Pho Lab

4.8 (495 reviews)

ModerateVietnamese, Noodles, Soup

Closed • 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Updated 2 weeks ago

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Pho Lab - Spring Rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pho Lab - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pho Lab - Garlic noodles with shaken filet mignon - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Rachel C.

I got the combination pho which came with tripe brisket, flank, tendon, and meatballs. It was really comforting and reminded me of the pho I had growing up. They were generous with the portions and it was well-priced. This might be my go-to spot for pho moving forward

Keycee D.

Came across this spot one night while trying to figure out dinner and decided to check out Pho Lab for some pho. My husband and I both ordered the pho combination and added the rib bone. The broth itself was really good--flavorful and comforting--but the rib bone didn't quite hit for me. It wasn't as tender as I expected, and I think it could've been cooked a bit longer to get that fall-off-the-bone texture. We also ordered their fried chicken wings, which are a must every time we come here. They're perfectly fried and seasoned, and honestly delicious even on their own. The garlic butter dipping sauce is a great bonus, but not even necessary. Even our 3-year-old loves the wings. The restaurant itself is pretty spacious, and we've never had to wait for a table. They do seem to get a lot of to-go orders though. Overall, solid food and a place we'd come back to.

Maritza S.

The good at Pho Lab is absolutely delicious. The meat is tender and the broth rich. The pho with beef bone is my favorite. The meat falls off the bone. The service is just ok. My biggest complaint is the cleanliness. The floors and booths are always dirty which can be off putting. FYI if you pay cash you get a discount.

Patty G.

Love this spot. The pho broth and protein is savory and delicious. All the staff have been helpful, attentive and kind every time I'm here. My favorite is the pho dac biet and iced coffee. Hits the spot!

Vanessa G.

I picked up some broth for my husband, since his dr put him on a temporary broth diet. He said it was delicious. It smelled amazing. The service was quick. Next time I'd love to stop inside to enjoy a great meal.

Christine T.

More like 3.5 stars. I came for lunch excited to try a new spot for Pho since I was in the area. Sadly it was just ok. The broth in the pho was too light in flavor which is more telling of a northern style pho. I prefer a southern style pho so please take that into consideration with my review. I also got the golden bao which was interesting. I never had a fried version of the bao. I'm glad I tried it because the texture of the crispy outside with a soft dough on the inside was nice. That being said, I wish it was more juicy. I was looking for the wonderful meat juices that normally come with a steamed bao. Vietnamese coffee was also just ok. I was looking for that bold coffee depth of flavor but it also seemed a little on the light side.

Karen A.

This neighborhood pho restaurant have a good selection of appetizers, pho, vermicelli noodles, and rice dishes. I ordered the garlic noodles with prawns and enjoyed it. Noodles are very tasty & prawns are cooked right & very flavorful. Staff are really friendly & attentive. Will definitely come back to try other dishes.

Build your own pho, tofu spring rolls, shrimp spring rolls, crispy egg rolls.

Aileen V.

Mannnnnnnnnn, when I had gone the very first time, it was truly an amazing experience. I have been twice after my first time and every single time I dislike this place more and more. The last time we went, they forgot 20% of our order , and it was so hard to get service. The workers seemed annoyed. Then I went again today on 02/28/25 and 1. I found an animal in my soup....... I wanted a refund, instead gave me another one. 2. I had asked for tofu spring rolls & got shrimp instead 3. The garlic noodles were so cold..... 4. Our sitting area was dirty and it just killed the vibe Im like what the heck. And it was so hard to get service!! My boyfriend had to go to the counter at least 3 times to ask for something. It's definitely no longer a favorite ....

Michael B.

We don't have a go-to Vietnamese spot around us yet, so we gave Pho Lab a try. Unfortunately, this restaurant will not be it. We came here on an evening for a pretty hot day, and I don't think the AC was on. The venue was pretty warm, which is probably even more annoying for those who ordered pho. Now admittedly, we didn't order pho, but still, I'd expect your other menu offerings to be of good quality. Here's what we got: Spring rolls - I'm a huge fan of spring rolls but this was such a let down! It was like 90% lettuce and the shrimps were sliced ever so thin. They very obviously cheapened out on this. Pork Banh Mi - Bread good, meat pretty good, but again that stupid lettuce is there! I already had enough from the rolls... and also I think this is the first time I see lettuce in a banh mi? There was also barely any pickled carrots and daikon, which is my favorite part. No jalapenos either. I do like the green sauce though. Garlic Noodles with Filet Mignon - The meat was cooked well, but there was all this oil on the plate? It was just too much. Overall, we were quite underwhelmed with our experience. There are a lot of Vietnamese options around here, so I'm quite surprised that this one in particular has such a high Yelp score.

Raven R.

This is a fun new place for pho. It gets crowded on a weekend so I would recommend getting earlier to avoid peak hours. The place is clean and nicely decorated. We got thai tea to drink and pork rolls with peanut sauce for an appetizer. For our main course, we got pho with rib eye and rib bones. Thai Tea- This was rich and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. Very refreshing! Pork Rolls with Peanut Sauce- The pork sausage was savory with a hint of sweetness. You get a wonderful mix of veggies and fresh herbs to heighten the flavor. The peanut dipping sauce was the cherry on top. Rib Eye- The broth base is flavorful and the noodles are soft and chewy. The rib eye is thinly sliced and tender. The bean sprouts provided on the side add a layer of texture. Rib Bones- The meat is fall off the bone and very tasty. Pairs well with the rich broth and chewy noodles. A squeeze of lime adds a burst of freshness. Very filling! Great experience overall!

GraceChan E.

Stop here because we play a tournament at great park . Have to recommend this place , because of the chili sauce . So good !

Amazing pho with rich, delicious broth and fresh ingredients. Great service, clean atmosphere, and generous portions. Highly recommend if you're looking for authentic Vietnamese food!

Lily H.

awesome pho. love the ribeye one. 10/10 would recommend coming here! Also nice interior :)

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Kaiulani P.

428

2 months ago

Establishment is immaculate! The food is authentic. Everything tastes amazing all the ingredients are fresh! If you're in the area, it's a must to stop by read more

Pho Lab - The brisket and oxtail pho with some shrimp spring rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Tito M.

8 months ago

Amazing BROTH, great prices, and awesome staff. Super friendly and you can tell they care about their food. This is my new favorite pho place. You need to try it... The broth!!! read more

Pho Lab - Combination pho, with rare beef, brisket, and tendon. Best combo imo. The broth was amazing. - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Michael C.

3 months ago

Best pho in Lake Forest! Great service. Pho was just as good as all the spots in Garden Grove / Westminster. Crispy chicken was perfect as well. read more

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Kathy T.

1 month ago

I ordered the egg rolls and also the shrimp spring rolls and loved it.. definitely will recommend it.

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Jennifer T.

4 months ago

I grew up in Little Saigon (Garden Grove/Westminster) and my grandma was a famous caterer back in her hometown in Vietnam. I now live in Lake Forest. It's been a struggle to find a decent Vietnamese restaurant without having to drive back to Little Saigon 40 mins each way every time. So happy I gave Pho Lab a try! Dropped my car off for service and came here for lunch. Ordered the grilled pork spring rolls. I have a peanut allergy so asked for fish sauce instead. Nobody can beat Brodard at their speciality on these grilled pork spring rolls but this is a more simple, clean yet tasty version of it! Ordered the combination pho. I have the broth as is to really taste it. I only add sauces on the side to periodically dip the meats. The broth was really clean, tasty and noodles cooked perfectly. You can tell it's good when you and several tables around you are quietly slurping into a euphoric experience together without saying a word. The restaurant was so cutely decorated for Tet/lunar new year! After a couple sips of pho broth, I found myself transported to sitting in a restaurant in Vietnam with the music, ambiance, mind relaxed and taste buds in happy contentment. Going to bring my Irvine family members and come back! read more

Pho Lab - Combination pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pho Lab - Grilled pork spring rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Mike W.

141

2 months ago

Been here twice and food is great! Unfortunately service is horrible. They are not organized, and it takes forever to get a seat. Only 2-3 people taking orders in a full restaurant, so we had to wait a bit. We also never got waters or utensils. They forgot to bring one of our dishes. Then they got one of our orders wrong. read more

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Eileen C.

16 days ago

The pho is great here. I always order chicken pho the soup is very flavorful and chicken is super tender. The other dishes we like are chicken wings, crispy spring rolls. read more

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Mel M.

4 months ago

First time here and instantly in love. Everything is delicious and fresh. Absolutely we'll be back. So happy to have so close to home. We had the shrimp spring rolls, wings, bahn mi, and eggs rolls. Everything was enjoyed by my family ! Service was amazing and very attentive. Love the relaxing music and the restaurant looks amazing inside. Love all the decorations! read more

Pho Lab - Happy New Year - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pho Lab - Shrimp Spring Rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Christine L.

187

285

205

5 months ago

The place was bustling when I came in but I ordered to go. I ordered the mixed vegetable with chicken and rice Egg rolls Popcorn chicken I missed the memo where they dont supply the sweet and sour sauce with egg rolls and its actually a sweet based fish sauce ?? Disgusting sauce. Great big homemade eggrolls. Popcorn chicken was made with chicken fat and tendon. It was really disappointing to eat their food. Was pleasantly surprised with the vegetable with chicken and rice. Only 6 small chunks of chicken that weighed out to a total of 3 ounces (lol thats awful and incredulous that you can get away with that) and a ton of cheap vegetables like broccoli but the flavor was good and I was able to get a couple meals out of it. I would not come back at all. For $16, you could give out at least 6 ounces of chicken and still come out with a hefty profit. Crazy. Did not get any meat with the popcorn chicken. The sauce was really weird with the eggrolls. It had made me very suspicious about what kind of restaurant this place actually is. read more

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Kun L.

10 days ago

Food and service are great! Heavily recommended for people with small kid. This is great!

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Tae I.

10 days ago

Food is great and this is my favorite local Vietnamese place. However do not order anything with the meatballs unless you don't mind biting into at least one hard inedible piece you have to spit out each time. Also 50 50 chance of getting at least one small piece of bone or other inedible piece in at least one other meat item per visit. read more

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Vincent L.

160

23 days ago

Incredible Vietnamese spot, was craving pho and this place beyond delivered. Nice vibes and lo-fi music, our baby fell asleep, allowing us to enjoy the meal lol. Perfectly sized portions and great variety of food and options for upgrading your dish. Our party had a bit of everything and we were all very impressed, the garlic noodles and sauce were great, the shrimp and pork were delicious, the vermicelli was exactly the amount of vegetables we wanted. Finally, I got the pho combination with an extra rib bone and that was so much meat, I couldn't believe it. The rib was tender and the oxtail was also so flavorful. I was a little suspicious at first cause the menu didn't have actual Vietnamese on it, but I still ordered in Vietnamese and asked for pho dac biet; needless to say, they are legit. I ate it too fast and didn't take a picture of the legendary pho bowl I had with the giant rib bone sticking out. Finally, I can give the ca phe sua da (Viet iced coffee) the ideal Asian compliment: not too sweet. 10/10 would recommend, I'll be back for sure. read more

Pho Lab - Vermicelli house combo - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Gracie L.

4 months ago

Found this hidden gem through Yelp. Such a relaxing location to enjoy a delicious meal. Was welcomed and seated right away. No wait at all. They have plenty of seating. We ordered Pho Veggies (vegetarian) with soft tofu and garlic noodle with filet mignon with Mango Jasmine Iced Tea. We had to order to go as well. Different types of flavors on both plates. If in the area. I highly recommend Pho Lab read more

Pho Lab - Garlic noodles with Filet Mignon - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pho Lab - Pho Veggies (Vegetarian) with soft tofu - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Trinity W.

154

7 months ago

I ordered the garlic noodles with shaken filet mignon. The meat was extremely tender and the dish itself was very flavorful. However, everything was a bit too oily so all of the green sauce just slipped off. My coworker also said that his shrimp dish was under-seasoned. I came here yesterday with my coworkers to get the 20% off and free dessert for the grand opening which lasted through 11/4. But when it came time to pay, they said they didn't offer the 20% off anymore even though it clearly said it on the banner outside. When we questioned them, they said they offered the discount over the weekend but the bosses didn't allow it anymore during the week. Unfortunately this left us all very disappointed, despite how we feel about the food. read more

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Andy N.

Good afternoon Miss,…

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Candi F.

4 months ago

Received plenty of the meat we asked for in our pho soup, you get a great value for your money. Other places are much more skimpy. The soup base tasted very healthy and light in flavor, also unique in its own way. I do not think it has a lot of msg in it, which is a compliment. Recommended! read more

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Ray F.

16 days ago

The broth is flavorful and delicious. The portions are very generous. The staff is very friendly. Highly recommend!

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Valentina A.

2 months ago

This place had a nice vibe, good service, pho was really good! Have come a few times and would come back again.

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Jessica L.

4 months ago

One of the best pho places I have been to. I got the pho rib bones and shrimp spring roll and it was a 11/10. All portion size and price was great. It was also Lunar Year and they passed out red envelopes with $2 inside read more

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David M.

2 months ago

Great food pho was great !!!!!!!!!!! Great services pho is greattttt shdyjendydjsnsbdgdhsndv

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Esmeralda O.

8 months ago

PHO LAB 2!!!! We've gone to Pho Lab for years at their first location-- always good vibes, incredible food, open late (such a plus for us night owls). When I saw Pho Lab opening here (only 6 min vs. the 30 min to the other location) I couldn't believe my eyes!!! This location is about double the size of the first. The decor is super cute and the servers are incredible kind!! Okay but the food: YUMMY!!! Same recipe as the other location and I hear they're putting new items on the menu soon I got the chicken pho + my partner got a pho your way. He subbed his noodles for veggies and they don't hold back/skimp! Generous portions and we got a free dessert at the end! Homemade Vietnamese yogurt just like how my grandma used to make! So happy they opened another closer to our home. We'll be here probably every other week. read more

Pho Lab - Super cute decor!! - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pho Lab - Pho Your Way Sub Noodles for Veggies - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pho Lab - Chicken Breast Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Samuel O.

149

8 months ago

I got the pho your way ... and egg rolls! Everything tasted delicious! Very fast 10 out of 10 Definitely coming back ! read more

Pho Lab - Got the pho your way , and egg rolls ! 10 out of 10 Super good!! Definitely coming back. - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Stefanie D.

107

2 months ago

I was happy that the bowl of steaming hot Pho was served in a ceramic bowl but the flavor was not as flavorful as I expected.

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Ryan L.

3 months ago

Amazing food!! The garlic noodles are amazing and so is the Filet Mignon plate. Service was awesome and the restaurant is clean aesthetic. 10/10 would recommend read more

Pho Lab - Restaurant ambiance - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pho Lab - Garlic noodles with tofu and filet mignon rice plate - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Maritza P.

Elite 26

5 months ago

Very clean place. The pho is impeccable! The customer service is super friendly!!! A must visit in South OC!

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Michael M.

239

5 months ago

Bruh!! This place is ridiculously good! See pics, Filet with garlic noodles! I think they seasoned this with the perfect amount of garlic what this is tears from an angel. I highly recommend this joint! read more

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Abby K.

9 days ago

The most delicious pho restaurant. Their staff is incredibly kind and helpful. Their food is so good. Its really chill and relaxing inside the restaurant. Come now! read more

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Terry S.

279

190

5 months ago

Not sure why this place has a high score... but I have a real issue with a restaurant that is open and both their bathrooms are closed?! I mean seriously, call a plumber for G-ds sake or close until you do! The food... meh! Their pho was bland as hell, and I had to use all the table spices to spice it up. It was very average... Way better spots honestly like Gu Ramen or so many others. Don't waste your time or money here. read more

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Andy N.

Good evening Terry,…

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Tim M.

5 months ago

Fireeeee Bomb food quality Cool staff Clean interior Will be back again soon thank you read more

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Taylor M.

595

1 month ago

One of the best pho in Orange County. The broth is so heavenly. Love the prices and drinks too! I love the winter melon tea as one of my favorite flavors. read more

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Hanako H.

5 months ago

The pho here has a delicious broth, and the vegetables were fresh. We tried a variety of appetizers, and everything was excellent. The fried chicken is highly recommended. read more

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Cristine A.

4 months ago

This was amazing and the food so good and try the rib eye pho.. the service were great. The ambience it's nice and clean. Overall everything was great read more

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Rosemary T.

Elite 26

616

830

2767

6 months ago

This spot is a solid late-night option--when nothing else is open, this is the place to come. The soup is very light and clean, not heavy or overly salty, which I appreciate. That said, they don't have the thick noodle options I usually like. The oxtail soup was a bit disappointing; the oxtail wasn't as tender as expected. One thing I really love, though, is the large ceramic bowl--it gives a cozy, at-home feeling while you're eating. I wouldn't say this is the best pho around, but it's a reliable choice when everything else in Lake Forest closes by 8:00 p.m. read more

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Keylen V.

7 months ago

10/10 service! Very clean and lively environment with chill music and beautiful artwork that creates a relaxing atmosphere! The food was delicious and very filling! Definitely recommend the cajun fries and the golden bao bun The teas are also very tasty and refreshing! Will be coming again when im in town next! read more

Pho Lab - Combination pho and cajun fries - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pho Lab - Combination pho, cajun fries, popcorn chicken - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pho Lab - Restaurant seating - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Jessica R.

7 months ago

HANDS DOWN THE BEST PHO IN LAKE FOREST! From the broth, the amount you get, and overall service, it exceeded all expectations! Though busy, everything came out in a timely manner! Another highlight was the charbroiled pork spring roll, with the nice touch of crisp surprise. Tommy and everyone their have a special thing going on there, and I will be back for seconds! Just a lovely Sunday with a great family atmosphere. read more

Pho Lab - PHO Combo with beef rib! - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Harry N.

3 months ago

The foods is great and very delicious and it our first time here I I love it I recommend to my friends to come here , the service is great and Ambiance is great also read more

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Merwa A.

4 months ago

Clean restaurant, good service, and delicious food! I ordered the garlic noodles with filet mignon and it was a big portion tasted fresh and yummy! Thai iced tea was good too. Husband ordered the pho and he said it was the best one he's had! Must try! read more

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David M.

8 months ago

Food, service, and ambience!!! Excellent!! All was great, and delicious. I had the ribeye, brisket, and flank steak pho. read more

Pho Lab - Delicious!! - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Mark M.

3 months ago

Pho lab was about average for Orange County, California, but above average for South Orange County. The broth was good. I had the combination floor and most of the meats were fresh, but some were not so fresh. The noodles were very clumpy meaning they were cooked much earlier in the day and needed hot broth to get them to loosen up so noodles were not fresh cooked. The fried rice was OK and my wife liked the chicken pho made with chicken breast meat. read more

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JL R.

13 days ago

Everything was so delicious! I had their rib eye pho and spring rolls and you can taste the freshness. The waitress and all the staff were so kind and welcoming too. I will definitely be back here with my family! read more

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Matt M.

5 months ago

We're in town from out of town after moving away. Unfortunately and fortunately out old favorite pho spot is now closed so we looked for highly rated pho nearby. Let me tell you, Pho lab is the real deal. Light, but rich broth, huge portion for the price (I shouldn't say this please don't shrinkflation your customers). I had the ribeye pho and I was a bit wary on the amount of meat it came with. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and amount of meat. Absolutely delicious. My wife ordered just the pho broth and said it was some of the best she's ever had. I truly respect this establishment hustle. As I was paying I saw things ripping on the burners and it's new years. Cheers! Great cover/electronic music and vibe too. read more

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Page 4 of 13

22641 Lake Forest Dr
Ste B1
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Directions
(949) 328-9566
Call Now

Hours

What time does Pho Lab open?

Pho Lab opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Pho Lab close?

Pho Lab closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Pho Lab take credit cards?

Yes, Pho Lab takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Pho Lab have catering options?

Yes, Pho Lab does have catering options.

Does Pho Lab have a drive thru?

No, Pho Lab does not have a drive thru.

Does Pho Lab serve alcohol?

No, Pho Lab does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Pho Lab allow dogs?

Yes, Pho Lab allows dogs.

Does Pho Lab have TVs?

Yes, Pho Lab has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Pho Lab have parking?

Yes, Pho Lab has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Pho Lab wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Pho Lab is wheelchair accessible.

Does Pho Lab have free WiFi?

Yes, Pho Lab has free WiFi.

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Frank’s dumplings & noodles by sheungshui

4.4(403 reviews)

3.1 mi

•$$

A little hole in the wall serving noodles and dumplings. I had the spicy beef soup and rice…read morenoodles. I added a little heat. My eyeballs are sweating. Just the way I like it. Not hot enough to kill my taste buds. Hot enough to be serious. The soup was exactly what I needed. I couldn't get the on line chowbus menu to load properly so the hostess helped me using the take out kiosk. Aries is a great ambassador.

We were gonna go to Frank's Bistro next door with our dogs, but decided to try Frank's dumplings…read morefor a quick, casual lunch. I checked in with the staff if dogs were allowed indoor, which they gracious accepted. Service was so friendly. They even asked if they could offer our dogs something to eat. We got: Shredded tofu skin 4/5 - a little dry Stir-fried green beans 5/5 - green beans were cooked perfectly, not soggy, and slightly crispy spicy wontons 4/5- very very garlicky just to note Green onion pancake 3/5 - did not have strong green onion flavor Garlic spareribs- 4.5/5 -well seasoned Black sesame and peanut filled cookies 5/5 - still my favorite. It is actually not a cookie, but more like a Chinese style pancake. The filling is so yummy! Definitely coming back in the future.

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0.5 mi

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Finding a solid $40 dinner for two around Irvine feels almost impossible these days, but Kirin…read moreNoodle House was such a good option since the Big portions, reasonable prices. It's a spot with Sichuan dishes and northern-style noodles, and they're open until 11:30PM, which is great for late-night cravings. We shared the chicken wonton soup, spicy & sour noodles with pork, and Chinese meat pie and it taste good.

I was hunting for a late dinner after an evening flight and stumbled on this spot, which was an…read moreeasy walk from my hotel. The service was super fast, and I was greeted right away. I ordered the braised beef noodle soup and the house special dumplings. The beef noodle soup was delivered exactly what you'd expect: hot soup, chewy noodles, tender chunks of beef, and a nice, spicy kick. The dumplings came out on the lukewarm-to-cold side, and the sauce felt like it was trying to do a baseline audition for every flavor profile at once. Between the sweet, sour, spicy, peanuts, and green onions, it was just a little too chaotic for me. Overall, it's a solid, reliable option if you're in the area and need a quick bite.

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4.2(875 reviews)

1.1 mi

•$$

Came in on May 13, 2026 around 7 pm. I just had a random…read moresevere cravings for dumplings, so I just looked for a highly rated one on Yelp since I am not from the area. I had the most amazing time at this restaurant! The restaurant was pretty packed but got seated immediately. I was craving dumplings and their dumplings were amazing and juicy but the stand out for me was the beef noodle soup! It had the best textured noodles that I've had for some time and really tender beef slices. It was perfect with the chili oil that they had on the table. I loved that they have frozen dumplings that you can take home and I will definitely plan for that next time.

Ok for small orders of dumplings. I recommend going for the pan-fried dumplings…read more Because they used the same seasoned meat filling across most of their popular dishes (XLB, pan-fried gyoza, wonton, shumai)...the variation between these dishes is minimal and your palate will be numbed by the copy-and-paste flavors. They all start to taste the same. Quite disappointed at the dumpling wrapper / skin... which is as important as the filling. They over steamed / cooked the shumai, XLB, and wonton so the dumpling skins were too soft, almost mushy. Maybe some people prefer this texture? Smashed cucumber has large portion, flavor is quite light compared to Din Tai Fung and Paradise Dynasty versions. Din Tai Fung and Paradise Dynasty are more expensive, but their quality and flavor are better so I would still go there for my dimpling cravings. Staff is friendly. Maybe try other dishes besides dumplings...

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Dining area.

Dumplings

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Beef noodle

District 5

4.4(352 reviews)

0.4 mi

•$$

I just ate here and was thinking it's good and I should leave a review letting people know about…read moreit. Then I got an email from yelp asking if I ate here and would like to leave a review? well yes I did, and yes I do! The food is very cleanly and well prepared, good fresh ingredients and flavors. not like the other places which often tastes dirty or there's something off about it. its kind of light, clean, bright. enjoyed it for lunch, I recommend you try.

I had this place on my Yelp list so my wife and I decided to try it out for dinner. Located in a…read moresmall strip mall next to other restaurants with some tables for dining in. Upon entering we were warmly greeted. We ordered the Shrimp Spring Rolls for an appetizer and decided to order their recommended District 5 House Special Vermicelli which included grilled shrimp, bbq chicken and egg rolls. Everything was so tasty and fresh! They had just made the fish sauce and it was warm and fragrant. The contrast of the crisp egg rolls, smoky chicken and fresh lettuce with the sweet and sour garlic sauce all melded well. They also provide very reasonable lunch specials from 10am-3pm. We'll be back!

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Inside the restaurant

Stone Bowl Soup with Glass Noodles

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Fams Combo with BBQ Beef Ribs

Long's Noodle

4.2(426 reviews)

3.9 mi

•$$

5 out of 5 stars. Long Noodle delivered. Service was fast and the food came out even faster. The…read morenoodles were cooked to perfection and had that perfect chewy bite. The buns were fresh and honestly a 10 out of 10. Such an easy spot to love. I will definitely be back.

This is gonna be a mixed review. Few days ago we ordered the beef tomato noodle soup and also the…read morebeef wrap super happy with it. Although it's not the best beef wrap that I've had, but it does hit the spot. Today I went for a wonton noodle soup. Honestly, I wouldn't order again next time because number one the meat is too dense and not soft enough. The wonton skin is nice. I discovered that they actually have two type of noodles depending on what comes in through the order. One is more flat and the other is more round. I prefer the round one that came with beef noodle soup the other day but they told me it just depends on what comes in and every day could be different. I do recall in the past that I've tried their buns and was not impressed.

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It filled up quickly

Beef roll

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Chicken Fried Dumpling.

Hot Dumplings

4.3(146 reviews)

1.4 mi

•$$

Overview: Friendly staff - very attentive…read more Yummy food Two people ate for 70 dollars +tax and tip, but we had very big appetites. We got five dumpling dishes and the sesame balls The serving sizes were good for the price, and all the regular dumplings we had were delicious and juicy. The pork and chive dumplings were my personal favorite, but a one or two of them were very heavy on the chives. I loved it. My partner really enjoyed the beef and onion dumplings The juicy pork dumplings were amazing! I saved them till the end. Usually, steamed buns are my favorite dish at dumpling places, but the ones here weren't very fluffy. They were more starchy. The filling was very similar to the filling in the pork dumplings.

With a name like Hot Dumplings, I had to try it! Although it looked like it could be a dive from…read morethe outside, the restaurant was nice and clean. We ordered the mapo tofu and chicken and shrimp pan fried dumplings. The mapo tofu was fine, though it could have used more Sihuan peppercorns to get that numbing effect. The dumplings were very hot, with a thicker wrapper (which I prefer). There are several dumpling options, along with noodles, fried rice and some entrees. Overall, a good addition to Lake Forest!

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Seating area 1/2

25 - pan fried shrimp and pork dumplings

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Pork buns

Pholicious Noodle Bar

4.4(525 reviews)

1.2 mi

•$$

This is one of my favorite local Vietnamese restaurants when I'm reallyyyy craving pho or bun bo…read morehue but I don't want to drive to garden grove or Westminster. They offer dine in, carry out, and delivery. This place is my guilty pleasure doordash splurge. I love their spicy beef noodle soup and my boyfriend loves pho dac biet. Everything on the menu looks delicious and I can't wait to try more but I'll probably keep ordering bun bo hue lol

Worst lo mein ever. For $19, it was six shrimp and a tiny amount of almost completely raw bell…read morepepper and onion on a small portion of bland oily noodles. I added salt just so I could eat them. Honestly, after the first bite, I considered dumping the entire thing and spending more money to order something else for dinner. The (admittedly massive) tofu spring rolls had a weird smell and very little flavor except too much mint. I ended up tearing them open and dipping the tofu in peanut sauce and leaving the rest. I do not understand why people like this place. I will never try it again.

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Chicken Wings and Calamari

Rice w curry chicken

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Shaken beef rice

Menya Hanabi - The Original Nagoya Mazesoba

4.4(702 reviews)

5.1 mi

•$$

Locally owned & operated

Family-owned & operated

I had deluxe mazesoba and it was really delicious! The…read moreflavor was really savory and satisfying. Adding rice is pretty good too.

The food came really fast and tasted really good and the servers were really nice and always came…read moreto check up on us

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Mixed mazemen

Menya Hanabi - The Original Nagoya Mazesoba - Join us for Hanabi Hour Mondays through Fridays between 3-6pm for $5 on select drinks and $7 on select appetizers!

Join us for Hanabi Hour Mondays through Fridays between 3-6pm for $5 on select drinks and $7 on select appetizers!

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Curry Mazemen

Soba Izakaya Minami

4.2(534 reviews)

1.9 mi

•$$

Very good! It was me and my friends' first time trying soba and Patty was very helpful and patient…read morewith us, giving very detailed descriptions of what we were interested in. We got the assorted tempura cold soba, chicken & egg bowl soba combo, and the soba with beef dipping sauce. All were very good and satisfying for us as beginners to soba.

I came here for the first time with a friend! Amazing service and food! Patty is great!read more

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Lots of seating with bar counter seats as well

Curry Udon with side of Agedashi tofu

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Beef Hot Soba

HanBop

4.4(266 reviews)

0.5 mi

•$$

Excellent delicious foods with good service, smiley faces, great yo hi boxed, nice convenience,…read morenice teas,

It's been a while since my last visit to Hanbop, and after my recent visit, I now want to go more…read moreregularly! I was able to go in during lunch to get the lunch special price. The price has gone up since I last posted a picture of the menu but I think that it is still SUCH a steal for the amount of food and quality. I ordered the beef short rib lunch special and was amazed by how much food arrived! The preview pic on the menu did not do the actual meal size justice. I was surprised by the amount of short rib pieces included as well as the variety of side dishes within the bento (fried shrimp, dumpling, some sort of fried roll, 2 pieces of another roll, 2 pieces fried chicken and soup). This is still separate from the regular banchan they provide! I really love their kimchi and potato salad. There are plenty of seats in the restaurant and parking spots in the plaza. There were a lot of solo diners at the time of my visit. The workers are friendly and quick with your order and refills. Can't wait to go back!

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Interior

Sides that are feee before meal. Delicious

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Marinated Salmon Lunch Special

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205 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Mai T.

Elite 26 All-Star

203

545

7 months ago

I'm so glad Pho Lab has opened in South OC! I had tried their Huntington Beach location before and was really impressed with the quality of their pho, so I had to check out the new Lake Forest spot. I came during their soft opening weekend, and everything was off to a great start. The decor fits perfectly for a Vietnamese restaurant -- modern, clean, and welcoming. I was warmly greeted by the staff and felt taken care of the whole time. I ordered the spring rolls and brisket pho, and both came out quickly. The spring rolls were fresh, and the peanut dipping sauce had the perfect consistency and flavor balance. But the pho was the real highlight. The brisket was thin, tender, and perfectly cooked, and the broth was rich and flavorful. The herbs were fresh and aromatic, with the right variety for topping off the bowl. My server was attentive and friendly, and the restaurant manager even checked in to make sure I was satisfied with my meal. I've tried several pho spots in the area, and this is by far the best one outside of Little Saigon. Highly recommend! read more

Raul C.

4 months ago

I tried the crispy chicken garlic noodles and they were so good. The noodles were perfectly coated in that savory garlic sauce, not greasy, and the crispy chicken added the best texture -- crunchy on the outside, juicy inside. Super flavorful and filling without being heavy. I finished before even taking a picture. My friend got the combination pho and it was heavenly. I also ordered the mango jasmine iced tea with mango jelly, and it was super refreshing. The jasmine tea was fragrant and light, the mango flavor wasn't overly sweet, and the mango jelly was a fun extra that made it feel like a treat. The vibe is clean and modern, service was smooth, and everything came out looking great. Definitely coming back to try more -- this spot hits when you want something comforting but elevated. Highly recommend! read more

Lord 0.

1 month ago

Came in craving a solid bowl of pho and left seriously impressed. The broth was rich, aromatic, and clearly simmered for hours -- exactly what you want. I ordered the rare steak pho, and the meat was fresh and tender, cooking perfectly in the hot broth. The noodles had a great texture (not mushy like some places), and the portion size was generous without being overwhelming. The side plate of herbs, bean sprouts, and lime was fresh and plentiful, which really let me customize each bite. Service was quick and friendly, and the place itself was clean and comfortable -- nothing fancy, but perfect for a casual meal. Only small downside: parking can be a bit tricky during peak hours, but honestly, the pho is worth it. Definitely coming back next time I need a comfort meal. read more

Jose C.

5 months ago

PHO LAB is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the ambiance is warm, clean, and welcoming--modern yet cozy, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a great meal. The food is outstanding: rich, flavorful broth, fresh ingredients, generous portions, and everything tastes authentic and perfectly prepared. You can really tell they take pride in the quality of their dishes. The service is just as impressive--friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The staff makes you feel taken care of without ever rushing you, which really elevates the entire experience. PHO LAB delivers on all levels: amazing food, excellent service, and a great atmosphere. Highly recommend to anyone looking for top-quality pho and a great dining experience! read more

Hima N.

1 month ago

We had an outstanding experience at Pho Lab as always. The pho options are fantastic - rich, flavorful broths with plenty of variety to choose from. We also love their fried rice and the charbroiled pork spring rolls, which are perfectly cooked, fresh, and packed with flavor. Service is always warm, efficient, and genuinely welcoming, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. A special mention to Tiffany, the manager, who truly elevates the experience, she is attentive, professional, and goes above and beyond to make every guest feel valued. Everything from presentation to taste, was consistently on point. Easily one of the best spots for pho in the area, and definitely worth returning to. read more

Ruby M.

4 months ago

I have been here a few times and I love it it's our new favorite go to Pho restaurant. The service is great everyone is super friendly especially Mike! The pricing you can't really beat it honestly it's some of the best Vietnamese food I've had and its delicious and prices are pretty nice. I've tried the shrimp spring rolls, the shaken beef garlic noodles, and the rib bone pho and those were my favorite dishes. I just love bringing family and friends to this place because it also has a lot of vegetarian and gluten friendly options so it's one of my favorite places to eat because it can work with anyone's restrictions. Definitely come try it you won't regret it. read more

Ced M.

25 days ago

Pho Lab in Lake Forest is hands down one of the best pho spots around. The broth is rich, flavorful, and tastes like it's been perfected over hours of cooking. Every bowl comes out fresh, hot, and packed with quality ingredients. Their garlic noodles are absolutely amazing too! Perfectly buttery, garlicky, and full of flavor. The service is always friendly, the restaurant is clean, and the overall vibe is welcoming every time I visit. You can really tell they care about the quality of their food and customer experience. If you're craving authentic, comforting pho and incredible garlic noodles, Pho Lab is definitely worth the stop. Highly recommend! read more

Victor L.

1 month ago

From the moment I walked in, this pho restaurant felt welcoming and authentic. The combo pho was the standout dish, packed with tender brisket, juicy meatballs, flavorful rare steak, and perfectly cooked noodles. The broth was rich, aromatic, and clearly simmered for hours without being overly salty. Fresh basil, bean sprouts, lime, and jalapeños added the perfect finishing touch. Service was quick, friendly, and attentive even during a busy lunch rush. Portions were generous for the price, making it a great value overall. If you enjoy hearty, comforting Vietnamese food, this spot absolutely deserves a visit soon with friends anytime read more

Mateo B.

8 months ago

Pho Lab is easily one of my favorite spots to eat. Everything about it hits the mark. I got the Shaken Garlic Filet Mignon Noodles and the Fries with Ribeye, and both were insanely good. The garlic noodles were buttery, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, and the filet mignon was super tender and juicy. The ribeye fries were crispy, savory, and packed with flavor, the kind of dish you can't stop eating. The vibe inside was chill, the service was super good and friendly, and the food came out hot and fresh. If you love pho or just want some seriously delicious noodles and meats, Pho Lab is 100% worth it. read more

林睿

2 months ago

. Popular Dishes: The oxtail pho and rib pho are highly recommended, often served with the meat in a separate bowl of broth to maintain the quality. Other favorites include the shaken beef with garlic noodles, popcorn chicken, and flavorful chicken wings. Atmosphere: Visitors describe the vibe as clean, modern, and nicely decorated. A recurring "hidden gem" mention is the strikingly gold-colored decor in the restrooms. Service: The staff is widely praised for being polite, welcoming, and proactive with menu recommendations read more

Alejandro L.

5 months ago

The pho was simple and comforting, made with a rich brisket broth that tasted slow-cooked and hearty. The broth was warm, savory, and not overly seasoned, letting the beef flavor stand out. The brisket was tender and paired well with soft rice noodles. Fresh herbs and a bit of lime added lightness without overpowering the soup. It wasn't fancy, but it was filling and satisfying. A straightforward bowl of pho that focused on good broth and solid ingredients, perfect for a casual, no-frills meal. read more

Aubrey K.

7 months ago

This was my first time at Pho Lab and I was really impressed. The broth is super flavorful and comforting, and the noodles were perfect. The portion size was big, the meat was tender, and everything tasted fresh. The service was quick and everyone was really friendly, which made the experience even better. I'm already thinking about what I want to order next time, definitely coming back. If you love pho or just want something warm and delicious, you have to try this place! read more

Eric C.

1 month ago

Our party of four came here for lunch on a Sunday and ordered the grilled pork spring roll,, the shrimp spring roll, brisket pho, garlic noodles with crispy chicken, garlic fries and a sautéed ribeye banh mi. The food was uniformly well-prepared and tasty, and the service was attentive without being intrusive. The garlic fries in particular are crisped perfectly and dusted with just enough cayenne pepper to give them the perfect amount of heat. We'll definitely be back! read more

natelye

5 months ago

Very good customer service and great food The food was really good and tasted fresh. Everything was hot and nicely made. The flavors were simple but delicious, and you could tell good ingredients were used. The portions were just right and filling. Service was fast and friendly, which made the experience better. I enjoyed my meal a lot and would come back again. I would also recommend this place to friends and family who want a good, tasty meal. read more

Samantha L.

23 days ago

Staff were friendly throughout our entire experience. The food was exquisite. I got the garlic noodles with tiger prawns, which were cooked to perfection. I would have taken a photo of the food, but I devoured it too quickly. The sauce that came with the noodles was full of flavor. 10/10 wonderful experience. Will be coming back and glad to have found a new spot close to home. read more

Yazmin R.

7 months ago

I had such a great experience here! The staff was incredibly friendly, kind, and patient -- they made me feel very welcome from the moment I walked in. The food was delicious, and the broth had such a rich, flavorful taste. The portions were generous too, which made it even better. You can really tell they put care into what they serve. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Jessica G.

2 months ago

Absolutely delicious experience! We ordered the brisket, shrimp spring rolls, and chicken nuggets, and everything was incredible. The flavors were rich, fresh, and perfectly balanced--honestly some of the best we've tried. Whether it's a cold day or a hot one, this place hits every time. Highly recommend if you're looking for something satisfying and full of flavor! read more

Monah M.

7 months ago

The food here is incredible! We ordered the pho, wings, and egg rolls, and everything was amazing. The broth was especially delicious. The customer service was outstanding, everyone was so welcoming and attentive. We were even given free dessert for the grand opening! We'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend checking this place out! read more

Jasmin B.

3 months ago

Absolutely loved this spot! The pho was rich, flavorful, and tasted super fresh. The broth had that perfect depth without being too heavy, and the portions were generous. Everything came out hot and quickly. Service was friendly and attentive, and the place felt clean and welcoming. Great comfort food spot -- I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Elly S.

6 months ago

This place is a must!! The quality of the food and the price of the food is amazing!! The soup was rich and the fries were super savory and crispy. Everything felt very homey and an excellent treat after exams. The service was excellent, got seated fast when coming 5:30pm and the food came out hot and quick. Highly recommend!! read more

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205 Pho Lab reviews that are not currently recommended

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205 reviews that are not currently recommended

Pho Lab - vietnamese - Updated June 2026

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