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Pho Papa

3.8 (794 reviews)
ModerateVietnamese, Soup, Noodles
Open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Pho Papa Photos

Business Info

PHO PAPA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Classy
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Pho Papa

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Reviews With Photos

Alice H.

Everything was delicious, and the service was incredibly fast. I ordered my usual order, the #1 Beef noodle soup with the special beef rib, and it did not disappoint. The broth was rich and flavorful without being too salty, and the variety of beef cuts added great texture.

I want to try everything on their menu
Lucy P.

They have remodeled, kept the price the same and provided much better customer service

Dac biet special. Barely any meat and broth is really dark not traditional northern style more southern style.
Matt V.

Pho Papa gets a lot of hype, but my experience didn't fully live up to it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]On the plus side, the outdoor seating is a nice touch, especially if you want a more relaxed, casual vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was quick and efficient, which I appreciated. The meat itself was tender and clearly good quality, so they're doing something right there. That said, the broth was a letdown for me. It leaned too sweet and had a darker profile than I prefer, which took away from that clean, balanced pho flavor you expect. The bigger issue though was the portioning. I ordered a special and it came with no meatballs which was odd for a "special dac biet", and the amount of meat was surprisingly small. It honestly felt like there was barely any protein in the bowl. You could clearly see a lot of noodles, which is not what you want with pho. At most other spots, the meat is layered generously on top to the point where the noodles are almost hidden. That wasn't the case here. Overall, it's a decent spot with good service and tender meat, but the broth and portion size need work. I'd come back if they fix the balance and start being more generous with the meat.

2 Phở Đặc Biệt (1) & Phở Chin (9)
emily d.

My and my parent's favorite pho spot in the bay and SJ. Always go to 1. Phở Đặc Biệt for them and 9. Phở Chin for me. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Best broth with easy service and nice interior and exterior seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Also large servings for the price point and never disappoints, I always look forward to this coming home.

Kevin D.

The pho had a rich broth. They didn't have the fat noodles when I went. The pho was good but it's pretty average compared to other pho restaurant.

Beef Rib Special ($8)
Alisa B.

It's a decent spot to get some pho in San Jose! Seating is pretty cramped and there can be a long waitlist on the weekends, but it's worth a visit! The broth can be on the oily side, but the flavor is good! Light and not too salty. They are really generous with the portion of beef! Almost more beef than noodles!! The beef rib special is yummy and high quality! The two of us shared this and it was FALL OFF THE BONE tender!

Sarah C.

Pho Papa is good! But..... I got the #1 and wanted to sub the tendon with the meatballs, and didn't know I was going to be charged a sub fee. I know you could add it for additional price but damn! I should just said no tendon. It would've been nice for the server to ask. They also charge a 3% fee for card so cash is preferred for this place. I got an order of the hanh dam which I like putting sriracha over it. Super good. Besides the substitution issue, everything was fine. Didn't realize pho got super expensive over the past couple years. After paying card for 2 small bowls of pho (1 with substitution) with the hanh dam, the total after tax was $43.24! Without tip! Wow. I tipped $8, but but no pho is ever worth paying over $50.

Pho Tai Chin
Juliet T.

Growing up, I've usually had Pho Papa as take out but for this visit, I dined in with my friends. I ordered a small (#4) Pho Tai, Chin with flat noodles. The broth was good and clear, but nothing spectacular. I liked that they were generous with their meat though! The sizing was also the perfect portion for me. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is pretty small/cramped, I think I elbowed the people behind me a few times (sorry!).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There were a lot of little flies flying around and a few spiders/cobwebs in the window corners.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Grace N.

Finally got to try Pho Papa in January. When my dad was still alive he raved about this place whenever he went up to SJ to visit. My partner and I finally got to try it and it was very good. Broth and meat were good and the fresh noodles were yummy! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Store was clean and staff was fast and efficient![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Simple, delicious and yummy! Highly recommend!

Amanda M.

I came here on weekend since I wanted some pho. It was a good sign when I saw on the menu they only serve pho. I got the small Phở Đặc Biệt which came with thinly sliced beef, brisket, flank, tendon, fat brisket and fresh noodles. I also got a side of their beef rib. The food came out pretty quickly after ordering. The broth itself is a little sweet for me on its own, but they have fish sauce and lime to help balance it out. The meat quality was good and a big portion for a size small. The beef rib was much bigger than anticipated but it was also delicious. Overall, this is good pho. Will come back here again.

Cynthia W.

5*! Food was great! I got the small size #1 and there was generous amount of toppings. The portion was more than enough. It was flavorful and soup was very warm. Perfect for cold weather. I love the tendon a lot. They only serve pho and not a lot to choose from. But I think their pho is really good and that's all we need :p Service: fast and casual. Typical pho place. The food came pretty fast after ordering [[HIGHLIGHT]]The shop has tables inside and outside. Everything was pretty clean and tidy when I visited.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will return!

Alliza Anne K.

WOW. We were craving pho and a friend recommended this spot. We didn't really know what to expect but once we tried the first sip of the broth - WOW! There was so much flavor and we loved that there were soooo many green onions! Since we went on a Saturday - it was busy. We waited for about 30 minutes for a table for 2 but it was definitely worth the wait! Once you're seated - the menu is simple (which makes it so much easier to decide for those indecisive like me!)

Anh P.

A favorite place for people who love northern pho (me) The broth here was so clear and flavorful, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the restaurant is also very clear![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommended

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Pho Papa Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Pho Papa

Do they take card or only cash?

Both.

Do you have any vegetarian pho and vegetarian options?

No. This place is not vegetarian friendly.

Is the business open for dine in now?

Outdoor seating is now open

What's the best soup I am sick so that's why I am asking?oh sorry to be pacific for cold and fewer?

they put so much MSG not good for your health ok

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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Inside dining room.
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Pho Papa - vietnamese - Updated July 2026

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