially seasoned porridge with your meat choice inside with a side of what looks like a deep fried baguette with jalapenos on the side for you to add into your Congee at your leisure. Next time I'm in Tampa I will definitely making a stop here again.
(5)Matthew E.
Saigon bay. Your fresh rolls are the best I have ever had! And your pho ga soup and chicken curry is to die for! I love how friendly and FAST your service is. Those fresh rolls come out in the blink of an eye. Delicious food I wonder why you guys are never busy!? You're a gem of Vietnamese food in Tampa. Prices are good too! Love it! I'm a regular with my mother and boyfriend.
(5)Allyn M.
This place is totally unassuming, but great! Their restaurant is way bigger on the inside than you would think looking at it from the outside (a TARDIS restaurant if you will). The menu is extensive. We had two different types of spring rolls as appetizers and I had a meat pho that was great. My spouse had a seafood noodle dish that was great. Plus, two appetizers, a drink, and two entrees were $30 or so dollars, which was great for the amount of food you get.
(5)Michelle B.
Great service and delicious food.
(4)J A.
Had the papaya salad and the rice with grilled pork. I am delighted that this restaurant provides the option of brown rice! The unsweetened ice tea was sublime, and the food was excellent. I look forward to returning.
(4)Becky S.
This place is GREAT! They serve delicious, traditional Vietnamese food. Today was my first visit but I'll definitely be back. The decor was adorable... bamboo along the walls and as a fence dividing the restaurant. Very clean. I wish I had taken a picture so you could see the inside. I ordered the Charbroiled pork on vermicelli. DELICIOUS!!! and it was a huge portion for $8!! The only reason i didn't give it a five-star rating is because i need to go back and try more items on the menu...
(4)M. L.
The restaurant is embellished with bamboo, bamboo lights, bamboo wallpapers, and more bamboo that I'm surprised it's not named "Bamboo Bay" =p With the bamboo-fied interior design accent brings a calming and warm atmosphere to the restaurant. (Finally, no random year-round Christmas lights! Hehe.)Tables are clean, spacious, servers are prompt, menu has a wide selection to choose from with a reasonable price but a tad bit more expensive compared to your typical Vietnamese restaurant. Starters is the complimentary salad with "Thai" peanut sauce. Random, yes. I shouldn't complain since it's "complimentary" but the portion size of the salad is quite small, no, ridiculously small! I was done in two bite, no lie! But the sauce made up for it, I suppose. Like others, I had their popular Charbroiled Pork w/ Vermicelli. The portion this time was finally plentiful. Unlike other Vietnamese restaurants, the pork were actually on skewers(thumbs up), laying across the bowl making it that much more appealing. The meat was perfectly grilled as it was not too dry or too juicy and the flavors were marinated well. After the first bite, I could tell the meat was made in a patty style then grilled because the meat would fall apart nicely in your mouth. Their fish sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste but still complimented the meat, veggies, and noodles well. They also had Grilled Squid on Vermicelli which is I would think is a wild dish but it wasn't as wild as I thought. Just like the Charbroiled Pork on Vermicelli but with squid instead ... However, they do offer other "interesting" dish that I'd like to try next time. Overall, great service, relaxing atmosphere, and good cookin' food. :)
(3)Lauren C.
Really good Beef Pho and Fresh Rolls. Good customer service, too.
(3)Josh K.
Most places are closed on July 4th and I don't blame them. Well, we were all glad to find that Saigon Bay remained open and there were plenty of people coming to enjoy the authentic Vietnamese dishes. We ordered the breast chicken noodle soup (pho), charbroiled pork & fried spring roll roll on rice, egg noddle with shrimp - crab claw - roast pork - squid, and iced coffee. Everything tasted good and the servers were very attentive. I saw on the menu that they have some specialties that I missed earlier: crispy rice crepe stuffed with bean sprout - seafood - meat, calamari stuffed with pork - chicken - vegetables - bean thread, beef wrapped in onion sliced beef marinated with lemongrass sauce. I will definitely come back to try these interesting dishes!
(4)Ed C.
I was in Tampa for a weekend trip an was curious how Vietnamese pho here compared with west coast pho. Spring rolls were not great at all. The beef combination pho was subpar compared to price. Pretty spoiled with the Vietnamese restaurants in California and Reno, NV.
(2)Wanda P.
My daughter and I have eaten there in the past. We went on 8/25 and this greeted us at the door. The restaurant was closed to protect health and safety!!! Won't ever go there again.
(1)Timothy J.
Tried to find a good vietnamese place to eat. We tried this place since it was near USF campus. The actual restaurant is nestled in the back corner of the complex it is in. The decoration is nice and it's a fairly classy restaurant. The service was awesome. They checked up on us quite a bit and I never had to ask them to refill my water. I got the charbroiled pork chop with fried spring roll rice plate. It was just a typical vietnamese pork-chop, honestly nothing special for me. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely good and something I do recommend. The one thing that turned me off to it was that it was pretty expensive for just a typical vietnamese place. I paid $10 total for this rice-plate. I've had better pork-chops for less. I'll most likely try the pho next time and update this review when I do.
(3)Kevin N.
I must say the smoothie is awesome but PHO isn't that good. BBH (Bún Bò Hu) is't great either. It must be the way they cut the beef. If your teeth isn't that good, don't try it. The beef was so big...
(3)kelli h.
I travel all over the country for work and every city I find the Pho spots. Best in the whole country, Denver!! This spot is my favorite in Tampa. I've been to at least 6 so far in Tampa. Great service, Fresh, flavorful broth, and the shrimp spring rolls were great too. Worth the trip. Yum!
(4)Samantha D.
This is an excellent place for good and reasonably priced food. Beef pho is enough for three. The broken rice is good. Rolls are good. Excellent service!
(5)Cynthia G.
I have to give credit where credit is due. This Saigon Bay Vietnamese Restarant met my best expectations for me trying it out for the first time. I had quail...A plus is the rating from me. The quail was fresh, tasty, exquisite, and the skin was golden brown and crispy. Just like I like my chicken but this quail was better than chicken. I also had a dish with grilled shrimp noodles and a vegetable mix. It was delicious also. I was very well pleased with how inviting and friendly the staff was. They were all very friendly and kind. They answered all questions that I had without hesitation and was courteous while doing so. Kudos to you Saigon Bay! I would definitely recommend this restaurant to others with only great things to say! Keep up the great work and much more success to you!
(5)Victoria B.
I've been coming to Saigon Bay since 2010 when my Vietnamese grandmother dragged me in and I've been returning since I enrolled at USF. The servers are polite and so sweet and the food is amazing. They have great options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. So if you're in the Tampa area definitely check it out.
(5)Thuy H.
Ordered the hot and sour soup and it was super duper sour. There was a strong vinegar taste to it with large chucks of pineapple to give it sweetness and a tad bit tartness. I wasn't too impressed but it was unique tasting enough for me to continue eating it. My husband ordered the chicken combo plate and it was tender and pleasant tasting. It tasted more Chinese than it does Vietnamese. It was a step up from the last time we were here.
(3)Tae J.
Pho and pork chop with 2 eggs.. and yeah fresh rolls.. so good.. plus vietnamese coffee!!
(4)Lydia L.
love this restaurant! the employees are really friendly. the inside environment is warm and decorated nicely. you can feel the family owned restaurant vibe, its quite pleasant. their boba is really sweet, sweeter than other bobas i have tried so make sure to get some water as well to balance the taste. i have ordered their phö twice and the charbroiled pork once. i really love the portions of the meals! so much noodles and broth. not sure how to compare the taste to other phös ive had, i forget what they taste like. but id say its pretty good at saigon bay. the pork dish gave me 3 more meals when i took home the leftovers. i even got my sister addicted to this restaurant. she always gets the charbroiled beef (i think thats the name of hers lol). i will definitely visit this vietnamese restaurant for years to come. good people, good food, great prices!
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