Pho Xe Lua Vietnamese Cuisine in Toronto

254 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2C2, Canada

★★★★☆
(1401 reviews)
Categories: Vietnamese restaurant Asian restaurant Southeast Asian restaurant

About

Enduring no-frills spot for Vietnamese fare that stays open late & has notable pho dishes.

Website
phoxelua.ca
Address
254 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2C2, Canada
Plus Code
MJ22+MV Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
10 AM–10 PM
Tuesday
10 AM–10 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10 AM–10 PM
Friday
10 AM–10 PM
Saturday
10 AM–10 PM
Sunday
10 AM–10 PM

Services

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Healthy options Late-night food Small plates Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert
Amenities
Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Paid parking lot Paid street parking

Photos

Reviews

4.1
★★★★☆
1401 reviews

Most Mentioned

floor (26) train (13) chinatown (10) debit (10) milkshakes (10) bbq chicken (9) satay (8) rare beef (6) overcooked (6) price point (5)
5 stars
666
4 stars
429
3 stars
166
2 stars
57
1 stars
83
★★★★★
November 9, 2024

Visiting from NYC and stayed in downtown Toronto (Ace Hotel) during our trip. We heard Toronto has a stellar Asian food scene, so we wanted to try some pho. As most pho connoisseurs know, there are a few telltale signs of a good pho spot… starting with location. I’ve never known a 💯🔥 pho place located downtown as the best are usually off the beaten path. This was unfortunately no exception. Some TikTok and Reddit reviews recommended “Train” Pho and located on the second floor in downtown, this place was not bad. Service was extremely mediocre (indicative of good pho) and while the pho was delicious, it wasn’t phenomenal. They also use flat wide noodles (which tasted fresh and bouncy), so that was interesting. Granted I had high expectations and this pho was still probably a NY 8/10 or Seattle 6.5/10. We also ordered the curry chicken and spring rolls I wouldn’t come out of my way for this pho, but if I’m in downtown Toronto and craving pho, I would definitely come back.

★★★★★
November 2, 2024

Amazing pho!!! You gotta try the spring rolls... Best I've had in Toronto!!! Ask for peanut sauce for the spring rolls!!!

★★★★★
October 15, 2024

Food was good, I took the rare beef, brisket and tripes pho,the small size and my friend took the vermicelli and chicken, both or our plate was tasty and fresh, service was on point, place is very clean and well decorated. I would go back.

★★★★★
October 14, 2024

Found this place on Google Maps and it didn't disappoint. Had the vermicelli Phô with beef brisket, rare beef and tripe which was delicious. Had the XL bowl as was hungry and it was only $17 so pretty good deal. It was a fairly large bowl. Saw most people getting the Large size. Beef was great, with fatty parts and the soup broth tasting amazing. The server was friendly and engaging and overall great experience. Recommended.

★★★★★
August 28, 2024

Pho Xe Lua on Spadina is one of my top favourite restaurants in Toronto! I've been going here for over 30 years and their food is so damn delicious!!! I always feel I get a balance diet with my meals. And the dishes are so colourful. It just went through a renovation in summer of 2024 but ambience is still wonderful and spacious. We love getting a window booth and never too busy at lunch. I usually order same dishes and this time got two appetizers to share with my pal: -Spring Rolls (2 rolls) (Pork, taro, dry mushroom and mixed vegetables) -Shrimp Rolls (2 rolls) I got: Rice with Caramelized Jumbo Prawn, BBQ Chicken and Steamed Egg/Fried Egg My friend got: Vermicelli with Spring Roll and BBQ Chicken I love this place and service is also super fast! Highly recommend!!!!

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

Been here twice, loved the vermicelli (chicken and pork--with springrolls) both times! Their fish sauce is yummy!! Tea and coffee with condensed milk also great. Prices are quite reasonable. Good, speedy service and clean, pleasant atmosphere as well. I think it's underrated and definitely would go again...

★★★★
July 7, 2024

Food: 4 Stars Service: 4 Stars Ambience: 4 Stars Value: 4 Stars Overall: 4 Stars Pho Xe Lua Vietnamese holds a special place in our family's dining routine whenever we find ourselves downtown. Having known the owners for years, we have come to rely on this restaurant for consistently delicious Vietnamese cuisine. The ambiance is clean and inviting, contributing to a comfortable dining experience. The standout dish here is definitely the beef pho. Every bowl is a testament to freshness—the noodles are consistently tender and the broth is refreshingly light, never too salty. It's evident that care and attention go into each bowl served. The service is another highlight. The staff are friendly and efficient, making sure that we feel welcome and our needs are promptly attended to. Whether it's a quick lunch stop or a relaxed dinner, the service adds to the overall positive experience of dining here. While we have always had great experiences, it's fair to note that occasional variations in food quality or service can occur, as with any restaurant. However, these instances are rare and do not detract from the overall enjoyment we have had at Pho Xe Lua Vietnamese. In conclusion, if you're looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in downtown, Pho Xe Lua Vietnamese is a reliable choice. The combination of delicious food, attentive service, and pleasant ambiance makes it a go-to spot for us whenever we crave a taste of Vietnam in the heart of the city.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

It has been 6 years since i last made a review here so i figured it was time for a re-up. I’ve been coming here for so long (clearly) and I recently came here and ordered (for the first time ever) something other than pho. I ordered the BBQ chicken vermicelli bowl and some mango salad and it BLEW. MY. MIND. it was soooooooooo delicious. i was torn between the chicken and beef, I’ll definitely go back and try the beef. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the spring rolls and minced shrimp on sugar cane are iconic. so delicious. fish sauce is unmatched and the vermicelli was cooked perfectly. added some sriracha and hoisin and it was *chefs kiss* perfect. would absolutely highly recommend if you’re looking for delicious, well priced vietnamese. i love coming here and it’s easily one of my favourites. can’t go wrong. everything on their menu is delicious. also a huge fan of 603, deep fried pork and shrimp wontons. just unreal. you will not be disappointed.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 20, 2024

Great spot for pho and bun bo hue. If you re finding good bun bo hue and pho near Chinatown this is the spot to go to. Pho prices are a few dollars cheaper than most places in the GTA and it tastes very good too. Staffs are nice and the dining area is clean.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 19, 2024

So, so good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 17, 2024

Pho tasted great! Great service, will definitely be back.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 1, 2024

A narrow walk up on busy Spadina Ave. Dare is say the best Pho in the GTA from Oshawa to Etobicoke. There are tons of good places but I appreciate that this establishment continues to offer the options of fresh/dried rice or vermicelli noodles. Its a tiny walk up place but I appreciate the late night hours. Whether dining alone or with friends the bold flavours and freshness or simple quality ingredients are enough to satiate you. Parking might be a channeling given the busy area but still worth a visit if you re near by

★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Its alright. After renovation, the seats are better, its a bit cleaner. Food and taste is ok. They might forget about your order so follow up with them.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Yummy food and Geat service ! Vegetarian options: Yes. Food : 5/5 |

October 22, 2024

Sabi s male waiter placed the wrong order. There was a stench in the store. White people were served first.

★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

I ordered the chicken vermicelli, and it was one of the worst Ive had tasted like it was made with bargain-bin ingredients

September 22, 2024

Gave me totally wrong food delivery Bad attitude Never order again Food : 1/5

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

THE FOOD IS AMAZING

★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Its a little bit salty ob the gill beef meats ...

Local Guide
September 22, 2024

the food wasnt very good. pho tasted strange...almost sweet with very little hint of spice. the noodles were also overcooked. the pork in the vermicelli bowl was dry and too salty. will not go back, especially when theres enough decent options in Toronto for Viet food. just go to pho hung if you want tasty food for this price point

★★
August 22, 2024

Food was fine, not the best Vietnamese I ve had but alright. The service however was atrocious, menus and our order card were left without a word, drinks came halfway through the meal, staff didn t speak to us at all, avoided eye contact and scowled at my friend when we left. we waited for 20+ minutes after finishing to see if anyone would be bringing the cheque or cleaning up (they never did even though they did for all of the tables around us). Wouldn t really recommend or go back.

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Goated

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Food was great and affordable! My favourite pho in toronto. It is more so our fault since we sat in the back corner but it was a bit of a challenge to flag down a server when needed

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Fried rice very delicious at reasonable prices

Local Guide
August 22, 2024

Got food poisoning here. I also ordered on Uber eats and they gave me the wrong order. Don t come here.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Grew up going to this restaurant with my family. Very glad it is still here as its my absolute favourite place to get pho!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

While wandering around Chinatown, I accidentally discovered the Vietnamese restaurant hidden on the second floor. The environment is clean and quiet, and the overall dining environment is comfortable. The waiter has a good attitude. Our family of three ordered raw beef river chicken river wonton noodles and side dishes of fried tofu and fried squid tentacles. The portion size was okay. We ordered a small bowl, which was enough for us. One bowl was enough for two people. The soup was delicious and hot enough. The fried food was also very crispy. The food was to our liking. Overall There is no mandatory tipping requirement when paying the bill, which makes us feel comfortable, but we still habitually give tips as encouragement. All in all, this is a Vietnamese restaurant with delicious food and a nice environment that is worth recommending.

★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Not too bad, not too good. The soup of rice noodle soup is tasty. Bun Bo Hue - spicy vermicelli soup is delicious. Deep fried octopus (621) on the menu is tasty and delicious as well. I would like to recommend deep fried octopus to everybody. Vegetarian options: Vegetarian options is available. Many options. Parking: We need to pay parking.

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Very good Vietnamese foods and very nice and clean restaurant.

★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

Iconic chinatown spot Ive probably eaten 1/2 the menu

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Updated visit: they re open after a month of renovations! The restaurant now has ample booth seating, new clean floors, and additional decor. Menu prices have gone up slightly after the renovations, however, food quality has remained the same great taste! My go to dish is always the bún nem n ng, th t n ng, cháo tôm (vermicelli with grilled meatballs and sugarcane shrimp) which is now $16. I highly recommend eating here if you re in Toronto Chinatown and craving delicious Vietnamese dishes! ***** Consistent! I ve been coming here for the last decade and food and service and portion sizes have always been consistent. You ll also see that menu items have not been inflated as other Vietnamese restaurants in Toronto. Fresh rolls are only $6, and you can never go wrong with a durian milkshake for $6.5!

★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Coconut milkshake The rare beef pho is nice and the price is even nicerrrrrr

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

A go to spot for hot noodle soups and deliciously fried appetizers. And never skip on the milk shakes! Highly recommend the curry beef brisket with vermicelli and the bbq chicken on rice! The deep fried octopus tail and spicy deep fried squid are no fail dishes that are great for sharing. But definitely ask for the nuoc mam on the side to elevate the taste!

★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Great service, clean and good for small to large groups. Lots of different options and portions were good for price.

★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

UPDATED: REOPEN APRIL 20, 2024 AS STATED IN THE PICTURE AT THE ENTRANCE DOOR. CLOSED FEB 28 - APRIL 15 Those who plan to go here, just letting you know they are closed from Feb 28 to April 15.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

Best coconut milkshake in Canada

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Come here asp right now there a down staris right now croo right now

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Feels like home

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Another restaurant that I had spotted, but that I ran out of time to visit... I will have to move to the area one day! Psssst.. the restaurant is temporarily closed for renovation this spring 2024!

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

They accept credit/debit cards. We went to several restaurants in the area before we settled on this one because the other places were cash only. Glad we went, you don t really notice it as you walk along Spadina because the restaurant is on the second floor. Good prices, generous amount of food, spacious area, and quick service. Would definitely return.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

I ve been coming here since I was 19! I m now 41 and this is hands down the best Phó in Toronto. Best tasting broth.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Really really good food, got to watch my friend cry after eating the pepper.

★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Great selection of vietnamese food and good service. The pho broth was tasty and the pork chop was yummy as well. Would come here again.

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

Come here regularly. Great value and service. Always bright and clean.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

The first time I was in this establishment was four years ago. I really like their Pho soup and Pho Xe Lua. In Canada, Ive been to 15 Vietnamese restaurants, but this one is still the tastiest. There are things I dont like here, like the restroom repairs, among others. But I recommend trying the Pho 101 soup and curry chicken or curry lamb here. These are my go-to dishes.

★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Spacious restaurant with a surround view of Chinatown on the second floor. The service was super efficient and they have a diverse set of menu items!

★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

The food is only good, for being one of the few Vietnamese food restaurants in Mexico it is only good. The service is slow.

★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

I was introduced to Xe Lua or The Train as its called, by work friends. After that first visit, I have been many, many times. The atmosphere is probably the best of any of the downtown pho joints you can go to. Its floors are unusually slippery (an odd thing) but the booths are comfortable and well spaced out. Service is quick and efficient. Not especially friendly, but not rude. They just want to get you your soup! Heres where it gets a bit interesting. The soup broth is good. Has a nice, full taste to it. A bit on the oily side, but good. The noodles though, they are different. The standard noodles the pho comes with: Wider than your standard rice noodle, but nice and velvety soft. If you prefer the slimmer noodle you can get it by asking for dry noodles, but the weird thing is they arrive all clumped together and, well, dry. Ive never had rice noodles this way before. They cook in the broth, so how this dry consistency maintains itself over the time in the broth, I have no idea. There is also no un-clumping them, they are together whether you like it or not. Other than that, this place has the best variety of appetizers of any Vietnamese restaurant youll go to. From garlic bread to wings, to rolls to spicy deep fried tofu (says its spicy which its not, but its tasty!) its all good. Used to be open late which isnt the case anymore, but its still as good as ever. Check it out!

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

Wow!! Great portions of great food!! Fast and enough room too!! Also you carry some home with you...

★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

Follow @bredgyeats for more food posts! 425 Prawn & Chicken Com Tam - Starting off with a plate of rice with a fragrant caramelized jumbo prawn, slightly sweet and packed with umami, along with a creamy sauce made with its head butter thats just heavenly with rice. The egg sausage and bbq chicken were also cooked nicely to develop a rich colour, which equals flavour. 317 Bun Thit Nuong - The vermicelli in the next bowl were thicker and more slippery than other places, with an addicting crisp from the spring rolls stuffed with taro and pork and the minced shrimp paste on sugar cane. 101 Pho Dac Biet - Portions are decent, but was quite bland.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

The floor still greasy though.

January 22, 2024

The fish sauce was served in bowls that smelled/tasted like bleach. We were two tables complaining about this and had to have our plates re-ordered. The soup bowl had a hair on it (which we didn t even bother to tell them) and they forgot to make us our fruit drink. The area near kitchen is smelly. Attitude of manager and servers was poor.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Hidden gem, good is unbelievably tasty

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Closed on Holidays

★★★
December 22, 2023

Came to this this place after coming here a few years ago. Unfortunately I wasnt too pleased with my experience today. We came around 1:00 pm on a tuesday where it wasnt too packed but it wasnt empty as well. The biggest downside was the service. After receiving our order we wanted to ask if they had sauce for spring rolls as its usually paired with nuoc nam in other pho places. However a server tells us to wait which we were okay with. After about 5mins he comes back and says we have to ask someone else who is taking orders because he is busy. We were okay with this as we emphasized with this server. However trying to get any of the attentions of the servers was already difficult so when we finally did, a different server tells us please wait. At this point we decided to wait a few more mins but we had to leave to go back to work. However, we were not being acknowledged by this sever after waiting an additional 20mins. For that reason we decided there was no point in requesting for anything and the fastest way to pay and leave is to go up to the cash register instead of waiting to ask for the bill. Overall it didnt give us the best feelings as we felt like we kept being ignored. Flavour feedback: the rare beef pho lacked the traditional pho flavour 3/5 Chicken wings were overly battered, but were flavourful 3.5/5 Springs rolls were crispy just wished it was served with nuoc nam (fish sauce)4/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great quality ..very tasty (Returned for some and veggies ...sooo delish ...Fried fish soo good it exotically melted in my mouth) Food : 5/5

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great value and fairly priced Vietnamese restaurant, complete with the usual staples. Lots of signage stating their minimum spends for debit ($10) and credit ($20) transactions so plan accordingly or order a lot!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

So good! And really affordable!

December 22, 2023

This is not authentic Vietnamese food and the attitude of the server is worse. Not come back again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Best and most affordable place to eat at on Spadina and arguably in the city. The menu has so much to offer for both individual and family style dining. The atmosphere is both clean and pleasant. The drink menu has some great fruit slush options! highly recommend if you are looking for a bite to eat in the area.

December 22, 2023

I ordered rice noodle there, but I got a bowl of tiny pieces. Obviously, they cooked it a long time ago, so the noodles were broken. I spent 20 dollars and ate nothing at last. :(

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great pho and nice dining experience

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

One of the best pho restaurant in town

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Has great Pho, quick service, cold beer. What else?

December 22, 2023

Raw chicken, a lot of grease, bad services.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Best comfort food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Food was delicious

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

If you want Vietnamese food besides Pho, come here. The pho is good too, but everything else is done well, from Rice dishes to viet curry (my recommendation). You wont be disappointed to say the least

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Good to eat

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Spring rolls and other apps have been tasty and good portions! Pho toppings are good but the broth is tasteless. Like hot water.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Pho delivery very satisfactory!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Excellent Beef Pho !

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Ate here many times but reviewing first time. Perfection as always. The comfort food to have when you are in the blue. Thank you for comforting all of us city people.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Been here a few times now. Food is.consistent, price is fair, perfect for work day lunch.

★★★★
December 22, 2023

Always a great meal

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Decent cheap eats, service is meh, but honestly cant complain too much

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Fast service. The portions of the food were good for the price.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Favourite Pho place so far! It s fairly priced and the soups are flavourful. It has a clean environment as well, will recommend it to everyone trying pho for the first time!

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Food was ok. Prices were good. Free parking by the side streets. This is on 2nd floor so people having issues climbing stairs is not ideal for them.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

This used to be one of my favorite places to go to when I am in the area. On our most recent trip I was not impressed with the Pho. Broth didnt taste as good as before and they used very thick noodles, not even the ones meant for Pho but more like the ones used for the fried version. The Nem Nuong was the same and is still one of the better ones out there, so that was good. I also brought my young kids there and they were not as attentive to them to provide small bowls, cutlery, etc which other Pho places would do for us. Sadly I will probably go to a different place next time I am in the area. There is another one up the street that I went to a few times that is better.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The fried rice had way too much oil and the bbq chicken and spring roll from the bun was also way to greasy

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I ordered large special beef pho and a cup of hot Vietnamese coffee. The Pho is very tasty! They have options for dry and fresh noodle string and I pick the fresh one, it was so awesome! The broth was very well cook, I wasn t too full I would finish it up.The beef and other toppings are great as well. For the drink, I was quite surprised they served the hot coffee along with the dripping phin filter, which is very authentically Vietnamese, I really appreciate that. Highly recommended!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Nice people, great service and delicious food! great service and great food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Brian was our server, but everyone here was awesome, super good experience, food was priced really well, tasty, fast, not crowded, window seats available, whatever you could want, it was good

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

saw lots of folk that just ran the marathon

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

really good pho, but few items were missing from our order

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Cheap and good food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I m gonna keep it short and simple. Good food, good portions, clean and tremendous. If you know what s good for you, and especially if you love viet food - this is your spot! Thanks Pho Xe Lua, you rock!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I recently had the opportunity to dine at Pho Xe Lua Vietnamese Cuisine on a Saturday evening for dinner, and I must say it was a delightful experience. The restaurant was not too busy, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable dining atmosphere. One of the highlights of my visit was the reasonable pricing at Pho Xe Lua. The menu offered a variety of Vietnamese dishes at affordable prices, making it an excellent option for those looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. I appreciated that I could savor the flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine without feeling like I had overpaid. The quality of the food at Pho Xe Lua was impressive. I had the chance to try their signature pho, and it was outstanding. The broth was flavorful and aromatic, complemented by tender slices of beef and fresh herbs. The noodles were cooked to perfection, and the portion size was generous. The service at the restaurant was also commendable. The staff members were attentive, friendly, and ready to assist with any inquiries or special requests. Despite the restaurant not being too busy during my visit, the waitstaff made sure to provide a prompt and efficient service, ensuring that my dining experience was enjoyable from start to finish. In terms of ambiance, Pho Xe Lua had a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The décor had a touch of Vietnamese influence, creating a pleasant environment to savor the delicious cuisine. The seating arrangements were comfortable, and the overall cleanliness of the restaurant added to the overall positive experience. During my visit to Pho Xe Lua Vietnamese Cuisine, I was pleased to find that the restaurant was clean and well-maintained. The cleanliness of the establishment added to the overall positive impression and made for a comfortable dining environment. As for the food, I decided to try the vermicelli with meatballs and BBQ pork, and I was not disappointed. The dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavors. The vermicelli noodles were perfectly cooked and served as a tasty base for the dish. The meatballs were juicy and tender, while the BBQ pork had a delightful smoky and sweet taste. The combination of flavors and textures made each bite a delight.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Usually get the pho, soursop shake and shrimp fresh rolls here. Decent pho but always hits the spot when I have the craving. Large menu and lots of seating.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I took the 101 - Special noodle soup for takeout, it was super tasty! Will go in person to try more dishes on the menu.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Always yummy food and fast service. The spring rolls are a must to order!

★★
December 22, 2023

Worst ph I ever tried

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

So simple and so good. Wouldn t find it without the reviews on google as it s quite hidden, so glad I ran into it

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

As good as it gets in authenticity, nutritious and fresh ingredients.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

My all time favourite pho place is Toronto! It s open late, quality is always consistent. I usually get the pho soup with tendon, and the curry chicken with vermicelli is devine! I have pho here or delivery few times a month for years now! The best downtown pictured here is the curry chicken dish. Vegetarian options: Many veg options

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Traditional food. Tasty and fresh, the portions are huge.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The boss is very friendly and the food tastes good.

★★
December 22, 2023

The noodle was chopped off. I ordered large but it was medium size.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Seems the XL vs L is just more noodles... a lot more noodles

Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Ordered from Uber eats. My green curry and my pho both had hair in it

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

So good

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Last me and my partner were in Toronto we randomly stopped at this Vietnamese restaurant and it left us wanting more. We are back 5 years later an the food is still very delicious! We can t wait to come back again on our next trip!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The food tastes really good. Always a restaurant I go to everytime I want Vietnamese food. I really love the bun!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Food taste soooo good and good quantity

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

105 - beef flank brisket is very good. Rare beef is not too tough. Not a fan of the soup but it was saved by the lime. Could be hotter. Great price for $11 small. Spring rolls were okay. $6 Accept credit card over $20. Cash discount. Floors were a bit slippery. Overall it s ok but would not particularly recommend or return.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

I have come here quite a few times, the food is always good and fresh. I hope it stays open, Pho Train has the best pho and noodle quality in the GTA. The rare beef and beef flank pho XL is my go-to. Fills you up great for a reasonable price!

December 22, 2023

Spring rolls have no herbs, only raw vegetables

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Consistent!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Very filling and delicious. Cant go wrong with Vietnamese food. Food came quick. Worth it.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I enjoyed the meal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Delicious!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Good food. Affordable price.

December 22, 2023

What the hell? Put fruit in the noodles? Why dont you just put a piece of fruit on the side? There was no mention of fruit at all on the menu. . . I was also drunk, the food no longer tasted like it used to, and I would never come back again. .

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Used to be better... But its still good

★★★★
December 22, 2023

Very good pho with good prices, fast service and dishes all arriving at the same time but not very friendly service.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

this playlist was fire . and so was the soup

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We happened to be the last table of the night. They were nice to us, didnt rush us to order, and the food came out quickly. Clean place delicious Pho. Give them a try if you havent.

Local Guide
December 22, 2023

As a Vietnamese, I have to say the pho at this restaurant is the worst Ive ever eaten :( This was the first time I couldnt finish a bowl of Pho. Please consider before visiting

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Plenty choices of cheap authentic Vietnamese food with good size. Attentive staff

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

This is the place you go for cozy hot Amazing pho Fast and very cost effective Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I used to come here often and then stopped for some reason. Came again recently and was pleasantly surprised that the prices didn t go up astronomically. The food was pretty good and I liked the spacious seating. Will have to visit again more often.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

i always love it here

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Fast and inexpensive Vietnamese dine in or take out. Location is very big with plenty of booth and table seating for big groups. They also have extended hours. Not fancy by any means, but fresh, quick and cafeteria like

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

My favourite pho spot downtown! Always SO delicious, no matter what I get. I would highly recommend getting the Tom yum soup sub for your pho. Trust me. I ve brought all my friend groups to pho xe lua and everyone s a convert.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Been to this restaurant for as long as I could remember! Spacious dining area on 2nd floor with view of Chinatown and food comes fast. Some dishes are good (years before being a vegetarian) but hit and miss usually on taste. limited vegetarian options (ask for a veggie menu, despite most items no longer available - see pic) facility isn t conducive to those in a wheelchair or mobility issue (need to climb stairs to get to the second level)

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Asked and paid for tapioca and didn t get any in my drink :( The mango part itself tasted pretty good though, just no pearls. Food : 2/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Dropped by for a bowl of pho for lunch. Not too bad. A solid 7.5 out of 10 in taste. Same level as pho Hung on Spadina and better than the two pho places near it. The XL size was huge! Thanks goodness I didn t order appetizers. Recommended

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The food are generally good. However, the noodle in pho is a thick rice noodle, and it all cut apart through my chopsticks. Felt like it was old.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Been coming here for 15+ years and still the best Pho!

December 22, 2023

The waiters are unfriendly

★★★★
December 22, 2022

My brother and I been coming here for years, our favourite vietnamese spot. Very affordable and amazing food. The fried chicken, spring rolls, calamari and beef satay are a must have!!!!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

I enjoy Vietnamese food and this restaurant was no exception. Quick, good meat/noodles ratios and tasty. Price is cheaper too but I would say the portions are a tad smaller than other Vietnamese restaurants Ive tried. Ordered the vermicelli and it came with thicker noodles than Im used to. My colleagues order pho (3 different bowls) and another ordered rice and grilled chicken..she was not a fan of the broken rice but our other colleagues nibbled at it. While tasty, I have tried others and prefer the taste at Pho Hung, but that is in the West End. Back when Pho 88 was open (many, many years ago) they were also my go to in Chinatown. Also, youve got a lot of other restaurant options in itself, so would try Swatow or Rol San over this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Firendly and prompt service. Had the pho and it was really good, good portions - on par with other phos Ive had. So its definitely a good place to get your soup fix.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Glad to see the train hasnt left the station. Pho Xe Lua, or affectionately known as the Train Restaurant, brings back fond memories of Vietnamese food. This was a staple for buddies of mine during our university days. Even now, its a popular Chinatown spot in downtown Toronto. Finally had a chance to revisit for a quick meal. Our typical order was pho but for this day, we ordered Caramelized Prawn & BBQ Chicken w/ Rice (425) and Beef Stew Noodle w/ Tomato Soup (207). The rice plate was served with a smallish prawn but juicy marinated grilled chicken. For extra flavour, we poured the sweet & sour fish sauce onto broken rice. The beef stew was hearty yet the intense & spicy base didnt taste quite as clean as before. I was ready to give a 5-star review for old times sake but this was an ordinary 3-star meal that didnt quite live up to the hype in my head. For appetizer, we added the Deep Fried Octopus Tail (621) which was served in a crunchy dark batter. It was slightly bitter from overfrying. The obligatory Avocado Milk Shake was refreshing & sweet to help drown down the food. Staff was kindly willing to put drinks in takeout cups for easy transport. With large portions, we were a bit drowsy after the Vietnamese meal. A mini food coma perhaps! The exterior storefront & stairs were still the same, but the restaurant interior has been slightly refreshed. Fun to pop by for a bite, and reminisce about the good ol days.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

One of the only places that uses FRESH noodles!! This has been the go to place for pho whenever I feel like I need a cleanse :) Employees are super nice, and friendly. Highly recommend!!

★★
December 22, 2022

Been there twice got my order wrong twice. Done going there. Food is just as bad as all other Vietnamese restaurants in Toronto. Moved to TO from Manitoba which has superior Vietnamese food. Major disappointment.

December 22, 2022

Bad service, the waitress is not friendly, rude is really bad attitude

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Good food, rude staff sometimes

Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Service TERRIBLE. food borderline terrible. Noodles stuck together in pho.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great food with only a little price

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Really delicious Satay Beef Noodle. Not too much MSG what I ever have among the Vietnamese restaurants. I fully recommend to try it here when you come to Toronto.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Delicious @Jason

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Taste good and cheap!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

First time visiting this location and it was wonderful. Will definitely return here again when Im downtown.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Pho train on Spadina is a must. Haven t been visited this location since covid. We ordered the special beef noodle soup and Bún Bò Hué. The quality remains great but the prices have gone up after covid. The staff was friendly and nice. They open till 11pm. Great late night meals!

December 22, 2022

Bad service and bad attitude from beginning to the end. The waiter keep ignoring us. We waved to the waiter several times, he saw us but shouted to us busy busy . I think the restaurant should have more waiters with good attitude to serve the guests.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

I love this restaurant. The food is very delicious

★★
December 22, 2022

Taste is average, but the service was too bad! I ve seen a few reviews complains about for this issue, but the manager seems don t care at all since nothing had been changed. This restaurant is big and you will have a quiet meal with your friends if that s all what you want. But I didn t come here to endure your bad attitudes, don t act like I owe you millions of dollars. Also, this restaurant has two types of pho, which are the thick and thin one, if you don t ask for a specific one, they will bring up a random type (which I knew since the last time I came, they gave me another one). I admit that I am not calming myself down when I am writing this review now, but they really have a bad service, and I will never sit here and eat ever again. Though a takeout is a good option if you don t want to be treated badly.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Good pho. Good service. Air conditioned in the summer, staff was lovely.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

This is my to-go-to place for Bun Bo Hue and Vietnamese spring rolls. Great place for lunch cravings of Vietnamese soup.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Parking: No parking place

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

I love the Vietnamese food here, definitely the best pho in town and closest to the authentic one! I never get tired of ordering here!

Local Guide
December 22, 2022

This was my favourite viet place for Pho before drinking at karaoke. Quality and service was nothing special but it always hit the spot. Recently went there in 2022. Terrible pho, bland rice dishes.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great place for some really good and in budget Vietnamese cuisine. Great value and great taste.. a definitely recommended.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Ive been coming here since I was a kid and although the quality has slightly decreased and the prices have inflated, it is still nostalgic. They use fresh noodles and are quick to take your order. Their menu is very large, and there is a lot of variety. It seems like there is a bit of flavor missing in the pho broth, and the rice dishes used to be juicier.

December 22, 2022

i asked for another wipe on the table because if felt a little greasy the waitress gave me napkins and said it had already been wiped. I went to pick up the condiment bottles still greasy, i had to ask for limes just to clean the grease off, she got offended and pretty much ignored our table, thats disgusting covid should make you more aware and care a bit more, my pan fried dumpling came to the table late and were horrible, my boyfriends vermicelli was pretty good but, i still felt anxious the whole meal because of the how greasy things were it made me wonder how clean the kitchen was.. i wont be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Delicious Vietnamese Lunch in Chinatown. Highly recommend

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Best place for pho in Chinatown. Fast and friendly service. Food is always fresh and tasty. Ive been going to this restaurant since I was a kid and theres never been a problem with anything. The washroom is a bit meh but whatever lol. Please note: the restaurant is upstairs and its not disability friendly.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

This is my favourite pho place and I m really picky about my pho before I found out about this place, my favourite was Vietnam noodle star in Scarborough for 20 years . Now this is my favourite so that says a lot! Be warned though that they can run out of fresh noodles, esp on wednesdays since they close the next day so get here early . Got here at 8 pm once and they ran out of fresh noodles. Their takeout portions are also smaller than in person. But regardless still the best pho and super cheap

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

this place has really gone downhill

Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Place has gone downhill since reopening. Service was awful, dishes were bland. Avoid for now. Vegetarian options: All vegetarian options have been removed from the menu Dietary restrictions: No vegan or vegetarian options

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Good food, good price

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Pho is average. Soup is very bland.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The food is sooo good!! The staff were really friendly and we even got to see a rainbow from the window were we were seated! P.s. bonus, they let you take your left over soup home unlike other pho spots in the area.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Payed for Vincents meal. Diabeto was satisfied.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

I get the pho or satay noodles, ultimate comfort food. Great for quick meal, very reasonable price.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Bun Bo hue - a little bland. Bun thit nuong - noodles were too big, not a lot of vegetables. Pork doesn t taste grilled

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

True atmosphere and service of an asian restaurant

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Parking: A lot sitting/tables Wheelchair accessibility: There is no accessibility to this restaurant it only has stairs no elevator option. Food : 5/5 |

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Came here a couple times for lunch and had a nice time. It s really spacious and the staff are friendly. In terms of the pho, I feel like the quality is inconsistent. Sometimes the broth is too mild, sometimes the noodles are too mushy, sometimes the noodles are undercooked. If you want a really good bowl of pho, I think there may be some other options in the area. Having said that, the other dishes I had here were delicious! The fried squid and pineapple fried rice were especially good. The spring rolls aren t bad either. I d recommend this place if you want Vietnamese food that s not necessarily pho. All in all, good experience! Definitely a good late-night/hangover meal!

December 22, 2022

Not happy at all. Dont even worth trying.

December 22, 2022

The young Asian server with the spiky hair has an attitude problem and please clean the restaurant once in a while, it s filthy.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Many options of Vietnamese cuisine with great quality and taste.