Grain River Asian Bistro

Hidden away in a little shopping mall, with an unusual name, this Vietnamese bistro is super.
The atmosphere is calm and comfortable, the western style menu like the grilled salmon is good and presented well. The spring rolls are very good. Servers are thoughtful and attentive.
But the best is the Vietnamese specialty section of the menu.
Go eat there for lunch or dinner, just make sure your order includes what you won’t t find anywhere else in Tucson or Oro Valley- Great Vietnamese dishes, all served with an abundance of fresh herbs.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a limited review as I have only been here once and came for the Bahn Mi and was not disappointed. Overall, it was very good, not the best I have ever tasted, but near the top. Their bread was a quality French roll, the fillings were well balanced, and you could definitely taste the condiments. My only real negative is that the pricing is a bit high but in North Oro Valley there are no other options for Vietnamese cuisine. I look forward to coming again and trying the Bun Thit Nuong, another Viet favorite of mine.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

I'm Vietnamese, born and raised in the US, my parents immigrated to America in 1975. Trust me when I tell you that Grain River is 100% authentic Vietnamese food.

Once the dishes came out, I immediately noticed that it looked and smelled just like what my mom made for us when we were growing up.

We just moved to Tucson 2 months ago and have tried around 5 Vietnamese places so far. This one is far and away the most authentic. I may still visit several other places in the future, just to be thorough, but I also would be content to just eat here anytime I have the urge for great Vietnamese food and call it a day.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

healthy a nd delish

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Took the drive up here based on the suggestion of a friend, hoping it was worth the effort.
I’d say overall a mixed review.
We were greeted immediately with a smile, and offered to seat ourselves anywhere.
The restaurant was not very busy, so thankfully nice and quiet, with a comfy atmosphere.

We ordered a Shrimp Bánh Mí, and Mòn Xáo.

Sorry to say the Bánh Mí was not nearly as good as others in Tucson. While it was tasty and the shrimp were well cooked, the bread required a bit more toasting and it was lacking in sauce, so it was a tad dry.
On the very positive side the Mòn Xáo had everything going for it. A very tasty and bright sauce accompanied well cooked shrimp, pork, chicken, and veggies. It was the star of the meal. We noticed other diners ordering it, so I’m not surprised at its popularity.
While at first glance the menu prices seemed high, I’d say in today’s economy they’re about average, and the Mòn Xáo was plentiful.
In summary, I don’t know if I’d make the trip again just for this, but it would likely be a place to stop in again if I were passing by.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

Pho Dac Biet XL was absolutely filling. For 2 dollars more, you need to get XL and it’ll be big enough to share between 2 full grown adults!
It looked like they filled this large bowl with 1/2 noodles & 1/2 meat, then topped off the remaining space with broth. No room for beansprouts and other herbs you want to add cause it came so full! Flavor was good as well. Can’t wait to try their other dishes!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

We moved to Tucson serval years ago from the big city and we been hunting for a place that tasted like home (aka Southern Vietnam). This place came with an authentic tasted WITH AN AMAZING SERVICE. Open space atmosphere with tradition decoration with some modern elements. It smells nice and clean.

We ordered four dishes, along with Cafe Sua Da (if you know you know). Here is my taste on my own order.
1. Nem Nuong came with all the all the authentic vegetables and herb. It is supposed to have its own special sauce, other than fish sauce, but that’s me being picky.
2. Bun Bo Hue had a decent taste and came with a lot of meat. I made two meals out of this order.
3. Banh Mi Thit Nuong took me back to Saigon’s street food on the first bite. The homemade mayonese, pate, pickle radish/carrots, all of it! It beats Banhdicted (sorry not sorry).
4. When was the last time you ordered a Cafe Sua Da and it comes brewing on your table? If you says “Teaspoon” sorry that’s not Vietnamese coffee. Try this one out. THIS is what Vietnamese coffee is supposed to be.

Cons:
A little out of the way to be my regular daily spot. It will be a weekly thing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

W T F
S L O W AT MAKING FOOD ORDERS

Service: 1

Great food, great service! Will definitely become a regular here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Most authentic Vietnamese restaurant in the Tucson/Catalina foothills/Oro Valley areas.

Huge portions and great flavors!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Needed Pho to scratch the itch.... didn't disappoint! Great service, banging spring rolls, pho bomb!!! As I left, I stopped in the parking lot, looked around, and realized, the world was a better place.....

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had been wanting to try this restaurant for a while, we had dinner there last Sunday.
To start we ordered the Spring Rolls and they were very very tasty and a larger size than the ones we’ve had at other places. My husband had the Pho noodle soup with slices of beef, the small bowl is more than plenty for one person, I tasted the broth that IMO is the key component of the soup and it didn’t have the flavor of all the spices that are supposed to be used in it. It tasted just like plain broth with some salt.
I ordered the Pad Thai with chicken and it was a huge disappointment. I’ve had this dish in several Thai restaurants and I know how the sauce should taste. Here there was no hint of tamarind, fish sauce or cayenne in the noodles. The servings were very generous and prices are reasonable.
Service was good and I liked the setting. We might give it a second chance and order something different.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

I truly terrible experience. I ordered by phone for pick up. I asked for Chinese mustard and sweet sauce, which were forgotten. I asked that they not include plastic silverware, which they included, but most importantly, they included no Vietnamese sauce for the vermicelli salad. Instead, they gave me a giant container of soy sauce. The vermicelli salad is not edible with soy sauce. A total waste of money. The staff does not know what they’re doing. It was a Saturday night.

Great vietnamese food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5