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Pho Saigon Pearl
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Pho Saigon Pearl
8.3
Pho Saigon Pearl on Fairfax leans into a nostalgic retro dining room, an extensive pho lineup, and a full bar with Vietnamese-leaning cocktails. Regulars use it for hearty bowls of noodles, garlic noodles, and small plates before or after time at nearby museums and shopping along Fairfax and Beverly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho with Filet Mignon Rare Steak, Oxtail Pho, Garlic Noodles
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-volume Fairfax pho house with retro decor, full bar, and broad noodle menu.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting energetic Vietnamese with cocktails and pho.
When to visit: Evenings for full retro energy; weekday lunches for faster seating.
What to order: Pho with filet mignon, oxtail pho, garlic noodles and spring rolls.
Insider tip: Request a table near the VHS wall, and check for happy hour food and drink specials before ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Fairfax and Beverly is available but tight after 6pm; metered spots open up later in the evening. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests come in jeans or relaxed weekend outfits.
Noise level: Moderate—lively room with retro energy, but normal conversation is still possible at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially during museum and Grove crossover traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho, tofu dishes, and several veggie-forward appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited—pho broth is meat-based, but some appetizers and noodle dishes can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—rice noodles and many pho options are naturally gluten-free; confirm sauces with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its cozy retro vibe, cocktails, and shareable small plates make it an easy, low-pressure date spot without feeling too casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are common. Expect a wait during peak dinner hours, but the bar area is often available sooner.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent it, and the menu suits a wide range of ages. High chairs are usually available, and portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: A more polished, full-service Vietnamese experience with cocktails, retro ambiance, and broader noodle options than quick-service pho shops nearby.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional, minimalist pho at a lower price point or need a fully vegan-friendly menu.
Pho Saigon Pearl
8.5
Pho Saigon Pearl is a family-owned Fairfax pho house known for deeply seasoned broths, generous herb plates, and an oxtail pho that pulls regulars from across the city. The room is straightforward and always busy, but bowls arrive hot, layered, and consistent, making it a dependable choice near the museums when you want a richer, more indulgent take on pho.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oxtail Pho, Phofax Special (house combo pho), PSP Fried Egg Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Rich, slow-simmered broths and oxtail pho served by a longtime family-run team.
Who should go: Dinosaurs craving hearty pho near LACMA and The Grove.
When to visit: Late lunches or early dinners to avoid peak weekend lines.
What to order: Oxtail Pho, Phofax Special, PSP Fried Egg Rolls.
Insider tip: If you like a heavier broth, ask for extra broth on the side to keep noodles from over-soaking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Beverly and side streets; spots open up more frequently after 7pm but can be tight during peak museum hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; diners come in everything from jeans to athleisure.
Noise level: Moderate—busy room energy but you can still hold a normal conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 35–50 minutes during prime hours, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually 0–10 minutes; quick turnover makes midday visits smooth.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu-based dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited—broths are typically meat-based, but a simple vegetable-and-tofu bowl can be requested.
Gluten-free options: Yes—pho rice noodles are naturally gluten-free; avoid fried starters unless confirmed with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date enjoys comforting, flavorful pho and a relaxed, bustling room. It’s casual and warm, with rich broths that show care, but not ideal if you're aiming for a quiet or ultra-romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Expect a short wait during peak windows, but turnover is fast and parties of two are seated quickest.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families visit often. High chairs are typically available, portions are shareable, and the menu is straightforward for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Richer, heartier broths and oxtail pho that feel more indulgent than many nearby pho shops; consistency across visits is a standout.
Skip if: You want ultra-light, delicate broths or a very quiet dining room; other Vietnamese cafés nearby may be better fits for those preferences.
Pho Saigon Pearl
8.3
Pho Saigon Pearl is a Beverly Grove Vietnamese staple where nuoc mam chicken wings share the spotlight with deeply flavored pho and a long menu of Saigon-style comfort dishes. High-volume praise and steady takeout traffic make it one of the most reliable spots in the area when you want wings plus a full meal in one stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nuoc Mam Chicken Wings, Filet Mignon Pho, Phofax Special Pho
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Vietnamese spot where nuoc mam wings and pho are equally celebrated.
Who should go: Dinosaurs craving wings plus serious pho in one place.
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner before peak delivery rush.
What to order: Nuoc Mam Chicken Wings, Filet Mignon Pho, Phofax Special.
Insider tip: Order wings and pho together and plan for leftovers—the portions and broth travel well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Beverly and side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours but typically manageable before 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; come as you are—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate; lively but still easy to hold a conversation, even during peak takeout waves.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak pho rush, longer if placing large takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian dishes including tofu pho, spring rolls, and steamed vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan pho broth isn't available, but a few dishes can be customized with tofu and vegetables.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice noodle dishes and many soups are naturally gluten-free; sauces may contain gluten, so request modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual, comforting, and low-pressure. The room is relaxed, the food is consistent, and portions are generous, making it ideal for a laid-back meetup rather than a high-stakes dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive slightly early during peak dinner hours to avoid short waits, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—spacious tables, quick service, mild broth options, and shareable plates make it suitable for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Consistently flavorful nuoc mam wings paired with a full Vietnamese menu, reliable takeout packaging, and generous portion sizes.
Skip if: You want a trendy or design-forward setting, or need fully vegan-friendly Vietnamese; nearby spots may offer more ambience or broader plant-based menus.