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oChef » Pho Ga – San Francisco
Pho Ga - San Francisco
Photo from Pho Ga
Pho Ga at a glance
San Francisco Golden Gate Heights
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#1675 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#51 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
215
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful broth
- Clean ambiance
- Fast service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Slow service
- Small portions
The restaurant Pho Ga is a Vietnamese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Heights. You will discover a welcoming, casual atmosphere where healthy options are readily available.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, this spot offers a cozy escape. It’s a perfect place to enjoy authentic flavors with convenient service options.
Overview: Introducting Pho Ga
Pho Ga presents a generally pleasant dining experience, often noted for its food came out fast service, which is a definite plus. Guests frequently appreciate the inviting clean atmosphere and modern surroundings, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some diners have found the portions to be a point of contention, suggesting a mixed experience on that front. This establishment offers a relaxed setting with a modern touch, where the decor contributes to a calm environment.
While many praise specific dishes like the flavorful broth, there are occasional remarks about the overall quality of the Vietnamese fare being less consistent than desired.
Good
7
out of 10
215
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
45
negative
13
neutral
157
positive
Pho Ga earns a solid overall score of 7, indicating a good dining experience for many, which aligns well with a customer satisfaction rate of 73%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 157 positive remarks against 45 negative ones, out of 215 total customer observations.
The restaurant particularly shines in its Ambience (7.3), offering a clean and modern environment that patrons often find relaxing. The Food also receives a good score of (7.2), with many appreciating the flavorful broth and tender beef, though some opinions point to inconsistencies.
Service (6.5) is generally seen as average, with staff often described as friendly, but there are instances of slow acknowledgment. Value (6.3) is also in the average range; while some find prices reasonable, others feel portions could be more generous for the cost.
What people like
- Flavorful pho broth
- Clean, modern ambiance
- Prompt food delivery
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Service attentiveness issues
- Portion size concerns
Pho Ga offers a generally agreeable experience, particularly if you prioritize a pleasant atmosphere and quick meal delivery. While some dishes, like the pho broth, stand out, be prepared for potential variations in food quality and portion sizes.
It’s a place that can satisfy, but perhaps not consistently impress. With a recommendation score of 7.3, Pho Ga is worth considering for a casual meal, especially if you’re in the area and seeking a relaxed setting.
However, if consistent, top-tier Vietnamese cuisine and generous portions are your absolute priority, you might find aspects of your visit to be merely average.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pho Ga
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like most diners are leaving happy, with a 75% customer satisfaction rate and a solid score of 7.2. Out of 140 total comments, a whopping 105 rave about the delicious offerings. Many praise the flavorful broth, generous portion size, and fresh ingredients found in their pho and grilled pork vermicelli.
However, not everyone is completely thrilled, with 30 negative comments surfacing. Some diners have noted an inconsistent spice level or found certain items like imperial rolls to be bland. There are also mentions of portions sometimes being a bit small or a lack of meat in dishes, and occasional concerns about food freshness or overly oily food.
Food
140
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
30
negative
5
neutral
105
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful broth
- Generous portions
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent spice
- Small meat portions
- Bland imperial rolls
Often praised
- foodthe food came out pretty fast
- phoNot the best bowl of pho I've had but a good one
- brothMy experience at this restaurant was excellent! I tried the #12 Chicken Pho with giblets, which was a northern style dish with a hearty and clear broth. It was served with simple sides, as expected for authentic pho bac.
- imperial rollsThe grilled pork with vermicelli and imperial rolls were so satisfying
- portionsWe felt the portions were pretty generous.
- PhoThis is a new addition of Vietnamese restaurant in the Sunset District. It's great that we have so many options for Pho and other Vietnamese specialities in this area. This was my first time trying here and the food came out pretty fast.
- Pho GaThe Pho Ga is simple and perfect
- beefThe beef is so tender you wouldn't believe it!
- chicken phochicken pho which was good with a flavorful soup
- noodlesThe noodles were different and delicious
Frequently criticized
- Vietnamese foodmost mediocre “Vietnamese” food I’ve experienced
- chickenThere is just not enough chicken
- foodthe food has honestly gone downhill for the worst
- noodlesI enjoyed the Pork and Rolls Vermicelli. The pork was decent, but unfortunately, some of the noodles were a bit undercooked.
- portionsSkimp on portions like crazy
- FoodFood:2
- basilshop did not provide basil on the day I visited
- beefThe ingredients didn't seem fresh, as evidenced by the mung bean photo. The beef was mostly gristle, and the vermicelli bowl was bland and tasteless. Even the fish sauce was watery, with Sriracha being the only source of spice.
- brothThe broth was oily and tasteless
- chicken noodle soupthe chicken noodle soup was so bad
Overall, if youre looking for a spot with generally flavorful pho and generous portions, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might have inconsistent spice or smaller meat portions, so choose wisely.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.5. Many customers rave about the friendly service, with 24 positive opinions highlighting accommodating staff, quick food delivery, and the owners kindness. It seems they really take care of their customers, especially when it comes to following instructions and being super nice about order mix-ups.
However, with a customer satisfaction of 64.9%, theres definitely room for improvement. The 10 negative opinions point to issues like long wait times for food and even water, missing items from orders, and occasional communication issues. Some experiences describe significant delays and a lack of prompt acknowledgment from staff, suggesting inconsistency in service delivery.
Service
37
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Accommodating with kids
- Food came fast
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Missing order items
- Communication issues
Often praised
- serviceI ordered for pick up late afternoon and there were still a couple of people dining in. Friendly service despite me having a hard time ordering over the phone, some communication issue. Will definitely try other items from their menu.
- staffThey were chill and gave her some curry
- accommodating with the kidsThey were very accommodating with the kids
- customer carereally take care of their customers
- customer servicethe customer service was great, with the staff always serving with a smile.
- food came out fastFood came out pretty fast
- friendly serviceFriendly service with a warm welcome
- instructionsthey followed instructions of more tendon and brisket
- nice ladiesJust tell the nice ladies when you order
- order mix-upSuper nice about an order mixup
Frequently criticized
- communication issueI ordered for pick up late afternoon and there were still a couple of people dining in. Friendly service despite me having a hard time ordering over the phone, some communication issue. Will definitely try other items from their menu.
- experienceSuch a terrible experience
- female staffWhile the food was good, the service needs improvement. It took the female staff about 6-7 minutes to even acknowledge us, and since there was nobody waiting, a simple greeting like “I’ll be right with you” would have been appreciated. We had to ask the waitress whether we could sit down and order.
- missing itemsThere were missing items from my order
- serviceUnfortunately, the shop did not provide basil on the day I visited, only bean sprouts and sliced jalapeños. While the food was good, the service needs improvement. It took the female staff about 6-7 minutes to even acknowledge us, and since there was nobody waiting, a simple greeting like “I’ll be right with you” would have been appreciated.
- wait for foodwait forever for your food
- wait for waternever waited so long for just my water
- wait timesMy experience at the restaurant was defined by horrid wait times. The wait was so long that I didn't even bother staying for the food.
- waiteronly responded that we have to pay for the whole plate
- waitresswe had to ask the waitress whether we could sit down and order
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly staff and quick food, youll likely have a good experience. Just be prepared for the possibility of longer wait times or minor order hiccups, especially during busy periods.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
The ambience here truly stands out, earning a good 7.3 score and an impressive 80.8% customer satisfaction, reflecting a largely positive experience for guests. Many praise the clean, modern decor and the relaxing atmosphere, often enhanced by pleasant background jazz music. With 21 positive observations out of 26 total, its clear the environment is a major draw.
However, its not entirely without a minor point of contention. There was one isolated comment among 26 mentions regarding ice water so dusty. While this specific feedback is noted, it appears to be an anomaly and doesnt significantly detract from the overwhelmingly positive sentiment surrounding the restaurants overall environment and cleanliness.
Ambience
26
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
1
negative
4
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, modern decor
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Pleasant jazz music
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere of the place is classy and modern
- cleanInside is pretty clean
- decorThe decor is simple and modern.
- environmentthe environment was very relaxed
- background jazz piano musicAt times, the background jazz piano music is so chill
- bathroomsnice restaurant with clean bathrooms
- cleanlinessIt’s extremely clean inside
- free wifiThey also offer great vegetarian options. It's a perfect place to study, especially with the free wifi. The environment was very clean and relaxing, complemented by friendly service.
- interior decormodern interior decor
- jazz musicMy experience at this restaurant was marked by high quality charbroiled pork with vermicelli and beef sandwiches. The atmosphere was pleasant, with paintings on the walls and positive jazz music playing in the background. It's a decent restaurant to spend time with a neighbor.
Frequently criticized
- ice waterice water so dusty
If you're seeking a consistently pleasant and clean environment, this spot is a solid choice. Its relaxing atmosphere, often complemented by jazz music, makes it ideal for a chill outing or even a productive study session.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found the prices super reasonable, making it a great spot for an inexpensive birthday celebration or a chill, low-key dinner. With 7 positive remarks out of 12 total comments, guests often felt it was worth it, appreciating the overall score of 6.3, which leans towards average, and a 58.3% customer satisfaction, indicating a somewhat mixed but often positive view on affordability. However, not everyone agreed, with 4 negative opinions highlighting concerns about the prices being too high, making it feel not worth it for some.
Several found the portions to be not big, especially considering the cost, leading to comments that it was a bit pricey. This suggests a divergence in opinion regarding whether the cost matches the offering.
Value
12
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Inexpensive options
- Credit cards accepted
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
Often praised
- chill/low key and inexpensive dinnerGreat spot for a chill/low key and inexpensive dinner!
- credit cardCredit card is accepted
- inexpensive birthday celebrationwanted something low key and inexpensive
- priceIt's a great spot for a late-night snack. While the price is reasonable, I found the portions to be a bit small compared to other Pho houses. Overall, it's good stuff.
- pricesprices super reasonable
- total for 9 peopleOur total for 9 people was ~$140, not including tips, so not bad at all for dinner!
- valueit’s worth it
Frequently criticized
- pricesThe grilled pork with egg and imperial rolls were also tried; the pork was okay, but the imperial rolls were kind of bland. The prices were higher, and the portions were not big, especially considering the cost. This place seems geared towards locals.
- portionsthe portions were not big especially given the price
- priceyA bit pricey
If youre seeking an inexpensive, low-key meal where credit cards are accepted, this spot could be a good fit. However, be mindful that some find the portions small for the price, so manage your expectations if youre looking for huge plates.
How are the prices at Pho Ga?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 32 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 stick to this $11–$20 sweet spot, though a few venture into the $21–$30 or even higher ranges, showing there’s a bit of variety in what people spend.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Considering its a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience, especially if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pho Ga
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Mediocre Vietnamese Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I found the food to be the most mediocre "Vietnamese" I've had in a long time. The ingredients didn't seem fresh, as evidenced by the mung bean photo.
The beef was mostly gristle, and the vermicelli bowl was bland and tasteless. Even the fish sauce was watery, with Sriracha being the only source of spice. I won't be returning.
- Service6
- Atmosphere6
- Vietnamese food2
- food freshness2
- beef2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Comforting Chicken Pho with a Curry Twist
My experience at this restaurant was a comforting one, especially when craving a hearty bowl of chicken pho. We ordered both the classic pho ga and the curry pho ga, along with an order of egg rolls to share. The regular pho ga featured a clean, soothing broth that was light yet flavorful, with tender chicken slices and soft noodles.
It was nourishing without being overly salty or greasy. The curry pho ga was the standout for me; its broth was golden, aromatic, and layered with a subtle richness from the curry, offering a hearty and unique comfort factor not often found. The egg rolls were served hot and crispy, perfect with the dipping sauce and pickled veggies.
The service was quick and efficient, even during a busy lunch. Overall, it's a reliable spot for chicken pho lovers, and the curry pho is definitely worth trying for something different. I'd happily revisit this place.
- classic pho ga8
- curry pho ga10
- egg rolls8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Imperial Roll is a Must-Try!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The Imperial Roll is an absolute must-try; it was so good. Additionally, the customer service was great, with the staff always serving with a smile.
- Imperial Roll10
- customer service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Best Pho Ga Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, particularly with the pho ga. It was the best I've ever had, and the broth was incredibly savory, not overly sweet like at other places. The chicken was flavorful, with skin and a mix of dark and white meat, reminding me of Hainanese chicken rice.
This might be due to the scallions in the broth and the side of minced ginger. My partner enjoyed the grilled pork vermicelli, which was also quite good. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service and atmosphere were rated a solid 4.
- pho ga10
- broth9
- chicken9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Pleasantly Surprised Birthday Dinner
I visited this restaurant with my family for a simple birthday dinner, and it was my first time here. I was initially a bit nervous about the food, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was! I ordered their #19, bun bo hue, which I liked, but was disappointed by the inconsistent spice level.
Several of us ordered the BBH, and it was noticeable that each bowl had a different spice level, evident from the red flakes and spicy oil amounts. A plus was the good amount of blood jelly in the soup. The service was great; they were very accommodating with the kids, offering them water instead of tea and allowing us to order a plain pho without garnish, served with small bowls and plastic utensils.
The interior has a hole in the wall vibe, which suited my desire for a low-key and inexpensive birthday celebration. Our total for 9 people (including 2 small children) was around ~$140 before tips, which is not bad at all for dinner. Parking is available in front but fills up quickly, though more parking can be found around the corner.
It's a great spot for a chill/low key and inexpensive dinner! I would love to return to try some of their pho.
- bun bo hue6
- blood jelly8
- service9
- inconsistent spice level4
What Pho Ga offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does Pho Ga offer?
At Pho Ga, you will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests.
What dining and service options are available at Pho Ga?
Pho Ga provides a variety of dining options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You can also enjoy catering, table service, and meals for lunch and dinner.
How does Pho Ga generally score with customers?
Pho Ga holds an overall score of 7, indicating a good experience for many diners, with a customer satisfaction rate of 73%. Its Ambience (7.3) and Food (7.2) are rated well, while Service (6.5) and Value (6.3) are considered average.
What are the common praises and complaints about the food at Pho Ga?
Many customers appreciate the flavorful broth, tender beef, and prompt food delivery. However, some opinions mention inconsistencies in food quality, such as undercooked noodles or bland broth, and concerns about portion sizes.
Is the service at Pho Ga generally good?
Service at Pho Ga is often described as friendly and accommodating, with staff who take care of their customers. However, some patrons have reported issues with slow acknowledgment or wait times, suggesting occasional lapses in attentiveness.