The story
On Hazard Avenue in the heart of Little Saigon, Phở 79 has been a fixture since 1982. Its name references the year 1979, when many Vietnamese families arrived in the United States, and the restaurant became one of the area’s first pho specialists. Today, it holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking, and it was also recognized as a James Beard America’s Classic in 2019 for its contributions to the American dining landscape.
The menu is built around pho, the Vietnamese rice noodle soup. The kitchen offers a full range of beef options: rare beef, well-cooked beef, tendon, tripe, flank, fatty brisket, and meatballs. The “Pho Xe Lửa” (79 super bowl) is a generous combination. Three bowl sizes let you match your appetite. For those who want something different, there is also chicken pho, shrimp pho, and bean thread noodle soup with chicken. Appetizers include crispy egg rolls, soft rice paper rolls with shrimp and pork, and grilled pork rolls.
The Orange County Register has called it “best pho” and “still good and dependable pho.” Regulars praise the generous servings and consistent quality. The restaurant is open from 7 AM to 9 PM, Wednesday through Monday, closed on Tuesday. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss spot that has earned its reputation bowl by bowl.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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