Best Pho in Orange County
Pho is one of the most famous Vietnamese dishes worldwide. Orange County in California has become one of the top places in U.S. known for authentic and high-quality pho. This Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef broth or chicken broth with simmered for hours with various spices. It also comes with a serving of rice noodles and some meat usually beef, pork, or chicken pho. And also served several fresh herbs including cilantro, basil, bean sprouts, lime, and sauces like chili sauce or hoisin.
Orange County has a large Vietnamese population and of course many pho restaurants can be found here. The restaurant ranges from traditional establishments to modern versions and blend new flavors and styles. Few pho restaurants in Orange County are popular with their authentic broth and high-quality ingredients. Some of them operate 24 hours and it’s making them a favorite for breakfast, lunch, or even late-night dinners.
Orange County has a number of versions of Pho place. The traditional version is pho bo, which is beef noodle soup with different cuts of meat like brisket, flank, tendon, and beef meatballs. Also pho ga which is chicken noodle soup, lighter but still tasty. Some restaurants in Orange County actually dish out vegan or vegetarian pho as well.
Enjoying a bowl of pho in Orange County offers more than just the pleasure of delicious food—it’s also an immersion into the heart of the Vietnamese American community. Many pho restaurants provide a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, combining quick service with affordable prices. These spots are often filled with a mix of families, friends, and solo diners, all seeking the comfort of a hot bowl of pho to warm both body and soul.
Our Pho Menu
Discover our Pho Menu, featuring rich, 24-hour bone broth paired with premium ingredients. Whether you choose Brisket, Combination, Filet, or a meat-free option like Tofu or Plain Pho, each bowl promises authentic Vietnamese flavors and comfort in every bite.
Brisket Pho
24-hour bone broth served with sliced braised brisket, rice noodles, white & green onions, and cilantro.
Tofu Pho
24-hour beef bone broth served with breaded tofu, rice noodles, white & green onions, and cilantro.
Combination Pho
24-hour bone broth served with sliced filet mignon, braised brisket, rice noodles, white & green onions, and cilantro.
Plain Pho (No Meat)
24-hour bone broth served with rice noodles, white & green onions, and cilantro.
Filet Pho
24-hour bone broth served with sliced filet mignon, rice noodles, white & green onions, and cilantro.
Pho Broth
24-hour beef bone broth.
Top 10 Best Pho Restaurants in Orange County
This is a well organized list of the best 10 pho places and restaurants in Orange County, where you can find both classic and contemporary variations of a popular Vietnamese dish:
1. Saiga Vietnamese Eatery
Saiga Vietnamese Eatery is an excellent place to enjoy a bowl perfect pho, located centrally in Orange County, and its modern take on Vietnamese cuisine has managed to excite the local and non-local residents alike. The other reason behind the restaurant being considered as one of the best places for eating pho in this region is the unique and well-balanced menu which incorporates the best of Vietnamese cuisine but also brings in new and fresh aspects of it.
Saiga's menu offers many kinds of pho in order to make sure that each bowl experiences a different and fulfilling experience while consuming pho. For the gourmets, you cannot forget the Filet Mignon Pho, where cuts of filet mignon that almost dissolve in the mouth marry well with the deep flavored broth. Then there is the Brisket Pho where brisket slices sympathetically enrich each mouthful. If you feel like taking a break from all this, you can always pick the Combination Pho which brings together the mouth watering brisket and filet mignon for the best of both feet in one’s mouth.
Vegetarians and tofu enthusiasts aren’t left behind either; Saiga offers a delightful Tofu Pho, where fresh, delicate tofu pieces soak up the flavors of the herbaceous broth, creating a light yet fulfilling meal. And for those who appreciate simplicity, the Broth-Only Pho is a minimalist’s dream—a warm, flavorful broth infused with spices, ideal for savoring the true essence of Vietnamese pho.
In addition to pho, Saiga Vietnamese Eatery’s menu features other modern Vietnamese classics, like banh mi and an array of side dishes that highlight the fusion of old and new culinary techniques. Each dish at Saiga reflects a dedication to preserving traditional Vietnamese flavors while embracing the vibrant, modern dining scene of Orange County, making it a favorite among locals who appreciate a blend of authenticity and innovation.
2. Pho Redbo
With generous portions and a tasty soup, Pho Redbo has established itself as a reliable outlet for anyone who craves pho. Pho Redbo also offers a unique filet mignon pho, known for its tender meat and rich flavor of beef broth. The beef options there are rather popular, and this makes the place busy with old and new customers.
3. Pho 79 Restaurant
For a long time now, Pho 79 continues to be a cherished establishment when it comes to the traditional delicacy – pho – served in larger portions. Pho 79 is often compared to other popular pho saigon restaurants in the area. It is situated within Garden Grove in an area known as Little Saigon. Renowned for its broth which is neither too salty nor too bland and the soft, often melt in the mouth cuts of meat, this is one of the country’s famous places for eating pho.
4. PhoHolic
Pho lovers have another chic hangout, and this one is PhoHolic, which is well known for its neat and simple interior and brilliant pho dishes. PhoHolic also serves delicious spring rolls that complement their pho dishes. Its probably most loved by patrons of the place is its beef pho with sticking rare steak on top of it, which is well balanced and flavorsome in every sense.
5. Pho Flavor
Pho Flavor is not just the name of the restaurant, it also describes what the customers can expect in terms of tasty broths which are in season for the actually saturated market of Orange County pho. Pho Flavor also offers bun bo hue, a spicy Vietnamese soup with unique ingredients like pork knuckles and pig's blood. When it is chicken or beef the pho will always be a mouth watering encapsulating meal every time you eat there.
6. Pho Lab
In the event that you are in search of an inventive variation of traditional pho, then Pho Lab, one of the innovative pho spots in Orange County, would be the right destination. The modern and experimental embrace of Vietnamese cuisine makes the pho of Pho Lab unique in the obvious ways – high-grade ingredients and tamper toppings, whilst the traditional taste is still retained.
7. Pho 45
One of the treasures located in OC, Pho 45 is famous for its straightforward way of serving excellent pho. The establishment is not about variety but rather focuses on delivering the same quality over and over and one of their robust dishes is the brisket pho that keeps the patrons ringing in.
8. Súp Noodle Bar by Kei Concepts
Súp Noodle Bar is a modern pho joint in Orange County, offering a contemporary take on the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. Popular for redefining the menu, this establishment has a two-in-one advantage of traditional flavors and modern styling, giving a unique experience of pho. As a result, the way their broth is made is amazing and worth tasting for anyone who appreciates pho.
9. All About Pho
As one of the popular pho spots in Orange County, All About Pho specializes in serving some of the best pho dishes one can enjoy. The broth is tasty and thick with a variety of beef cuts to please every palate – whether one loves rare steak, or a brisket that is more well-done.
10. 99999 Restaurant - Phở Út Nô
Phở Út Nô is a local favorite with its incredibly rich broth and large serving portions. It is often compared to other pho saigon restaurants for its rich broth and large portions. Their special pho is one of the best in Orange County due to its succulent slices of beef and well-prepared noodles.
What to Look for in a Good Pho
Pho is a classic Vietnamese meal that has reached out of its origin place due to its delicious soup, supple noodles, and fresh components. However, not every establishment serves good pho. Instead, one must know what signs to look for in a good bowl of soup so that their experience is heightened. We will explain how to enjoy and assess good pho, covering all aspects of this dish, starting from what makes a good broth and finishing with what sides you should order.
Broth Quality
In pho, the broth is the heart and soul of the dish. Therefore, when evaluating or rating pho, the quality of the broth should be the top priority. A good pho broth can be said to satisfy the following requirements:
Clear and Aromatic: The best pho broth may be clear, but it is certainly not lacking in the smell. Rather, the process of preparing the broth that entails filling the jug with water and soaking the clavicle of masses of beef or chicken bones laced with different spices, including the star of anise, cinnamon, cloves and even ginger for hours, produces a broth that is as captivating as aromatic. It should not be cloudy / greasy but rather has a deep flavor and is well balanced.
Balanced Flavors: There is a need for the broth to have salty and sweet and umami flavors but rather incompletely instead. If salt brings the box of joy or if sugar in any sort is in excess, the performance is spoiled. A properly cooked broth will also bring out the sweetness of the bones and the aromatics without the use of excess sugar or salt.
Depth of Flavor: A well-developed, well-bodied broth is characterized by a prolonged cooking period such that all the ingredients are fully integrated. If the broth is out of flavors and tastes flat, it has probably not simmered for a sufficient time. This depth of flavor is what positions pho as a very rich yet light structure as a comfort food.
Noodle Texture
Another defining component of pho is the rice noodles. The texture of the noodles can make the dish or can break it and here is how to gauge it:
Tender But Firm: The noodles should be soft and tender. But there should be a little bit of firmness to give it a bite. And If they are boiled for too long, they will become mushy and unappetizing. While they are boiled for a shorter time, they will be too tough.
Freshness: For pho, fresh rice noodles are the best option. Even though dried noodles are most of the time prepared, fresh noodles have an improved texture and hold the broth better. They should be of a light springy texture and should not become too soft even when left in the broth for some time.
Properly Portioned: A good bowl of pho has a certain amount of noodles and a certain amount of broth, and this ratio is usually maintained. The noodles will tend to soak all the broth within the dish, if too many are provided. Conversely, an insufficient quantity of noodles might render the soup thin and unfilling.
Fresh Ingredients
Pho is known for striking a fabulous balance between the taste of the broth and the freshness of its ingredients. Another fresh and complementary dish often served alongside pho is spring rolls, which are considered an essential part of the culinary experience in Little Saigon. A proper bowl of pho should always come with:
● Crisp Vegetables and Herbs: Along with fresh mints, onions, and cilantro play an essential role in bringing out the unique taste of pho. It also includes the use of bean sprouts for crunch along with some thinly sliced onions which through the puree with its mild sharpness. It is always recommended that these ingredients be fresh and crisp to enhance the texture and the taste as well.
● High-Quality Meat: Each and every meat type doesn’t matter if its thin slices of steak preferably and rare (pho tai), brisket poultry meat it should not only be tender but it should also have been soaked in flavors. The meat cuts however should be free from spoilage and impurities that would make the overall taste of the laden soup distasteful.
● Balance of Ingredients: Every bowl should have an equal ratio of meat, vegetables and noodles. When eating a bowl of pho, one should have everything a little bit from soft meat, fresh veggies to tasty soup without any discomfort.
Accompaniments
Broth also comes with a wide range of extras which tend to focus on the individual. Hence, the following is how a good accompaniment should look like:
● Lime And Chilies: Accompanying the bowl with slices of lime for the broth seems to do very well in brightening and giving the soup a certain degree of sourness. In addition fresh chilies or even the pickled ones assist those who relish such meals with the addition of spice. In a good pho establishment these will be provided separately so that customers can regulate the level of their pho.
● Fish Sauce: Some people also like to add just a dash of fish sauce for enhancing the umami taste. If at all it is already provided, it must be provided rather than covering the delicately proportioned dish, enhancing its taste.
● Other garnish: Other common garnishes are jalapeños that contribute heat and freshly chopped green onions that add a mild onion flavor. All these additions should be fresh and plentiful, as they will enable you to enhance the taste of each spoonful of your pho.
Saiga Vietnamese Eatery Offers the Best Pho Orange County
As far as Vietnamese food is concerned, Saiga Vietnamese Eatery is a must-visit for anyone in Orange County. Situated in Orange County, the establishment expects the visitors to have an elegant and modern dining experience showing a fresh, modern approach towards the age-old Vietnamese cuisine. With a number of Vietnamese dishes on the menu at Saiga Vietnamese eatery, it is the pho that has the most attention and appreciation from both the natives and tourists.
The Ambiance and Concept
What sets Saiga Vietnamese Eatery apart from other pho restaurants in Orange County is its beautifully simple yet modern design. The ambiance strikes a balance between contemporary style and a warm, inviting feel, making it stand out from typical neighborhood pho spots. While many pho places are known for their relaxed, bustling atmosphere that hints at nostalgia, Saiga’s thoughtfully furnished interior is a refreshing departure. With sleek furniture, warm lighting, and a cozy ambiance, it creates an ideal setting for any dining experience, from casual meals to special occasions.
Saiga Vietnamese Eatery respects Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage while embracing a forward-looking approach to flavor and presentation. The menu is crafted with a deep appreciation for traditional Vietnamese tastes, yet it’s enhanced with creative touches that add a distinctive twist. This vision is particularly evident in their pho, where they make bold choices—skipping certain traditional ingredients and incorporating unique elements rarely found at other pho restaurants. This thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation captures Saiga's dedication to reimagining Vietnamese cuisine for a modern audience while honoring its roots.
The Pho: Traditional Roots with a Modern Twist
Pho, the restaurant’s specialty, holds the central position on the menu while reflecting the restaurant’s philosophy of quality and authenticity in a more sophisticated way. The pho served at the Saiga Vietnamese Eatery is unlike any other for the following reasons:
Rich, Complex Broth
Herb broth is the first and foremost most important part of any pho and there is a lot of careful work that goes into making the broth for Saiga’s special pho. The chefs at Saiga take beef bones and spices like star anise, cinnamon and cloves and slowly build up their flavors by making a broth out of the ingredients. The resulting broth is fragrant and pretty flavorful as well. The stock itself is clear, but one full of flavor that is neither too salty nor too sweet, but rather, in perfect proportion with the two.High-Quality Ingredients
Saiga is using fresh ingredients in all their dishes, include their pho. Whether is slices of beef or bean sprouts served alongside the bowl. Each component of the pho is careful sourced and prepared for perfect dish. The rice noodles are cooked to perfect texture with soft but with a bit of bite. And make sure that the noodles do not become mushy in the broth.Unique Additions
With regards to pho, Saiga stays true to the tradition but is not afraid to innovate. For example, interesting additions to the pho like gourmet meats and unusual toppings are few things that set this restaurant apart from other pho restaurants. Such well-considered additions to the dish do justice to it without making it a dusty old relic, which is something that many die-hard fans of the cuisine ought to appreciate.
Customization Options
Like many modern Vietnamese eateries, Saiga allows for customization when ordering pho. Like many modern Vietnamese eateries, Saiga allows for customization when ordering pho. Customers can choose from different cuts of beef, from brisket, grilled pork, chicken, or vegetarian options. Making Pho is accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences. Saiga's is provide their authentic sauces too, like nuoc cham or sweet and sour sauce, give diners the opportunity to tailor the flavors to their liking.
Beyond Pho: A Full Vietnamese Culinary Experience
Pho is certainly the main attraction on the menu at Saiga but the establishment serves a whole range of other impressive Vietnamese offerings. Their menu features items like Banh Mi, garlic noodles, and inventive starters such as veggie or crispy egg rolls. Every other dish served there is made the same way their famous pho is well made, with great care to detail and high quality ingredients.
Saiga also offers drinks that match the hot, spicy Vietnamese cuisine for patrons who would want some refreshing beverage to go with their food, such as Vietnamese iced coffee, desserts, and teas.
Customer Experience and Service
Another amazing aspect of Saiga Vietnamese Eatery is the service, as most of the patrons appreciate the staff who are warm and attentive. The restaurant aims to provide guests with an uninterrupted and swift dining experience, where food is served on time and the environment is pleasant and relaxing. It does not matter whether you are eating in, or taking the food away; there is always customer satisfaction in all the reviews of Saiga and that’s why there are so many good reviews.
A Local Favorite with Broader Appeal
Within this period, even though Saiga Vietnamese Eatery is younger than most pho establishments in Orange County, it has managed to attract a huge number of fans within a short period. The restaurant’s innovative approach combines local culinary elements with authentic Vietnamese cuisine which of course appeals to the locals and tourists. Food critics and many lovers of pho have also praised Saiga’s innovations and quality making it in a cutthroat area with a huge Vietnamese population and food offering, managed to be noticed.
In the end, Saiga Vietnamese Eatery provides a unique take on pho in Orange county. Due to its taste of prepared food, its freshness, and its modern themed interiors, it is worth any food lovers who would like to appreciate Vietnamese dishes to their utmost finishing. Unlike the new Pho places in town where the owners of the establishment tend to rarely change the menu in person, Saiga Vietnamese Eatery presents a novel view of this favorite Vietnamese food genre.
Brisket Pho
24-hour bone broth served with sliced braised brisket, rice noodles, white & green onions, and cilantro.
Tofu Pho
24-hour beef bone broth served with breaded tofu, rice noodles, white & green onions, and cilantro.
Combination Pho
24-hour bone broth served with sliced filet mignon, braised brisket, rice noodles, white & green onions, and cilantro.
Plain Pho (No Meat)
24-hour bone broth served with rice noodles, white & green onions, and cilantro.
Filet Pho
24-hour bone broth served with sliced filet mignon, rice noodles, white & green onions, and cilantro.
Pho Broth
24-hour beef bone broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There’s one in Orange County that can beat the competition due to its rich and tasty broth, high grade of ingredients used and especially professional skills maintained in every serving. The best places tend to have thick and rich, brown sauces that are cooked almost all day, soft rice noodles, fresh herbs, garnishing and the like. A hospitable staff accompanied by cozy surroundings also makes for a decent experience when eating pho.
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Little Saigon located around the Westminster and Garden Grove areas is famed for its true and authentic Vietnamese food. On the other hand, Costa Mesa has emerged as the best destination to enjoy high-quality Pho soup. Saiga Vietnamese Eatery in Costa Mesa presents this age-old delicacy in an authentic twist and a modern elevation as above many traditional competitive spots do. Besides cities such as Irvine and Anaheim, Costa Mesa is enjoying fame due to its amazing Vietnamese culinary offerings as well.
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Besides the traditional pho bo (beef pho), numerous restaurants in Orange County serve some interesting alternatives like pho ga (chicken pho), pho dac biet (beef noodle soup with multiple beef cuts), or even vegetarian or vegan friendly phos. There are also some places which offer exclusive sashimi-grade filets in cooked broths, or bolder yet in a perfect.
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Of course, there are a number of pho eateries within Orange County that strive to address vegan dietary requirements. For instance, it has a mouth-watering vegetarian pho which is served with aromatic plant-based soup and tofu for people looking for meatless options.
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In Orange County, Pho is a meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day; still more, it is mostly lunch and dinner that is eaten in large quantities. Some of the pho restaurants are also open round the clock; hence, it is even more suitable for late-night filling.