Best Pho in Portland, Maine
1
Cong Tu Bot
Restaurant Address: 75 Washington Avenue, 57 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Cong Tu Bot in Portland, Maine offers a modern twist on Vietnamese cuisine with an open-kitchen concept and lively atmosphere. The menu features signature dishes like chicken pho and twice-cooked eggplant, though portions tend to run small for their premium pricing. While the restaurant draws mixed reviews for authenticity, the friendly service and creative cocktail program help create an engaging dining experience for those seeking upscale Asian fusion fare.
Price Range: $
Reviews are mixed; some praise the pho broth, while others find it bland, weak, or not authentically Vietnamese.
The reviews frequently mention high prices, small portions, and overall value concerns, indicating that it is considered expensive rather than budget-friendly.
One review mentions that there is plenty of street parking available.
Several reviews highlight the spiciness of certain dishes, and others mention adding chili or that dishes can be spicy, suggesting that spicy options are available.
Many reviews criticize the small portion sizes for the price, especially concerning the pho.
Known For
Not Noted
2
Veranda Noodle Bar
Restaurant Address: 14 Veranda St, Portland, ME 04103
Veranda Noodle Bar in Portland, Maine, serves up generous portions of authentic Vietnamese cuisine with their pho and vermicelli dishes being standout favorites. The casual eatery offers a diverse menu featuring everything from spring rolls to fried rice, all served in a clean, comfortable setting with window views of the street. Their reasonable prices and sizeable portions make this spot a popular choice for locals seeking flavorful Asian fare, though parking can be limited to street spots.
Price Range: $$
Several reviews praise the pho broth's quality, describing it as "bomb diggity," "delicious," and "above average."
Many reviews refer to the restaurant's reasonable prices, indicating it is budget-friendly.
Reviews mention limited parking but also street parking availability.
One review describes a dish as being too spicy despite ordering a moderate spice level, and other reviews mention spicy lemongrass shrimp. This suggests that dishes can be made spicy, or at least that spicy options exist.
Many reviews emphasize the generous portions served, particularly regarding the size of the noodle bowls and pho.
Known For
Not Noted
3
Huong's Vietnamese Restaurant
Restaurant Address: 267 St John St, Portland, ME 04101
Huong's Vietnamese Restaurant in Portland, Maine, offers a mixed dining experience with their traditional Vietnamese cuisine, particularly known for their pho and spring rolls. The casual, family-owned establishment provides a variety of dishes including banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, and bubble tea, though opinions on authenticity and quality vary widely among patrons. While some customers praise the restaurant's reasonable prices and friendly service, others note inconsistencies in portion sizes and broth preparation, making it a spot that largely depends on individual preferences and expectations.
Price Range: $
Reviews are mixed; some describe the broth as delicious and flavorful, while others find it bland, watery, or artificial.
Reviews describe the restaurant's prices as reasonable, great value, or expensive, depending on individual experiences and expectations.
One review mentions that there is plenty of street parking available.
Several reviews mention spicy pho and dishes, indicating that spicy options are available.
Reviews are mixed on portion sizes; some mention generous portions while others say the restaurant skimps on noodles and meat.
Known For
Not Noted
4
Mekong Asian Bistro
Restaurant Address: 865 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Mekong Asian Bistro in Portland, Maine, offers a diverse menu of Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese cuisine in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its generous portion sizes and reasonable lunch specials, though the quality of service can be inconsistent at times. While some diners praise their house pho and pad thai dishes, others find the flavors somewhat mild, making it a reliable spot for those who prefer less spicy Asian fare.
Price Range: $$
Reviews are mixed; some praise the pho broth, while others find it bland or lacking in flavor. Therefore, a definitive 'great' cannot be asserted.
Reviews mention both affordable prices and complaints about Portland prices being high. Therefore, a definitive judgment of budget-friendliness is not possible.
One review explicitly mentions the availability of off-street parking.
Multiple reviews discuss the spiciness of dishes, indicating that adjustments to spice levels are possible or that spicy options are available.
Many reviews praise the generous portions of food, including those of pho.
Known For
Not Noted
5
Veranda Thai Cuisine
Restaurant Address: 9 Veranda St, Portland, ME 04103
Veranda Thai Cuisine in Portland, Maine, is a casual hole-in-the-wall establishment that consistently serves up generous portions of authentic Thai dishes at reasonable prices. The restaurant specializes in crowd favorites like drunken noodles, pad thai, and various curry dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and customizable spice levels. While primarily operating as a takeout spot with limited dine-in seating, this unassuming eatery has become a local favorite for its consistently delicious food and friendly service.
Price Range: $$
Reviews do not explicitly discuss the quality of the pho broth.
Reviews describe the restaurant as having reasonable prices and being budget-friendly, while one review considered it expensive.
One review mentions limited parking, plus on-street parking, indicating that parking is available but may be limited.
Several reviews discuss the spiciness of dishes, and at least one mentions ordering a dish with a specific spice level. One review even notes the hot sauce being mixed into the dish despite instructions to the contrary.
Many reviews comment on the large or generous portions served at this restaurant.