Pho Dao — Restaurant in Murrieta

First, I usually don’t leave reviews. However, I will not miss this opportunity to warn others. Don’t come here, I repeat… Don’t waste your time or money!! I’m not giving them a 1 star because of the food, but because of the poor service; we weren't handled with respect, dignity or as paying consumers. Initially, my partner glanced over the reviews, but still decided to try this place. The consensus stated the customer service was terrible. First offense, it took a long time before our order was accepted or before we were even offered water. Secondly, once the food (pho seafood & pho chicken) arrived, the server only brought out one plate (veggies) to share.

I attempted to explain we need another setup (veggies). He said, “no, you only get 1 plate; it comes with the bean sprouts and 4 jalapeños”!!!! After we finished eating, I asked for to-go -boxes. It was difficult getting the request fulfilled, as the guy told us no, we could only have one box for the egg rolls, and they didn’t have containers for the soup. There were two Caucasian women in the restaurant, and they were laughing because he did not want to give us an additional box, and he was making a scene.

Furthermore, I understand that we had soup. However, I only ate the noodles and the broth and I wanted to take the toppings (meat) home for my dog. So, I stopped asking Kenny for an extra box and asked the woman. She came out and said, “for what, why? No, what do you need it for? We have a shortage. We can’t just give containers out unless your food is paid for to go.” I find this statement confusing, am I supposed to leave my leftovers? Finally, my partner explained two people were here, and we needed separate containers. The lady finally stopped arguing with us and gave another box. However, Kenny was still upset and kept on arguing. He continued to hover over us and stated he would watch us. I was disturbed about how we were handled at this establishment. We paid almost 50 bucks for soup in Murrieta to be treated like this. I still can’t believe it! Listen, people… stay home and make your soup. I’m sure it will be better quality and a good environment all around. Also, the bathroom was dirty and had a smell. Lastly, some toppings were left cut on a table, sitting there collecting air germs! I’m questioning if they passed any inspection. The lesson of the day: don't let your partner pick the restaurant because she doesn't read reviews thoroughly. Take...

I have been coming here eating in as well as taking out for years. It's truly a family restaurant... every staff member is a family member.

It's always amusing to read reviews on Google, Yelp, etc. and pick out the straight lies (e.g. getting 'attacked by roaches') lol.

This place is not the swankiest place, but it also doesn't try to be. It's all about the food.

What's available, and when, are clearly spelled out on the menus and all around the restaurant, ad nauseam. It's a small family running it, I get it. This isn't McDonald's.

Anyway, the food is always amazing. I'm used to L.A. phở, with a few awesome places in particular being my go-to L.A. places. Growing up in L.A., it's been a challenge finding anything remotely close out here. From Temecula to Menifee, I've found a slew of bland phở places. Not here.

Most of the bad reviews are from people used to PF Changs or other corporate restaurants and not the real deal. The cultural differences do not amount to rude. It amounts to the ignorance of the customer.

If you want American Diner style service, go to an American Diner. If you want authentic Vietnamese cuisine, come here. And expect authentic Vietnamese service. You will get what you ask for, but you won't get the things they have posted literally everywhere that they won't do, just because you think you're special.

In my experience, I've been made to feel like a family member every time I come. I've ended up in 30 minute conversations with family members while picking up my to-go orders. I also don't walk in and act like I'm the Queen of England. So there's that. I'm also not Vietnamese. But I've got my knowledge.

At any rate, if you're in the area and are a phở person, you won't be disappointed with the quality and authenticity here. And if you're not a stuffy a-hole, you won't have a problem with the efficient eat-in service either. I gather a lot of people around here haven't traveled abroad....

Having moved from the Baltimore/DC area, great phô is a staple for our family and after moving here nearly a year ago, we have been craving really great phô.

The selections in this area aren't very plentiful and I was relatively disappointed in the last 2 restaurants I went to.

Phô Dao was a breath of fresh air.

Like any phenomenal family-owned Asian restaurant, the effort was definitely focused in the food. The restaurant is cozy when you walk in. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere is that of an old school corner restaurant with no fluff.

We ordered the phô tai chin (brisket and steak) as well as pork and shrimp spring rolls.

These are super classic dishes that can be pretty lackluster if you go somewhere that doesn't care much.

The phô was incredibly flavorful. I was able to taste the full spice profile I expect in a good homemade, full-of-grandma's-love dish. The fragrant spices and perfect balance of savory, sweet, and refreshing. The broth was beautifully clear and packed a hefty dose of delicious. The portion sizes of the small bowls we ordered were hefty! Enough to feed the hungriest teenager and have some left over.

The spring rolls were bright and refreshing. The peanut sauce was perfectly balanced with hints of garlic, sweetness and the nutty delight of peanuts.

My teens and I thoroughly enjoyed our meal.

My oldest child has to avoid gluten for medical reasons and the staff was very accommodating with my questions for ingredients and offered a lot of help with what would be safe or not for my daughter. Phô Dao is a great option for people who need to be gluten free.

Needless to say, this is our new go-to for our phô cravings.

We can't wait to go back and try their banh mi, stir fried noodle dishes, and other Vietnamese...