Pho on California
About
Pho on California is listed on FindALoco in Pasadena, CA with address, phone, website, hours, and map location. Common services and related keywords include Pho Restaurant.
If you are looking for a Pho restaurant in Pasadena, CA, Pho on California is a local spot worth knowing. Located on California Blvd in Pasadena, this Vietnamese restaurant focuses on pho and a small selection of familiar favorites in a casual, easygoing setting. For nearby residents, office workers, and visitors exploring the area, it offers a straightforward place to sit down for a warm bowl of noodles during the week. Its weekday schedule, from late morning through evening, also makes it a practical choice for lunch or an early dinner in Pasadena.
At the center of the menu is pho, with customer feedback pointing to a broth-forward experience that draws people in. Some diners describe the broth as rich and flavorful, while others note that certain bowls may lean saltier than expected or feel less traditional in style. That range of impressions helps set expectations: Pho on California may appeal especially to guests who are open to a slightly different take rather than those seeking a strictly classic bowl every time. Reviews also mention the spicy pho with a Vietnamese fusion angle, including Korean chili oil, as well as the pho chay for vegetarians.
Beyond pho, diners have also called out spring rolls and vegetable vermicelli as notable orders. The vegetable pho has been recognized for including a generous variety of vegetables, which can be a plus for guests looking for a meat-free option in Pasadena, California. The vegetable vermicelli has also earned favorable comments from customers who preferred it over the vegetarian pho on a particular visit. Taken together, the menu seems best suited for people who want comforting noodle dishes, a few appetizer options, and flexibility between traditional and fusion-leaning flavors.
The atmosphere appears to be casual and functional, making it a reasonable stop for solo meals, quick lunches, or relaxed meals with family. Service reviews are mixed but include positive notes from diners who found both the food and service enjoyable. With a 4.3 rating from 179 reviews, Pho on California has built a visible presence among Vietnamese dining options in Pasadena. As with many neighborhood restaurants, experiences can vary by dish and by visit, but repeat customers and first-time guests alike continue to mention satisfying bowls and flavors that make the place memorable.
For anyone searching for Pho on California in Pasadena, CA, the appeal is simple: weekday-accessible Vietnamese comfort food, pho as the main draw, and options that can suit both traditional pho lovers and diners curious about a more fusion-leaning touch. If you are nearby on a weekday and want a warm bowl of noodles, spring rolls, or a vegetarian-friendly choice, this Pho restaurant offers a convenient local option in Pasadena.
Ratings & Reviews
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Sign in to reviewHad the pho chay (vegetable pho) with vegetable broth and the vegetable vermicelli. Veggie pho broth was too salty in my opinion. My aunt thought so too. I did like they included many vegetables. Tofu could have had more in the pho. The vegetable vermicelli was better. Could have used a little more fish sauce. Lots of veggies. Guy was power washing the front of the floor of the restaurant while we were there which made it hard to converse. Would suggest they do it not during opening hours or not when customers are dining as quite distracting.
We were served a bowl that had a straight up muddy, off taste. Anyone who eats pho regularly knows the difference between a clean, fragrant broth and something that’s clearly wrong. This wasn’t subtle. Something was very off. When we flagged it politely, the owner GRABBED A SPOON and tried the pho. She then told us the issue was the bean sprouts being “too ripe.” They acknowledged an ingredient was off and still refused to replace the bowl unless we paid again. It baffled my mind that a restaurant owner could be so unapologetic about objectively BAD food. That is not how you run a serious pho shop in Los Angeles. This city is packed with spots that take pride in their broth and stand behind their food. If your ingredients slip, you fix it. Why is that so difficult? You don’t push the cost onto the customer and act like that’s normal.
Finally tried Pho on California and it didn’t disappoint. Food was delicious and great service!
Vietnamese fusion cuisine. Some Korean chili oil in the spicy pho I ordered. Overall, not bad. If you want traditional pho, there's plenty of other options elsewhere. The broth may not be heavy in the traditional sense but it's not bad either. While the portion isn't as packed as I would've liked, it's sensible and I still left feeling full. Although, when I eat pho, I tend to over indulge and come out feeling like I'd stuffed myself silly. No knock here, just not the super giant bowls some might come to expect when ordering pho. As for the other options, you have some interesting choices, chicken katsu banh mi caught my eye but I was in the mood for pho. A good mix of traditional and fusion without feeling overwhelmed with a bunch of choices on the menu. Drinks are bottled variety which can get annoying if you wanted refills like unlimited ice tea at regular pho restaurants but it's not a deal breaker. Overall recommended of you're not the type to turn up the nose at the mention of fusion cuisine.
I got spring rolls and #1 I would definitely come back. Broth is rich in flavor . I drove 2hr to try this spot and it was well worth the drive!!! I recommend this place for pho lovers . Throw the spring rolls in your broth it enhances the taste but it doesn't need it it's delicious without adding anything to the bowls.
