Pho Excellent — Restaurant in Hamilton

I visited this store a while ago after moving to the neighborhood, hoping to explore a go-to place nearby.

All I wanted was a simple vermicelli order to go. When I approached the front counter and told the staff member what I wanted, he responded in a rather demanding tone, instructing me to walk to a table near the entrance, fill out an order sheet, and bring it back to him. It felt a bit odd, but I complied without issue. (There were only two other customers seated at one table when I visited, around 3:30 to 4:00 p.m., so the place wasn’t busy at all.)

Once my food was ready, I tapped to pay and left. However, upon checking the receipt, I noticed I had been charged more than the price listed on the menu. I turned back and politely asked about the price difference.

To my surprise, the staff member responded rudely, saying the prices had recently increased but hadn’t yet been updated on the menu. Then he snapped, “What do you want?!” I explained that I lived nearby and was planning to return, so I just wanted to confirm the correct price. He accused me of just wanting money and, in a very dismissive manner, tossed a few coins onto the counter and told me to leave.

Even now, as I write this review, I still feel unsettled by the experience. I’ve never encountered such disrespect from a restaurant employee (or possibly the owner) anywhere in Canada or the U.S.

Throughout the entire visit, I was polite. I complied with their ordering procedure, and my inquiry about the price was made respectfully. Yet, despite admitting the price he charged me was incorrect, he turned the blame on me for simply asking.

There was a young trainee working that day who was very kind and respectful. From his expression, it was clear he was also taken aback by the way the trainer handled the situation. I truly hope he doesn’t have to continue working in such an environment.

Response to Owner's Reply below:

The staff gave me some coins back for the wrong price he charged me, so I don’t need any further refund.

The receipt I received only showed the total amount charged, without any line items. So it’s possible the higher price he entered into the machine was simply incorrect, and he used the price increase not reflected on the menu as an excuse.

This happened a while ago, and I didn’t want to write the review while I was still feeling upset and emotional.

I checked some previous reviews and noticed several others had also mentioned bad attitudes from the staff, so it...

I always post reviews out of my heart so here it goes. I LOVE coming here. This is the only Pho place I come to in all of Hamilton. The Owner/Chef is a very down to earth, thoughtful, considerate and a great Chef!! This place makes food like no other place in Hamilton. It’s highly underrated which is why I’m writing this review so many people can come and visit. The quality and service I receive here every single time exceeds my expectations. I have visited many places within the city and outside, but the taste and flavours added to the food I order at this place is just very unique compared to the others. It always brings a smile to my face. Danny (the owner), is very experienced and knowledgable. The care and thoughtfulness he shows towards his customers specifically for vegetarians where I know some might be very picky and specific with their orders just like I am, is what I’m very thankful for and makes me come back here. Just like Danny said, everyone does it differently, but the way you do it matters the most, which brings most of his customers back. I’m very grateful and happy this place is closer to home and I can visit as many as times as I want and order all my favourite food. Some of my favourite items on the list are: veggie spring rolls, veggie ginger based tofu soup and tom yum soup. I won’t stop visiting and will make sure I spread the word because this place deserves it. Thank you for the great hospitality, food and service you provide here that makes me want to come back every single time. Can’t...

Our first time coming to this place, we order takeout and we dine in as well. Ordering is easy, we are party of four, we order 2 soups (1 to go) , appetizer, and another dish. The soup was huge, (XL) we decided to share since we don't know how it's like, and perhaps if we like it we will order another, so we ask for extra bowl (which every place they will provide you with no fuss), not here! ah ah. A guy came, and I believe he is the owner looking like and he said "we only give you 1 extra bowl otherwise we will not have profit, if you want more $1 dollar charge per bowl", he said it with an attitude and a bad tone; we look at each other and we said that's fine give us 3 more bowls we pay. The waiter came with 1 bowl with the same guy standing beside him; and we said, we ask for 3 more bowls. He came with a harsher tone, we have no choice but to cut him off and I said, we told you we will pay for extra bowls so you can make your profit! That makes him queit. The lesson for this review why I tried to elaborate, having a business is not all about profit, because the profit comes with great attitude, referal, good environment and of course good food and great service! Yes, this place has okay food, but I will never come back to give my...