We stopped in for a hot bowl of soup (weirdly amazing on a very hot July day!) It was very quiet, but we never mind. We are always treated kindly and the soups are always amazing. This is a no-frills sort of space, but just exactly the kind of comfort I love. Not fussy or pretentious. It always feels to me a bit like eating in humble spots overseas. I got pho with steak (like always) and an iced coffee. It's rocket fuel, Vietnamese iced coffee, in the very best way possible. I would drink a gallon of it if I could! Zero complaints. You're going to love what you get and you're going to get full. Try the pho or one of the stews or a bahn mi. Get an iced coffee. Enjoy your meal. Thank the ladies and gents who cooked and served your meal. It's always money well-spent to me! read more

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Food tastes ok most of the time but is one of the lowest values in Columbus. Stingy even with rice noodles and rice. If you order a grilled pork rice entree for more than $16 you'll get 5 bite sized pieces of pork, a spoon of pork skin, and a small slice of egg cake... if you are an grown adult man, then you'll still be hungry. Fox News always on the TV and don't get me started on the restrooms that don't appear to have ever been fully cleaned. Pho Le has much better portions and cleaner. read more

Review: Bò Kho (Menu #29) - I Tried, But I Just Couldn't Get Jiggy With It I walked into this experience knowing bò kho wasn't going to be the beef stew I grew up with--I was ready for that. I've been to Mi Li Café plenty of times, and their pho is consistently delicious. Over time, I've switched to chicken (and even considered shrimp) because some of the other proteins have taken me on unexpected textural journeys. But today, feeling bold, I decided to give Menu Item #29: Beef Stew with French Bread a shot. I knew it would be different--just not this different. Service Expectations: The Dice Roll Before we even get to the food, let's talk about service expectations because, depending on who you get, it's a completely different experience. You either get someone who can code switch for your ass--reading you immediately and giving you that warm, slightly Americanized hospitality--or you're getting the "hurry up and buy" experience where your order is taken with the kind of efficiency that makes you question if you're even supposed to be dining in. Today, I got the "hurry up and buy" service. No greeting, no small talk--just a quick "What you want?" and an expectation that I knew my answer immediately. No problem. I thought I knew what I wanted. The Broth: A Textural Surprise My brain had read the description of the menu item, and I felt confident that I didn't need to question the broth. But when my bowl arrived, the texture caught me off guard. It had that silky, collagen-rich consistency that comes from long-simmered proteins and bones. Not bad, just different. I took a few more sips, trying to adjust, but I quickly realized I needed reinforcements. The French Bread: My Only Lifeline Enter the French bread. Now, this? Absolutely flawless. The same crispy, golden bread they use for their Vietnamese subs (which, by the way, Menu #7 is great). I figured dunking it into the broth might be my saving grace, and honestly? It helped. The bread softened just enough to carry the flavors, making the broth a little more approachable. For a moment, I thought I might have figured it out. The Beef: A Mystery I Wasn't Ready to Solve But then, we got to the beef. And listen--I wasn't brave enough to dive in. I took one look at what was floating in my bowl, and it took one look back at me. Everything about the beef was a mystery I wasn't prepared to solve. Some pieces looked tender. Others had a texture that made me hesitate. I poked at it like I was analyzing a crime scene, but ultimately, I had to respectfully decline this cultural experience. My Failed Attempt at Fixing It Determined to salvage the situation, I called myself doctoring up the stew with their chili oil and garlic sauce, which I know to be delicious. But instead of saving the dish, I somehow made it worse. The broth, already unfamiliar, was now spicy, garlicky, and aggressively overwhelming--a hot mess, both literally and figuratively. At this point, I had no choice but to accept defeat. The Check: A Waffle House Moment Now, before today, I have never questioned my bill total at this spot. But today? My server rang me up and added a whole extra dollar to what was listed on the menu. No explanation, no itemized breakdown--just vibes. It felt a little like Waffle House, where you just pay whatever total they tell you because questioning it might get you banned. And honestly? I wasn't in the mood to argue over a dollar. I just paid and left, slightly confused but fully humbled. Final Thoughts So, bò kho, I respect you. I see what you were trying to do. But no matter how much I dunked, mixed, or seasoned, we just weren't meant to be. Maybe one day I'll be ready, but today was not that day. Until then, I'll stick to my chicken pho--or Menu #7, because that sandwich has never let me down. Final Rating: 3 stars for the stew (I take full responsibility for not being built for this). 5 stars for the bread (perfection). 1 star deducted for my overconfidence in the power of condiments. Bonus half-star for the Waffle House-style mystery tax, because at least it gave me a laugh. read more

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Great Pho! The place isn't fancy but the food is really good and worth a visit. Service is fast and friendly and the prices are fair.

1st Time Coming & Best In The City ! Hidden Gem Fr will be coming back just very authentic

Easily the best pho place in Columbus with a very homey/hole in the wall vibe. Food came out super quick, and was piping hot. Definitely felt like the food was "made with love". Also really appreciate that the staff was present but didn't constantly/over check in. read more

Mi Li Cafe - Two 11s (small closest to viewer, large in back), cold pork banh mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Mi Li has definitely been a bit if a surprise Vietnamese restaurant. Coming from LA and spending quite a but of time out in Westminster, I've been very spoiled by Viet food. Mi Li definitely is a good reminder of what I have back home. The restaurant is casual and unassuming but staff is always very pleasant and patient. You'll hear a mix of Viet and Cantonese for those familiar with either language. Food wise, I've enjoyed the pho and beef stew here. Pho broth is flavorful and beef parts are cooked well to go along with it. The star for me here has been the banh mi. The bread is so perfectly crisp and light, the pate flavorful, the herbs and daikon/carrot fresh and bright. It def rivals my favorite banh mi spot back in LA. I'd highly recommend anyone to come out here to get a Viet fix. Or if Viet food is new to you, try a banh mi and some pho, it'll be great for the soul and stomach! read more

Mi Li Cafe - Cold cut banh mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I'm usually a Huong girl when it comes to Vietnamese food in Columbus but I've heard such good things about this place & it's close to my job. I ordered the Shrimp Pho in large & the salted lemonade. I've never left a Vietnamese place hungry. They are known for nice portions when it comes to pho. I ordered the large since it was a dollar more & this way I would have some left for tomorrow's lunch. If this is the large, I don't want to know what the regular is like. I was disappointed in the small amount or broth & noodles in the order as well. 7 shrimp came in the order. Overall the flavor was good but I wasn't blown away. The salted lemonade is not something I would get again but I wanted to be adventurous & try something fun. It tastes like an alkaseltzer tablet dropped in your drink. It's supposed to be very good for you & healing to the gut. I will not be ruling this place out. I will give them another chance, especially for dine in. There are quite a few things in the menu I'd like to get next. Update coming soon! read more

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Best Pho in Columbus. Hubby has Bah mi sandwich and I had beef pho. We also tried the egg rolls. Those were the bomb!!

I'm happy I got to try Mi Li Cafe because their pho lived up to the hype. I got the pho with cooked beef and it came with a good amount of meat. The broth had a deep flavor to it and had lots of onions and scallions. I would definitely ask for more cilantro if you like it. I also added some spicy pepper sauce which added a kick. The grilled pork bahn mi was also very tasty with marinated pork and fresh veggies. The size is not that big but taste wise it was good. Their iced French coffee was really refreshing! It has a strong coffee flavor and I appreciated how it wasn't too sweet. The restaurant itself was bigger than I thought and had a decent amount of seating, which filled up quickly. Luckily they were able to accommodate our group although service did feel a bit rushed because they were busy. The only other downside to the experience was that there was a strand hair in two of our dishes, but they did apologize for it. I don't believe it's a regular occurrence. read more

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Amazing atmosphere and food a great place to enjoy time with your family and friends . The Pho is the best read more

Absolutely delicious, no frills, authentic pho! Prompt service. Try the French coffee!

My favorite Vietnamese joint in Central Ohio. I always order the XL bowl (NO tripe) and it is the biggest Pho bowl around. Always fresh, meat is good and the meatballs they use are EXCELLENT. The summer rolls are also very good & have large shrimp in them. I am not a huge fan of this area any longer & definitely recommend going while the sun is still out. The decor is lacking & the bathrooms definitely need major attention. Service, also can be lacking quite a bit, with no one checking for a drink refill. The refill issue keeps this from being a five star. read more

We've been here do so many years. Love it so much! The food was always great and the service was amazing. When we don't know what to eat, just come to Mili and they will feed us great! read more

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We have been coming here for Pho for a few years now. It is a humble little place that appears to be family run by some nice folks. Service is consistently good. There are other Vietnamese restaurants around Columbus that serve Pho, but we are too satisfied with Mi Li to shop around. read more

Very fast service, delicious authentic Phó and summer rolls. I highly recommend. Happy tummy!

The food was just okay for me. Spring rolls 4/5, bun Bo hue 2/5-just not for me, pho dac biet 3/5- I've just tasted better. The portions are huge! I love how large their extra large bowl was. The ambience was nice and family friendly. The service is pretty good too. I love all the condiments available on the table. read more

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i got my sandwich without jalapeños and cucumber, and i liked it! good lunch-sized portion. If anything I would have wanted some more pâté and sauce because it felt a bit dry, but otherwise pretty good. Overall nice family owned spot read more

Mi Li Cafe - grilled pork bahn mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Best banh mi in Columbus for sure. Ive been to every vietnamese restaurant in the area and the flavor of Mi Li banh mi is unmatched. Great service too. read more

Very homie! It's so cold outside so my husband wanted to get some pho, we usually go to our spot in Hilliard but he found this place that a lot closer to us. He got Banh Mi, Pho and Iced coffee. Everything was good and they offered so many kind of chilli sauce. He ate them all! The only thing that be complaint was, it's too small... it wasn't enough I got grilled pork with rice, I saw the picture that it came with egg but actually it doesn't, you probably need to pay extra on that. The pork was good, I really like the lemongrass or whatever herb they used for marinate the pork.... and yes, it's too small for me too, I need more pork! The service was nice, the restaurant was clean. We will go back and I will get the same thing with extra pork! read more

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The pho was amazing great service. Mom and pops small but it was a gem. Traveling for work and needed a home cooked meal. The food is authentic. read more

Mi Li Cafe - Pho very good Pho Tai Nam (Beef Noodle Soup with Rare Steak and Well Done Steak) - Vietnamese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This little spot is my go to when I am looking for that home cooking. They know my Oder and it always comes out wonderful! The servers are always so attentive to what you need or at least they try to accommodate as much as they can. The place has been there so long that it' just feels like home. It's like sitting in your mom's kitchen. The ambiance is always very pleasant. Highly recommend everything. read more

Lots of great food. Most staff struggles with English. Try the Pho soup. Just point at the numbers.

Always great and consistent! Our FAVE Pho spot! Never disappointed. We get takeout a couple times a month, especially when it is cold.

The food was amazing. I got the Pho Ga and the Chicken Summer Roll. The broth was amazing and had a depth of flavor. The chicken roll came with this amazing peanut sauce and tasted homemade. And the chili oils were fantastic! Service was good and fast! read more

Delicious but small portions...but i am healthy fella lol. I had the pork bahn mi and combo rice plate and my wife had shrimp pho and same kind bahn mi. read more

I've made this a regular stop for me! I usually get the cold cut pork sandwich with a taro bubble tea. I spend around $16! Great food! Great service! Everyone is always so kind everything is made fresh. It's definitely a family business feel! read more

Long time no Bun Bo Hue. I think a lot of people is more familiar with Pho within the Vietnamese noodles soup family. I love Pho too, but I have to give my favorite to Bun Bo Hue. There is a couple places in Columbus that make decent Bun Bo Hue and Mi Li Café would definitely be one. The broth itself is packed with lemongrass flavor and the umami from the fish sauce and shrimp paste. Along with some heat from the chili paste. All the noodles and toppings just get infused with this broth. I also got the egg rolls and they are super good. Their version is filled with mashed taro along with some ground pork. read more

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Fantastic. Amazing Vietnamese subs, fantastic service, incredible spring rolls. Me and my boyfriend left feeling full and happy!

Food is amazing and authentic. My favorite Pho in Columbus. I've loved everything I've ever ordered.

Very authentic food, so close to what I used to eat in my hometown. There's only dried wonton or dried char siu noodle in the menu but the lady was willing to make me dried wonton & char siu noodles which was so good. My husband had his Special pho was great too. read more

Mi Li Cafe - Pho dac biet - Special Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Stopping in at mi li cafe before continuing errands. I'm hungry and crave pho tai and goi cuon :). Live review, I'll post pics when they arrive. As always, I love the free water. :) There's nothing like a bowl of hot pho to warm you up on a cold winters day, and these folks never disappoint. Just a touch of hoisín sauce in the broth, and the accompanying mint leaves and bean sprouts, makes for a delicious bowl of soup that you can still sip when the bowl is free of that pesky stuff like rice noodles Which is what I'm doing now I Highly recommend Mili to anyone interested in authentic Vietnamese food!! read more

Mi Li Cafe - Goi cuon and prepping for the pho tai - Vietnamese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Really like Mi Li Cafe. Usually get the number 15. I like how they have sauces at the table to customize Pho or any dish. Everything is reasonably priced and service is quick read more

Service was lovely. Very very polite and kind. The food was pretty good. I would say not my favorite pho or bahn mi in Columbus but definitely quite tasty and authentic - it's more a reflection on my personal taste than on the food. The food was good. read more

Great pho! This spot is apparently here to feed the local Vietnamese community since it became quite busy while I enjoyed my late night dinner. I was the only Caucasian and didn't understand any of the gossip that was taking place all around me. My pho Tia nam was excellent! read more

Mi Li Cafe - Your safe here. - Vietnamese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Outstanding. Loved the man who served and seated me. Had Hue style noodles And a cold pork banh that was also good. I will say that the women working there don't seem very happy read more

We discovered this place years ago during a Columbus Food Adventures tour. Their Bahn Mi is top-notch and the Pho is irresistible. We hardly try anything else on the menu because these two items are so delicious! read more

I haven't had an inspiring bowl of pho recently in Columbus. Buckeye Pho and Huong Vietnamese are my preferred providers...until now. The dining room was packed this afternoon when we arrived about 1:00 pm on a Sunday. We sat ourselves and after several minutes a waitress stopped by with menus. They have pho, banh mi, noodle and rice dishes, and even bubble teas. I ordered my usual, the Pho Tai and my boyfriend got the chicken banh mi sandwich. The banh mi came on a beautifully toasted mini loaf of French bread and I was told it was delicious. My broth was perfect with the addition of garlic chili, Hoison and sriracha. Lots of noodles and meat made this a very slurptastic soup. I'm a little hoping this unseasonably warmer weather we're having this year ceases for a good snowstorm soon so I can go back and drown my wintry woes in another bowl of pho! read more

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This place isn't too well-known but has the best Vietnamese food. I got their soupless egg noodles, which isn't a common dish but is very authentic. It has seasoning and sauce in it as well with a side of dipping soup. Tip: make a side dipping sauce container with soy sauce and vinegar. I got the extra large one and I ate it all, but then again I was very hungry! I also got the avocado smoothie with tapioca -- it's a mixture of powder and real avocado, would still get again read more

Mi Li Cafe - Soupless egg noodle with seafood - Vietnamese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

AMAZING FOOD! The BEST pho restaurant in the city of Columbus! I Love this place! Excellent customer service.