There’s nothing like a comforting bowl of pho, especially during Portland’s rainy season, and our cravings led us straight to Phở Oregon Restaurant.

They’re widely known for their pho (beef noodle soup), and honestly, the hype checks out. The broth is rich and flavorful, served in a huge bowl with plenty of toppings. The beef was super tender too. Even Vietnamese locals give it their stamp of approval. 

What really impressed us was the menu variety. Just under the pho section alone, there were so many choices that we had a hard time picking. So we all ordered something different and got a little taste of everything just from each other’s bowls. 

Beyond pho, they’ve got a wide range of traditional Vietnamese dishes, vegetarian options, and drinks that are worth noting. 

The Sinh Tố Bơ  (avocado smoothie) especially stood out. Many people suggested adding espresso, which we tried, and it was really delicious.

The place itself is simple, spacious, and clean. It’s nothing fancy and kind of leans more on feeling at home. Some people even say it’s their go-to hangover cure spot.

A few diners did mention that service could be slow, with some needing to flag down staff just to order or get water. Others noted price increases over time, which weren’t always well-received. 

So delicious, a great value for quality. 

“Consistently Good. Inexpensive. Went there again today after waiting wayyy too long.

The Oregon Nem Cuon and the Pho Tai Nam Gan are the go-to items when I go to Pho Oregon. Both are soooo damn good. I’m sure everything would be tasty.

Service is fast and courteous. Prices are reasonable , although prices have increased since my last visit. It’s still a great value for quality.

Go! Pho! ……..Soon!”

Markus “markobear1”, Google Review 

I had a great meal and a really good time. 

“Came into this restaurant on the weekend, and while it was pretty busy, I only waited about five minutes to get seated—not bad at all considering how packed it was. And honestly, I can see why it was so busy. The pho was excellent—simple ingredients but packed with rich flavor. The service was fast, and the staff was attentive, making sure everything was just right. Overall, I had a great meal and a really good time. Definitely recommend this spot if you’re looking for quality pho and good service!”

Sua Samano Amaral, Google Review 

There’s more to Vietnamese food than just pho—like egg rolls. At Phở Hùng on Powell, the egg rolls were the holy grail. Everyone we spoke with raved about how crispy and flavorful they were. We didn’t miss out, and yep, they’re worth coming back for. 

The space is clean and much improved since their renovation. It feels more comfortable now, with plenty of seating and charming Asian decor lining the walls. 

Their menu is impressively extensive. They offer plenty of vegetarian options, so everyone can find something to enjoy.

We tried the much-talked-about Super Bowl and easily understood why it’s one of the best sellers. It came loaded with rare steak, brisket, tendon, tripe, and meatballs in a rich beef broth. 

Some people also shared how their pho was a perfect cure for them when they got sick, which speaks volumes about how comforting the dishes are. 

We’ve also got to shout out their chili oil. It just adds flavor to just about anything. There are dedicated tables that have chili oil on them, so grab one of those if you can. 

That said, service has been a mixed bag. Some diners mentioned feeling rushed or unwelcome, and there were a few mentions of small portions depending on what you order. 

Incredible pho broth and banh mi! 

“Incredible pho broth here! It’s the closest taste to what you can experience in Little Saigon in California. My husband inhaled his banh mi. Every dish is a generous portion for affordable prices. Pho Hung on Powell is my new go-to Vietnamese spot in Portland. Thanks for a great meal!”

Kim Lê-Simpson, Google Review 

Flavorful broth and spring rolls. 

“I haven’t been here since I moved to Texas 3 years ago. As usual, I wasn’t disappointed. The broth was packed with flavor, chicken soaking in that flavor bomb with the noodles. Spring rolls crunchy and flavorful. But my favorite is the avocado shake. Never had a bad meal and not about to start now.”

Brian Williams, Google Review 

Food always lifts our mood, and when it’s paired with vibrant space, it’s even better. Lúa offers just that.

The restaurant boasts an open kitchen layout, plenty of natural light, and geometric hanging lamps. The bold yellow accents also make everything feel even more lively. 

The food definitely matches the energy. The chewiness of their banh hoi (woven rice noodles) was just right and the balance of flavors was such a chef’s kiss. We also ordered some lemongrass tofu bao and they were equally good. 

We were also genuinely impressed with their creativity. They have dishes you wouldn’t find elsewhere. For example, their bánh mì is panini-pressed so it has that crisp finish. This twist made it easier to eat.

Beyond the food and interior, their inventive approach extends to every detail. We scanned a QR code to view the menu, ordered online, and then notified the staff. 

While the system is meant to streamline the process and may work well for some, it can be confusing or inconvenient. Those seeking staff recommendations or needing to make special requests may also be disappointed with the system.

Some also noted slow food arrival times, with one mentioning it wasn’t ideal for group dining since dishes arrived at different times. 

The food had great flavor and was well presented. 

“Lua Vietnamese Restaurant is absolutely fantastic. The food was made relatively quick, even with all their take out orders. The food had great flavor and was well presented.

The restaurant was clean and I like the service, real nice employees.”

Cyd Gann, Google Review 

The food was served piping hot and delicious! 

“Everything was done to absolute perfection!! Drinks are robust and flavorful with strong coffee, yet delicate flavors. The food is served piping hot and all of it was savory deliciousness! They didn’t miss anything! It is also lofty and has super cute/friendly energy surrounding it🫶 yumyumyum💖💕🍽️”

Lauren Haakinson, Google Review 

We’ve all had pancakes before, but nothing like the savory crispness of Pho Le Nguyen’s bánh xèo. Their Vietnamese pancake bursts with flavor in every bite, and honestly, it might be our newfound favorite.

Naturally, we had to try the fresh rolls. The crisp, juicy bite won us over instantly. We also made sure to try the pho and vermicelli bowls; both were fresh and incredibly delicious. All that confirmed this spot truly delivers authentic Vietnamese flavors. 

Customers have also praised the generous portions and the freshness of their ingredients. 

That dedication to quality carries over to their takeout as well. Many said their orders arrived just as vibrant and well-prepared as if they were dining in.

The ambiance has an old-school charm with wooden furniture and a chandelier that gives the place a unique, nostalgic feel. While it’s not the most spacious spot compared to others, the cozy seating arrangement makes it feel intimate and welcoming.

It’s also close to the Portland airport, so if you’re picking someone up or heading out of town, it’s definitely worth checking out. We’d happily swing by again for a quick, satisfying meal.

Even so, not everything hits the mark every time. Some people find certain dishes, like the noodles, a bit bland. We’d love to see a bit more consistency, especially since this place feels like such a comforting spot to return to.

Pho came out nice and hot. Prices here were affordable!

“Met a friend here for lunch the other day and was pleasantly surprised at how good this place was.  I ordered the pho special (no tripe or tendon) and she ordered a rice plate. The bowl of pho came out nice and hot. It was packed with meat and noodles.  The broth was on point and definitely satisfied my pho cravings. The prices here are also reasonable when compared to other places. The place was nice and clean with friendly service.”

Charlie Te, Google Review 

The place was clean and both my rice noodles and meat were perfect.

“Pho was great! Both rice noodles and meats were perfect! And the soup, too! Price was also affordable. The restroom was really clean, even with no odor. Definitely, my family will get there again to enjoy the delicious pho again.”

김시몬 (深溫), Google Review

As foodies, we love exploring all kinds of flavors, and at MeKha Noodles, we enjoyed almost everything. From the turmeric noodles to the Bun Bo Hue, their name definitely lives up to having standout noodles.

The chicken wings were also good. They were not overcooked or drenched in sauce, so they were still very crispy when served. They also paired well with the noodles.

There are some unique items we don’t often see elsewhere, like the egg coffee that we last had in Vietnam. We tried it and found the sweetness just enough. Some customers did say they preferred it less sweet, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.

The plants around the restaurant also add to the refreshing atmosphere. It’s fun to see diners snapping photos other than with their food but around the space itself. 

While the food and atmosphere were top-notch, the service could be improved. Some complained about feeling unwelcome at times.

One person also complained about being charged extra after asking for a soup refill because their order lacked broth.

Their noodle soups taste amazing, authentic and very flavorful.

“My go to place whenever I feel like having a bowl of Bun Bo Hue or Pho. Their noodle soups taste amazing, authentic and very flavorful. My family loves it here and I have been telling my friends to come check it out.”

Yennie Tran, Google Review 

The space feels great and inviting.

“Love this place, can not stop daydreaming about their Pho. 😋 The space feels great and inviting. Even the water was fresh and tasty. Definitely going back soon. Here’s a picture my little one took of their Pho.”

Mellaly Matzke, Google Review