Pho Benny — Restaurant in Lafayette

DELICIOUS hidden gem in Lafayette! Pho Benny is great. First of all they bring a large plate heaped with very fresh herbs and shredded vegetables to add to your bowls. For my outstanding spicy noodle soup, medium spice and with thick hearty noodles, I had shredded cabbage to ad, plus fresh branches of cilantro and mint, and my boyfriend had bean sprouts and basil to ad to his beef noodle soup. Also on the plate was slices of lime and jalapeños. Both soups were hearty, full of flavor and really delicious. My boyfriend got the Special Combo Beef #01 soup, thick with slices of brisket, flank and shank in a flavorful broth. Both bowls were very large, but we finished everything slowly but surely. We also devoured a plate of crispy egg rolls which were also amazing. The quality of the produce is top top. The room is airy and spacious, very nicely decorated and cosy. Service was impeccable and very helpful. Location could not be better, right opposite the very busy Trader Joe's. We came in the early afternoon and it was already busy. I am so happy for their success! Cannot wait to go back and taste other items on the menu. I caught glances of other diners' plates as they went by and saw so many other items I wanted to...

Pho Benny Rocks! Wife and I eat a lot of pho. Normally we have to go to Concord (from Moraga) to find the goods. We tried Pho Benny tonight and loved it!

The Good: The broth is amazing. Noodles were tasty. Tendon was soft and tasty. Staff was super friendly Very close (near Trader Joes) Bonus: the egg rolls and spring rolls are also on point.

Not so Good (note: none worth a full star loss): My takeout order unfortunately was missing the veggies (sprouts/peppers, cilantro, basil). But the soup was so good, it didn't even detract! Price is a little high (~$14 per bowl), but saves me a longer drive to Concord or WC. Steak strips were slightly frozen inside. I appreciate they're storing these well, but this was a first for me.

Bottom line: Definitely will be back. Help support some much welcomed diversity in...

Ordered number 5 pho (steak, flank, tripe) did not recieve tripe. Broth was bland and unseasoned. No flavors of cinnamon, anise, cardamom, clove or coriander. Tasted like store bought beef stock, will not order pho again. The beef bahn mi was wonderful. The bread was crispy on the outside and tender inside. Veggies were fresh and crunchy. will return for sandwiches.

edit I decided to give Pho Benny another shot and I am so glad I did. The pho tastes authentic and was exactly what I wanted. I am inclined to believe my order was not correct the first time. I ordered the number 9, rare steak with tendon. I didn't care for the fresh mint and would have preferred more sprouts and less noodles, but I have changed my rating to 5 stars and will return...