Cancel

Open app

Search

Pho Lantern Cafe

4.1 (988 reviews)
Closed 10:30 am - 9:30 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Order Pho Lantern Cafe Takeout or Delivery

Pho Lantern Cafe Photos

Business Info

PHO LANTERN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Classy
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Pho Lantern Cafe

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

Chris S.

Good service. Good sized portions. Good quality. Good flavor. I would return to try other items!

Clay Pot rice with Chicken curry and Vegetables in coconut milk
Kaylee L.

I ordered to go and picked up the Clay Pot chicken curry rice with vegetables in coconut milk. I also ordered the chicken noodle soup on the kid's menu because I was craving soup on a cold day. I enjoyed the clay pot dish; it was very flavorful with a generous amount of chicken and variety of vegetables. The chicken noodle soup was so-so. It could have used some basil, cilantro and other herbs and spices that usually accompanies pho soup. I am glad I got the kid size and not the full size. I would definitely return and try the other clay pot dishes.

As you enter this Anthony Bourdain quote greets you.
Molly O.

Nice clean quiet place to have a great bowl of pho! Broth was delicious. One of the best bowls of chicken pho I've had and I grew up in Orange County so I know good pho! The staff was super friendly and food came out hot and fast. I can't wait to go back!

Combination Pho
Sean S.

Short: Solid food for a good price. A small restaurant with a nice seating area. Long: I enjoyed my time at Pho Lantern Cafe. The service was quick and friendly, with the waitress being very attentive. The food is solid, I enjoyed my combination Pho, it was the perfect thing for a cold day. I would have to say my favorite part was the broth, full of flavor and very tasty. The meat was decent, however not up to par with the broth. Overall, this is a great spot for a bite to eat.

Storefront
Jim B.

Nice little place. The server was helpful but wasn't real fluent in english. Vietnamese food. We had never esten this sort of food but loved the Pho filet soup.

Tofu Soup

Love this place! Always take my family and friends here and they enjoy their meal! Our go to orders are spring rolls, crab Rangoon, combination fried rice, and #58! Tofu is good too. Great service and delicious food. A must try spot if you're in Costa Mesa

Outside dining

See all

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ben C.
2
18
1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Thomas N.

Thomas N.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of V M.
0
59
4

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 3

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

First time trying delivery. Food was packaged to eat in office but spring roll wasn't that great. Other than that pho was on point.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of A M.
0
76
104

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Linda L.
249
35
176

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of KT K.
9
47
13

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Great food my go to spot for Vietnamese food everything on the menu is pretty tasty that I've ever ordered. Great pho soup.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jon S.
0
17
19

2 years ago

Amazing service. Everyone is very friendly very accommodating. You gotta come here and try the food.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 7
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Thomas N.

Thomas N.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of John S.
64
13
17

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Thomas N.

Thomas N.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Amy L.
0
62
136

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tabitha E.
269
39
11

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of MJ V.
0
43
16

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Elle S.
138
24
11

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Great food loved the clay pot fish and pho I was surprised how busy the place was it's definitely worth the wait

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

I love their chicken pho! It's so tasty and the perfect meal when you're feeling under the weather.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Hole in the wall place, but awesome soup! Comfort food for the soul. I love the people who work here and they always take good care of us.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 3 of 25

Pho Lantern Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Pho Lantern Cafe

Do they have vegetarian broth?

Yes

Do you have one size or two size pho-combination?

Two size Pho on the menu

View All 3 Questions

You might also consider

Ruin Bar - Drinks for the night #tasteofcsuc

Ruin Bar

4.1(476 reviews)
3.6 mi
$$

Fun little spot! Would definitely swing by again. You just go in and order your drinks and find…read moreyour own seat. They whip up the drinks super fast! Came on a Saturday afternoon and was such a cozy area to sit outdoors and enjoy drinks with friends :) Tucked in the corner with a vintage, maximalist, whimsical vibe. I got the bees knees and the estoy enamorado and both were a tiny bit sweet for me but still really good!

A very special bar, from the drinks to the decor. I really like that they are open during the day…read moreand also late at night, with mixed indoor and outdoor seating (though the outdoor seating is a bit worn). Vibes are always good. If you have some time while browsing The Lab during the day, I recommend stopping by for a drink! It's also nice to include in your barhopping itinerary in the evening since there are a number of breweries around too. I've had mixed experiences with the bartenders. Luckily, the gentleman manning the bar during my most recent visit was very friendly. Drinks are always great. I've tried a variety of drinks from the menu here, but my favorites are: -Love in Drunk, a lovely cocktail with cucumber and grapefruit flavors that create a fresh watermelon taste when mixed together -Bee's Knees, short but strong and sweet -London Mule, very herbal thanks to the gin and very refreshing

Photos
Ruin Bar - Old fashion. House bourbon. Better than anywhere else.

Old fashion. House bourbon. Better than anywhere else.

Ruin Bar - Coconut pineapple peach shots. Phenomenal.

Coconut pineapple peach shots. Phenomenal.

Ruin Bar - Outside patio

See all

Outside patio

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa

4.2(181 reviews)
3.6 mi
$$

Overall, this is my favorite brewery in this area where there's quite a few breweries! I was a bit…read moredisappointed recently as they took a lot of beers off their menu and have such a short list right now. I liked how much variety they used to have and they make good beers which is why I'd always come! I really enjoy that they have an indoor and outdoor area. The people working here are usually nice and helpful. I love that they have TV's so my boyfriend can watch sports & they even have a whole shelf of games to play too!

Totally enjoyed game time with my son, his gf, and his friends! They have sports and random video…read moreplaying on a couple of tv screens. There are indoor high tables and outdoor bench tables under a lighted tent. Ample seating, metal chairs. Nice women's restroom (FYI the faucet on the left doesn't turn off. I turned it off each time I went to the restroom and I don't know how long it had been running.) They don't serve food, but you can bring in your own. They have a bunch of games for you to borrow, enjoy, and return. They have a pretty fun collection of beers, some with interesting names; plus some non alcoholic ones (such as Athletic). They provide the alcohol content for each and you can taste before ordering. Alas, two of us were there for the fellowship and don't like beer. For us, there was a refrigerator with a variety of sodas, a mineral water, and an apple juice. There's also a water dispenser with cups if you prefer. Sorry, no ice, but if you grab a can or bottled beverage, you can ask for a glass, and the cashier found a straw for me as well.

Photos
Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa
Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa
Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Games to play

See all

Games to play

Kenwood's Kitchen & Tap - Taps

Kenwood's Kitchen & Tap

4.4(643 reviews)
2.6 mi
$$

We were looking for a light, quick meal before a local concert, and our friend suggested this…read moreplace. It fit perfectly for us! It was a beautiful day, and we were given our choice of patio dining. Our server, Grace, friendly and efficient, was exceptional at checking on us which doesn't always happen when outdoors. She brought our drinks and meals quickly. One friend ordered sliders which she really enjoyed. She commented that it was the perfect size and tastes that she was looking for. Another friend and I split a steak salad. Sharing a salad off a plate can be an awkward feat, but they offer a split-plate up-charge for avoiding that! The salad was simple: steak, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce, but chopped fries were an unexpected addition. Overall, a great fit to get our night started off right!

I had seen this place multiple times on my way and around Southern California. Specifically the…read moreCosta Mesa Newport Beach area but never stopped by. Today. My friend had to go shopping and so we decided to grab a bite to eat at kenwoods. From the outside, the windows are so darkly tinted. I couldn't tell if they were open or not. But upon opening the door there were people scattered throughout the place. So we just walked into the bar area and got a high top table. Server came up to us, asked us for drinks and handed us menus. He came back shortly after we gave him the order. I had a chicken Caesar salad and a space dust double IPA, my friend just had a cup of coffee. The chicken Caesar was really good, and the beer was as expected. The first cup of coffee that he brought to the table was cold so we had to send that back to get a fresh cup. Now it wasn't that busy so I would think that the server would take a moment to check to see that the coffee was warm, but apparently that didn't happen. I got my food and started digging in and the coffee came out a few minutes later. The salad was good, had a nice size chicken breast on top and the dressing was really tasty, not overpowering. I was a little bit stunned at the bill when it came to the table and it was $35 plus dollars, I guess the food and grocery hikes still surprise me, although they shouldn't. The dining experience was okay, it wasn't stellar by any means, but it was adequate, I didn't felt neglected or rushed in any way. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because of the coffee incident. Having been a server in the food industry. That's definitely one of the things you look for. Bottom line, I would probably come back again. But there are many other places in Costa Mesa to try.

Photos
Kenwood's Kitchen & Tap - Bar

Bar

Kenwood's Kitchen & Tap - Crispy Cauliflower

Crispy Cauliflower

Kenwood's Kitchen & Tap - Super Bowl

See all

Super Bowl

Green Cheek Beer Co. - BBQ & Vegan BBQ Burgers

Green Cheek Beer Co.

4.2(466 reviews)
3.6 mi
$$
Vegan friendly
Free WiFi

Green Cheek lives up to the hype. The beer lineup is strong -- especially the IPAs with those…read moretropical, juicy hop profiles. You can tell they care about quality. The huge outdoor patio is a big win -- plenty of space to relax and hang out, and it gives the place a laid-back, social feel. It gets lively, but in a good way. Staff was friendly and welcoming. Food was great, but you're really going for the beer -- and it delivers.

Went here for drinks on a Friday around lunch and it was pretty packed. The atmosphere was pleasant…read moreoverall. It's a smaller brewery in terms of size, so there wasn't much indoor seating, but they make up for it with a large outdoor seating area in the parking lot, which was a nice bonus. I can't remember the exact beer I ordered, but it was a light, fruity, crisp beer that I enjoyed. In terms of variety, the brewery seemed to focus more on lighter and hoppier beers. There weren't many IPA options or darker beers available. The smash burgers were delicious. I ordered the original smash burger and it definitely did not disappoint. I feel like a lot of places offer smash burgers nowadays but don't execute them well -- either you can't taste the beef or they overload it with cheese and sauce. Here, everything felt balanced. The beef had a great grilled crispiness to it, and the flavors all came through nicely. The tater tots were also really good, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Parking can be a bit difficult. They share a small lot with other businesses, so it fills up quickly. You'll probably need to find street parking nearby, and there isn't a ton of it available either.

Photos
Green Cheek Beer Co. - One of our Hazy IPAs

One of our Hazy IPAs

Green Cheek Beer Co. - Tons of seating outside

Tons of seating outside

Green Cheek Beer Co. - Another view of the indoor private event area

See all

Another view of the indoor private event area

Pho Lantern Cafe - vietnamese - Updated May 2026

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