Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Phở Ban Mai – San Diego
Phở Ban Mai - San Diego
Photo from Phở Ban Mai
Phở Ban Mai at a glance
San Diego Mira Mesa
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#610 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#18 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
423
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Crispy Banh Xeo
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Value issues
The restaurant, a delightful Vietnamese eatery in San Diego’s Mira Mesa neighborhood, offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s a place where one can unwind and savor authentic flavors.
Whether seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Phở Ban Mai provides a welcoming setting for all. The menu features a variety of healthy and vegetarian options, alongside delicious vegan choices, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
You’ll find it ideal for a casual lunch or a relaxed dinner.
Overview: Introducting Phở Ban Mai
Phở Ban Mai offers a culinary experience where the food often shines, with many appreciating its `authentic Vietnamese food` and specific dishes like crispy Banh Xeo. The atmosphere is generally seen as clean and welcoming, making it a suitable spot for families seeking a casual meal.
However, the dining experience can be a mixed bag. While some appreciate the convenience of `QR code ordering`, others encounter inconsistent service and concerns regarding value, particularly around transparent pricing and the `auto tip` policy.
The presence of `loud kids` has also been noted.
Average
5.8
out of 10
423
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
171
negative
28
neutral
224
positive
Phở Ban Mai holds an average Restaurant Score of 5.8, reflecting a generally acceptable but not outstanding performance. Customer Satisfaction stands at 53%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
These figures, drawn from over 400 customer observations, suggest that while there are definite positives, there’s also room for improvement. Delving deeper, the Food (7.4) is clearly a strong point, frequently praised for its quality and variety.
However, Service (4) often falls short, with many finding it inconsistent. The Ambience (6) is considered average, while Value (3.1) is a notable concern for many patrons, highlighting issues with pricing and additional charges.
What people like
- Authentic Vietnamese food
- Crispy Banh Xeo
- Clean, family-friendly
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Value concerns
- Loud environment
If you’re primarily seeking flavorful Vietnamese cuisine, Phở Ban Mai is worth considering, especially given its strong performance in the food department. The 6 recommendation score suggests it’s a decent option, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding other aspects.
Be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and scrutinize your bill for clarity on pricing and tipping. While the food often delivers, the overall experience might not always be seamless, making it a place to visit with a clear understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Phở Ban Mai
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.4 and boasting a 76.8% customer satisfaction rate. With 159 positive remarks, diners frequently praise the authentic Vietnamese food, especially the pho and egg rolls, often noting the generous portion size and delicious flavors. However, not every dish is a winner.
Out of 207 comments, 36 pointed out issues like bland or salty flavors in some dishes, along with concerns about fat in the pho and even an uncut tripe piece. It seems consistency can be a slight challenge.
Food
207
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
36
negative
12
neutral
159
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Vietnamese food
- Generous portions
- Flavorful pho
What people don't like
- Bland or salty
- Excessive fat
- Uncut tripe
Often praised
- foodWe usually go to a different Pho place down the road but, to be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d like this place because of the low reviews. I was quite surprised to find I really enjoyed the food here! Pho Ban Mai is nestled within the same plaza where Rite Aid, Boiling Crab and Seafood City are located.
- phoWhile the marinated pork was a bit underseasoned, it thankfully wasn't overly salty. My kids enjoyed their pho, though my son's dac biet bowl had only a few small pieces of tendon. The dining room felt a bit stuffy and slightly untidy, but even with the electronic ordering, staff members were still available to assist with requests.
- PhoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I can confidently say this is the best Pho in Mira Mesa. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was great, both rated a 5 out of 5.
- Vietnamese foodIf you are ever hungry, you need to stop by! I’m white and honestly, I started really liking Vietnamese food. I approve!
- egg rollsThe egg rolls were hot and flavorful
- Banh XeoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed authentic Vietnamese food, and I can confidently say they serve the best Banh Xeo in SD. The Tumeric fish rolls dish was absolutely amazing, and the salt and pepper wings appetizer was perfectly crispy and delicious.
- Banh xeo crepeBanh xeo crepe was crispy, tasty
- FoodAuthentic Vietnamese food
- banh beothe banh beo is on point
- banh xeoThe banh xeo stayed impossibly crispy
Frequently criticized
- PhoMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the non-existent customer service and the uncomfortably cold atmosphere. While the food had good variety, the Pho was on the saltier side, and the smoothie was excessively sweet and tasted artificial, though they did remake it to make it more bearable. The staff at the reception were entirely focused on their phones, requiring us to call out loudly to get their attention, and they were not friendly.
- phoThe pho, which I used to enjoy, was incredibly bland
- food qualityThis set an unwelcoming tone from the start. The food quality has significantly declined; the pho was incredibly bland, requiring excessive seasoning to be palatable. Furthermore, the service continued to disappoint throughout the meal.
- spring rollsIt was so staled liked it's been prepared in the morning
- Bun Bo Huebun bo hue tasted wayyyyy different and wasn't good
- Phở brothThe Phở broth was a bit bland.
- Spring RollsSpring Rolls used to be 3 for the price. Now the description says 2
- alcoholNo alcohol
- appetizerAppetizer came with the main course instead of coming out first.
- calamariThe calamari was also a bit bland
If you're craving authentic Vietnamese flavors and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. While some dishes might occasionally miss the mark on seasoning, the overall food experience is positive and satisfying. Just be prepared for potential inconsistencies in certain items.
Service (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, some diners found bright spots! Out of 140 total experiences, 39 positive comments highlighted aspects like a friendly server and fast service, with many appreciating the convenience of QR code ordering for a quick meal arrival. It seems some staff members truly aim to please.
However, the overall picture for service is a bit of a mixed bag, leaning towards needing improvement. With a score of 4, it's considered average, but a low customer satisfaction of 27.9% points to significant issues. A whopping 92 negative comments frequently mentioned horrible service, wrong order issues, and a general lack of water refill attention, sometimes compounded by a language barrier with staff.
Service
140
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
92
negative
9
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Friendly staff
- QR code ordering
What people don't like
- Horrible customer service
- Frequent wrong orders
- Unresponsive, rude staff
Often praised
- serviceI ordered the Rare Steak and Brisket pho, the House Special Pho, and 3 Egg Rolls. The food was good, and the service was fast.
- staffWe were seated quickly but we had about a dozen family members and we were split into separate tables. Note: This restaurant is not made for large groups; however, the staff were accommodating and made it work. Because of the smaller group seating, the orders were placed by table number.
- peopleThe people are very nice
- Order via your phoneOrder via your phone using the QR code
- QR code orderingQR code ordering makes the process easier
- ServiceService:5
- checking our orderI would definitely come back every time I'm in San Diego. The service was really nice, and I appreciated how thorough they were with checking our order.
- custom ordersI had the most delicious bowl of pho that I've had since visiting Vietnam in 2008. It was a great experience, especially with my Vietnamese friend who could place our custom orders in Vietnamese.
- customer servicegood customer service
- fastfood is large and fast
Frequently criticized
- serviceDespite a wide variety of menu items, the food is consistently good. Typical of most Vietnamese restaurants, service is not the best. It's in a big shopping complex so parking is relatively easy.
- staffabout 3 or 4 too many staff just standing around chatting
- customer serviceIt felt like a total disregard for customer service
- hostI went for lunch today with friends and the service was terrible. The host didn't want to help or assist us at all, even though they weren't busy. He was very rude and didn't want to acknowledge us at all.
- serverMy first time at this restaurant was for takeout. The server was not very patient and informed me it would be at least 45 minutes. After waiting 45 minutes, I returned and was told an item was unavailable and would be refunded to my card.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly negative due to horrible customer service. I sat down for like 30 minutes and was completely ignored, to the point where I just left. I strongly advise avoiding this place.
- language barrierIt’s pretty cool actually. But if you’re someone who does not have a smart phone, you’ll be ordering the traditional way through a server and, from our experience, the language barrier was a challenge. We ended up placing 3 group orders due to our split tables but we were able to ask to pay on one big check.
- menusHe didn't bother to bring us menus
- receptionistthe receptionist didn’t welcome us, no greeting no nothing
- waiterWaiter never said a word and never came back
If speed and convenience via QR code are your top priorities, you might find the service acceptable. However, be prepared for a potentially frustrating experience with unresponsive staff, order mix-ups, and a general lack of attentiveness, which could definitely disappoint.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
Lets dive into the ambiance! With an average score of 6 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 50%, the atmosphere here gets a bit of a split review. Many guests appreciate the comfortable and pleasant vibe, often describing the overall atmosphere as great, clean, and even fancy.
The convenient parking and welcoming feel, especially for families, also earned positive remarks from the 22 positive opinions. However, not everyone was thrilled. Based on 44 total remarks, with 17 negative opinions, some found the place plain or dark, and the signage hard to spot.
Issues like a stuffy or cold dining room, combined with significant noise from loud kids and general commotion, made for an awkward experience for others. Its also noted that the restaurant isn't ideal for large groups, as tables might be split.
Ambience
44
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
17
negative
5
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, welcoming atmosphere
- Easy parking
- Good for families
What people don't like
- Loud, noisy environment
- Not for large groups
- Signage hard to find
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere are also top-notch
- parkingTypical of most Vietnamese restaurants, service is not the best. It's in a big shopping complex so parking is relatively easy. If you're looking for good Vietnamese food, this would be one of my first choices.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Authentic and welcomingAuthentic and welcoming!
- Wheelchair accessibilityPlenty of room
- clean placeit's a clean place to take family and friends
- familiesA great place for families
- fancyIt was very fancy
- opens to 10 pmThe best thing for this place is that it opens to 10 pm
- peoplea good number of people there
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThis restaurant is very cold, the AC was turn up way up
- dining roomdining room is a bit stuffy
- afternoon dinner experiencenot a perfectly fine afternoon dinner experience for all the others there.
- awkward experienceOverall, it was a awkward experience 😅
- commotiondidn't recognize the commotion
- free WiFiThey don’t offfer free wifi
- large groupsWe were seated quickly but we had about a dozen family members and we were split into separate tables. Note: This restaurant is not made for large groups; however, the staff were accommodating and made it work. Because of the smaller group seating, the orders were placed by table number.
- loud kidsextremely loud kids, and when I say loud I mean incessant screaming.
- menuthe menu seemed a little disorganized
- noisetricky with the noise
If youre looking for a clean, family-friendly spot with easy parking and dont mind a potentially lively (or loud) atmosphere, it could be a good fit. However, if you're sensitive to noise, dining with a big group, or seeking a quiet, intimate setting, you might want to consider other options.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
While the overall picture for value is quite challenging, a few guests did find some bright spots. With 4 positive remarks, some appreciated the value for money and noted a reasonable price per person for their meals, even mentioning specific instances where they felt it was cheaper and way better than alternatives. However, the overwhelming sentiment points to significant concerns, with a score of 3.1 and a mere 12.5% customer satisfaction.
Out of 32 comments, a staggering 26 voiced frustrations about tipping practices, overpriced menu items, and confusing bill charges, including higher take out prices and unexpected auto tip additions. Its clear theres much room for improvement here.
Value
32
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
26
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Value for money
- Cheaper options
What people don't like
- Confusing tipping practices
- Menu items overpriced
- Hidden bill charges
Often praised
- $88.00'swe only spent $88.00's
- priceCheaper and way better
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- value for moneyMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The service was good, and I had an only veg meal that was really good, tasty, and value for money. However, the selection of veg items for Indians and Vegans was very limited, meaning we cannot eat the same regular options frequently.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was good, though it's not the cheapest place around. I ordered the Tofu fried rice, which was generously filled with lots of vegetables.
- billwhen they gave me the bill, they suggested me to paid tips again
- tiptip was already added to the total, but I was told that it was Not
- Bait and SwitchThis used to be called Bait and Switch
- ExpensiveExpensive. I remember the days of $8 giant pho bowls
- additional tipsuggested additional tip
- auto tipthe auto tip is set to 18%
- bowlcharge 50% more per bowl
- coffee pricethe coffee is $2 more than other restaurants
- listed menu pricestake out prices are several $$$$ more than the listed menu prices
If you're heading out, be sure to scrutinize your bill and understand their tipping practices before you order, especially for takeout. While a few found decent value, the majority felt the prices were overpriced with confusing extra charges, making it a risky bet for your wallet.
How are the prices at Phở Ban Mai?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 77 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.
While the average leans towards $21–$30, it’s interesting to note that most guests actually spend in the $11–$20 range, suggesting there are plenty of delicious, more budget-friendly options alongside some higher-end choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 77 reviews.
See how this Vietnamese spot stacks up against similar restaurants in San Diego when it comes to value for your dollar.
Considering the variety of price points available, from more budget-friendly options to slightly higher-end choices, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Vietnamese Restaurant. It offers flexibility for different budgets!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Phở Ban Mai
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Fast Service!
My wife and I dined here the morning after Christmas. We were greeted right away by a friendly server. We were able to sit down very quickly and order quickly too.
Very fast service. We ordered 2 appetizers: the surf and turf rolls and spring rolls. We also got 2 phos.
Very delicious and really hit the spot. Authentic and welcoming!
- friendly server9
- fast service10
- surf and turf rolls9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Vietnamese Cafe with Great Lunch Options
My experience at this Vietnamese cafe was very positive. I found the steak and eggs to be a great lunch option. The crepe filled with savory meats or tofu was not only good but also impressively looking.
The pho was delicious, and I often opt for the bun (rice noodles with lettuce and warm meats/egg rolls on top).
- steak and eggs8
- crepe filled with savory meats or tofu9
- pho8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great food, poor service attention
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was great, and I was seated quickly. However, the service was lacking; the waiter never spoke a word and didn't return until I had to flag them down.
Despite the excellent food, the inattentive service was a significant drawback.
- food9
- service3
- waiter3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Awkward Experience, Bland Pho
My family and I visited this restaurant, and our experience was quite awkward from the start. Upon arrival, the ladies at the front desk simply looked at us and motioned towards a table. After we sat down, no one approached us for orders, and we weren't given any menus.
Following an awkward five-minute wait, during which the front desk staff conversed amongst themselves, I had to flag down a waitress for a menu. She seemed surprised, informing us that they only take orders online. While I understand this is their policy, it would have been helpful to be informed upon entry, especially for first-time visitors unfamiliar with the restaurant's typical Vietnamese appearance.
My phone had died, so they provided an iPad with the menu. We placed our order, and the food arrived quickly. However, the initial staff member who delivered our food did not appear happy, and indeed, many of the staff seemed unenthusiastic.
It wasn't until we were halfway through our meal that a friendly waitress refilled our waters with a smile. The pho was just okay, rather bland, though it did come with plenty of meat, which my son enjoyed. I ordered four spring rolls for $14, but they were stale, tasting as if they were prepared in the morning and left out all day.
I managed to eat three out of hunger but found the last one difficult to chew. Overall, it was an awkward experience 😅, and I don't believe any of my family members wished to return. We'll be sticking to Pho Cali.
Lol
- friendly waitress8
- pho5
- meat7
- front desk2
- online orders3
- staff3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
1
Terrible Customer Service, Won't Return
I came here because my friend Tony owns the restaurant. Unfortunately, after witnessing his staff disrespect me and my family, we have no desire to return. The customer service here is terrible.
The staff needs to work on their interactions with one another; respect goes a long way. They even got upset when we didn't tip them after such an unpleasant experience. It's baffling how anyone would want to tip someone who disrespected their family.
Please, clean up the attitude; we are all adults here.
- customer service1
- interactions with one another1
- respect1
What Phở Ban Mai offers
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Does Phở Ban Mai Restaurant offer options for specific dietary needs?
Yes, Phở Ban Mai Restaurant caters to various dietary preferences. You will find a selection of delicious vegan options and vegetarian options, alongside healthy options designed to nourish and satisfy. It’s a great spot for those seeking mindful eating choices.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Phở Ban Mai Restaurant?
Phở Ban Mai Restaurant offers convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Phở Ban Mai score overall?
Phở Ban Mai has an average Restaurant Score of 5.8 and a mixed Customer Satisfaction of 53%. While Food (7.4) is highly rated, Service (4) and Value (3.1) are areas where the restaurant struggles, with Ambience (6) being average.
What are the standout food items at Phở Ban Mai?
Customers frequently praise the authentic Vietnamese food, specifically highlighting the crispy Banh Xeo, flavorful egg rolls, and the Tumeric fish rolls as particularly enjoyable dishes.
What are common complaints about Phở Ban Mai?
Common complaints revolve around inconsistent service, issues with value such as unclear pricing and automatic tipping, and an atmosphere that can sometimes be too loud or uncomfortable due to temperature.