Pho Bristol is a Vietnamese restaurant located at 28 Clare Street in Bristol, UK. Specializing in pho, the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, the menu also features curries, rice dishes, wok-fried noodles, and healthy salads. Over a third of the menu is vegan, and nearly all dishes are gluten-free, catering to various dietary preferences. The restaurant offers a range of healthy juices, wines, beers, and cocktails. Situated in a former bank building, Pho Bristol provides a modern yet cozy dining atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.7 5,737
- Tripadvisor 4.0 597
- Open Table 4.4 188
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location Located in the city center and close to theaters, this is a nice choice for lunch or dinner.
- Delicious and Authentic Food The restaurant serves tasty and authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with the Pho, spring rolls, and curries receiving consistent praise.
- Extensive Gluten-Free Options Pho Bristol offers a wide variety of gluten-free choices, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy many dishes without worry.
- Friendly and Attentive Service Many reviewers mention the staff as being particularly kind, helpful, and quick to offer recommendations, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Great Value for Money Diners often highlight the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, making it an affordable option for a satisfying meal.
Criticised
- Automatic Service Charge A 12.5% or 15% service charge is automatically added to the bill, which some customers find excessive, especially for smaller groups.
- Can Be Very Noisy Numerous reviews mention that the restaurant can get quite loud, making conversation difficult, especially during peak hours.
- Inauthentic Music Some diners have expressed disappointment with the choice of pop music, feeling it detracts from the authentic Vietnamese vibe of the restaurant.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many enjoy the food, some reviewers have noted inconsistencies in taste and quality, such as bland broth or dry meatballs.
- Slow Service at Times Although service is generally good, some customers have experienced delays in receiving their orders, particularly when the restaurant is busy.
The longer read
Pho Bristol receives high praise for its Vietnamese cuisine, particularly its pho, spring rolls, and curry dishes, many reviewers noting the authentic flavors reminiscent of Vietnam. The restaurant is a popular choice for both lunch and dinner, including solo diners and families. Many reviewers specifically recommend the crispy pork wrap, the hot and spicy pho, and the Vietnamese coffee, with several repeat customers affirming the consistency of food quality across multiple visits. Numerous reviewers highlight the availability of gluten-free options and a dedicated vegan menu, making it a suitable choice for diners with dietary restrictions. The portion sizes are generally generous, and the restaurant is considered good value for money. Several reviewers comment on the friendly and attentive service, often mentioning specific staff members by name (such as Owen, Daisy, Ella, Rachel, Han, Katy, Alys, Leila, Justyna, Renee, Francesco, Sophie and Phuc) who provided excellent service and recommendations. The staff are noted for their knowledge of the menu and their willingness to explain dishes to first-time Vietnamese food diners. The atmosphere is often described as lively and buzzing, though some reviewers note that the music can be loud, making conversation difficult. The restaurant can get very busy, especially on weekends, so booking in advance is highly recommended. While most find the service to be quick and efficient, some reviewers mention occasional delays, particularly when the restaurant is crowded. A few reviewers have mentioned inconsistent food quality, such as the pho broth lacking flavor or dishes being over-salted, but these appear to be isolated incidents. Some reviewers have noted a service charge being automatically added to the bill, which they found to be excessive, while a few reviewers thought that the drinks were expensive. Overall, Pho Bristol is highly recommended for its tasty food, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a worthwhile dining destination for those seeking Vietnamese cuisine.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 0117 911 9739
- Website
- phocafe.co.uk/locations/bristol
| Mon | 12:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 11:30 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 11:30 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 17 places to eat we hold for Stokes Croft, and the most-reviewed of them.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular dishes or signature items at Pho Bristol?
- Does Pho Bristol offer vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free meals, and how extensive are those options?
- What is the dining atmosphere like at Pho Bristol and do they accommodate groups or families?
- How does Pho Bristol compare in price to similar Vietnamese restaurants in Bristol and is it considered good value?
- Are reservations recommended at Pho Bristol and what are typical wait times during peak hours?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.