Skip to main content

ZipPicks Awards

Best Vietnamese in Marina Del Rey Best Pho in Marina Del Rey

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Pho MDR 8.0
Marina del Rey
Pho MDR is a casual Vietnamese and Thai noodle house in Marina del Rey, known for rich, gluten-free pho broths, house-trimmed meats, and vegan-friendly options served at moderate Westside prices. The room is simple but comfortable, drawing locals for steaming bowls, banh mi, and stir-fry dishes that work equally well for solo meals, quick lunches, or low-key dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Pho Rare Beef Loin NY, Garlic Beef Banh Mi, MdR Veggie Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Vietnamese-leaning noodle shop with gluten-free pho and strong vegan options.
Who should go: Pho fans wanting vegan-friendly options near the marina.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or cool evenings on the patio.
What to order: Pho Rare Beef Loin NY, Garlic Beef Banh Mi, MdR Veggie Rolls.
Insider tip: Ask for broth and spice tweaks to customize your pho exactly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot and adjacent plaza parking; usually easy on weeknights, tighter during peak lunch and dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in everyday wear including athleisure.
Noise level: Moderate; generally easy to hold a conversation except during peak weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on takeout volume and patio availability.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief 5-minute pause during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly bowls, rolls, and stir-fry options.
Vegan options: Solid vegan selections including broth options and fresh rolls.
Gluten-free options: Yes — pho broth is naturally gluten-free and many dishes can be modified; staff is comfortable guiding substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, low-pressure meetups rather than formal dates; warm bowls and a relaxed room create a friendly vibe but not a high-romance atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are standard and typically seated quickly, though weekend dinner may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple seating, approachable noodle dishes, and quick service make it a good pick for families with kids 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Customization, gluten-free pho, and quick-service convenience compared with more traditional full-service Vietnamese spots.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a highly traditional menu, a more atmospheric dining room, or a full-service experience with extensive regional Vietnamese specialties.

Hours

Monday11am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Thursday11am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Friday11am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Saturday11am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Sunday11am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm