Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Pho Hoang Express – San Diego
Pho Hoang Express - San Diego
Photo from Pho Hoang Express
Pho Hoang Express at a glance
San Diego Rancho Bernardo
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 56 of the guests
#280 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#9 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
326
Reviews
80.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Quick Service
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Poor Cleanliness
- Broth Quality
- Service Lapses
The Vietnamese restaurant Pho Hoang Express in San Diego’s vibrant Rancho Bernardo neighborhood offers you a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a welcoming spot where the aroma of authentic Vietnamese dishes fills the air, complemented by their reputation for great coffee.
It’s a perfect destination for you to enjoy a casual meal, whether you’re seeking healthy options or a quick bite.
Overview: Introducting Pho Hoang Express
Pho Hoang Express offers a generally positive dining experience, often noted for its fast and friendly service and flavorful food. Many appreciate the clear, rich broth and well-prepared items like spring rolls.
It’s often seen as a comfortable, family-owned spot where you can get a quick meal. However, some guests have raised concerns regarding the restaurant’s cleanliness, with mentions of dirty floors and bathrooms.
There have also been isolated reports of inconsistent broth quality and service issues, such as long waits for the check or being turned away near closing.
Good
7.7
out of 10
326
Reviews
80.4%
Satisfaction
50
negative
14
neutral
262
positive
Overall, Pho Hoang Express earns a solid 7.7, indicating a generally good experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 80.4%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a total of 326 customer observations, with 262 positive remarks outweighing 50 negative ones, painting a largely favorable picture. Diving deeper, Food leads the way with a strong (8), frequently praised for its quality and flavor.
Value also scores well (8.2), with many finding the prices reasonable for the portions. Service is rated good (7.3), often described as fast and friendly.
While still good, Ambience (6.7) is where some minor issues arise, though it contributes to a comfortable experience for many.
What people like
- Flavorful Food Options
- Quick, Friendly Service
- Good Price Point
What people don't like
- Restaurant Cleanliness
- Occasional Broth Issues
- Service Inattentiveness
Pho Hoang Express generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially if you prioritize good food and efficient service. With a strong 7.9 recommendation score, it’s a place many find worth visiting for a quick and affordable meal.
If you’re seeking a reliable spot for Vietnamese cuisine with solid value, this restaurant is a strong contender. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in cleanliness or service attentiveness.
It’s a good option for a casual meal, but manage expectations regarding the overall ambiance.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pho Hoang Express
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.4%. Out of 186 remarks, a whopping 157 praise the delicious pho, flavorful broth, and fresh ingredients. Many rave about the generous portions, quality spring rolls, and tasty vermicelli dishes, making it a go-to spot for many.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 19 negative comments. Some found certain items, like the shrimp fried rice, to have an unpleasant smell or taste. There were also mentions of bland food, oily broth, or lukewarm dishes, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in quality and temperature.
Food
186
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
19
negative
10
neutral
157
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful pho
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Bland, oily food
- Lukewarm served items
Often praised
- foodIf you've been to similar places before, you can expect the usual setup. It's best to know what you want when you order, pay at the front, and be sure to tip these bastions of quality cheap food well. The food is excellent, with a service that is attentive and efficient, and the atmosphere is a comfortable 5.
- phoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I highly recommend trying their A2 for rolls and p12 for pho. The food arrived out fast, and the staff was incredibly nice.
- PhoUnfortunately, after six months, I returned and they did not honor their promise. I did order two plates of Pho yesterday, and they were good, though the meat portion wasn't as generous as at Pho Ca Dao. Aside from the service issue and portion size, the experience was fine.
- brothWhile there are one or two other famous places (Pho Ca Dao, Phuong Trang), I prefer this one over the chain restaurants. 📋 Data Fields Provided: - Review Text: #SanDiego #Pho_Hoang_Express "시원한 국물맛이 일품인 샌디에고 Top-Notch" 샌디에고 갈 떄마다 방문해서 벌써 4회 정도 방문한 것 같네요. 미국식 베트남 레스토랑의 수준을 정할 때 꼭 확인해야되는 부분 또는 유명하고 인기있는 베트남 레스토랑이 갖추고 있는 공통점은 다음과 같을 거에요.
- spring rollsWe enjoyed the pho, spring rolls, and filet mignon (bo luc lac), and iced coffee. Everything was so good!
- egg rollsegg rolls... everything was very tasty
- portions미국식 베트남 레스토랑의 수준을 정할 때 꼭 확인해야되는 부분 또는 유명하고 인기있는 베트남 레스토랑이 갖추고 있는 공통점은 다음과 같을 거에요. - 진하고 감칠맛 나는 끝내주는 국물 (잘쓴 조미료의 전형) - 불향 가득한 돼지고기 바베큐 - 신선하고 풍성하게 주는 허브와 채소 - 저렴한 가격과 엄청난 양 - 동양인과 서양인 손님의 적절한 비율 (반반 정도) 이곳은 위의 다섯가지를 모두 만족시키는 곳입니다. 시원하고 맑은 스타일의 국물은 개운함까지 느끼게 해주고 불향 가득한 향기로운 돼지고기는 밥이나 국수 요리에 모두 잘 어울립니다.
- Pho P12 Regular Sizerecommended dish is the Pho P12 Regular Size
- Vietnamese coffeeI also got their Vietnamese coffee and spring rolls which was delicious
- Vietnamese foodGood tasting Vietnamese food
Frequently criticized
- BobaOur serving waiter was shaky with the pho bowls and didn't bring out everything. They also ran out of Boba. The food was fresh and delicious, but our expectations are very high.
- Bun Bo HueHowever, when I started eating, I smelled something off. After a few sips, I realized the broth was going bad. It was super disappointing, and I ended up throwing out the rest.
- Shrimp squid fried ricethe Shrimp squid fried rice...the smell out of the plate was TERRIBLE
- amount of meatThe amount of meat in phö chicken soup was very modest
- brothHowever, when I started eating, I smelled something off. After a few sips, I realized the broth was going bad. It was super disappointing, and I ended up throwing out the rest.
- extra shrimpthe extra shrimp came with only 4 pieces
- filet mignonfilet mignon ... were lukewarm
- foodfood tasted a bit bland
- food qualityserving such poor quality food
- meat in spring rollsRegarding the food, the amount of meat in the chicken phö soup was very modest. The meat in the spring rolls was gray, and I questioned if it was beef. While the food was described as 'ok, ' the overall experience was significantly marred by the ambience.
Overall, the food here is a strong contender, especially if you're a fan of well-made pho with rich broth and fresh components. While most experiences are highly positive, be mindful that a few dishes might occasionally fall short in taste or quality.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
It seems the service here generally hits the mark, with a solid 7.3 score and customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 73.5%. Many folks (50 out of 68 remarks!) raved about the fast and courteous service, friendly staff, and how attentive and efficient the team was, often noting quick food delivery and a welcoming vibe. However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 17 comments pointing to some bumps in the road.
Some mentioned rude service or wrong order issues, while others found themselves facing waiting time for their food or check, occasionally having to ask for everything item by item.
Service
68
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, efficient service
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Attentive to requests
What people don't like
- Rude staff encounters
- Long waiting times
- Incorrect order issues
Often praised
- serviceI've been to Pho Hoang Express more than 10 times and I'll definitely be back for more! They seem to have a large batch of broth brewing at all times, which makes for exceptionally fast and friendly service. I often come here with my coworkers, and it's perfect for a quick hit of the house special pho.
- staffThe staff was warm, welcoming, and very detail-oriented.
- EveryoneI don’t even live in the area but will definitely be making a trip back here. Everyone was really nice.
- ServiceService:4
- StaffStaff is super nice
- Vietnamese peopleThe food tasted fresh and flavorful. It seemed to be owned & operated by Vietnamese people, which is always a positive sign for a Vietnamese restaurant. I would recommend this place.
- employeesThe employees were also very friendly
- excellent customer serviceexcellent customer service
- fast and courteous servicefast and courteous service
- food arrivalfood was out in 5
Frequently criticized
- ask for everythinghave to ask for everything items by item.
- checkThe main issue was that the beef and rice plate simply did not meet expectations. Adding to the disappointment, I waited over 20 minutes for the check, which made me wonder if it's customary to go to the register instead of receiving a ticket. Overall, this place might be best suited for hot soup only.
- closing timeI was told 8:00 pm. When we walked in, we were told they were only accepting take-out orders because they closed at 8:00.
- customer serviceCustomer service people! You lost my business, forever.
- dirty lookhe just gave us a dirty look.
- face shieldthe guy at the desk at a face shield instead of a masks
- guy at the deskthe guy at the desk at a face shield instead of a masks
- main waiterI'm not sure if they are under new ownership, and we haven't been there since before COVID. Our main waiter was helping cook but was trying to cover the whole restaurant. Our serving waiter was shaky with the pho bowls and didn't bring out everything.
- masksa face shield instead of a masks
- no apologyNo apology whatsoever.
If you're looking for a quick and generally friendly meal, this spot often delivers with speedy service. Just be aware that a few customers have encountered some less-than-stellar interactions or delays, so your experience might vary.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a score of 6.7 and customer satisfaction hovering around 68.1%. Many guests, accounting for 32 positive remarks out of 47 total feedback, really appreciate the recent renovations, noting the new floors, tables, and chairs. They often highlight the comfortable interior, peaceful atmosphere, and even the plentiful parking as major pluses, making for a pleasant visit.
However, it's not all smooth sailing, as 13 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Some visitors have encountered issues with cleanliness, mentioning dirty fish tanks, walls, and bathrooms. Others found the temperature uncomfortable, or struggled with tight parking and a difficult location.
These points contribute to the mixed customer satisfaction and average score, suggesting an inconsistent experience for some.
Ambience
47
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Recent renovations
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Comfortable interior
What people don't like
- Poor cleanliness
- Uncomfortable temperature
- Tight parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThey even served the Vietnamese coffee in a warm bowl to keep it hot, and provided extra hot water in small canteens. Overall, the food was fantastic with a peaceful atmosphere. I would highly recommend this place.
- parkingThe recommended dish is the Pho P12 Regular Size. Parking is plentiful with a huge, free parking lot in the back.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- best placethe best place
- cleanvery clean
- customer ratio미국식 베트남 레스토랑의 수준을 정할 때 꼭 확인해야되는 부분 또는 유명하고 인기있는 베트남 레스토랑이 갖추고 있는 공통점은 다음과 같을 거에요. - 진하고 감칠맛 나는 끝내주는 국물 (잘쓴 조미료의 전형) - 불향 가득한 돼지고기 바베큐 - 신선하고 풍성하게 주는 허브와 채소 - 저렴한 가격과 엄청난 양 - 동양인과 서양인 손님의 적절한 비율 (반반 정도) 이곳은 위의 다섯가지를 모두 만족시키는 곳입니다. 시원하고 맑은 스타일의 국물은 개운함까지 느끼게 해주고 불향 가득한 향기로운 돼지고기는 밥이나 국수 요리에 모두 잘 어울립니다.
- family owned restaurantGreat family owned restaurant
- huge screensThere are huge screens displaying the menu.
- interiorthe interior of the restaurant, makes for a comfortable experience
- locationI loved the location
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness of the restaurant continues to decline
- floorsfilth on the walls and floors hasn't been addressed
- parkingparking is very tight and large cars can be difficult to park
- bathroomVery dirty bathroom
- dining roomthey closed at 8:00. We drove 30 minutes to get there. We were very upset with them and they wouldn't budge on letting us sit down to eat.
- fish tankthey have a large fish tank that always looks dirty. Kinda gross
- locationdifficult (at best) location to both find and reach
- tablesThis place is one of my favourite pho in RB. Although there were too many tables and it wasn't busy, people came in from time to time. The servers are nice, and more importantly, the price is reasonable – I'd say pretty cheap compared to other places!
- temperatureit was 90° in there!!
- wallsvisible filth on the walls
If youre looking for a recently updated spot with a generally peaceful vibe and good parking, its worth a try. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in cleanliness or comfort, which might dampen the experience for some.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! Customers are raving about the fantastic deals, with an impressive 8.2 score and 92% customer satisfaction. Out of 25 total opinions, a whopping 23 highlight how cheap and reasonable the prices are, often noting it's cheaper than many places and offers excellent value for the portion/price.
However, not every single item hits the mark perfectly. While overwhelmingly positive, there was one isolated comment among the 25 opinions mentioning price in a less favorable light, specifically regarding a small shrimp dish. This suggests that while overall value is stellar, a very particular item might feel a bit pricey to some.
Value
25
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Excellent value
- Cheaper than others
What people don't like
Often praised
- price미국식 베트남 레스토랑의 수준을 정할 때 꼭 확인해야되는 부분 또는 유명하고 인기있는 베트남 레스토랑이 갖추고 있는 공통점은 다음과 같을 거에요. - 진하고 감칠맛 나는 끝내주는 국물 (잘쓴 조미료의 전형) - 불향 가득한 돼지고기 바베큐 - 신선하고 풍성하게 주는 허브와 채소 - 저렴한 가격과 엄청난 양 - 동양인과 서양인 손님의 적절한 비율 (반반 정도) 이곳은 위의 다섯가지를 모두 만족시키는 곳입니다. 시원하고 맑은 스타일의 국물은 개운함까지 느끼게 해주고 불향 가득한 향기로운 돼지고기는 밥이나 국수 요리에 모두 잘 어울립니다.
- pricesSolid prices for pretty good food
- Price per personI also really loved their egg rolls and spring rolls. This was a take out dinner, and the price per person was between $10–20.
- cheappretty cheap than other places
- cheap foodIf you've been to similar places before, you can expect the usual setup. It's best to know what you want when you order, pay at the front, and be sure to tip these bastions of quality cheap food well. The food is excellent, with a service that is attentive and efficient, and the atmosphere is a comfortable 5.
- cheaper than many placesIt was a lot cheaper than a lot of places I went to.
- costThe cost is not much
- excellent valueExcellent value for the price
- great pricesGreat prices
- portion/priceportion/price was acceptable
Frequently criticized
- pricefor $3.75 that’s almost $1 per little shrimp
If you're looking for a place that truly delivers on value without breaking the bank, this restaurant is a clear winner. With overwhelmingly positive feedback on its affordability and generous portions, you can confidently expect a great meal for your money here.
How are the prices at Pho Hoang Express?
You’re looking at roughly $18 per person – reported by 56 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners (45 out of 56!) stick right within that $11–$20 sweet spot, so prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 56 reviews.
How this Vietnamese restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Given its a Vietnamese restaurant in San Diego, and most guests are spending in the $11–$20 range, we think the pricing feels quite fair. Its a good spot if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pho Hoang Express
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
4
Lukewarm Food, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the phrase 'express means fast' held true for the arrival of my plate, the food itself was not entirely satisfactory. The broth was piping hot, which was excellent, but unfortunately, that was just broth.
The rice and filet mignon (which I was served as skirt steak) were lukewarm. The flavors and presentation were present, but the temperature of the steamed rice should have been 'steaming, ' not dried out and sitting for a while. The two slices of cucumber were refreshingly cold.
The canned cola was okay. The main issue was that the beef and rice plate simply did not meet expectations. Adding to the disappointment, I waited over 20 minutes for the check, which made me wonder if it's customary to go to the register instead of receiving a ticket.
Overall, this place might be best suited for hot soup only.
- broth8
- skirt steak5
- flavors7
- rice3
- filet mignon3
- check2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Glad we stopped here!
We were planning to go to Hoorahs for brunch, but they were packed, so we decided to stop in here instead. I'm so glad we did because it was good Vietnamese food! I really liked my com tam suong nuong.
The pork chop was tender and juicy, not dry and overcooked at all. My friend liked her pho too.
- Vietnamese food8
- com tam suong nuong9
- pork chop9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Hidden Gem with Delicious Vietnamese Food!
As a Vietnamese person who can be picky about dining out, I'm so glad I chose this place after much review! The pho was very flavorful and reasonably priced. The service was kind and fast.
We found this hidden gem in Escondido and loved the location and the interior, which made for a comfortable experience. We enjoyed the pho, spring rolls, and filet mignon (bo luc lac), and iced coffee. Everything was so good!
- pho9
- price8
- service9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Warm Welcome and Delicious Pho
I visited this restaurant when I was feeling unwell and couldn't eat much. I ordered the K1 phở gà with chicken. The staff was incredibly warm and welcoming, and they were very detail-oriented.
I especially appreciated them double-checking that I needed clear broth, which I really valued.
- staff10
- phở gà9
- clear broth9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Years of Great Vegetarian Pho
I really like this place and have been coming here for years. I highly recommend the veggie pho if you are vegetarian.
- veggie pho9
What Pho Hoang Express offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ 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
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Pho Hoang Express accessible for all guests?
Yes, you’ll find that Pho Hoang Express is designed with accessibility in mind. They offer a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for every guest.
What dining options and offerings can you expect at Pho Hoang Express?
At Pho Hoang Express, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service and catering. Their menu offers healthy options, small plates, and vegetarian choices, alongside a great selection of coffee, tea, wine, and beer.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Pho Hoang Express?
Pho Hoang Express holds a good overall score of 7.7, with customer satisfaction at 80.4%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (8) and Value (8.2), while Service (7.3) and Ambience (6.7) also contribute positively to the experience.
What do customers like most about the food at Pho Hoang Express?
Many customers praise the flavorful food, specifically mentioning the rich broth, well-prepared pho, spring rolls, and egg rolls. The quality and taste of the Vietnamese dishes are frequently highlighted as a strength.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted concerns regarding the restaurant’s cleanliness, including dirty bathrooms and floors. There have also been occasional reports of inconsistent broth quality and issues with service attentiveness, such as long waits for the check.