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.
The best pho in mtl. Even though I'm mostly vegan, I often make the exception at this restaurant & get the rare beef & extra veggies when just veggies won't cut it on those days. These are the rare times (pun unintended) i eat red meat. Just don't try to show up on a tuesday because they're closed
2026: I had the weekend special soup that has a spicy broth, beef & pork & round slurpy noodles & I really enjoyed it. The place has been renovated to look more modern & the service is really human, polite & chill
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!
My daughter wanted to warm up on a cold February day & try Pho Lien, a restaurant I loved during my medical residency (it's right across from the Jewish Hospital & around St. Mary's).
I'm ecstatic to report that the deliciousness lives on. She nearly finished her large chicken pho & I dug right into my XL well done beef (my infectious disease & medical microbiology colleagues recommend well done). Add a shot of hot sauce & hoisin, & I could eat that broth all day. My husband would've picked the spicy pho, available only on weekends. My father was the only person I ever met who could finish the extra large size without blinking.
The bean sprouts, herbs, & lime slices were extra fresh. It was served so fast that Anastasia was eating before I got back from the bathroom.
Small notes: I had recommended the beef or chicken combo also, & we ordered the beef rice combo on the side to taste & bring home. The waiter pointed out that we already had soup & suggested we trade the included soup for a second roll, which I happily accepted. Anastasia said it was cold, but I'm not sure how promptly she sampled it. It was cold by the time I tried it ten minutes later, since I'd prioritized eating my pho, which is at peak perfection while hot. The combo was still delicious cold. Environmental note: we bring our own containers to reduce waste.
I tried the hot coffee with condensed milk because it was freezing outside, but it turns out I prefer the iced coffee. I used to drink the iced coffee while pregnant with my kids, & this is a happy memory. I added a few ice cubes from my drink. All good.
The bathrooms are not fancy, which doesn't bother me. I will always pick a mom & pop joint with excellent food over a place where looks are more important than taste.
Pho is about $20, tax already included. Cash only. Closed Tuesdays. I hope to bring my kids sometime in the summer to try the patio, which was wonderful.
Long live Pho Lien!
Feb 9, 2025
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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
Ordered stir fried beef & grilled chicken vermicelli bowls to enjoy. Service was friendly, quick, & enjoyed our meal on patio. Each bowl currently priced at $18 CDN when we dined there in September 2024. I would recommend this place to family & friends. Cash payment taken, no cards unless it's debit.
Fantasic Pho, made in a traditional style. I love the triple, tendon & rare beef combo soup. Easily the best Pho in Montreal. (I had Pho in Toronto on Yonge street that was equally as good, but this is a rare find).
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!
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.
Love this place! My girlfriend has been going to this place for almost 20+ years. & for the past 7 years or so, it is one of our most common restaurant destination. Food is great, tasty & fresh. I recommend the "Soup Tonki" (chicken or beef "well cooked"). Their spring rolls & imperial rolls are also delicious. Love ending super with their traditional cold coffee (strong coffee, slowly dripped into condensed milk). What a great finish to an amazing meal. Whole family loves this place. Service is nice. Only (small) complaint about this place is that parking is sometimes difficult to find, & depending on time, paid for. As for the place, it is absolutely tiny. & usually quite busy. So you are sometimes "crammed" (if you will). When we see that it is too packed & we have the whole family, we just decide to take it out instead. Prices are very decent & affordable. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone!
