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    Pho 79 Restaurant

    4.2 (3.9k reviews)
    ModerateVietnamese, Noodles
    Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Pho 79 Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    PHO 79 RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Pho 79 Restaurant

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    Reviews With Photos

    Mario B.

    The Colitas oxtail is the best I've had. Period. The beef broth is rich and flavorful, service was excellent, and the whole experience was top notch. If you're in town, you need to try this place.

    Beef brisket pho, egg rolls and pork and shrimp spring rolls
    Luke R.

    There is a reason Pho 79 is a James Beard Award winner. The pho broth is incredibly flavorful, and they give you a really generous portion of brisket. You also can't go wrong with the egg rolls and the shrimp and pork spring rolls are absolutely worth ordering. Just keep in mind that it is a cash-only spot. The parking lot is pretty small, but you can easily find parking on the street if it's full. The 3 times I've been here the service is quick and friendly. A must-visit spot in Garden Grove!

    Pho Dac Biet
    Long T.

    Food okay. Service great. Cleaner than most pho restaurants nearby. Been here before and brought my girlfriend for her first visit. Not the biggest fan of the small, tight parking lot, but we got lucky and found a spot pretty quickly. We also managed to beat the lunch rush, since the line started stacking up right after we sat down. She ordered the Pho Tai and I got the Pho Dac Biet. For me, the broth is EVERYTHING, and while it was good, I have definitely had better. Overall, it is a solid spot, maybe a bit overhyped, but still worth trying at least once.

    Menu
    Quoc H.

    Parking: Small parking lot that was completely packed. You might need to wait for a parking spot while waiting for a table (WRITE YOUR NAME DOWN ON THE CLIP BOARD). Interior: Large inside with plenty of seating. Not that clean with sticky floors and tables. Workers are fast to for service as there is wait but it is a bit run down inside. Wait Time: 1-20min wait in line depending on group size and table available. Food comes quick ~10min or less. Items Order: 8/10 Pho Xe Lua $18.25 - LARGE BOWL by default as it is a combination of meats. Portion for protein is mid but items were cooked well. Noodle portion was quite large and I suggest ordering more meat on the side (usually order the OXTAIL ON THE SIDE but they ran out - go for lunch if you want to guarantee getting this). Noodles were also cooked al dente. Broth was flavorful but still average. 10/10 Cha Gio $9.75 - AMAZING but super small portion with only x3 pc. Their nuoc mam for this was very good!

    Medium #23 with flat noodles
    Olivia H.

    Pho 79 has the best pho in OC. The broth is absolutely incredible. It's a no frills restaurant that's CASH ONLY. There's a decent sized parking lot in the back, so I've never had trouble finding parking. The service is fast and efficient. They typically have your pho on the table for you within 5 minutes of ordering. I also love that they have 3 sizes of pho to choose from. I don't think it's advertised on the menu, but if you don't feel like having the thin vermicelli noodles, you can opt for the flat rice noodles instead. My go-to pho spot pho ever!

    Crispy Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce (TikTok: @justandyvu)
    Andy V.

    1. This spot is know for pho, but I always get the crispy chicken dish! This is only place I know that sells crispy dish with garlic butter sauce! 2. The spot has chill casual vibes! The interior is very open! 3. The staff were friendly and timely with our order! Pho came out first, and then the rice dishes! 4. There is only indoor seatings! There are a lot of tables! 5. Parking lot is small! Street parking is available nearby! Note: Cash Only! Photo: Crispy Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce

    Ground crab meat with tomatoes soup base.
    Mark L.

    I ordered the ground crab with tomatoes soup base. And it's legit! Adding the shrimp paste made it even tastier. The fried tofu was fresh. Ice coffee also excellent. Taste strong! Fried spring roll uses rice paper. Authentic. Service is great. The red bean drink was a little disappointed because the beans were overcooked, so it's very thick. I prefer beans to give some texture.

    Jacob B.

    Definitely still holds up to the award status these days! Stopped in on a busy, rainy saturday afternoon and had an overall good experience at what is now personal high ranking favorite pho restaurant. Food (4.5/5) - I really enjoy the broth the most here. You really taste the depth of the seasonings, the broth is so clear and light but flavorful with no usual overt "beefiness" or "sweetness" just right. The meat in the combo bowl i ordered was tender but a bit flavorless, even the fatty pieces. Veggies fresh as ever, just wish it had a bit more onion. No chili oil just sriracha and hoisin on the table (maybe i needed to request it?) Definitely worth the price, and optimal they have S/M/L sizing options. Service (4.5/5) got seated pretty fast starting 15th on a paper only waitlist, got our food pretty fast in a full restaurant, did have to wait a good while for to go containers but we were enjoying conversation regardless. however i do follow the common concern that being a cash only establishment can be a bit of a bother to most, especially if many people are waiting to pay. ambiance (4/5) nothing above and beyond, very staple OC viet restaurant in terms of location, decor, overall vibe. Simple table setups, notable flexed wall of many various well earned awardand recognitions is a nice unique touch. Clean for how much traffic it sees, parking was a nightmare here, however. Would absolutely go back!

    Crispy rolls
    Cristina C.

    What can I say that has not already been validated by the Michelin recognition and the James Beard award. The soup was incredible. The broth was perfectly balanced and carried both the beef and chicken pho beautifully. Every sip felt intentional and deeply flavorful. I sometimes go to pho spots and think maybe I just do not like pho. Then I come back here and realize the issue is not pho, it is the broth. Pho 79 truly sets the standard. Many places cannot replicate this level of depth and balance, and my palate is ruined in the best way possible. The crispy rolls were excellent and perfect for sharing at the table. While their pho is not vegan, it seems possible for a vegan diner to order vermicelli noodles without broth and add tofu. We did not order it, but I always keep an eye out for vegan friendly options for my partner. A heads up that Pho 79 is cash only, and you pay at the register. Do not make the same mistake we did and wait for someone to come by to collect payment. Overall, absolutely worth the hype and a place I will always return to.

    Dac biet
    Jaye H.

    Been coming here for over a decade... things have changed over the years, including the broth, but it's still better than most new spots. Kind of ridiculous how consistent this place hits. THIS IS THE PHO BOWL TO TRY. (Their other stuff equally delicious, too!) Got the Pho Dac Biet, the broth is still the reason you come here. It's that lighter southern-style broth -- super clean, super flavorful, sweet, not heavy or muddy. You get those small oil bubbles sitting on top doing just enough, not trying to coat your entire existence. All the meats were solid! Tender, flavorful and plentiful the majority of time here. The tendon especially -- straight up melt-in-your-mouth-every-single time! The consistency is ridiculous tbh. I get mine with a side of onions, sate, green onion oil (new?) and mixed with hoisin + sriracha as a dip. I keep the sauces separate from the pho bowl since I enjoy having different bites. Broth, without broth, spoon some sauce mixed with broth etc etc. Remember, there's no wrong way enjoy pho! Service is fast and friendly -- pho came out in under 2 minutes this visit. Sheeeesh, could barely check my phone and that piping hot bowl was already there. Everything just comes together -- simple, consistent, and done right. Dunno what else to say. Still the top pho in Little Saigon. No debate EZ. Pho 101 is their sister spot -- same quality, more customizable and takes card. The OG Pho 79 is still cash only I believe, so come prepared!

    Artemis K.

    The pho here is to die for!! The broth is sooo flavorful. I got the oxtail pho - the portion size was just right and they are super generous with all the toppings. The meat was tender and suuuuper savory. Servers are attentive and energetic. Cash only!

    Jamie W.

    Great price, great pho, no complaints. Our waters took 1 min after we ordered, and our soups maybe took another 5 minutes. Very impressive! We could tell this place was OG by the crowd and busy parking lot in the back of the shipping center. Tip: this is a CASH ONLY establishment, so come prepared. Good that they have a sign on the front door next to the written waiting list.

    Oxtail
    Cassie H.

    Unassuming, friendly and cash only, don't let this quaint pho restaurant fool you. We came around 8am on Sunday for breakfast and it was starting to get busy. The pho broth is flavorful and hearty, and they have all the correct Vietnamese herbal additions for your pho. The oxtail was tender and perfectly seasoned. The chicken was tender and juicy. The meatballs have cartilage but were enjoyable. Even the pho noodles bring their best game. It's easy to see why they have won so many accolades. Definitely a must if you're a pho fan in Orange County.

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    Page 1 of 97

    Pho 79 Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Pho 79 Restaurant

    Does Pho 79 use MSG in the pho broth and other foods?

    I believe so. It's where the flavor is... however it's not that strong.

    Are they on food delivery apps?

    No they are not. Reminder the restaurant is cash only!

    Is this place cash only?

    Yes.

    Do you serve any alcohol?

    Negative...just water, soft drinks in a can and other Vietnamese drinks.

    Can I order online or call to order and pick it up?

    U can order thru phone and pick it up

    Is there carry out service?

    Yes, order & pick up.

    This palce has been our go to for years. Did they cut back on portions? Last two times, less meat AND noodles. Stil hungry after ordering the Super 79 bowl?

    I agree, their portions have definitely gotten a lot smaller.

    Do they have chicken broth as an option for the pho?

    Yes! My daughter ordered it: https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=aAC9qivid5uzk5u7XrSDxA&userid=dbEyV0AsIBXUH-RRQDyRiQ

    Do they have a veggie option, couldn't find it on the menu?

    You'd be hard pressed to find something vegetarian here.

    Do you take credit card?

    No, cash only

    Do the do takeout?

    yes!

    Do you take reservations?

    No. First come first served. They have a sign in wait list. Worth the wait every time.

    Are the regular thin noodles fresh noodles also or is it just the fat wide noodles that are fresh?

    They are all fresh.

    If I order pho, can I take out the noodles and replace them with lettuce/veggies? I'm on low carb lifestyle.

    Not sure. But you could ask. Maybe just order soup?

    Are the noodle/soup bowls made of plastic or porcelain/ceramic?

    They are porcelain/ceramic!

    What time did they serve oxtail? Whenever I call and ask, they said they run out.

    Around 7am first come first serve

    Do they accept debit card?

    No, cash only

    How much do they charge for extra noodles? extra broth?

    Please oder the second bold...be a wonderful customer ☺️

    Can i dine in?

    Yes, they have dine in available

    As of Sept 17, are they open for In Door dining? Are their tables for 4 and do they have tables that seat 6?

    Yes

    View All 49 Questions

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    Loi's Kitchen - Must get! KHO ha gioi

    Loi's Kitchen

    4.6(609 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    I love a good Vietnamese place that not only gives you good portions but also great deals. They…read morecaught my eye a while ago and I saw they had the infamous Waterfall Chicken for only $10.99, a steal of a deal especially with tomato price & an egg. The chicken was crispy and the dipping sauce gave it that extra yummy goodness. The dish also came with a side of broth that had chicken bits in it, was nice to help digest your dish. I also loved that they gave you pickled veggies & fresh veggies. We also ordered the Loi's Fusion Saltado, upgraded the rice to garlic egg fried rice. The beef was soft and tender, the fries were nice and crispy and the fried rice was fresh. You 100% need to get the Thai Tea. A lot of place add too much cream/half and half diluting the tea flavor, they do not skimp on the actual tea in their drink. The color speaks for itself on the dark orange hue!

    Tried this spot after seeing an advertisement online for their fried chicken and rice plate. The…read morepromotion was only 11$ for a plate. The chicken was crispy just as expected. It also came with their dipping sauce, red rice and a fried egg. They also give you a side of broth. I was not a fan of their rice. Not sure if it was just that night or if it's how their rice is always cooked, but the rice was on the drier side so I had pour soup on my rice or else it was too dry. Service was okay. I would give them another try. Maybe for their noodle soup dishes.

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    Brodard Chateau

    3.9(2.8k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$
    Catering service
    Full bar

    Usually we would have to wait for a table but this time we were able to be seated right away…read more Must order is their Nam Neung Spring rolls. The sweetness of the grilled pork, the crispiness of the eggrolls wrapper bits, and the freshness of the vegetables pairs with the special sauce never fails to satisfy the craving. This time we tried their cheeseburger spring Roasted Duck spring rolls. I am not a duck fan so this was okay to me. The meat was well seasoned with the spices and the hoisin sauce was a nice balance. The crispy Vietnamese eggrolls were also a first and it was great! The meaty and crispiness of the eggrolls eaten like a lettuce wrap with the nuoc Cham sauce was delicious. This place always seems to be busy and rushed and can get a bit loud but the service is always great. They have a bar where you can grab some drinks while you wait. Their lychee martini is good. There is also a dessert display in the front where you check in which we haven't tried yet.

    We just placed an order for 40 nem nuong rolls with Kaitlyn for pickup later in the afternoon…read more Giving her a shoutout for the fast and friendly service. Our family orders nem nuong from this location every time we are in the area, to eat and to bring back home. The nem nuong here are always perfectly rolled and the crunch of the fried wonton strip inside makes it feels like party in your mouth! so good! Note: requesting to cut rolls in half costs extra. We prefer this location compare to the other one because it has faster service, quieter romantic atmosphere and polite attentive staff.

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    Mama Hieu's

    Mama Hieu's

    4.6(1.3k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    This place was amazing !!!…read more Listen to me y'all. You could smell this food from across the street on the corner. Now the parking is.. limited at best. When you see a parking spot open, you gotta jump in it fast like double Dutch with the jump rope. There is not a lot of seating so I would recommend to take your food to go. The ladies at the front were extremely nice in taking care of me! I needed 100 garlic chicken wings for my daughter's sixth birthday party and boy did they come in clutch. I also ordered a plate of the garlic noodles, and that almost went as fast as the chicken. I WILL be stopping by here at least once a month. If you're in the mood for some Vietnamese chicken wings, please come through and check this spot out!!!

    Visited today for the chicken wing box they have five different flavors. It's very good definitely…read morea must try if you're a fan of Vietnamese style fried chicken with the rice powder or a fan of chicken wings give it a shot. If you're in little Saigon, you won't be disappointed I was greeted by a friendly staff member who explained to me all the latest specials and the most popular flavors I like it when the staff is connected to the menu and what they do. Restaurant has sit down dining room not a lot of tables but enough for the space that they have place is clean with music in the dining room great little spot.

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    Pho 79 Restaurant - vietnamese - Updated June 2026

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