Food was amazing Service very welcoming Ambiance : beautiful decor, beautiful plates overall beautiful design Highly recommend Spring Rolls shrimp if you do , Crunchy Wings of spicy chili of 6 pieces for appetizers & pho soup for lunch or dinner . Good place to take for friends , family , lover . Will be coming back again soon ! read more

I'd had Xin Chao on my radar for a few weeks and finally wandered in after work ready to treat myself. I kicked things off with the shrimp spring rolls and ordered the vegan tofu pho. The spring rolls? Outstanding. They were packed with filling, and the peanut sauce deserved its own fan club. I demolished that plate so quickly I think my fork developed whiplash. The pho arrived and I dove straight for the vegetables. Sadly, they seemed less "cooked" and more "introduced to warm broth". It felt like someone gave them a quick pep talk, rinsed them off, and wished them the best of luck. Still, I remained optimistic, thinking the broth would bring everything together. It did not. That broth had enough sodium to negotiate peace between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. One sip and I could practically hear my blood pressure filing a formal complaint. I ended up asking my server for hot water to dilute it, and the bowl they brought out was so enormous it made my original bowl of pho look like the kid's menu version. An honorable mention goes to the lime that accompanies the complimentary bean sprouts- the wedge they served was so tiny I thought it was included for emotional support. I gave it my best effort, but the pho ultimately defeated me. I took it home and diluted it even more, hoping to salvage it. Special shoutout to my server Julia, who was absolutely wonderful throughout the entire experience- kind, friendly, attentive, and genuinely warm. Even though the pho and I were clearly not meant to be, her hospitality made the meal much more enjoyable. The spring rolls are a must try if you come in here, but the pho might be anyone's guess (or taste, in this case). My tip would be to have ample drinking water on standby. read more

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LOVE eating here - yesterday, my wife and I weren't starving but wanted something to eat and after considering many options after pulling out of our garage, I said, "what about Xin Chao?" I had the visualization of their Rice Plate with grilled pork and a fried egg. That plate is the PERFECT meal in my opinion - the flavor profile with a bite of greens, rice, tomato, cucumber, grilled pork, rice and that wonderful vinaigrette, . . . . . . . . Mmmmmm!! The service was team was so wonderful and friendly, too - they make you feel like family!!! read more

Visit April 2026 Located in the Del Mar Highlands shopping center in the upper lot from Sky Deck. Tiny but popular little pho shop. Came here on a Saturday night and all the tables were in use so we settled for bar seating. I've never eaten inside truth be told and we had only stopped here for egg rolls to munch on whenever we head up to the OC or LA lol. Their fried egg rolls are really good so of course we started off with them, an order of 9. I do wish they had given more lettuce to wrap them in. More of a kitchen prep issue. There menu is fairly small, at least compared to other Vietnamese spots I have been to. I was torn between "The TCN", tai chin nam, which is rare steak, brisket, and flank, and the "The TNG", tai nam gau, which comes with rare steak, flank, and fatty brisket. I'm a nerd so TNG caught the attention of my Starfleet tricorder but lost me at fatty brisket. I liked my dish. The portion size to price ratio was fairly good. I've had similar size bowls at other places and they were $20+ while this was less than. Broth was bright and not too greasy. Tender pieces of beef. A good stop when you're in the area and craving pho. read more

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Happened to be in the area so I thought I would stop in on a day I was really craving the nourishment of pho. I picked the rare, brisket combination, and added oxtail. I have to say the broth was tasty but a bit salty the quality of the fillet was really good and I could've been very happy with just that the service was amazing and I wish I could've tried the chicken wings. The fatty brisket was a little on the thick side and the ox tails were tiny but delicious. A neat little spot with a bar, cozy for lunch read more

Still our go-to place for delicious Vietnamese food. Love their Vermicelli noodle bowl. Lettuce and noodles very refreshing on a hot day. Lots of grilled pork. This dish fills me up. They have the best Vietnamese iced coffee around!! Our server Maya is very friendly. We like that she recognizes us and says hello when we come in. Great service! Restaurant always clean. Love open feel. There is outside seating also. read more

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Good Viet place for non-Viet people; adequate for Viet people. Food: 3.5/5 I'm Viet, and it's really hard to impress me when it comes to Viet food. This place is not bad! But I've had better in my family's dining room. For the San Diego area, this is a solid pick for phở. The broth is decently flavorful. I understand this is for food waste, but I do wish the phở herb dish had more basil by default. The bún is fine, too. My asian friends like this place, and their standards for Viet food are more normal than mine. Service: 4/5 The workers are nice, and they are very attentive to fulfilling special requests. They were not distant or overbearing. Atmosphere: 4/5 It's a clean, nice place that is as it claims to be: a casual eatery. The music is not overbearing. I would recommend this place for a family meal, a lunch with friends, or a date for an established couple. Final rating: 3.83 (rounding up to 4 on Yelp) read more

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My friend was raving about this spot, so we finally checked it out on a chilly night back in May of 2024. I got the House Special and they got a bowl of pho tai chin nam. I also ordered their Hawaiian Sunset mocktail. My bowl of pho was loaded with filet mignon, back ribs, brisket and meatballs. The broth was lacking flavor, so I was a bit disappointed in my bowl. Their bowl came with rare steak, brisket, and flank. Their bowls come with generous portions of meat, but lack a hearty broth. My drink was a little to sour for me, but still refreshing. Overall, a decent place for pho- maybe it was an off day for them. read more

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This is a nice restaurant but could use improvements. The portion size was smaller than I expected. The utensils were missing and the straws that were on the table were meant for boba drinks not water or soda. The servers had a great personality but not informed enough to work in a restaurant. This place is nice for those that don't really know authentic Vietnamese food as an introduction to the food. read more

My family's go to restaurant if no other plans. Clean, Fast service and good food. Not very cheap as other Vietnam restaurant but the location is great. read more

Cute ambiance , but authenticity takes a back seat. This spot fits right into the Del Mar aesthetic - charming, clean, and approachable. I actually appreciated the smaller menu, thinking it would mean greater focus on refining the flavors and ingredients that make Vietnamese cuisine shine. Unfortunately, it didn't quite deliver on that promise. The broth was clear and solid, and the meat selections were decent. But where were the tripe and tendons? The broken rice was missing the steamed pork loaf and pork rinds that make the dish whole. And the orange chicken... at a Vietnamese restaurant? Flag on the play! I get it. Catering to the Del Mar demographic means softening some of the more traditional elements that might feel unfamiliar to non-Vietnamese diners, hence the massive bone in the pho (purely for the visual) and the Americanized menu additions. It's about aesthetics up here, and I respect the business decision. But for someone who grew up on the real thing, it's a trade-off that's hard to overlook. For authentic pho, I'll take a hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop spot any day...the kind where you walk out smelling like the bowl you just inhaled. On the bright side, the service was attentive and the appetizers were a pleasant surprise. But overall, the experience doesn't justify the price point. Would I return? Probably not. read more

Xin Chao Eatery is a casual Vietnamese spot in Del Mar. This visit was characterized by friendly, attentive service and comforting food. THE FOOD * Chicken Banh Mi ($12): A well-constructed sandwich. It started with light, warm, and fluffy bread filled with moist grilled chicken. The cilantro, jalapeños, onions, and carrots were bright and fresh. * Next time, I will ask for extra pickled vegetables to better balance the ratio of bread to filling in each bite. * The Sides: The banh mi was accompanied by warm shrimp chips and a flavorful side of bone broth, which was a nice touch. ATMOSPHERE & LOGISTICS * Vibe: A relaxed environment with modern decor, featuring neon accents and clean, round light fixtures. * Seating: The space is functional. There are about 35-40 seats total, including an 8-seat bar and some limited outdoor seating. SERVICE The hostess set the tone with a kind greeting and it continued with friendly, attentive service throughout the visit. OVERALL A great spot for a comforting Vietnamese meal with family or friends. read more

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We checked out Xin Chao Eatery and were impressed with the food, service and ambiance. This is a small eatery in the Del Mar Highlands shopping Center. Sorry - no pictures - we were so hungry that we forgot to take pictures! We ordered Shrimp Pho and Bun Vermicelli bowl with pork and egg rolls. Both dishes hit the spot. The pho was flavorful and had a generous portion of shrimp. The Bun had all the requisite ingredients - noodles, grilled pork, crispy lettuce and the sweet/savory sauce. There was a lot in the bowl.. The food came out quickly, the wait staff were attentive and friendly. read more

Disappointed by the ongoing inconsistency here. The frontline staff seems to go through a revolving door, and the constant turnover means communication is non-existent, resulting in incorrect orders and missing items nearly every time we visit. It's hard to blame the employees when there is a clear lack of leadership; we've been waiting on a simple refund that can't be processed because a manager hasn't been on-site for two days. Decent food isn't worth the logistical headache. read more

I took my mom here today for first time as we nearby . Hot pho and rice plates are always welcomed on a rainy day . I usually adore the service as the staff has mostly been amazing. Today our server was lackluster. Took our order and never came back to check on us so it was me getting up to get things . I asked a helper if our rice plate came with soup and she said no but then our server came up to set down the side of soup . Water refills weren't offered until we asked at the end along with to go boxes and the check . The House special Pho $18 is small but the filet mignon slices and rib bone are the best components . Broth wasn't very hot . The rice plate $20 had three items which were generous and tasted pretty good . My pet peeve is when a server stands there with the tablet for you to pay and tip. It's awkward especially when service wasn't very good . Tip options are automatic 18/22/25 post tax here . Hoping to return with family another time when the usual staff works . read more

Xin Chao Eatery - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

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The short: Nice ambiance, good service (but they do get very busy at dinner time), and the food is always good and out quickly. Bahn mi is a winner; pho serviceable; milk and Thai teas are worth it during happy hour only -- half off. Classy and trendy, perfect spot for a dinner date in Del Mar. The long: I have been to this restaurant over a dozen times and surprised I hadn't reviewed it yet. Pho tai 4/5. My kid says 5/5 and me and my wife rate it a bit lower 3.5/5, but my daughter loves the pho here. For a family night out you can't go wrong as there are plenty of options that are delicious. Bahn mi w/ grilled chicken is 4.5/5 this is as close as a place will get to perfection. The sandwich is delicious and they are mostly generous with the chicken. On an occasion or two, the produce was sub par and they immediately made things right if you talk to management. If you order extra chicken, $5 bucks will more often than not get you a second generous serving. On rare occasion, they'll be more stingy w/ the extras. (Probably depends on how busy they are and staff) Pork bahn mi 3.5/5 it's good, not memorable. I prefer the grilled chicken, personally. If you don't want chicken though, the pork sandwich isn't going to disappoint. Drinks. They look pretty, but they aren't competitive with the milk teas across the lot. For $6 bucks, your money goes further at omomo and happy lemon just a stones throw away. They have happy hour.. apparently only for high school and college kids; (silly distinction... bad management decision imo.) so if you can get the teas for 3 bucks I guess it's worth it. Else, do yourself a favor and save the money or spend it at Omomo. I order water when they ask full price; try it for yourself and you'll understand why. Service is generally nice here, but it can be a mixed bag. I don't think I've gotten the same wait staff once, but for the most part they are all friendly... just overworked and maybe the place is understaffed at times. Presentation 5/5 the food is prepared and presented beautifully; sometimes it doesn't come out piping hot.. which I always expect, that would be my only complaint. Overall 4.5/5, I'll round it up because yelp doesn't allow for 1/2 stars (it's more 5 than 4 in my book). One final point, the place is trendy and a nice place for a date, don't expect authentic convoy like experience. I'm rating the experience and restaurant for the clientele they cater to and on that end they hit the mark... one of the better eateries in Del Mar. read more

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This place is amazing for asian food for the area, since Del Mar does not have many choices when it comes to this cuisine! If you're looking for a very authentic rich broth in your pho, this is not the place for you as the broth on the pho is lighter and not as heavily seasoned. But it does satisfy any craving and is a quick stop when you're in the area I highly recommend their chicken egg rolls. I was surprised at how juicy they were, and they were fried to perfection! Would definitely come back specifically for this The rice plate was good, but part of the rice was a bit stale (im assuming they dont sell many rice plates daily as most all tables had pho) but I took the leftovers home to recook the next day and it was great read more

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The pho is very good here--serving portions are generous and the broth is tasty. The bubble tea is also decent. Service the first time I was here was better than during my second visit. I am not a big fan of the seating here, which is limited and not super cozy or comfortable. I noticed their take out is pretty busy and might prefer that next time, read more

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Came to try this place for dinner togo. The inside has plenty of room to sit and eat. Nice and clean. The staff are friendly and hospitable. I ordered Tofu Pho. It came with lots of tofu and veggies. It was nicely cooked. Order took about 10 minutes. Will be back to try some more stuff. read more

I really deliberated for a long time about posting this one for so many reasons. I had been wanting to try Xin Chao for a while now because I live in the area and it looked really cute and tasty. I love supporting local businesses. Let me start by saying that had this not happened, I would have given them a solid 4 stars. The service is friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with cute decor and serveware. Had just the hair on the tofu (which looks from the photo like maybe it was just a crack or possibly a string from corn or the bean sprouts due to my old camera, which I assure you was in fact a hair), I might have "swept it under the rug" and not mentioned it because everything was so beautifully presented and I noticed it instantly and was able to remove the piece of tofu from my plate easily and I didn't see any more tainted pieces, I may have still given them the 4 stars. However, as I was eating the chicken eggrolls, I noticed an uninvited visitor crawling around on my plate. Actually, to be more specific it dropped off of the piece of lettuce that I had wrapped around the egg roll I was actively eating onto my plate. As hard as I try, I cannot unsee this. In fact it makes me weary of eating out in general these days. I get a bit queasy when I think about it. I would have loved to have embraced it and been like, "Bonus! Added protein," but I just can't get there in my mind. I was there on a Tuesday and they had mentioned when I arrived that things were slower than usual because the head chef was off that day. Not sure if that had anything to do with it. And I understand when you are using the freshest ingredients this could happen, but usually aren't there washing protocols in place? Hopefully this was just an off-night. I'm sad that I will not be returning as this is the type of place I would have frequented regularly. You can see the food looks beautiful and from what I tasted before I noticed, I definitely would have returned had this not occurred. read more

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We came by craving something comforting for dinner when we found this spot for pho. The pho itself was solid, I liked the broth and the house special comes with a nice variety of brisket, beef rib, flank steak and meatballs. The beef rib was a bit difficult to eat but pretty tender. My friend got the oxtail pho and while we were both excited to oxtail, the meat was a bit tough and the wide noodles here were a bit off and too chewy. We also ordered the spring rolls to share which were good but I wish the peanut sauce had more kick to it. read more

Xin Chao Eatery - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

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3.5 stars. I've been to Xin Chao twice and my first visit was much better than the second. Service, ambiance and portion size are all solid, but my review comes down to the pho. I got the House Special Pho during my first visit and this was good. The broth could've been more rich, but I was happy with the amount of meat and the texture of the thin noodles. We also got the Chicken Egg Rolls to share, which I enjoyed! I decided to be a bit experimental during my second visit and opted for the Oxtail Pho with wide noodles. Unfortunately the oxtail was pretty tough, and the wide noodles were falling apart in the broth. The summer rolls were average, but overall was pretty disappointed by my second visit. I'd probably still come back if I'm in the area and craving pho, but would stick to the thin noodles. read more

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Pretty bummed. Ordered tofu spring rolls, like it says on the receipt, and when I got there I reminded them that I ordered a large thai tea because they didn't bring out a drink with my pick up order. The host/server tells me they don't have Thai tea and proceeded to set up the credit card machine. The receipt shows I was charged for a large Thai tea so I asked if I could get some kind of drink since I was charged and they came back with a small milk tea which at the time I didn't realize was not a size large. When I got home and opened my food it was shrimp spring rolls, not tofu spring rolls and I can't eat shrimp. So I had to toss my order. Disappointed!!! read more

Xin Chao Eatery - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

We wanted to eat Asian food around one Paseo that's why we ended up at xin chao eatery. The place was nice. This service was also good. But the food was really mediocre. we got shrimp spring rolls to share and each of us got a bowl of pho. I ordered a pho tai plus some extra meatballs. The spring rolls were OK, nothing really special. But the sauce was kind of tasteless. The pho soup was OK. The meat was a little tough and I probably got one big beef ball cut up into 4 quarters. If it's not because of the location, we probably would not have eaten here. they are plenty of better pho places around town. read more

Xin Chao Eatery - Phi tai with extra meatballs - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

Cleanliness: 4 Food: 3 Service: 3 Outdoor and bar seating available. The bowl they served pho in kept the broth nice and hot for the duration of the meal, which is a plus. However, with it being so hot, I guess it's hard for the server to deliver the bowl without rushing to place it on the table. The result? Hot broth spilled on the table and onto my partner without an apology. The server saw it but just rushed away. Pho broth was a tad sweet with a hint of sourness, which was a little odd. The brisket was too tough and chewy. I did like the individual garnishes and condiments provided. No sate, so don't ask. They have the thicker chili paste and Sriracha available, though. We sat close to the kitchen window and were able to hear everything between the kitchen and FOH staff. The man in the kitchen was loud and sounded like he was yelling at the staff, but unfortunately, it's how the older Asian generation speaks. They sound as though they're yelling with a raised voice, but no. However, it made me feel bad for the servers because listening to that all day can make you feel some sort of way. Overall, it was ok. Not a place I'd have on my go-to list but a place I can finally check off my to try list. read more

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3.5 A solid choice for North County San Diegans. Parking is a breeze at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, which is a definite plus. I visited for lunch and found the menu to be somewhat limited, but that can be a nice way to simplify your choices. I ordered the shrimp summer rolls ($9), sweet chili wings, fish sauce glazed wings (6 for $13), and the oxtail pho ($17). The shrimp summer rolls were neatly presented, and the shrimp were pink and plump--definitely a treat! The restaurant was kind enough to split the wings for us, allowing us to sample both flavors. The sweet chili wings brought to mind Mae Ploy sauce, while the fish sauce glaze had a nice balance that I appreciated. The wings themselves were decent, but not the star of the show. Now, let's talk pho: the broth had a slightly sweet note, and the oxtail was tender and flavorful--definitely the highlight of the meal. At $17, it's a good value for the generous portion size. Overall, it's a nice spot if you're looking for something quick and satisfying. The friendly and efficient service made the experience even better. If you're in the area, it's worth a visit! read more

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The house special pho was enough for two meals for me and a small human. Chicken wings were delicious- I chose salt and pepper to try. Can't wait to come back for sweet chili. The service was excellent. Great job team! All in all, tasty, option to be kid/ dog friendly by eating outside and a really nice restaurant that had great service. Everything you want in a local neighborhood gem. Can't wait to try the Com dish next time! read more

Xin Chao Eatery - House special pho - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

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I was sad that this place did not meet expectations. The peanut sauce with the fresh spring rolls had no flavor. The egg rolls were burnt. The pho was ok, I've had a lot better. The server with dyed hair was horrible and clumsy, he spilled water on my son and said "sorry, it's just water." Then a few minutes later walked by and also bumped into my daughter seating at the end. Then when the pho came out it was spilled on me burning hot. However kudos to young girl server as I could tell she has very little help and kept it together. read more

Super cute and absolutely delicious food. Great service! So happy we have such an amazing Vietnamese place in northern San Diego. read more

Xin Chao Eatery - Inside - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

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We stopped by to enjoy Vietnamese foods while in area. The restaurant is well decorated with nice ambiance. Service was efficient and friendly. We ordered spring rolls, pho and rice plate. The grilled pork was tender and well seasoning; however, the rice was a bit dry for my liking. Pho and spring rolls were enjoyable. Also, there was a discount for starters during happy hour between 3-6pm. Worth a try if you are in area. read more

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Delicious rare steak pho with flavorful broth. Crave this on the weekly!! And excellent, quick customer service

Nice Vietnamese restaurant with good Vietnamese cuisine that is actually a chain, the restaurant also has a snazzy full bar as well. Service was also prompt and attentive. Recommended! read more

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Finally got the chance to try this place during lunch hour on a Thursday. The weather was overcast and called for a bowl of pho which this place has for locals without having to drive to Mira Mesa or Convoy. This place opens at 11am and already has a few tables seated (a couple tables outdoors available). Also probably the most fanciest pho restaurant I've been to with the modern decor. The menu is straight forward; food on one side and turnover to find beverages on the other. I came here to try the pho and it only comes in one size. For 50 cents more you can get wide noodles (which is a great substitute). As for the broth, it's a bit on the sweet side. Pretty decent portion for $14. The service is okay here. It could be better. I will definitely come back to try other items when in the area. read more

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Beef pho is the best I've ever had and one of my favorite on earth. It's seriously that good. read more

Xin Chao Eatery - Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

Came in on a Sunday afternoon for some lunch and the ambience was nice. I ordered the rice plate with pork and egg rolls. Egg rolls came out crispy and filling was good! Pork was generous and well flavored. Great Vietnamese place close by so I'll be back to try the pho. They also have a nice happy hour $2 off read more

Xin Chao Eatery - Rice with pork and eggrolls - Vietnamese Near Me - San Diego, California

Overall, Xin Chao Eatery a small Vietnamese restaurant in the bustling Del Mar Heights Center offers a pleasant dining experience. Arriving on a rainy evening around 6 pm, we found seating readily available and were promptly attended to by friendly staff who efficiently took our order. The restaurant's cozy ambiance is complemented by its cleanliness and well-organized layout. While parking may pose a challenge due to the center's high traffic, we lucked out with a spot conveniently located near the entrance. Our meal comprised various dishes, including Chicken Eggrolls, Bahn Mi Chicken, Shrimp Fried Rice, a kids' portion of Chicken Pho, and a refreshing Green Tea Lemonade. The Bahn Mi impressed with its tender, flavorful chicken, while the Shrimp Fried Rice boasted ample shrimp and a well-balanced taste profile. However, the kids' Chicken Pho was a communication fail. We weren't expecting a flavorless Pho but I am assuming it was because it was a kids. We really just wanted a smaller portion of Pho but it wasn't explained it wouldn't be regular Pho. Nonetheless, the Chicken Eggrolls stood out with their tasty filling and crisp exterior, leaving us satisfied overall. Despite the minor disappointment with the Pho, we left content and likely to return, appreciating the restaurant's friendly service and enjoyable dishes. read more

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I recently went to a restaurant with my family and ordered pho and an egg roll. Unfortunately, the egg roll was spoiled--it had a strong, unpleasant odor and taste. I ate part of it, but when I smelled it more closely, I realized it had gone bad. As I'm pregnant, I immediately went to the bathroom and tried to make myself throw up. My pho then came out but I ended up leaving the restaurant without finishing the food. I am extremely upset by how the restaurant handled the food safety, and I feel this could have been avoided with proper care. Im calling SD food safety dept tomorrow. Im really upset. read more

Jennifer was our server and provided excellent service, it's very rare to see this kind of customer service. Food was delicious as always.

I'll start by saying I do love the food here, it's actually all delicious but I give it less stars for two reasons only. Their menu is quite small you don't have a whole lot of options, and their service sucks bad the waiters could use more training. However I have returned more than 3x only because I do enjoy their food I just take it to go now. read more

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Ordered via Grub Hub. Pros: -delicious broth -I love that they have oxtail pho. The oxtail pieces were very large/generous Cons: -my Grub Hub driver said they gave away my order which is why the delivery took a while Other -my pho did not come with any bean sprouts, basil or Jalapeño. I'm not sure if you need to specifically ask for it, or if they don't provide it. However all other pho places I've been to have provided this complimentary topping. Overall I was satisfied with my meal. I'll have to stop by in person the next time. read more

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