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Pho MDR
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pho MDR
8.0
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.
Skip if: You want a highly traditional menu, a more atmospheric dining room, or a full-service experience with extensive regional Vietnamese specialties.
Pho MDR
8.6
Pho MDR is a Vietnamese–Thai fusion noodle shop where long-simmered broths, customizable pho bowls, and a broad vegan-friendly menu make it the go-to pho destination in the Marina. High-volume delivery ratings and steady dine-in traffic point to consistently balanced, aromatic soups rather than novelty fusion. The small, casual room and takeout-friendly setup keep it more about comfort and reliability than scene-chasing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Rare Beef Loin NY, Pho Chicken, Pho Vegetable
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Pho-focused Vietnamese–Thai fusion with rich broth and strong vegan options.
Who should go: Pho fans wanting reliable bowls and vegan choices near the marina.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before peak takeout and delivery rush.
What to order: Pho Rare Beef Loin NY, Pho Chicken, Pho Vegetable.
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and chili oil to dial in your broth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Washington and neighboring side streets; generally easy on weekdays, tighter during dinner hours and beach rush.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours but typically calm enough for easy conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on takeout volume.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even during peak lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie pho and stir-fry options, plus customizable bowls.
Vegan options: Yes — dedicated vegetable pho, tofu options, and vegan-friendly broths.
Gluten-free options: Yes — pho bowls without wheat-based noodles are easy to customize; broths are generally gluten-light but ask to confirm.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual, low-pressure first date where conversation matters more than ambiance. The room is simple and relaxed rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they do not rely on reservations, and seating turns quickly. At peak dinner hours you may wait briefly for a table to clear.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual seating, quick service, and simple broths make it comfortable for families. Best for ages 5+ who enjoy noodles or mild soups.
Best For
Better for: Consistently clean, aromatic broths and a strong vegan-friendly lineup make it a better choice than nearby spots for balanced, reliable pho without heavy fusion twists.
Skip if: You want a more atmospheric dining room, louder social scene, or highly specialized regional Vietnamese dishes beyond pho-focused comfort.