About
Welcome to Cong Tu Bot, a delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of Portland, Maine. With a prime location at 75 Washington Avenue, this Vietnamese haven is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors and textures of Vietnamese cuisine. From the moment you step in, you'll be captivated by the modern-industrial decor, adorned with lush greenery that provides a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The menu at Cong Tu Bot is a testament to the thoughtfulness and creativity of its chefs. Expect a diverse selection that brings together rich flavors in a way that feels both authentic and innovative. One standout dish is the iconic Pho, praised by patrons like Ella Batten, who described it as the best they’ve ever had, perfectly balanced and far from shy when it comes to spice. Another customer, aishwarya kumar, raved about the intricacies of flavors in the coconut milk curry and the delightful cabbage salad, which served as a refreshing counterpoint to the rich dishes.
Customer reviews highlight not just the incredible food but also the attentive and friendly service. Stephanie Holfus noted the warm environment, where even guests with special seating requests are accommodated, making every dining experience personal and enjoyable. The staff, as noted by Jason Covert, excels in creating an atmosphere that is both relaxed and engaging, enhancing the lively dining experience without being intrusive.
Seating at the bar offers a unique opportunity to watch the chefs in action, as they skillfully prepare your meal. If you lean towards a more traditional setting, requesting a table is welcomed. The buzz of the open kitchen adds a dynamic energy to the already vibrant space.
In summary, Cong Tu Bot is a must-visit for anyone craving a beautifully executed Vietnamese meal paired with a cozy yet stylish ambiance. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this restaurant promises to deliver bold flavors, friendly service, and an atmosphere that feels like home. Call them at (207) 805-1121 and prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary adventure that you won't soon forget!
“ Loved Cong Tu Bot! Seriously the best Pho Ive ever hadit was really well balanced. My husbands dish was super spicy but he liked it and appreciated that they werent shy with the spice. The inside is really cool with lots of plants, a really nice vibe! We sat at the bar and while it was cool to watch the chefs cook with the open kitchen I would have preferred a table. ”
“ Absolutely lovely restaurant. The food was spectacular and full of bright flavors. The staff was kind and attentive without being overbearing. The setting is a mix of open space and industrial modern design. Some clever little touches like the wooden boxes built to cover the overhead ducting make for a pleasant and interesting dining room. ”
“ Some of the best food Ive ever eaten. Every dish is thoughtfully put together and the flavors are just incredible. The cabbage salad was delightful and so refreshing, the stir fried rice noodles was spicy and full of complex flavors, the twicecooked eggplant was smoky and wonderful and finally the coconut milk curry with rice was a perfect final dish to finish off the meal. It felt like a hug in a bowl. ”
“ Didnt have to wait too long on a Sunday night. Great atmosphere, very accommodating for my Mom who wasnt quite comfortable at a high top. Great drinks, piping hot Chicken Pho. It was great! Walkable for the local neighborhood where we stayed at a VRBO. ”
“ We were a little unsure about this spot given some of the reviews, but we are glad we gave it a shot! TLDR of said reviews dont expect authenticity and dont get the pho Two of us shared 3 dishes and 2 serves of rice the eggplant and the shaken beef were both absolutely incredible! So. Much. Flavor. We also had the curried beans the chefs special which was a definite low point compared to the other two dishes. I was too excited for the beef dish to take a photo, but it was also beautifully presented. The portions were so that we didnt have any leftovers. We sat at the bar chefs counter and enjoyed watching them as they workedinteracted. Service was attentive and helpful! ”
“ You wouldnt know it was Vietnamese from the Brazilian music or American staff or hip decor or the dishes seem to be untraditional. Nevertheless, everything was delicious, even out of takeout containers which we ate from at the adjacent brewery where you can order when the restaurant doesnt have seating available. And that boozy beverage will come in handy to extinguish the on some of the dishes! ”
“ We had a delicious meal here. The standout dish was the curried beans limited availability but we also really enjoyed the generous serving of shrimp fried rice, and if softened eggplant texture isnt a problem for you, the eggplant is delicious. The wine list was great as well. Looking forward to coming back to Cong Tu Bot on our next Portland trip. ”
“ I mean... incredible, just knocks your socks off. Menu highlights were the Pho, the Shaken Beef, and the eggplant. Such a great atmosphere, and such friendly staff. An authentic and unique take on Vietnamese food. Best pho in New England. ”