This place really is Asian fusion! The menu is so diverse with so many flavors of different Asian…read morecuisines. I felt almost confused at first, like as if the restaurant wasn't even sure of its own identity. However, once I started eating the food, I understood and am extremely impressed. I had ordered the crawfish pasta, popcorn chicken (spicy), and fried baos. The pasta was cooked perfectly with chunks of crawfish and sausage in a creamy tomato-esque sauce. I usually don't care for crawfish, but it was so delicious here. The sauce was so buttery and creamy, and the sausage added a cajun spice to the dish. The components are all very seafood boil, but felt different and innovative with unique flavors. The popcorn chicken was seasoned very well and had the perfect fried, crispy texture you'd expect from popcorn chicken. What really made this unique was the sauce that it was served with. I am not sure what exactly the sauce is, but it tastes like a ginger scallion sauce that is served with Chinese boiled chicken. The sauce is a little more elevated and flavorful than a traditional ginger scallion sauce. I would've never thought to combine popcorn chicken with it, but it works! The fried baos were the most surprising to me. I was keeping my expectations low because I usually think frying something that's not normally fried doesn't always bode well. Fear not, the baos were fried perfectly. They were fried lightly while the inside kept your typical bao consistency. Also, in case you were wondering the type of bao, it is basically a steamed bao with ground pork, and I think an egg yolk inside. The flavors felt very much like traditional dim sum, yet new and fresh. Hats off to the chefs and the creators of these dishes. So innovative while still keeping the familiar Asian flavors! I ordered delivery, so this review was solely based off of the food.

Was at a convention and ordered DoorDash and have to say wasn't expecting much because it's an…read moreunknown restaurant late at night and DoorDash. The driver was so kind. The marinated chicken sandwich (banh mi similar) was AMAZING. All of the flavors melded so well, it was so fresh, the sauce was so good, chicken marinated just right and the egg cooked to perfection. The peach lychee green tea was so good too. Definitely will be back as soon as possible.

I loved this place- first time visitors. Parking was insane when during the time between movies -…read morethere's a movie theatre next door. Crowds between the movies would make the rush at this pho place and other restaurants have stints of busyness. We were looking for a place in LA on the way going down to OC with rave pho reviews. The staff were incredibly kind. Food was tasty - great broth flavor. Would def recommend it !

I was very impressed with this Pho spot after having low expectations with it being in a strip mall…read morenext to a movie theater with alot of high traffic. I normally only go to the popular ones in Orange County in the Westminister/GG/Fountain Valley area... and when I have stopped by Pho restarautns in other cities I always left disappointed. But I was blown away by the Pho here! The broth was the best I've tasted in a very long time and really gives the OC spots a run for their money. I got the rib bone pho which was great. I liked that they had the Chef Special Pho options like the filet mignon and ginger one as well as the pho with tomato and cabbage. Also the staff was very friendly and attentive and even asked if I needed more noodles for soup after scarfing it down. The restaraunt itself is clean enough for how busy it was during the dinner rush. Definitely would come back!

First time at this restaurant and placed a to go order…read more Food was very good, even after travel. The service was fast and great. The guy who helped was pleasant and had me in and out without hassle. The restaurant is clean and spacious for the area. I'll definitely be back to eat at the restaurant next time.

Updated Review: Disappointing Experience…read more I'm updating my previous review because our most recent visit unfortunately changed my overall impression of this place. I've always liked this spot as a late-night eatery, and the food itself is still good, the broth is flavorful, and the noodles and other dishes have generally been enjoyable. That's why I was especially disappointed by how our most recent visit was handled. We arrived around midnight and put our name on the waitlist. There were a few parties ahead of us, and around 12:30 AM, the host came out and explained that at that point, seating was no longer guaranteed, despite the restaurant being scheduled to close at 1:30 AM. We decided to continue waiting and were eventually seated around 1:00 AM. We ordered immediately, and our food came out shortly afterward around 1:15 AM. At exactly 1:30 AM, while we were still finishing our meal, our server came over and said that they were closing and asked if we wanted boxes for the remaining food. Technically, it was phrased as a reminder and an offer to provide boxes for our food, but the implication was very clear: we needed to leave. That was what made the situation particularly uncomfortable. We completely understood that the restaurant was closing and had no intention of staying past closing to socialize or linger. We were literally still eating the food we had just ordered around 1:15 AM. We had only been seated for about 30 minutes, ordered immediately, and were already nearly finished when the server approached us. We had also already paid our bill. The timing just left an awkward feeling. If the restaurant closes at 1:30 AM and customers who are seated close to closing are expected to be completely finished and out by that time, I think that should be communicated before seating them. It would have allowed us to decide whether waiting until 1:00 AM was worthwhile. I also understand that employees need to finish their shifts and close the restaurant on time, and I respect that. My issue is more with the overall communication and the way the situation was handled. Being seated at 1:00 AM, ordering immediately, receiving our food around 1:15 AM, and then essentially being told at 1:30 AM that it was time to leave made the experience feel rushed and uncomfortable. This isn't a review based on the food, the food is still good. It's about the overall experience and customer service during this particular visit. Unfortunately, what should have been a nice late night meal ended with an awkward feeling that stayed with us after we left. Because of this experience, I can no longer give this location the five stars I previously gave it. I hope management takes this as constructive feedback, because I do think the situation could have been handled much more smoothly and with clearer communication upfront.

I've been coming to Pho Pioneer for quite some time now. Before COVID, there was a pho spot closer…read moreto the mall off the freeway, sharing a parking lot with Lucille's. Unfortunately, they didn't make it. After we came back off of lockdown, I remember driving around a two mile radius near the Cerritos Mall trying different places. They were open, but none of them served oxtail pho which is my preference for the nutrient density. Then I found Pho Pioneer, and I couldn't have been more impressed from day one. I'm a pretty low key, chill person. I prefer speakeasy vibes, quiet spaces, and traditional spots and this place checks every box. The service is great. The woman who runs the restaurant has always been incredibly sweet and welcoming. It makes a difference when you feel genuinely appreciated as a customer. I also love the art and photos on the walls, and the fish tank is a whole experience on its own. There's nothing quite like eight creepily beautiful fish judging you while you're sipping pho and recovering from a cold. Pho Pioneer has become one of my go to spots, and I'm grateful I found it.

At first glance when I walked in, I was a bit skeptical, not going to lie. There was only one…read moreperson having lunch on a weekday and it was about 1PM and there was no one at the front. I waited perhaps 4-5 minutes until an employee came out. I almost walked out, but ultimately, I was glad I stayed! I got the house special/ pho dac biet in the large size (13.95 vs $12.95 for a reg size). The bowl came out hot and the noodles were al dente. The ratio of meat to noodles was on par/ ideal. They were a little skimpy on the amount of noodles. The broth had a nice balance of beef and pho spice aromas and taste. It was topped with plenty of green onions and cilantro. The downside is the service, portion since that large size wasn't enough for me, and the tendons were too tough. It felt more like a regular sized bowl than a large. I couldn't hear what the employee said every time there was an interaction except at the very end when she said thank you. The restroom hallway was dark and I had to use my phone flashlight, not sure if they just turned it off to conserve energy? But it was so dark, it could've been bad. My overall take is, don't let the appearance of the place and service deter you. If you're craving pho, give this place a try! I could tell, they put some lovin' in it!

Food, service and the location is great. Would recommend this place. The owner is always there…read more She's so sweet and remember your order.

Lunch special is so well priced! Food is really good but I only tried the pho, chicken wings, and…read moreKorean fried rice. Soooo good.

If you looking for neighborhood Thai food, Narai may be the one for you. The service is always…read moreprompt with friendly service. I am simply addicted to their Thai Iced Coffee and Thai Tea. You can get it with boba for an extra $1. Pineapple Fried Rice is one of my favorites along with the Grilled Pork if I am feeling I need to be healthy and not thinking about carbs. This restaurant does use white chicken meat. Is it authentic Thai food? Not really but is it pretty good, yes. Plus its been there for like 40 years and generations of families simply love this place. The owner and severs tell me if they change anything, the regular customers get really upset. Best part about Narai is they have a separate dining area that is great to have a small party of 20-30 people or if businesses to do a catered meal with a presentation. There is no fee to use that space as long as you order food.

Had an errand to run in the area and this place was the closest to me and I'm so glad I came here…read more Ordered spicy mint noodles and they were delicious. The service was great. Would come here again, if given the chance. 10/10. Oh, and good music. Clean tables.

Love this place so much! Food is so flavorful and very quick service!! 10/10 recommend!!!read more

Amazing Vietnamese restaurant! The food was fresh, flavorful, and came out quickly. The service was…read morefriendly, attentive, and made us feel very welcome. The atmosphere was clean, cozy, and relaxing, making it a great place to enjoy a meal. I'll definitely be coming back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for delicious Vietnamese food!

Peter's the best. Very attentive & helpful. Explain very well menus. Checking with us more often…read morehow we doing... good job

Peter provided great service! Veggie Pho was delicious…read more Highly recommend this spot!!!!!