You’ve probably seen the photos. Those vibrant, glowing plates of lemongrass sea bass or the famous "Smokin’ Duck" that looks like it belongs in a high-end art gallery rather than a dining table. Finding a seat at House of Ho restaurant London used to be the ultimate status symbol for Soho foodies, but as the scene shifts and the city moves toward 2026, the question remains: does it still hold up?
London's dining scene is brutal. One minute you're the "it" spot, and the next, you're just another facade on Percy Street that people walk past on their way to a pub.
Vietnamese cuisine often gets put into two boxes in this city. You either have the "Pho Mile" in Kingsland Road—rugged, authentic, and cheap—or you have the high-end, glossy interpretations found in Mayfair or Fitzrovia. House of Ho basically carved out a middle ground that felt luxury but didn't require a loan to pay for a side of morning glory. Honestly, it’s a weird spot to be in. People go there expecting traditional street food but get served contemporary fusion with a side of Soho glamour. It's confusing for some. For others, it’s exactly why they keep coming back.
The Reality of Dining at House of Ho
When you walk in, the vibe is immediate. It’s moody. It’s sleek. The original location was actually on Old Compton Street—a tiny, cramped town-house style spot that felt like a secret club. Then they moved to the much larger, multi-story Georgian townhouse on Percy Street in Fitzrovia. This move changed the soul of the place. Suddenly, there were white tablecloths, private dining rooms, and a sense of "fine dining" that wasn't there before.
The menu is a massive departure from your standard bowl of beef pho.
You’ve got things like the Chilean Sea Bass, which is marinated in plum soda. Yeah, plum soda. It sounds like a gimmick, right? But the acidity cuts through the oily fish in a way that actually makes sense. Then there’s the Shaking Beef, a classic Vietnamese dish (Bo Luc Lac) that they’ve elevated with premium cuts of steak. It’s tender. It’s charred. It’s also about three times the price of what you’d pay in a canteen-style joint in Hackney. Whether that's "worth it" depends entirely on if you're paying for the food or the lighting.
Why Everyone Obsesses Over the Smokin’ Duck
If you see someone holding a phone over their plate at House of Ho, they’re ordering the duck. It arrives under a glass cloche, swirling with jasmine smoke. When they lift the lid, the smell hits you before the visuals do. It’s theatrical.
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Is it the best duck in London? Maybe not. But it’s an experience.
The skin is usually rendered well—crispy but not glass-shattering—and the meat stays succulent. Most critics, like those from The Guardian or Time Out, have pointed out over the years that while the presentation is 10/10, the flavor profile is intentionally softened for a Western palate. It isn't the punch-you-in-the-face fermented funk of a traditional Hanoi kitchen. It’s polished. It’s safe. It’s delicious, but it won’t challenge you.
The Bobby Chinn Era vs. Now
You can't talk about House of Ho restaurant London without mentioning Bobby Chinn. He was the face of the brand, a celebrity chef known for his TV appearances and his somewhat wild persona. He brought a lot of "rockstar energy" to the kitchen. When he moved on, the restaurant had to find a new identity.
Some regulars say it lost its edge. Others argue it became more consistent.
The transition from a celebrity-driven "concept" to a stable Fitzrovia staple isn't easy. Many restaurants fold within eighteen months of their star chef leaving. House of Ho survived because the location is phenomenal and the "Executive Lunch" deals are actually a bit of a steal for the area. You can get a multi-course meal that looks like a million bucks for a fraction of the dinner price. It's a classic London hack.
What to Order (And What to Skip)
Don't just go for the most expensive thing on the menu. That's a rookie mistake.
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- The Summer Rolls: Honestly? They're fine. They are fresh and crunchy, but you've had them before. If you're looking for a "wow" factor, skip these and go for the crispy squid with chili and sea salt. It’s better.
- Matcha Fondant: This is the sleeper hit. Most people are too full for dessert, but the earthy bitterness of the matcha flowing out of a warm cake is better than the savory mains in some cases.
- The Cocktails: This is where they make their money. The Lychee Martinis are dangerous. They go down like water.
The "Soho vs. Fitzrovia" Dilemma
The move to Fitzrovia was a business move. It placed the restaurant closer to the advertising agencies of Charlotte Street and the media moguls who need a place to hide for a two-hour lunch.
The downside? It feels a bit more corporate now.
In the old Soho days, you might see a drag queen from a nearby club sitting next to a hedge fund manager. Now, it’s mostly the hedge fund managers. The energy is different. It’s "business chic" rather than "Bohemian Hanoi." If you want a loud, boisterous night out, this might feel a bit stiff. But if you want a place where you can actually hear your partner speak without shouting over a DJ, the Fitzrovia House of Ho is a massive upgrade.
Understanding the Price Point
Let's talk money.
Dining here isn't cheap. You’re looking at £60–£100 per person if you’re doing it properly with drinks. For some, that’s an outrage when a bowl of Pho is £12 elsewhere. But you aren't paying for the noodles. You're paying for the prime real estate, the service staff who know which wine pairs with lemongrass, and the fact that the bathroom probably has better wallpaper than your living room.
It’s a luxury interpretation. Like a leather jacket from a designer brand versus one from a vintage shop—they both do the same thing, but one feels "curated."
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How it Compares to Other Pan-Asian Spots
London is currently obsessed with "Elevated Asian" dining. You have Hakkasan for the high-end Cantonese vibe, Sexy Fish for the over-the-top party atmosphere, and Park Chinois for the 1930s Shanghai glamour.
House of Ho restaurant London sits in a smaller niche. It’s more understated than those giants. It doesn't have the "see and be seen" intensity of Mayfair, which is a relief for many. It’s a place for people who want high-quality food in a beautiful setting but don't want to feel like they're in a music video.
The Logistics: Booking and Dress Code
Planning to go? Don't just show up on a Thursday night.
- Bookings: They use standard online systems, but for the private rooms—which are actually some of the best in Central London for groups of 10–12—you need to call ahead. They have a room called "The Hanoi" that feels very colonial-era chic.
- Dress Code: They say "smart casual," but in London, that basically means "no gym wear." You’ll see people in suits and people in high-end streetwear. As long as you look like you tried, you’re fine.
- Best Time: Go for an early dinner around 6:00 PM if you want the room to be quiet and the service to be attentive. By 8:30 PM, the place is buzzing, and the kitchen can sometimes feel the pressure, leading to slightly longer wait times between courses.
Is it Actually "Authentic"?
This is a trap.
Authenticity is a moving target. If you’re looking for the exact flavor of a roadside stall in Ho Chi Minh City, you won’t find it here. The flavors are refined. The spice levels are dialed back. The ingredients are often sourced locally in the UK, which changes the profile.
However, if "authentic" means using Vietnamese techniques and flavor profiles—like the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and heat—then yes, they nail it. They use authentic fish sauces and herbs, but they present them in a way that fits a Western fine-dining structure. It’s an evolution, not a replica.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
To get the most out of your experience at House of Ho, keep these specific tips in mind:
- The Lunch Deal is King: If you’re on a budget but want the experience, the set lunch menu offers the best value-to-quality ratio in Fitzrovia.
- Ask About the Specials: The kitchen often experiments with seasonal seafood that isn't on the permanent menu. These are usually the freshest items available.
- Request the First Floor: If you want a view of the street and more natural light, ask for a table on the first floor rather than the ground level.
- The Signature Drink: Order the "Ho-jito." It’s their take on the classic, often infused with shiso leaf or ginger, and it pairs perfectly with the spicy appetizers.
- Check the Bill: Like most London spots, a 12.5% service charge is usually added automatically. The service is generally excellent, but it’s always good to be aware of the final tally before you tap your card.
Ultimately, this restaurant serves a specific purpose. It’s for the date night where you want to impress without being too "stiff." It’s for the business lunch where you need a bit of privacy and a lot of style. It’s a polished, glamorous version of Vietnam that fits perfectly into the London landscape. Whether it's "better" than a £10 bowl of Pho is a question of taste, but as a total experience, it remains one of the more consistent performers in the city's crowded food scene.