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.
Overview
Pho La Jolla is the kind of place you find yourself returning to time and time again. Nestled at 3211 Holiday Ct, La Jolla, CA, this charming restaurant brings the heart of Vietnamese cuisine right to the coast of California. Known for its aromatic pho and vibrant menu, Pho La Jolla has quickly become a local favorite for both casual diners and food enthusiasts looking for something comforting yet bold.
The star of the menu, without a doubt, is their pho. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of slurping up a bowl of this iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, you’ll appreciate just how Pho La Jolla elevates the experience. The broth is rich and complex, slow-cooked to bring out deep flavors, without being overly greasy. The herbs are fresh, adding the perfect balance to the savory beef or chicken that floats in the steaming bowl. It's a flavor profile that dances between umami, herbal freshness, and a hint of spice, making each spoonful a delightful experience.
Pho La Jolla also offers an extensive variety of pho options. Whether you’re a purist who loves the classic pho with rare beef, or someone who enjoys experimenting with other proteins, there's something here for everyone. Their pho ga (chicken pho) is equally popular, boasting tender chicken and a broth that feels like a warm hug from the inside. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the pho with brisket or meatballs for an even heartier experience.
But pho isn’t the only thing Pho La Jolla does well. Their menu is packed with other standout dishes that showcase the diverse flavors of Vietnam. You can’t go wrong with the spring rolls, crispy on the outside but soft and flavorful on the inside. Paired with a rich peanut dipping sauce, these rolls are an appetizer you’ll wish you ordered more of. The banh mi sandwiches are another highlight. With perfectly grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and that essential crunch of the baguette, it’s a bite of Vietnam right in the heart of La Jolla.
What makes Pho La Jolla even more special is its inviting atmosphere. The space is cozy yet modern, with simple décor that lets the food take center stage. It’s the type of place where you feel comfortable grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a long, relaxed meal with friends or family. Whether you’re coming in for a quick lunch during a busy workday or making an evening out of it, the restaurant’s ambiance adds to the experience.
What truly sets Pho La Jolla apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. The owners, who have deep roots in Vietnamese cooking, ensure that every dish on the menu stays true to traditional flavors. You can tell that they take great pride in their craft, and it shows in the freshness of their ingredients and the care they put into every bowl of pho. It’s a level of dedication that you can only find in family-owned restaurants, where the chefs are directly connected to the culture and food they’re serving.
Customer reviews consistently rave about the friendly service and the consistently high-quality dishes. Regulars often comment on how Pho La Jolla feels like a hidden gem in La Jolla, offering food that’s not only delicious but also affordable. In a town with no shortage of dining options, Pho La Jolla stands out for its blend of authentic Vietnamese flavors and laid-back atmosphere. It’s clear that the restaurant isn’t just about serving food; it’s about offering a memorable dining experience that feels both personal and special.
If you find yourself in La Jolla and craving something flavorful and satisfying, Pho La Jolla is the place to go. Whether you're a pho enthusiast or new to Vietnamese cuisine, you’ll leave satisfied, already planning your next visit.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ CasualCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Locals ✓ Transgender safe space ✓ University studentsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
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’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 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!!
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.
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!
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.