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oChef » Pho Huong Viet – San Francisco
Pho Huong Viet - San Francisco
Photo from Pho Huong Viet
Pho Huong Viet at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 78 of the guests
#1045 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#38 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
464
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service inconsistency
Overview: Introducting Pho Huong Viet
Pho Huong Viet offers a culinary experience centered around its well-regarded dishes. Many appreciate the friendly owner and the welcoming atmosphere, contributing to a pleasant visit.
The care put into the food is evident, making it a frequent choice for many patrons. While the overall dining experience is positive, some guests have noted the interior can feel a bit dark inside, and certain items are considered pricey.
Despite these minor points, the positive interactions with the staff and the quality of the main offerings often leave a good impression.
Good
7.6
out of 10
464
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
88
negative
26
neutral
350
positive
Pho Huong Viet earns a solid 7.6 overall, with customer satisfaction at a good 75.4%. This positive reception is largely driven by the exceptional Food (8.3), which stands out as a clear highlight among 464 customer remarks, with 350 positive comments.
The Ambience (7.3) also contributes positively, while Service (6.7) is generally good, though some experiences vary. However, the Value (3.4) is a notable area for improvement, with many finding aspects of the pricing less appealing, as indicated by 88 negative comments.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Flavorful, authentic broth
- Welcoming, friendly staff
What people don't like
- High pricing concerns
- Inconsistent service issues
- Dated interior ambiance
With a strong recommendation score of 7.9, Pho Huong Viet is certainly worth considering for its culinary strengths. If you prioritize authentic, well-prepared dishes and a warm welcome, this spot delivers a satisfying experience.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some items are considered expensive. For those seeking a top-tier food experience and friendly interaction, it’s a place to try, provided you manage expectations on cost and interior aesthetics.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pho Huong Viet
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Lets dive into the food experience here! Its clear from the feedback that the culinary offerings are a real highlight, scoring a solid 8.3 and boasting a fantastic customer satisfaction of 83.9%. With 256 positive opinions out of 305 total, many rave about the delicious beef bone broth, authentic pho, and the unique touch of homemade garlic vinegar.
Don't miss the excellent crab spring rolls! However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone, with 31 negative opinions noted. Some found the crab egg rolls underwhelming, while others mentioned issues with portion size, overly salty broth, or dry meat.
While these instances are fewer, they suggest there might be some inconsistencies to be aware of.
Food
305
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
31
negative
18
neutral
256
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful broth
- Authentic pho
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Salty broth
- Inconsistent portions
- Dry meat
Often praised
- foodThe broth is rich and flavorful without being overly salty, and the noodles always seem fresh. The owners are super friendly, and you can tell they care a lot about their food. I definitely recommend giving this place a try!
- brothMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, offering the best phở I've had outside of Vietnam. The dish featured fresh noodles and a generous amount of meat, all in a rich broth. I appreciated being able to customize my own bowl with the essential condiments provided, including pickled garlic, fish sauce, chili sauce, and fresh chili.
- phoMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the chicken combo pho, which was incredibly flavorful and easily the best pho I’ve had in the city. The crab egg rolls were also delicious.
- chicken phoEverything from the chicken pho, beef pho, the Bun Cha, Cua Be, rice paper fried rolls (gluten free) is fresh and warming.
- FoodFood:5
- PhoAs someone who grew up in Hanoi, I can confidently say this is the best Pho in the US, and I've tried a lot. I was thrilled to find this place as authentic Hanoi-style Pho is rare here.
- beef phoEverything from the chicken pho, beef pho, the Bun Cha, Cua Be, rice paper fried rolls (gluten free) is fresh and warming.
- bun chaWe had the bun cha (grilled pork and vermicelli)
- ingredientsAfter visiting over a dozen Pho restaurants in the city, I can confidently say this is the best Pho in San Francisco! The experience was fantastic, with simple and fresh ingredients made to order. Every time someone visits from out of town, this is always the top of my recommendations!
- meatWe got lucky because we secured a table right before they closed at 8 pm and were served by their phenomenal and hilarious niece, Lili, who typically doesn't work there anymore. They play calming music while serving northern style Vietnamese food that boasts clean, flavorful broths, and fresh, tender meat. Lili explained how to eat each dish, as most of us haven't had northern Vietnamese food.
Frequently criticized
- beef ball and tendon phoordered beef ball and tendon pho, but the server brought us brisket instead
- cold tendonDespite being a returning customer, my recent visit was marred by a server who insisted I ordered brisket instead of tendon in my pho, even after I pointed out the mistake. He then brought a bowl of cold tendon, which a different server kindly warmed up. The final straw was the bill, where I was charged for the tendon without prior notification.
- foodnot paying for food that had a bug in it
- pho broththe pho broth was overly salty and disappointing
- Vietnamese iced coffeethe Vietnamese iced coffee. It was essentially a glass filled with ice
- beans sprout and herbsno beans sprout and herbs that come with the pho
- brisketserver brought us brisket instead
- broth and meat's cleannessbroth and meat's cleanness usually leaves much to desire
- bug in my phofound a bug in my pho
- chicken soupsoups were overpriced. They only had a bit of chicken and noodles
If youre seeking authentic, flavorful pho and fresh ingredients, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few dishes might have minor inconsistencies in seasoning or portioning, but overall, its a strong contender for a satisfying meal.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests rave about the incredibly welcoming staff and the genuinely friendly owner who often goes the extra mile, sometimes even running after you with a forgotten to-go box! With 63 positive sentiments out of 99 total, patrons frequently highlight the quick service and how the team makes them feel right at home, contributing to a decent overall score of 6.7. However, the experience isn't always perfect, with a customer satisfaction of 63.6% indicating a mixed bag.
Some visitors encountered a lacking service where they had to hunt down staff, or dealt with a stressed waiter who seemed dismissive. There were also unfortunate instances involving service animal entry and a general feeling of not being welcomed, as noted in 33 negative observations.
Service
99
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
33
negative
3
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Caring, sweet owner
- Quick, efficient service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, lacking service
- Rude, dismissive staff
- Service animal issues
Often praised
- serviceEven our baby enjoyed eating the noodles! We visit often because the owner is friendly and the service is fairly fast.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe owner is an absolute delight, so friendly and fun
- staffThe staff here are incredibly welcoming
- ownersThe owners are so friendly and welcoming
- energyHe has such great energy
- foodI had the best northern pho I have ever tried in my life! The service was great and the food came fast. This has become my go-to place for pho since then!
- friendly ownerFriendly owner
- front of house hostlove front of house host who will have you laughing and smiling
- husband’s big personalityespecially the husband’s big personality
Frequently criticized
- serverserver just told us how much to pay from his handheld device. A little odd.
- serviceHowever, we were not impressed by the crab egg rolls or the interior. The restaurant was a bit dark inside, and service took a while due to a small staff of only four people working the front and back.
- ServiceService: Not that great
- accommodationcouldn't accommodate costumers need
- deliveryI really wish they did delivery, but I understand why they don't. I've been craving their broth every day since I've tried it.
- dining alone” This was unexpected, as there was no prior indication of this policy. It was particularly frustrating to be told this on a rare occasion when I was dining alone.
- dismissive attitudeHis dismissive attitude and refusal to own up to the mistake
- dog allowedUPDATE: NO DOG ALLOWED even SERVICE DOG! Be ready to leave your dog wherever.
- entry with service animalowner denied our entry with a service animal
- itemized receiptskipped giving us an itemized receipt
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While many rave about the friendly owners and quick attention, be prepared for the possibility of some inconsistencies. If you value a warm, personal touch, it's worth a visit, but keep in mind that not every interaction might be stellar.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the right notes, with a good score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction sitting at a comfortable 73.7%. Many guests rave about the inviting atmosphere, often highlighting the calming piano music, spacious feel, and the clean, family-owned touch. With 28 positive sentiments out of 38 total, its clear most find it a pleasant spot.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. Some customers werent impressed by the interior, noting it can be a bit dark inside, which affects the overall dining atmosphere. There were also mentions of the place feeling a bit rundown, with old plastic glasses, chopsticks, and spoons detracting from the experience.
These 7 negative comments suggest there's some room for improvement.
Ambience
38
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Calming music
- Spacious seating
What people don't like
- Dark interior
- Rundown decor
- Plastic tableware
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere along with the food makes this place exceptional
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceWe started coming here for the ambiance initially
- bathroomsBathrooms were clean as well.
- calming musicplay calming music
- cleanFamily owned clean delicious
- family ownedFamily owned clean delicious
- favorite spotsDefinitely one of my favorite sports!
- piano musiclove the piano music they play here
- pretentiousnessNot pretentious
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereplace is a bit rundown with old scratched tables
- dark insideIt was a bit dark inside
- dining atmospherewhich unfortunately affects the overall dining atmosphere.
- interiorweren't impressed by the interior
- plastic chopsticks and spoonsworn out plastic chopsticks and spoons
- plastic glassesold plastic fogged glasses
- vibeI don’t appreciate the vibe
If youre seeking a generally pleasant and inviting atmosphere with good music and space, youll likely enjoy your visit. However, if youre particular about modern interiors or dislike plastic tableware, you might find some aspects a bit disappointing. Its a good choice for a relaxed meal, but manage expectations on the decor.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners felt the pricing was pretty good, noting that you pay for quality and you get quality, suggesting some items were not expensive. These 3 positive remarks, though few, indicate that some customers found the price justifiable for what they received. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with a low score of 3.4 and customer satisfaction at a poor 13.6%.
A significant 17 negative comments highlight issues like dishes being overpriced, having to pay extra for certain items, and unexpected charged extra fees. The cash only policy also left many feeling frustrated about the overall price experience.
Value
22
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Extra charges
- Cash-only policy
Often praised
- pricenot expensive
- pricingpricing is pretty good also
- qualityYou pay for quality and you get quality
Frequently criticized
- priceIt is pricey tho
- $18 phoI came here specifically to experience what an $18 pho tastes like. I've had a lot of pho in my life, and the pho has to be incredibly special to warrant such a price tag.
- $20 soup$20 soup.
- Price wisePrice wise, it was double of San Jose
- billadditional charge for the tendon
- cash only policyMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a surprising and inconvenient cash-only policy. I ordered a medium chicken pho, which cost about $20.
- charged extraThe issues continued with the bill; the original server presented it on his phone without an itemized receipt. After paying, we discovered we were charged extra for the tendon he had mistakenly swapped. When we questioned this, he doubled down, claiming he had informed us of the extra charge, which he had not.
- custom ordercharging a standard order as “custom order)
- discountinsisted on giving me a $4 discount
- overchargeddiscovered I was overcharged for $1
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for potentially higher prices and unexpected charges. While some find the quality worth it, the overwhelming feedback suggests value is a major concern, especially with their cash-only policy. It might disappoint if youre looking for an affordable meal.
How are the prices at Pho Huong Viet?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 78 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing prices cluster nicely around that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 78 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar options in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Vietnamese spot in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pho Huong Viet
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Best Northern Pho in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of the best northern pho places I've found in SF. I especially loved the generous amount of ginger they added.
The soup was wonderfully clear and flavorful, and the beef was nice and fresh. It's a must eat!
- northern pho10
- ginger9
- soup9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Pho and Great Menu Options
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Chicken Pho is the best I've tried so far, and you truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It's also great to know that nearly everything is Gluten Free.
- Chicken Pho10
- menu9
- Gluten Free9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Northern Style Pho in SF
My experience at the restaurant left me feeling still hungry. The #1 special beef pho, all meats for $18. 75, felt more like a small portion.
However, the broth was clean tasting and complex. I noted the absence of bean sprouts, Thai basil, or hoisin sauce, which is characteristic of northern style pho. It was my first time encountering julienned fresh ginger in pho, and while it didn't significantly alter the taste, I could appreciate the effort involved in slicing it so finely.
Considering San Francisco standards, it was not bad. I personally prefer visiting San Jose for pho that is truly good. The service was fine; I didn't have to wait for a table, and the food arrived quickly.
Tables were available at 1 PM on a Sunday.
- broth8
- julienned fresh ginger6
- service7
- portion size2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Best Northern Style Pho
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, particularly with their pho. It's probably the best pho I've had in the city, and the only northern style pho I know of besides Turtle Tower. The food was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5.
The atmosphere was rated a 3.
- pho10
- northern style pho9
- food10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Pho and Terrible Service
My recent experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the food and a significantly negative service interaction. The pho broth was overly salty and a letdown compared to previous visits. While the crab egg roll was tasty, it was the only positive note regarding the food.
The service, however, is where the experience truly deteriorated. We ordered beef ball and tendon pho, but the server mistakenly brought us brisket. When we pointed out the error, he insisted we had ordered brisket and even falsely claimed we had inquired about its fattiness.
He eventually provided a small bowl of cold tendon, which required asking another server to warm up. This second server was kind and helpful. The issues continued with the bill; the original server presented it on his phone without an itemized receipt.
After paying, we discovered we were charged extra for the tendon he had mistakenly swapped. When we questioned this, he doubled down, claiming he had informed us of the extra charge, which he had not. His dismissive attitude and refusal to acknowledge his mistake felt like gaslighting.
Although he eventually agreed to refund the dollar, the trust and overall experience were irrevocably damaged. Despite having had good experiences here before, this visit left a very sour taste. Between the salty broth and the poor service, I will not be returning.
- crab egg roll8
- pho broth2
- beef ball and tendon pho1
- brisket1
What Pho Huong Viet offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What makes Pho Huong Viet stand out?
Pho Huong Viet is highly praised for its authentic and flavorful food, particularly the pho, which many describe as exceptional. The fresh ingredients and rich broth are frequently highlighted.
How is the overall dining experience at Pho Huong Viet?
Pho Huong Viet scores a good 7.6 overall, with customer satisfaction at 75.4%. This is largely driven by strong Food (8.3) and pleasant Ambience (7.3), though Value (3.4) is an area where some customers express concerns.
Are there any common concerns at Pho Huong Viet?
Some customers have noted that the pricing can be high, with certain dishes considered expensive. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent service experiences and the interior being a bit dark.