Best Pho in Des Moines, Iowa
1
A Dong Restaurant
Restaurant Address: 1511 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309
A Dong Restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa, has established itself as a longstanding Vietnamese eatery offering an extensive menu of traditional dishes ranging from pho to vermicelli bowls. The bright, minimalist interior features clean surroundings and orchid decorations, creating a casual dining atmosphere perfect for both newcomers and regulars. While the restaurant specializes in Vietnamese classics like spring rolls and pho, they also cater to various dietary preferences with vegetarian options and bubble tea selections.
Price Range: $
Reviews are mixed; while many praise the pho, others criticize the broth as bland or flavorless. Therefore, a definitive "yes" cannot be given.
Reviews are mixed regarding price. Some consider it budget-friendly, others find it pricey, especially after a recent price increase.
Reviews mention both street parking and a parking lot behind the building.
At least one review states that the server offered to make a dish spicy upon request.
Some reviews mention generous portions, while others do not comment on portion size.
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2
Phở All Seasons
Restaurant Address: 1311 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Phở All Seasons in Des Moines, Iowa serves up authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a menu that has garnered attention for its flavorful pho and diverse selection of traditional dishes. The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices, with standout items including their signature pho bowls, fresh spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee. While the atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, locals appreciate the authentic flavors that remind many of traditional Vietnamese home cooking.
Price Range: $
Multiple reviewers praise the pho broth, describing it as "perfect," "authentic," and "full of flavor." However, some reviewers had negative experiences, finding the broth too fatty or bland.
Many reviewers describe the restaurant as offering great food at affordable prices or "great price."
One review mentions a "large parking lot near shop."
Reviews mention dishes like Bun Bo Hue (spicy Vietnamese soup) and the availability of hot sauces, indicating that spicy options are available or dishes can be made spicy.
Several reviews describe the restaurant's portions as "large," "huge," and "generous," particularly in reference to the pho.
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3
Pho 515
Restaurant Address: 801 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Pho 515 in Des Moines, Iowa, stands out as a beloved Vietnamese restaurant nestled inside a local Asian supermarket, serving up steaming bowls of their signature pho with rich, aromatic broth and fresh ingredients. The casual eatery offers an extensive menu featuring everything from traditional vermicelli bowls to banh mi sandwiches on house-baked bread, accompanied by friendly service and reasonable prices. Beyond just pho, customers can enjoy authentic Vietnamese appetizers like spring rolls and egg rolls, plus bubble tea drinks, while the convenient market location allows for grocery shopping before or after the meal.
Price Range: $
Reviewers frequently praise the pho broth, describing it as 'on point', 'rich and aromatic', 'spectacular', and 'bursting with flavor'.
Reviews suggest the restaurant is budget-friendly, with many emphasizing the good value and reasonable prices for the portion sizes.
One review mentions parking as a 'pain', while another mentions ample parking. The overall consensus regarding parking is unclear from the reviews.
While some dishes are described as spicy, or the option to add chili is implied, there's no definitive statement about all dishes having a spicy option.
Several reviews highlight the generous portions of pho, often indicating that one order is sufficient for two meals.
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4
Pho Real Kitchen and Bar
Restaurant Address: 200 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Pho Real Kitchen and Bar offers a vibrant atmosphere where diners can enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a modern setting. The restaurant has become particularly well-known for its flavorful pho broth and extensive selection of boba tea drinks that keep locals coming back. The friendly staff provides quick service in this cozy downtown spot that successfully combines traditional Vietnamese flavors with contemporary dining vibes.
Price Range: $
The reviews frequently praise the deliciousness and quality of the pho broth, with many describing it as flavorful and rich.
Reviews express a range of opinions about pricing, with some describing it as reasonable or good value, while others suggest it's expensive for the portion sizes.
Several reviews mention challenges with parking, particularly due to the downtown location.
Many reviews suggest that the restaurant offers spicy options or the ability to customize spiciness with chili oil.
Some reviews mention large portion sizes, while others mention smaller portions. There is no clear consensus regarding portion size.
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5
Pho 888
Restaurant Address: 1521 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Pho 888 in Des Moines, Iowa, serves up some of the most authentic Vietnamese cuisine in the metro area, particularly known for their richly flavored pho with generous portions and fresh traditional garnishes. The no-frills restaurant offers a diverse menu including spring rolls, vermicelli bowls, and banh mi sandwiches at reasonable prices that keep locals coming back. While the atmosphere is modest and service can be unhurried, the consistently delicious food makes this family-owned establishment a beloved destination for Vietnamese comfort food in central Iowa.
Price Range: $
The reviews frequently praise the rich and flavorful broth of the pho, highlighting it as a key element of the dish.
The reviews suggest that the restaurant is generally budget-friendly, with many describing the prices as reasonable or decent for the quantity of food.
There is no information about parking availability in the provided reviews.
While some reviews mention the availability of chili paste and other condiments for adding spice, there's no definitive statement about the possibility of making all dishes spicy.
Many reviews comment on the generous portion sizes of the pho, noting that the bowls are often too large to finish in one sitting.
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6
Zavy Kitchen
Restaurant Address: 111 E Grand Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50309
Zavy Kitchen in Des Moines, Iowa, stands out as a modern Vietnamese restaurant offering a diverse menu of authentic dishes in a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The establishment has earned a reputation for its flavorful pho with clear, aromatic broth, perfectly seasoned meats, and creative fusion beverages like their signature Ube cream coffee. Their commitment to quality is evident in their generous portions and fresh ingredients, making it a standout dining destination in the East Village neighborhood.
Price Range: $$
Many reviews specifically compliment the quality and taste of the pho broth, indicating that it is a strong point of the restaurant.
Reviews are mixed; some consider the restaurant affordable given the quality and location, while others feel it is expensive for the portion sizes.
Reviews mention street parking and a nearby parking garage as options for parking near the restaurant.
Several reviews indicate that the restaurant offers spicy options or the ability to customize spice levels, such as adding chili or sriracha to pho.
Some reviews suggest generous portions, while others note that portions may not always match the price point.
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7
All Pho You
Restaurant Address: 4120 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
All Pho You in Des Moines, Iowa, serves up authentic Vietnamese cuisine with their signature pho broth that strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet flavors. The family-run establishment offers generous portions at reasonable prices, with menu highlights including their house special pho, fresh spring rolls, and banh mi sandwiches. The clean, welcoming atmosphere and attentive service from owner Lena and her staff have made this spot a local favorite for both dine-in and takeout experiences.
Price Range: $
Numerous reviews praise the pho broth's deliciousness and unique flavor.
Reviews suggest that the restaurant is generally considered budget-friendly, with comments about affordable prices and value for money.
One review mentions the availability of plenty of parking.
Many reviews mention the availability of spicy options and the ability to adjust spice levels for various dishes.
Many reviews comment on the generous portion sizes of the pho.