Best Pho in San Jose, California
Pho Mai #1 Noodle House
Restaurant Address: 3074 Landess Ave, San Jose, CA 95132
Pho Mai #1 Noodle House, located in San Jose, California, offers a diverse culinary experience with an extensive menu that spans Vietnamese, Filipino, and other Asian cuisines. The restaurant is known for its late-night dining options, welcoming atmosphere, and consistently flavorful dishes, particularly its pho and variety of traditional plates. With generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, it has become a popular spot for locals seeking comfort food during both daytime and late-night hours. Despite occasional mixed reviews about service and specific menu items, the restaurant maintains a loyal customer base who appreciate its convenient location and wide-ranging menu selections.
Price Range: $
Broth quality: Reviewers frequently praise the pho broth's flavor, although some describe it as inconsistent.
Prices: Many reviews describe the restaurant as budget-friendly or having great prices, although some mention price increases.
Parking: Reviews mention that parking is available in the square where the restaurant is located.
Spicy options: Reviews mention dishes with varying spiciness levels and suggest the availability of spicy options or the possibility to adjust spice levels.
Portion sizes: Some reviews suggest generous portions, while others note smaller portions compared to the past, indicating inconsistency in portion size.
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Not Noted
Pho Hoa + Jazen Tea (Tully Rd)
Restaurant Address: 1834 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
Located in Pho Hoa + Jazen Tea on Tully Road in San Jose, California, this Vietnamese restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring multiple soup and noodle options with a connected tea spot. The establishment provides a spacious dining area with quick service and a variety of dishes ranging from traditional pho to fusion-style offerings. While customer experiences vary, the restaurant seems to attract a mix of diners with its combination of Vietnamese cuisine and boba tea selections.
Price Range: $
Broth quality: Multiple reviews comment on the pho broth, with some describing it as flavorful and delicious, while others found it too salty or greasy.
Prices: Reviews express mixed opinions on pricing, with some considering it expensive and others finding it reasonable or budget-friendly.
Parking: Several reviews mention the availability of parking in the plaza where the restaurant is located, although weekend parking can be tight.
Spicy options: Many reviews discuss the spiciness of dishes, with some ordering extra jalapenos and others mentioning spicy seafood options; the restaurant accommodates requests for spicier food.
Portion sizes: Reviews have mixed opinions; some mention generous portions, while others describe the meat or noodle portions as skimpy.
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Not Noted
Pho 90 Degree
Restaurant Address: 999 Story Rd Unit #9090, San Jose, CA 95122
Pho 90 Degree, located in the bustling city of San Jose, California, offers a diverse and authentic Vietnamese dining experience. The restaurant boasts a spacious interior with both indoor and outdoor seating, featuring a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes that attract a steady crowd of food enthusiasts. With its southern-style cooking, generous portion sizes, and a menu that includes popular items like pho, spring rolls, and boba, the restaurant provides a satisfying culinary journey for both Vietnamese food lovers and newcomers alike.
Price Range: $$
Broth quality: Reviews are mixed; some praise the rich and flavorful broth, while others find it bland or lacking depth. Therefore, a definitive 'yes' or 'no' is not supported by all reviews.
Prices: Customer opinions on pricing are divided. Some consider it pricey, while others find the value acceptable given the portion size and quality of food.
Parking: Several reviews mention the parking lot being full, indicating that parking is available but can be difficult to find, especially during peak hours.
Spicy options: Some reviews mention spicy pho options or the ability to add spice, while others note a lack of spiciness or a bland broth. Therefore, a definitive answer cannot be determined.
Portion sizes: Reviews are mixed on portion sizes; some describe them as generous, while others mention downsized portions. More information is needed to definitively say.
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Not Noted
New Tung Kee Noodle House
Restaurant Address: 264 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
New Tung Kee Noodle House, located in the city of San Jose, California, offers a diverse menu of traditional Vietnamese cuisine with generous portion sizes. The restaurant provides a casual dining experience with a variety of noodle soups, egg rolls, and other classic dishes that appeal to a wide range of customers. Despite some mixed reviews, the establishment maintains a loyal customer base who appreciate its quick service and affordable prices.
Price Range: $
Broth quality: Reviews describe the pho broth as tasty and flavorful, but don't provide a definitive "great" assessment.
Prices: Reviews mention affordable prices and "good value," suggesting that the restaurant is budget-friendly. However, some reviews also note increased prices.
Parking: One review mentions convenient parking.
Spicy options: No review directly states the ability to customize spiciness for all dishes, although some mention of flavorful soups might suggest the possibility.
Portion sizes: Reviews describe portions as "big" and "generous," suggesting that the restaurant often provides large servings.
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Not Noted
Elements Restaurant
Restaurant Address: 6471-10 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95120
Elements Restaurant, located in the city of San Jose, in the state of California, offers a unique fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine that sets it apart from traditional neighborhood eateries. The restaurant features an elegant atmosphere with a classy interior, including a glass wine cellar and an open kitchen, creating an inviting dining experience. With a diverse menu that blends authentic Vietnamese flavors with French culinary techniques, Elements provides diners with an innovative and memorable gastronomic journey.
Price Range: $$
Broth quality: Some reviewers explicitly praise the pho broth as good or delicious, while others do not directly address the broth quality.
Prices: Reviews describe the restaurant as "expensive" in some instances, while others mention reasonable prices or good value, indicating a lack of consensus on pricing.
Parking: Multiple reviews mention the availability of free parking.
Spicy options: Reviews do not explicitly mention spice levels or spicy options available for all dishes.
Portion sizes: Reviews mention generous portions, but it is not explicitly stated for pho specifically.
Known For
Not Noted
Green Lotus
Restaurant Address: 2223 Business Cir, San Jose, CA 95128
Green Lotus, located in the city of San Jose, California, is a vibrant vegan Vietnamese restaurant that offers an extensive menu of flavorful plant-based dishes. The restaurant provides generous portions of innovative vegan cuisine, featuring creative meat alternatives and a wide variety of appetizers, soups, and rice dishes that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike. With a casual atmosphere, friendly service, and consistently praised spring rolls and pho, Green Lotus has established itself as a standout dining destination for those seeking delicious and authentic Vietnamese-inspired vegan food.
Price Range: $$
Broth quality: While many reviews praise the pho, the quality of the broth is subjective and not explicitly highlighted in all reviews.
Prices: Reviews express mixed opinions on pricing, with some considering it slightly expensive or pricey for lunch, while others find it budget-friendly or a good value.
Parking: Multiple reviews mention parking as an issue, noting limited spots and difficulty finding parking, especially on weekends.
Spicy options: Reviews mention adding chili powder to enhance the spiciness of pho and explicitly state that fried rice can be made spicy upon request.
Portion sizes: Several reviews comment on the generous portion sizes of various dishes, including some mentioning pho specifically.
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KV Noodle
Restaurant Address: 1162 E William Ct, San Jose, CA 95116
KV Noodle, located in San Jose, California, offers an inviting Vietnamese dining experience that attracts a diverse crowd of food enthusiasts. The restaurant provides a comfortable atmosphere with ample parking and a welcoming environment that makes guests feel right at home. Their menu features a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes, with pho being a standout favorite among customers who praise the flavorful, clarified broth and generous portion sizes. The establishment is known for its friendly service, with many patrons highlighting the hospitable staff and the owner's personal touch in creating a memorable dining experience.
Price Range: $$
Broth quality: Numerous reviews praise the pho broth's flavor and quality, with many calling it delicious and flavorful.
Prices: Reviews have differing opinions on the price; some find it reasonable, while others consider it expensive. It's not consistently categorized as budget-friendly or expensive.
Parking: Many reviews mention ample parking being available at the restaurant's location.
Spicy options: Reviews suggest that the restaurant offers the option of adding chili or spicy sauce to increase the spice level.
Portion sizes: Multiple reviews describe the pho portions as generous, often resulting in leftovers.
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Pho Tay Do
Restaurant Address: 2481 Berryessa Rd, San Jose, CA 95133
Pho Tay Do, located in San Jose, California, is a cozy Vietnamese restaurant that offers a welcoming dining experience for those craving authentic cuisine. The establishment provides a variety of traditional dishes, with pho being a standout menu item that receives consistent praise from patrons. Known for its late-night hours and efficient service, the restaurant attracts a diverse crowd looking for flavorful and satisfying meals. The space is clean, compact, and maintains a comfortable atmosphere that makes diners feel right at home.
Price Range: $$
Broth quality: Many reviews praise the pho broth's richness and flavor, describing it as "tasty," "rich," and "delicious."
Prices: Several reviews describe the restaurant's prices as "reasonable," "affordable," and "good value," suggesting that it is budget-friendly.
Parking: Multiple reviews mention the availability of parking, some noting that it is ample or easily available.
Spicy options: Reviews mention dishes as "slightly spicy" and a preference for more "kick" in the Bun bo hue, showing that spiciness can be adjusted or is available.
Portion sizes: Many reviews describe the pho portions as "generous," "sizable," and "huge," indicating large serving sizes.
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Golden Bamboo Vegetarian Restaurant
Restaurant Address: 3245 S White Rd, San Jose, CA 95148
Located in the city of San Jose, California, Golden Bamboo Vegetarian Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with an authentic Asian-inspired atmosphere and a diverse menu of plant-based Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant features beautifully decorated interiors with intricate details like bamboo-carved starfish ceiling light covers and creates a tranquil dining environment that transports guests to Southeast Asia. Guests can enjoy a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including creative mock meat options, flavorful hot pots, spring rolls, and refreshing salads that showcase fresh ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.
Price Range: $$
Broth quality: Reviews are mixed; some praise the pho broth, while others do not explicitly comment on it.
Prices: Reviews are mixed; some mention the restaurant being a bit overpriced, while others say the prices are reasonable.
Parking: One review mentions ample parking in a plaza, suggesting parking is available.
Spicy options: Many dishes are described as spicy or with spicy options, and some reviews mention adding chili sauce, confirming the availability of spicy options.
Portion sizes: Reviews are mixed regarding portion sizes; some mention generous portions of rice, while others mention smaller portions for hot pots.
Known For
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VN Grill
Restaurant Address: 1085 E Brokaw Rd #20, San Jose, CA 95131
VN Grill, located in San Jose, California, offers a modern and vibrant Vietnamese dining experience that blends traditional flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. The restaurant features a customizable menu with diverse options like rice bowls, spring rolls, and noodle dishes that cater to various taste preferences. Customers appreciate the fresh ingredients, friendly service, and quick, convenient ordering process that makes this eatery a popular lunch and dinner destination.
Price Range: $
Broth quality: One review mentions a delicious pho broth, but there is no other information about the quality of the broth across all reviews.
Prices: Reviews suggest that the restaurant offers good value for money, indicating it is budget-friendly.
Parking: Multiple reviews mention parking difficulties, implying that parking is available but can be challenging.
Spicy options: Although some reviews mention flavorful sauces, there is no explicit mention of spicy options or the availability to make dishes spicier.
Portion sizes: Reviews mention generous portions in some cases, but not specifically for pho.
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Not Noted
Pho Luc Lac
Restaurant Address: 1705 Branham Ln b3, San Jose, CA 95118
Pho Luc Lac, located in the city of San Jose, California, is a vibrant Vietnamese restaurant known for its flavorful and authentic cuisine. With generous portion sizes and a diverse menu featuring dishes like pho, spring rolls, and bun bo hue, the restaurant offers a delightful dining experience that keeps customers coming back. The restaurant prides itself on its rich, aromatic broths, tender meats, and a welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of Vietnamese culinary tradition.
Price Range: $$
Broth quality: Numerous reviews praise the pho broth, describing it as "rich and flavorful", "delicious", "clean tasting yet flavorful", and "umami".
Prices: The reviews present mixed opinions on pricing. Some describe it as "affordable", "reasonable", or "good prices", while others mention that it is "a bit on the higher side".
Parking: Several reviews mention the availability of parking, with some describing it as "plenty" or "easy".
Spicy options: Many reviews discuss the spiciness of dishes, mentioning that bun bo hue can be spicy, and other dishes can be customized or have spicy options available.
Portion sizes: Multiple reviews describe the pho portions as "generous", "large", and "massive", indicating generous serving sizes.
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Phở Long Thịnh
Restaurant Address: 1080 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129
Phở Long Thịnh, located in San Jose, California, is a cozy Vietnamese restaurant known for its delightful and authentic cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes, with a particularly noteworthy pho that features clear, flavorful broth and generous meat portions. Patrons appreciate the friendly service, clean atmosphere, and reasonable prices that make this eatery a local favorite.
Price Range: $
Broth quality: A significant portion of the reviews praise the quality and taste of the pho broth, highlighting its flavor and clarity.
Prices: The reviews suggest that the restaurant is budget-friendly, with many describing prices as reasonable, inexpensive, or good value.
Parking: Reviews mention parking as not being a problem, with both parking lot and street parking available.
Spicy options: Several reviews mention spicy dishes or the option to add spice; however, at least one review mentions a spicy dish being bland.
Portion sizes: Reviews are mixed on portion sizes. Some describe generous portions, while others note smaller portions, particularly for the large size.
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Pho San Jose
Restaurant Address: 1174 N Capitol Ave, San Jose, CA 95132
Located in Pho San Jose, in the city of San Jose, in the state of California, this Vietnamese restaurant offers a modern dining experience with a unique twist on traditional pho. The establishment boasts a spacious interior with both indoor and outdoor seating, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners. Customers can enjoy a variety of pho options, including specialty bowls like smoked brisket and multiple meat combinations that set it apart from typical pho restaurants. The restaurant is known for its flavorful broths, generous portion sizes, and efficient service that quickly accommodates hungry patrons.
Price Range: $$
Broth quality: The reviews are divided on this attribute; while many praise the rich and flavorful broth, others describe it as bland or average.
Prices: The reviews are mixed; some describe the restaurant as expensive, while others find it reasonably priced for the portion sizes.
Parking: Many reviews confirm the availability of ample parking.
Spicy options: Several reviews mention the availability of spicy options or the use of spicy pastes to add heat to the pho.
Portion sizes: Many reviewers mention the generous portions of pho served at this establishment.
Known For
Not Noted
Pho Almaden
Restaurant Address: 4954 Almaden Expy #30, San Jose, CA 95118
Pho Almaden is a Vietnamese restaurant located in the city of San Jose, California, offering a diverse menu of traditional Vietnamese dishes. Situated near popular shopping centers like Costco and Trader Joe's, the restaurant provides a comfortable dining experience with generous portion sizes and a variety of flavorful options. The establishment is known for its pho, spring rolls, and quick service, making it a solid choice for those seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine in the Almaden area.
Price Range: $
Broth quality: Reviews are mixed, with some praising the flavorful broth and others describing it as bland or not as aromatic as expected. Therefore, there isn't a consensus on whether the broth is universally great.
Prices: Reviews describe the prices as "fair," "affordable," and "good value," indicating that it is generally budget-friendly. However, one review mentions banh mi as being "pretty expensive."
Parking: Reviews mention both the availability and challenges related to parking, indicating that parking is available but potentially limited or inconvenient due to its location near a busy shopping center.
Spicy options: Some reviews mention spicy pho and the spiciness of bun bo hue, while others adjust spice levels with condiments. This suggests that at least some dishes can be made spicy.
Portion sizes: Several reviews indicate generous portions of pho, describing bowls as "big" and having "quite a lot of meat."
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New Hoa Dang Vegetarian Restaurant
Restaurant Address: 3005 Silver Creek Rd STE 136, San Jose, CA 95121
New Hoa Dang Vegetarian Restaurant, situated in San Jose, California, is a popular vegetarian Vietnamese eatery that offers an extensive menu of plant-based dishes. The restaurant features a diverse selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts that cater to vegetarian and vegan diners, with many reviewers praising the flavorful and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Known for its generous portions and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant provides a variety of mock meat options, noodle soups, and specialty dishes that aim to recreate traditional Vietnamese flavors in a completely vegetarian format.
Broth quality: One review mentions disappointment with the flavor of the "Phở chay Đặc Biệt", suggesting the broth may not be consistently great.
Prices: Reviews contain conflicting opinions about pricing. Some consider it expensive ("charged an arm and leg"), while others find it reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.
Parking: One review mentions that parking can be difficult, suggesting that while parking might be available, it may not always be easy to find.
Spicy options: Although not explicitly stated, many dishes in Vietnamese cuisine can be adjusted for spiciness. The reviews don't directly address this, but it's a common practice in Vietnamese restaurants.
Portion sizes: Several reviews mention generous portions, such as "portions were generous" and "the portions are huge!"
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Phở Nhy
Restaurant Address: 2367 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95116
Phở Nhy, located in the city of San Jose, California, is a cozy mom-and-pop Vietnamese restaurant tucked away in a corner of a parking lot. Their menu offers a simple yet delicious selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes, with their beef stew and pho being standout favorites among locals. The restaurant provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly service and flavorful, home-cooked cuisine that keeps customers coming back for more.
Broth quality: Multiple reviews highlight the delicious and flavorful pho broth, with terms like "savory," "umami," and "rich" frequently used.
Prices: The reviews describe it as a budget-friendly "mom and pop" restaurant, suggesting it's affordable.
Parking: Several reviews mention parking as being limited or difficult, suggesting that while parking is available it may be inconvenient.
Spicy options: While some reviews mention the broth's saltiness, there's no explicit information about the availability of spicy options or the ability to customize spice levels.
Portion sizes: Some reviews suggest portion sizes might be on the smaller side, while others don't comment on the portion sizes. More information is needed.
Known For
Not Noted
Kali Noodles & Tea Bar
Restaurant Address: 374 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
Kali Noodles & Tea Bar, located in the city of San Jose, California, is a charming Vietnamese restaurant known for its generous portions and diverse noodle offerings. The restaurant offers a wide variety of noodle dishes with unique options like mixing multiple noodle types and featuring authentic flavors that lean slightly on the sweeter side. Customers appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, quick service, and the ability to customize their meals with different noodle and protein combinations.
Price Range: $
Broth quality: Many reviews praise the pho broth's quality, describing it as "delicious," "tasty," "best ever," and "best in town."
Prices: Many reviews mention high prices or that the restaurant is pricey, while others mention average or good value. Thus, opinions are divided.
Parking: Many reviews confirm the availability of parking at the restaurant, though some mention it being tight.
Spicy options: Although some reviews mention a sweet broth, there's no explicit information suggesting the addition of spice or spicy options.
Portion sizes: Numerous reviews describe the pho portions as "huge," "generous," and "large."
Known For
Not Noted
Thanh Huong Restaurant
Restaurant Address: 2050 N Capitol Ave, San Jose, CA 95132
Thanh Huong Restaurant, located in the vibrant city of San Jose, California, is a charming Vietnamese eatery known for its authentic and flavorful cuisine. The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes, including banh mi sandwiches, pho, and spring rolls that transport diners straight to the streets of Vietnam. With its friendly staff, generous portions, and reasonable prices, Thanh Huong Restaurant has become a beloved local spot for those craving genuine Vietnamese street food.
Price Range: $
Broth quality: One review mentions the pho broth as being rich and flavorful, while another mentions a good pho experience elsewhere, implying this restaurant may have good pho broth. However, there's no consensus across all reviews.
Prices: Reviews describe prices as reasonable, good value, or decent, suggesting the restaurant is budget-friendly. However, one review mentions prices being marked up, indicating potential inconsistency.
Parking: Multiple reviews mention parking as being a challenge; one notes it as "bad", while others describe it as tight or packed.
Spicy options: Reviews do not mention any options for spiciness levels or spicy dishes.
Portion sizes: Dzina Bur's review mentions generous portions, however, this is not explicitly stated for pho. Other reviews don't specify portion sizes for pho.
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Not Noted
Phở La
Restaurant Address: 6055 Snell Ave, San Jose, CA 95123
Phở La, located in the city of San Jose, California, is a cozy Vietnamese restaurant tucked away in a small plaza that offers a diverse menu of traditional dishes. The restaurant provides a wide variety of options including pho, vermicelli bowls, banh mi, and egg rolls, with generous portion sizes that can satisfy multiple diners. Customers appreciate the restaurant's convenient location, quick service, and consistently flavorful menu items that capture the essence of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Price Range: $
Broth quality: Multiple reviews praise the pho broth as delicious, tasty, and appetizing, indicating a high-quality broth.
Prices: While some reviews mention pricing as reasonable or fair, others find certain items overpriced. Overall, the reviews do not consistently indicate whether the restaurant is budget-friendly or expensive.
Parking: Multiple reviews mention ample parking, specifically referencing a shared parking lot.
Spicy options: Although not explicitly stated in all reviews, the variety of dishes and customization options suggest the availability of spicy options or the ability to adjust spice levels.
Portion sizes: Some reviews describe the portion sizes as generous or large enough for multiple people, indicating large portions.
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Not Noted
Pho Tick Tock Restaurant
Restaurant Address: 399 N Capitol Ave, San Jose, CA 95133
Pho Tick Tock Restaurant, located in the city of San Jose, California, offers a unique dining experience with its fusion-style Vietnamese cuisine and modern aesthetic. The restaurant provides a diverse menu featuring traditional and contemporary dishes, including pho, garlic noodles, and various appetizers, alongside innovative offerings like alcoholic boba. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, the restaurant attracts diners looking for flavorful Vietnamese food in a trendy, welcoming environment.
Price Range: $$
Broth quality: Multiple reviews praise the pho broth, describing it as flavorful, delicious, and light, although some mention the broth being more like tea or having too much MSG.
Prices: Reviews have conflicting information on pricing; some mention the restaurant being a little pricey or expensive, while others find the prices reasonable or 'priced right'. There is no consensus on the price range.
Parking: Reviews mention that parking is available, but not directly in front of the store, rather around the plaza.
Spicy options: Some reviews indicate that dishes can be made spicy, while others don't mention spice levels. Thus, there is no consistent information to confirm if spicy options are available for all dishes.
Portion sizes: Reviews have conflicting information; some mention generous portions while others mention small portions, particularly regarding the meat in pho and noodles. Therefore, it is unclear whether portions are consistently generous.