A true hole in the wall spot. Came in one day after craving pho and seeing Pho Hoa multiple times on Instagram. Here are my thoughts: Location: On the main street of the very busy city heights neighborhood. Plentiful parking in the back and street parking as well. Entered on the side through their outdoor patio and was quickly seated. Food: I ordered the #8 (small, $13) and my boyfriend ordered the #16 ($13)We both tried the pho broth without any adjustments and it was so flavorful and very delicious. It elevated the pho as a whole and quickly took the spot for best pho in San Diego! The meat was also very tender, was a generous portion, and tasted good! Service: Quick and attentive, what more can you ask? They prefer cash since we used credit and was charged a $1.50 fee. TLDR: You gotta try out this pho. Best in San Diego read more

Pho Hoa - #16 - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

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So many pho places on El Cajon that I haven't tried out yet, but I've been to Pho Hoa several times and it doesn't disappoint! They only do pho here so if you're looking for other Viet food in addition to pho, you should go to one of the many other pho places on El Cajon. There's literally another one right across the street that I've been to a couple times as well (sometimes I'll get pho at Pho Hoa and then go across the street to get some egg rolls). Since it's only pho here, you get seated and served very quickly one you pick which pho you want. There's outdoor seating as well and I've brought my dog with me and sat outside without a problem. There's a lot right by the restaurant with parking but it can be a bit tight/narrow. I'd recommend driving towards the back of the lot and looking for parking there because that's normally where it's easiest to park. There's a $1.50 credit card fee charge but none with cash/debit If you're looking for some solid, quick pho and don't want other Viet dishes, Pho Hoa is the place to go! read more

Pho Hoa - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

This place was the first pho I had over 10 years ago. I have not had a pho place that tastes as good. Friends keep taking me other places saying they found a good place and so far I have been disappointed. The broth is great the meat is fresh noodles yum. I've taken a bunch of people here for the first time over the years and I still run into them here!!! This is the best tasting pho!!!! read more

This place is my go-to pho spot. When we dine-in, the staff has super fast, no-BS service, which I like because they get food out quick. they transformed their parking lot into outdoor seating so parking can be hard to find. Recently, we called in an order to-go. We got 2 large bowls of pho with rare steak and brisket, and a thai iced tea with boba. The portions were perfect, and the soup was still hot enough to cook the beef when we got home to eat. I love their pho broth and it is flavorful on its own, but of course gets better after adding it in with the meat and all the toppings. They provided a bag with the mint leaves, bean sprouts, lime and other toppings. Super generous, we had extras of everything. They also have sauce cups with hoisin and sriracha in that bag. The thai tea was nice and sweet, but the boba was just okay as it was not flavorful. read more

Pho Hoa - large to-go Pho Tai , Chin Nac - rare steak & brisket - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

The pho was okay not great. I don't understand the hype. The pho is pretty standard, so if you're looking for a pho fix you should stop by. I really liked the generous herb/bean sprout sides but the meat portions weren't enough. Also, hard pass on the iced coffee - it wasn't good and I couldn't even finish it. I have had way better. If you come here be prepared to hunt for parking using some uber good parking skills because the spaces are very tight and limited. read more

Literally the best pho I've had in my life. I can go in, order, and get my food for takeout in like five minutes and It's the best pho I've had in my life. The best read more

I've been coming here since I could remember possibly 5 years old or younger and I'm 30 now so you do the math. If you've been eating here as long as I have, you'll know that dome in the middle is where an elevated 1-step stage used to be until they tore it down. I might be a bit biased since I have eaten here for over 25 years but when I say this is the best pho restaurant in City Heights, I will fight somebody lol. I seriously think they put something inside their broth for regular customers to keep them coming back. There's been rumors lol but whatever it is, it's working. Their broth is like no other and I've tried a couple other pho spots in City Heights and no one compares. Something about their savory broth. I normally get the #1 dac biet special lol that comes with everything from flank, tendon, tripe, brisket, and rare meat. Don't be afraid! You have to try it, it's nothing weird. When I'm hungry and think the large bowl won't fill me up I do add meatballs. I usually ask for extra sauté, nuoc beo which is green onions in oil, sliced onions, and extra limes along with the veggies that come along with it. As a kid I remember always getting #18 which is just noodles and meatballs. I've introduced my son here who's only 9 and he loves #16 of the rare sliced beef. read more

I love the food, it's so good, not as aromatic as others I've tried but amazing. Fast and to the point service, I like sitting outside. Fantastic all around read more

Have to say they have the best Pho in San Diego! Their broth is smooth and what I appreciated is that it was not strong with star anise like others. The noodles were perfectly al dente which you won't find in other restaurants. There are plenty of tables and the service is pretty quick. Not worth knocking a star for but they primarily only sell Pho, no appetizers. read more

This place is the o.g. Of pho. They have been around for so long and family owned. They are dated in ambiance but the broth is always on point and will never be less than perfect.i definitely recommend this place if you want some delicious pho and you won't be disappointed. read more

Heard that this is the best place for pho in SD so I had to try. 4 stars for food, broth bland but might be what u want if u don't want your soup to be too salty, good value for ur money. Zero star for service. Place isn't very clean, it was hot and stuffy when we were there, no Ac at all. Service was close to none. People ignore u when u walk in and u need to flag them down for a menu, and they rushed in getting u order. I asked for water without ice twice and was ignore and when they finally brought water, it was filled with ice. Due to health reasons, I cannot drink cold water. If u like service, do yourself a favor, walk away from this place. Also bring cash, or u will be charged $1.50 service fee. read more

This is NOT the BEST pho I have ever had. For many people, apparently it is. It was good but certainly not best. Just added that first because there are a lot of reviewers exclaiming it is the best. Review other options and not depend that this will be the best pho ever. Our experience: We were seated by a smiling server. We got menus and were asked to order before the menus we fully handed to us. We said we would like to order drinks and then look at the menu. The server walked away saying he'd come back when were ready and didn't take drink orders. I got the #2 which is basically a classic, house pho. I asked for extra tendon (willing to pay of course). I also wanted to try something knew! So I ordered the Banh Mi and Beef Cube (banh mi bo kho). I also wanted to try the beef pizzle, not knowing what it was but I always like trying knew things. I asked the waiter what beef pizzle was and he barely spoke or understood English, I realized. I didn't order it because I thought I would Google it first. Turns out beef pizzle is cow penis. I still wanted to order it but my friends didn't let me. I would have ordered it if I really wanted to, but I was worried I had already ordered too much food and didn't want to waste food just because I was curious. And I knew they weren't gonna touch it! I also ordered an ice tea for my beverage. I had originally asked for an orange soda but they were out and am I so happy they were! The ice tea they brought out looked so refreshing and pretty. I sipped and it was a beautifully brewed green tea. I thought I tasted a hint of jasmine. I added some sugar because it came unsweetened ( I like sweet tea). Wow, it was DELICIOUS. I still daydream about it. Our soups came. They were a nice size! mine did not come with extra tendon. As a matter of fact, I think I got one strand of tendon. The flavor was good and tasty. I did like it. But as I said before, not the best i've had. I've had pho where the broth was much more deep and rich. My banh bread was soft and warm (yummm) and I really loved the beef cubes. They were very tender (slow cooked) and in a rich, fatty broth. I loved the chunks of fat on the beef. Very rich. The broth did lack salt but that was not a problem because a salt shaker was on the table. I did enjoy my meal and I would go back. I do want to try beef pizzle, lol. The service: The servers weren't very nice. They just kinda treated us like they wanted us to hurry up. Very stingy with ingredients. My friend asked for more lime and the server made a face. He went to the back to retrieve more lime and kinda tossed the small plate if limes on the table and kept walking. I asked for an ice tea to go, basically begged (I really did. "Pretty please?? Pretty pretty please??). My friend called it. She said, "I bet they're gonna be cheap and tell you they ran out so they don't have to give you anymore." Sure enough, I was told they ran out. The servers aren't very nice and the place is very stingy. You don't feel like a welcomed customer. You feel like a dollar sign that needs to hurry up and order. But the food is good, so just go for the food and not the service. read more

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I ordered a LARGE noodle soup by phone and I wasn't told the price, so I'm assuming it's $12.60 as stated on the online menu. So, when I picked up my order I was told a LARGE is $15.00, which still isn't bad but at least I could've been notified of the price change. Yes, I acknowledge that I went to a restaurant that is a different culture than American, but if your place doesn't list the price so others can read it clearly then we believe you're making up the price on the spot when we pay. Also, it would have been nice to be greeted once I made eye contact with the cashier- he was rude and just accepted my payment. read more

We've been hearing from all of our Vietnamese friends that this is THE spot in San Diego for the most authentic beef noodle soup. From our experience, they were definitely on point with that assessment! OMG the broth was just like we remembered from our 2019 trip. We got the rare beef filet with flank and rare beef filet with brisket. I'm not gonna lie, the brisket was actually my favorite in the soup, even more so than the rare beef which is usually my jam! Now if you don't eat beef, this is not going to be the spot for you because that is all that is on the menu. Like literally there are about 15 versions of beef pho and that is it. Hey, when you've got something on point like that why mess with it? The only reason this place did not get a 5 star review is that we felt like a lot of the surfaces and the menus were a little grimy. We are all about hole in the wall joints but it was sticky enough everywhere for me to wonder if we caught them on an off day or if it is the norm. Either way, that soup was so bomb we'll be back! I'm gonna need more brisket in my life! read more

Pho Hoa - Best Beef Pho in SD IMHO - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

I love pho and this place was one I wanted to try based on local reviewers. It did not disappoint and everything was spectacular about the pho. Better than pho I've had in the Bay Area lol, but not sure how it compares to OC. Though to LA standards, this is a solid 10/10. I like that their logo is actually copyright from some Vietnamese brand of beef balls but it stands out no frills service, just good food that is made well. They specialize in pho so you know it's good. Cash is better though as $1.50 for a CC service fee is pretty wack but otherwise, very very good pho is located here! Got the number 3 and was stuffed. All meats were tender. I enjoyed the tendon being a long thin cut rather than chopped pieces. It was just a great bowl of noodles. read more

Pho Hoa - Pho Chin , Nam , Gau, Gan , Sach - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

Pho Hoa in San Diego is a delightful Vietnamese restaurant. Their #17 dish is a must-try, with tender beef and a flavorful broth. The service is friendly, and the ambiance is cozy. Highly recommended! read more

Pho Hoa - #17 Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

I was welcomed in immediately. Good food. It tastes like traditional homemade pho. Good service 10/10 recommend read more

No joke #17 delivered in u set 4 mins including the V tea with boba! Ambiance ... well service and food make up for it! Great place for Pho! read more

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First of all I gotta say this is a Gem that I found in city heights the best PHO you will ever taste "TRUST ME" when I say this !! I was a bit skeptical when entering the place but then when I saw the place jam packed I was like this is the spot lol . The service is amazing the hostess finds you a seat quick and hands you over the menu and you order away .. NOTE to self if your not that hungry don't order the big large bowl that feeds up to 3 people lol. I highly recommend this place you will enjoy PHO and the portion they give you . read more

Pho Hoa - Location - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

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Still the only Pho restaurant I will eat in SD. I would only dine at another pho restaurant besides Pho Hoa if I was really craving pho and Pho Hoa is either closed or too far from where I'm at. This place is the jam! read more

Pho Hoa - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

Best pho spot in San Diego. It's very fast, and always full of flavor. Best prices too! I come here regularly, and always recommend it to friends. read more

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Located off El Cajon Blvd with very limited parking, so be prepared to park off the street. The restaurant has plenty of seating with mostly an open style where you choose where to sit. Ate here with some coworkers just near the end of lunch rush and we had no problem finding seats, but it was definitely busy when we first arrived. Ordering was easy and simple. We all ordered variations of pho and it arrived quickly. The broth is full of umami and the meat was tender. The staff aren't the friendliest, but it's most likely a cultural difference, so don't let it deter you because the food makes up for it. We'll most likely try out the other location in Linda Vista since the parking situation is better, but overall the food was great and the location/service are lacking. read more

Pho Hoa Number 1 - 5/5 Number 14 - 5/5 This place is special. This place does one thing and the do it well. Pho. Incredible Pho. We sat down on a rainy day and we had our meals in about 2 minutes. The portions are great and it is definitely the most meat I've ever received in ANY bowl of pho in San Diego. We will be coming back soon as the the price and quality are unbeatable! No frills, all substance. While the food is great I wouldn't think of this as a date place. This place has the second best broth in the business (only behind Pho Duyen Mai) Quick Service. Clean and Casual restaurant. read more

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Pho any way you want it, Pho Hoa brings it quick. Pho is pretty much all you can get there aside from beverages. Informal seating and the original pho restaurant format. I got the large portion pho which came with generous meat (tai, chin, gan). They serve the classic clear broth with very subtle hints of ginger and star anise. Keeping it simple streamlines this amazing soup servicing machine. Glad they include ngo cai (culantro) with the bean sprouts, basil, and jalapenos. I wish it was standard at more pho places. There are many reasons Pho Hoa is the still standing in the competitive world of pho restaurants. read more

Pho Hoa - Large pho with generous meat (tai, chin, gan). Pleased that ngo cai (culantro) is on the herb plate. - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

The pho here is the best in San Diego! I come here every week no joke. Service is so fast you are in and out of there in no time. The Thai tea is also one of the best I have had. Every bowl is phenomenal! read more

Pho Hoa - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

Best broth in town, hands down. Parking was tight but seating was plentiful inside. No frills, just pho, and it's exactly what you need when you aren't feeling the best. But if that's the case get it to-go and don't spread your germs ;) read more

Beware It seems they've never updated any web listing so they close at 8pm instead of 9pm as yelp and every thing else suggest. Showed up at 7:45 and got turned away by rude staff that did not seem like they wanted to be there read more

My favorite place to get pho in San Diego. If you're looking for a spot to try, consider here as pho is the only food item on their menu. The restaurant is very spacious and can seat a lot of people. I've never seen it completely packed, even on the weekends. Being from Orange County where there is a plethora of Vietnamese restaurants compared to San Diego, Pho Hoa is a good competitor. Service is good, Vietnamese speaking workers but understand enough English for you to place an order. Parking is not the greatest. Restaurant is located right next to a dominoes pizza and they share a parking lot. It's cramped, small, and filled with potholes but street parking is always an option. read more

Pho was really good and clean. Service was good. Parking is the only downside, really small parking spaces.

The place with the Laughing Cow lookin logo! I was in SD and was craving a bowl of pho for lunch. We got seated in the outdoor dining area as soon as we arrived. Food came out in under 10 minutes. I ordered a Pho Chin bowl and really enjoyed it. The broth was so clear and very rich in flavor. I'm Viet and grew up eating pho in OC's Little Saigon area. I can confidently say the pho here is legit. To pay, you have to go to the front desk inside of the restaurant and let them know your table number. They take card and cash. The only con about this place is that parking sucks. The lot is small and street parking is difficult because the restaurant is on a busy street. The number of reviews and high ratings don't lie! Very solid spot for Pho in SD. read more

Pho Hoa - Pho Chin - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

The pho at this restaurant is fantastic! I was seated immediately and someone took my order within a few minutes. I ordered #15 rare steak and stripe pho The medium size is huge with tons of meat, trip, and noodles; the broth was clear and tasty; and a plate full of bean sprouts, basil, and lime was on the table. read more

Best pho in town for 3 decades plus. Exceptionally quick service. Broth is always on point. Cuts of meat are of good quality. Herbs always fresh. French bread is really good too. read more

I came back for Lunch with my coworkers and my experience was alot better. My first review was based on dinner, maybe a late dinner, at the end of the day, which is probably why the noodles were soggy and extra msg. My lunch experience was alot better, everything tasted how it should be, lighter broth and noodles that kept its length. The boba was good for what it is and they had my vinegar onions ("han yum"). Big place probably good for groups and family with strollers. Parking lot in the back. read more

Terrible service but awesome pho! The service is quick so that makes up for the rudeness! Zero complaints about the food!

If you typically have appetizers and such with your pho or like having options besides pho, you should probably find a different place. But if you want a solid bowl of noodles with lots of meat and a nice drink, then definitely make this a regular place. It's not quite as good as places in LA or OC, but only marginally so. Definitely the best place I've been to in San Diego. Service was quick and simple. As soon as I came in, I signaled to one of the servers and he directed me to an open seat. He asked if I needed a menu and I said yes only because I like taking a peek even though I already knew what I was getting. Pho came out in less than 5 minutes, and my coffee and water a couple minutes after that. Proper drip cafe sua da. No music or TVs that I noticed, which I liked because it kept the noise level tolerable. Would give it 4.5/5. Only negatives were the broth being a bit saltier than I prefer and they used the smaller coffee filter that I had to keep adding the water too until I had a full cup of coffee. Very minor inconveniences, so rounded up to 5.0. Will definitely be back. read more

Pho Hoa - Every decent pho place I've been to has had this setup at the table. Should be the standard at every restaurant. - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

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If you want pho, this is the place to go. Come, order, eat, and leave. There is nothing special about how the place looks. Service is quick. You order, and food comes out very soon. Waiters are on top of the things. I suggest not coming close to closing time. Apparently, they run out of broth for the pho. It happened to me. I came about 30 mins before closing and was told they have stopped service because of no more broth. The pho was good, I say it is one of the better ones in San Diego. read more

Great broth, meats and abundant greens. Very cozy mom and pop shop. Old school grandma and grandpa's kitchen, classic Vietnamese restaurant. No frills, just amazing bowls of soup. Best pho in San Diego! Highly recommend! read more

This is a well-loved pho establishment in the heart of Little Saigon. I have been going here since I was a kid! It is popular amongst the locals, especially in the Vietnamese community. With COVID-19 restrictions, they have converted the front parking lot into an outdoor dining area. The workers all wear masks. There's about a dozen tables set up with canopies or umbrellas to shade you from the sub. Unfortunately, no outdoor heaters but it won't be necessary once you get your hot bowl of pho! Service is quick and curt, which is typical of most OG Vietnamese pho restaurants so try not to take it personally! They're super generous with their veggies and that's a huge plus since I love to load up on bean sprouts. I always order #2 and it hits the spot every time. If you want authentic pho coupled with an authentic pho experience, I highly recommend coming here! read more

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Delicious no fuss pho. If you like pho, want a quick fix without breaking the break and would like a meditative quiet experience, go here. I don't think the service is anything to write home about but I don't really care. Their food delivers and that's all that matters. Also this place is open very early in the day and I've definitely gone with my brother to have breakfast pho after a rough night shift and it was awesome! They also always have space and seat you very quickly for how busy they can get which I appreciate! I also appreciate that it's clean and spacious. I think the broth is one of the best in San Diego! read more

Literally the best tasting and healthiest food in the world. Don't get me started on red meat and fat being unhealthy and msg having negative effects on the body. Amazing food at pho hoa ;) read more