Where to eat ethnic Cuisine in Bologna: Fratelli Vietnam

Cuisine: Vietnamese ethnic

Last visit: October 2025

My rating: 7/10

Address: Via Broccaindosso 69a

Phone: +39 051 4986953

Website: https://www.fratellivietnam.com/

Fratelli Vietnam is one of those restaurants that doesn’t rely on visual impact, but on the solidity of its cooking. The setting is bare, only slightly more curated than a takeaway pizzeria; one might ask for something more, but it ultimately works — this is an ethnic restaurant, and the priority lies in the flavors.

The offering is the classic repertoire of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, without fusion twists or attempts to overly Westernize the dishes; the menu is likely very close to what you’d find in a good mid-range restaurant in Hanoi.

The pho is prepared with a clean, well-extracted broth, not overly spiced, and balanced in a way that reveals a skilled hand in the kitchen. The fresh herbs — excellent, and served separately (Thai basil, mint, lime) — are a detail many places overlook, yet here they make a real difference.

The bún with grilled meat is also very good: a proper portion, meat marinated with care, and a combination of crunch and acidity that works without becoming heavy. The fried spring rolls are crisp and dry, with a flavorful filling that doesn’t drown in oil; the rice-paper rolls are a small luxury for their texture and their delicate, well-balanced flavors.

The shrimps braised in coconut sauce with leeks and scallions offer an unexpected flavor profile that easily outclasses most seafood restaurants in Italy (I can say that confidently — after the first serving, I ordered a second just to confirm my judgment).

Service is courteous and fast without feeling rushed, and prices are in line with the neighborhood — fair, especially considering the quality of the ingredients and the care in preparation. This is not a restaurant that seeks trends or aesthetics, but a reliable address for those who want Vietnamese cuisine that is sincere, understated, and well executed.

It is not a place for which I would recommend traveling across Bologna specifically, but if you are nearby and in the mood for something different, you will leave pleasantly surprised and satisfied.