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    Pho 79 Restaurant

    4.2 (3.9k reviews)
    ModerateVietnamese, Noodles

    Pho 79 Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    PHO 79 RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Pho 79 Restaurant

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    Vermicelli
    Samantha C.

    It's a James Beard Award restaurant for a reason. My go-to order items are the egg rolls and the pho dac biet. The egg roll is perfectly crunchy and the filling is extremely flavorful. One sip of the pho broth and you're transported to a magical place. So much flavor yet so balanced.

    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
    Mollie P.

    The best pho in OC hands down. Came in Sunday afternoon for lunch, lots of parking but busy! Be prepared for parking and maybe to wait. Put your name on the list hanging outside the door and they will call you when ready! We were sat almost immediately though. Inside is a large scale mom and pop shop that is FILLED with people and workers. We ordered a medium and large #23 pho and 2 waters, we got everything not even 5 minutes later. When I tell you this is the BEST broth I've ever had, it blew me away. I'm not one to usually order extra noodles but for this place I would order as many noodles until I ran out of broth, it is that good. Noodles were on the soggier side, I'm not picky about noodles but if you are then this is something to consider. Portions were huge for the price, very happy with that. CASH ONLY. I didn't see an ATM there but I'm sure they had one. Will always recommend and they have a new customer for whenever I'm in OC.

    Pho đặc biệt and oxtail
    Trinh T.

    I've always heard great things about Pho 79, and overall the experience was solid, but with one disappointing miss. The pho itself was really good. The broth had great depth of flavor, and the noodles were cooked perfectly, exactly what you want in a comforting bowl of pho. However, the oxtail I ordered didn't live up to the same standard. It tasted like it had been sitting for a while, dry, overcooked, and a bit mushy instead of tender and rich like you'd expect. It definitely took away from what could've been a great meal. I'd still come back for the pho, but I'd probably skip the oxtail next time.

    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!

    Inside
    Kunous K.

    They are moving!! Coincidentally came here for a take home order and found they are moving next week! After 44 years in the location and I am always a big fans in the last 15 years.

    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

    3 color drink/desert. I had better at Bamboo
    Tiff A.

    Super quick service and the broth was amazing. It's a small parking lot so good luck, and this place is cash only. This place is big enough to accommodate parties of ten and there's plenty of small tables. I wasn't impressed with the egg rolls. Overall, the pho was good!!!

    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!

    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!

    #107
    Ji K.

    This place is always busy, however the line usually moves pretty fast. Btw , it's CASH ONLY. I ordered the #107- crispy chicken with garlic butter sauce over rice and really enjoyed it. The chicken was crispy and flavorful. The portion was generous and everything tasted fresh. Service was quick and friendly. I'd definitely come back.

    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.

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    Page 2 of 98

    Pho 79 Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Pho 79 Restaurant

    Are they cash only?

    Yes. Cash only in 2026, IRS love it

    What does the "79 Super Bowl" consist of?

    Basically pho dac biet but supersized

    What time is oxtail available?

    Not sure but this location is permanently closed.

    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

    View All 49 Questions

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    Pho 79 Restaurant - vietnamese - Updated September 2026

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