Welcome

pho cow cali

Welcome to Pho Cow Cali, a cozy pho restaurant located in the heart of San Diego. Our carefully crafted menu offers traditional Vietnamese flavors with a modern twist, creating a unique dining experience for all.

Restaurant locations

Best Pho Restaurant in San Diego | Pho Cow Cali

Pho Cow Cali, nestled at 9170 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126, stands as a beacon of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. With a commitment to quality and tradition, this establishment offers a diverse menu that caters to both purists and adventurous palates. For inquiries or reservations, reach out at (858) 271-8341.

A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam

From the moment you step into Pho Cow Cali, the rich aromas of simmering broths and fresh herbs envelop you, promising a meal that's both comforting and exhilarating. The ambiance strikes a balance between casual and classy, making it suitable for family dinners, casual lunches, or gatherings with friends.

Signature Dishes That Tell a Story

At the heart of the menu lies the Dac Biet Xe Lua, an extra-large bowl brimming with rare steak slices, well-done brisket, flank, tendon, and tripe. Each component is meticulously prepared, ensuring a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The broth, simmered to perfection, serves as a testament to the chef's dedication to authenticity.

For those seeking a plant-based delight, the Vegetable Pho offers a medley of fresh vegetables in a fragrant broth, capturing the essence of Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine. The Bun Bo Hue stands out with its spicy beef broth, pork leg, and well-done steak, delivering a bold and invigorating experience.

Beyond Pho: A Diverse Menu

Pho Cow Cali's offerings extend beyond noodle soups. The Com Tam Thit Nuong presents grilled pork over broken rice, accompanied by pickled vegetables and a fried egg, embodying the comfort of home-cooked meals. The Pho Tom, featuring succulent shrimp in a delicate broth, showcases the restaurant's versatility and commitment to freshness.

A Dining Experience Tailored to You

Understanding the diverse needs of its patrons, Pho Cow Cali offers amenities such as takeout, delivery, and catering services. The establishment is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all guests. With options like vegan dishes, outdoor seating, and a drive-thru, the restaurant caters to various preferences and lifestyles.

Consistent Praise from the Community

Patrons frequently commend the generous portions, swift service, and the depth of flavor in each dish. Many highlight the balance between quality and affordability, noting that the dining experience consistently exceeds expectations. The attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere further enhance the overall experience.

Embracing Vietnamese Traditions in San Diego

Pho Cow Cali doesn't just serve food; it offers a cultural immersion. Each dish reflects the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culinary traditions, inviting diners to explore and appreciate the nuances of this vibrant cuisine. Whether you're a longtime enthusiast or new to Vietnamese food, Pho Cow Cali promises a memorable and satisfying journey.

Review

What Customers Say

"Wow. Alright- this one here pulled me out of my yelp review hiatus- Honestly, its been a while since a pho place truly impressed us (hubby and I). Firstly, there was a line.. say no more- put our name down now. Things moved quickly and efficiently and we were seated within 15 mins. We decided to do their #1 special - x large dac biet and a large meatball noodles for our 3 year old and 9 month old (yes you read that right- 9 months) to share. Tell me how and why all three bowls were demolished. That only meant one thing- yep, it was that good. The first sip of the hot broth already won us over. Now, we are not pho newbies okay.. we're from San Jose- where some of the best Vietnamese/pho places are .. and this one is best SO FAR. Definitely recommend- if you couldn't tell. :) !"

Meemee T.

"Pho Cow Cali is a classic, local pho spot that always reigned around the Mira Mesa area. It's always a go-to for quick comfort Viet food. It used to be the reigning champ around the area with super cheap (less than $10) for their extra large bowl of pho; however, unfortunately, inflation has pushed the price of the pho bowl to be around $13. Over the years, the quality of the pho has gone down and they started to drown the soup with MSG. I would happily still say that I am satisfied with the pho here despite noticing all these changes. The pho broth is consistent, quantity is generous for the price in relative to other pho restaurants, and meat quantity is great. I still like the tendon here the best because it is cooked longer and melts in your mouth. Service is always amazing here. The dishes come out so fast it's always surprising. Due to how many people get pho here, I'm sure they have so many bowls of rice noodles ready on deck to be topped with meat and soup. This is one of the biggest reasons why I come here still is for the effiicency of the food for decent quality. The ambiance is just homey Viet-like. The fish tank and glistening green chopsticks always hit it home. I definitely would say this is a go-to stop if you crave pho and want to get food quickly. However there are definitely better, but more expensive and slow service pho places around. So this is just a spot for quick pho and your bang for your buck."

Joshua Z.

"A popular Vietnamese for a reason, because of the great food and fast service. I'm Vietnamese and I don't like pho (wild, I know), but I do love good bun cha gio thit nuong. I really missed the bun cha hanoi that I had in Vietnam, so I was looking for a Vietnamese restaurant in SD that could satisfy my craving. I've had bad bun cha thit nuong in the US before, so I was worried whether Pho Cow Cali would be good or not. I definitely was not disappointed!!! It was exactly what I wanted. Be warned, this place is always busy, we came around 6pm on a Friday night and waited about 30 minutes (which is long for your typical Vietnamese restaurant where the culture is usually about fast service). The best part is that they had this interesting drink called Egg Yolk & Condensed Milk with Club Soda. Not something you see every day so I of course I had to try it. It's kind of like a cream soda, and I ABSOLUTELY loved it. I mean, reading the ingredients, it was exactly what I wanted! Something creamy and something soda-y. My new favorite drink, I have to go back and have more!!!"

Demi N.

"Came here yesterday for the first time for a birthday lunch. It's conveniently located in a shopping center and has parking but it does very really packed. When you arrive you go up to the host booth and put your name in the notebook. The place was packed, so we did have a bit of a wait since they don't take reservations. Once we got in and started the service was very quick. I had the pho with beef and brisket and it was really good. The meat wasn't fatty and the broth was very flavorful I wanted to drink it all! There are condiments on the table to put in the broth to add more flavorful, like chili paste, Sriracha, salt, pepper and some other items. The portions are pretty big and the prices are pretty reasonable, about 15 dollars for a pretty large bowl. We also ordered the stew with French bread which was a little small but still filling, and very good. It's also conveniently located right next door to an ice cream shop, Somisomi that we tried for dessert. I'm definitely going back to both!"

Jan H.

"Pho Cow Cali Express never disappoints. The food is served piping hot, it is tasty and filled with good quality ingredients. The servers carry large trays filled with bowls of steaming hot pho and deliver them to the tables without any spillage. Amazing! The restaurant has no-frills decor, clean and centrally located in Mira Mesa."

Karen W.