Bien Pho - Ottawa, Ontario

This was my go-to place for a quick delicious dinner for about 15 years but I’ve seen a notable decline in several respects over my last few visits The Pho (#11) always had tender beef and tonight it felt grissly and tough. It actually had a crunch to it. I ... asked for broccoli for the pho and it would have cost $5 for a few pieces so I had to pass. They’ve cut back on the amount of bean sprouts included with the pho. Overall, the food was disappointing and the broth recipe seems to have changed because it’s bland compared to what it used to be. Beyond the food, I got a glimpse into the kitchen where the food prep was happening and it was a bit of shock to see the state of it. I was sure that there must have been a change of ownership because it was in disarray and didn’t look clean. It was never like that before. But the server said it’s indeed the same owner. Service was very slow in spite of there being clients at only one other table. They do a lot of online orders now and judging by all the food going out in plastic bags, that appears to be their priority. There was also an extremely loud and annoying sound (like a loud alarm) that kept blasting out into the seating area from the pickup counter. We never did figure out what it was but it made dinner a less than pleasant experience. And finally, I have to comment on the general state of the place as it’s falling into disrepair. The door to the kitchen is falling apart, the single toilet was out of service. It honestly pains me to write this review because it was a favourite place to eat out. But I’ll be looking for a new place for pho going forward. Read more

Delicious and healthy vegan options. Love the generous vegetables! I was thrilled to discover vegan pho. Great veggie broth. The crispy tofu is delicious and the peanut sauce sublime. Please keep growing a diverse vegan menu. Thank you! 🌱

Went for a quick lunch with an old friend. It was amazing, the server was extremely kind and even suggested hot and sour pho. Which was the best pho I have had in Ottawa. The atmosphere was great and friendly, my friend and I sat for two hours and didn’t feel ... rushed at all. I also had pork spring rolls which were delicious. Read more

Great food and service! The waiter is always happy to help with all your needs. Had the fried noodles and pho (which they made spicy just for me) and I’m never disappointed here. Do recommend!

I chose this restaurant out of the blue. It was a very good choice. The service was lovely. All of my questions were answered with a smile..and in both English and French. We ordered - Appetizers : Satay Gai - marinated chicken served with peanut sauce on the side. Cha ... Gio - 3 vietnamese spring rolls stuffed with seasoned minced pork, vegetables, thread vermicelli. The spring rolls were quite good. Entrées: Bun Dac Biet - vermicelli with special grilled pork, beef and chicken with spring rolls, with cucumber, bean sprouts, lettuce, mint, green onion. This was quite delicious and a very generous portion! Shrimp Pad Thai was excellent and authentic. I asked if they made their pad thai sauce in house and was told yes, by the chef personally. Nice touch. Mango Salad - Green Mango mixed with fresh chili lime juice and spinach with a few finely sliced red onions (wish there were more onion pieces. Who knew mango and onion would go well with chili lime juice!) All in all, a very successful meal enjoyed by all. A very casual and laid back restaurant with delicious food and proper service. #localguide Read more