Monica E.
Yelp
This is the consistently best Pho Ca Dao in San Diego. I have been coming for years, primarily for the oxtail pho, and am consistently pleased.
Only knocking off one star because the staff can be prickly when you ask for order adjustments. I get it, I get it. It can be frustrating dealing with particular customers. But I prefer rice with my pho and no noodles. For some reason this seem to infuriate the team here in ways I don't experience at other Vietnamese locations.
But I keep coming back because this is some of the best tasting broth in town.
I am also a fan of House of Pho and Pho 7 Cow in town, but keep coming back to Pho Ca Dao for two reasons: the pho flavor is perfectly balanced and the oxtails, which are often to find on a menu. I love that Pho Ca Dao does a pretty excellent job cleaning the oxtails and removing the fat -- for the most part. Another reasons for not giving a 5-star rating. There are some consistency issues here with the cuts but, overall, the flavor is on point.
I also love the fatty brisket and tripe. Love, love, love.
Other menu favorites are the crunchy egg rolls, grilled beef anything, crispy tofu and the sweet chili wings.
Interestingly, I have only taking takeout. I have never actually eaten in the restaurant in about the three years I have been patronizing, so I cannot speak to the dine in experience. But I am pleased overall with the menu offerings, the serving sizes, the flavor and, again, the so so very good oxtails.