Pho Lien

Eli

5.0

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.

May 6, 2025

on Google

Melissa

5.0

The legacy continues!

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

on Google

Polixena

4.0

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

Oct 12, 2024

on Google

Moin

4.0

Had a chance to try their number 1 pho dac biet special & shrimp fresh rolls. Although the items had good flavour, I would say it's good in general & a decent spot for a pho craving. Outside of that, would recommend only if your around the area. Service is awesome!

Sep 3, 2024

on Google

F

5.0

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!

Aug 6, 2024

on Google

Sara

5.0

Today I ordered from.this restaurant on uber eat, I have a cold so.i wanted soup , boy o boy let me.tell you it was absolutely delishes, the broth was amazing & the way that they package the broth separately from.the noodle & protein is great , it came hot with fresh veggies on the side to top up the soup. Anyways absolutely delishes, loved it, thank you

May 30, 2024

on Google

Christian

5.0

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!

Apr 16, 2024

on Google

Jennifer

5.0

Make sure you bring cash because that’s all they accept! Service was fast & food was fresh, piping hot, & always satisfying. This place never disappoints & it always hits the spot.

Sep 12, 2023

on Google