Well located in the heart of Dublinâs busy city centre, surrounded by tourist hotspots and foot traffic, Pho Ta should be thriving. Thatâs why I was surprised to find it almost empty during my visit.
Unfortunately, the first impression was a bit depressing. The interior, dominated by dark brown tones, dim lighting, and partially covered windows, creates a gloomy and unwelcoming atmosphere. It feels more like a forgotten corner café than a vibrant Vietnamese restaurant.
That said, the service was very friendly and attentive, which made a big difference. I ordered the Pho with beef, and I must say - it was absolutely delicious. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the meat perfectly cooked. Food lovers wonât be disappointed on that front.
However, the experience took another hit when I visited the toilet. You have to go down a steep, narrow corridor, and the restroom itself, while functional, feels more like a cave - although generally clean, shows visible wear and tear. One particularly odd detail: in almost every corner, there was a random old mug or plate left behind. It felt more like a storage room than part of a professional restaurant.
If you care only about the food, Pho Ta delivers. But itâs not a place Iâd choose for a business lunch or a date - it lacks charm, ambiance, and professionalism. A lot of untapped...
   Read moreDO NOT come here if youâre a tourist itâs a tourist trap spot with overpriced and poor quality food. I ordered the Pho Ga the chicken tasted very soapy like cilantro and the broth was flavorless. However, the vietnamese friend chicken was great. When I politely asked for a refund or to send back my entree for a different item I was told âitâs against our policy to give refundsâ then I was told âlet me go speak to managerâ when I asked to speak to whoever was supervising staff in the same moment my server told me âYou canât speak to her the manager is not inâ obviously not true. The hospitality from the staff immediately changed after I said âHi Iâm sorry for any inconvenience I never like to send food back as I myself am server but I really do not like my entree.â In all I paid 18 euros and tipped (I paid before I got my food) for 4 friend chicken strips. I highly would not recommend to any Pho lovers and tourists. and the menu price you see online are completely inaccurate and up-charged once you order in person, the Pho Ga is 18 euros and some change. Better off going to Madame Pho or Pho viet if youâre looking for Pho in Dublin. This is coming from someone who has had Pho in...
   Read moreAtmosphere & Cleanliness: Pho Ta offers a warm, inviting space with a touch of Vietnamese charm. The restaurant was clean and the ambiance was peaceful with low noise levels, making it easy to enjoy conversations.
Menu & Food Quality: The food was fresh, flavourful, and beautifully prepared. We ordered a bottle of wine, and for starters had chim quay (roast quail) and Nem Thit Cua (deep-fried crab spring rolls)âboth were packed with taste. Our mains were com Thit Nuong (grilled pork and spring rolls with rice) and Pho Dac Biet (traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with beef, chicken, and prawn). Each dish had generous portions and was rich in authentic flavour.
Service: The staff were kind, welcoming, and attentive throughout our visit.
Pricing & Value: Reasonable prices considering the quality and quantity of food. Definitely good value for money.
Accessibility: Located in the city centre, the restaurant is easily reachable from different parts of Dublin and beyond.
Overall Experience: A lovely experience with delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Iâd happily return for...
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