Best pho in Edinburgh

Best pho in Edinburgh for a warming bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup built around broth, flat rice noodles, herbs and a choice of meat, seafood or plant-based toppings.

Although the finished bowl appears simple, the experience can vary considerably between restaurants. Differences in broth, seasoning, noodle texture, garnishes and meat preparation produce everything from light chicken pho to deeply flavoured beef bowls topped with brisket, ribs or roasted bone marrow.

Edinburgh’s strongest options also serve different types of diners.

NAM offers chef-led Southern Vietnamese cooking and unusually substantial signature bowls. Pho Viet and its sister restaurant Hoi An provide broad Vietnamese menus with straightforward £14.50 pho options. Pho at St James Quarter is the most convenient choice for city-centre diners seeking clearly documented gluten-free, vegan and allergen information.

This guide compares four Edinburgh restaurants where pho is a central part of the current menu.

How the restaurants were selected

The restaurants were considered against factors that matter when ordering pho: - Broth: The soup should have a balanced flavour rather than tasting predominantly salty, sweet or dependent on table sauces. - Noodles: Rice noodles should retain their texture without becoming excessively soft. - Toppings: Meat, tofu, seafood and vegetables should be prepared appropriately for the bowl. - Fresh garnishes: Herbs, chilli, lime or lemon and bean sprouts should add freshness and contrast. - Choice: Beef, chicken and meat-free options were considered alongside signature variations. - Dietary information: Clear allergen, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and halal information was prioritised where available. - Current pricing: Published menu prices were checked where possible. - Convenience: Opening hours, transport connections, accessibility and takeaway options were considered. - Wider menu: Vietnamese starters, rice dishes, bánh mì and noodle dishes can make a restaurant more suitable for groups. - Customer experience: Recent feedback was reviewed for recurring comments about food, service and atmosphere.

Inclusion is editorial. Menus, prices, recipes and opening hours can change, so diners should check directly before travelling.

How much does pho cost in Edinburgh?

A standard bowl of pho at the listed Edinburgh restaurants generally costs around £14.50 to £16.90.

Simpler base bowls can cost less, while large signature dishes with beef ribs, shank or bone marrow can exceed £20.

Delivery-platform prices can differ from restaurant prices.

Extras such as additional meat, noodles or premium toppings may also increase the total.

Pho styles available in Edinburgh

The listed restaurants offer several interpretations of pho.

Beef pho

Beef pho commonly uses a beef-based broth with toppings such as: - Sliced beef - Brisket - Beef balls - Braised shank - Beef rib - Bone marrow - Mixed beef cuts

NAM has the most extensive selection of larger beef-focused variations.

Chicken pho

Chicken pho is generally lighter and combines chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs and chicken breast or thigh.

Pho Edinburgh and NAM both publish chicken options.

Tofu and vegetable pho

Meat-free pho requires more than replacing beef with tofu.

Diners avoiding meat should check whether the bowl uses: - Vegetable broth - Bone broth - Fish sauce - Vegetarian seasoning - Separate preparation

NAM distinguishes between tofu served with vegetable broth and tofu served with bone broth on its delivery menu.

Seafood pho

Prawn or fish-based toppings are available at selected restaurants.

The underlying broth may still contain meat products, so diners with dietary restrictions should ask rather than assume that seafood pho is pescatarian.

Signature pho

Signature bowls may add: - Roasted bone marrow - Beef shank - Beef rib - Several meats - Additional noodles - Larger portions

These dishes are often considerably more expensive and filling than a standard bowl.

Quick comparison

NAM Vietnamese Restaurant

Phone: 0131 346 7451

Current opening pattern: - Monday: Closed - Tuesday to Friday: 5 PM to 10 PM - Saturday: 12 PM to 10 PM - Sunday: 4 PM to 9 PM

Website

NAM is a chef-led Southern Vietnamese restaurant opposite Haymarket Station.

The kitchen is led by chef-owner Jodie Xuân Nguyễn and focuses on bold broths, slow-braised dishes, bone-marrow preparations and Vietnamese flavours presented with some contemporary additions.

Pho is one of the central sections of its current menu.

Rather than selling every bowl as a completely separate dish, NAM publishes a base pho containing: - Rice noodles - Broth - Onions - Coriander

The base currently costs £11.90, with the final price depending on the selected topping.

Standard options listed through its delivery menu include: - Chicken pho - Tofu pho with vegetable broth - Tofu pho with bone broth - Beef pho - Prawn pho - Fish-cake pho - Beef and chicken pho - Beef and beef-ball pho

This distinction is useful for vegetarian diners because tofu does not automatically mean the broth is meat free.

NAM’s two signature bowls are considerably larger and more expensive.

Beef shank and bone marrow pho

Currently priced at £22.90, this bowl combines rich broth with braised beef shank and roasted bone marrow.

It is likely to suit diners who prefer a more substantial, meat-led pho rather than a light noodle soup.

Phozilla

Also priced at £22.90, Phozilla is NAM’s oversized pho served with a large fall-off-the-bone beef rib.

The portion and topping make it closer to a signature main course than a standard lunchtime bowl.

Dietary choices

The current menu identifies: - Vegetarian dishes - Vegan dishes - Gluten-free choices - Halal-friendly options

NAM also offers a separate halal menu through its delivery listing.

Diners with allergies or strict religious requirements should still speak directly with the restaurant about: - Broth ingredients - Fish sauce - Shared preparation - Cross-contamination - Individual meat suppliers - Current certification or handling arrangements

The restaurant is comparatively intimate, so booking may be useful during busy evening periods.

Its position beside Haymarket Station makes it particularly convenient for: - West End diners - Rail passengers - Visitors staying near Haymarket - Pre-theatre or evening meals - Groups meeting from different parts of the city

Other menu highlights

The wider menu currently includes: - Fresh summer rolls - Fried spring rolls - Fish cakes - Lotus-stem salad - Bánh mì - Rice-noodle dishes - Green coconut curry - Braised beef stew - Ginger chicken - Caramelised fish - Sticky rice - Durian desserts - Vietnamese coffee

Best suited to

Diners seeking distinctive, substantial pho bowls, particularly beef shank, bone marrow or rib-based variations.

Pros - Two unusual signature pho bowls - Standard meat, seafood and tofu choices - Vegetable-broth tofu option - Halal-friendly menu options - Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes identified - Chef-led Southern Vietnamese cooking - Convenient Haymarket location - Broad menu beyond pho - Intimate independent restaurant - Suitable for a more substantial evening meal

Customer reviews

Generous and nuanced

“Fab wee Pho and Vietnamese cafe right near Haymarket. Warm but chilled, down to earth, reasonably priced and heartfelt dishes. Pho with tofu, generous and nuanced, chicken as soft as satin, served with fresh herbs and lemon. With lovely ginger tea.” - Amy Anderson, Google review

A 10-out-of-10 experience

“Honestly a 10/10 experience! We ordered a pho with tofu, spring rolls, and a chicken banh mi. The food was so lovely - the chicken was extremely fresh and the pho was fab. The staff that served us were very kind and truly cared if all was okay.” - K V, Google review

Pho Edinburgh

St James Quarter restaurant: Fourth Floor, St James Quarter, St James Crescent, Edinburgh, EH1 3AE

Phone: 0131 359 0223

Opening hours: - Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM to 9 PM - Friday and Saturday: 12 PM to 10 PM

Website

Pho is a national Vietnamese restaurant group founded by Stephen and Juliette Wall in 2005 after travelling in Vietnam.

Its St James Quarter restaurant was the brand’s first Scottish location. A second Edinburgh branch now operates at 105 - 109 Lothian Road.

The restaurant serves several pho combinations alongside curries, rice dishes, noodle salads, wok-fried noodles and Vietnamese-inspired starters.

Typical pho options include: - Chicken - Beef brisket - Flash-fried steak - Beef meatballs - King prawns - Tofu - Mushroom - Mixed-meat combinations - Spicy soups - Curry noodle soup

This is the most standardised of the four restaurants in the guide.

Some diners prefer independent restaurants with more individual regional character. The advantage of Pho’s chain model is predictable menu information, extensive opening hours and clearly published dietary guidance.

Gluten-free dining

Pho states that approximately 98% of its menu is gluten free and that the business is accredited by Coeliac UK.

Its restaurants are subject to audits and food testing through that accreditation.

Items currently identified as not gluten free include selected spring rolls, seafood rolls, hoisin sauce, chicken nuggets and beer. Some bún dishes can be adjusted by removing the spring roll.

Customers with coeliac disease or another allergy should: - Tell the server before ordering - Request the current allergen information - Avoid adding ordinary hoisin sauce - Confirm any seasonal or promotional dish - Check whether a requested substitution changes the allergen profile

Accreditation provides useful reassurance but does not remove the need to communicate individual requirements.

Vegan and vegetarian choices

Pho provides tofu, mushroom and vegetable-based options across its menu.

The company states that more than one-third of the menu is vegan.

As recipes change, diners should use the current menu filters rather than relying on an old printed menu or third-party listing.

Student and Blue Light discounts

The current student offer provides 15% off food for the student and one guest.

Conditions include: - Dine in only - Valid student identification - Food only - Available at participating restaurants, including Edinburgh

The previous 25% figure is no longer current.

Pho also advertises a 20% Blue Light Card discount under separate terms.

Discounts can be changed or withdrawn, so eligibility should be checked before ordering.

Accessibility and facilities

The St James Quarter restaurant confirms: - Wheelchair access - Disabled toilet - Lift access through the shopping centre - Central public-transport connections

Because it is inside a shopping centre, the venue follows centre rules regarding dogs. Assistance dogs remain subject to applicable access rights.

Best suited to

City-centre diners seeking clearly documented gluten-free and vegan choices, consistent service and easy access within St James Quarter.

Pros - Coeliac UK accreditation - Approximately 98% gluten-free menu - Wide vegan and vegetarian choice - Several pho toppings - Wheelchair access - Disabled toilet - Central shopping-centre location - Seven-day opening - Student and Blue Light discounts - Suitable for groups with mixed dietary needs - Second Edinburgh branch on Lothian Road - Click-and-collect and delivery options

Customer reviews

A lovely atmosphere

“We had a brilliant lunch the other day at Pho Edinburgh. The restaurant itself has a lovely atmosphere with the Vietnamese decor, whilst the food is some of the most authentic Vietnamese cuisine we’ve had in the UK. Our server Inan was also so nice and accommodating. Even though the restaurant was quite busy he made sure ourselves and the tables around us were attended to.” - Ruby Grant, Google review

A delightful dinner

“What an absolutely delightful dinner. My sister and I love pho so we tried this place. The water spinach starter was the star of the meal. Best spice level and I wanted a second plate for sure. The service was very warming.” - Leena Kumar, Google review

Pho Viet

Phone: 0131 337 7522

Opening hours: - Monday to Sunday: 12 PM to 10 PM - Last food orders: 9 PM

Website

Pho Viet is an independent Vietnamese restaurant on Dalry Road, a short walk from Haymarket.

The restaurant is led by chef and director Quang Thanh Nguyen, who publishes more than 20 years of experience preparing Vietnamese food.

Pho Viet is part of the same local restaurant family as: - Hoi An in Bruntsfield - Vietnam House on Grove Street

Its standard pho is currently listed at £14.50.

The website describes it as traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, with the full menu offering different meat or meat-free combinations.

Pho Viet takes a more straightforward approach than NAM’s large signature bowls. It is likely to suit diners who want a familiar serving of pho as part of a broader, moderately priced Vietnamese meal.

Location

Dalry Road is convenient for diners travelling from: - Haymarket - Dalry - Gorgie - Fountainbridge - West End - Murrayfield

The restaurant is served by several bus routes and is within walking distance of Haymarket Station.

Wider menu

Current dishes include: - Summer rolls - Spring rolls - Pho - Vietnamese curries - Stir-fried noodles - Rice dishes - Grilled quail - Salads - Vietnamese coffee - Desserts

The broad menu makes Pho Viet useful for groups where not everyone wants soup.

Dietary requirements

Vegetable pho is available, but diners should confirm: - Whether the broth is completely meat free - Whether fish sauce is used - Which dishes are vegan - Gluten-containing sauces - Peanut and sesame ingredients - Cross-contamination arrangements

The restaurant does not publish the same level of formal online allergen documentation as the Pho chain.

People with serious allergies should contact it before visiting.

Ordering and reservations

Pho Viet accepts: - Table reservations - Telephone takeaway orders - Online enquiries - Delivery through external platforms

The kitchen takes final orders at 9 PM, even though the dining room closes at 10 PM.

Best suited to

Diners seeking a straightforward independent bowl of pho near Haymarket, with a wide Vietnamese menu and seven-day opening.

Pros - Standard pho currently priced at £14.50 - Independent local restaurant - More than 20 years of chef experience stated - Open seven days - Haymarket and Dalry location - Broad menu for groups - Vegetarian dishes available - Takeaway and delivery - Clear last-order time - Sister restaurants elsewhere in Edinburgh - Convenient public-transport connections

Customer reviews

The food was incredible

“If we could give it more stars we would! Absolutely spot-on experience - friendly staff, really nice decor, and the food was incredible. My wife said the best pho she’s maybe ever had, and my fried squid and sunshine curry was delicious. Also the Vietnamese coffee is ace.” - Martyn W, Google review

Fresh and delicious

“Wonderful to come out for a lovely dinner! Restaurant is cosy, the service was quick and friendly and the food was fresh and delicious. Definitely recommend the vegetable pho and the stir-fry noodles.” - Robin Harker, Google review

Hoi An

Phone: 0131 629 0870

Opening hours: - Monday to Sunday: 12 PM to 10 PM - Kitchen closes: 9 PM

Website

Hoi An is a Vietnamese restaurant on Bruntsfield Place inspired visually by the lanterns and warm interiors associated with the historic Vietnamese city of Hội An.

The restaurant is led by chef and director Quang Thanh Nguyen and belongs to the same local group as Pho Viet and Vietnam House.

Its current standard pho costs £14.50 and is served with a choice of meat.

The restaurant describes the dish as traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, while its customer feedback regularly highlights the strength of the beef stock and the generous portion.

Compared with the narrower dining room at NAM, Hoi An provides a larger and more spacious setting.

This may suit: - Family meals - Groups - Longer lunches - Casual dinners - Diners combining pho with several shared starters

Wider menu

Current dishes include: - Fresh summer rolls - Fried spring rolls - Pho - Bánh xèo - Vermicelli dishes - Vietnamese salads - Curries - Rice dishes - Crispy duck - Grilled meats - Vietnamese coffee

The menu currently lists: - Fresh summer rolls from £8.50 - Fried spring rolls at £9.25 - Pho at £14.50 - Grilled meat with vermicelli and spring rolls at £17.25

Atmosphere

Hoi An uses: - Lantern lighting - Timber details - Vietnamese-inspired decoration - A larger dining area - Table-service format

The environment is better suited to a full sit-down meal than a rapid takeaway stop.

As with many popular restaurants, the room can become lively when several large groups are dining.

Accessibility

The restaurant occupies a traditional Bruntsfield property.

Customers requiring step-free entry, accessible toilets or specific seating should contact the restaurant directly before travelling rather than relying on photographs or third-party descriptions.

Dietary requirements

Hoi An offers tofu, vegetable and seafood dishes, but diners should confirm the contents of individual broths and sauces.

Questions may include: - Is the vegetable pho broth vegan? - Does the dish contain fish sauce? - Is wheat present in the sauce? - Are peanuts or sesame used? - Can chilli be adjusted? - Is separate preparation possible?

The website does not currently provide the same detailed allergen system as Pho Edinburgh.

Best suited to

Diners seeking a generous bowl of pho in a spacious Bruntsfield restaurant with a broad menu for groups.

Pros - Standard pho currently priced at £14.50 - Spacious dining room - Seven-day opening - Lunch and dinner service - Broad Vietnamese menu - Chef with more than 20 years of experience stated - Sister restaurant to Pho Viet - Suitable for groups - Bruntsfield location - Distinctive lantern-led interior - Table reservations available - Vegetarian choices

Customer reviews

The pho was exceptional

“What a fantastic addition to the burgeoning Vietnamese food scene in Edinburgh. We were, I believe, the first customers to experience this new restaurant, which opened today. It did not disappoint. The food and service were first class. The pho was exceptional, which is always a good sign.” - John Horsburgh, Google review

The beef stock is number one

“Another great lunch at what we think is Edinburgh’s best Vietnamese restaurant. Hoi An’s beef stock for its pho is also, in my view, number one, although the portion size is huge. Hoi An had been open only one year but already feels like an Edinburgh establishment.” - JimmyMac, Google review

Which Edinburgh pho may suit different diners?

The four restaurants provide noticeably different experiences.

For an unusual signature bowl

NAM is the clearest choice.

Its beef-shank and bone-marrow pho and Phozilla with beef rib go beyond the standard meat-and-noodle format.

For gluten-free dining

Pho Edinburgh provides the strongest published controls.

The chain is accredited by Coeliac UK and states that approximately 98% of its menu is gluten free.

For a local independent restaurant near Haymarket

Pho Viet offers a straightforward £14.50 bowl, seven-day opening and a wide Vietnamese menu.

For groups and a relaxed sit-down meal

Hoi An provides the largest-feeling dining environment among the listed independent restaurants and serves pho alongside a broad selection of salads, starters and main courses.

For halal-friendly options

NAM publishes halal-friendly dishes and a separate halal menu.

Diners with strict requirements should confirm the current ingredients and preparation process directly.

For vegetarian or vegan pho

NAM clearly distinguishes tofu with vegetable broth from tofu with bone broth.

Pho Edinburgh also provides extensive vegan menu filtering and documented allergen information.

At Pho Viet and Hoi An, diners should ask what stock and seasoning are used.

How to order pho

Pho is commonly served with garnishes or condiments that allow the diner to adjust the bowl.

These may include: - Fresh herbs - Bean sprouts - Lime or lemon - Fresh chilli - Chilli sauce - Hoisin-style sauce - Garlic vinegar - Fish sauce - Pickled vegetables

It can be useful to taste the broth before adding sauces.

Adding a large amount of chilli or hoisin immediately can overwhelm the seasoning created by the kitchen.

A typical approach is:

1. Taste the broth.
2. Separate the noodles gently.
3. Add herbs or sprouts.
4. Add citrus according to preference.
5. Add chilli gradually.
6. Use dipping sauces for meat where provided.

There is no requirement to use every garnish.

What makes a good bowl of pho?

Preferences vary, but useful indicators include:

Balanced broth

The broth should taste complete before heavy use of table sauces.

It may be light or rich, depending on the regional style and recipe, but should not taste predominantly of salt or sugar.

Properly cooked noodles

Rice noodles should be tender without disintegrating or forming one dense mass.

Suitable meat

Slow-cooked cuts should be tender, while thin raw or rare beef must be handled and cooked appropriately by the heat of the broth.

Fresh contrast

Herbs, citrus, chilli and sprouts add aroma and texture.

Wilted herbs or dry garnishes can noticeably reduce the quality of the bowl.

Appropriate temperature

The soup should arrive hot enough to warm the noodles and toppings.

Clear dietary information

A vegetable topping does not guarantee a vegetarian broth, and rice noodles do not guarantee that every sauce is gluten free.

Pho and dietary requirements

Gluten-free dining

Pho noodles are normally made from rice, but other ingredients may contain gluten.

Possible sources include: - Hoisin sauce - Soy sauce - Spring rolls - Fried toppings - Marinades - Shared preparation - Bottled sauces

Pho Edinburgh provides the clearest independently accredited gluten-free programme among the listed restaurants.

Vegetarian and vegan dining

Check the broth and seasoning.

A tofu bowl may still contain: - Beef stock - Chicken stock - Fish sauce - Oyster sauce

NAM’s menu specifically distinguishes its vegetable-broth and bone-broth tofu options.

Halal dining

NAM describes itself as halal friendly and provides designated halal menu listings.

Diners should confirm whether their preferred dish, broth and preparation meet their individual requirements.

Allergies

Common allergens across Vietnamese menus can include: - Peanuts - Sesame - Soya - Fish - Crustaceans - Molluscs - Gluten - Eggs

Speak with the restaurant before ordering where an allergy could cause a serious reaction.

Frequently asked questions

Final comparison

Choose NAM for chef-led Southern Vietnamese cooking and substantial signature bowls.

Choose Pho Edinburgh for Coeliac UK accreditation, vegan options, central accessibility and predictable dietary information.

Choose Pho Viet for a straightforward independent bowl near Haymarket with a wide supporting menu.

Choose Hoi An for generous portions and a more spacious Bruntsfield setting suited to groups.

The best bowl depends on whether the priority is a light traditional soup, a large meat-led speciality, strict dietary information or a relaxed Vietnamese meal with several dishes to share.

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