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oChef » Pho Nam Cali 2 – San Diego
Pho Nam Cali 2 - San Diego
Photo from Pho Nam Cali 2
Pho Nam Cali 2 at a glance
San Diego Miramar Ranch North
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#146 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#4 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
125
Reviews
85.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Service
- Quality Chicken
- Pleasant Setting
Frequently criticized
- Few Sauces
- Pricey Drinks
- Chicken Prep
The restaurant, a delightful Vietnamese Restaurant in San Diego’s Miramar Ranch North neighborhood, offers a casual spot where you can catch your favorite game. At Pho Nam Cali 2, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You can enjoy delicious pho and wings while watching sports, making it a great local hangout.
Overview: Introducting Pho Nam Cali 2
Pho Nam Cali offers a generally positive dining experience, with many patrons appreciating the quality of their core offerings. You’ll find the food often arrives hot and crispy, with particular praise for the chicken’s texture and flavor.
The atmosphere is frequently described as a friendly atmosphere, contributing to a comfortable visit. However, some guests have noted a few areas for improvement.
While the main dishes are well-received, there’s a desire for more sauce options to complement the flavors. Additionally, the pricing of drinks has been a point of concern for some, suggesting a need to be mindful of beverage costs during your visit.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
125
Reviews
85.6%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
107
positive
Pho Nam Cali earns a solid overall score of 8.3, indicating a good dining experience, which aligns well with a strong customer satisfaction rate of 85.6%. This positive sentiment is built on 107 positive remarks against only 13 negative ones, out of 125 total customer observations.
It suggests a consistent and enjoyable experience for most. Delving into the specifics, Service stands out as excellent (9), reflecting attentive and friendly staff.
The Food also performs very well (8.2), with many appreciating its quality and flavors. The Ambience is rated good (8.1), offering a pleasant and clean setting.
Value, while still good (6.8), is where some customers feel there’s room for slight improvement, particularly concerning drink prices.
What people like
- Excellent, Attentive Service
- Crispy, Tender Chicken
- Clean, Cozy Ambience
What people don't like
- Limited Sauce Variety
- Expensive Drink Prices
- Pre-cooked Chicken Concern
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely good food and attentive service, Pho Nam Cali is certainly worth considering. The focus on quality and a welcoming environment makes it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
Just be aware that while the main dishes offer good value, beverage costs might add up. With a recommendation score of 8.3, this establishment generally delivers on its promise.
It’s a place that consistently pleases, especially if you prioritize excellent service and well-prepared chicken. It’s a solid option for a casual, enjoyable dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pho Nam Cali 2
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, things are looking pretty tasty! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a high 84.9%, its clear many are loving whats on offer. Out of 86 comments, a whopping 73 praised the crispy, juicy and tender chicken, good flavors, and even gluten free options.
However, not every bite was perfect, with 10 negative remarks surfacing. Some found the chicken greasy and not crispy, while others were concerned about chemical ingredients in sauces or an incorrect spiciness level. It seems there's a little room for consistency.
Food
86
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Crispy, juicy chicken
- Great flavors
- Gluten-free options
What people don't like
- Greasy chicken
- Not crispy
- Chemical taste
Often praised
- foodI visited for the first time on a whim while on my way to work. Since then, I've returned a few times, and each visit, my food arrives blistering hot, crispy, and surprisingly quick. While it's a bit more expensive than places like Wingstop or Epic Wings, the quality and flavors are well worth the extra cost.
- wingsThe wings were incredibly crispy on the outside, with a satisfying crunch that didn’t feel greasy or heavy. Inside, they were juicy and tender, with every bite packed with that rich, deep umami flavour
- chickentheir chicken is gluten free. So crunchy outside and tender inside
- tteokbokki6 piece wings and tteokbokki and both were great!
- crispyThe wings were incredibly crispy on the outside
- flavorsthe quality and flavors more than make up for it
- friesthe slaw, furikake rice, and fries are delicious
- portion sizesMy first time trying this restaurant was an excellent experience! I was so amazed at the quality, the generous portion sizes, the flavors, and the prices! I will definitely be coming back and recommending this place to others ☺️
- qualitythe quality and flavors more than make up for it
- savory redsavory red and devils garlic are my go to's
Frequently criticized
- chemical ingredientsThe chili seemed to be too high in chemical ingredients
- chickenThe chicken is pre-cooked and heated up before serving
- flavorsneither were to my liking
- food qualitypay more attention to the quality of the food
- food wasteresulted in a huge amount of food waste
- greasyMy experience at the restaurant was great! The food was yummy and perfectly crispy, not greasy at all, and seasoned wonderfully. I do wish they had more sauce options like barbecue or Teriyaki.
- greasy and not crispyIt was greasy and not crispy
- saucesWish they had more sauces
- spiciness and flavorThe spiciness and flavor of Korean fried chicken should not be at this level
- spiciness levelThe spiciness level was wrong
If you're craving delicious, often crispy and tender fried chicken with great flavor variety and gluten-free options, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few experiences mention issues with greasiness or inconsistent spice levels, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 9, indicating excellent performance, and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 94.7%, you can expect a top-notch experience. Guests consistently rave about the friendly and welcoming staff, quick wait times, and overall great service, with 18 positive remarks out of 19 total.
The only minor hiccup noted among the feedback was a single mention regarding an obsolete posting, which seems to be about an outdated online listing rather than any actual issue with the service itself. So, rest assured, the team here is clearly dedicated to making your visit a pleasant one.
Service
19
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great service
- Quick wait time
What people don't like
Often praised
- staffI loved the Garlicky Soy and Savory Red wings. The staff were so nice. Can’t wait to go back!
- serviceUncle Chicken came very close. The food was delicious, the service was great, and I'm looking forward to trying more. With a bit more of a unique twist or standout flavor, it could absolutely reach that 5-star mark.
- ServiceService was top-notch and very attentive
- Wait timeNo wait
- great servicegreat food and great service!
- local businesssupport the local business
- man who took my orderThe man who took my order is always nice.
- overall experienceI love how they have various combo sets and sides to choose from. The staff were super friendly and made sure I was satisfied with my overall experience. A must visit!
- ownerThe owner of Uncle Chicken is a sweet lady
- service speedI visited for the first time on a whim while on my way to work. Since then, I've returned a few times, and each visit, my food arrives blistering hot, crispy, and surprisingly quick. While it's a bit more expensive than places like Wingstop or Epic Wings, the quality and flavors are well worth the extra cost.
Frequently criticized
- obsolete postingIt also appears to have a new name. This posting is likely obsolete and should be deleted.
If you value excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. You can expect friendly staff and efficient service, making for a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! This spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 86.7%. Guests consistently praise its cozy, clean feel and friendly atmosphere, with many noting the perfect vibe makes them want to stay all night.
With 13 positive comments out of 15, the family-ran charm and plenty of parking are definite highlights. Now, while the atmosphere is generally a hit, theres one small hiccup to be aware of. Out of 15 total comments, one customer mentioned finding the restaurant closed.
While this isnt a critique of the actual interior or vibe, its a reminder to perhaps double-check their hours before heading over to ensure you catch this clean space open.
Ambience
15
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, clean spot
- Friendly atmosphere
- Ample parking
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere makes you want to stay all night
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- clean spaceNice clean space
- clean spotIt’s a cozy, clean little spot
- cozy spotIt’s a cozy, clean little spot
- family-ranFamily-ran
- friendly atmospherewith a friendly atmosphere
- locally ownedlocally owned goodness
Frequently criticized
- closedthe restaurant was closed
Overall, if youre looking for a welcoming and comfortable place to dine, this spots ambience is a definite win. It's worth trying for its great atmosphere, but a quick check on their operating hours might save you a trip.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, Uncle Chicken generally hits a good note! With a solid score of 6.8 and 3 positive remarks out of 5 total, many folks found the main prices to be more than fair. Customers specifically appreciated the overall prices and the Price per person range, making it a pleasant surprise for their wallets.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as customer satisfaction sits at a 60% mixed level. While the food prices are a win, theres one notable concern: the drinks. One reviewer pointed out that beverages were significantly pricier than what you'd find at a supermarket, which can certainly add up.
Value
5
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair meal prices
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Drinks are expensive
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at Uncle Chicken was a pleasant surprise! The prices are more than fair, and the chicken quality is extremely delicious. They offer a wide variety of gluten-free options, which my celiac mother enjoyed.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
Frequently criticized
- drinksdrinks were 2-3 times more expensive than supermarkets
Overall, if youre looking for good value on your meal, Uncle Chicken seems like a solid bet. Just be mindful of the drink prices, as they might inflate your bill more than expected. Its worth trying for the food, but perhaps stick to water!
How are the prices at Pho Nam Cali 2?
On average, you’ll spend around 21 € per person – from 22 guests. That puts the restaurant in the 21 – 30 € category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average is 21€, most diners actually spend less, typically in the 11 – 20 € range. There are also a few who opt for more premium choices, creating a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Vietnamese restaurant, especially considering the range of options available. It seems like you can enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank, or splurge a little for something special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pho Nam Cali 2
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Absolutely Loved My Experience!
I absolutely loved my experience here! The Pho was incredibly flavorful with a rich broth, and the wings were crispy and seasoned to perfection—a surprisingly great combo. The vibe is perfect and the atmosphere makes you want to stay all night.
Service was top-notch and very attentive. 5 stars all the way!
- Pho10
- wings10
- vibe10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Restaurant Closed, New Name, Obsolete Posting
I came by on a Sunday afternoon, but the restaurant was closed. It also appears to have a new name. This posting is likely obsolete and should be deleted.
- new name5
- closed2
- obsolete posting3
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Crispy Chicken, Uninspired Flavors
My experience at this restaurant involved crispy chicken that was fried well. However, I found the two flavors I chose, Garlicky Soy and Savory Red, to be neither to my liking. Despite this, I did finish all 10 wings😋.
The slaw was pretty good though.
- chicken7
- slaw7
- flavors3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
8
Yummy Crispy Food, Needs More Sauces
My experience at the restaurant was great! The food was yummy and perfectly crispy, not greasy at all, and seasoned wonderfully. I do wish they had more sauce options like barbecue or Teriyaki.
- food9
- crispy9
- seasoned9
- greasy2
- sauces4
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Uncle Chicken: A Delicious Korean Fried Chicken Gem
My boyfriend and I have found our favorite Korean fried chicken spot in San Diego! We both usually get a Tender Box each, with me opting for the Garlicky Soy and him choosing the Devil Garlic. The portion sizes are consistently generous, featuring large tenders.
The accompanying slaw, furikake rice, and fries are also delicious. Notably, the food here tastes significantly less oily compared to other places like Dave's Hot Chicken. If you're seeking an alternative to Dave's and prefer to support small businesses, Uncle Chicken is the place to go.
The owner is a sweet lady, and I hope Uncle Chicken remains a fixture in Scripps Ranch!
- Tender Box9
- Garlicky Soy9
- Devil Garlic9
What Pho Nam Cali 2 offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Pho Nam Cali 2?
You’ll find a free parking lot with usually plenty of parking right outside Pho Nam Cali 2. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating for your convenience.
Does Pho Nam Cali 2 offer options for families and various dining preferences?
Yes, Pho Nam Cali 2 is good for kids, providing high chairs and changing tables. You can also find vegetarian options, small plates, and a full bar with happy hour drinks, cocktails, wine, and beer for your dining pleasure.
How does Pho Nam Cali score overall?
Pho Nam Cali holds a good overall score of **8.3**, with customer satisfaction at **85.6%**. Key strengths include excellent **Service** (9), high-quality **Food** (8.2), and a pleasant **Ambience** (8.1). **Value** is also good, scoring (6.8).
What are the food highlights at Pho Nam Cali?
Customers frequently praise the food at Pho Nam Cali for its quality and flavor. The chicken is often described as incredibly crispy on the outside and juicy and tender inside, with rich umami flavors. Many also enjoy the generous portion sizes and the fact that the food arrives hot and quick.
Are there any common concerns or downsides at Pho Nam Cali?
While generally well-received, some customers have noted a desire for more sauce options for the food. Additionally, the prices of drinks have been mentioned as being higher than expected. There was also a comment regarding the chicken being pre-cooked and heated before serving.