Pho Saigon Republic — Restaurant in Los Angeles

There's a reason this place has the best reviews for pho throughout all of La La Land, and it requires a culinary mind to brave what may look like a simple eatery - food first, for the win! If of the mind that quality appointments and lush trappings are any indication of fine fare then this isn't the place for you. Food first is the epitome of Pho Saigon Republic. The seating is simple steel chairs at lackluster tables crowded with dining essentials, napkins and sauces, spoons and chopsticks. A pair of TVs offering tourist-styled views of the far flung Vietnam and Southeast Asia emit modern songs of the region and provide ample atmosphere which adds to the quaint environs. You dont come here for the austere decor, you come here for the food!

Spring rolls with a spring to their texture and a translucent quality are an awesome addition, as are the hearty Egg Rolls, both vying for attention. Consider half orders of 2 and save room for more. The many flavors of Pho are simply to die for! Ample basil and beans sprouts are offered as embellishments. Sauces are already at the table to adjust the flavors. Hungry? Add a side of shrimp or ribeye to extend your meal as they are served separately with broth. This dish is always on hand, be prepared to have it served within scant minutes of ordering. My favorite and a rare find is the Shaken Beef, whether with the lighter option of lettuce or the heavier fried Rice. Yes, Pho Saigon Republic has Com Chien Bo Luc Lac (filet mignon!), and the perfection of the cookery makes for perfection of food. While this dish takes time for concocting awesomeness, the wait is worthwhile and it's the reason this foody has made dozens of visits to this same foodhall despite the many offerings of China Town writ large. When a meal of Pho and Shaken Beef with appetizers and drinks ( Vietnamese Coffee, canned Coke, Jasmin tea w/ refills) is under $50 and the serving portions are realistic, why go elsewhere?! Trappings aside, there is no better Pho in town.

An addendum: the staff are truly top notch and recognize repeat diners, which I imagine is everyone. Their integrity is impeccable, holding lost items for future retrieval, such as sunglasses or hats left behind and thought lost for weeks. If you left some personal effects behind, they will be waiting for your return.

Bonus feature: stroll the nearby train depot with its Asian inspired decor and photo opps.

Parking Payment Required: metered street parking is recommended but in short supply and a paid parking lot is a hundred feet away, at double the cost ($5), and we'll worth the LA hassle common to many other eateries.

Pho Saigon Republic is deserved of this review having received awesome fare dozens of times in a year. There's a reason this place is so well reviewed and why I'm adding my voice to the choir of supporters. Try them and put them on repeat, add your voice (and review) if you agree.

To the staff: Keep up the...

Read alot of good reviews about this Pho Hua in Chinatown so me and a buddy decided to check it out on a Saturday morning....had the iced coffee , fried egg rolls and the pho special. Coffee was good, your typical Vietnamese iced coffee really, egg rolls were decent but they dont give you any vegetables and herbs like other vietnamese restaurants so that was a disappointment, the special pho i ordered in a large bowl and to be honest it was quite small compared to other pho spots....the pho tasted good but nothing special or mind blowing, they give you very little meat and if you want more you gotta add it as a separate order and then your pho starts to add up to a $16 bowl 😳 so all in all i prob wont be coming back here for my pho fix here....i still think the San Gabriel Valley has the best selection of good quality and...

Most consistent pho. I’ve been coming here for the last three years and I no longer seek pho anywhere else. The broth is bursting with flavor yet remains balanced. They don’t skimp on meat and its variety either. None of the rubbery meat slices, only good quality meat.

Other than pho, my tried and trues are the garlic noodles with shaken beef and the Korean short rib rice plate. Both chef’s kiss . All dishes I’ve tried have been nothing short of great.

Service is what you would expect, but as a regular, it’s great. I love the simplicity of the place. I always have a lovely time here, and so do the people I’ve introduced this place to.

I think I’ve had my weight in pho from this place alone. Tried many other popular spots and they fall subpar when it comes to...