Family Pho Ever — Restaurant in Camrose

Visiting Camrose from Vancouver. I was very surprised to see not one, but two pho restaurants on "main street" while doing some shopping. For lunch today I chose Family Pho. Very good service: friendly, attentive, genuine. I ordered my usual, the rare beef (haha... I say the "usual" because despite eating at dozens of different pho places on the Mainland, I always have the same soup 🤣). My first impression was that the broth was a little bland, but I found that as I went along, subtle flavors undetected at first gradually became more evident, including an ingredient (???) that added some distinct flavor I don't ever remember from any previous pho I've had. Same with the rice noodles, ie. my initial impression was that they were undercooked. Not just el dente, but taken off the boil too soon and chewy. I actually was on the verge of sending the soup back. But I was starving, so preserved -- and was glad that I did, as in a couple of minutes, the noodles finished cooking in the broth in the bowl, and texturally were similar to what I've experienced elsewhere. But my main issue is the portion of beef: very skimpy. Which I actually mentioned to the server when I paid. Not complaining: I told her that the lunch was very good, that I was visiting from out of town and was glad I stopped in, but, that at most other pho places I've been to there's more beef in that particular soup. She was very gracious, thanked me for my feedback and say she'd mention it to "the boss." I'd definitely go back to Family Pho next time I'm in Camrose (and will certainly try the other pho restaurant across the street) but maybe order...

It's a pretty substantial claim to state this is the best Vietnamese food in Alberta but it gets my vote. While well known to Camrose, a lot of travelling through may miss this place. I cannot encourage you enough to make sure you check this place out if you're near by. The food is spectacular and stands well ahead of other Vietnamese restaurants. Everything from the Pho, vermicelli bowls, salad rolls and rice bowls are all amazingly good. Staff is extremely friendly, and seems to remember everyone who walked through their doors. They even explain where the food comes from, and how best to enjoy it. A must go for anyone near Camrose, or foodie in Alberta! Easy parking, with ample space, however not...

This restaurant could close early, yesterday we arrived at 7:20 pm at the restaurant, only to be told that the restaurant is closing and they no longer accepts customers while on Google map it says they open till 8:30 pm. It was a little disappointing as we were traveller from out of town and made a slight detour to stop at this restaurant for super.

If you are travelling and planning to stop by at Camrose for this restaurant especially close to closing time, best to call ahead of time to confirm that they are taking in dine in customers before...