We came here after visiting Lake Louise on an absolutely freezing day, and a big bowl of hot pho was exactly what our group needed to warm up. It was my first time at Pho House — a friend brought us, saying it’s a good Vietnamese spot.
Looking at the menu, I did get the sense that it leans more Chinese than Vietnamese. I ordered the Special Pho, expecting the usual combination of rare beef, fatty brisket, tendon, and tripe. To my surprise, there was no tendon or brisket (just a light sprinkling of tripe — and I mean sprinkling), and instead of brisket it came with meatballs. As someone who loves pho and has had some amazing bowls in NYC, maybe my palate is a bit spoiled — but I do have certain expectations when it comes to a “special” pho.
Another difference: the bean sprouts and herbs were already placed in the soup rather than served on the side. Personally, I prefer adding them myself (and I’m not a fan of bean sprouts sitting in the broth), but I didn’t have much choice here. The broth itself was hearty, though it had a slightly sweet aftertaste that gave it more of a Chinese-style pho flavor rather than a traditional Vietnamese one.
We also ordered the lemongrass grilled pork over rice, which again tasted more Chinese-inspired than Vietnamese. The crispy spring rolls (cha gio) weren’t particularly Vietnamese in style either — but they were a surprise hit because they were genuinely tasty.
Overall, the food is good — just not what I would strictly categorize as Vietnamese cuisine. The space is large and comfortable, and the staff were attentive.
One logistical note: the restaurant is located on the 3rd floor. We had a senior with us, and getting her up three flights of stairs was quite challenging. We only discovered afterward that there’s an elevator on the other side of the building, which we used on the way down. It would really help if there were clearer signs indicating elevator access.
In short: good food, warm and filling on a cold day — just not the traditional Vietnamese pho experience I was expecting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Shannon Tierney
Best pho in town. Best customer service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Megumi Carmona
I ordered the special pho B6 and it was soooo good! Idk why this resto has lotsa bad reviews and only 3.4 total ratings. 2 servers were both so nice and pleasant and served our food quick. They can maybe improve the atmosphere by putting some music but that’s just me hehe 🤭
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Al
I did not enjoy the pho. The broth was very bland. No particular taste, watered down. I didn't even want to finish it, even though I was starving when I came in. The onion cakes were absolute nasty 😳 🤧 They felt like crusty paper. No taste of onion.... I wouldn't got here again. I am a huge pho fan by the way.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Vitalii Tkachuk
Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. The food did not meet expectations — the taste was average and the presentation was very basic. The service was slow and the staff were not very attentive. The atmosphere also wasn’t inviting. For the price, I expected much better quality. I won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jay Degracia
Place is spacious. We ordered a Seafood and Well Done Beef Pho and tastes delicious. It has a big serving. Also, we added Bubble Tea and we liked it! Good food for the cold weather.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lilly Coote
This is my personal safe haven, I love coming here. Rare beef pho is my favorite, it always soothes the soul. Pho House, I will always cherish you. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephanie Robert
Très bien prit soupe pho beef well done It a really cosy place... I try the pho soup beef well done it was really good.. its big so be prepared...
Had a delightful experience trying this pho spot. Friendly staff and a solid menu with plenty of good options. Perfect for a quick, hearty bowl of soup on a cold day. Tasty food, good service, and fair prices. 🍲🏔️ ^__^
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
hunter smith
Severely underrated. Crazy good pho, great efficient service and the Vietnamese iced coffee will undo all the damage done the night before.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
May Alherek
Chicken and well done beef pho were great!
林欣宜（Molly）
Food and staff are good, but the owner doesn't want to give a discount to locals. Like we owe him money. He is very rude, not friendly to the Banff locals.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Aidan Lee
Uh don’t go here. Had to add an insane amount of salt and siracha for both dishes ordered. Chicken tasted like just spoonfuls of honey. Waiter interacted with us once to grab our order and that’s it (we had to flag her down). Definitely banking on unknowledgeable tourists coming from out of town and never again
My favourite place in Banff ❤️
Good food and big serving.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came here after visiting Lake Louise on an absolutely freezing day, and a big bowl of hot pho was exactly what our group needed to warm up. It was my first time at Pho House — a friend brought us, saying it’s a good Vietnamese spot.
Looking at the menu, I did get the sense that it leans more Chinese than Vietnamese. I ordered the Special Pho, expecting the usual combination of rare beef, fatty brisket, tendon, and tripe. To my surprise, there was no tendon or brisket (just a light sprinkling of tripe — and I mean sprinkling), and instead of brisket it came with meatballs. As someone who loves pho and has had some amazing bowls in NYC, maybe my palate is a bit spoiled — but I do have certain expectations when it comes to a “special” pho.
Another difference: the bean sprouts and herbs were already placed in the soup rather than served on the side. Personally, I prefer adding them myself (and I’m not a fan of bean sprouts sitting in the broth), but I didn’t have much choice here. The broth itself was hearty, though it had a slightly sweet aftertaste that gave it more of a Chinese-style pho flavor rather than a traditional Vietnamese one.
We also ordered the lemongrass grilled pork over rice, which again tasted more Chinese-inspired than Vietnamese. The crispy spring rolls (cha gio) weren’t particularly Vietnamese in style either — but they were a surprise hit because they were genuinely tasty.
Overall, the food is good — just not what I would strictly categorize as Vietnamese cuisine. The space is large and comfortable, and the staff were attentive.
One logistical note: the restaurant is located on the 3rd floor. We had a senior with us, and getting her up three flights of stairs was quite challenging. We only discovered afterward that there’s an elevator on the other side of the building, which we used on the way down. It would really help if there were clearer signs indicating elevator access.
In short: good food, warm and filling on a cold day — just not the traditional Vietnamese pho experience I was expecting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Best pho in town. Best customer service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I ordered the special pho B6 and it was soooo good! Idk why this resto has lotsa bad reviews and only 3.4 total ratings. 2 servers were both so nice and pleasant and served our food quick. They can maybe improve the atmosphere by putting some music but that’s just me hehe 🤭
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
I did not enjoy the pho. The broth was very bland. No particular taste, watered down. I didn't even want to finish it, even though I was starving when I came in. The onion cakes were absolute nasty 😳 🤧
They felt like crusty paper. No taste of onion.... I wouldn't got here again.
I am a huge pho fan by the way.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. The food did not meet expectations — the taste was average and the presentation was very basic. The service was slow and the staff were not very attentive. The atmosphere also wasn’t inviting. For the price, I expected much better quality. I won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Place is spacious. We ordered a Seafood and Well Done Beef Pho and tastes delicious. It has a big serving. Also, we added Bubble Tea and we liked it! Good food for the cold weather.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is my personal safe haven, I love coming here. Rare beef pho is my favorite, it always soothes the soul. Pho House, I will always cherish you. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Très bien prit soupe pho beef well done
It a really cosy place... I try the pho soup beef well done it was really good.. its big so be prepared...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Had a delightful experience trying this pho spot. Friendly staff and a solid menu with plenty of good options. Perfect for a quick, hearty bowl of soup on a cold day. Tasty food, good service, and fair prices. 🍲🏔️ ^__^
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Severely underrated. Crazy good pho, great efficient service and the Vietnamese iced coffee will undo all the damage done the night before.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chicken and well done beef pho were great!
Food and staff are good, but the owner doesn't want to give a discount to locals. Like we owe him money. He is very rude, not friendly to the Banff locals.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Uh don’t go here. Had to add an insane amount of salt and siracha for both dishes ordered. Chicken tasted like just spoonfuls of honey. Waiter interacted with us once to grab our order and that’s it (we had to flag her down). Definitely banking on unknowledgeable tourists coming from out of town and never again
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Loading...