Grain River Asian Bistro

Went here after work on a whim for take out. I didn’t have high hopes, but my partner was wanting to give it a try. Staff was nice, but asked how I wanted to pay before giving me my total. It was $41ish for 2 sandwiches, spring rolls, and a Vietnamese iced coffee. Kind of pricey, but I suppose that’s how it is now. We were told the food would be out in 15min, but it was closer to 25min. There weren’t a lot of people.

Off the bat, the iced coffee was not strong at all, and there was a lot of condensed milk at the bottom of the cup - too much for my taste. I was hoping for strong bitterness to be balanced by sweetness, but it was all sugar. But sure, I thought, maybe they just make it a little sweet. My banh mi was soggy on arrival, and with the vegetables separate. I’ve never had to assemble my own before, and I don’t see the point in giving the vegetables on the side if the sandwich is soggy already.

Also, our fried spring rolls were clearly frozen from a big restaurant supplier.

Not worth the price at all.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 3

This place has the best bahn mi I have had in a long time. The Vietnamese coffee is awesome too! It is on the expensive side but, well worth it. I wish I took pictures to post.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very busy and the service was not good..the young ladies were overwhelmed

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Understaffed

Got seated, never got a chance to order , waited over 10 mins and the server never came to take my order or even bring water

Lots of tables with people and with no food, not sure if they were waiting for food or also still waiting to order

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Best Pho in Catalina!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best Pho in Oro Valley. Staff is very nice.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic menu

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ordered to go at 6:25 and was told it would be ready at 6:55. We arrived at 6:55 and had to wait an additional 25 minutes for our order to be finished. Very unprofessional and no excuse for the delay.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Ordered take out. Told us 25 to 30 mins for order but it actually took one hour. After a long wait we got home and found out they made us the wrong dishes. Two G4 (Pork Chop) instead of two C4 (Chicken vermicelli). One the plus side the food was good, just didn't have an overall good experience.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

The Pho is delicious

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 3

Enjoyed a delicious appetizer and entrée here this afternoon. Dianna was so helpful and attentive. This was our first time trying Vietnamese cuisine. Highly recommend. Very clean and attractive decor.

Grain River Asian Bistro just blew every Vietnamese spot in the area out of the water. This place is the real deal—authentic, amazing, and honestly my new go-to when I’m craving something cozy and flavorful. The service was warm and attentive, and the pho… listen. It might just be the best pho in Tucson. The broth is rich, aromatic, and layered in a way that only true Vietnamese cooking can deliver.

I also love how many veggie-forward options they offer, making it super easy to dine here no matter your preferences. And the desserts? They carry several traditional Vietnamese sweets you rarely find in the States anymore—such a special treat and a total standout.

If you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine that actually hits, Grain River is it. A must-try.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent service and food. We came for the curry and stayed for all of the wonderful dishes. The pho is excellent. This trip I tried the pork and prawn soup. Serving size is very large. I was able to eat left overs for lunch the next day. Curry was creamy, flavorful with a hint of spice. It was amazing! Service was spot on and I was able to get a complimentary flan on my way home. Very enjoyable. Will come again soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is my favorite Phở shop since moving from NY. We have tried at least 5 others and the broth here has a rich, deep flavor, the beef is high quality. The owners are generous with herbs and this is the only one that has plentiful herbs in the summer rolls and served with the dishes that call for it. The Chả Giò (Vietnamese crispy spring rolls) are always crispy, nicely filled with great flavors - wrap them in the generous lettuce leaves they come with- you are in for a treat.

The Chạo Tôm (Sugarcane shrimp) may be the best I have had. The shrimp paste is mildly seasoned to allow the shrimp flavor to come through. Yum!

Búns are great and light. Remember these are mildly flavored and enhanced with whatever condiments you like from the table; hoisin, sriracha, etc as well as the dipping fish sauce served on the side.

Broken rice dishes come with those yummy egg cakes and shrimp cakes.

The specialty soups are rich and flavorful as well.

We have not tried the fusion dishes… why would I when the Vietnamese dishes are so yummy, though I would agree with other reviewers the Bahn mi’s are not as good here as the shops that only do Bahn Mi. I guess it’s on the menu like the fusion is- to please all paletes.

This is one restaurant I crave.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place. Great food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5