Pho Lien

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!

Peu

5.0

2 fois par mois, obligatoirement

Mélyann

5.0

Meilleur Pho à Montréal! Service rapide, bonne bouffe, cash only. Mon go-to quand j'ai besoin d'un plat réconfortant.

Qi

2.0

Expensive for a pho restaurant, & only cash only…..

Luis

5.0

Good food cheap prices... Atmosphere leaves to be desired & place looks like it needs a little TLC.... For a casual eat great place

Shawn

4.0

Cash Only. Small tables. Though one of the best, yet expensive for a Pho place with portions relatively smaller than elsewhere.

Rory

5.0

It's the best Vietnamese restaurant I've ever been to the food is amazing

Mark

4.0

Delicious, classic Vietnamese combo Meals & pho. Great soup.

Jason

5.0

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.

Hoang-Nguyen

5.0

Le propriétaire était vraiment sympa. Pho était authentique (du nord du Vietnam).