Turtle Tower
Vietnamese restaurant · Financial District
220 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Highlights
Authentic Northern Vietnamese pho, fresh ingredients, modern decor
Authentic Northern Vietnamese pho, fresh ingredients, modern decor
"After a two-year hiatus, Turtle Tower and their iconic Northern-style phở are back. These steaming bowls of chicken pho are exactly what your fog-chilled limbs need. And in case there's a random hot day, the carbonated lemon and egg sodas can cool things down." - patrick wong, julia chen 1
"There are few options in the city when it comes to Northern-style phở, but the best among them is Turtle Tower. The Vietnamese restaurant reopened in the Financial District after shutting down in 2023 and they brought back their beloved phở gà. The broth is light, but layered like the finale of a critically acclaimed HBO drama. The strips of skin-on chicken floating around add just enough richness to each bite." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"If movies have taught us anything, it’s that a redemption arc can feel satisfying. And so it goes when one of San Francisco’s most beloved pho spots, Turtle Tower, was able to mount a comeback with the original team after being closed for a little over a year. It seemed like a minor miracle. It may feel tempting to compare it to past experiences at the Tenderloin and SoMa locations, but just enjoy the chicken-based pho ga for what it is, now at its spiffier new location on California Street. Spring for the chicken wings if they’re not sold out, and prepare yourself for its newly installed later hours (now closing at 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday) and upcoming liquor license." - Paolo Bicchieri
"After closing their last location in 2023, Turtle Tower returned in 2025 with a new location in the neighborhood. Office-goers are lucky to have this Northern Vietnamese spot, which has our favorite phở gà in the city. And be sure to start your meal with the nem cua. To avoid a wait, show up before noon." - patrick wong, julia chen 1, lani conway
"Turtle Tower returned to the Financial District in 2025, two years after closing their previous location. The same rich, soul-reviving chicken noodle soup made it over here, along with excellent bún thang and a standout vegan phở. While battling downtown office workers for a table during weekday lunch rushes is a rite of passage, dinner tends to be quieter and walk-in friendly. Either way, be sure to end on the pandan-infused waffle that comes with a slightly salty tuft of whipped cream." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
