Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Pho Hung Cali 4 – San Diego
Pho Hung Cali 4 - San Diego
Photo from Pho Hung Cali 4
Pho Hung Cali 4 at a glance
San Diego Ocean View Hills
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#623 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#19 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Average
5.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
421
Reviews
51.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Clean ambiance
- Flavorful broth
- Prompt service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent food
- Discount problems
The restaurant Pho Hung Cali 4 is a welcoming Vietnamese Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s Ocean View Hills neighborhood. This spot is known for its healthy options, making it a great choice for a nourishing meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dining experience, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Pho Hung Cali 4
Pho Hung Cali 4 offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many appreciating its notable cleanliness and inviting atmosphere. Guests often commend the fast service and friendly staff, contributing to a smooth visit.
However, some find the overall value to be a point of concern. While the food receives praise for its flavorful broth and generous portions, there are instances where dishes fall short, with some finding the broth bland or meat lacking.
Issues with messed up orders and inconsistent discounts also occasionally surface, impacting the overall impression.
Average
5.7
out of 10
421
Reviews
51.5%
Satisfaction
180
negative
24
neutral
217
positive
Pho Hung Cali 4 registers an overall Restaurant Score of 5.7, placing it squarely in the average category. This is mirrored by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 51.5%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 421 customer remarks, with 217 positive comments and 180 negative ones, providing a balanced view of the establishment’s performance. Diving deeper, Ambience stands out as a strong point, scoring a good (7.9), suggesting a pleasant environment.
Service also performs respectably at (6.1), indicating generally attentive staff. However, the Food receives an average (5.4), and Value trails significantly at a poor (3.7), highlighting areas where improvements could elevate the overall dining experience.
What people like
- Clean and pleasant ambiance
- Flavorful pho broth
- Prompt and friendly service
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent food quality
- Discount issues
Pho Hung Cali 4 presents a mixed offering, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 5.8. If a clean environment and quick, friendly service are top priorities for you, this spot could be a decent choice.
The ambiance is generally well-regarded, making for a comfortable visit. However, be mindful of the pricing, which some find steep, and the occasional inconsistency in food quality.
While the pho broth can be quite good, other dishes or aspects of the pho itself might disappoint. It’s a place that might satisfy, but temper your expectations regarding overall value and consistent culinary excellence.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pho Hung Cali 4
Food (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are quite a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at 46.1%. Based on 256 comments, many diners enjoyed the flavorful Pho, tasty spring rolls, and fresh ingredients, often praising the rich broth and delicious alternatives available. However, with 118 positive remarks versus 119 negative ones, a nearly equal number of guests found the food lacking.
Common complaints included a general absence of flavor, blandness, and watery broth, with some also noting disappointingly small portions.
Food
256
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
119
negative
19
neutral
118
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful broth
- Delicious spring rolls
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Lack of flavor
- Small portions
- Watery broth
Often praised
- foodThe food was absolutely delicious
- PhoMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the best Pho in California. I love this restaurant because they maintain a traditional menu while also prioritizing cleanliness and friendly customer service, which is a much-needed combination in a Vietnamese restaurant.
- chicken phoordered their chicken pho to go and it was very good
- phoMy experience at the restaurant last week was very positive. I had the pho with everything, but opted out of tripe. The broth was incredibly flavorful, and the meat was cooked really well.
- broththe broth was so flavorful
- egg rollsI ordered tea, and my friend ordered a vermicelli chicken spring rolls combo. The food temperature was average, and the egg rolls were crispy and tasty. However, the noodles were slightly hard, the vegetables were sparse, and the chicken lacked the savory, marinated BBQ grill taste I'm accustomed to (unlike Pho cow 7 in National City, which has the best).
- spring rollsThey were very good and just how I like them
- beef phoI had the pork spring roll and beef pho. It was pretty good.
- birria tacosI tried the birria tacos and they were delicious!
- portionsatisfied with the generous portion
Frequently criticized
- phoMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ordered the pho, and it was the worst pho in the area. It didn’t even taste like pho; it was more like watered down store bought beef broth.
- egg rollsThe cook brought out our food. The egg rolls were not served with the usual lettuce and mint leaf that every Pho place serves them with. We had to get up to go ask for lettuce and we were told they don't serve them with lettuce.
- broththe broth being so bland it actually tasted like watered down onions
- basilbean sprouts ,mint and basil came up all wilted
- filet mignon pho$14 dollars for a filet mignon pho, came with literally 3 pieces of meat
- flavorcan use some work in the flavor department
- foodThe food was bland
- meatMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the food. I ordered the Pho Special, but the meat was very nasty and lacked any flavor. The brisket, which typically includes fat, was smelly, had an almost yellowish color, and was chewy.
- bean sproutsbean sprouts ,mint and basil came up all wilted
- bobathe boba wasn’t good. It was still hard in the center.
If you're considering dining here, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent food experience. While some dishes hit the mark with flavor and freshness, others might fall flat, leaving you wishing for more robust tastes and larger servings.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.1 with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 59.2%. Many guests rave about the friendly customer service, with staff often described as super nice, attentive, and quick. Out of 103 total opinions, 61 were positive, frequently highlighting fast service and the genuine care from owners and employees.
However, there's definitely room for improvement, as 38 negative comments point out some significant issues. Concerns range from poor staff hygiene and a lack of accommodation for medical needs to inattentive service and a general absence of greeting. Some experiences suggest understaffing or a lack of staff knowledge, which can certainly impact your visit.
Service
103
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
38
negative
4
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Poor staff hygiene
- Lack of accommodation
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceI had an amazing dining experience at this restaurant. The service was fast and friendly, with special thanks to Diana and Kylie. We ordered pho, a Vietnamese sandwich, egg rolls, and pork chop, and ALL were so good!
- staffThe wonderful staff helped us choose are pho cravings
- customer servicethe customer service.......it's to bad
- EmployeesEmployees are all super nice
- Owners love and careOwners love and care about this restaurant
- changing an orderI'm very disappointed. I normally go to the other one on Chula Vista on Broadway, and I've never had a problem changing an order to meet my medical needs. The waiter went to the back, supposedly to check with the manager to see if they could alter an order slightly to accommodate my needs.
- employeesMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the service was great and the employees were nice, the broth itself just didn’t have much flavor. I found it to be kinda bland compared to many other places I have been.
- foodI will definitely recommend this place to anybody. The guys are awesome, quick, and fantastic with your food.
- food came out fastI had the vermicelli bbq pork, and my hubby got the bbq tofu banh mi, both were so good! The service was great, and the food came out super fast. We will definitely come back to try other dishes.
- food fastthey bring your food fast
Frequently criticized
- serviceHe then took his time opening up shop until I was pulling away. I totally get it if you don't care to service customers; don't waste your time here.
- serverI can't blame the staff for the service because there was only one lady during dinner rush hour, and she was the cashier and waitress, I'm assuming. Since she was so busy as the cashier, we were never checked on by any server. We ordered at the register and tried the egg rolls, fillet mignon vermicelli bowl.
- staffstaff was Hispanic. Very nice staff, just obviously don’t know what pho really is
- orderI am unable to eat beef, which made the situation even worse. It's very frustrating when you're depending on deliveries and the order is messed up.
- waterNo water served upon arrival
- accommodate my needsI normally go to the other one on Chula Vista on Broadway, and I've never had a problem changing an order to meet my medical needs. The waiter went to the back, supposedly to check with the manager to see if they could alter an order slightly to accommodate my needs. Came back and said there was nothing they could do.
- clean handsclean hands and cut clean nails is a must
- customer servicecustomer service here is a major downgrade
- cut clean nailsand cut clean nails is a must
- deliveriesI am unable to eat beef, which made the situation even worse. It's very frustrating when you're depending on deliveries and the order is messed up.
If youre looking for quick and friendly service, you might be pleasantly surprised, but be aware that some guests have encountered issues with staff attentiveness and hygiene. Its a bit of a gamble, so go in with an open mind.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place really shines! With a solid 7.9 score and an impressive 84.6% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks are loving the atmosphere. Out of 39 remarks, 33 highlight the sparkling cleanliness, inviting ambience, and convenient location, making it a great spot for families.
However, a few of the 6 negative comments mention some minor drawbacks. Guests occasionally found parking difficult, and some described the atmosphere as quiet or empty. A couple of folks also noted the use of paper cups, which wasnt ideal for their experience.
Ambience
39
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Sparkling clean space
- Inviting decor
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Quiet atmosphere
- Paper cups
Often praised
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's super clean and the food is delicious. We always order the shrimp pho and the spring rolls.
- atmospherethe atmosphere and service are both rated a 4
- ambianceNice ambiance
- placeplace was clean looked very nice
- BathroomEven bathroom was super well kept!!!
- PlacePlace is CLEANED & polished!!
- ambiencethe place looked nice and clean.
- cleaneverything is clean
- clean insideit is pretty clean inside
- convenient locationvery convenient location
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereWe ordered two items from the menu. The staff member then took a door, sat down near the restroom, and sneezed four times. I told her "bless you, " and she replied, "maybe she don't know what I say" 😄😜.
- atmosphereatmosphere was really quiet and empty feeling
- eating in the streetsI felt I was eating in the streets of INDIA
- paper cupsThey had paper cups for water!
- parkingThey have a large vegetarian selection and are highly recommended for vegetarians. The price per person is $10–20, and they offer a free parking lot, though finding parking can be difficult.
- wearing sandalsthey all were wearing sandals even in the kitchen
If a clean, inviting, and conveniently located spot is what youre after, youll likely be very happy here. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and a quieter atmosphere, and don't expect fancy glassware for your water.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few customers found some bright spots! They appreciated the clear menu that made it easy to see the prices, and some even mentioned getting a 10% discount or a good deal, especially for cash payments. These positive remarks, though limited to 5 out of 23 comments, highlight that some found ways to save.
However, the overall sentiment for value is quite low, with a score of just 3.7 and customer satisfaction at a mere 21.7%. Many of the 17 negative comments highlight issues like being overpriced, small portions for the cost, and general concerns that the pricing isn't worth the money. Some even felt unfairly charged or missed out on advertised discounts.
Value
23
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cash discount
- Clear pricing
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Small portions
- Discount issues
Often praised
- 10% discountIf you pay with cash, you'll get a 10% discount
- dealthey give you a deal
- discountoffer 10% off
- menu easy to readThe menu is easy to read and see the prices
- see the pricesThe food smells amazing and looks amazing too. The menu is easy to read and see the prices. This restaurant is also so clean, not a fly in sight.
Frequently criticized
- price$14 dollars for a filet mignon pho, came with literally 3 pieces of meat
- pricesThe prices of the food, are high
- 10% discountcaught that they didn't give us the 10% discount with movie tickets
- charge for itthen they still charge me for it
- costfor the cost, absolutely not worth it
- discountWhen a customer asks for an advertised discount you do not try to sell them on another meal
- moneyNot worth the money.
- pricingpricing for their Pho is considerably higher than the norm
If you're looking for great value, this spot might disappoint, as many find it overpriced for what you get. While some discounts exist, be sure to confirm them, or you might end up feeling like you paid too much for small portions.
How are the prices at Pho Hung Cali 4?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 64 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 is 23, it’s worth noting that a good chunk of diners actually spend less, with the most common spend being in the $11–$20 range. However, there are also some who go for a more premium experience, with a few prices even reaching above 70 $, showing a pretty wide spread of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
See how this Vietnamese restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Vietnamese spot in San Diego. Youve got options whether youre looking for a quick, affordable bite or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pho Hung Cali 4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
New Ownership Shines at Vietnamese Spot
The new ownership has truly turned this restaurant around. My experience was fantastic! The service was fast and attentive, and the food was incredibly rich and flavorful.
The space is also notably clean and minimalistic. This is definitely our new go-to spot for Vietnamese cuisine in South Bay.
- service10
- food10
- space9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Hygiene Concerns Mar Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was concerning due to significant hygiene issues. The server had long and dirty nails, sneezed without washing their hands, and the staff were wearing sandals, even in the kitchen. Proper attire like hair nets and appropriate footwear are essential, as are clean hands and cut nails.
The overall impression left me feeling like I was eating in the streets of India.
- long and dirty nails1
- sneezed and did not wash hands1
- wearing sandals2
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Plastic in Spring Rolls - Disappointing Experience
I ordered takeout and received bbq chicken spring rolls. As I was eating, I discovered two large pieces of clear plastic wrapped inside one of the spring rolls. This was incredibly disgusting.
I usually enjoy eating from this establishment, but this incident has completely changed my mind, and I will no longer be a customer.
- bbq chicken spring rolls2
- clear plastic1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was excellent. I highly recommend ordering number 51, but honestly, any dish is very good. The gentleman at the counter was very kind, the food was excellent, and it didn't take long to arrive.
He even gave us three glasses of water during our stay. The food was excellent and the service was also top-notch.
- food10
- number 5110
- gentleman at the counter10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Hair in food, still charged!
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. There was a hair in the egg roll, and although I informed the staff, they still charged me for it. This was a significant issue that detracted from the meal.
- hair in egg roll1
- charge for it1
What Pho Hung Cali 4 offers
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
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Pho Hung Cali 4 accessible for all guests?
Yes, Pho Hung Cali 4 ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, making it easy for all guests to enjoy their dining experience.
What kind of dining options and amenities does Pho Hung Cali 4 offer?
Pho Hung Cali 4 provides a variety of dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner with table service. You can also enjoy healthy options, vegetarian choices, and small plates. For families, the restaurant is good for kids and offers high chairs.
How does Pho Hung Cali 4 generally perform according to customer feedback?
Pho Hung Cali 4 receives an overall Restaurant Score of 5.7 and a Customer Satisfaction of 51.5%. While Ambience (7.9) and Service (6.1) are rated well, Food (5.4) is average, and Value (3.7) is considered poor.
Is Pho Hung Cali 4 a clean and pleasant place to dine?
Yes, customers frequently praise the restaurant’s cleanliness and pleasant ambiance, with many noting the well-kept interior and even the restrooms.
Are there any common concerns regarding the food or pricing at Pho Hung Cali 4?
Some customers express concerns about high prices and inconsistent food quality, occasionally finding the broth bland or meat lacking flavor, and issues with discounts.