Best Pho in Portland, Maine
1
Sun Vietnamese Restaurant
Restaurant Address: 699 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Sun Vietnamese Restaurant in Portland, Maine, has earned a reputation for serving some of the most flavorful and authentic Vietnamese cuisine in the area, particularly known for their rich, aromatic pho broth that keeps locals coming back. The family-run establishment offers generous portions at budget-friendly prices, with standout dishes including their banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, and various pho options served with fresh herbs and bean sprouts. While the exterior may appear modest, the warm service from the owners and consistently well-prepared dishes have made this restaurant a beloved fixture in Portland's dining scene.
Price Range: $
Reviewers frequently praise the pho broth's flavor and richness, describing it as "delicious," "flavorful," and "rich."
Many reviewers praise the restaurant's budget-friendly prices, describing it as "cheap eats," "affordable," and "great prices."
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability at the restaurant.
Although some reviewers mention the spice level of their dishes, the reviews do not explicitly state if dishes can be customized for spiciness or other levels. One review mentions jalapeños in a banh mi.
Several reviews describe the pho portions as "large," "generous," or enough for two meals, suggesting generous portions.
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2
Saigon Restaurant
Restaurant Address: 795 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Saigon Restaurant in Portland, Maine, offers a cozy dining experience with a diverse menu of authentic Vietnamese dishes, particularly known for their signature pho. The intimate space features friendly service and consistently fresh ingredients, with portion sizes that provide excellent value for the price point. While opinions on the broth vary among customers, this family-owned establishment has maintained a loyal following for its traditional Vietnamese comfort food and complimentary tofu soup.
Price Range: $
The reviews frequently cite the delicious and flavorful pho broth, with some describing it as 'perfection'. However, there are also mentions of broth being overly salty or sugary, indicating inconsistency.
Many reviews suggest the restaurant is budget-friendly, with positive comments on the value for the price of the food.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability at the restaurant.
Some reviews highlight the availability of spicy dishes, while others indicate that the food can be 'slightly on the sweeter side'. The reviews do not definitively confirm that all dishes can be customized to add spice.
Several reviews describe the portion sizes as 'well above average', 'really nice portion', and 'generous'. However, some negative reviews mention small portions of meat in their pho.
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3
Thanh Thanh 2
Restaurant Address: 782 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Thanh Thanh 2 in Portland, Maine, stands out as a beloved destination for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, particularly known for their expertly crafted pho with rich, flavorful broth. The restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with efficient, friendly service and consistently clean dining areas, though some reviewers note the interior design could use an update. While the exterior might seem unassuming, this family-run establishment has earned a reputation for serving generous portions of traditional Vietnamese dishes that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
Price Range: $
Reviewers frequently highlight the delicious and flavorful broth in their pho.
The reviews present a mixed opinion on the restaurant's pricing, with some describing it as affordable while others mention increased prices and overpricing.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability at the restaurant.
Reviews mention spicy pho options and a "nice and spicy" pho, indicating the availability of spicy dishes or the option to make dishes spicy.
Several reviews describe the pho portions as "huge" or mention finishing a whole bowl, suggesting generous portions.
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4
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: $$
Several reviews praise the pho broth's quality, describing it as "bomb diggity," "delicious," and "above average."
Many reviews refer to the restaurant's reasonable prices, indicating it is budget-friendly.
Reviews mention limited parking but also street parking availability.
One review describes a dish as being too spicy despite ordering a moderate spice level, and other reviews mention spicy lemongrass shrimp. This suggests that dishes can be made spicy, or at least that spicy options exist.
Many reviews emphasize the generous portions served, particularly regarding the size of the noodle bowls and pho.
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5
Mekong Asian Bistro
Restaurant Address: 865 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Mekong Asian Bistro in Portland, Maine, offers a diverse menu of Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese cuisine in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its generous portion sizes and reasonable lunch specials, though the quality of service can be inconsistent at times. While some diners praise their house pho and pad thai dishes, others find the flavors somewhat mild, making it a reliable spot for those who prefer less spicy Asian fare.
Price Range: $$
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
6
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.