Turtle Tower - Reviews

My experience at this restaurant offered the most authentic bún chả I've had in the US, with flavors very close to Hà Nội. We also tried the phở bò tái and phở đặc biệt. The broth was flavorful and clean, though it could have been a bit hotter. The portions of meat felt light for the price. Service was friendly and the food came out quickly, but we did wait quite a while for our table to be cleaned and set up. Overall, it's a solid spot in SF for authentic Northern Vietnamese dishes, especially the bún chả.

I went for lunch and arrogantly thought I could finish a large size, as I can at other pho establishments. I was wrong. This is easily one of, if not the best pho I've had. Their large size accurately reflects its generous portion. The food received a food: 5 rating, while service and atmosphere both got a service: 4 and atmosphere: 4 respectively.

I am so happy that Turtle Tower is back in the Financial District! This legendary spot for Northern Vietnamese pho has returned with the same clean, rich broth and lightning-fast service that made it a cult favorite. The pho ga (chicken pho) is comforting perfection — simple, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. The place gets busy fast, especially during lunch, but bowls come out in minutes and are always delicious. Don’t miss the stir-fried pho and crispy imperial rolls. Service is quick and efficient, and the space feels fresh yet familiar. A beloved San Francisco classic reborn — still one of the best pho spots in the city.

If you're craving a comforting, no-frills bowl of pho in SF, Turtle Tower is the spot. I came here for their chicken pho and it hit the mark. I went with the large bowl and the portion was generous -- perfect if you're really hungry. What I loved most was the broth. It's light, clean, and flavorful without being overly salty (a problem I've run into at a lot of other pho places in the city). You can really taste the freshness of the ingredients -- it feels balanced instead of heavy. The noodles were soft and easy to eat, and the fresh green onions and herbs gave it that extra lift. Service was quick and efficient, and the food came out steaming hot. The vibe is casual and straightforward, which makes it great for a quick meal or a low-key dinner spot. Overall, Turtle Tower serves up pho that feels both authentic and refreshing. If you're in the mood for quality chicken pho that won't leave you thirsty from salt overload, this place is worth checking out. Highly recommend!

I loved the new location and the nice decorations. The food quality is as good as before. However, the service was a bit slower than I expected.

My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially appreciating the authentic nem cua, which used actual bánh đa nem instead of the common Chinese egg roll. The phở áp chảo and bún thang were decent. I was initially surprised by the phở áp chảo being served in broth, as it's typically a dry dish in Hà Nội; here, it was pan-fried beef on top of noodle soup. Despite this difference, the taste was good, and I still enjoyed it. It was also great to see true flat bánh phở instead of thin Chinese rice noodles. The portion size was huge.

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best chicken pho and beef pho in town for a long time. The soup base is umami, pure, and yummy, without tasting like MSG, and it's not too salty. The rice noodles are so fresh and tender compared to others. This place is truly different and provides authentic pho without a doubt!

I visited this restaurant with two of my coworkers during a business trip. Our experience was exceptional, largely thanks to Brianna and the rest of the staff, who were incredibly kind and attentive. I ordered the #8 Com Sot Vang, and it was absolutely delicious and comforting. I will truly miss the wonderful food and the amazing staff when I return home.

What a feeling, sweating over a steaming bowl of pho at my desk! If there's a better feeling, I certainly don't know it.

I first discovered Turtle Restaurant when it was a tiny stall in a Tenderloin alley in San Francisco. Back then, the menu was limited to a few pork organ dishes, meant for sharing over drinks. It's remarkable to see how far they've come. After decades of change and expansion, Turtle now has multiple locations, but one dish remains central to their identity: phở gà lòng trứng non — chicken noodle soup with organs and young chicken eggs. This comforting bowl became their signature, leading to lasting success. Today, my family and I visited the new, lavish Turtle Tower in San Francisco's Financial District for lunch. The space is modern and stylish, featuring a long cocktail bar, and the menu has expanded to include more Vietnamese favorites. After 25 years, the owner's commitment to simple cooking with humble ingredients, executed with remarkable consistency, is evident. From a humble alley stall to a sleek downtown restaurant, Turtle's journey showcases the enduring appeal of honest, flavorful food.