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Welcome to Pho Ca Dao Restaurant

Pho Ca Dao Restaurant, located in San Diego, offers a humble and delicious dining experience with a focus on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Known for its aromatic and flavorful Pho Dac Biet Xe Lua, featuring a mix of meats and fresh herbs, this restaurant sets the gold standard for pho in the area. The Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio provides a cool and crispy alternative, perfect for warmer days. Despite some language barriers with the waitstaff, the consistent quality and generous portions keep customers coming back. With a casual and warm atmosphere, Pho Ca Dao is a go-to spot for authentic Vietnamese dishes that never disappoint.

Pho Ca Dao Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

That O.
That O.

A delicious and humble little place that I like to eat for breakfast occasionally. I've eaten any of the soups here and this little local place beats most of them out. Except on the pricing. They're on the cheaper side than other pho restaurants I'd see here. Workers here are mainly elderly Vietnamese men and woman who have probably worked there for forty years, and they're always polite.

Stephanie R.
Stephanie R.

I come here frequently. Service is super fast, they get right to it haha. It's a small restaurant but very busy. I love the fried rolls and the soups.

Diane W.
Diane W.

Good Pho but waiters have limited English . Some difficulty asking questions. I'll be back again for the food.

Jason T.
Jason T.

Great quality, great quantity, and great value. TIP: Ask for the scallion oil as it will add so much flavor and aroma to anything you eat; especially the pho! Also, don't neglect putting the thai basil and mint into your broth! The Pho Ca Dao on El Cajon Blvd is still my go-to pho spot is THE gold standard that I compare every other pho restaurant in San Diego to. I've been to this location countless times and the quality and quantity always amaze me. On my most recent visit, my girlfriend and I ordered the following: Pho Dac Biet Xe Lua: Aromatic, bright, warm, filling. This is THE bowl of pho that hits a little extra after a long night out or a cold cloudy day (or honestly any day). This order features the bright and aromatic broth with a filling volume of vermicelli noodles and a little bit of every meat: brisket, steak, tendon, and my favorite: tripe! On the side, comes a plate with bean sprouts, thai basil, and mint with some jalapenos. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND plucking the thai basil leaves and also tearing up the mint into smaller bits to throw them both into the broth. This adds so much more aroma to the broth you WILL feel like you are in heaven. I also personally really enjoy adding the bean sprouts into the bowl and letting it sit to soak up the broth and soften. This adds a subtle bit of crunch and snap. I have been ordering this dish all my life and this Pho Ca Dao location meets every expectation that I've built up from childhood until now. There is no surprise that this is the signature dish featured at every pho restaurant and acts as a litmus test to how skilled their kitchen is. Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio (Vermicelli Noodles with Grilled Pork and Egg Rolls): Cool, crispy, crunchy, sweet, tangy. If you aren't as into noodle soups or warm broths, this is the perfect dish for you. San Diego has been especially hot these last few weeks and I couldn't stop thinking of this dish. On top of a bed of shredded lettuce and a heaping mountain of vermicelli noodles are the meats of your choice. Thit Nuong (grilled pork) and Cha Gio (egg rolls) were my add-ons of choice as they both add some fatty and meaty taste on top of a flavorful crisp. This dish is also served with some sweet, tangy, and spicy fish sauce on the side which I pour all over my dish. This dish is my alternative whenever I'm not in the mood for a warm bowl of Pho but still want to eat something filling. The service at this restaurant is always consistent and standard. To be honest. I don't think the service is necessarily excellent but I can definitely say they have never disappointed me and that consistency is an important thing for me. I am always tended to and help is quick to come as soon as my hand is raised. The atmosphere at this location is what you would expect from a casual family dining experience. Chatter and joy fills the air and the dining experience is full of good vibes no matter if you come alone, with a plus-one, or a large party.

Halle J.
Halle J.

Best place for pho! I've come here many times over the past 7 years and it never disappoints. The portions are huge & healing. They also offer different cuts of meat which is cool if you're into that! I tend to get the chicken or veggie pho and both are delicious. The beef spring rolls are also delicious and the lemongrass flavor stands out. I usually order for pickup as this place tends to get very busy inside, and it's always ready within 20mins!

Linda L.
Linda L.

We got P17 & P18. We love coming here to eat pho, kinda the only place we'll go to eat pho in SD. The staff are friendly & they already know our order since we've been coming here for years. We also ordered a bread & sometimes but not today order the Tri-color dessert. The total was less than $30. It wasn't too busy today which was perfect because we got seated at a booth which I like.

Brad B.
Brad B.

Still my favorite pho place, after all of these years and it seems like absolutely nothing has changed since I started going to any of their locations. My order remains the same and I always know what I'm going to get. What is it? Glad you asked! - K6: The chargrilled chicken spring rolls. Love these things but instead of the fish sauce, I roll with the peanut sauce and had a ton of Sriracha. Why? I'll get to that as it plays an important part in my dining experience. Bring on the pho, and I'll admit it, I'm a basic bitc#. - P23: Chicken pho, no noodles. Wait, what? No noodles? You heard the man, I go low carb, ditch the noodles and slurp up that delicious broth. You know what I like to do to make it even better? Remember that peanut/Sriracha sauce? Yep, a few spoons of that into the broth is delicious, to me at least. How about pho for breakfast? Ever done it? If not, this is your spot!

Candace C.
Candace C.

4/5 for pho. Our go-to pho spot and favorite of the Pho Ca Dao locations. Broth is good and the crispy egg rolls are also solid, but sometimes the pho comes out before our egg roll apps. Service is hit or miss, they used to be very on top of refilling waters and quick ordering but the last few times we've gone it's been really slow. Parking is pretty easy in the plaza.

Location

Welcome to Pho Ca Dao Restaurant, a hidden gem located on El Cajon Blvd in San Diego, CA. This cozy Vietnamese restaurant offers a wide range of options for diners, including delivery, takeout, and reservations. With a focus on providing vegan and vegetarian options, Pho Ca Dao caters to all dietary preferences. Not only that, but they also accept credit cards, Android Pay, and Apple Pay for added convenience.

Upon entering Pho Ca Dao, you'll be greeted by a casual and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for groups, families, and even solo diners. The menu boasts a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes, from traditional pho to flavorful vermicelli noodles with grilled pork and egg rolls.

Customers rave about the quality and quantity of the food at Pho Ca Dao, with favorites like the Pho Dac Biet Xe Lua and Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio receiving high praise. The aromatic broth, tender meats, and fresh herbs create a symphony of flavors that keep diners coming back for more.

One standout feature of Pho Ca Dao is the scallion oil, which adds an extra layer of flavor to every dish. Don't forget to garnish your pho with Thai basil and mint for a burst of freshness.

While the service may not be exceptional, it is consistent and reliable, ensuring that your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable. The staff, comprised mainly of elderly Vietnamese individuals, bring a touch of authenticity to the restaurant.

Overall, Pho Ca Dao Restaurant stands out as a go-to spot for pho lovers in San Diego. Whether you're craving a comforting bowl of soup or a refreshing plate of noodles, this establishment delivers on both quality and value. So why not stop by and experience the delicious offerings at Pho Ca Dao for yourself?