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ZipPicks Awards
Best Pho in San Francisco
Best Hidden Gems Thai in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
Lao Table
8.3
Stylish full-service spot where pho appears in elevated forms like beef short rib and duck. Broths are aromatic and richer, plated with a bit of polish for date nights or business dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Beef Short Rib, Pho Duck, Khao Piak Sen
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Upscale takes on pho in a polished SoMa dining room.
Who should go: Pho lovers wanting a refined experience
When to visit: Evenings for a relaxed, sit-down meal
What to order: Pho Beef Short Rib; Pho Duck; Lao sausage starter
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs with the pho to brighten the bowl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tight in Yerba Buena; the Fifth & Mission Garage is the best nearby option (2-minute walk). Valet is sometimes offered on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine but most guests lean dressy for dinner. Business casual attire fits the space well.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but not overwhelming. You can hold a conversation without shouting, though bar seating is louder.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations are highly recommended after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:15pm; fills up quickly with SoMa office crowd after that.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian appetizers and one pho option with vegetable broth.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify some stir-fried dishes but pho base uses meat stock.
Gluten-free options: Yes — pho noodles and many rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can advise on sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s one of the more stylish Southeast Asian spots in SoMa. Dim lighting, attentive service, and polished plating make it ideal for an impressive but relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or for late dinners, but weekends are busy. Bar seating is often available without a reservation if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — more of an adult crowd and date-night vibe. Families with older kids are fine, but no children’s menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: More elegant presentation and ambiance than casual pho joints — perfect for date nights, business dinners, or visitors who want pho with flair.
Skip if: You’re after a quick, inexpensive pho fix or traditional home-style bowls — smaller neighborhood spots will suit that better.
Hours
Monday11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
Thursday11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
Friday11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
Saturday5pm - 8:30pm
SundayClosed