If you ever find yourself in Cresskill and want something to warm yourself up in this cold winter season, look no further than Saigon Bistro for a delicious bowl of Vietnamese pho. The restaurant, primarily serving southern Vietnamese food, opened in late October 2025 and “[took] over the space formerly occupied by Madison Cafe & Grill,” according to the web site Boozy Burbs. It has yet to draw big crowds, but the exceptional quality of food and service shows that this may soon change.  

Once you enter the restaurant, the workers greet you with a warm welcome. The place is cozy and clean, making it even easier to relax and enjoy the meal. You can view the displayed drinks from your seat, and there are multiple types of seating that you can choose from: high tables, cushioned seats, or the classic wooden chairs. Around the room, plants decorate the corners to give the restaurant an amiable atmosphere. 

One highlight from their menu is the spicy lemongrass noodle soup. This spicy and salty soup is perfect for filling your belly on a cold, windy day. The thin noodles and fresh herbs make each bite feel comforting, while the spice adds just enough kick to keep the dish exciting. The beef is not too chewy, and the vegetables are a perfect complement to the beef. 

Pho may be a generic dish, but Saigon Bistro’s pho stands out as one of the best. It’s classic, clean, and deeply flavorful. The silky noodles and the tender beef are a perfect complement to the deep broth. 

Another standout menu is the summer rolls, rice paper rolls full of vegetables and shrimp. However, the best part of the dish is the sauce. The nutty and salty flavor accompanied by the fresh taste of the raw vegetables and shrimp—it truly is amazing. This was my favorite appetizer, but if raw vegetables or seafood are not your favorites, I also recommend their spring rolls. The spring rolls are crunchy and savory, a fried layer with vegetable filling. 

Out of their drink options, my personal favorite is the Thai iced tea. It’s super sweet, creamy, and spiced, perfectly complementing the salty noodles. They also provide Vietnamese iced coffee and other exotic drinks containing mangosteen and lychee. 

Not only was the food impressive, the service was highly satisfactory. The food arrived promptly and the restaurant’s quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for students to dine in after a long day at school. It is also conveniently located close to Tenafly, so the restaurant is an ideal location for quick dinners or casual outings. 

If you are ever craving a hot bowl of soup or noodles, Saigon Bistro is the place for you. With up to five different types of pho, appetizers ranging from summer rolls to fried calamari, Vietnamese sandwiches, and more, it’s difficult to not find something for everyone.

Overall, Saigon Bistro is a promising addition to the local food line. The restaurant is a solid choice for anyone seeking quality food in a relaxed setting, and it’s also a great spot to visit with friends. During the cold winter season, make sure to give Saigon Bistro a try.