Dear Saigon Yonge-Finch — Restaurant in Toronto

Food: 1 Star Service: 1 Star Ambience: 1 Star Value: 1 Star Sanitary 1 Star Overall: 1 Star

I recently visited Dear Saigon Yonge-Finch, and unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. I had high hopes since I love Vietnamese food, but this visit left a lot to be desired. The pho was underwhelming. The broth was overly salty, and the MSG taste was way too strong, making it difficult to enjoy. I understand that MSG is commonly used in pho, but this was excessive. Instead of a rich and flavourful broth, it tasted like salt and artificial seasoning. It lacked the depth and balance that a good pho broth should have. The noodles and meat were average, nothing that stood out, and the garnishes weren’t as fresh as they should have been. The bean sprouts and basil lacked crispness, which was disappointing.

The restaurant itself could definitely use some maintenance. One of the first things I noticed was the plastic peeling off the spoons. This is concerning because when you eat with them, you’re likely ingesting microplastics. That’s really not something I want to think about while trying to enjoy a meal. It’s a basic thing that should be addressed, and I don’t understand why they haven’t replaced them. Another issue was the hanging decorations from the ceiling. I’ve never been a fan of these in restaurants because dust builds up, and the question is, how often do they actually clean them? It’s not a good look when you’re sitting there wondering if dust is falling onto your food.

The service was minimal, almost nonexistent. Our server came to take our order, brought the food, and then disappeared until it was time for the bill. There was no check-in to see if we needed anything, no water refills, nothing. I get that some places are more hands-off, but this felt like they just didn’t care. It made me question what I was supposed to tip for because tipping has become such a norm in Canadian culture that it feels wrong not to, even when service is lacking. In the end, I still tipped, but it didn’t feel earned.

Overall, my experience here wasn’t great. The food was mediocre at best, the cleanliness was questionable, and the service was lacking. I wouldn’t say it was the worst meal I’ve ever had, but I definitely won’t be in a rush to come back. There are plenty of other Vietnamese restaurants in the city that offer better pho, cleaner environments, and friendlier service. If they improved the quality of their food, took better care of their restaurant, and trained their staff to be more attentive, it could be a decent spot. But as it stands now, I wouldn’t recommend it.

xx...

I made a reservation for my daughter's birthday, and our group consists of 12 people. My daughter's friends wanted to try Vietnamese food, and we wanted to introduce them to Vietnamese cuisine. I called them on February 19 to book a reservation for March 2. I requested seating along the wall so the kids could have their own space. They said they would consider it and they will call me back, but I never received any call from them.

Today, I went in to confirm one last time. They told me that their owner did not agree because that day is a weekend and they expect many customers at that time. They also prefer the seating area I requested first but they said other customer also wanting our spot. I responded that I am also a customer, and the children coming with me are customers as well, we are all equal customers. Their attitude showed a lack of respect for their customers. They treated me as if,I was just a random customers because I am a Vietnamese,as if I am not customer. How ridiculous!

I cancelled my plan to host the party there. I have never seen a business operate this way. Their brand is called "Dear Saigon." I am from Saigon too, yet I see that they do not uphold the values of their own brand.

Toronto has many restaurants, and if a business does not treat customers with respect and fairly, there is no need for us to support them. If they even look down on their fellow Vietnamese, then what kind of customers do they expect to serve in Toronto?

= Thank you for your response. I truly appreciate your apology. However, I would like to clarify what actually happened.

Your explanation regarding the seating arrangement reflects discrimination. I was never informed by your staff about any minimum charge at all. Your employee simply mentioned that other guests preferred that seating area, and you only offered me a table in the middle.

I also explained that I needed a space where the children could feel private and comfortable, specifically a seat along the wall. We were willing to order more food to compensate for the cost. That is the truth.

The way you are running your business is discriminatory. I went to Pho Anh Vu, and they were very welcoming, had no issues, and treated their customers with respect.

Regardless, I do not want to escalate the situation because we are all Vietnamese. However, I, along with other Vietnamese people, believe in mutual respect—something that is not reflected in the way your brand...

Last Friday night, my friends and I decided to explore the much-hyped Pho Anh Vu located at the vibrant corner of Yonge and Finch in North York. Despite arriving at a bustling 8:30 PM, the welcoming ambiance and the lively atmosphere immediately assured us we made the right choice. Pho Anh Vu isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a visual feast, both for the eyes and the palate, with its reputation spreading across Toronto through its multiple locations.

The first thing that caught our attention was the stunning decor. The restaurant boasts an exquisite arrangement of fake flowers and trees, cascading from the walls to the ceiling, creating a mesmerizing garden-like atmosphere that’s both unique and inviting. The clever lighting accentuates the vibrant colors around the restaurant, including the food, making everything come alive. It’s rare to find such attention to detail in decor and cleanliness, especially the washrooms, which were immaculate, setting a high standard compared to many other Asian eateries.

Now, let’s talk about the main event - the food. Our culinary journey included salad, Bun Cha, vermicelli, and spring rolls, each dish presenting a symphony of flavors that danced harmoniously on our taste buds. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I’ve been daydreaming about those dishes ever since. The food at Pho Anh Vu is not just a meal; it’s an experience, one that lingers long after the last bite.

The service complemented the exceptional dining experience, with friendly and attentive staff making us feel right at home. Their warm hospitality is the cherry on top of an already delightful visit, ensuring that Pho Anh Vu is not just a one-time stop but a destination we’ll return to time and again.

Located within walking distance for us, Pho Anh Vu has quickly ascended to the top of our go-to list for Vietnamese cuisine in North York. It’s a gem that marries beautiful ambiance with culinary excellence, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area or those willing to travel for a taste of Vietnam that resonates with authenticity and passion. I cannot recommend Pho Anh Vu enough – prepare to be wowed and to leave dreaming of...