Pho Thien Phat

I certainly have a soft spot for this place. My mom’s greatest pregnancy craving has been pho and she swears that’s why I love it so much to this day :’) I had missed having a solid pho place when I was in college in Blacksburg, so when my job brought me out to Richmond, I was so pleased to have found good options. The sweet older woman who usually sits you down has my whole heart and she always welcomes with a smile. The rest of the staff have always been friendly too! This is one of the few restaurants I feel comfortable eating by myself in, so that may tell you something too. I find that the pho here is a little sweeter (perhaps they add more rock sugar?), but I think that’s what makes it special (for reference, I get the vegetarian broth).

Ok, I have been going here for 5 years now. The food quality and staff has remained consistent and stellar. The food is phenomenal without a doubt every. single. time. I’ve had pho from hundreds of places up and down the east coast, and without a doubt this is the best I’ve had by far. The service is very quick. Even when it’s busy, the staff is acknowledges you and tries to get you seated as quickly as possible. Water is on the table at the moment you sit down (this is a particularly good quality for me). As someone who has gone a handful of times during the year, the servers will remember me which is a very familial feeling. Don’t have a single bad thing to say about this place.