Phở Duyên Mai — Restaurant in San Diego

This was my first time dining-in. The first time I tried food here was takeout.

Shortly upon walking in and "checking in" on the iPad, I was greeted and led by a server. She placed a menu on a table, returning with an iced water and asking if I was ready to order.

I asked for a large #29 (Tai gau; slices of rare steak + brisket), pointing at the number to hopefully avoid confusion since I don't speak Vietnamese. Instead, for some reason, I was given a #23 (House Special; slices of rare steak, well-done steak, briskets, flanks, tendons, tripe.)

I specifically didn't order that one because I've never had flanks, tendons, nor tripe. And since I've never had them before, I didn't exactly realize/recognize them in the soup.

It had plenty of meat, but I don't think I care too much for the texture of tripe. It would have been nice to get the soup I actually ordered. I only hesitated to say anything until I saw the receipt, because it's been a while since I've had pho, and I thought maybe I'd remembered it differently. But my receipt confirmed that my order was indeed wrong.

Nevertheless, the soup was pretty good--piping hot, with lots of noodles--and the toppings were fresh.

My server checked in once or twice, but was pretty hands-off. The other staff were observant, treating patrons decently. A very efficiently-run restaurant.

Ambiance-wise, the tables were kind of close together, enough where you could hear your neighbors' entire conversations. There was gentle music playing the entire time, but pretty low in the background. So, I'd say noise-wise, it was moderate. Additionally, there was a small restroom (women's and men's) at the back of the restaurant.

My server never returned with my bill, so I went to the front counter to pay (maybe this is standard practice in Vietnamese restaurants?). The cashiers (two guys working the front) were kind, and quickly accommodated me when I asked for a Thai tea to-go. It was pretty standard, but I would've preferred chewier/fresher boba, in a perfect world.

Overall, it was an adequate restaurant, and I'd try it again, ensuring I got the right...

We tried the large Pho Tai, Goi Cuon Nem Nuong, and Goi Cuon Tom Thit. The Pho Tai came with a side of bean sprouts, basil, sliced Jalapeno peppers, and a lime wedge. It was missing the fresh culantro(ngo gai) leaves that other Vietnamese restaurants provide. The broth had a good taste and there was an average amount of tissue paper thin sliced rare beef. The Goi Cuon Nem Nuong was tasty and the crunch was provided by a fried tightly wrapped egg roll wrapper, instead of a batter dipped fried onion strip like at Brodard restaurant in OC. The Goi Cuon Tom Thit was fresh, however the diameter and length of the rolls were less than at Lucky Seafood restaurant in Mira Mesa. Instead of the usual 3 or 4 shrimp slices per roll, there were only 2. The restaurant was very clean and the service was fast. There is plenty of parking in front and in back of the restaurant. Prices were similar to other Vietnamese restaurants. Tried the Bun Rieu. It was disappointing. The broth was watered down compared to other Vietnamese restaurants. There was no crab floating in the broth, two pieces of fried tofu, and three small pork meatballs. The meatballs might have contained a trace of crab, but you could not taste it or see it when they were cut open. Overall there are better Vietnamese restaurants in San Diego. We will...

If I could give this place zero stars I would.

My family went to eat at 7pm. We had the most horrible service here from the service. We ordered a family style meal for a few people in my family. They served our food and did not give my family any bowls or any utensils. They got soup and so we needed bowls for this. No one gave us any bowls. We waited for 30 mins without any bowls. We had to get up, walk towards the kitchen, ask for the bowls, and even start eating. The servers gave us attitude as they gave us the bowls we HAD to ask for. We understand that it was busy but they gave us big pho bowls that were way too big. We understand that they might have run out of rice bowls but they should have communicated this with us instead of being rude and passive-aggressive.

We had the worst experience and the servers here really should be re trained. I have been a server before and understand that it can get really busy but customer service should be #1 at all times. The food was also bad today too. We wouldn't be coming back and hope that others try other spots in the Clairemont area. There are many other options and better restaurants with better food and better service!!

Pho Dueyn Mai has...