Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Pho Nam Cali

    3.9 (460 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 11:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Pho Nam Cali Takeout or Delivery

    Pho Nam Cali Photos

    Business Info

    PHO NAM CALI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Pho Nam Cali

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Menu
    Ann H.

    This is what I consider a hole in the wall- it's a small restaurant with a few tables and chairs for dine in and pretty tasty food. The broth here is phenomenal and I would give 5 stars easy for the pho. What I did not appreciate was their servers trying to get double tips from us. This establishment added gratuity for a table of 2 without telling us. I almost tipped twice but the math wasn't adding up so I questioned them about it and was only then that they told me gratuity was automatically included. That's pretty shady business practice if you ask me.

    P7. Chicken (pho ga)

    I've dined in several times and although they might be busy, their service and timing is always amazing! The broth on all their soups are so clean, savory and just delicious; can't go wrong with any of their selections. They are now open later, until 11:30pm -- late night menu has less options but their staple dishes are available. Family owned and always so welcoming, check them out!

    Spicy Noodle Soup (Bun Bo Hue)
    LINA M.

    Never dined in before but ordered via Grubhub. Everything came nice and neatly packaged. They have a lot of specials on Grubhub during lunchtime. I've always passed by but never thought to stop and eat here. Ordered bun bo hue and spring rolls. They have different pricing if you go pick up or if delivery. I really liked their bun bo hue here it was surprisingly good and had flavor which I doubted. All the usual meats, pork loafs, and tendons inside. The vegetables all come included as well. I do wish they had an actual pork hock or pig feet to add too though. My only complaint is the thin vermicelli noodles which I'm not too much of a fan of. They are more like the thin noodles for the dry bun. I like the thicker vermicelli noodles. I did see and read they are open late now! There's no pho spots usually open that late especially being the only one situated in that area. I read the menu prices are higher during late hours to accommodate but I don't mind and looking forward to visiting in person soon for dinner when the late night cravings are kicking in!

    Malia P.

    Food is great. Service was off. It took forever for them to take our order and give us food. We came in on the heels of another couple. They were able to eat, pay and leave while we were still waiting for our food. Another couple came in after us, they also ate, ordered more food while we were still waiting. We ordered pho, banh mi and spring roll. Everything was tasty but we may go somewhere else for faster food.

    Pho  A6. Crispy Fried Tofu (dau hu chien) P15. Rare Steak, Flank & Tendon Noodle Soup( pho tai, nam, gan)
    Jarrell A.

    Casual spot with good pho. Crispy tofu is really good. Service was good and fast. Serving size is good.

    S5. Seafood Stir-Fry (Xao Do bien) - virtually no seafood
    Sydney H.

    Disappointing experience - ordered the filet pho, chicken summer rolls, and seafood stir fry through postmates. The food was lukewarm and needed to be microwaved. The pho broth was pretty flavorless - none of the aromatic flavors like you should get in good pho. It was also packaged poorly and leaked all over the bag. The meat was tough and really hard to chew. There was a large portion of noodles though. The seafood stir fry was awful - only a few, tiny pieces of fish and most of it was imitation. Yuck! The summer rolls were alright. Pretty standard. Would not recommend / will not order again.

    DISGUSTING & DISAPPOINTED ! DONT RECOMMEND my mom found a bug in her sauce & luckily she caught it before almost dipping !

    Did not disclose automatic gratuity for a party of 4.

    Automatically charged gratuity. Check the receipt and what they're charging before paying. Did not disclose automatic gratuity for a party of 4.

    pho
    Jasmine F.

    Really delicious Pho, and friendly staff too, the spring roll is flavorful with yummy peanut flavored sauce!

    P10. Well Done Steak Noodle Soup (pho chin)
    Victoria G.

    Our favorite Pho place . Fried spring roll, salt and pepper tofu and mango strawberry smoothie. And they are open 'til 11pm daily.

    Delicious food 10/10. I love the egg rolls and steamed potstickers. I get well done steak pho and my love gets the #21 Brisket Pho. We come here all the time, we love that they close at 11:30pm, so convenient.

    Menu.
    Frances D.

    After my appointment with my doctor. I was hungry. So I walked approximately 2 blocks from my doctor's office . That was a good long walk for me to exercise my legs and my whole body. Afterwards, I felt like I had more energy. While I was walking in the sidewalk in the National City Area , I saw two restaurants. The first one really stood out to me. It caught my eye! As an Elite 2025 Status Reviewer and Writer for the past 7 years, I have eaten at all kinds of restaurants good and bad food. I saw a single light blue restaurant that has a white picket fence around their building. I also noticed a few tables that were place outside the side of their Pho Nam Cali Restaurant to give their customers choices whether they prefer to eat inside their restaurant or find outside and breathe in the fresh air. For myself, my preference is to eat inside their Pho Nam Cali Restaurant because it's warmer inside and also when my hot food is brought over to my table by Lonny my Vietnamese Food dies stay HOT for a long time versus eating outside at their tables my food gets very cold and my food doesn't taste very good. I placed my order with Lonny who said he's a new employee. Lon told me he has worked as a server for the Pho NAM Cali for the past (5 months) now. I asked Lon how many years has their Pho Nam Cali (Vietnamese) Restaurant been in business? Lon said for (10 years) but last year their restaurant has changed to new management snd new owners and their Pho Nam Cali Restaurant was operated very different than in these past years. I ordered the (Number N8), it's the Meat Combo Fried Rice. The 3 Meat Combo Fried Rice is stir fried in a wok with light cooking oil in a higher temperature. This delicious Fried Rice includes (huge Shrimp, Marinated Beef that is thinly sliced, and very tender Chicken pieces) with fluffy white rice in a lightly seasoned soy sauce with snow peas and diced carrots. This Combo Fried Rice Dish was served to me as a large serving for my dinner tonight. This Combo Fried Rice Dish has the perfect amount of soy sauce and isn't greasy at all. Every one of these boiled carrots and snow peas was very tasty and I received a very generous portion on the succulent Shrimp, Beef, and Chicken which were all lightly seasoned. I would definitely order this Combo Fried Rice Dish again. Because it satisfies my hunger this time. The Jasmine Hot Tea tastes very good with a lighter tea flavor. The Jasmine Tea gives me a sense of peace and comfort with every sip I drank from the paper cup. Afterwards, to complete my dinner meal, I ordered one Iced Coffee Beverage from Lon the new employee. These ingredients were Vietnamese Milk and Iced Coffee thats blended with ice cubes to make a really delicious Coffee Smoothie Beverage. In summary, This Pho Nam Cali Restaurant has very affordable prices compared to these 3 other Vietnamese Restaurants within a very close proximity from each other . These other Vietnamese Restaurants are more expensive when ordering the same food on their menu. I felt very comfortable and I was treated like a family member tonight for my dinner meal at 5:30 PM . I saw about 3 different men employees who were working in the back kitchen area. Lon stayed up at the front counter and he served me the one cup of the Jasmine Hot Tea and he also brought ice water to my table with an added slice of the lime wedge this was located inside the bottom of my glass for added flavor. Lon is of Vietnamese race Wyeth Jet black hair and wearing black eye glasses with black gloves and a black tee shirt with black pants . I really liked Lon's very friendly personality and he has a very kind attitude towards me their new customer. There was another Guy gave me some great advice on what kinds of food I can order the next time I eat inside their restaurant in National City. I told them I had an awesome experience with my first meal. Their atmosphere is very comfortable and relaxing I didn't feel rushed at all. Their customers are also very friendly people to talk to about their favorite food on their menu. I told Lon that I was visiting National City , CA today. But I will definitely come back to eat at their Pho Nam Cali Restaurant again soon.

    Beef Pho, not sure which number it was
    Elizabeth V.

    Pho Nam Cali in National City is a spot to go to for good pho! Located in the corner of Euclid and 8th St. and they have their own parking lot. Customer service is good but, keep in mind they are a small venue! We ordered: Crispy pork egg rolls - rolls were good but it came with very few lettuce leaves, no mint, and fish sauce was a bit bland Shrimp and pork fresh spring roll - I didn't care not care for their peanut sauce. It lacked in flavor compared to others I've had. Thai tea - was not creamy or sweet Various pho bowls - delicious If in the mood for pho, give them a try. If craving other menu items, maybe not.

    See all

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Danh P.
    428
    10
    0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of PhoNam C.

    PhoNam C.

    We’re so glad you enjoyed your visit. Thank you!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of PhoNam C.

    PhoNam C.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of PhoNam C.

    PhoNam C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of V C.
    1
    6
    5

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of PhoNam C.

    PhoNam C.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of PhoNam C.

    PhoNam C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of PhoNam C.

    PhoNam C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of D M.
    38
    232
    841

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of PhoNam C.

    PhoNam C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erica R.
    354
    22
    7

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J T.
    7
    67
    10

    4 months ago

    Just had lunch at this place today for the first time. Super good food and amazing service. 10 out of 10 - will come back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Good pho, worth the drive. Their spring rolls and egg rolls are delicious. Friendly staff!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marc C.
    0
    25
    22

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Queen S.
    429
    1160
    6075

    2 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of PhoNam C.

    PhoNam C.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Sue A.
    116
    10
    15

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of PhoNam C.

    PhoNam C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 12

    Pho Nam Cali Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Pho Nam Cali

    Can you post a picture of the menu with pho varieties?

    Posted

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    PHOnomenal

    PHOnomenal

    4.8
    (500 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    They only have a few selections on their menu. They specialize in the beef rib bone Cambodian…read morenoodle soup and they have huge spring rolls. The meat on the bones was so tender, it fell right off of the bone. Their broth is so delicious. Don't forget to taste that before you put in that bomb ass house chili oil. And to all the Cambodians from a Cambodian, it tastes better than most of your momas house, j/k, but I'm not, lol. The chili oil sauce is spicy, but that's how I like it. And oh, that sugar cane drink completed the whole meal. It was good and not too sweet, just the way I like it. The owners were great. They were so sweet and welcoming. Don't forget to order some of their Chili oil house sauce for the house. I would definitely come back again if I am in the San Diego area. I highly recommend this place. Disclaimer: No one got hurt making the opening the can video, j/k, lol. https://fb.watch/HUlvHgClrw/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://fb.watch/HUmb-tAb9h/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://fb.watch/HUmfFqBVpF/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://fb.watch/HUmih3PsDJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    One of the best pho I've had at a restaurant. The broth was flavorful, the ingredients were fresh,…read moreand everything tasted great. I also ordered the cococane (coconut and sugarcane) drink, and it was delicious. My wife loved her meal too, which always makes the experience even better. Happy wife, happy life! Our food came out quickly, and the staff checked on us throughout the meal without being overbearing. The balance was perfect. Modern, clean, and comfortable. A great place to relax and enjoy a good meal. We'll be back, San Diego. And we'll be ordering that pho again.

    Photos
    Partial view of the dining area
    Partial view of the dining area
    Their Phonomenal food item that always sells out!!!!
    Their Phonomenal food item that always sells out!!!!
    Shrimp and Pork Roll

    See all

    Shrimp and Pork Roll
    Pho Mai Cali & Grill

    Pho Mai Cali & Grill

    4.2
    (529 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    "If you're going to get Vietnamese food, go to the one on Sweetwater" - my Elderly Aunt…read more Now, my elderly aunt (in her 80's) hardly ever voices her opinion. She was raised to be soft-spoken. So, if she insists on going to a specific restaurant for Vietnamese food, then you know that the place is good. Spoiler alert: she was right. As an out-of-towner, nothing makes me happier than trying a family-owned business, especially when it's recommended by someone (bonus points, when it's someone who's culinary POV I respect). I was meeting up with my Godson & his family. When my aunt overheard that we would be going to meet at a nearby Vietnamese restaurant in National City (which will remain unnamed), she insisted that we go to the one on "Sweetwater" (Pho Mai Cali & Grill) instead. FOOD: Eggrolls - 8.5 / 10 Warm, crispy. Just how I like them. I always appreciate when they are served alongside their signature Vietnamese sweet + sour sauce. The fish sauce is especially pronounced & very welcome. #8 (Pho with Rare Steak + Meatball) - 8.9 / 10 Rich, beefy, umami broth. The steak is tender. The meatballs have an interesting spongy texture. Plenty of long, chewy rice noodles. I don't always get pho when I go to a Vietnamese restaurant (I know, I know, I'm weird). So, when I get pho, it is a big compliment & a vote of confidence. I liked it & would gladly come back. Huge shout-out to the entire team. Service was phenomenal. We were a group of 7 waiting on 2 (coming from work). Our female server was beyond gracious with the numerous times she check-in on us. Especially with not saying a word that we went quite a bit over their closing time (I hate doing that, but it was others in my party that arrived later, & I was overly generous with gratuity in cash). Please support family-owned businesses like Pho Mai Cali & Grill. I would happily come back any day of the week.

    I've stopped here plenty of times for a quick Vietnamese coffee run before my tee time next door…read more Since the shop is still fairly new, the interior isn't the most visually appealing and definitely has more of a mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall vibe. That said, the food always looks amazing, and there's usually a steady stream of customers whenever I stop by. One thing that surprised me was the coffee. It's noticeably lighter in color, almost as if cream or milk has already been added, compared to the traditional dark, strong Vietnamese coffee made with espresso and condensed milk. It's a different style than what I'm used to, but still worth trying if you're curious. The place is small, with fewer than six tables, so it's more of a quick spot to grab pho or satisfy a Vietnamese food craving rather than somewhere to hang out for a long meal. Again, it's definitely smaller than most pho restaurants, but sometimes those are the places that surprise you the most.

    Photos
    A wide angle view of the interior seating - fair amount of space here.
    A wide angle view of the interior seating - fair amount of space here.
    Egg Rolls
    Egg Rolls
    D2. Vietnamese Coffee $4.99

    See all

    D2. Vietnamese Coffee $4.99
    Pho Kha

    Pho Kha

    4.7
    (296 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    My first time here, I had beef Pho the broth was perfect, meat very tender. Hubby had shrimp…read morenoodles & the egg rolls was amazing! Homemade Taro boba drink also yummy. Will be coming back!

    I was really hoping Pho Kha would become our new favorite pho spot in the area, but unfortunately…read morewe left pretty disappointed. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which I appreciated, but the food just did not meet expectations. I ordered the oxtail pho. The broth itself was light, clean, and actually had good flavor on its own. My issue was with the oxtail. I understand they probably keep it refrigerated before serving, but it did not seem reheated properly. Even though the broth was boiling hot, and I spent a few minutes on a phone call before eating, the meat toward the center was still cool. Not ice cold, but definitely not properly hot either. Eventually it just became room temperature in the soup, which honestly made me uneasy. I also ordered the spicy fried chicken because I had read so many reviews saying it was amazing and the best fried chicken they had. Parts of the outside had an okay crunch, but the chicken itself was extremely bland inside, almost like it was never marinated or seasoned. The dipping sauce honestly carried the whole dish. Maybe I came on an off day, because I really wanted to enjoy this place, but overall it was just disappointing.

    Photos
    Water
    Water
    Delivered the eating utensils in this basket with napkins
    Delivered the eating utensils in this basket with napkins
    Lemonade with club soda

    See all

    Lemonade with club soda

    Pho Nam Cali - vietnamese - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...