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
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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3
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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4
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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5
Lucky Lotus
Restaurant Address: 2721 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Lucky Lotus in Des Moines, Iowa, offers a vibrant dining experience with both traditional Vietnamese and modern fusion dishes in a quirky, colorful atmosphere decorated with movie posters and colorful umbrellas. The restaurant specializes in dishes like drunken noodles, crispy rice wraps, and various curry options, with particularly strong offerings for vegan and vegetarian diners. While parking can be challenging and spice levels run quite hot, the generous portions and reasonable prices make it a popular spot for both dine-in and takeout customers.
Price Range: $$
Reviews are divided; some praise the pho broth, while others find it lacking or not traditional.
The reviews express mixed opinions on the price. Some consider it affordable, while others find it overpriced, especially considering the portion sizes.
One review mentions parking as difficult, suggesting parking is available but potentially challenging.
Many reviews emphasize the restaurant's spice levels, indicating that customers can request or select varying degrees of spiciness in their dishes.
Several reviews describe the portion sizes as generous or large, specifically mentioning the pho and other dishes.
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6
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.
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7
Vietnam Cafe
Restaurant Address: 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
Vietnam Cafe in Des Moines, Iowa, serves up authentic Vietnamese cuisine from its food court location in the local mall. Despite its casual setting, the restaurant has earned a devoted following for its flavorful pho, which features a rich, aromatic broth and generous portions. Beyond their signature pho, they offer a diverse menu including fresh spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches, and a popular buffet option that showcases their full range of Vietnamese specialties.
Price Range: $
Several reviews specifically compliment the delicious and flavorful pho broth.
Many reviews suggest the restaurant is budget-friendly, mentioning reasonable prices and affordable options.
The restaurant is located in a mall food court; therefore, parking is likely available in the mall's parking lot.
Several reviews mention spicy dishes or the option to make dishes spicier, such as the spicy noodle soup.
Several reviews describe the pho portions as generous or large.
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8
TNT Vietnamese Restaurant
Restaurant Address: 3452 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50310
TNT Vietnamese Restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa, stands out as a cherished spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, particularly known for their flavorful pho with rich broth and generous portions. The cozy establishment offers a diverse menu featuring everything from traditional noodle dishes to banh mi sandwiches, with friendly service that makes guests feel welcome despite the modest décor. While the restaurant maintains a casual atmosphere, their commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors has earned them a loyal following among locals who don't mind driving significant distances for their Vietnamese comfort food fix.
Price Range: $
Multiple reviews praise the restaurant's pho broth, describing it as "spectacular" and highlighting its rich flavor.
Reviews have conflicting opinions on pricing, with some considering it affordable while others find it expensive or overpriced, indicating a lack of consensus.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability at the restaurant.
Reviews mention adding chili oil to the pho and others describing dishes as spicy, implying the availability of spicy options or the ability to customize spice levels.
Several reviews specifically comment on the generous portions of pho served, mentioning "lots of meat" and "a mound of sprouts and fresh basil".
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9
Whata Pho
Restaurant Address: 700 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Whata Pho in Des Moines, Iowa, stands out as a welcoming Vietnamese eatery where generous portions of steaming pho and fresh vermicelli bowls take center stage. The restaurant earns praise for its consistently flavorful broths and complimentary appetizers when dining in, making every visit feel special. The friendly staff and speedy service complement the authentic dishes, which range from traditional pho to crispy egg rolls and delightful sesame balls.
Price Range: $
Multiple reviewers praise the flavor of the pho broth, describing it as delicious and flavorful.
The reviews do not provide information about the restaurant's pricing, making it impossible to determine if it is budget-friendly or expensive.
The reviews do not contain information about parking availability at the restaurant.
One review mentions the chili oil as not spicy enough, implying the availability of spicy options or the possibility of making dishes spicier. Other reviews describe the food as delicious and flavorful, which could include spicy elements.
Multiple reviews highlight the large portion sizes of the pho, indicating generous servings.