Up north in suburban Glenview, Buncha Hanoi dedicates itself to recipes from Vietnam’s capital. The namesake specialty, bún chả, was popularized several years ago by President Obama and Anthony Bourdain on Parts Unknown. It consists of multiple components: Grilled pork skewers and patties, rice vermicelli noodles, veggies, herbs, and a bowl of funky fish sauce to dip the ingredients in. The dish’s beautiful mélange of flavors and textures is worth a visit alone, but the menu also features items like phở and bánh mì. Online ordering is available here.

Arguably the city’s best phở is made in a nondescript strip mall restaurant on the far North Side . Pho Nam Lua (or Pho 5 Lua) is a favorite among Vietnamese expats and its namesake dish stands above other local offerings. A complex and aromatic broth is accompanied by add-ons like fatty beef, hunks of oxtail, tripe, meatballs, and more. Diners are also encouraged to garnish their bowls with as much basil, bean sprouts, and cilantro as they want. Online orders can be placed here.

Edgewater’s beautiful Vietnamese restaurant is inspired by French colonialism. Hanging chandeliers, leather banquettes, white tablecloths, and lush greenery create an air of European sophistication while guests are treated to dishes like claypot catfish, deep fried red snapper, and bánh xèo — Vietnamese stuffed crepes. Online ordering is available here.

Go beyond the usual lineup of bánh mì and phở at this no-frills spot in the West Argyle Street Historic District. Home-style recipes power the menu and there are options like rare beef salad, bún mắm (fermented fish noodle soup), and rice vermicelli noodles served with proteins and a funky fish sauce.

A relative newcomer to Argyle Street, Danang Kitchen specializes in the cuisine of Central Vietnam. Be sure to order the signature mì quảng, a popular dish consisting of rice noodles, pork belly, shrimp, quail eggs, and herbs in turmeric-infused broth. Cơm gà xối mỡ — five-spice crispy chicken served with turmeric rice, cucumbers, house pickles, and soy sauce — is another winner. The menu carries coffees, teas, and smoothies as well.

Carnivores will find a host of pleasures at Hai Yen. The signature bò nướng lá lốt is an appetizer of marinated grilled beef and pork wrapped in Hawaiian leaf. In addition, the restaurant offers bò 5 món — five courses of beef prepared multiple ways, including being cooked at the tableside. Online orders can be placed here.

The title of Chicago’s best phở varies from person to person, but this Argyle Street stalwart belongs in the discussion. The soup is lighter and sweeter than other versions and comes teeming with all of the standard fixins. Another standout is bánh xèo, crispy crepes stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Online orders can be placed here.

Heartwarming noodle soup is, predictably, the attraction at Pho Viet. The aromatic phở broth is simmered for 14 hours before meeting the bowl with rice noodles, meatballs, slices of beef, and the requisite add-ons. There’s a lot to try as the extensive menu also has sandwiches, congees, rice plates, stir-fried noodles, various meat and seafood entrees, and more. But no matter the choice, it’s sure to satisfy. Online orders can be placed here.

This new Lakeview restaurant is a revelation that explores the regional flavors of Ho Chi Minh City. The entire salad section is full of hits and includes seared duck and Bến Thành Market-inspired varieties. The phở features brisket and skirt steak, giving diners a luxurious combo of meats. One of the more interesting dishes is “Sun’s Rice,” a mélange of grilled pork, crispy egg, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. It’s lighter than it seems and packed with tons of flavor. The decor is also notable as it’s sleek, modern, and comfy enough for both date night or an early afternoon meal with family.

As the name suggests, this tiny restaurant-bodega hybrid puts a lot of attention on its phở. There are three exceptional versions: A beef-based phở bò filled with meatballs and sliced brisket and rib eye; a chicken noodle soup (phở gà) full of poached thigh meat; and a vegan phở chay that stars a vegetable broth. Owners Nathan Hoops and Anthony Ngo also whip up clever items like a spicy fried chicken banh mi and an Italian-beef-inspired Viet dip sandwich. If that’s not enough, there’s an assortment of fun Asian snacks to purchase too. Online ordering can be done here.

Sisters Mary Nguyen Aregoni and Theresa Nguyen started their business as a vendor at Chicago French Market before blossoming into a full-service restaurant just a few blocks away. The pair reimagine Vietnamese flavors through a modern lens, resulting in intriguing items like Sriracha wings, grilled baby octopus with squid ink rice, Vietnamese ramen, and bánh bao (steamed buns) filled with barbecue jackfruit. A third Saigon Sisters outpost is located in Streeterville. Online orders can be placed here.