When you're feeling under the weather, hungover, or just want something truly filling and warm, pho is the ultimate comfort food. A staple of Vietnamese cuisine, this hearty soup is herbaceous from the thai basil and cilantro, rich from the bone broth, and comes piled high with noodles and meat of your choice. See our list of where to get this slurp-tastic delicacy in San Francisco the next time you need a soulful pick-me-up.
See also: The Best Banh Mis To Grab While Exploring San Francisco
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645 Larkin St.; 415-409-3333 / Website
Found in three different areas in the city, Turtle Tower is a trusted San Francisco institution that undoubtedly delivers on its serving size and flavors. If you're in SoMa or near the Design District, this cornerstone is a must for their casual atmosphere and Northern-style chicken or beef pho that offers a lighter variation than the more widespread style.
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431 Jones St.; 415-673-3163 / Website
This Tenderloin hot spot excels at Southern-style pho bo, enriching its dark broth with the most complex umami flavors, especially when topped with your choice of top-quality meats like rare steak, tendon, brisket and more! Another fun specialty here is their pho ko, a “dry style” alternative where the rice noodles are served on the side to dip in.
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225 Clement St.; 415-742-5285 / Website
Lily is an upscale and modern approach to traditional Vietnamese cuisine by chef Rob Lam that delivers both a refined atmosphere and luxurious courses. Stop into this immaculately decorated Richmond must-visit for the swanky chicken pho elevated with a confit chicken leg, or for their set menu to sample the best Lily has to offer.
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937 Howard St.; 415-882-7188 / Website
Tin is another fantastic SoMa choice just a few blocks away from Yerba Buena Park and the SFMOMA that is guaranteed to replenish and nourish you. This is a cute and tucked away family-run cove that is affordable and generously serves up southern-style pho with all of the best fixings.
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100 6th St.; 415-522-0332 / Website
Just like the famous play of the same name, this SoMa stop easily receives a standing ovation. You can’t miss their giant sign inviting you in, which you’ll want an encore visit again and again for their elegant atmosphere, fast service, and their can’t-miss pho tai mem overflowing with rare filet mignon.
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3216 Mission St.; 415-282-9088 / Website
Over in Bernal Heights, Bac Lieu is the perfect choice before heading to El Rio, as they ensure you leave full, comforted, and warmed up with their homestyle cooking and service. Named after a southern Vietnamese province, they offer an endless pho menu with customizable variations, and we suggest trying their pho with crispy five-spice chicken.
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288 Connecticut St.; 415-861-2336 / Website
Sunflower is a radiant option in the Potrero Hill neighborhood that is no-frills and brilliantly cost-effective. For those looking to truly warm up, their Satay Beef Pho is a zesty challenge that is sure to clear your sinuses or wake you up in this delightfully vibrant red interior.
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469 Castro St.; 415-624-3238 / Website
The best casual and spacious spot for quick and filling dishes in the Castro is Tanglad. From the strong Vietnamese Coffee to the stuffed Banh Mis, this is a neighborhood favorite all around, especially with its sunny patio seating! Try their Hue Style Beef and Pork for a bright lemongrass broth that pairs well with the brisket and tendon.
See also: Our Ultimate Food Guide To The Castro District
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138 Mason St.; 415-655-9341 / Website
Bodega may be the newest restaurant to this list, but they have already made an indelibly luxurious impression in the city! This posh experience near Union Square sophisticates classic childhood favorites, such as the Pho Hanoi with beef bone broth, wok-seared filet mignon, and even a Chinese donut. We are confident you've never had pho so playfully inventive.
No matter where you are in the city, pho is a beloved Vietnamese bowl of soul that lovingly warms you up and nourishes you with all of the best spices, meats, and fixings!
See also: The Best Ramen In San Francisco
Photography by: Alexander Spatari / Getty
