Phở Cali

The portions are good and the freshness is great for a Pho joint. The ambience however leaves a lot to be desired. It is unwelcoming given the absence of smiling faces upon entry, because everyone is behind a fully enclosed wall with a hole for paying that is too narrow and short. The colors, nor the wood textures overcome the inhumanity of the experience. Nor does the non-Vietnamese music contribute to the Vietnamese roots of the Pho experience. Restaurants are part experiential, food is only part of that.
3 7 years ago (13-04-2018)

Don't be put off by the smell right before you enter. That's just the smell of the sewer, yes the sewer! Unfortunately the city decided to place 6 sewer manhole covers right in front of a shopping center zoned for restaurant. And pho California picked this spot for their establishment. I walked in from a nearby hotel because I love Vietnamese food. Ordered the same thing I normally do at every other place. Except for here it took a full 30 minutes to bring out a bowl of Pho. Yes. 30 minutes, it was remarkable. Never again will I visit this place, but not because of the time it took to bring my noodles, but because when they brought it the soup was an inch and a half below the rim of the bowl, and that's after I added the plate of fresh greens and bean sprouts. I was quite upset, but to their credit when I asked for additional broth the waiter brought it to me without hesitation. Needless to say that I ordered a large bowl and I received a large bowl with a small bowl portion. Not too satisfying. I have included 17 pictures of my experience. Hope this review is helpful.
3 7 years ago (18-04-2018)

The food was good and cooked well. We ordered fried rice and beef flat noodles. Dishes were somewhat small for the price tag. Service was lacking and it wasn't even busy. We wanted to order egg rolls but our server disappeared for so long we didn't order anything else when he reappeared. And yes, you can smell the sewer outside of the restaurant. We didn't get a whiff of it until we walked out and boyyyyy was it stinky. 4 stars for taste and quality of the food. If I go back I will just hold my breath when I enter or exit the building haha
4 7 years ago (17-05-2018)

Place seems to be very hit or miss. Sometimes my wife and I are blown away by the taste and quality of the Pho, while other times it's not even bearable. I would love to know who is the good cook so I can only come on those days. If you happen in on a good day the Pho and fried rice are to die for.
4 7 years ago (10-04-2018)

Great food! Great place! Great staff! But the price is a little higher than some of the same..
4 7 years ago (11-05-2018)