Anise Pho — Restaurant in Raleigh

I would actually give it 2.5 stars. Place is okay, nothing amazing. If you are looking for a really authentic Vietnamese restaurant, this place is not it. I moved here recently and was homesick for homey Viet food. Searched for some with my brother and seen this place had a good rating so we went here. Food - ordered their homemade fries, seasoned with Cajun/chili (?) and fried shumai. Both were decent. I did find it a little weird to eat Cajun fries with chipotle sauce at a Vietnamese place. The pho came out in average time but we were disappointed with it. Portion for a special (all the meat combo) is small for $14, which is more than what I pay usually for a combo btw. The broth didn’t really have that authentic Viet flavor, maybe a hint but most of the flavor came from the siracha and hoison. I’m used to eating pho that doesn’t need the sauces and extra to be good, everything else supposed to be a bonus but I found myself adding more hoison throughout my meal. I will say though they did give more than enough meat in that bowl. Customer service - very weird. There were about 3 workers. A guy (host) brought us to our seat, a girl (waitress) took our order, some other guy (another waiter) brought out order out, the waitress checked in occasionally. Then the waiter checked us out and got us our to-go Viet coffee (very sweet btw). In our duration of us waiting to check out both the waitress and host checked up on us and didn’t even know we were checking out. I have no idea who actually serviced us and I have no idea how the tip was gonna be split or given. There were all with each other at the bar but all worked separately? That felt very confusing. We have a restaurant like this back in my home city. It’s more for the tourists and such. I will be continuing my search. It did the job of helping your hungry but I wouldn’t come back here to satisfy my...

Anise Pho, nestled within the vibrant tapestry of a bustling cultural hub, is a culinary gem that seamlessly blends simplicity with elegance. From the moment one steps through its doors, the inviting interior design captivates, offering a serene oasis amidst the urban hustle. The restaurant's decor, characterized by its understated yet refined aesthetics, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The allure of dining next to an open window seat adds a touch of charm, allowing patrons to soak in the lively ambiance of the surrounding neighborhood.

Situated in close proximity to multiple colleges and condominiums, Anise Pho stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in a diverse community. Despite its modest menu offerings, the quality of the cuisine surpasses expectations, leaving diners delighted and satisfied. During my visit, I had the pleasure of indulging in the fried tofu with chili sauce, a dish that tantalized the taste buds with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Additionally, the Pho, a quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup featuring succulent shrimp and crisp vegetables, surpassed all expectations with its rich aroma and depth of flavor.

While the menu may be concise, Anise Pho excels in delivering exceptional quality, evident even in its beverage offerings. The Boba tea, a signature favorite among patrons, exemplifies the mastery and dedication of the establishment to provide top-notch culinary delights. Anise Pho is a culinary treasure that captivates both the senses and the soul. With its inviting ambiance, impeccable service, and unparalleled culinary offerings, it stands as a testament to the richness and diversity of the local dining scene. Whether seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Anise Pho is sure to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression on all who venture...

I got here on a Saturday around dinner time. It wasn't very busy - a few people grabbing carry-out and a couple eating at another table. I ordered a large bowl of the special combo beef pho and had it brought to the table surprisingly quickly. Overall, the pho is pretty good although the broth was a little on the salty side, so you may not need to put as much hoisin sauce compared to most other pho places. What really disappointed me was the lack of the normal amount of accompaniments that you'd expect when eating pho - bean sprouts, basil and jalepeno peppers. Ok, the bean sprouts were found in the bowl underneath the noodles... I guess that's fine, although I would like to be able to choose how much of it I want. As for the basil and jalepenos - there were about five leaves of basil and 4 slices of jalepenos. I understand that not all people care to have or even want those items with their pho and it's a potential waste when served and not used. The end result was that it was lacking and still felt so even after another cup of basil. I really wanted to like this place, but the experience was just...