You’re craving pho, and there are friends involved. Maybe they’re adventurous, maybe they’re skeptical, and maybe they’ve never tried bánh mì—whatever the case is, you need a spot that delivers authentic flavors without the cross-country flight. These places have steaming bowls of broth, dining rooms where fish sauce aromas feel right at home, and menus that’ll convert even the most hesitant eaters. Here’s where to go when you want to transport your taste buds to Hanoi.
Pholicious
$ | (859) 307-5128 | WEBSITE
The food court at the mall is a whirlwind of tempting options, even for those with the strongest willpower. And you’ll need that distraction while you wait for Pholicious’s incredible pho, because there will be a line. Grab a seat and watch the world go by, or wander over to the smoothie stand to scope out the boba flavors—by the time you’ve decided on the Tropical Wonder, your number will be called. The original pho soup is deeply savory, and even better with their perfectly tender beef.
Feel free to join the chorus of satisfied sighs here, if not to savor every last drop of that rich broth.
Saigon Subs and Rolls
$ | (513) 381-7827 | WEBSITE
With its straightforward menu of just seven options, simple counter service, and no-frills dining room, Saigon Subs and Rolls has the essentials for an authentic Vietnamese meal—including, yes, a standout pho that draws regulars. When not tempted by the popular vermicelli bowl and fresh spring rolls, diners should focus on the pho with its rich, savory broth and the banh mi that tastes just like it did in Vietnam.
YouYu
$$ | (513) 250-3150 | WEBSITE
Not only is YouYu incredibly relaxing, it’s also a go-to spot for Cincinnati families—parents settle in with some tea and the kids can enjoy the spacious dining area. The Vietnamese restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere that easily accommodates large groups, casual conversations, and your friend who finally decided to try Asian cuisine after some hesitation or two.
If you’re here for dinner, we love the Hong Kong Beef Chow Fun and fried rice (or the huge soup for some), but for lunch, it’s all about the value.
Pho Viet Ohio
$ | (513) 481-1555 | WEBSITE
At this Vietnamese restaurant on the west side, you can watch the staff assemble bowls of pho behind the counter while you sip on an icy glass of mango boba tea. There are a few small tables, ideal for spreading out with huge portions of noodles for the adults and egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce for the kids (or the chicken and rice noodle soup, which is mild enough for even the picky eaters).
The pho, which comes piled high with fresh herbs and customizable spice levels, is excellent to dive into as you decompress after a long day.
Pho Lang Thang
$ | (513) 376-9177 | WEBSITE
Pho Lang Thang is a Findley Market spot where you’ll have to weave through market-goers and food lovers to get to the cozy little space, which is exactly why regulars seem to adore it. The compact dining area fills up most lunchtimes with the hungry-crowd, so the odds that you bump into your neighbor (and their takeout bag) are pretty good.
There are also tons of aromatic broths simmering away, plus fresh herbs and bright sauces—let the flavors run wild while you slurp down a bowl or three with your friends and grab an extra order of those crispy spring rolls from the counter.
Bon Mi Street
$ | (859) 814-8000 | WEBSITE
Even if your friends who take themselves too seriously don’t want to admit it, the foam ax throwing at Bon Mi Street is just as fun for adults as it is for their kids. About every time you’re waiting for your order, you can try your luck at hitting targets with foam axes—any child is guaranteed to get up from their seat to give it a try, and parents are sure to follow and snap their photo.
Sip on some amazing Vietnamese coffee with extra sugar while children can get the best strawberry boba tea layered with sweet flavors, and fill up on phenomenal sandwiches like the sweet chili & teriyaki chicken and tofu and shiitake bahn mi.
iPho Vietnamese Cuisine
$ | (513) 774-0700 | WEBSITE
iPho Vietnamese Cuisine has the cozy atmosphere and flavor-packed dishes required to keep adults satisfied. Whether they’re savoring the rich meat broth in the pho, or keeping hunger at bay with fresh rolls, they can fuel up on generous side garnishes or a fantastic coffee before relaxing everything in the chill dining area.
