Awesome little nook off Market St with fantastic Pho in huge portions made with fresh ingredients for an insanely affordable price. My roommate and I stumbled upon this joint, absolutely famished one stormy winter day. It was seriously freezing outside to the point where we couldn't feel our fingers or toes and we were dying for something warm and tasty. Pho Cafe fulfilled all our fantasies and more, leaving us full with enough leftovers for another meal or so to come, and only having spent around $5-10 each. I ordered the chicken pho which came with chicken, broth, onions, chives(?) and a plate of fresh crunchy water things, jalapeños, basil, parsley and lime. It honestly reminded my California rooted Mexican food loving heart of a unique variation of fajitas in soup form. Gross it was not! The bowl was double the size of my head and big, flat bottomed spoons made it super easy to get a portion of each flavor in every bite/slurp/mouthful. My roommate got spring rolls which she said were delicious and packed with a nice variety of veggies. She also comes here a lot for their boba and says it's the best she's had in Wilmington - I'm not really a boba person so I can't vouch for that but take her word for it. They also have milk tea options. The parking lot and inside seating options are pretty limited here but they seem to do most their business in take out. It's conveniently located right in the middle of Market St, pretty close to the Target shopping center area. I would 100% recommend all Asian food lovers and newbies to that realm of food checking out this spot. It's good eating on a budget! read more

Pho Cafe - Pho & rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Let's just say I waited till the day after to leave this review as I wanted to see if the broth actually set up and congealed like it was made from actual bones, it did not. Coming from the DC area with Annandale and falls Church there is a huge Vietnamese and Korean food scene up there, also I have had the Good Fortune to travel extensively through Asia on numerous occasions having been to Vietnam on one of my travels. This is a horrible example of Vietnamese food and the owners have a bad attitude. Do not tip at the register as it is a order and then bus your own table type of place.. and the service is horrible to go along with their hacky sack make believe Vietnamese food which from what we tried was all a pathetic attempt at this cuisine. I ordered the bun bo hue and my kids got the pho, we ordered a few of the cha gio-- crispy rolls, and a special fried egg and rice cakes along with the ban xeo mini crepes... All of it was on the salty side suggesting as I confirmed that the broth is made from a powder and not real bones as there is no gelatin present in the little bit that we took to go so that I could check this out and leave this review... Let's just wrap up by saying this place is a joke the locals really don't have much taste as the other restaurants I've been hitting up while maybe not this egregiously bad and attempt at good tasting food but obviously the general public's pallet down here is ignorant, for this place to even exist with their current rating is an abomination. read more

Pho Cafe - The cold broth from the joke of a soup...pours like water... you've been warned. - Vietnamese Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

What happened to this place? THey were closed for a while, then they opened back up but no longer do take out? It only seats about 20 people so if you get there at the wrong time.....no food or wait an hour? Makes no sense. I am sad, it was my favorite Thursday stop on the way home. read more

I wanted to rate 1 out of 5 but I would feel bad the owner. When first came in the door, the front desk lady gave it all out, the way she talked and getting my order was extremely rude and made my friends and I want to leave already. Next of, what I got for the $10 rice special dish was a little and extremely dried ( felt like an old piece being cooked over and over again) piece of porkchop. Basically self-service because putting ours dishes away is mandatory there. Anyway, the front desk lady would bring alot of negative comments here read more

Pho Cafe - Rice Special - Vietnamese Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Great Ban Mi and sooo cheap! Definitely worth stopping by anytime in the area. Will be back for Pho and Boba sometime soon. Very small dining area and in a sketchy area. read more

Hands down some good food! There were 6 of us looking for an authentic spot to enjoy some Asian cuisine and this place didn't disappoint. Definitely a gem hole in the wall! Prices are amazing and more than reasonable for the amount of food you receive! Definitely will be returning when we're back in town!! read more

Pho Cafe - Avocado boba made with real avocado not powder! 10/10 - Vietnamese Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This is absolutely the best pho place in town, with broth far richer and more homemade tasting than Pho Basil. It's a cute tiny little place, so I'd say it's best for takeout. That said, as a regular customer, I was disappointed that they've stopped serving their chicken pho and now only serve chicken meatball pho. It's just not as good. :/ read more

This place has pretty good pho. It's perfect whenever you're craving noodle soup. I will admit it's a bit of a squeeze inside when busy and they don't offer takeout. Still a delicious spot to eat read more

This will become a new staple when coming up to Wilmington, love it. Great Pho, and atmosphere, love it.

Like many authentic ethnic places, this restaurant is inconspicuously located in a small plaza on market street. My first impression of this place reminds of similar restaurants in NYC or other bigger cities. A few things you want to know: 1. The space is extremely limited and crowded. If you care about spacious, comfortable seating, look elsewhere. 2. There are also no servers (who will constantly check on you to ask if you need anything ). You order at the counter (there will likely be a long line during lunch or dinner hours), take your number and seat yourself. You bus your own table and clean up when you finish. So it's more like a fast food place. 3. The food (pho or sandwich or anything on the menu) is among the best Vietnamese food you can find in Wilmington. I would recommend this place to anyone who loves the food more than the "dining envexperience." 4. The price is unbeatable. I mean for a bowl of vermicelli grilled pork is only 7.5. A fulfilling sandwich 3.25. You have a big stomach if you order these two and don't have leftovers.:) 12$ more than feed you one meal. 5. They have outdoor seating. On an less busy day/time, you can seat outside and enjoy a nice relaxing meal. read more

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Great food at great prices. I almost hate to recommend because I don't want see the lines down the block that they deserve. Pho is simply fantastic, as are the salads and everything else, but for me the Bahn mi sandwiches are the highlight. So amazingly tasty. Perfect bread, mix of crunchy and juicy textures. Heavenly food. read more

Just moved to the area and i was assuming I wouldnt find a good Pho spot. I was right, I found a Great One! Pho Cafe doest traditional Viet Pho just right, no dumbing it down. Great spices and aroma. Generous portions. Friendly staff. What a great surprise here in Wilmington! read more

Pho Cafe - Combo pho & fresh spring rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Great pho in Wilmington! Pho Cafe gives a substantial amount of food for the price. I have 3/5 stars because the seating area is small and it can take a little while to get your food. Overall I do recommend their pho if you have a little more time. I love that they have vegan options! read more

Pho Cafe - Vegetable Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I first went here to order a boatload of fresh rolls for an event my wife wanted to bring food to. I absconded with a couple and they were delicious! I've gone back to get more - I'll get a chicken banh mi along with an order or two of fresh spring rolls for a meal. I'd recommend it to anyone for quality of food and for value, my favorite combination! read more

Very good food! A small cafe located in a little strip mall with limited seating, but definitely worth checking out. The Banh Mi sandwich was amazing... It had perfect bread that was light and crispy, the grilled pork was delicious, and all of the flavors perfectly complimented each other. I will definitely come back for another. I had the spicy beef noodle soup and my wife had the pho, we both thought they were excellent. Not too many places to sit, and a little hot inside, but my new favorite spot for Vietnamese food at very good prices. read more

Pho Cafe - Spicy Beef Noodle, Soup Beef Pho, Spring Rolls and a Banh Mi (grilled pork) sandwich. Very good!! - Vietnamese Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Best Pho in the area! Order at counter, simple, tight dining area - limited sidewalk tables. No fluff.

Great pho and tofu rolls. Very fresh basil and sprouts. Inexpensive. The place is a little small and busy, but in a friendly way. Service was brisk and polite from a young male. The clientele skewed very young on a Sunday night. read more

.. It's where the locals eat. More specifically, it's where local Vietnamese eat. I'll put it like this: I spent a month in Central and Northern Vietnam. The food at Pho Cafe brought all of those amazing food memories back. The fresh mint and cilantro used in the spring rooms, the balanced flavor of the Pho or the flaky, crunch of the Banh Mis; whatever you order at Pho Cafe, you will not be disappointed. read more

This stuff is love and a bowl on a cold night. It flirts with you on a hot night. What comes out of the kitchen is solid.

What the Pho!? This place is soooo good. I had no idea we could find such amazing Vietnamese food in Wilmington. We've ordered from here two times -- take out -- not much seating space inside, but that's ok with us. Our takes: - Bahn Mi (Chicken) - Spicy Beef Soup - Vermicelli Noodles with Pork - Fresh spring rolls - Vietnamese coffee Everything was so good. Loads of flavor, fresh ingredients. My only "meh" feedback is actually a wish -- I wish the Bahn Mi had more ingredients on thee inside. The bread to sandwich ratio leans heavier on the bread side than I would like, but honestly, I know I am being nit picky. The staff here is super nice and we are making this place one of our regular weekly take out spots. read more

cashier lady gave us a lousy attitude, and she always felt ill. the food is alright read more

Pho Cafe - Vietnamese Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

SERVICE SUCKS !!!!! The front desk lady needs to get fired...she's rude, lazy and doesn't deserve your tip. I didn't pay her tip just to get yelled at for not cleaning my own table. They have a sign on their napkin box saying "please Bus your table" like what does that even mean? I'm fine with cleaning up my table but at least you gotta tell me that first smh. Btw one of the restrooms was out of service so I had to use the lady's room Food is average, the meat balls in my pho were cold inside when I took my first bite, and the pork they put in the spring rolls is just too fatty. Sandwiches are pretty good though. read more

This is my go to pho spot because it's got the veggie options! Pre-covid you could go inside and order up some goodies. Now you order online or up at the door, no more indoor seating and there isn't anywhere to go eat outside. It's not nearly as good to go as it is in person because the noodles get stuck together. The broth has really good flavor and you get tons of veggies with it. It's not my favorite pho in the whole world but it is good and really the only place in the area that I can find. I haven't had any of the other phos or sandwiches but I guarantee that it's good. I also LOVE the fresh spring rolls - SO SO GOOD. I could probably order those only and eat them. Always a go-to spot. read more

One of my absolute favorites! The best price you will find in Wilmington for the Best Pho! My family orders from here all time. They have the best fresh spring rolls, Pho, Banh Mi sandwich and my son LOVES the Vermicelli Bowls! Get yourself some a Pho and some boba milk tea!!! read more

Ok, if u want pho, Vietnamese, or other types of Asian dishes in Wilmington this is one of the best places u can go to for the taste and for the price. The staff is always on point, never had an order messed up, food comes out quick and delicious. I dont like Boba tea, I think it is stupid, but I've been told they have really good Boba tea haha. Their pho is really good. Nothing seems overly greasy or reheated. Just a nice spot, particularly for lunch, but its good anytime read more

If you are in the mood for great, hearty, delicious pho, this is THE place to go. When I went here I was personally in the mood for ramen, however, there is no place in Wilmington that has ramen. Instead, I went with something similar and I was so happy I decided to give this place a try. I ordered the chicken pho to-go and I was very surprised how big the portion was for the price. It comes with two sauces on the side (sweet teriyaki-esc and spicey) that you can add to the broth which I would HIGHLY recommend on doing. Together, they gave the light broth a richer flavor. The pho does have some sweet component that I was surprised by and not the biggest fan of, but still, it was delicious. It comes with all of your normal toppings (jalapenos, bean sprouts, cilantro, lime, etc). The chicken was NOT rubbery at all and had a really surprisingly pleasant texture and taste. I also ordered the fresh spring rolls, which I personally did not like. If you are a fresh spring roll kind of person, I am sure that you would like these. They are jam-packed with ingredients and you get two at a great price. I am not a fan of the style/taste personally, but I'm sure you would love these if you are. There is very limited indoor seating if you plan on going here to eat, so just be aware. I was very pleased with my to-go order as it was hot and fast. The workers were all very friendly and I am very intrigued to get a sandwich from here next time as they do indeed make their bread from scratch. All of the prices are incredible for the quality and amount of food that you get. Overall, I highly recommend giving this a place if you have not already, as I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. read more

Pho Cafe - Chicken Pho. Highly recommend. Chicken was not rubbery. Broth was hearty and delicious. - Vietnamese Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Witnessed one of the most despicable, heartbreaking moments of employee abuse of my life this afternoon. The cashier, who is new, made - what I and my partner could tell - a decision that was correct, but not to the owner's liking. She was met with loud, visceral eviscerations from the owner in front the entire store. Demeaning and degrading. I'll never come back. It was disheartening and disturbing. Please bring your business elsewhere! read more

Totally loved this cute little restaurant! My girlfriend recommended it because she knows how much I love Pho and it did not disappoint! The food is delicious and it comes out quick. It is full of flavor and it even seems like they make their bread fresh in-house! The place is small but we were able to find a place to sit. They seem to have a good take-out business. Loved it and I will be back soon! Everyone should check this place out... read more

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The food here is decent and I have no complaints about it. But the customer service isn't always the best. Especially from who I'm guessing is the male owner or the owners husband. I usually interact with her and everything is fine, but each time I have to interact with the her husband he's rude. I'm fed up with it and won't be returning. read more

This place was so good! After looking at some of the reviews I was a little unsure about this place but I am so glad I decided to go. My bf got the beef and meatball pho and he said the broth itself was very authentic with it's own delicious taste. The meat was very soft and the meatballs were super good and herby. I got the tofu Bánh mì which was also very good and flavorful with crunchy bread. I also got the taro milk tea and the condensed milk bowl which was out of this world. 10/10 would get everything again and will definitely be back! Also the service was good. Everyone was kind to us as well as helpful. The food also came out very fast! read more

Wanted to try some local pho so I decided to give Pho Cafe a try! I ordered a combination pho and it was delicious and full of meat. I also got an order of the spring rolls which I was really looking forward to! However, the spring rolls only had the noodles and fried tofu which was sort of disappointing. I'm used to spring rolls having some sort of meat and vegetable along with the noodles. Meal was very delicious and satisfied my phone craving! Give this place a try! read more

Pho Cafe - Combination pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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I use to be the cashier here. Ive read alot of these reviews and people want to fuss and complain about how "rude" certain people are but you arent the one actually there in that establishment busting your butt each day. The owners are very hard workers and just want the best for their company and their customers. I miss working there. I had to leave due to my health at the time but id love to work there again. And the food is wonderful to me ad well as the general ambiance of the establishment. read more

They should rename this place, "PHO ATTITUDE." The "manager" who is actually the owner, is so ridiculously rude to customers, it's truly amazing. He used the word "shit" four times while he spoke with my wife, and he uses and abuses his staff and disrespects his customers. He forgot what its like to be a kind, caring person, a businessman, and someone who takes pride in serving food and being pleasant. I think he may have been hit in the head with a heavy bowl of Pho. I wish them the best. Its only a matter of time before the door closes. Me and my family won't be back. read more

Ordered chicken pho. Was impressed, because many pho joints don't carry anything but beef. The broth was very flavorful. Amount of noodles quite generous. Kind of light on the green onions. When I asked for more, they said I could only get onions mixed with cilantro.The unassuming restaurant was small but quite busy through late lunch. read more

For me personally, this is a pretty mediocre place, i've had much better pho. There are pro's and con's to this place, the pro's would be 1. I got my food very quickly, maybe 10 minutes after ordering. 2. It was only $24 for 2 bowls of the beef and meatball pho + 2 bobas, which is fantastic, I usually pay $40. 3. It's a very little place, very quite and nice, like a hole in the wall feel. Now the cons would be, 1. The pho broth had very little flavor. 2. The meat and meatballs weren't fresh, the meat was tough and the meatballs had a weird aftertaste. 3. The boba was not good at all, it wasn't fresh either but the fruit teas without boba is pretty decent. So if you're looking for somewhere cheap this is your place but, if you're looking for actual good pho i suggest trying elsewhere. read more

Service: 0 stars. Used contactless payment and they required me to sign anyway!! The PURPOSE of contactless pay is to AVOID touching things. Looking at the credit card receipt realized why--they were pushing for a prepaid tip. Pretty disingenuous... I am a very generous tipper but dislike prepaying tip, removes incentive. Guy taking orders had a bit of attitude, too. To top it off they also have signs asking to self-bus tables (which I also don't normally mind, where appropriate). The combination of attitude, disingenuous pre-tip and self-bus request was too much. Decor/surroundings: 2 stars. Meh, as expected. Food: 1 star. Good food would have made it worthwhile. However pho was meh--broth was below average; basil/bean sprouts/chili/lime were all old and tasteless; rare beef was not properly prepared. Fresh spring roll was passable. Boba tea was uninspiring. Overall: Wilmington is Siberia for decent Asian food. This joint didn't even live up to those diminished expectations. Pho Basil on College Rd is marginally better food-wise and much better service. Just my $0.02... ED: Just looked at the other reviews and am shocked!! This place is NOT good!! If you can, try to go to the tons of great places in Northern VA or in Orange County, CA--or better yet, go to VN and try all the amazing street food (which pho is...). Don't be fooled by this below mediocre spot. read more

This place is food for the soul. If you've never had pho before, you don't know what you're missing. Seriously, that stuff fills in the gaps in your soul. Especially if you had too much to drink the night before. read more

This place doesn't look like much from the outside...just a hole in the wall in a rundown strip of shops. But the pho is to die for! The fresh spring rolls are great too. read more

I had a review in drafts for over a year so I thought I would finish it. Pho Cafe is the original pho restaurant in Wilmington. Other than the teeny tiny restaurants itself the food is superb! Their pho is amazing and their banh mi are spectacular! The menu is somewhat smaller than other pho places but it is great for take out. read more

One star for service. What a toxic environment. Everyone that worked there seemed unhappy, grumpy, and just plan mean. Beef pho was alright and the spring rolls were thin. Hey people, your patrons need good food and a good environment! It's a package to keep your business thriving! read more