Our Story
For over 40 years, Pasteur (Formerly known as Simply Pasteur) has been a pillar of Vietnamese cuisine in Chicago, blending rich history with modern elegance. Founded in 1985 by Kim Nguyen, who was just 18 years old at the time, Pasteur began as a humble mom-and-pop restaurant serving the Vietnamese community in Uptown. Inspired by Pasteur Street in Saigon, known for its bustling food stalls, Kim set out to bring the authentic flavors of Vietnam to Chicago.
Through passion and resilience, Pasteur evolved—expanding its menu, overcoming challenges and relocating to Edgewater in 1996, where Kim transformed a leasing unit into a stunning colonial Vietnamese space. With its light-filled, romantic interior and beautiful garden patio, the restaurant transports guests to the tropical elegance of Vietnam, evoking the warmth and vibrancy of Kim’s childhood.
After a brief hiatus to raise her children, Kim reopened Pasteur in 2012, reintroducing her vision to a new generation. She remains at the heart of every detail—hand-selecting the freshest ingredients daily, perfecting signature dishes like Saigon Crepes, Whole Fresh-Cut Fish, and Filet Mignon, while tending to the restaurant’s lush garden where herbs are grown for the kitchen.
Today, as Pasteur celebrates its 41st anniversary, it continues to honor tradition while embracing the present, inviting both longtime patrons and new guests to experience the depth of Vietnamese flavors in a setting that feels like home.
Join us at Pasteur, where history, flavor, and hospitality come together in every dish.
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