Best Pho Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Bodega SF
Modern Vietnamese fine dining with a family legacy since 2003
Notable Picks
#1
Bodega SF
8.9
Matthew Ho's modern interpretation of his family's Bodega Bistro legacy brings elevated Northern Vietnamese cuisine back to the Tenderloin. The tasting menu and creative cocktails complement traditional dishes like bun cha and authentic Hanoi-style pho.
Must-Try Dishes:
Northern Style Pho, Bun Cha (Pork & Noodles), Bo Tai Chanh (Beef Carpaccio)
What Makes it Special: Modern Vietnamese fine dining with a family legacy since 2003
#2
Turtle Tower
8.7
Iconic Northern Vietnamese spot known for clear, delicate broths and Hanoi-style pho. Locals come for precision and consistency—simple bowls executed with discipline in a casual FiDi setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Ga (chicken), Pho Bo Tai (rare beef), Chicken Congee
What Makes it Special: Hanoi-style pho with crystal-clear broths and restrained garnishes.
#3
Le Soleil
8.6
Le Soleil offers a refined take on Vietnamese classics, blending traditional flavors with contemporary presentation. Known for its elegant ambiance and attentive service, it's a favorite for both casual diners and special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry Crab, Hai Nan Chicken, Squid Ink Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Elevated Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist in a chic setting.
8.5
Newer Noe Valley dining room focused on pho bò, bún bò Huế, and vermicelli plates with clean broths and careful seasoning. It’s a comfortable sit-down option for a warming bowl and unfussy service.
Must-Try Dishes:
#33 Beef Combination pho, Bún bò Huế, BBQ pork vermicelli
What Makes it Special: Broth-forward pho and Central-style soups in a calm setting.
#5
Pho Viet
8.5
An unassuming pho spot offering a variety of options with fresh herbs, hearty broths, and a casual atmosphere. It's a favorite among locals for its hearty portions and fast service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai, Pho Bo, Banh Mi
What Makes it Special: Hearty pho with fresh herbs and quality broths.
#6
Quê Việt
8.5
Sit-down Vietnamese spot in SoMa known for generous vermicelli platters, crisp imperial rolls, and a broad pho lineup. Portions run large and the kitchen leans savory-herbal rather than sweet, making it a reliable dinner choice near Moscone and the ballpark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combo pho (phở đặc biệt), Grilled pork & imperial roll vermicelli (bún chả giò thịt nướng), Mini shrimp pancakes (bánh khọt)
What Makes it Special: Big-flavor plates and pho with generous portions in a low-key room.
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
High-volume pho shop known for clean, aromatic broth and speedy execution. It’s a dependable Inner Sunset go-to with a wide cut list and efficient service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet (house combo), Rare Steak & Brisket (tai nam), Chicken Pho
What Makes it Special: Clean, balanced broths with precise cut combinations.
8.4
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family-run since 1993, this tiny cafe serves exceptional Vietnamese comfort food with distinct broths for each soup variety. The bun rieu and chicken pho draw devoted regulars to this cash-only gem where portions overflow and prices stay remarkably low.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bun Rieu (Crab Tomato Soup), Pho Ga (Chicken Pho), Banh Mi Bo Kho (Beef Stew Sandwich)
What Makes it Special: Multiple distinct soup broths made fresh daily in tiny kitchen
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
High-volume pho shop known for clean, aromatic broth and speedy execution. It’s a dependable Inner Sunset go-to with a wide cut list and efficient service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet (house combo), Rare Steak & Brisket (tai nam), Chicken Pho
What Makes it Special: Clean, balanced broths with precise cut combinations.
Neighborhood phở house on Polk with clear, aromatic broths and tidy bowls. Portions are satisfying without being heavy, and service moves briskly at peak lunch hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở tái (rare beef), Chicken phở, Bún thịt nướng
What Makes it Special: Brisk, reliable phở with clean broths on busy Polk Street.
#11
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
What Makes it Special: Upscale takes on pho in a polished SoMa dining room.
#12
My Canh
8.3
Late-night Vietnamese stalwart known for steaming bowls of banh canh cua and robust broths. Locals come for generous portions, quick service, and a no-frills room that prioritizes flavor over flash.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banh Canh Cua (crab thick noodles), Bun Bo Hue, Pho Dac Biet
What Makes it Special: Hearty, deeply flavored soups served late in a humble spot.
#13
Pho Golden
8.3
Steady, family-run Vietnamese spot known for clean, aromatic broths and a broad menu that goes beyond pho. Portions are hearty, service is warm, and weekend tables draw multi-generational neighborhood crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house special), Bún bò Huế, Bánh khọt (mini savory pancakes)
What Makes it Special: Clean, fragrant broths with a deep menu beyond pho standards
#14
Pho Huong Viet
8.3
Family-run spot serving clear, aromatic broths and Northern-leaning noodle bowls that punch above the strip-mall setting. Locals come for dependable pho, crisp spring rolls, and portions that still feel fair for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Ga (chicken pho), Bun Cha Hanoi, Cha Gio (fried spring rolls)
What Makes it Special: Clean, deeply seasoned broths and Hanoi-style touches rarely found nearby.
8.3
Potrero Hill standby serving a broad Vietnamese menu—crispy crepes, noodle soups, and rice plates—at fair prices. It’s the go-to neighborhood choice for comforting classics with quick service and steady execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vietnamese crepe (bánh xèo), Lemongrass chicken rice plate, Bún bò Huế
What Makes it Special: Long-running neighborhood spot with a deep menu and fast pacing.
#16
Tanglad
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
Casual Vietnamese street-food spot in the heart of the Castro serving pho, bun rieu, rice plates and banh mi with quick counter service. Locals come for five-spice chicken, lemongrass beef, and a comforting bowl of noodle soup without a long wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bún riêu (tomato-crab noodle soup), Garlic noodles, Grilled lemongrass beef vermicelli
What Makes it Special: Street-food menu with broad range from pho to banh mi.
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Group Dining Gatherings
Long-running SoMa spot known for northern-leaning pho, bun bo hue, and Hanoi specialties done with clean broths and balanced seasoning. It’s a reliable lunch-to-dinner choice near Moscone with efficient service and consistent execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Bo (beef pho), Bun Bo Hue, Cha Ca La Vong
What Makes it Special: Northern-style broths and Hanoi classics in a central SoMa setting.
#18
Viet Noms
8.3
Modern Vietnamese counter spot with clean broths and crunchy-fresh veggies. Vegetarian pho and tofu bánh mì are light, satisfying options that travel well for takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegetarian Pho, Tofu Bánh Mì, Fresh Veggie Spring Rolls
What Makes it Special: Vegetarian pho with clear broth and crisp herbs.
Casual Parkside spot known for a deeply beefy phở with a dramatic short rib plus crisp bánh xèo and rich curry noodle soups. Service moves fast and friendly, with a steady local crowd and consistent bowls that hit on cold, foggy evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Beef Rib Phở, Bánh Xèo (crispy crêpe), Curry Noodle Soup
What Makes it Special: Signature short-rib phở with hearty, beef-forward broth.
8.3
Y & Y offers a diverse menu of Vietnamese dishes, from traditional pho to creative fusion options. The spacious interior and attentive service make it a comfortable choice for groups and families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet, Banh Xeo, Grilled Pork Vermicelli
What Makes it Special: A broad menu catering to both traditional and modern tastes.
Chinatown fixture known for a broad Vietnamese menu with dependable bowls of pho ga and beef pho. It’s an easy sit-down option with quick service and pricing that fits casual lunches or early dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho ga (chicken pho), Beef pho with brisket and tendon, Bun bo Hue
What Makes it Special: Broad Vietnamese menu with consistently good pho in Chinatown.
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Busy, pho-focused spot known for clean broths, quick turnaround, and generous portions. Locals lean on the beef combo and chicken pho for dependable downtown comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở Đặc Biệt (Beef Combo), Phở Tái Bò Viên (Rare Beef & Meatballs), Phở Gà (Chicken)
What Makes it Special: Pho-first menu with fast service and steady execution.
8.2
A cozy neighborhood spot offering authentic Vietnamese dishes at affordable prices. Known for its friendly service and consistent quality, it's a go-to for locals craving comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Bo Hue
What Makes it Special: Authentic flavors served in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
#24
Pho Tan Hoa
8.2
Since 1996, this Tenderloin institution has been serving traditional Vietnamese pho with rich, complex broths and generous portions of quality beef. The no-frills atmosphere focuses entirely on delivering authentic flavors that have earned mentions in travel guides worldwide.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet (House Special), Pho Tai (Rare Beef), Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle)
What Makes it Special: Authentic Northern Vietnamese pho with 28 years of consistency
8.1
Southern-leaning Vietnamese comfort dishes with generous portions and a friendly, family-run feel. Known for bold flavors, grilled meats, and noodle plates that hit on value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nước mắm wings, Grilled pork with garlic noodles, Bún bò Huế
What Makes it Special: Big-flavor Southern Vietnamese plates built for hearty appetites.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
No-frills Chinatown staple serving pho, bun bo hue, and rice plates at wallet-friendly prices. Locals lean on hearty bowls, fast service, and a central spot just off Portsmouth Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bun Bo Hue, Pho Tai, Imperial Rolls
What Makes it Special: Chinatown’s longtime go-to for affordable, comforting Vietnamese noodle soups.
8.1
Neighborhood Vietnamese standby in the Marina serving straightforward bowls of pho, garlic noodles, and grilled meats with speedy, friendly service. It’s a low-key room where locals warm up with rich broths and share imperial rolls before a stroll along Lombard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Combo Pho, Five-Spice Chicken Garlic Noodles, Imperial Rolls
What Makes it Special: Comfort-first pho and garlic noodles made fast and reliably.
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Neighborhood standby for garlic noodles, imperial rolls, and generous rice plates served fast at the counter. Locals lean on it for reliably balanced broths and portions that feel like a deal for Inner Sunset.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Noodles with Imperial Roll, Grilled Lemongrass Pork over Rice, Beef Pho
What Makes it Special: Fast, satisfying classics with standout garlic noodles combos.
#29
Pho Queen
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Neighborhood Vietnamese spot for clean broths, balanced bowls, and quick counter pacing. Locals lean on reliable pho, tidy vermicelli plates, and straightforward banh mi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai (rare beef), Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork vermicelli)
What Makes it Special: Balanced broths and a broad, well-executed core menu.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family-run since the early 1980s, serving fast, affordable classics to FiDi and Jackson Square. Portions are generous; the menu spans pho, bun, and rice plates turned quickly for weekday crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Imperial Rolls, Grilled Pork Vermicelli, Beef Pho
What Makes it Special: Long-running, family-owned counter with swift tickets and sharp value.
#31
An Chi
8
Compact counter-service noodle and banh mi shop with fast ticket times and bright, punchy flavors. It’s a go-to for quick bowls, grilled-pork vermicelli, and under-$15 lunches along the Geary corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork vermicelli), Pho Dac Biet, Combo Banh Mi
What Makes it Special: Speedy, affordable bowls and sandwiches with crisp, fresh herbs.
#32
Banh Mi King
8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Compact counter-service spot in the Transbay/Rincon corridor serving straightforward pho alongside banh mi. Broth leans clean and comforting, portions are solid for the price, and it’s efficient for office-day lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Beef Noodles, Pho Chicken Noodles, Pork Belly Banh Mi
What Makes it Special: Affordable pho in a fast, downtown-friendly format.
#33
Pho 2000
8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Classic Little Saigon stop for brisk, beefy phở and quick counter-side service. Bowls arrive hot with assertive aromatics and a generous herb plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (combination), Phở tái nạm, Gỏi cuốn (spring rolls)
What Makes it Special: Straightforward, beef-forward phở served fast in Little Saigon.
#34
Pho Huynh Sang
8
A no-frills spot beloved for its rich, flavorful pho and quick service. It's a hidden gem for those seeking authentic Vietnamese noodle soup without the frills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet, Bun Bo Hue, Com tam (broken rice)
What Makes it Special: Authentic pho with a loyal local following and budget-friendly prices.
#35
Thanh Tam II
8
Long-running Mission standby turning out classic pho, rice plates, and vermicelli at wallet-friendly prices. Service is brisk, portions are fair, and the menu is deep enough for repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house combo), Cơm tấm sườn (grilled pork over broken rice), Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls)
What Makes it Special: Deep menu and fair prices from a neighborhood fixture.
#36
Tú Lan
8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Long-running 6th Street staple serving classic pho, imperial rolls, and rice plates at wallet-friendly prices. Locals come for hearty portions, quick service, and nostalgic, no-frills comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Imperial Rolls (chả giò), Pork kebab over rice (cơm thịt nướng), Pho đặc biệt
What Makes it Special: Old-school Vietnamese comfort food with generous portions and fast pacing.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Longstanding Richmond mainstay with a deep menu spanning noodle soups, rice plates, and home-style specials. It’s the reliable, low-key choice when you want classic flavors without the scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bun Rieu (crab-tomato noodle soup), Five-Spice Chicken over Vermicelli, Sugarcane Shrimp
What Makes it Special: Decades of steady execution and a broader-than-usual traditional menu.
7.9
Neighborhood classic pouring straightforward beef and chicken phở alongside bun bò huế and rice plates. Portions are hearty, pricing is friendly, and service is brisk.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Phở, Phở Gà, Bún Bò Huế
What Makes it Special: Big bowls at wallet-friendly prices with a classic menu.
#39
Pho 808
7.9
Lower Nob Hill counter-service shop with a broad pho lineup and fast turnaround. Portions are generous, packaging travels well, and spice levels are customizable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở tái nạm (rare steak & flank), Bún bò Huế, Beef stew noodle soup
What Makes it Special: Wide pho selection with speedy counter service.
#40
Pho de Nguyen
7.9
Compact SoMa spot focused on robust, aromatic broths and a broad noodle-soup lineup, from oxtail pho to bun bò Huế. Efficient service makes it a reliable weeknight or post-work bowl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oxtail Pho, Bun Bo Hue, Grilled Pork Vermicelli
What Makes it Special: Bold, beefy broths with specialty options like oxtail.
#41
Pho Vung Tau
7.9
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Compact, family-run shop turning out clean, aromatic pho and vermicelli bowls at wallet-friendly prices. It’s a quick, satisfying stop steps from Washington Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai, Lemongrass Chicken Vermicelli, Cha Gio (imperial rolls)
What Makes it Special: Straightforward bowls with bright, balanced broth at low prices.
Sit-down pho house known for clean, beefy broth and crisp imperial rolls. It’s a dependable Irving Street option when you want table service without a long production.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai Nam (rare steak & flank), Imperial Rolls, Five-Spice Chicken over Rice
What Makes it Special: Balanced broth with classic toppings and crisp fried rolls.
7.8
Operating since 1999, this fully vegan Vietnamese restaurant offers plant-based versions of traditional dishes including several pho variations. The clay pot dishes and house-made desserts have earned a devoted following among vegans and omnivores alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Pho with Tofu, Lemongrass 'Chicken' Clay Pot, Spicy Noodle Soup
What Makes it Special: 100% vegan Vietnamese cuisine with no compromise on traditional flavors
#44
Pho Ga
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Outer Sunset favorite for chicken-focused pho with clean, comforting broth and quick counter service. Menu also covers beef cuts and a few northern-style soups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Pho, Beef Combo Pho, Bun Rieu (crab tomato noodle soup)
What Makes it Special: Chicken-first pho house with speedy turnaround.
#45
Saigon Café
7.8
Downtown standby serving classic Northern-leaning beef pho with a richer, beefier broth and straightforward service. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly choice near First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house combo), Phở tái (rare steak), Gỏi cuốn (shrimp & pork rolls)
What Makes it Special: Classic beef-forward broth with generous portions at lower prices.
#46
Castro Tarts
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Daytime café in Duboce Triangle offering Vietnamese sandwiches, simple pho, and coffee alongside bakery items. It’s a low-key stop for a quick bánh mì and iced Vietnamese coffee on the patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemongrass pork bánh mì, Beef pho, Vietnamese iced coffee
What Makes it Special: Bánh mì and pho from a café with outdoor seating.
#47
Darren’s Cafe
7.7
Unassuming Wharf-side cafe where Vietnamese staples share the menu with all-day breakfast. The beef pho and vermicelli plates deliver reliable flavor without the crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Pho, BBQ Pork Vermicelli, Combination Banh Mi
What Makes it Special: Vietnamese comfort dishes tucked inside a casual breakfast cafe.
#48
Teazzert Pho You
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Outer Mission counter-service spot pairing straightforward bowls of phở with milk teas and desserts. Portions are solid, service is quick, and it’s a reliable stop for a fast, budget-friendly bowl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở tái nạm, Phở gà, Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi cuốn)
What Makes it Special: Counter-service phở with quick ticket times and low prices.
#49
Thanh Thanh Cafe
7.7
Casual Clement Street spot known for a broad noodle-soup lineup and comfort staples. It’s a practical everyday option where portions run hearty and prices stay approachable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hủ tiếu đặc biệt (house special noodle soup), Bún bò Huế, Cơm gà rô-ti (roasted chicken rice)
What Makes it Special: Broad, soup-heavy menu with big portions at wallet-friendly prices.
#50
Pho Day
7.6
Southern edge of 94110 serving budget-friendly bowls and banh mi with consistent pacing. Expect lighter beef and chicken broths and a neighborhood crowd all day.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house combo), Phở gà, Bánh mì chả lụa
What Makes it Special: Everyday-priced pho with quick service at the 30th Street edge.