Pho La Jolla

My sister and I recently visited Pho La Jolla—it’s become a cherished tradition to get Vietnamese food either right before or after she flies out of San Diego, and this is officially our new go-to spot! This restaurant truly is a cultural icon in La Jolla, serving absolutely phenomenal, high-quality Vietnamese cuisine. We were lucky enough to meet the owner, Tammy, and her husband, and sitting next to them and hearing about their 17 years of building this successful, fantastic business was such a highlight. We took their suggestions on food, and everything was fantastic! From the crispy fried spring rolls and refreshing fresh spring rolls to the perfectly seasoned wings and the truly amazing rib pho, every dish was a winner. It was all seasoned and cooked to perfection. Thank you, Tammy and husband, for the incredible hospitality and the wonderful food. We can’t wait to come back. Everyone must try this place—it’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a staple of the community!

My wife and I have been dining here @ La Jolla Phò, for the past 15+ years. It is our go to spot! The ambiance is quaint, with a welcome home type of atmosphere. I promise, they have something for everyone! With a vast menu, that covers the absolute “Best” & “Colossal” bowls of Phó in San Diego county. So over the past decade and a half we tried every dish on the menu. Just when you thought, it couldn’t get any better than this. Bam Tammy the owner launched “Cajun Seafood Boil” Now I’m a carnivore so I tried the New “BBQ Pork Buns” mmm.. pillowy soft buns filled with savory & slightly sweet bbq pork. Mouth watering! My wife the pescatarian ordered the “Bowl” she chose “Clams, Mussels and Shrimp” the set-up was priceless. Butcher paper for a table cloth, equipped with a bib, and gloves. (Definitely needed) she described the flavor as “Smoky, spicy, and aromatic, with a robust and complex flavor” but you can choose your spice level. She gave it her all and fell short to finishing it. All I can say is this “mom and pop shop” is a diamond in the rough!! Shame on you if you don’t try it.

I love this pho place so much! I highly recommended. I usually get the rare steak pho and mango boba smoothie!! It is soo yum and always comes out super quick. They also have amazing spring rolls and everything is really good. They even just expanded their menu. I usually go for lunch but I recently went for dinner with my mom and the female owner came out and gave everyone including us a delicious complementary dessert sesame ball. I love this place so much and will continue going here a ton!! They even just expanded there menu to have crab boil!!

Food “Neophobia,” is the fear of trying new or unfamiliar foods. Get out of the way and let your tastebuds try something new. Come on “live a little, taste a little.” At Phó La Jolla, I have eaten so many appetizing dishes. From Phò, Vermicelli Noodles, Bán Mì Sandwiches, to the array of their appetizers like Spring Rolls, Crispy Salt and Pepper Wings, or Steaming BBQ Pork Buns. Not to mention their New Cajun Seafood Boil Menu, where you choose the flavor and the level of heat. Just remember, you “feast” by the pound so bring your appetite. My mouth is watering as I am leaving this review. So, when “Tammy” the owner of Phó La Jolla mentioned the new dish “Bún Riêu,” I was eager with anticipation. “Bún Riêu” is a Vietnamese noodle soup, with a vibrant red-orange color from the tomatoes and crab paste, it’s aromatic and savory. Served w/ Vermicelli noodles and substantial amounts of Shrimp, Chicken and Tofu. Mmm…, it was delectable, a taste so unique and different. I asked Tammy what influenced her dishes, and she said “a replication of her mothers’ taste and her own innovation.” Take it from a “foodie,” @ Phò La Jolla, where every flavor tells a story.

I’ve been here before about 15 years ago with my mother. I do not recall this lol They added a “Cajun Seafood Boil” and I happened to be here for their soft opening. The staff is very attentive (TY Jesus) and the owners made me feel very welcome asking me if I liked the food, almost like family I did not get the pho I was craving, but the Cajun seafood boil was delicious. I enjoyed the flavors and of course a lot of garlic. Thank you for this experience as I was having a bad day you made my day!!

I'm glad we stopped in Pho La Jolla. The food was excellent and the server was responsive despite working the dining room by herself. People unfairly complain about the prices but they absolutely normal, especially for the portion size and quality. I commented that there were a LOT of noodles (and there were) but this is the first time I've run out if noodles before I ran out of meat. The flank and meatballs were excellent. My wife's bun bo hue was perfectly spicy and very flavorful. When we return, we'll take the opportunity to split the pho and then something else off the menu so we can try another dish. I'm looking forward to it.

The food was pretty good and great for our late night cravings. It wasn't our favorite pho place, but the food was good and we were happy we went here. The portion sizes are great, and the staff were very friendly and wanted us, and everyone there, to have the best dinner experience possible. It's nice that this place is open much later than others, so it serves as a great place for those late night pho cravings.