Pho Lien serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine centered on traditional noodle soup preparations. The menu highlights bowls of aromatic broth simmered with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, served alongside fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and thinly sliced proteins. Diners select from varied rice noodle thicknesses and cuts of meat to customize individual bowls. Beyond the signature soups, the kitchen prepares classic rolls wrapped in translucent rice paper with dipping sauces. The setting emphasizes a functional and straightforward approach to Asian culinary staples. Ingredients are prepared daily to ensure consistent flavor profiles in every serving of the steaming broth. This establishment focuses on delivering standardized bowls that reflect established techniques for crafting complex, savory liquids combined with tender ingredients for a cohesive meal.
Pho Lien is widely regarded as a top destination for authentic and flavorful pho in Montreal, with many diners praising the rich, high quality broth and generous portions. Guests often highlight the friendly and efficient service, noting that the restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a moment of comfort. While the majority of feedback is glowing, with some patrons visiting for over a decade, there are occasional critiques regarding the crowded seating, the lack of modern payment options as the business is cash only, and some mixed experiences with consistency. Despite these minor drawbacks and the need to plan ahead for cash payments, the consistently busy environment and strong local following suggest that it remains a favorite for many seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.
Best pho I've had anywhere in the world (including Vietnam). Definitely a place to go for any meal on a cold day, but great during the summer as well. All the soups are similar, just with different toppings. They also serve dishes as well if that's what you're looking for.
The staff are very friendly & serve food quickly & efficiently. The soup sizes are great, & very cheap for a meal in Montreal. They also can give extra bowls as well as fresh chillies if requested. One thing to remember is that it is CASH ONLY (they do have an ATM).
The reason only con for atmosphere is depending on where you are seated, sometimes cold air rushes in when people enter/exit in the winter (which is pretty often), but the smell as you walk in makes you instantly crave pho.
Sadly incredibly mid. This place gets recommended constantly, & I'd heard people were excited when it reopened after the fire, so I really wanted it to be good. Sadly, it was a huge letdown.
The broth tasted almost entirely like MSG. MSG itself isn't the problem, but here it felt like the only flavour, flat & one dimensional. The noodles were thin & broken apart, the meat portions were tiny, & the rolls were mushy & completely forgettable.
It's also more expensive than most pho spots, which makes it harder to justify. The service was slow & disorganized, the room was cold, & the music was loud, horrible radio slop that made the whole place feel even more unpleasant. They even charge for tea, which came in a tiny teapot & tasted extremely bitter. The atmosphere feels sterile, like sitting in a suburban boomer kitchen, & they don't accept cards.
If you're nearby, just go to Nguyen Phi down the street instead. The staff there are warm & funny, the service is genuinely welcoming, & the pho is excellent, deep, clear, aromatic broth with generous, well prepared toppings. The vibe is great, the decor is awesome, & the music is weird & cool, it actually feels like a place with personality.
I had the beef pho, i dont like bloody so i get mine cooked real well!! The imperial rolls were not my fave but the Pho TOP QUALITY! So damn good! I crave it so much 😩!! So so so good! The service is so fast & thorough, the broth is the BEST in Montreal. Keep in mind it's cash only! They have an atm in the restaurant tho!
Mar 26, 2025
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Service is very fast. One of the best phos I've had. The place is kind of tight but it's ok. Only down side is they don't take credit cards so you have to pay cash. They have an ATM machine inside that charges $2.75 fee for withdrawals. Bathroom was good & clean.
The best, most authentic pho outside of Vietnam! this is really an institution. the service is speedy, friendly & warm & the food is so so excellent. The broth is rich, deep & perfectly seasoned & full of flavour. The noodles are fresh & bouncy & the beef is excellent quality. Hands down the best pho I've had! Service Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $10-20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes Pho Soup Raw Beef Pho
Très bonne nourriture. Le bouillon des soupes est savoureux. Les brochettes sont excellentes. Un bon resto pour une bonne bouffe sans prétention. & ils ont une grande terrasse pour manger dehors & profiter du soleil. Guichet ATM à l'intérieur, sinon cash seulement. Bon rapport qualité/prix. Serveur sympathique. Je vais y retourner. Parfait pour diner ou souper relax avec des amis.
Been dining to this restaurant from time to time for many years when I have a craving for Vietnamese chicken soup or grilled beef lime with side dish of imperial rolls. Small restaurant with Jo reservation so you might have some lineups depending on time & day. Note that cash only is accepted but a ATM machine is inside for cash.
Ate here & the soup was great. Before it was salty but now it's very balanced. Very tight spot & only accept cash. They do have an ATM & there's a Royal Bank across the street.
