Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Pho Golden – San Francisco
Pho Golden - San Francisco
Photo from Pho Golden
Pho Golden at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#330 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
108
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Service lapses
- Parking difficulty
- Food issues
The restaurant, Pho Golden, brings the vibrant flavors of a Vietnamese Restaurant to San Francisco’s lively Excelsior neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual and welcoming spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options or a comforting bowl of pho, this local gem offers a delightful dining experience for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Pho Golden
Pho Golden consistently delivers on its promise of flavorful Vietnamese cuisine, often highlighted by its delicious food and friendly service. Patrons frequently appreciate the generous portions and overall pleasant dining experience, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
However, the experience isn’t without minor considerations. Some guests have noted occasional service distractions, and finding parking can sometimes be a challenge.
The atmosphere, while generally laid-back, might have a loud TV for some.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
108
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
95
positive
Pho Golden earns a solid 8.4 on its overall Restaurant Score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong 88% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from 108 customer opinions, with a clear majority of 95 positive remarks against just 10 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food stands out with an excellent score of (8.7), frequently praised for its authenticity and taste.
Value also impresses at (9), offering reasonable prices for substantial meals. Service maintains a good standing at (8.4), though a few isolated incidents are noted.
The Ambience scores a respectable (7), providing a comfortable, if sometimes lively, setting.
What people like
- Delicious Vietnamese food
- Friendly, welcoming service
- Excellent value, large portions
What people don't like
- Occasional service lapses
- Tricky parking situation
- Minor food quality issues
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.6, Pho Golden is a dependable spot for those seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors without breaking the bank. It’s particularly well-suited for diners prioritizing taste and value over a pristine, quiet atmosphere.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of pho or other traditional dishes, this establishment is certainly worth considering. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and a casual, bustling environment, and you’ll likely have a rewarding meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pho Golden
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a real treat! With an impressive score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 91.4%, diners are consistently raving. Out of 70 total opinions, a whopping 64 were positive, highlighting authentic Vietnamese dishes, incredible flavor, and an extensive menu, often praising the great broth.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups, with 4 negative comments noted. A few diners mentioned issues like chewy, non-flavorful meat or a lingering weird taste. While these are isolated incidents, they're worth keeping in mind.
Food
70
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Vietnamese dishes
- Incredible flavor
- Great broth
What people don't like
- Chewy meat
- Weird taste
Often praised
- foodSome of the best food I’ve had in sf
- phothe pho was delicious
- Bun Bo HueCame for Bun Bo Hue. I would come again.
- Vietnamese foodMy experience at this restaurant offered really good Vietnamese food with an extensive menu. I particularly appreciated that their veggies included fresh mint.
- flavorsit has the best flavors
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a perfect bowl of pho tai, and the portions were huge, even for a regular size. The service was quick, and the overall atmosphere was great.
- #52Definitely try the #52
- Combination Rice Place #2Both were delicious
- FoodFood:5
- Phobest Pho I ever try
Frequently criticized
- meatChewy non flavorful pieces of meat
- waterwater soapy like some Ajax fell into it
- weird tastemy mouth still had a weird taste in my mouth.
- wow factorIt is missing a wow, that was great factor.
If youre craving delicious and authentic Vietnamese cuisine, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelming positive feedback on the food suggests youll likely leave satisfied and planning your next meal here.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
It seems the service here is truly a highlight! With a solid score of 8.4, and an impressive 90% customer satisfaction, guests consistently rave about the friendly staff and great service. Many of the 18 positive remarks highlight the kind service and even praise the new owners for their excellent customer service, making for a welcoming experience.
However, its not entirely flawless. Out of 20 comments, a couple of guests noted minor hiccups, specifically regarding "water refill" and one instance where a "waiter busy on his phone" led to a missed refill. While these are isolated incidents, they suggest theres a small opportunity for even greater attentiveness.
Service
20
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Excellent customer service
- New owners praised
What people don't like
- Waiter distracted
- Missed water refills
Often praised
- serviceI found the food to be really delicious, cheap, and authentic Vietnamese. While it's not a fancy establishment, the food is truly incredible and the service is friendly. I highly recommend trying the catfish clay pot; it takes a bit of time to prepare, but the flavor is absolutely incredible.
- staffgreeted by their friendly and welcoming staff
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceThe customer service is the best
- female stafffemale staff gave me a cup of hot tea
- great peoplegreat people running it
- kind servicethankful for the kind service
- new ownersNew owners are so great
- staffsthe staffs are well trained and understanding
Frequently criticized
- waiter busy on his phonetheir waiter busy on his phone browsing the net.
- water refillMy water was not refilled as their waiter busy on his phone.
If you value a warm welcome and attentive care, you're in for a treat here. Despite a couple of minor blips, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on service means you can expect a great experience. Definitely worth a visit for their friendly approach!
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
Youll find the atmosphere here is a real winner, with many guests calling it a true hidden gem. The spacious dining area is perfect for both small and big group dining, making it versatile for any occasion. With a good score of 7, and 10 positive remarks out of 15 total, the overall vibe definitely leaves a great impression.
However, its not without its quirks. A few guests noted the entrance can be a bit hidden, and finding parking might test your patience. There were also comments about the TV being a tad too loud.
Despite the good score of 7, customer satisfaction is a more 66.7% mixed bag, with 4 negative remarks indicating these minor issues.
Ambience
15
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Hidden gem
- Spacious dining
What people don't like
- Tricky parking
- Hidden entrance
- Loud TV
Often praised
- atmosphereI had a perfect bowl of pho tai, and the portions were huge, even for a regular size. The service was quick, and the overall atmosphere was great.
- 4 person diningPlenty of 4 person dining
- big group diningbig group dining tables
- dining areaDining area is pretty big
- hidden gemThe pho was delicious, and the lemongrass chicken was also excellent. It's safe to say this is my absolute new favorite hidden gem in the city!
- placeenjoy your food in a laid back restaurant
Frequently criticized
- parkingFinding parking can be tricky
- TVTV too loud but manageable
- entranceThe entrance is somewhat hidden from view by the muni bus stop.
If a great atmosphere and spacious dining are high on your list, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that finding parking might be a bit tricky, and the entrance can be subtle, but the overall good vibe should make up for it.
Value (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! Guests are raving about the incredibly delicious, authentic Vietnamese food, especially noting the large portions and very reasonable prices. With an excellent score of 9 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear that diners feel theyre getting a fantastic deal.
These glowing remarks come from all 3 customer comments, specifically highlighting the great price and prices . What's truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding value. Across all 3 customer observations, not a single concern was raised about the cost or portion sizes, suggesting a consistently positive experience for every diner.
It seems everyone agrees that the offerings here are well worth every penny, making it a standout for affordability.
Value
3
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, cheap food
- Generous portions
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricesBoth dishes were incredibly delicious, with the pho and the pork chop being particularly memorable. The service was super friendly, and we appreciated the large portions and very reasonable prices. We will definitely return!
- pricecheap, authentic Vietnamese food
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this is it. You can expect delicious, generously portioned meals at prices that will make your wallet happy. Definitely worth a visit if value is high on your list!
How are the prices at Pho Golden?
On average, you’ll spend around 21 per person – from 18 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, we see that while the average is 21, a good number of diners actually spend a bit less, in the $11–$20 range, with others spending right around that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
For a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pho Golden
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Pho and Generous Portions
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a perfect bowl of pho tai, and the portions were huge, even for a regular size. The service was quick, and the overall atmosphere was great.
- pho tai10
- portions9
- service8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Bun Bo Hue, Hidden Gem
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their Bun Bo Hue. I would definitely come again. The spice level was nice, hitting just the right spot.
While I usually go to the Tenderloin for Vietnamese food in SF, I now have another great spot for BBH. A minor point is that the entrance is somewhat hidden from view by the muni bus stop.
- Bun Bo Hue9
- spice level8
- entrance4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Good Vietnamese Food with a Parking Caveat
My experience at this restaurant offered really good Vietnamese food with an extensive menu. I particularly appreciated that their veggies included fresh mint. While waiting for my to-go order by the door, the female staff was kind enough to give me a cup of hot tea, which was a really nice gesture.
The tea was very fragrant, reminiscent of pandan tea served in Vietnam. The dining area is pretty big, with plenty of tables suitable for 4-person dining and big group dining. The main con is parking; it's very hard to find parking in the Mission and residential area.
I spent about 15 minutes circling around on a weekday afternoon. Otherwise, I think this is a good go-to spot for Vietnamese food in SF.
- Vietnamese food8
- extensive menu8
- fresh mint7
- parking3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Authentic Vietnamese with Friendly Service
My experience at this family-owned restaurant was very positive. They serve authentic Vietnamese dishes, and the food was hot and fresh. The staff was very friendly, and the food came out in a decent amount of time.
While finding parking can be tricky, the overall experience was great.
- authentic Vietnamese dishes9
- food8
- staff9
- parking4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Pho and Spring Rolls!
I visited for lunch on a Friday and found the restaurant mostly empty. The service was quietly friendly. I ordered the beef pho, which had a great broth, and the meats were really tasty.
I also enjoyed the spring rolls, with a warm and super satisfying peanut sauce. I really liked the food and want to come back to try the grilled pork!
- beef pho9
- great broth10
- meats9
What Pho Golden offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does Pho Golden offer for its guests?
Pho Golden ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, making it easy to enjoy your meal. They also provide a restroom for your convenience.
Can I enjoy a casual meal with my family at Pho Golden in Excelsior?
Absolutely! Pho Golden is known for its casual atmosphere and is good for kids, making it an ideal spot for family dining. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or even dessert, with options for a quick bite or healthy choices.
How does Pho Golden rate overall?
Pho Golden holds a strong **Restaurant Score** of **8.4** and boasts **88%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.7) and **Value** (9) are particularly well-regarded, while **Service** (8.4) is good, and **Ambience** (7) is considered decent.
What are the food highlights at Pho Golden?
Customers consistently praise the **delicious** and **authentic Vietnamese food**, noting generous **portions** and rich **flavors**. Specific dishes like pho, Bun Bo Hue, and the catfish clay pot are frequently highlighted for their quality.
Are there any common drawbacks to visiting Pho Golden?
Some patrons have mentioned occasional **service** lapses, such as staff being distracted. **Parking** can be tricky to find, and a few experiences noted a **loud TV** or minor food quality issues like chewy meat.