The new Bên Tre Vietnamese Homestyle Cuisine is almost here.
Owner Viet Linh Nguyen announced on Instagram that Bên Tre would be opening its third location in Lakeside Village in March. Plans for this project were first teased in May 2024, with several update posts being made throughout 2025 on social media. Nguyen told The Light that delays were due to PG&E timelines, and the crew is waiting on final building approvals and inspections.
“Opening a third location feels very personal to me,” Nguyen said, sharing that it was a long-time dream. “Each restaurant represents a different chapter of my journey, and this one is especially meaningful because it’s in the community where I live and raise my family.”
This new location joins two other locations, one in South San Francisco and the other in Millbrae. Nguyen is also the creator of the popular Gao Viet Kitchen, which has one location in Outer Sunset and one in San Mateo.
Upon entering the space, shown to The Light during the Bên Tre job fair on Feb. 27, patrons are greeted with a formal dining room with light grey wooden tabletops and dark brown chairs, golden-yellow booth seats, and wooden multi-tiered chandeliers.
There is also a full bar, which Nguyen said was a first for the brand, in the far right corner of the entrance and is decorated with black and light grey chairs, a floral backsplash on the bar-top, and a bank safe vault from previous tenants. Adjacent to the bar is a slate-blue colored booth, additional tables and chairs, and a glimpse into the kitchen through a large window that shows large stock pots and a tilt kettle.
Nguyen also said the space was designed as a tribute to the women in his life, including his mother, grandmother, aunt's sister, and wife, who shaped his love for food and hospitality.
“We built our life around this neighborhood, and my long-term goal has always been to create an anchor restaurant in the community I’m part of every day,” Nguyen said.
Patrons can expect the same consistency and flavors Bên Tre is known for, but in a more elevated space, Nguyen said. This includes their familiar menu along with special trays and family-style dinner options designed for sharing and gathering. Shift lead Jason Le also shared that it will be open until 10 p.m.
”Our neighborhood is eagerly anticipating the opening of Bên Tre Restaurant, and we can't wait to support this exciting new business,” Friends of Lakeside Village pioneer Kath Tsakalakis said.
