+1 858-271-8341
Pho Cow Cali is a standout Vietnamese pho restaurant located conveniently in Mira Mesa, San Diego. Specializing in authentic Vietnamese noodle soups and traditional dishes, this vibrant eatery invites guests to indulge in deeply flavorful broths, tender meats, and fresh ingredients that capture the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.
The menu is a treasure trove for pho lovers and adventurous palates alike. Signature dishes such as the DAC Biet XE Lua Extra Large Bowl deliver an impressive medley of filet mignon, rare steak, brisket, tendon, and tripe in a steaming, aromatic broth that is both rich and perfectly balanced. For a spicier kick, the Bun Bo Hue offers a robust, spicy beef soup enhanced with pork leg and fragrant spices, elegantly served over thick rice noodles.
Beyond pho, Pho Cow Cali excels with its diverse array of Vietnamese favorites. The French Bread with Vietnamese Beef Stew boasts tender, slow-cooked beef nestled inside a crispy baguette, while the Bun Cha Gio Thit Nuong combines savory BBQ pork with crispy egg rolls atop a bed of cool rice vermicelli, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Those craving lighter bites will appreciate the crispy yet delicate Cha Gio (egg rolls) and fresh Tofu Spring Rolls, perfect appetizers to whet the appetite.
Complement your meal with a classic Vietnamese beverage such as CA Phe Sua Da—iced coffee sweetened with creamy condensed milk—or explore refreshing options like Tri-Color Bean Pudding on Ice (Che Ba Mau) for a unique, subtly sweet dessert that cools the palate.
The dining atmosphere at Pho Cow Cali is warm and inviting, characterized by efficient service that never compromises on attentiveness. Reviewers consistently praise the speedy turnaround time—even on busy days—and the friendly staff who add to the welcoming vibe. Despite often bustling with a steady stream of patrons, the line moves quickly, ensuring no long waits disrupt your Vietnamese culinary journey.
Guests repeatedly remark on the authenticity and richness of the broth, highlighting the satisfying harmony between spices, tender meats, and delicate herbs. The comforting warmth of a perfectly crafted bowl of pho makes Pho Cow Cali an ideal spot to chase away chillier weather, whether you're dining solo or sharing with family and friends.
In summary, Pho Cow Cali offers more than just a meal—it provides an immersive experience into the heart of Vietnamese street food culture with generous portions, vibrant flavors, and impeccable service. Whether you are a pho aficionado or a newcomer eager to explore, this Mira Mesa gem promises a delightful, authentic taste of Vietnam that will keep you coming back for more.
Great pho, super fast service, like 2 min fast. Could use a little more meat but the flavors were awesome. Rich, little fish saucy, but hits the spot.
Delicious Vietnamese cuisine at Pho Cow Cali in Mira Mesa! We enjoyed the house special pho filet mignon and #3 Rare steak, flank, brisket, tendon & tripe pho. The service was friendly and the food came out quickly. We went at 11am and did not have to wait but when we left there was a line outside. Recommend!
The weather’s been chilly lately, so I took my mom for a comforting bowl of hot noodle soup to warm up. This Vietnamese spot is always packed, even mid-afternoon on a weekday. We had the beef noodle soup and shrimp-pork rice roll, and both were fantastic. The broth was perfectly balanced, the portions generous, and the flavors authentic. At just $12.50 for a hearty bowl, it’s a steal! Plus, the service is amazing—friendly and attentive. If you’re into Vietnamese pho, this place is a must-try!
Our favorite Pho Spot in San Diego! Great comfy viet food!! Great service and fast. Eventhough the line is long it moves fast. We really like their egg rolls and tofu spring rolls and pork chop rice dish and delux pho!!
Decent place with a sweet vibe. It can get packed, but it’s generally worth the wait since it’s one of the best pho spots in the area. The chicken pho and beef pho (Filet Mignon) really hit the spot, delicious balance of the meat and broth. Overall, great food, good service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Pho Cow Cali is absolutely worth the hype. While they’re known for their pho (and the prices are amazing), I almost always go for the grilled rice plates—especially the chicken—and they never disappoint. The food is fresh, flavorful, and super satisfying without leaving you feeling heavy or gross afterward. I’ve waited in line for 25–35 minutes—even in the rain—and honestly, it’s always worth it. The service is incredibly fast once you’re seated, and the inside of the restaurant is surprisingly nice and clean for how busy it gets. One heads-up: they have a unique reservation system. You don’t just line up—you have to walk up, write your name on a waitlist, and then wait to be called. If you didn’t know that, you might be standing around for nothing. A small inconvenience, but worth mentioning so others don’t miss out. This spot has easily become one of my go-to places for comfort food that actually feels good to eat. Highly recommend.
filet mignon no soup noodle my fav. generous meat portion, no fat, slightly chewy, but its fine to me, ~$14 before tax. soup noodle was ok, similar to other viet restaurant. the viet coffee with condensated milk was very rich in flavor, be aware if u are sensitive to caffeine bc i stayed awake until 3am after that, still it was good coffee. i love coffee. ststaffwere very efficient and cooperated vy well, they drove the F1 cleansing cart to t table immediately after customers leaving. expect ~15 mins waiting time during weekend lunch hour
Pho Cow Cali is a favorite stop when I visit friends in Mira Mesa. You can tell they're popular from the line! When I popped in for take-out on a Tuesday night, the line went down the sidewalk. But take-out is fast ordering inside in person. It's almost impossible to get them over the phone during dinner rush. For spring rolls and a vermicelli bowl, we only paid about 26$ including a small tip! Their spring rolls are packed full, and the vermicelli bowls and pho are so flavorful. The parking lot is a bit of a nightmare, but staff are always super quick and helpful. Always looking forward to nights in with PCC!