Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Pho Kitchen – San Diego
Pho Kitchen - San Diego
Photo from Pho Kitchen
Pho Kitchen at a glance
San Diego Sorrento Valley
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 69 of the guests
#527 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#16 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
329
Reviews
67.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Pho
- Good Value
- Clean Space
Frequently criticized
- Bad Service
- Loud Environment
- Cash Only Issues
The restaurant Pho Kitchen offers a delightful Vietnamese dining experience right in San Diego’s vibrant Sorrento Valley. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal.
One of its standout features is the great tea selection, ensuring a refreshing beverage to complement your meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Pho Kitchen
Pho Kitchen offers a compelling experience for those seeking flavorful Vietnamese cuisine. Many patrons praise the quality of their signature `pho`, often highlighting the rich broth and tender meats.
The establishment also stands out for its `reasonable prices`, providing good value for generous portions. However, the dining experience isn’t without its challenges.
Some guests have reported `terrible service`, citing issues with staff attentiveness and attitude. The `ambience` can also be a point of contention, with mentions of noise and occasional discomfort.
Good
6.7
out of 10
329
Reviews
67.5%
Satisfaction
94
negative
13
neutral
222
positive
Looking at the numbers, Pho Kitchen holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.7, indicating a generally good performance. However, customer sentiment is a bit more mixed, with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 67.5%.
This divergence suggests that while many find the experience positive, a notable portion of diners have reservations. Based on 329 customer observations, with 222 positive and 94 negative remarks, the strengths are clear.
The Food (7.3) and Value (7.5) topics both score well, reflecting satisfaction with the culinary offerings and pricing. The Ambience (7) also receives a good score, suggesting a generally pleasant, if sometimes imperfect, setting.
The primary area for improvement is Service (4.9), which falls into the average range and significantly impacts overall satisfaction.
What people like
- Excellent Pho
- Good Value
- Clean Ambience
What people don't like
- Poor Service
- Noisy Atmosphere
- Cash Payment Issues
If you prioritize authentic flavors and good value over flawless service, Pho Kitchen is certainly worth considering. The strong performance in food and pricing, backed by a 7.1 Recommendation Score, suggests that many leave satisfied with their meal, despite some operational hiccups.
However, if attentive service and a quiet dining atmosphere are crucial to your experience, you might find aspects of Pho Kitchen disappointing. It’s a place that delivers on its culinary promise, but be prepared for a no-frills approach to hospitality.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pho Kitchen
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 77.4%. Based on 147 positive remarks, diners frequently rave about the delicious taste, fresh and flavorful dishes, and good-sized portions. The pho soup base and broth often receive high praise, along with popular items like Spring Rolls and grilled pork chops.
However, not every dish is a winner, as indicated by 39 negative comments. Some guests have encountered issues with tough meat, old rice, or a stale pho broth. A few unfortunate experiences even mentioned mild food poisoning or small portion sizes, suggesting some inconsistencies in quality.
Food
190
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
39
negative
4
neutral
147
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, authentic taste
- Fresh, flavorful dishes
- Excellent pho broth
What people don't like
- Tough, chewy meat
- Stale pho broth
- Food safety issues
Often praised
- foodIt's a great pho place that also offers good rice dishes. If you're looking for a no-frills experience with decent pricing and good food, this is the place to go. The portions were nice.
- phoAs a Vietnamese person, I believe this place serves the best pho in San Diego. The taste is very much like what we have in Vietnam.
- brothMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their phenomenal bowl of pho. The broth is consistently good, and the meats are fresh and well-cut, offering excellent mixes of texture and flavor. I highly recommend requesting the flat rice noodles, even with a small upcharge, as they are freshly made in-house.
- PhoIt’s delicious! We ordered spring rolls and egg rolls, but honestly, ordering just the Pho will fill you up (even the regular portion). I ordered the Pho bo kho, and the meat was super tender with a perfect broth.
- egg rollsIt’s delicious! We ordered spring rolls and egg rolls, but honestly, ordering just the Pho will fill you up (even the regular portion). I ordered the Pho bo kho, and the meat was super tender with a perfect broth.
- meatThe meat is super tender and super flavorful!
- spring rollsIt’s delicious! We ordered spring rolls and egg rolls, but honestly, ordering just the Pho will fill you up (even the regular portion). I ordered the Pho bo kho, and the meat was super tender with a perfect broth.
- portionsthe portions are decent
- FoodFood came out hot and fresh
- chickenthank goodness the chicken was not rubbery
Frequently criticized
- meatThe meat was tough and chewy like rubber.
- $13.00 pho p1$13.00 pho p1.. no tendon or anything
- BaguetteInstead I got a Mexican roll that’s soft
- French Beef StewUnfortunately it was disappointing on several levels
- P1That was NOT filet mignon. The meat was tough and chewy like rubber.
- R1 Bun w BBQ PorkI ordered the R1 Bun w BBQ Pork to-go for dinner. Unfortunately, a few hours later, I felt sick and realized the pork tasted a little funny. It felt like I got mild food poisoning from the pork.
- Stomach Fluhad a Terrible Stomach Flu the next day
- authentic Vietnamese tasteWould not recommended for authentic Vietnamese taste
- banh miNo banh mi on the menu is a bummer
- beef brothBeef broth tasted a little off
If youre looking for generally good and flavorful Vietnamese food, especially pho, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent in quality or portion size, so choose wisely. Overall, its a solid option for a satisfying meal.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot lands squarely in the average range with a score of 4.9, and customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 41.2%. On the bright side, many of the 35 positive comments highlight quick service, friendly and accommodating staff, and the convenience of online ordering and fast food delivery. Guests appreciate the kindness and promptness, making it a go-to for some.
However, the 45 negative comments paint a different picture. Issues like rude cashiers and staff, demanding tips, and a general lack of welcome are frequently mentioned. Some experiences include long waiting times, wrong orders, and a perceived lack of respect, indicating significant room for improvement in customer service skills and staff attention.
Service
85
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
45
negative
5
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick food delivery
- Friendly, kind staff
- Efficient online ordering
What people don't like
- Rude staff/cashiers
- Long waiting times
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceI found the food to be delicious, and the portion sizes were generous. The service was also very efficient, as the food arrived quickly. I highly recommend this place!
- staffthe staff is friendly and accommodating
- customer servicecustomer service was excellent
- FoodFood came quickly.
- ServiceService:4
- appThey also have their own app to place order online
- contactless paymentThe contactless payment is neat.
- deliverydeliver or pick up
- employeesThe employees were very kind
- family’s to go placeThis is my family’s to go place for pho
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by terrible service. The waiter struggled to understand English and repeatedly shouted, “You?
- customer serviceUpon arriving at 8 pm, the staff member who has served me before informed me that I only had 25 minutes to order and leave before their 8: 30 pm closing time. I have never encountered such a lack of customer service before and felt like I was in a third-world country. I am so disappointed and will never recommend this place.
- cashierUpon returning to my workplace, I discovered there was no soy sauce, no fork or chopsticks, and no napkins. Overall, it was a bad experience with the cashier.
- napkinsWhen I asked for soy sauce and Sriracha to go, he only gave me Sriracha and said the soy sauce was in the bag. Upon returning to my workplace, I discovered there was no soy sauce, no fork or chopsticks, and no napkins. Overall, it was a bad experience with the cashier.
- accused meaccused me of putting the bug in there myself
- bossy to guestsMy experience at this restaurant was marred by a rude cashier. They seemed to come to work with anger, were bossy to guests, and were yelling at people while performing their job. This occurred even when guests had done nothing wrong and simply wanted to get their check.
- cashier attitudeCashier said without looking at me, to go sit
- customer service skillsOwner or older guy who works here has to work on his customer service skills
- dinner serviceDinner has been a bit disappointing in terms of service and speed.
- fork or chopsticksWhen I asked for soy sauce and Sriracha to go, he only gave me Sriracha and said the soy sauce was in the bag. Upon returning to my workplace, I discovered there was no soy sauce, no fork or chopsticks, and no napkins. Overall, it was a bad experience with the cashier.
If you're looking for quick food and appreciate efficient online ordering, you might find the service here acceptable. However, be prepared for a potentially mixed experience, as some guests have encountered significant issues with staff rudeness and slow service.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! Overall, the ambience here is quite positive, with a solid 7 score and a 70.3% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good experience. Many guests loved the vibes and Atmosphere, frequently praising the cleanliness and plenty of parking.
Based on 26 positive remarks out of 37 total, it seems like a welcoming spot. However, its not without its quirks. Some found the noise level to be an issue, describing the restaurant as very dark and feeling cramped in the corner tables.
With 7 negative observations, these are points to consider if you prefer a quieter, brighter, and more spacious setting.
Ambience
37
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean environment
- Good vibes
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Noisy atmosphere
- Dark interior
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was nice with modern Vietnamese music.
- cleanThe prices were decent for what you get. The venue was simple, with okay seating and a clean environment. Parking was also easy in the large plaza lot.
- hidden gemThe words “hidden gem” come directly to mind
- parkingBig lot in the plaza so easy to find parking here in the lot
- plenty of parkingPlenty of parking available
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambianceGood ambiance
- ambiencegood/clean ambience
- barnyard styleIt’s a type of barnyard style
- chill vibesChill vibes
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereVery dark in the restaurant
- corner tablescramped in the corner tables
- crew members talkingcrew members that is talking and laughing that too much Loud
- noise levelthe noise level. Several large groups and hard walls and surfaces made it a bit difficult to talk.
- pho aromadoesn't have the pho aroma
- toddlersDON'T BRING TODDLERS HERE! They will give dirty looks!
If you're looking for a clean spot with good vibes and easy parking, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially lively, and sometimes noisy, atmosphere, especially if you prefer quiet corners or bright spaces.
Value (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 82.4%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a great deal. Out of 17 total opinions, a whopping 14 praise the reasonable price, affordable price, and overall great deal you find here, making your wallet happy.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 17 comments, specifically 3, brought up some minor concerns. Some found the price a little pricier than expected for certain items, and there were mentions about cash payments being preferred for smaller bills.
So, while generally good, keep these small points in mind.
Value
17
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Cash payment preferred
- Some items pricier
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are very reasonable
- reasonable pricefood is great for a reasonable price
- Per dollarPer dollar, this was the best food I have found on San Diego
- affordable pricean affordable price
- good pricesgood prices
- great dealIt’s a great deal too
- pricingIt's a great pho place that also offers good rice dishes. If you're looking for a no-frills experience with decent pricing and good food, this is the place to go. The portions were nice.
- reasonable pricesGood food at reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- cash paymentswant you to pay with cash if the bills under $30
- mealthe meal was not worth it
- priceWe needed another bowl, and the waitress did not return to our table during our entire meal to check if we needed anything else, even though they weren't very busy. The pho was also a little pricier than expected at $12. 50 for a regular bowl of chicken pho.
Overall, if youre looking for a place where your money goes far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find the portions generous and the prices fair, though its wise to bring cash for smaller tabs and manage expectations on every single items cost.
How are the prices at Pho Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly $19 per person – reported by 69 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending right in that sweet spot, with the majority of prices clustering around the $11–$20 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 69 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Vietnamese restaurant, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pho Kitchen
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good Pho, Fast Service
My experience at this restaurant was positive. I found the Pho to be good, and the establishment is a basic spot for Vietnamese food. The food came fast, which was great for the lunch hour.
There was also plenty of parking available.
- Pho7
- food came fast8
- plenty of parking8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Main, Good Appetizer
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly with the main course. I ordered the P1, which was advertised as filet mignon, but the meat was tough and chewy like rubber. I found it inedible and strongly suspect it was a different, cheaper cut of beef.
On a positive note, the Spring Rolls were very good. That was the only highlight.
- Spring Rolls8
- P11
- meat1
- cut of beef2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Food, Great Portions, Fast Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. I found the food to be delicious, and the portion sizes were generous. The service was also very efficient, as the food arrived quickly.
I highly recommend this place! I visited on a Monday evening, and while it wasn't empty, it also wasn't crowded, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
- food10
- portion9
- service9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Pho and Pork Chop
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The pho broth was stale, and I found it to be worse than Pho Cow Cali. The grilled pork chop was tasteless and served in a very small portion.
I would not recommend this place for an authentic Vietnamese taste.
- pho broth2
- grilled pork chop2
- portion2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
A Hidden Gem Worth Returning To
The words “hidden gem” come directly to mind after dining here. What a pleasant surprise! We will be returning many times.
- hidden gem10
- pleasant surprise10
What Pho Kitchen offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What are the parking and accessibility options at Pho Kitchen in San Diego?
Pho Kitchen in Sorrento Valley offers convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Does Pho Kitchen offer diverse dining options and cater to specific dietary needs?
Yes, Pho Kitchen provides a range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service and comfortable seating. You’ll find healthy and vegetarian options, a kids’ menu with high chairs, and a great tea selection, along with coffee, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.
How does Pho Kitchen rate overall?
Pho Kitchen has a Restaurant Score of 6.7 and a Customer Satisfaction of 67.5%. Its strengths lie in Food (7.3), Value (7.5), and Ambience (7), while Service (4.9) is an area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Pho Kitchen?
Customers frequently praise the quality of the pho, noting its flavorful broth and tender meat. Many also appreciate the reasonable prices and the clean environment, along with convenient parking.
What are the common complaints about Pho Kitchen?
The most common complaints revolve around the service, with some customers experiencing rude or inattentive staff. Other concerns include a noisy atmosphere and issues with cash payment requirements for smaller bills.