Sao Sao serves a diverse selection of authentic Vietnamese cuisine centered on traditional preparations and robust flavor profiles. The menu features classic staples such as aromatic pho broths simmered for extended periods and a variety of fresh spring rolls accompanied by savory dipping sauces. Diners find an extensive array of noodle bowls topped with grilled meats, herbs, and crushed peanuts alongside crispy banh mi sandwiches that reflect authentic culinary techniques. The establishment focuses on providing consistent plates that emphasize balance between salty, sweet, and spicy elements characteristic of Southeast Asian cooking. This space maintains a focused approach to meal preparation that prioritizes ingredient quality and regional authenticity across every dish served. The interior environment facilitates a straightforward dining experience suitable for those seeking reliable, traditional staples within a contemporary setting.
Sao Sao is widely regarded by many diners as a go-to spot for delicious, fresh, and generously portioned Vietnamese cuisine, with the pho and General Sao chicken receiving frequent praise. While many guests enjoy the bright, cute, and cozy atmosphere, finding the staff friendly and the service efficient, experiences can be inconsistent. Some patrons report frustrations regarding cleanliness, long wait times, occasional errors with takeout orders, or a decline in food quality. Despite mixed feedback concerning authenticity and service speed, the restaurant remains a popular choice for many due to its reasonable prices and welcoming environment.
First time ordering from this restaurant & very disappointed.
We ordered two pho soups with grilled chicken through Uber Eats specifically because of the good reviews. In the notes, we clearly mention'gluten, allergy' since one of us cannot eat gluten for health reasons.
Despite this, they sent the soups with a note saying'the chicken has gluten.'
So why prepare & send it anyway?
We paid $50 for two soups & both arrived containing gluten. Instead of taking two seconds to call or message us to suggest another dish, confirm an ingredient, or simply cancel/refund, they just sent food that we cannot eat.
This shows a lack of care & respect for customers with dietary restrictions. Extremely disappointing experience & makes us feel like they only cared about taking the money, not about the customer.
The pho was way too greasy, which made it feel a bit heavy. The grilled chicken also seemed like it was just reheated-way too dry & tough. Definitely not what I was hoping for.
Nov 27, 2025
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Easy to find parking, the food is amazing & I got a great service as well. The waitress suggested me a very nice main course & dessert! Overall good experience!
I love coming to this place. Food is amazing, the staff is friendly, the vibe is very relaxed. We're going to have a pause & good food. This is my place. I highly recommend it.
Food was ok. The meat was not very fresh in the pho, almost slimey. We had it delivered & the tops of both our soups' broth containers were off & the broth was delivered partly just... In a bag... It was pretty cold when it arrived.
Just landed & working my way to my hotel. Needed a bowl of Pho to warm up my senses. French & Vietnamese cuisine go hand in hand right? Found this place on google & saw some great reviews. Great decor but unfortunately I think the food fell short. Noodles were not throughly cooked. Size was a little small in comparison to the pricing. Broth was'eh'. Coffee was sort of bland. I'm pretty critical coming from Vancouver. Having a Hispanic & white girl serving me sort of trippy though. This area is predominantly more local Montrealers as I saw a lot coming in while I was leaving. Like I said, I rate compared to pricing. Will check out downtown / Chinatown this week to see what else I can find. Oh another thing, upon paying, I asked to borrow a plug for 5 minutes to charge my phone to call an Uber. Completely out of juice from the long flight. Could overhear the boss who declined. Great start to my Montreal trip! This has nothing to do with the food rating though. Lived in Vietnam & Pho it up all over the world.
Sadly, I have to update my review. The quality has really gone down lately, the herbs aren't as fresh as before, & the broth has become greasy & bad-tasting. When we complained, instead of replacing it properly, they just dumped out the old broth & poured the new one on top, leaving bits of bone marrow stuck around the rim.
It also feels like they're understaffed now, service is slower, they forget small things, & I was even charged extra for something that used to be included. It's a shame, because this used to be my favorite pho spot with fresh food, fair prices, & a great ambiance. I truly hope they bring back the quality they once had.
