this space brings back a little nostalgia. it used to be one of our go to spots for dim sum when…read moreit was south ocean. today, it's home to pho anh vu, an ontario based vietnamese chain that has made its way to richmond on garden city road.
the dining room is spacious, bright, and inviting, with plenty of tables for both small and larger groups. two cherry blossom trees wrapped in warm lights immediately caught my eye, while tropical murals and woven basket pendant lights add warmth and character to the space. it feels modern, comfortable, and much brighter than i remember.
i ordered the bun thit nuong cha gio, a generous bowl of vermicelli topped with smoky grilled pork, a crispy spring roll, fresh herbs, cucumber, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and a side of fish sauce to pour over everything. the grilled pork had a beautiful caramelized char, while the spring roll added a satisfying crunch and extra layer of texture.
my partner ordered the com ga nuong, featuring two pieces of grilled chicken over broken rice with a light salad and a side of house fish sauce. the chicken was juicy with nicely charred grill marks, and the broken rice did a great job soaking up all the savoury flavours.
don't skip the pickled garlic on the table. it adds a bright, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the grilled meats and gives each bite a little extra pop.
both dishes were generous, filling, and packed with flavour. if i had one observation, it would be that the seasoning leaned a little on the salty side, and i found myself reaching for my water more than once.
the menu is more focused than many vietnamese restaurants. if you're hoping for favourites like banh mi, banh xeo, or banh khot, you'll need to look elsewhere. the drink selection is fairly limited as well, so the emphasis here is clearly on pho, vermicelli bowls, broken rice, and a handful of classic vietnamese comfort dishes.
a couple of things worth knowing before you go: the restaurant accepts cash or debit only, so leave the credit card in your wallet. if you're visiting after 6:00 pm, complimentary parking is available, just remember to register your licence plate at the tablet near the entrance before you sit down.
overall, pho anh vu serves satisfying vietnamese comfort food in a beautifully refreshed space. while i still have fond memories of south ocean, it's nice to see this location begin a new chapter. if you're craving grilled meats, vermicelli bowls, broken rice, or a comforting bowl of pho, it's worth adding to your list.