Phin & Bowl
About
Phin & Bowl is listed on FindALoco in San Jose, CA with address, phone, hours, and map location. Common services and related keywords include Asian Restaurant.
Phin & Bowl is a welcoming Asian restaurant in the heart of San Jose, CA, located at 304 S Third St on the bustling corner of San Carlos and Third Street in downtown. With a solid 4.3 rating across 100 reviews, this neighborhood gem has earned a loyal following of locals who appreciate authentic Vietnamese flavors served in a warm, approachable setting. Open every day from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Phin & Bowl makes it easy to drop in for lunch, dinner, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up whenever the craving strikes.
The restaurant has a lovely story of resilience and renewal. After surviving the challenges of the Covid era, Phin & Bowl changed ownership but kept the same beloved style — with a nice little facelift to bring fresh energy into the space. The new team has put more focus on their banh mi sandwiches and boba tea and fruit drinks while preserving the original decor and history that longtime customers fondly remember. It is the kind of place that feels like it has been part of the neighborhood forever.
The menu centers around satisfying, flavorful Vietnamese fare. Customers rave about the fried chicken bowl, noting that the chicken is freshly fried and the bowl is overall delicious. Banh mi is a standout here, made with care and quality ingredients that reflect the owners' dedication to their craft. On the drink side, Phin & Bowl offers a refreshing selection of boba teas and fruit beverages, including the popular soursop tea — a tropical treat that regulars love to order. An easy-to-use ordering kiosk makes the process smooth and convenient, even during busy lunch hours.
What truly sets Phin & Bowl apart is the atmosphere. Reviewers describe it as a cozy mom-and-pop place with a clean, inviting seating area. The interior has a modern ambiance reminiscent of popular boba shops, yet it retains a distinctly personal, family-run feel that makes guests feel at home. One reviewer shared that stepping inside feels like being a guest in someone's home, noting the kindness and warmth the staff extends to every customer. Free Wi-Fi is available for guests, making it a comfortable spot to study, work, or simply linger over a good meal and a cup of tea.
Located right in downtown San Jose, Phin & Bowl is perfectly positioned for professionals, students, and anyone exploring the city center. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a relaxed evening, this Asian restaurant delivers consistent quality and genuine hospitality. The doors may appear closed from the outside, but do not let that fool you — step inside and you will discover a neighborhood favorite that truly feels like family. Come see why so many San Jose locals make Phin & Bowl part of their weekly routine.
Ratings & Reviews
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Sign in to reviewVery cozy Mom and Pop place! Seating area is nice and clean. They looked closed from the outside cause the doors are closed, but it’s open. They have free wifi so I think this would be a nice area to studyyyy. Wifi on their wall. I got the Soursop tea. The sweetness was a little much at 75, would probably get 50 next time. First time trying soursop, its kinda like a weird yogurt?, but it was a good blend of the fruit plus orange slices and jasmine tea. Excited to try their other fruit drinks! Might come back to check out the 12 food and drink deal 👀
This place survived Covid, that should tell you enough. Apparently the restaurant changed ownership, but kept the same style with a nice little facelift! More focus on banmie and boba/fruit drinks, while keeping the original decor and history! The restaurant has a nice modern ambiance like most boba places and cafes, but kept the original movie posters from before. This place makes THE BEST cheesesteaks and hoagies this side of San Jose! (Ordering takeout is so easy, just call ahead of time, it usually takes them 10-15 mins to cook a single hoagie with fries P.S. that’s what I just got lol)
I absolutely love this restaurant. It is the best Vietnamese food that I have ever had! It feels like I am a guest in their home and my husband and I feel like we know the family. We come here at least once a week and are always treated with the utmost kindest utmost love to the point that sometimes I feel like I could tell them I’m here and they will make anything my heart desires, or anything of their heart desires. It just fills me with joy to come here and you will not regret spending your time your money and just having an amazing time with the food the atmosphere it’s something that you will not regret! We typically get takeout because we live in town but so worth it either way come and you will not regret your choices. Just remember to be respectful. bring your best self and just have a good time. It’s not a fancy place on the outside but once you walk through those doors, it’s everything you want and more. It is a number one in my house for sure. I hope it is for you as well come check it out!:-)
What a cool new spot for some refreshingly good food and coffee/tea! Conveniently opened in downtown San Jose right on the corner of San Carlos and Third St. Love the vibe and the people!
Chicken was freshly fried, bowl was overall delicious. Easy to use ordering kiosk.
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