Phở Ca Dao Restaurant — Restaurant in San Diego

When I describe my pho game I like to say I’m a spoiled brat. And even your beloved PCD, Phuong Trang and Hoa don’t quite stack up to GG, FV and Westminster.

PCD has been around forever, it’s an OG Vietnamese place along with Phuong Trang, Hoa so it rightfully should garner your respect. Age has weight in the game. A well build reputation cannot be bought or changed without a conscious effort. It’s not perfect, no one is stating it is, it has shortcomings, but always makes up for it in good food. It’s the only place besides OB Noodle House (phft) that has multiple locations.

Personally I hate the parking lot, it’s a mess, needing serious restriping and cleaning. The inside décor is aging and the floors are usually dirty. The tables are clean, they have things thing about their water being full. The slight language barrier is really not that bad, but despite having number tables still bring food to wrong tables. The prices are ok because they give large portions. Their menu’s are aging, but give you a good intro into how to customize your orders. Most places will not offer the lighter stock offering and rightfully so here as their basic broth is a tad on the fattier side. Noodles are fresh, not brick like and the staff does not practice the “thumb in soup” delivery method. They do not skimp on the accoutrements and even offer the somewhat rare sawtooth, saw leaf. It’s expensive as it’s a slow growing herb if used is usually conservative. Their dishes offering plenty of meat, regardless of your order. The tables do not offer fresh chili paste or oil, just sriracha and hoisin. The broth is pretty good both fatty and lighter, though it’s not that super white congealed kind. Combo does not include meat balls.

Spring rolls are large, dense and use full strands of noodles which help keep it from breaking apart and collapsing. The peanut dipping sauce is light on the fish sauce and the egg rolls which although are rolled and fried perfectly need some more umph on seasoning.

The broken rice dishes are something worth getting even if you are a pho only person. They actually are pretty known for their char broiled chicken (spring roll offering). It’s well marinated and flavorful.

It’s a family friendly place which is actually quite loud because of this. Any given time will have 10% or more of parties with kids, so if you need boosters/high chairs ask them first.

This is a neighborhood pho place, I think Hoa is just a tad...

Tried this place 2x. The first time was via Uber Eats and 2nd time in person.

Uber Eats: I personally hate ordering Pho to go, but I didn't have a choice since I was really sick. To my surprise, it tasted good for takeout. I ordered Pho Tai Gau (rare steak and brisket) regular size, the Charbroiled Lemon Grass Beef Fresh Spring Rolls and Charbroiled Chicken Spring Rolls. Ordering on Uber eats was a little annoying since it forced me to choose an add on (extra noodles/soup/meat) and I didn't want to, but I really wanted Pho. It was an unnecessary forced upcharge, with no way around it but I sucked it up. The Pho was a solid 3/5 for take out so I was excited to try it in person when I felt better. My partner liked the beef rolls but he didn't like the chicken rolls.

Dine in: I finally felt better so I went in person to try it out. This time I ordered the Pho Ca Dao Special (large size) and Charbroiled Pork Spring Rolls. Wow. Blew my mind. It was so good! If you like authentic Pho, this is it (in my opinion). I didn't feel thirsty or get a headache after eating it, which leads me to believe they don't use MSG or use too much salt. Nicely sized portion, I will probably order a regular size next time... The rolls were really good too, one order comes with two rolls so it's shareable. Cleanliness 4/5. Food 5/5. Service 5/5. Sat me down immediately. Took my order. Received my food in decent timing, let me enjoy my food and didn't rush me. That is one thing that annoys me, getting my tab before I am done eating, and good thing they didn't cuz I ordered some more rolls to take home to my partner.

Bonus: they close at 9pm and they are located in a plaza with a...

Ca Dao has awesome customer service. If you're like me and my family and come here often this place treats you real good. The staff remember you and your order! Sometimes all you have to say is “the same" and they know! The waiters are very attentive, always there ready to fill your cup. I truly recommend this place if you're looking for the best Pho soup in San Diego. You get the best tasting soup and awesome customer service, the whole package! Try it! Btw my favorite soup is the P16.

Update 03/13/2018 ONE STAR!!!

We stopped going here a while back, forgot to update my review. A worm/bug came out of the egg rolls. We found out after my dad had taken a bite, there was a worm in his roll! When we informed our waiter no one cared! We were upset and they did nothing to make up for it. Take in mind they know we were regulars, had been going there for more than 10 years. They even wanted to charge us for the rest of the food! If you give me worms on my food don't expect me to pay for anything. SMH. Go to Pho...