Lunar's Pho — Restaurant in Tacoma

As we first entered into the restaurant, we saw that they had several tables taken and that was a great sign especially on a drizzling rainy day. We were greeted warmly and seated promptly by our waitress, Priscilla. We saw that on one of their walls was a white board with an array limited specials menu which offered a great variety of appetizers, drinks, entrees, and desserts that weren't listed on their regular menu. We grabbed a mung bean milk tea and crab ragoon from their limited menu while grabbing spring rolls with pork and shrimp, combination Pho and Phnom Penh Noodle Soup (regular). Their menu wasn't too big and had similar classics that you would find elsewhere. They also offered condiments on their tables such as shrimp paste, chili oil, and jalapenos which I thought was really considerate as I love bringing heat to my food and Sriracha or sambal is not enough for me. In addition, none of the bottles or spoons were sticky or looked like they are well-maintained.

The interior is absolutely adorable as it isn't a large space like many other Pho restaurants, however it is quaint, brightly lit, and organized in cozy manner. The lights that hang from the ceiling invoke a romantic vibe as the colors of the walls are easy on the eyes. The bathroom is also very clean, they have a very good dryer that I have never seen in all my years of traveling and they even had way to keep the bathroom smelling nice but not overwhelming. Overall the space is clean and Priscilla was very quick and efficient in clearing off tables, sanitizing and setting up the tables once customers leave the restaurant.

First, I love that they have one size as the portion sizes for all their food and drink offerings were reasonable! Also if presentation is a plus for you, the employees nails presentation with their plating and glassware. Everything came to us in such a photogenetic poisitioning. Another bonus is that they divide beansprouts, jalapenos, and other toppings for your noodles with each order rather than having a small plate of toppings. The amount of toppings were generous and they were very fresh, which was a great sign as not only our their toppings fresh but their food as well. The broths for both of our soups were spot on, not teetering in either too salty or sweet, as well as not leaving our throats parched for water due to the excessive amount of salt or MSG. The shrimp and pork fresh rolls were wrapped perfectly having a great crunch texture with an assortment of flavors from what you would expect, as well as their creamy and tangy peanut sauce. The mung bean milk tea was absolutely refreshing and had the perfect amount of sweetness, it was difficult to not just want to drink the whole thing before the meal. The crab ragoon was shaped like a puff pastry but I personally prefer this style over the traditional as it is less messy and oil. They were packed with flavor and paired well with the sweet chili sauce. I took my noodle soup home as I got full and it still tasted just as good as it did in the restaurant!

Priscilla stopped by to speak with us to check in on how the food was and even had some casual, professional talk about our life. Not at all imposing and just being an absolute gem to speak with. She also remembers customers and orders, which I think shows her commitment and passion for her work and her family business.

I have been to several Vietnamese Pho restaurants throughout Washington and Lunar Pho truly represents what the ideal perfect restaurant is with their superb service, food and drinks, and ambiance. I'm excited to come back again to sample their other choices. There is a reason why they are a five star restaurant on Yelp and you should drop...

I went here with a friend on rainy winter day. I ordered the meatball pho, a pork banh mi to go for my husband, and my friend ordered one of the rice plates.

First the Pho: the broth was clearly being showcased here and proudly so. The bowl of broth arrives at the table with just noddles, your chosen meat and thinly sliced white and green onions. On the side is a plate of bean sprouts, basil, peppers, and lime. With the bare minimum ingredients in the bowl to start it's easy to see and smell the richness of the broth! It definitely had the complex layers of flavor I look for in a pho broth: eat, spices and fat!

My friend's rice plates looked equally delicious! The mound of rice came with a beautifully fried egg sitting on top with a crispy edges and a perfectly runny yolk. My friend commented that the chili oil in the condiment tray on the table was wonderful and paired well with the egg.

The banh mi was eaten at home by my husband and he showed me that there were many green peppers throughout the sandwich. Their peppers are cut lengthwise instead of in rounds making the spicy flavor spread through every bite or the sandwich.

Would definitely go here again and recommend...

Somewhere between spring and summer is "my face is allergic to the world day".

That day is today

Looking for a nice spot in my town to support a local Pho place, I found Lunar Pho on Yelp.

Altho I was originally thinking of chicken pho. I ordered the beef and ginger pho, which was phenomenal!

I had a hot tea and water. They bring the water in a bottle, so that's unusual yet not a bad thing.

The true standout of my visit today is not the food, not the ambiance, yet both of those are awesome.

The real gem is the server, Priscilla, who is efficient, friendly, knowledgeable and unflappable!

She had the whole restaurant that she was waiting on, handing off to-go orders as they came in, answering the phone, and greeting every person that walked in!

My pho dish comes with a Chinese donut, which she described as kinda like a churro, only no sugar on the outside. I wanted to try it yet I'm allergic to wheat. She was able to confirm that it wouldn't be in my best interest as there is wheat in the donut. I appreciate her due diligence.

Phenomenal service, excellent food and clean restaurant,...