Pho 89 - San Jose

After passing by this restaurant countless times since moving to the area, I finally decided to give this family-owned establishment a chance. I was a bit hesitant at first because my boyfriend and I are quite particular about our pho, but we were pleasantly surprised. The broth was delicious and packed with flavor, topped with plenty of green onions just the way we like it. The meat was tender and the tendons, which happen to be my favorite, were soft and not tough like at some other places. The only downside was that the noodles were slightly overcooked, but that was easy to overlook given everything else was spot on. The service was friendly and efficient, and the restaurant had a clean, modern atmosphere. We definitely plan on returning to try out the new items on the menu.

I will definitely return to this restaurant. It may not have a fancy atmosphere and the staff might not speak English, but the food is great. However, the coffee is too sweet for my taste.

The food at this restaurant is fantastic! I've never been disappointed with any dish I've tried so far. The prices are reasonable, maybe a bit cheaper than Kim Long. The service is also good, especially for a Vietnamese restaurant. They claim to have freshly made tea, but it always seems to run out when I visit, so I can't confirm that.

Compared to my expectations, this restaurant truly surpassed them! The ambiance was enjoyable with tasteful paintings, but the real highlight was the food. The bún thịt nướng was delicious and came in a generous portion, the largest I've ever seen in the Bay. The phở đặc biệt was flavorful and rich, although slightly on the fatty side. The tin cups used for serving water added a humorous touch. This is a must-visit whenever I'm in the area.

I will definitely return to this restaurant. It may appear unassuming and could use some improvements in atmosphere. The wait staff may not speak English well, but the food is delicious. However, the coffee is overly sweet.