Pho Akaushi Orlando — Restaurant in Alafaya

Our Hispanic family was excited to spend New Year’s Eve in Avalon Park, especially with relatives visiting us for the first time. After dinner, we decided to get Boba tea and headed to this establishment. Two members of our party of 11 went inside to order while the rest of us, including elderly family members and my 6-month pregnant niece, waited outside. Some of us sat in the outdoor seating area to rest.

We were informed that orders could only be placed through an app, not directly with the staff. After downloading the app, we noticed not all menu flavors were listed. When we asked for clarification, staff gave unclear answers and eventually substituted some drinks recogninzing that not all the menu was available in the app.

The situation escalated when the owner approached my pregnant niece multiple times, asking her to leave the outdoor seating because it was “reserved for dining customers.” Despite her repeated explanations that we were all part of the same group actively ordering drinks, the owner insisted. There were no signs indicating reserved seating, the restaurant was nearly empty, and outdoor seating was widely available.

What made the situation worse was noticing two white customers sitting undisturbed nearby, enjoying their drinks. It felt targeted and discriminatory. When confronted, the owner’s explanations were inconsistent and unconvincing.

This was an incredibly uncomfortable and disheartening experience. We had hoped to share one of Avalon Park’s highly rated spots with our family, but instead, we left feeling unwelcome and disrespected. It’s unfortunate because businesses like this have a responsibility to represent our diverse and inclusive community better.

*Response to the owner reply: *Unfortunately, you provided a refund after you were asked for it. Also, we respect your seating policy and consider it reasonable. However, your treatment of the group is not excusable. You need to acknowledge you did not conduct yourself in the most respectful way to paying customers waiting for their order. I hope you can make this right for other families in the future and not continue to behave...

I have never had such a terrible experience with a restaurant. Me and some family that came from Puerto Rico, decided to get boba after getting dinner. We were a party of 11. We walked in and the owner already had a really bad tone. Telling us “No no no” u need to get the app. Then we asked her why and her reply was “that’s how u order”. So we did that but then couldn’t find the flavor on the app we liked. So we asked her if she had taro and her reply was yes. Like come on lady how are you gonna make us get an app when the app doesn’t have updates and it’s slow. Then she gives us a menu to order the drinks we wanted. We ordered 4 drinks and everything was good until she asked my pregnant sister if she was with us and if she was getting a drink. My sister said Yes five times after the owner kept saying “You need to be with that party” and telling my sister the tables are reserved. BUT THERE WAS NO SIGNS! Also the lady kept saying we need to leave. When we are just waiting for the drinks. She told us we need to leave because boba is a drink to go and she was just letting us know. After that she was telling us to stay and she’ll give us a refund after we told her we were gonna leave nasty reviews. The lady just kept lying and lying. Not to mention the table next to us had two white boys drinking their boba away. Me and my family felt very targeted and disrespected. NEVER...

Absolutely incredible Vietnamese (French influence ) restaurant and immediately one of my favorite places. This place is a true gem I will be delighted to go to as often as I can for any occasion.

The bahn mi are in a class of their own. Absolutely out of this world. The beef or pork is charred to perfection, seasoned to perfection and the French bread is perfectly made for this sandwich. They also do not skimp on the size, wow.

The pho is also in the mix for the best I’ve had and they have a unique twist on it I’ve never seen elsewhere. What is that twist? Waygu beef. I’ve been to top rated places on the west coast and other cities and it’s easily in the conversation for best I’ve had… and certainly the only one I’ve ever been to with Waygu beef. It makes a difference. Like the bahn mi, well seasoned, delicate and well balanced.

Nice sized menu, plenty of options including appetizers, rice dishes and noodle dishes. I did steal a bite of the coconut rice and wow. Nicely stocked drink menu with some excellent choices.

The ambiance is small and cozy with lots of fun decor, especially at the holidays. The staff from the servers, chef and owners are incredibly welcoming and friendly. I’ll be happy to come back as often as I can.

10/10 - no complaints, critiques, suggestions. Incredible. Thank you for a...