Folsom will soon welcome a new Vietnamese dining experience as Saigon Alley Kitchen and Bar prepares to open its doors at Broadstone Marketplace. The restaurant has been recruiting staff and putting the finishing touches to it 3,300-square-foot space at 2770 East Bidwell Street, formerly home to Noodles & Company, which recently closed its doors.
The restaurant concept offers a variety of “Vietnamese-inspired craft cocktails and tapas” designed to be “shared and enjoyed with friends and family,” according to its website. Saigon Alley first opened in Midtown Sacramento in 2020, followed by a second location in Natomas last year.
With two successful locations in the Sacramento region, Saigon Alley Kitchen and Bar brings a dining experience that blends traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern culinary creativity. The restaurant embraces Vietnam’s “an nhau” culture, which emphasizes the enjoyment of food and drinks in a lively, social atmosphere. Its menu features a diverse selection of small plates, grilled meats, fresh seafood, and fusion-inspired dishes, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate bold flavors and innovative cuisine.
Upon entering Saigon Alley locations, guests have menu that highlights both classic and contemporary Vietnamese-inspired fare at its existing locations that Folsom will follow similarly. Popular starters include fresh summer rolls filled with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a choice of protein, along with tofu spring rolls and crispy chicken egg rolls. The spicy parmesan edamame and papaya salad offer a zesty kick, while lettuce wraps provide a lighter yet flavorful option.
For heartier dishes, Saigon Alley features a variety of charbroiled meats, including its signature Vietnamese BBQ chicken, grilled pork chop, and tender short ribs, all marinated in a flavorful blend of spices. The menu also includes skewers of shrimp, beef wrapped in betel leaves, and grilled mackerel. A customer favorite is the Banh Mi tacos, a fusion of Vietnamese and Mexican flavors that incorporates the ingredients of a traditional Banh Mi sandwich in a taco shell. Seafood lovers can enjoy options such as salt and pepper shrimp, soft-shell crab, steamed shrimp, and baked dynamite mussels, all prepared with the restaurant’s signature fresh and bold flavors.
For those seeking a unique take on Vietnamese cuisine, the restaurant offers raw bar selections. Dishes like Bo Tai Chanh, a Vietnamese-style beef carpaccio garnished with fresh herbs and crushed peanuts, offer a bright and tangy balance of flavors. Similarly, the salmon and tuna carpaccio dishes provide a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth experience that pairs well with the restaurant’s extensive drink menu.
The bar program is a key part of the Saigon Alley experience, featuring Vietnamese-inspired craft cocktails that complement the food. Whether sipping on a house-infused creation or enjoying a classic cocktail with a modern twist, the drink menu enhances the lively atmosphere and social nature of the popular restaurants, according to their website. The combination of handcrafted beverages with the an nhau-style dining makes it a great spot for both casual outings and celebratory gatherings.
To round out the meal, guests can indulge in crispy delights such as taro fries, sweet potato fries, shrimp chips, and fried chicken dumplings. These shareable small plates encourage communal dining and an exploration of flavors. The company cites that every aspect of Saigon Alley’s menu is carefully curated to reflect Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage while incorporating contemporary elements that appeal to modern palates.
The restaurant group behind the Saigon Alley brand also operates several other restaurant brands, including omakase restaurant Okesutora, a noodle bar called SitLo Saigon, and a quick-service chicken-based concept known as Saigon 88.
The new Folsom location has yet to announce an official grand opening date, the restaurant is currently hiring for multiple positions in preparation for its launch. For more information and to take a look at their existing menus, hungry residents can visit www.saigonalley.com where updates on an official opening date will also become available.
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