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pho-restaurants-adelaide

Best Pho Restaurants in Adelaide That’ll Make You Forget About Cup Noodles

There are a few monumental events in history we should always be thankful for. To name a few, there’s the discovery of fire, the advent of technology—and the first time pho simmered in a pot.

Yup, we’re talking about the beefy Vietnamese soup that put our college cup noodles to shame (sorry, Nissin). And unlike Cu Chi Tunnel or the Temple of Literature, you don’t have to go to Vietnam to experience this offering.

Below are our picks of Adelaide’s ultimate spots for pho!

Adelaide Pho

From nicoleklangford

Address: 199 Waymouth St

Contact Details: (08) 8212 0997

Operating Hours:

  • Mon – Closed
  • Tue to Sun – 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm

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Lieu Tran, Adelaide Pho’s owner, claims that her decade-old restaurant’s broth wields the power to soothe and restore the body. Savoring Tran’s pho should be on your 2024 bingo card!

The broth that catapulted her unassuming diner to stardom doesn’t lack in a rich beefy essence, courtesy of a winning formula—85 kilograms of beef bones simmered for an entire day.

Elevating the flavor are Thai spices, most notably mint, basil, and coriander. As for the meat, you’re the master of your bowl: beef tripe, seafood, meatballs. It’s your call.

Tip:

If you hate waiting like how we hate rush hour traffic, order pho online.

The Spot on Melbourne

Address: 125 Melbourne St, North Adelaide

Contact Details: (08) 7225 0612

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Wed – 10 am to 3 pm
  • Thu to Sat – 10 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
  • Sun – 10 am to 3 pm

Website

We went to The Spot on Melbourne because a reader recommended their baos. Thank you for the heads-up, James, but you should’ve told us that their pho is also top-notch.

For just $9.50, we slurped our way through a bowl of mini phở, garnished with beef brisket, tender filet, and balls of beefy goodness. Some of our teammates even added slices of chicken because why limit your bowl to just one kind of protein?

As for the baos, we enjoyed them, too, particularly the one field with soft-shelled crabs. A single bite and the buns’ delicately sweet and oceanic fillings took over our taste buds.

Tip:

If you think your wine is better than what this spot offers, bring your own bottle. There’s a $15 corkage per bottle, though.

Pho SA

Address: 42 Currie St

Contact Details: (08) 8212 5272

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm
  • Sat to Sun – Closed

Website

If the flavor of your homemade beef noodles has you contemplating an expletive that slightly rhymes with “pho,” it might be time to save the foodie in you and hit up Pho SA.

They don’t simmer cup noodle-ish broth and noodles here—only time-honored pho with slight twists for modern palates. The broth pops with a strong beefy kick, while fragrant spices like star anise and cinnamon add to its complexity.

For the toppings, beef slices, chicken, and brisket will cost you only around 16 bucks, and you can even mix them up for the same price tag. Seafood is also available, but it’s slightly pricier at $17.

Tip:

Calling is essential if you’re planning to slurp pho with a large group. You can book via the website or contact the number above.

Phở Nguyễn

Address: 82 Gouger St

Contact Details: (08) 8333 3719

Operating Hours: Daily – 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm

Website

The pho you’ll relish at Phở Nguyễn has been a family secret for years, and you know what they say about secrets: they add spice to your life.

In this resto’s case, the spice they’ll bring comes in the form of a wok-hei-infused soup, blending traditional flavors and contemporary cooking. For instance, they boast a unique red wine stewed pho with traditional beef tendon flavored by local vino.

But, if you only want flavors you would taste in a bustling market or vigorously-lit hole-in-the-wall stall in Hanoi, their rare beef, tofu, and brisket pho have you covered—all for just $16 to $17.

Tip:

From tasty specials to exclusive deals, stay in the loop with Phở Nguyễn’s latest events and news.

Phonatic Restaurant

Address: 171 Hindley St

Contact Details: (08) 8410 8868

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Thu – 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9:30 pm
  • Fri – 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
  • Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
  • Sun – 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9:30 pm

Website

Photanic’s tagline is “We make the best pho,” and with their stellar reputation as one of Adelaide’s premier spots for soup, it’s a claim that’s hard to dispute.

Even our pickiest eaters are head over heels for their traditional Vietnamese recipes and farm-to-table SA ingredients. You can best taste this union by having pho dac biet, a bowl with special noodles, spices, and more beef than the hip-hop industry.

What truly sets the restaurant apart, though, is its bar and pub-style drinks menu, letting foodies pair cocktails, beer, or any other preferred poison with pho.

Tip:

Swing by when the weather is fair, as Phonatic Restaurant features a laid-back courtyard available for guests who are into sunkissed dining.

Madame Hanoi

Address: SkyCity Adelaide, 125 North Terrace

Contact Details: (08) 8218 4166

Operating Hours:

  • Mon – Closed
  • Tue to Wed – 5 pm to 10 pm
  • Thu – 12 pm to 4 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
  • Fri – 12 pm to 4 pm, 5 pm to 12 am
  • Sat – 5 pm to 12 am
  • Sun – Closed

Website

Madame Hanoi reunites Vietnam and France—but this time, it’s more of a fusion of flavors than a colonization affair.

We’re talking about $10 mini beef pho paired with irresistible French pastries. The former brims with delicate rice noodles, rare beef, and short ribs, while the latter flaunts layers of flaky dough and heavenly cream.

To complete the experience, a bottle of Hanoi Citrus Gin is up for grabs. Hanoi’s spirit is perfectly captured by this full-bottled drink, with its blend of gin, spices, and citrus.

Tip:

Can you say no to free parking? If you can’t, spend at least 25 bucks on Madame Hanoi to park without fees at the Festival Car Park.

You can access the parking spot from either Montefiore Road or King William Road, conveniently situated adjacent to SkyCity Adelaide.

Cafe Saba

Address: Unit 7/47 The Parade, Norwood

Contact Details: (08) 8363 2006

Operating Hours:

  • Mon – 10 am to 3 pm
  • Tue to Fri – 10 am to 8 pm
  • Sat – 10 am to 8 pm
  • Sun – Closed

Website

Bathed in natural light and timber colors, Cafe Saba is one of the reasons why Norwood attracts a plethora of pho lovers.

Speaking of pho, this spot doesn’t hold back when it comes to their beef soup servings. For instance, their chart-topping pho tai bo vien is crowned with several cuts and pieces of rare beef and beef balls, to the point where the umami soup is barely visible.

We can sing the same tune with their fiery bun bo hue, a massive offering of spicy pho topped with well-seasoned pork and soft brisket. This serving is terrific during nippy winter nights but its magic truly peaks after a beer bonanza.

Tip:

If planning to make a reservation, it’s important to note that bookings aren’t accepted after 7:30 pm.

Mr Viet

Address: Rundle Mall, 8/20 James Pl

Contact Details: (08) 8212 3626

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Sat – 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Sun – Closed

Website

Whenever we’re torn between grade-A pho or pork buns, Mr Viet is the ultimate compromise. This brilliantly ornamented brick-wall restaurant turns heads and hooks food enthusiasts with its pho and bun combinations.

Our personal favorite is the classic mishmash of the aptly named Pho-nomenon (basically traditional pho with a pun for a name) and Bao Wow, pillowy filled to the brim with your protein of choice.

To sweeten the deal, this 20-buck order comes with either an ice-cold glass of coconut juice or a steaming cup of Mr Viet’s beloved coffee.

Tip:

The restaurant has a BYO container policy, so make use of your idle Tupperware or bowls at home. Nothing beats relishing in top-tier pho while also making a positive environmental impact.

W&W Quan

From earth_as96

Address: Shop T18 Ashwin Parade &, South Rd, Torrensville

Contact Details: (08) 8354 3222

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon to Wed – 9 am to 5 pm
  • Thu – 9 am to 8 pm
  • Fri to Sat – 9 am to 5 pm
  • Sun – 10 am to 5 pm

Facebook

W&W Quan’s pho is so delicious that we forgot the 9-minute drive to Torrensville.

The highlight is undeniably their pho tai, a bowl offering tender slices of beef and chicken that add a meaty richness. Fresh herbs, like cilantro and Thai basil, lend this pick a bright, herbaceous freshness, balancing the broth’s robust umami undertones.

On top of that, they prepare $3 to $5 extras, which you can use as additional toppings or sides. 

We suggest opting for meatballs, tofu, and seafood for an overload of flavors. Just avoid this if you’re dining with someone who wants to keep things authentic.

Tip:

For sweet deals like upgrading to extra banh mi and drinks, check their Facebook page for current offers and how to grab them.

Sit Lo

Address: 30 Bank St

Contact Details: 0456 659 841

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon to Sat – 11 am to 9 pm
  • Sun – Closed

Website

Every time our team needs a quick bite for lunch or a lively spot to unwind after hours of writing, we head straight to Sit Lo.

Their Vietnamese chef’s vision springs to life through dishes that’ll make you hate your cooking, featuring classic favorites like beef and chicken pho.

Our latest obsession, however, is the Vietnamese kway teow or pho xào. The first time we tried this broth-less pho packed with full-flavored beef, rice noodles, and herbs, we knew it would be our new diet-breaker.

Tip:

Need a caterer? Sit Lo can bring their Vietnamese dishes to any shindig!

Little NNQ

Address: 125 Gouger St

Contact Details: (08) 8231 9778

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – 5:30 pm to 9 pm
  • Tue – Closed
  • Wed to Thu – 5:30 pm to 9 pm
  • Fri to Sun – 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm

Website

The rustic and relaxed Little NNQ dazzles like a fine dining restaurant, so you can only imagine our surprise when we realized they serve legit Vietnamese dishes for under 20 bucks.

Their pho dac biet is no exception, as it only set us back for $18, while still teeming with all the traditional fixings. Think fresh rice noodles, rare beef slices, meatballs, brisket, and even some tripe, all swimming in an aromatic beef broth.

For those who prefer to personally cook what they eat, there’s a hot pot option, but it’s a tad expensive at $50. It can feed a group of 4 to 5 people, though, making it a prime pick for get-togethers.

Tip:

Little NNQ has seasonal offerings that you may want to take advantage of. These deals, normally announced on Facebook, include new set menus or beverage packages.

Pho Ba Ria 2

From lucy_everlasting

Address: 54 Hanson Rd, Woodville Gardens

Contact Details: (08) 8244 5522

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Tue – 10 am to 9 pm
  • Wed – Closed
  • Thu to Sun – 10 am to 9 pm

Facebook

Speaking of make-your-own phos, Pho Ba Ria 2 might be the ultimate spot to mix and match the soup’s beef-based broth with whatever toppings your heart and stomach desire.

You can get this privilege by forking over $22.50—a small price for a bowl oozing with beef tendons, tripe, and meatballs.

Big shots with big bucks can take things a step further by adding around $15 to $20 for extras like ox tail, steamed vegetables, and seafood.

Tip:

The drive from the Adelaide CBD to Pho Ba Ria 2 takes around 21 minutes. Don’t forget to message them to ask if they’re open before hitting the road.

Jarn Leva

From too_spicie

Address: Adelaide Central Plaza, 14/100 Rundle Mall

Contact Details: 0450 606 113

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Thu – 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Fri – 9 am to 8 pm
  • Sat – 9 am to 4 pm
  • Sun – 11 am to 4 pm

Website

Jam Leva is an ideal spot for those seeking pho but in the mood to travel for more than 10 minutes.

Their specialty is pho xao, a broth-less version of pho that’s wok-fried and jazzed with beef, chicken, or prawn toppings. If you prefer noodles swimming in soup, go for their traditional extra-large servings, running for around $19 to $20.

And to wet your whistle (because you’ll definitely have to), pay a fiver for their Vietnamese iced coffee, a popular choice that blends very strong coffee essences with a slight hint of sweetness.

Tip:

Given its metropolitan location, this place tends to get crowded. If you don’t mind starting your day with pho, swing by in the morning.
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