Cute spot with a really nice atmosphere, and I loved the interior and overall vibe. The pho was good, but definitely different from the more traditional Southern-style pho I'm used to. The broth was a little oily for my taste, and the meat had a different texture/flavor than what I typically expect from pho. The portions are generous though! One thing to know going in is that they don't have hoisin sauce, just sriracha and fish sauce, which I wasn't expecting. But that's actually in line with their Northern Vietnamese style. Overall, I enjoyed it and would come back, especially for the cute atmosphere and to try some of their other dishes. read more

See all

Wanted to try this place as I had heard lots of good things. Ordered the combination beef pho & the chicken pho. The chicken pho was okay, but lacked any sort of flavor in the broth even when I added the sauces. The combination pho was decent but not impressive. Portions were good, ordered regulars. Will probably not be back, there is better. Service fast & nice restaurant. read more

Drove an hour to try this place with my family. We eat beef pho once a week and love trying new spots but this one, definitely not coming back. We ordered fresh spring rolls that were decent , we ordered rare beef pho, off the bat we noticed no sauces but fish sauce.. once we smelled the soup something seemed off , straight oil greasy taste no flavor broth whatsoever . I ordered for my kids the rice plate with chicken and there was less than 10 pieces of chicken that were also charred and tasteless . The pho had maybe 4-5 pieces of beef and tasteless , we were left shellshocked because on Instagram they made it seem like it would be amazing but this was a waste of money. To top it off , we even asked the worker that was there if he's eat this pho and he said he'd rather eat elsewhere which really got us thinking this place is just for looks. When we eat at other pho spots we usually order like 3 appetizers and we only got 2 the price was ridiculous 135$ for two pho plates , one rice plate and spring rolls with chicken wings, even the chicken wings no flavor at all. Definitely not the spot to eat, it's a waste , no flavor and honestly ridiculous. The soups broth was straight oil I wish I took a picture to show the layer of oil sitting on top. We were told it's cooked with fish sauce which it had an off smell and taste , didn't even finish the soup .. Mainly noodles that were over cooked , barely any meat just broth and cilantro.... NEVER AGAIN. Save your money and find authentic pho elsewhere . Sf really be playing with your wallets ... read more

Gave this place a second try. There will not be a third try. Have seen the buzz around this place for the few years and was happy for them that they opened a second location. However, after eating here the first time and again the second time, I have no idea why the hell this place is so famous. Is it for white people that don't eat pho anywhere else? I ordered the combination beef pho. The pho had absolutely no flavor. It came with a spicy sauce and oil that I could have added, but there was no hoisin sauce. It also came with lime and jalapenos. There were none of the typical pho ingredients such as bean sprouts and basil. What kind of pho place is this? I also got the pork/shrimp spring rolls. The pork was in very small pieces and left a lot to be desired. At one point I was like, "Wait, did they forget to put the pork in here?" It was also flavorless, but most spring rolls don't have flavor, so it was fine and was refreshing. The spring roll was better than the beef pho. I did smother it with peanut sauce, which helped and still tasted healthy. I also ordered the Thai tea, which was barely caffeinated and just tastes like condensed milk. The inside is cute and was not crowded on a Sunday lunch. Bathroom was nice and clean. read more

Prior to the Pandemic I would come here regularly as for some reason TT is the only one that seems to know how to make a decent Pho Ga (Chicken Pho). I was slightly worried to see on my next long overdue visit to SF that its Civic Center location was permanently closed, but after a hike around the Presidio I realized there was one quite close by at a new location and I was overjoyed! The atmosphere inside was so much better than I remember! Tastefully decorated and I arrived just in time for a lunch and happy hour. The Pho was just as I remembered - chicken made to perfection alongside well cooked noodles and a savory broth. I got Shrimp Chips and fresh raw oysters from the happy hour and this just made me as happy as a clam Glad to see things are still going well for them at their new location! read more

See all

I love the classy ambiance here and felt welcomed once I walked in. There aren't many Northern Vietnamese restaurants around and I normally don't get pho. But all their other national dishes are definitely worth trying! I enjoyed their bun cha. It comes with cold vermicelli noodles, grilled meat, and a flavorful fish sauce dipping broth. So refreshing good! The Vietnamese coffee is strong and delicious! It is enough to keep you awake! It's great they offer a happy hour option. The restaurant gets busy, especially during lunch, but the food comes out quickly and is always tasty. I also recommend their imperial rolls too.... Super crunchy and crisp! Service was fast and efficient. Just like many Asian restaurants, there are decent vegetarian options as well. read more

Turtle Tower - Bun Cha Hanoi. The National dish of North Vietnam - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

It just isn't the same as what it used to be. The broth was bland, no dipping sauces given, egg rolls are $$$, pork in the sandwich was dry. If you order extra beef for your noodles, get the rare one because the cooked option is as dry as their pork. While nice, the staff kept forgetting things we asked for. It took forever for us to get a to go bag. read more

Turtle Tower - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Had a craving for turtle tower so we came on a friday evening. Made it before the happy hour ended. Before 5pm the appetizers and drinks are almost half off? We ordered the shrimp chips, fried chicken, ipa, a chicken pho for me and beef pho for the mister. The food and the service were great. Come early so you can beat the night time rush. Last time the soup was a bit salty, this time was just perfect. read more

See all

After one too many dranks, nothing like faceplanting into a steaming bowl of phở! With numerous bars within stumbling distance: White Rabbit, Jaxon, Balboa Cafe, Mauna Loa, Wilder, and more, Turtle Tower picked the ideal location. A rarity, they're open until 3 am on the weekends. I hadn't been to Turtle Tower since their original TL location closed. I was feeling a bit nostalgic, so we stopped by their new spot in the Marina after drinks nearby. M E N U Northern Viet Cuisine. Full bar. HH EVERYDAY: 2 pm - 5 pm & Friday + Saturday, 9 pm - 2 am * $4 beer, $6 wine, and $8 cocktails * Discounted apps; e.g. $2 oysters, $6 gỏi cuốn, $8 wings, and more F O O D * New Cua: Fried Imperial Rolls w/ crab, shrimp, pork egg, wood ear mushroom, jicama ($21): https://tinyurl.com/bdfxkh8h Fresh out of the fryer, the imperial rolls had a tasty, savory filling. However, the texture was uneven, some parts of the wrapper were crispy, some parts was soggy. The nước chấm was quite watered down but it may be intentional for the area? * Phở Bò Xào (Khô): Pan-fried rice noodle, beef, celery, carrots, onions & leeks ($19): https://tinyurl.com/59jh3ypw I was craving phở áp chảo, fried phở noodles smothered with gravy for a satisfying crunchy-soft texture contrast. I was confused when it came as a soup (their rendition). When I asked if there had been a mix-up, the server graciously brought out the phở bò xào khô instead, explaining it was conceptually closer to fried phở. The rice noodles were more like wet chow fun than the crispy, pan-fried style I expected. That said, it came with a generous portion of lean beef and crisp vegetables, along with a nice smoky wok hei flavor. * Phở Bò Đặc Biệt: Combo Beef Noodle Soup (Regular-$18.50): https://tinyurl.com/yku42mx6 - Request rare steak on the side Not my order but I tried of the sip of the broth. Proper clarity but the broth was bland, lacking a savory beefiness. They use fresh phở noodles. * Toasted Coconut Banana Pudding w/ fresh whipped cream (OTH): https://tinyurl.com/4w4cw8s7 The manager kindly brought this OTH and it was my fav thing we tried. Their take on chè chuối, the pudding was deliciously creamy and custardy with a mild sweetness and nutty flavor. S E R V I C E Excellent 5+ star hospitality - the manager, Jeremy and staff were welcoming, friendly, and attentive. Prompt food service. A M B I A N C E A huge glow up from their TL days, the space is like a trendy date night or GNO spot with sleek red banquettes, gold and black chandeliers, and backlit bar area. Two outdoor tables. Overall, Turtle Tower is a welcome addition to The Marina esp for late night grub. The food is not how I remembered it to be but we did visit during the soft opening so maybe it's a matter of fine-tuning the recipes. read more

See all

My first time trying out this place. We used to went to financial district at 220 California St San Francisco, CA 9411. This restaurant is very beautiful place. With beautiful window seat for look outside the street. Customer service is can't complain. We eaten until the bow is empty. I like the fresh ginger taste. I had beef noodle soup & my bf had chicken noodle soup. read more

See all

Rate closer to 3.5/5. We ordered pho ga and rare beef pho. Pho ga: I would rate 4/5. I don't normally order pho ga as I prefer beef broth but knew it was popular here so had to give it a try. It was super flavorful and chicken was juicy. Would def recommend ordering! Rare beef pho: I would rate 2.5/5. Im not sure if northern pho is just meant to be on the lighter side in terms of flavor. Compared to the pho ga and other beef pho, flavor was just very light. Service was super fast and atmosphere was nice with good amount of tables and a nice bar. Pricing was normal but slightly larger portions. read more

Turtle Tower - Rare beef pho + pho ga - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was searching for a late night meal because our plane landed 2 hours later than originally scheduled. Unfortunately, most restaurants in the neighborhood have kitchens that close by 9 or 10PM & we didn't get home until around 10:30PM. I searched Yelp for late night food and found Turtle Tower in my neighborhood and saw that they were open until 3 AM. Yay! They were not busy around 11:30PM, when we arrived & were quickly seated. They have a Happy Hour menu for cocktails, and some small bites that are featured in the early afternoon and late evening hours. We took advantage of a few drinks (I forgot the names of our drinks) and some chicken wings. I had the red wine, beef pho which was delicious and hit the spot. My dining partner had the rare beef pho which was very good. We shared the pandan waffle for dessert to round out our meal which was crunchy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. It comes with a slightly sweet but savory cream. Service was quick & helpful. It has modern decor with some bamboo accents. read more

See all

I was a bit underwhelmed and disappointed with their Bahn mi sandwich. The bread was dry and had minimal meat/filling. The meat also was pretty fatty and found myself questioning each bite. I hate giving a low review so will come back to try something different. We also did this as a to go order so can't speak to the service. read more

Turtle Tower - Bahn mi sandwich - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

It must be a good sign that Turtle Tower has just opened another upmarket Vietnamese restaurant in the Marina similar to the one they opened a year ago. It's been a long road from their original, more modest operation in Little Saigon, but I understand the economic realities at the heart of its revitalization.and appreciate their 2.0 iteration. Walking on Fillmore, I decided to stop by for a late lunch. The interior was nicely appointed, and I was seated in the relatively empty dining area toward the back. I surprised myself and bypassed the $21.50 Pho Ga simply because I didn't see an option to add chicken giblets, my favorite feature of their old bowl. Instead, I went for the $19.50 Bun Cha Ha Noi, which was basically DYI lettuce wraps with grilled pork prepared Hanoi style and vermicelli noodles. It came with disassembled bibb lettuce and mint leaves, and the resulting wraps made for a nice contrast in textures and flavors. The tender, well seasoned pork came in both pieces and patties for additional variety (Photo 8). I considered an appetizer like their proven $14 Fresh Spring Rolls or even a dessert like the $12 Toasted Coconut Banana Pudding. Oh well, there's always next time. FOOD - 4 stars...flipped the pho for the bun and it worked AMBIANCE - 4 stars...definitely a more refined vibe SERVICE - 3.5 stars...efficient enough but a tad disaffected in the late afternoon TOTAL - 4 stars...it's Turtle Tower 2.0...deal with it! RELATED - Exploring the Marina? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/9NwBRzq5Sm read more

See all

I ordered the classic chicken pho. The broth was better than the home restaurant on California Street. I ordered the small size at this location. The service was quick and professional. I ate at the bar which was nice and comfortable. The ambiance is very modern classic Asian style. I came in at 3pm and was enjoying my meal and beverage before 315pm. Great day light while having my lunch at the bar! read more

Turtle Tower - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

The restaurant looks amazing, clean and beautfiul interior. Staff was super friendly. This review is just for the banh mi which I ordered to pick up. Bread is soft (no crunch), the pickled veg didn't have any sour or sweetness to it, and the pork was flavorless and dry. Sandwich was just really bland. I do intend to grab a bowl of pho here soon. And if it's on par with the other turtle tower locations I'm sure it will be delicious. read more

Turtle Tower - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Was super excited to see a new pho spot in marina, especially after hearing so much about the location in fidi. Service is super friendly and knowledgeable! I got the pho that comes with pan fried beef and noodles (recommended by our waiter), which had a delicious smoky flavor. I loved the flavor and the texture of the noodles, but felt the soup was too oily. It was hard to drink a lot at once and I felt like I was running out of noodles/toppings first. We also got imperial rolls to share, which were super crispy and savory and flavorful (but also slightly too oily). Overall definitely worth trying this new spot -- there are tons of menu options and I'd come back to try more of the menu! Ambiance inside is cozy and well decorated. read more

Turtle Tower - imperial rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

A lovely addition to the neighborhood!! So happy I finally got to try this place. We both tried the medium rare beef broth and it was incredibly flavorful and filling. Unlike other pho places, the pho here doesn't have many veggies but the flavor of the broth very much makes up for it. The prices are also very fair for the area and the service was great. Looking forward to coming back! read more

Turtle Tower - Number 2 : medium rare beef pho - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

The chicken pho (pho ga) is my favorite. Tastes exactly as I remembered it when I went to the Tenderloin location. I normally ask for a side of lemon sauce (lemon juice, salt and pepper). The green onion and cilantro makes the soup so flavorful and vibrant. This is northern pho so do not expect to find sriracha or hoisin on the table. The service was quick and the vibes here were lively and modern. They have a full bar set up and is located in the busy area of Marina district. Great for lunch or late night drunchies. Check em out, bye read more

See all

I've tried the original location in the TL and that was some masterclass chicken pho. We arrived to the new location in the marina on a Friday night and were seated immediately. Staff, service, ambiance were top tier. However, the actual quality of the pho was mediocre. The quality of the chicken broth and our groups beef broth tasted almost instant ramen/cup noodle like. It didn't have the same authenticity to it. No disrespect, but I feel like they prepare it differently at this location. Big Mitch read more

Turtle Tower - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

I was so excited to hear that there would be a new pho spot opening in the Marina since there's none in the area really. The service was great and the staff were super friendly. We ordered the fresh spring rolls with shrimp and pork that comes with peanut sauce. I'd give it a 10/10. The standout for me was the peanut sauce. So good. As for the pho, I would say it's just okay. 7/10. I've had several pho in my lifetime but not Northern style so my palette is not used to the more simpler flavors and broth. I also am not too fond of the thicker noodles than the standard pho noodles which are thinner. I thought the noodles were was a little over cooked and too soft for my liking. Maybe this is the Northern style so I don't want to be harsh, but if I come back I would be open to trying their other dishes like the rice plate or the Banh Mi. read more

See all

Before turtle tower I had never tried a pan fried soup in my life, once I asked if it was fairly northern specific the servers were so informative of the cuisine and they were amazing with each recommendation and answered all of our questions swiftly. After ordering the #6 the #12, and an order of the "Nem Cua" we were amazed at the portions. Although the restaurant didn't have hoisin which was surprising, the number 6 had such a great taste, it was exactly what the servers had described! It was smoky, and had so much flavor, I didn't even have to use the fish sauce or sriracha! Definitely recommend this place especially for the dinner service, ask questions they're helpful! read more

Pretty disappointing experience. I specifically asked for no cilantro in my noodles, but it still came with cilantro. When we were done eating, I asked for a to-go box and the check. They brought the check but forgot the box. I paid, waited for a while, and still nothing. I ended up asking three different servers before someone finally brought one over. The food was okay, but the service was really frustrating. Having to ask multiple times for something as simple as a to-go box, especially after they also got my order wrong, made the whole experience pretty unpleasant. read more

Turtle Tower - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Absolutely loved this place! They did a great job bringing authentic Northern-style Vietnamese flavors to San Francisco. The food was delicious and well prepared, and I really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and beautiful décor. My toddler is an extremely picky eater, so I was honestly surprised when she finished her own bowl of rice and grilled pork! That alone says a lot about how good the food was. Highly recommended! I'll definitely be back whenever I'm in San Francisco. read more

Turtle Tower - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

I ordered catering through them and had a great experience! Great communication and service.

We try the other location before but the food was great but this time this location was really disappointed. The food is super duper greasy. Lots of oil floating on top of the soup and the chicken salad was not good and worth the price. I don't think we will order or go back to this place. Really disappointed. Wanted to order large size but weren't able to because they cannot do large size for Togo. Which is my first time hearing that cannot order Togo with larger size. Oh well, which is ok cause it wasn't good compare to other location and back then. read more

Food is clean and fancier than other Vietnamese restaurants, but the Pho is very different from the Southern part of Vietnam. I prefer the full-bodied and aromatic Pho compared to the plain broth with a light flavor, no Cilantro and Bean sprouts served with the soup. The other dishes are comparable but with a higher price tag and nicer presentation. The atmosphere is quiet and pleasant, which is good for a quiet lunch or dinner. The menu should be different from other restaurants to justify the higher price tag and fancier decor. Giving the same items as other casual restaurants would be less attractive to come here for a regular meal. It would be nice to have some special dishes of the region. The service is fine, and the staff is friendly. read more

Pretty decent, cute spot and with nice ambiance inside. Came here with a friend and got a couple rice entrees, but honestly it was just okay. The vibes are right, but it was just so hot that day I couldn't think about getting their signature chicken pho! Will come back with a stronger review, but from the 2 rice dishes, this place is at least worth a revisit. read more

Turtle Tower got fancy compared to their early days. They are known for their chicken pho (northern style which is thicker noodles). So that's what we got. It did hit the spot but thought the soup needed to be a bit hotter. We also tried the beef stew in red wine sauce which I thought would be similar to beef bourguignon. It wasn't my taste so won't get it again. It's an Asian style stew with some stomach and tendons that is bright red in color and a little sour in flavor. The pandan waffle with fresh whipped cream was great. Their Vietnamese ice coffee was also good. 3.5 stars read more

Turtle Tower - Pandan waffles - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Overall I was a bit disappointed by the food. As a Vietnamese person who grew up in San Jose, it is possible that my expectations were a bit high, but I found the food to be lacking in authenticity and flavor but with a higher price point that is expected from a location in downtown SF. I got the Cơm Thịt Nướng ad my friend ordered one of their Phở options. We were both not impressed. I was looking forward to visiting their new location in the Marina district, but I think I will hold off for now. read more

Turtle Tower is pretty good, and the service was great. I originally wanted to order the papaya salad, but my server talked me out of it since it's considered an appetizer, so I settled for the tofu bánh mì instead. He ordered the vermicelli soup, which came in a huge portion. We split the shrimp spring rolls. They were tasty, though a bit loosely wrapped (one shrimp literally fell onto the floor ). Next time, I will try that papaya salad regardless of portion size. read more

See all

This newest location is a massive glow-up! Their full bar, decor and ambiance make it a perfect spot for dinner and drinks. My absolute favorite rotating must order soup trio are the Pho Tai (rare beef with fresh noodles), Pho Ga (free range chicken with fresh noodles) and Bun Thang (vermicelli soup with fancy pork, chicken and thin slices of egg). Their broth has remained consistent through the years: clear, savory and flavorful. And for hot summer days, go for the banh mi or bun cha (cold vermicelli with grilled meat and fish sauce). Don't forget to finish with the pandan waffles! I'm really hoping they eventually open for late night hours on the weekends like their FiDi location. SF definitely needs more delicious pho options for late-night crowds after hitting up the bar and their newest location would be perfect for that! Welcome to the Marina Turtle Tower! read more

Turtle Tower - Imperial rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Enjoyed a mix of new (to me) and old favorites! My friend and I shared the Nem Cua and Tôm Bọc Chiên Giòn because who doesn't love fried appetizers?! I loved the Nem Cua because it was actually wrapped in rice flour wrapper! It's more common in Vietnamese cooking to use these wrappers and just tastier and crunchier in my opinion. The Tôm Bọc Chiên Giòn was crispy and the dipping sauce was a great combination. For my entree I had Phở Sốt Vang and wow, I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I normally just get traditional Phở Bò Ðặc Biệt or Phở Gà, so this was definitely me venturing out. And it didn't disappoint-- the broth was deep in flavor and so delicious. I'm definitely coming back for this noodle soup and I really want to try their banh mi next time. We also had the sweetest server and I loved the ambiance of the Marina location...just gave me warm and cozy vibes! read more

Turtle Tower - Phở Sốt Vang, Phở Gà, Tôm Bọc Chiên Giòn, and Nem Cua - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

The only entree we've tried here is the Pho Tai(#2) Rare Beef Noodle Soup which is both very good and filling. The dish that keeps us coming back though is their extremely delicious pandan waffles. It is so good that we often come here just to order that dish. It is freshly served warm with a side of whipped cream. If you haven't tried it yet here, you definitely need to put it on your bucket list! read more

See all

Super excited to see Turtle Tower open a new location in the Marina. Since they are only offering takeout for now, I ordered the Cơm Sốt Vang, beef stew over rice, instead of pho. The beef is deeply flavorful from hours of slow cooking, and the bold spices are especially comforting in this cold, rainy winter weather. It was hearty, rich, and very comforting! We also chatted with one of the staff members, Jerry, who was very friendly and shared that dine in service is expected to open in January. They plan to serve alcohol and stay open until 2am. The interior is still being finished, but from what I could see, the space looks roomy and inviting. I can't wait for dine in to open so I can come back for their pho! read more

See all

Really wanted to try this place for happy hour, but unfortunately our experience was very disappointing. It took a while to be seated, and once we finally got a table, the employee who seated us completely forgot about us. We were the only customers in the restaurant, yet no one came to take our order or even check on us. The employee spent the entire time on his phone instead. After waiting long enough, we decided to leave. Ironically, that was the first time anyone acknowledged us. At that point, it was too late, we took our business elsewhere. Everyone has off days, but there's really no excuse for completely ignoring the only customers in the restaurant. read more

So nice to have a good Pho spot in the Marina. Been here twice and the Beef Combo Pho is my favorite. Very friendly staff as well.

Had a lovely dinner at Turtle Tower in the Marina district. This is their newest location and the decor and ambiance is absolutely stunning! We ordered a few appetizers and noodles to try amongst the group and these were the stand outs: Appetizers: - Gỏi Cuộn Tôm Thịt‍ - Each of the spring rolls were portioned well and generous in the grilled pork, shrimp, and veggie filling inside - Cánh Gà Chiên - Hanoi's style fried chicken wings were so crispy and flavorful, not too oily either Noodles: - Phở Ap Chảo‍ - First time trying a noodle soup that had a unique smoky flavor from the pan-fried beef matched with celery, carrots, onions, & leeks - Phở Gà - Super classic chicken noodle soup; would recommend their rice noodle over egg noodle as the egg noodle taste overpowers the lightness of the noodle soup Overall, service was friendly as well. Would definitely come back to try other dishes. read more

See all

Great spot to eat, especially late night after a few drinks! Love Turtle Tower! I usually get the Dac Biet. The bowls are HUGE. Cocktails are delicious. The service is always on point. The servers are fast, friendly and efficient. Ambience is an elevated experience. Thanks, TT for always taking care of us. You have a loyal customer here, always. read more

Turtle Tower - Pho Bo Dac Biet - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Their pho soup tastes sooo good! I like they add green onion into the soup to make it special and unique instead of regular bean sprouts! We love their beef pho and spring rolls. Prices are reasonable and food came up reasonably quick and good service! Highly recommended if you live nearby! read more