Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Pho Minh – San Diego
Pho Minh - San Diego
Photo from Pho Minh
Pho Minh at a glance
San Diego Pacific Beach
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#235 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#7 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
296
Reviews
79.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Pho
- Generous Portions
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Service Inconsistencies
- Limited Seating
- No Restrooms
The restaurant Pho Minh, a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, offers you a delightful escape. You’ll find a focus on healthy options here, making it a perfect spot for a nourishing meal.
Its cozy and casual atmosphere invites you to relax, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a quiet dinner. This spot is known for its authentic flavors and welcoming vibe.
Overview: Introducting Pho Minh
Pho Minh is a spot where the culinary focus shines, particularly with its well-regarded pho and generous portions. While the service often receives praise for its friendliness, there are occasional reports of hiccups.
The atmosphere is straightforward, and many find the overall experience offers good value. This establishment is known for its hearty offerings and a generally welcoming approach from the staff.
Despite a few comments about the casual setting, the quality of the main dishes often outweighs these minor points, making it a reliable choice for many diners.
Good
7.9
out of 10
296
Reviews
79.4%
Satisfaction
45
negative
16
neutral
235
positive
Overall, Pho Minh earns a solid 7.9, indicating a good dining experience, supported by a strong 79.4% customer satisfaction rate. This positive sentiment is built on 235 favorable remarks out of 296 total customer opinions.
The standout here is undeniably the Food (8.6), which consistently impresses with its quality and flavor. The Service (7.1) also contributes positively to the experience, generally described as friendly and efficient.
While offering good Value (6.7) for the portions received, the Ambience (6.1) is more of an average affair. It’s a place where the culinary offerings clearly take precedence over the setting.
What people like
- Flavorful Pho Broth
- Generous Food Portions
- Friendly, Kind Staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service Issues
- Limited Seating Space
- No Restrooms Available
If you’re seeking a place where the food truly shines, Pho Minh is certainly worth considering. Despite some minor service inconsistencies and a modest setting, the culinary experience, especially the pho, often leaves a lasting positive impression.
It’s a solid choice for a satisfying meal. With a strong recommendation score of 8.4, this spot is highly regarded for its core offerings.
Just be prepared for a casual environment and perhaps consider takeout if seating is a concern. It’s a reliable option for those prioritizing taste and value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pho Minh
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food here! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction at a solid 89.9%, its clear that the culinary experience is a major hit. Out of 189 pieces of feedback, a whopping 170 were glowing, praising the rich pho broth, delicious chicken wings, fresh ingredients, and generous portions that leave you satisfied.
However, it's not all perfect, as 14 comments pointed out a few areas for improvement. Some diners encountered dry or overcooked meat, a few found the food taste plain, and there was even a mention of undercooked fried chicken. These are definitely things to keep in mind, but they seem to be isolated incidents.
Food
189
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
14
negative
5
neutral
170
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rich pho broth
- Delicious chicken wings
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Dry/overcooked meat
- Plain food taste
- Undercooked fried chicken
Often praised
- phoThis is my go-to spot for pho! When I want a change, the Orange chicken and BBQ red pork are also excellent.
- foodHonestly, I'm so bummed I don’t live in San Diego anymore because this would easily be a weekly spot for me. Really reasonably priced for how amazing the food is too.
- brothI've had the Pho with thin slices of rare beef and the one with seafood in a chicken broth. Both were solid, with a good portion of noodles properly cooked and a flavorful broth. Packages for sauces instead of bottles is kind of annoying.
- PhoBest Pho! They have chili oil and ginger so you know it’s the real deal when it comes to Pho.
- noodlesThe broth was incredibly flavorful and worth ordering on its own. The accompanying fresh, crispy, and tasty toppings, along with the tender noodles, elevated the dish to another level – the bowl was so full of delicious ingredients it literally overflowed! The front-of-house staff were incredibly nice, and the kitchen staff, including their aunt, were clearly doing an amazing job.
- chicken wingsEverything tasted incredible! The egg rolls were the best I've had in PB, so crispy and delicious, and the chicken wings were so well seasoned. The pho broth was incredibly flavorful and came with such large servings of all the ingredients.
- egg rollsTheir pho broth is my absolute favorite. Other dishes I loved were the orange chicken, egg rolls, and cream cheese wontons. Everyone working here is so nice.
- orange chickenorange chicken and white rice and it was so good
- portionsIt was always ready so quickly, and the staff were so kind and friendly. The portions were huge and we always had so much left over. We moved to a new neighborhood and nowhere we’ve tried has lived up to this place.
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- beef stewthe beef stew wasn’t. ... the tasty isn’t that good
- brisketThe pho broth was incredibly flavorful and came with such large servings of all the ingredients. My only issue was with the brisket being a little fatty, but that was an ordering mistake on my part; I should have chosen a leaner cut. DON’T MISS this place; they deserve your support, especially during these trying times!
- foodThe food was not really good
- food tasteFood tasted plain no flavour whatsoever
- fried chickenThe food tasted plain with no flavor whatsoever. The fried chicken was still red on the inside, and after a couple of bites, we just couldn’t eat it. The fried rice was terrible, and the seafood plate was disgusting.
- fried riceFried rice was terrible
- grilled porkovercooked pork. It was tough and almost inedible.
- meatthe meat was very dry
- orange chickenThey were out of orange chicken
- porksuper overcooked.
If youre craving flavorful Vietnamese cuisine, especially pho or chicken wings, this spot is definitely worth a try. While a few minor hiccups were noted, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note! With a solid score of 7.1, many customers rave about the really nice staff, quick service, and kind owners. Out of 52 opinions, 36 specifically praised the friendly employees and efficient speed, making it a go-to for many.
However, the customer satisfaction of 69.2% suggests a bit of a mixed bag. Some experiences were less than stellar, with complaints about having to wait forever, garbage service, and even rudest servers. A few even faced issues with order availability, which can definitely ruin an experience.
Service
52
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Kind owner
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Order mix-ups
- Rude servers
Often praised
- serviceGreat service, very friendly and accommodating
- ServiceMany people get take away, with a steady stream of people picking up. Service is decent and pretty quick. My recommendation is to go and try the chicken wings and have an iced espresso to wash them down.
- customer servicekindest customer service
- staffThis place was our go-to when we lived in PB. It was always ready so quickly, and the staff were so kind and friendly. The portions were huge and we always had so much left over.
- ownerVery kind and sweet owner
- EveryoneEveryone is so nice.
- cashierThe Cashier there is really cute too
- childrenThe food was delicious, and I'm so grateful they were so good to the children~ It's been a little while since my visit, but the noodles and rolls were especially delicious. I'm going again this week for a business trip to San Diego~ ^^
- employeesthe employees smile and greet you
- family businessThey are family business so they did job hard and care
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the worst customer service ever. I ordered food, and upon arrival for pickup, I was informed it was no longer available because they had given my order to someone else and ran out.
- experienceruin your experience of enjoying a nice meal
- garbage serviceMy experience at the restaurant was extremely negative due to the cramped atmosphere and garbage service. I had to wait forever, and then to make matters worse, another table that arrived after me was served their food first, even though we ordered the same thing.
- hours of operationI visited the restaurant at 9: 36 PM, expecting it to be open, but it was closed. The real hours of opportunity are from 11: 00 AM to 9: 00 PM.
- menudidn't even give us a menu until asked
- order availabilitytold it was no longer available
- order readywait an additional 10 minutes because my order was not ready
- phoneKept going back to his phone
- served their food firstMy experience at the restaurant was extremely negative due to the cramped atmosphere and garbage service. I had to wait forever, and then to make matters worse, another table that arrived after me was served their food first, even though we ordered the same thing. The service was truly unacceptable.
- serviceone of the rudest servers I have ever had
So, is the service a hit or miss? While many find the staff friendly and efficient, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or order mix-ups. If you catch them on a good day, youll likely have a great experience, but theres a chance for frustration.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a cozy and low-key atmosphere that many find quite appealing. With 22 positive remarks out of 46 total, guests often praise the clean interior, the mom & pop restaurant feel, and the amazing vibes that make it comfortable to sit and eat. The overall score for ambience sits at an average 6.1, suggesting a generally pleasant, if not outstanding, experience.
However, the ambience isnt without its quirks, as reflected by 15 negative comments and a mixed 47.8% customer satisfaction. Several patrons noted the cramped atmosphere and limited seating, with some mentioning the lack of restrooms as a significant drawback. The small size and occasional issues with A/C' also came up, indicating that while charming, it might not be for everyone.
Ambience
46
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
15
negative
9
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, low-key atmosphere
- Clean interior
- Comfortable seating
What people don't like
- No restrooms
- Limited seating
- Cramped space
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is hip and clean
- restaurantNice and simple restaurant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ParkingDecent parking accommodations
- air conditioningThe tiny shop has air conditioning and a rotating fan to help cool us down
- comfortable to sitSuper comfortable to sit and eat.
- glassesThe glasses were actually clean
- hole in the wallHole in the wall GOOD!
- hole in the wall placelil hole in the wall place and it was 100/10
- insideThe store front is small, but the inside is clean and the food is amazing. The lemongrass tofu & special chicken wings were our favorite.
Frequently criticized
- tablesOnly has 7 or 8 tables inside to sit and eat at
- restroomsThe prices are reasonable, and the service is fast and efficient. The only downside is that there are no restrooms available. It’s conveniently located in a small strip mall near the laundry mat, which makes parking a breeze when we aren’t riding our bikes here.
- small in thereit’s ridiculously small in there
- A/CNo A/C, which you wouldn't think matters in San Diego but the restaurant is hot
- ParkingParking is a bit hit-or-miss
- bathroomthey don't have a bathroom there, so nowhere to pee or wash your hands
- cramped atmosphereextremely negative due to the cramped atmosphere
- dinertiny diner squeezed in between gas station and parking lot
- fancyNot fancy, very basic
- limited seatinglittle hole in the wall spot with limited seating
If you appreciate a small, cozy, hole-in-the-wall spot with a casual vibe and dont mind limited space or the absence of a restroom, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. However, if you prefer spacious dining or need full facilities, you might find it a bit too snug for comfort.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines, earning a solid 6.7 score, which is quite good! Customers are generally quite happy, showing a good 77.8% satisfaction rate. Many rave about the prices and how priced right everything is, often highlighting generous portions and large servings that make you feel like youre getting a great deal.
However, not everyone feels the same way. Out of 9 total opinions, 2 did express some concerns. A couple of diners felt certain items werent worth the money, with one specific instance mentioning a charge for plain broth that felt excessive.
While these are minor points, they're worth noting.
Value
9
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Generous portions
- Fair value
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- Poor item value
Often praised
- pricesIt’s seriously the best around. You can expect generous portions and great prices, all within an amazing vibe. They also have the coolest car around town ; -) It's a fantastic option for vegans who also need to be gluten-free.
- priceThe amazing bahn mi with delicious BBQ pork and veggies on a pillowy crusted baguette was a highlight. Don't let the unassuming location fool you; Pho Minh offers wonderful craft food that's priced right.
Frequently criticized
- moneyThe fried rice was terrible, and the seafood plate was disgusting. It was no worth the money or the wait.
- plain brothcharged an (very small) extra bowl of plain broth for $7
Overall, if youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches, this restaurant is a strong contender. Most diners agree youll find great value, with reasonable prices and generous portions. Just be mindful of potential extra charges for specific, seemingly simple items.
How are the prices at Pho Minh?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 52 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 stick to that $11–$20 sweet spot, though there are a few options for those looking to spend a little less or a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 52 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Diego.
We think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Vietnamese spot, offering good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pho Minh
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Orange Chicken and Pho!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding! I had the best orange chicken I've ever tasted. The chicken fried rice was also awesome, and the pho was amazing.
The veggies were great, the chicken was great, and the prime rib pho was so rich and flavorful. It was a 10 out of 10 experience, and I recommend it to everyone!
- orange chicken10
- chicken fried rice9
- pho9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Vietnamese Food Around!
I’ve been to every other Vietnamese restaurant in the area (PB, LJ, BayHo, MB, OB), and these guys truly blow everyone else out of the water. It’s seriously the best around. You can expect generous portions and great prices, all within an amazing vibe.
They also have the coolest car around town ; -) It's a fantastic option for vegans who also need to be gluten-free. The food is consistently fresh and full of flavor. If you're dining in, you'll appreciate the cozy atmosphere.
Their veggie pho broth is hands down the best anywhere. Thank you Pho Minh! I'm so happy I can come to you guys every week!
- portions10
- prices9
- vibe9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Pho, Cozy Atmosphere
On my second visit this year, I found the large combo pho bowl to be a great treat for lunch, especially when on a mission for soup. The atmosphere is low key, and the tiny shop's air conditioning and rotating fan were perfect for cooling down while enjoying a piping hot bowl of pho. Parking can be a bit hit-or-miss in this tiny strip mall, which also houses a wash & dry and a drive-through coffee stand.
While the menu is quite large, we've always opted for a large bowl each. We will definitely return again soon.
- large combo pho bowl9
- atmosphere8
- air conditioning9
- Parking4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Excellent Pho, Quick Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The pho is truly healing, perfect for any situation – whether you're hungover, sick, or just need a quick pick-me-up. I found that the spicier, the better for both brain and mental health.
The broth was very tasty, the place smelled great, and the service was quick. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back!
- pho10
- broth9
- place8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem with Fantastic Pho!
Holy smokes, this place is a hidden gem! I've had some of the best PHO in many years here. As a soup fanatic, I found the food to be fantastic.
Be warned, don't order a Large unless you're planning to have a good baby, as the 'Regular' size is basically a large soup.
- PHO10
- soup9
- portion size8
What Pho Minh offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dinner
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you find at Pho Minh?
You can enjoy a cozy and casual dining experience at Pho Minh, perfect for a quiet meal. They offer brunch, lunch, and dinner, with table service available. It’s a great spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
What are the parking and accessibility features at Pho Minh in Pacific Beach?
Located in Pacific Beach, Pho Minh provides convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating for your comfort.
What are the main strengths of Pho Minh?
Pho Minh is highly praised for its delicious and flavorful food, especially the pho, and generous portion sizes. Customers also frequently commend the friendly and kind service staff.
What should I know about the dining environment at Pho Minh?
The restaurant has a casual and often described as a ‘hole in the wall’ atmosphere. Seating can be limited, and some customers have noted the absence of restrooms.
How does Pho Minh score overall, and what are its key performance areas?
Pho Minh holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.9, with customer satisfaction at 79.4%. Its strongest area is Food (8.6), followed by good Service (7.1) and Value (6.7). Ambience (6.1) is considered average.