Came here for lunch with the family and it was very disappointing in all aspects. It lacks the basic fundamentals of Vietnamese food and leaves you questioning their taste palette. Food: We ordered pho, com thit nuong and soda chanh. The pho soup was not cooked with herbs or beef bone broth. It literally tasted like pho noodles and hot water. I couldn't even finish my bowl - it was just so bland. The egg served with com thit nuong was missing seasoning and overcooked. The sugar in the soda chanh was just chilling on the bottom of the glass and not stirred into the drink. So when you drink through a straw, you're left chewing on granulated sugar. Service: The person who served our food and brought us water was not very friendly, rather dismissive. Ambience: They offer indoor/outdoor seating, which is nice. Overall, very clean and cozy. I would not recommend Pho Saigon Pearl if you're looking for traditional Vietnamese flavors, or any type of flavors really. Underwhelming tastes and no aromatic herbs used makes this establishment a hard pass for me. read more

i'd say that food is below average. service definitely need some work up, customer service does make a lot of difference (esp communication). read more

Just ate here and they served us moldy food. We sent it back but they didn't comp us or remake our food. I would not recommend.

Amazing Chicken Pho ! Wow ! Huge bowl with a side of skewered grilled chicken . Largest bowl I've seen at any Pho spot and it was only $14. read more

not authentic chicken pho. they use grilled oily chicken and beef broth for chicken pho. also if you ask for meatballs they give you 2 pieces for $4 rip off! read more

Third time going here this week! Lol when I'm into something I get addicted lol and this place is sooo good and I'm the spectrum next to my favorite place Bristol farms!!! I definitely recommend this place!! read more

I barely write bad reviews but the food is honestly disgusting:( what a shame worst pho I've ever had

When my coworkers and I want to grab some pho, we usually come here because they have non-meat-based broth options (one of my coworkers eats Halal). It was a bit chilly today, even indoors, but they keep the giant front doors open in order to create an open-concept design for aesthetics. That's just the design of the restaurant, so can't really fault them for it. It's much appreciated during the hotter days. Anyway, I got the Saigon Pearl Egg Rolls, which comes in a set of 5 (I dug in right away before remembering I should take pics, so you can only see 3 in mine, whoops!) One thing to note about these versus other places' egg rolls is that the texture of the egg roll wrapping is pretty different. A lot of other restaurants' egg rolls are really crunchy, but Saigon Pearl's are almost a bit chewy. It feels like they knead a little mochi flour into the roll before frying it or something. Either way, they're a bit fun and interesting, and the flavor's there in the filling. They give fish sauce to dip it in, which isn't my favorite dip for these, but it is what it is. I also got the #12 - Pick 3 Protein pho. It's nice to be able to mix and match proteins instead of having to rely on set menu items and adding more for extra, so that's good. I ordered rare steak, meatballs, and tripe. Protip: If you actually want rare steak, make sure to tell them you want it on the side or else they'll throw it in before serving it to you, and it'll have cooked a bit before even making it to you. The overall flavor of the broth was satisfactory. Rare steak was good. Meatballs were standard, as was the tripe. Service can be a bit slow, and sometimes the waiters tend to forget about you if you're sitting in the back booth. We sat there to be away from the giant open doors on this cold day, but the cold still made it back to us. Also, there may not be paper towels in the bathroom for you to dry your hands, but don't forget that there's a sink outside the bathroom that does have paper towels. Nothing about Pho Saigon Pearl blows me away, or sets it apart from other pho restaurants. It's nice to experience the different texture of the egg roll, but I can't say that I prefer one way over the other. I gave this place 3 stars simply because it's a decent experience, and you know you're gonna get food that you won't mind eating. As the Yelp mouseover for 3 stars says: A-OK. 3.4/5 read more

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My family and I decided to get some food after strolling around in Irvine spectrum on a Wednesday night. At first we wanted to sit outside, but since the patio was packed. The servers invited us nicely inside to dine in. It was incredible to see the food coming out fast and great customer service with just two servers. Both of the servers were very nice and I felt satisfied with the overall experience. Definitely introducing my friends to this place when I have the chance! . read more

Pho Saigon Pearl - people sitting at tables outside a restaurant - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

One time I went there the food was not bad service was so so I came back here but servers ignored us we should wait for long long time then just left Today I went here again, but server was so rude that will never come back While eating he just put the check on the table without a word read more

Pho Saigon Pearl - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

We've gone here a few times and both the food and service has been mediocre. Today was just unacceptable. The servers were very rude and abrasive because we asked them to not pack our to-go pho ingredients all separately, we just wanted containers of the complete soup since we were eating it right then. They reluctantly agreed. Then they gave us the order with everything separate and when we asked why they didn't do it, they said "you can just do it, it's so simple!" . When we asked for sriracha, they handed us one packet. We asked for a second and they claimed "we charge for more than one". It was obviously just to be petty and mean. There's no reason to give money to such rude people with mediocre food. read more

Well... firstly best eggroll I have ever tasted Food was great, but it was little disappointing that they do not serve lime instead they give me lemon for the pho.. I prefer lime and they should improve on their service... little bit uncomfortable when I was dining in... Overall, food was great read more

Pho Saigon Pearl - Thai Ice Tea - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

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We wont we back! This place was a terrible experience. When we got there we asked to sit at a high top but since we were only a party of 4 they said no that the table was for 7. After we sat down they ended up giving that high top table to a party of 3. I really wanted fried egg rolls and ordered the appetizer, the waiter said what I was ordering was not the friend egg rolls. He suggested another item and brought them out and it was wrong and more expensive. I asked to take them back then he argues with me. Service was terrible after that and they never checked in with us after we ordered. I am pretty sure they are racist here as they made us feel super uncomfortable. read more

This is one of the best pho spots in the area. I'm a big fan of the broth and the quality of their meat. The brisket wasn't too chewy, and not too fatty which is great. There's a lot of patio seating but during rush hours there's a long wait, especially on weekends. I would recommend putting your name on the waitlist and then go run errands while waiting. The service was good, and fast. read more

The absolute best service and quality authentic pho in Southern California. I simply can't find or seem to get the quality taste of Pho Anywhere else, and I am super picky. My favorite dish is the chicken pho noodle soup with extra veggies. To live for! The server Leo always makes me like family when I'm here and today he even brought me an extra jasmine green tea to go when I was walking out the door. So nice! Thank you Leo! I always look forward to coming here and I give me heartfelt recommendation! read more

Pho Saigon Pearl - Pho with chicken and extra veggies in a veggie broth. Jasmine green tea - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

Got a bit parched walking around. Life is tough ;-) Ordered Vietnamese coffee and strawberry lemonade for the kids. Asked if they could split lemonade into two cups for two kids. Waiter promptly said "Nope" and blankly stared at the wife. After an uncomfortable silence, she asked for an additional cup. Guess they don't get many families. read more

This place has very good service. I came here with my family (if I'm honest, my mother was being a little high maintenance), and they were very accommodating. The food is all very good. It's high-end Vietnamese food the pricing and the presentation reflect that. It's still not too expensive. I have been back and the experience is always the same. read more

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We been here several times. It is hidden back near the middle of the Spectrum surrounded by other restaurants. The times we been there it has always been busy. The service is excellent and very attentive. As for the food, I have to judge it based on authenticity. It is really good with a modern flare to suit the clients in the area. The pho was tasty enough to get your fill in whether it is chicken or beef. We also ordered the vietnamese coffee and hot tea. Both tasty as well. I recommend if you are in the area and need to appease your Vietnamese food craving. read more

Best filet mignon pho ever! Super tender. Nice environment. Great prices too. I will be back. read more

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Love their combination fried rice! The most delicious fried rice I've ever had! Try it out!

I've only gone for lunch and it's never crowded. The service is good, possibly because I get there before any lunch rush (right after the gym). The food was good, what one would expect at a restaurant like this. read more

Pho Saigon Pearl - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

The worst pho in the world! The cook must been upset while cooking Pho, she pour the Whole bottle of fish sauce in to The pot. OMG! read more

Service was excellent and tables were clean but the food here is missing a level of flavor that I cannot put into words. Usually I don't mind it much but I literally had pho the day before and the broth was just lacking the love they need. There was a good amount of tender meat in the large bowl I ordered so at least it's not a rip off in that sense. Their egg quiche which is something I order a lot from Vietnamese places...it was NOT good, don't get it because it's got more filler than anything. What this place offers is it's location. The Spectrum is a great place for family and friends to hang out and with the variety of food in this center it makes eating together much easier. read more

Pho Saigon Pearl - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

Service was great and fast. I came here for lunch and the pho tasted very good with the hoisin sauce. Would definitely recommend if you happen to be in Irvine spectrum and want a bite to eat. read more

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Wow super unprofessional. Put our names down on waitlist and nobody came out to check. Meanwhile there were multiple tables open. Finally after waiting 10+ minutes decided to come inside and ask to be seated. The short hair asian lady seated us and began to lecture us on something couldn't understand her bad english but she was clearly irritated. We got up immediately and left. They will never get my business. If I could give 0 stars I would. Pho them! read more

The food was honestly not the best. My order was incomplete, it was missing half of the ingredients listed on their food descriptions for the plate. I was missing the egg roll, cucumbers and the shrimp. It was extremely disappointing. It was my first time trying this place and it's near my work so i decided to order food to go from this place. read more

Pho Saigon Pearl - Vermicelli with Grilled Shrimp and Egg Rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

Tis the Season for colds and the flu... and I'm sick as a dog sitting across the Spectrum in my office. I can't breathe and I wish I had something brothy and warm, but don't give me none of that chicken noodle nonsense.. I want some Pho! So I walked over to the Spectrum and put my name on the list. I was seated within 3 minutes, this felt like a long time only because I was starving and had a sinus headache. I had the Small Veggie Pho, my boyfriend the Large Combo his favorite. This place is so convenient, fast and tasty! read more

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Worst pho experience ever. The servers were not welcoming at all. He clearly doesn't enjoy his job. We had three people and we were ordering but after we ordered 2 pho he cut us off and was like that's it? 2 pho? We weren't done ordering. Then we ordered a smoothie but it didn't really say it contained dairy. When it came out we asked that we have severe dairy allergies and the server snapped back saying that smoothie contains dairy. Not all the time. Anyways we won't be going back. Worst pho experience ever! read more

Although this is the only Vietnamese Pho place located at Irvine Spectrum Center, it's clear that the food here is not made with passion but rather, with the intention to just make the most profit out of a meal. I'm not an advocate for "quantity over quality" so it disappoints me whenever I order a meal and it comes out looking like the size of my entire arm because I know it will taste bland and gross. That's exactly what happened in the Banh Mi that I ordered, the chicken was so flavorless and touch while the sauces inside the sandwich were just not good. The Pho wasn't bad though, if it weren't for the Pho this place definitely would've been a 2 star. I would say save your money and go to a different Asian restaurant located in the spectrum center. read more

Pho Saigon Pearl - B2. Grilled Meat Banh Mi, shrimp 2. Vietnamese Spring Roll, and Combination Soup - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

Service not so great - was never checked on and never had my water refilled. I prefer limes but they do not carry them so I asked for extra lemon for my pho. He brought out a few slices and told me it would be an additional.$3.50 for them. I declined. A single lemon is under $1 at the grocery store. Weird experience. read more

I routinely do the tofu bahn mi and the team is always super friendly and prompt ... you can get in and out quick for a quick lunch and the sun usually hits the patio perfect during mid day. read more

Service was horrible. Waiter was for interested in being on his phone and watching people walk by. I have no idea what their aversion to ice is. They serve lukewarm water. The pho itself is oily and flavorless. The waiter then proceeded to cough into someone's soup as he was carrying it to the table. Our water glasses sat empty despite the waiter walking by three times. I regret my life choices in coming here. What a waste of money. read more

Pho Saigon Pear has more than just Pho. They have banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) plates with rice and noodles, and all sorts of drinks. I couldn't decide between pho and the pork chop with rice as it looked really good. And thanks to the recommendation of the server I had gone with the pork chop. Along with ghat I got one of my favorite dessert drink, the 3 layered drink. In some places it's also called the 3 bean drink. It has red beans, mung beans, jello and coconut cream in it (along with other items I don't know of). It was all very good, the pork chop was delicious and tender. The drink was good as well. This is located at the Irvine spectrum center in their food court area closest to the 5 fwy exit. Service was good too! There is indoor and outdoor seating here, and a great ambiance to mesh with it all. read more

Pho Saigon Pearl - Pork chop - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

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First of all on a hot summer day they had decided to switch the AC off. Then the rudest servers I have come across. I requested the beef well done and it came all red inside. Horrible service. I wouldn't go here again. read more

The food is good but way too expensive. I don't like to have to pay $4.00 for a glass of soda. And the Service is a little on the poor side. The waiter did'nt bring everything for the PHO. I had to ask. I had to ask several times for a fork. I've been to better resturants with better service and far less explensive. read more

Discriminatory employees! I came here with my family for dinner. I saw them seat multiple Asians and Caucasians inside and brown colored and Indian people outside when there was plenty of space inside. Normally, that doesn't bother me. But, where I was most shocked was when they turned down an Asian mother with her special needs child. They did this by making disgusting faces and shooing them away like they were animals. The poor mother had to tell their kid, "They don't like you baby, I'm sorry. Let's go somewhere else." Lastly, not once did they refill our waters or ask if we needed anything. It's a weird world. Imagine, having to explain to your 3 young children of what they saw and explaining to them on how to do better. read more

I would give stars but the young server was nice . Gods sucks , cold , no taste and bland . Our food came out cold and burnt . Called for the manager her did not come , we got our check , paid and left . They don't care about you or the food . Only money !! It's just that the location brings in people . Otherwise it's horrible !!! read more

I realize this is mall food, but I'm surprised how gross this was and how expensive. The wrapping on the spring rolls must have been so old because it was hard like plastic. I also ordered vermicelli with chicken and shrimp. Tiny piece of chicken that was so dry, it didn't even look like chicken. Maybe it wasn't! All together; yuck. read more

Pho Saigon Pearl - Rice paper wrap was hard as plastic. - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

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I was looking for gluten free options at Spectrum and decided upon Pho Saigon Pearl. I chose a small #12 pho with meatballs, well done brisket, and rare steak. When I first tasted the broth, it tasted slightly sweet. When I tried more, it seemed weak. I really liked the meatballs, but the quantity was disappointingly small. The well done brisket and rare steak were fine. While the amount of pieces was not plentiful, it was an adequate portion. The noodles were fine. The pho was average and it's not something I would crave in the future. Service was minimalistic. No one checked up on us and we had to ask for refills of water. We were thanked when we left. The bowl did not fill me up and I felt hungry later on in the night. read more

Very quick service and delicious bowls of pho, what's not to love?! I'll admit that I've never met a bowl of pho that I didn't like, but I do enjoy the broth that they make here at Pho Saigon Pearl. This restaurant is actually located at Irvine Spectrum and you can order it on Yelp so that you don't have to waste any time ordering it at the front. I'm sure you could also probably order over the phone, but I like the handiness of just paying for the meal right before picking it up so I can just grab it and go. I'd definitely consider dining here, but the most concerning part is that it wasn't extremely busy when I was here so that could either mean that I came on a slow night or that not very many people typically frequent this restaurant. Nonetheless... their broth is flavorful and the meats were plentiful! I would definitely return for a second opportunity just to taste some of the other items they have on their menu. But for now, their pho is truly worth trying at least once! (73/100 - 2018) read more