A dressed up Vietnamese restaurant downtown
By Lauren Kalinowski
Edmonton’s Vietnamese food scene has always been impressive, with fantastic pho joints and banh mi shops on practically every corner. But if you’re looking for something that breaks the mold, XO Bistro + Bar deserves your immediate attention.
What makes XO special? While most Vietnamese spots in the city rock that quick-service, cafeteria-style setup (grab your own table, order by number, etc.), XO brings some serious style to the experience. Here, you’ll find a proper sit-down restaurant with atmosphere and flair that enhances your dining experience without sacrificing authenticity.
The moment you walk in, the party atmosphere hits you. A massive faux cherry blossom tree dominates half the room, bathed in pink fluorescent lights that give everything a fun, energetic glow. Early 2000s hip-hop and top forty classics pump through the speakers:Nelly Furtado, Ja Rule, Notorious B.I.G., and Daft Punk create the perfect nostalgic soundtrack.
On game days, you’ll find Oilers fans gathered around the bar, while they slurp their noodles. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend brunch or lunch when you’re looking for both great food and good energy.
I started with a small bowl of broth to sip on, a move I highly recommend. Then came the main event: Pho Tai with pork spring rolls. I’d call it “fancy pho.” The presentation includes sauce in a separate dish and ultra-fresh garnishes arranged beautifully on the plate. The vermicelli noodles have that perfect chewy texture, swimming in a rich, umami broth that somehow manages to be deeply flavorful without being too salty. The broth is consistently balanced whenever I’ve been here.
The Pork Spring Rolls ($5.50) deserve special mention, hot out of the fryer, perfectly crispy, and served with sweet tangy fish sauce. I ordered the regular size Pho Tai with just rare beef slices ($16.75), which was satisfying without being overwhelming. The meal is simple and dependable.
XO Bistro delivers everything I’ve tried with fresh ingredients and pretty plating. What might be interesting is XO experimenting with some more inventive dishes or uncommon Vietnamese offerings. They’re absolutely capable of more, the quality speaks for itself. I’d like them to stop playing it safe and introduce more Vietnamese cuisine to the city.
At $22.25 for lunch for one, XO offers gourmet pho at a reasonable price point. What I appreciate most about XO is that they’ve managed to dress things up without losing the soul of what makes Vietnamese food so wonderful. It’s still all about fresh ingredients and bold flavors, just in a setting where the experience feels special. I wasn’t feeling particularly adventurous with my order this time, but sometimes the classics done exceptionally well are all you need.
There’s a location in McTaggart if you’re on the Southside, with a similar feel. Both locations host late night party nights with inventive cocktails and DJs.
If you’re tired of the quick in & out experience but still craving those incredible Vietnamese flavors, XO hits that sweet spot between casual and upscale that’s hard to find in Edmonton’s Vietnamese restaurant scene.
XO Bistro + Bar
10236 103 St NW
Edmonton
xobistrobar.com
S-Th: 11:30AM to 9PM
F, S: 11:30AM to 12AM
S: 11:30AM to 8:30PM
Happy Hour Everyday: 3PM to 5PM
