Best Pho in Salt Lake City: Top Vietnamese Soup Spots
Quick Answer: For the best pho in Salt Lake City, head to Pho 777 in West Valley City for their rich oxtail broth and traditional preparation, or Pho 33 in South Salt Lake for their extensive menu and consistently flavorful bowls.
At a Glance
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pho 777 | West Valley City | $ | 4.7 | Traditional broths, oxtail pho |
| Pho 33 | South Salt Lake | $ | 4.5 | Menu variety, late-night cravings |
| Pho Cali | The Redwood | $ | 4.5 | Casual dining, fresh ingredients |
| Tamarind | Downtown | $ | 4.4 | Modern atmosphere, lunch breaks |
Salt Lake City's Vietnamese food scene has grown considerably over the past decade, with pho restaurants serving steaming bowls of beef noodle soup across the valley. The best pho in town isn't necessarily downtown—you'll find the most authentic bowls in West Valley City and South Salt Lake, where Vietnamese communities have established restaurants that rival anything you'd find in California or Texas.
A proper bowl of pho requires hours of simmering beef bones with star anise, cinnamon, and charred ginger to create that deep, aromatic broth. The rice noodles should be silky but firm, the herbs fresh and plentiful, and the meat tender enough to break apart with chopsticks. Salt Lake's pho scene delivers on all counts, with restaurants that take their broth seriously and don't cut corners on ingredients or technique.
This guide covers four standout pho restaurants, each with its own strengths. Whether you're craving a late-night bowl after a shift, need a quick downtown lunch, or want to make the drive for the valley's best broth, you'll find your spot here.
How We Chose These Restaurants
I selected these restaurants based on consistent quality over multiple visits, community reputation within Salt Lake's Vietnamese population, and analysis of hundreds of customer reviews. Each spot was evaluated on broth depth, noodle quality, meat freshness, and overall execution of traditional pho. Price, accessibility, and atmosphere were also considered to provide options for different situations and preferences.
1. Pho 777
West Valley City | $ | 4.7/5
Pho 777 sits in a strip mall along Redwood Road, the kind of unassuming location that often houses the best Vietnamese food in any city. Inside, the space is clean and straightforward with simple tables and Vietnamese pop playing overhead. The kitchen is visible from the dining room, and you can watch staff pull fresh herbs from bins and slice meat to order. It's not fancy, but the focus here is clearly on the food, and that's exactly what you want in a pho restaurant.
The oxtail pho is what keeps regulars coming back—rich, gelatinous pieces of oxtail in a broth that's been simmered long enough to extract every bit of flavor from the bones. The brisket pho is equally impressive, with thin slices of fatty brisket that melt into the broth. Each bowl arrives with a generous plate of Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, jalapeños, and lime wedges. The broth itself has that perfect balance of sweet and savory, with prominent star anise and cinnamon notes that don't overwhelm. The crispy egg rolls make an excellent starter, with a crackling wrapper that stays crisp even as you dip them in nuoc cham.
Come during lunch for the quickest service, though the kitchen moves efficiently even during dinner rushes. Parking is plentiful in the strip mall lot. They don't take reservations, but the dining room is large enough that waits are rarely longer than 10-15 minutes, even on weekends. Cash is appreciated though they accept cards.
Must-Try Dish: Oxtail pho—the broth is deeply flavored and the meat falls off the bone after hours of slow cooking
Good to Know: The restaurant gets busy during weekend lunch hours, but turnover is quick since pho is fast food done right
2. Pho 33
South Salt Lake | $ | 4.5/5
Pho 33 occupies a corner spot on 2700 South with large windows that let in natural light during the day. The dining room is more spacious than most pho joints, with booth seating along the walls and tables in the center. The atmosphere stays relaxed even when packed, and the staff manages to keep track of everyone without making you feel rushed. It's the kind of place where you see families celebrating, students studying over bowls of noodles, and workers grabbing lunch all at the same time.
The menu here is extensive, covering not just pho but also Chinese dishes, which reflects the crossover you often find in Vietnamese restaurants. Stick with the pho though—the combination pho with rare steak, brisket, tendon, and tripe gives you a full range of textures in one bowl. The broth is clean and beef-forward without being too heavy, and the noodles have that perfect chew. The vegetarian pho is actually worth ordering, made with a vegetable broth that's been built up with mushrooms and aromatics rather than just being an afterthought. Their spring rolls are tight and fresh, packed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and mint.
They're open late compared to most Vietnamese spots in the valley, making this a solid option for evening cravings. The parking lot is shared with other businesses and can fill up during peak hours, but there's usually street parking nearby. Service is consistently friendly, and they're good about customizing orders if you want extra herbs or a different meat combination.
Must-Try Dish: Combination pho with rare steak, brisket, tendon, and tripe for the full textural experience of traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup
Good to Know: Later hours make this one of the few places you can get pho after 9 PM in the Salt Lake valley
3. Pho Cali
The Redwood | $ | 4.5/5
Pho Cali operates in The Redwood area of West Valley, another strip mall location that proves the best pho doesn't need a fancy address. The interior is simple and clean with Vietnamese landscape paintings on the walls and a few potted plants. Tables are well-spaced, and the atmosphere stays quiet and comfortable even when the restaurant is full. The kitchen operates with visible efficiency—you can hear the rhythmic chopping and smell the simmering broth from anywhere in the dining room.
The pho here follows traditional preparation methods with a broth that's been cooking since early morning. The rare steak pho arrives with paper-thin slices of beef that cook in the steaming broth at your table, turning from bright red to tender pink in seconds. The meatball pho features housemade beef balls with a springy texture that's hard to find elsewhere. Portion sizes are generous without being overwhelming, and the herb plate includes plenty of saw-leaf coriander, which adds a distinctive citrus note. The bánh mì are also worth trying, with crispy baguettes that have the right ratio of crust to soft interior, stuffed with pickled vegetables, pâté, and your choice of protein.
Lunch service moves quickly, making this a good option if you're on a time crunch. The strip mall has ample parking directly in front. They accept both cash and cards, and prices remain some of the most reasonable in the valley. Weekday afternoons are the quietest time to visit if you want to avoid any wait.
Must-Try Dish: Rare steak pho where you can watch the thin-sliced beef cook in the hot broth right at your table
Good to Know: Parking is easy with plenty of spots right in front of the restaurant in the strip mall lot
4. Tamarind - Vietnamese & Pho Kitchen
Downtown | $ | 4.4/5
Tamarind brings Vietnamese food to Main Street downtown, making it the most accessible option for anyone working or living in the city center. The space is brighter and more modern than traditional pho restaurants, with contemporary lighting and clean lines. It's clearly designed to appeal to the downtown lunch crowd, and the atmosphere reflects that with a faster pace and more polished presentation. The location means you're paying slightly more for convenience, but the quality remains solid.
The pho here is prepared with attention to traditional methods, though the presentation skews more contemporary. The beef pho comes with a well-balanced broth that leans slightly sweeter than what you'll find in West Valley, which some diners prefer. The spring rolls are particularly fresh, tightly wrapped with visible shrimp through the rice paper and served with a peanut sauce that has actual crushed peanuts rather than just peanut butter. The bánh mì selection is creative, with options that go beyond the traditional combinations while still respecting the fundamentals. The chicken pho offers a lighter alternative to beef, with a clear broth that's been infused with ginger and lemongrass.
This is your best bet for pho if you're already downtown and don't want to drive to the valley. Street parking can be challenging during business hours, but there are several paid lots within a block. They move quickly during lunch rushes, understanding that many customers are on work breaks. The modern atmosphere makes this a good option if you're introducing someone to pho for the first time and want a less intimidating environment.
Must-Try Dish: Fresh spring rolls with shrimp—tightly wrapped and served with a chunky peanut sauce that has real texture
Good to Know: Downtown location makes this the most convenient option for lunch breaks, though street parking can be tight during business hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the various types of pho?
The main differences are in the meat selection. Pho tai uses rare steak that cooks in the hot broth, pho chin features well-done brisket, and pho bo vien includes beef meatballs. Combination pho (pho dac biet) includes multiple meats like rare steak, brisket, tendon, tripe, and sometimes meatballs. Most restaurants also offer chicken pho (pho ga) with a lighter, ginger-forward broth.
How much does a bowl of pho cost in Salt Lake City?
Expect to pay between $10-14 for a large bowl of pho at most Salt Lake City Vietnamese restaurants. Prices are consistent across the valley, with downtown locations sometimes charging a dollar or two more. All the restaurants in this guide fall into the budget-friendly category, making pho one of the best value meals in the city.
Which pho restaurant in Salt Lake City has the best broth?
Pho 777 in West Valley City consistently serves the most flavorful and authentic broth, particularly in their oxtail pho. The broth shows the depth that comes from long simmering times and proper technique. Pho 33 is a close second with a cleaner, slightly lighter broth that still delivers on flavor.
Can I get vegetarian pho in Salt Lake City?
Yes, both Pho 33 and Tamarind offer vegetarian pho made with vegetable broth. Pho 33's version is particularly good, using mushrooms and aromatics to build a complex broth rather than just serving plain vegetable stock. Most restaurants can also make spring rolls vegetarian by omitting the meat and shrimp.
Do I need to make reservations for pho restaurants?
None of the pho restaurants in this guide take reservations—they all operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times are typically short even during busy periods since pho service is naturally quick. Weekday afternoons are the quietest times if you want to avoid any wait at all.
What should I order on my first visit to a pho restaurant?
Start with the combination pho (pho dac biet) to experience different meat textures in one bowl, and add an order of spring rolls or egg rolls. The combination gives you rare steak, brisket, and usually tendon and tripe, letting you taste the full range of what makes pho special. Don't forget to customize with the fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili sauce that come on the side.
Is West Valley City worth the drive for pho?
Absolutely. West Valley City is home to Salt Lake's largest Vietnamese community and consequently its most authentic Vietnamese restaurants. Both Pho 777 and Pho Cali are worth the 15-20 minute drive from downtown for anyone serious about finding the best pho. The difference in broth quality and authenticity is noticeable compared to more tourist-oriented spots.
Final Thoughts
The best pho in Salt Lake City requires a willingness to leave downtown and head to West Valley City or South Salt Lake, where the Vietnamese community has established restaurants that prioritize authenticity over atmosphere. Pho 777 takes the top spot for its deeply flavored broths and traditional preparation, while Pho 33 offers the most extensive menu and convenient late hours. Pho Cali delivers consistent quality in a casual setting, and Tamarind provides downtown accessibility with solid execution.
For a special occasion or when you want the absolute best bowl, make the drive to Pho 777. For a quick lunch downtown, Tamarind has you covered. And for late-night cravings or when you want options beyond pho, Pho 33 delivers. All four restaurants prove that Salt Lake City's Vietnamese food scene can compete with larger cities, as long as you know where to look.