Pearl L.
Yelp
As we first entered into the restaurant, we saw that they had several tables taken and that was a great sign especially on a drizzling rainy day. We were greeted warmly and seated promptly by our waitress, Priscilla. We saw that on one of their walls was a white board with an array limited specials menu which offered a great variety of appetizers, drinks, entrees, and desserts that weren't listed on their regular menu. We grabbed a mung bean milk tea and crab ragoon from their limited menu while grabbing spring rolls with pork and shrimp, combination Pho and Phnom Penh Noodle Soup (regular). Their menu wasn't too big and had similar classics that you would find elsewhere. They also offered condiments on their tables such as shrimp paste, chili oil, and jalapenos which I thought was really considerate as I love bringing heat to my food and Sriracha or sambal is not enough for me. In addition, none of the bottles or spoons were sticky or looked like they are well-maintained.
The interior is absolutely adorable as it isn't a large space like many other Pho restaurants, however it is quaint, brightly lit, and organized in cozy manner. The lights that hang from the ceiling invoke a romantic vibe as the colors of the walls are easy on the eyes. The bathroom is also very clean, they have a very good dryer that I have never seen in all my years of traveling and they even had way to keep the bathroom smelling nice but not overwhelming. Overall the space is clean and Priscilla was very quick and efficient in clearing off tables, sanitizing and setting up the tables once customers leave the restaurant.
First, I love that they have one size as the portion sizes for all their food and drink offerings were reasonable! Also if presentation is a plus for you, the employees nails presentation with their plating and glassware. Everything came to us in such a photogenetic poisitioning. Another bonus is that they divide beansprouts, jalapenos, and other toppings for your noodles with each order rather than having a small plate of toppings. The amount of toppings were generous and they were very fresh, which was a great sign as not only our their toppings fresh but their food as well. The broths for both of our soups were spot on, not teetering in either too salty or sweet, as well as not leaving our throats parched for water due to the excessive amount of salt or MSG. The shrimp and pork fresh rolls were wrapped perfectly having a great crunch texture with an assortment of flavors from what you would expect, as well as their creamy and tangy peanut sauce. The mung bean milk tea was absolutely refreshing and had the perfect amount of sweetness, it was difficult to not just want to drink the whole thing before the meal. The crab ragoon was shaped like a puff pastry but I personally prefer this style over the traditional as it is less messy and oil. They were packed with flavor and paired well with the sweet chili sauce. I took my noodle soup home as I got full and it still tasted just as good as it did in the restaurant!
Priscilla stopped by to speak with us to check in on how the food was and even had some casual, professional talk about our life. Not at all imposing and just being an absolute gem to speak with. She also remembers customers and orders, which I think shows her commitment and passion for her work and her family business.
I have been to several Vietnamese Pho restaurants throughout Washington and Lunar Pho truly represents what the ideal perfect restaurant is with their superb service, food and drinks, and ambiance. I'm excited to come back again to sample their other choices. There is a reason why they are a five star restaurant on Yelp and you should drop in to see why!
