The 4 best phos in Edinburgh for a soul-warming bowl

Broth complexity: Priority was given to kitchens that slow-simmer bone broth for hours to create a clear, multi-layered flavour without artificial additives.

Ingredient freshness: Assessments focused on the quality of fresh herbs, crisp bean sprouts, and high-quality cuts of meat.

Dietary inclusivity: The availability of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options was analysed, ensuring flavour remains uncompromised.

Atmosphere and service: Venues providing a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service were chosen, offering a comfortable retreat from the Scottish weather.

When damp, haar-laden winds blow through Edinburgh's historic wynds, few culinary options are as comforting as a steaming bowl of authentic Vietnamese pho. Locating the finest noodle soup in the city requires searching out kitchens that achieve a perfect balance of star anise, charred ginger, and slow-simmered broth. The Scottish capital's Vietnamese dining scene has grown significantly, featuring traditional family-run establishments alongside contemporary, health-conscious spots. A search across Edinburgh's neighbourhoods highlights four outstanding venues known for their depth of flavour, fresh ingredients, and traditional preparation methods.

How much does pho cost in Edinburgh?

A standard portion of this traditional Vietnamese noodle soup in Edinburgh typically costs between £13.50 and £15.95.

1. NAM Restaurant

Website: namrestaurant.co.uk

Contact: 0131 346 7451

Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Saturday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Sunday: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

NAM Restaurant, located opposite Haymarket Station, provides a chef-led dining experience highlighting the aromatic dishes of Southern Vietnam. The kitchen avoids standardised menus, focusing instead on regional authenticity and complex flavour combinations. The pho is a central feature of the menu, ranging from clean, traditional broths to unique options like the 'Phozilla' and a rich marrow bone variation. Halal options are also available. Set in an intimate, narrow space, the restaurant focuses on culinary quality, making it a popular choice for Vietnamese food enthusiasts.

Customer Reviews

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, seved with freash herbs and lemon. With lovely ginger tea.

• Amy Anderson Google Review

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. Would definitely recommend when in Edinburgh! 🙂

• K V Google Review

2. Pho Edinburgh

Website: https://www.phocafe.co.uk/locations/edinburgh/

Contact: 0131 359 0223

Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Friday to Saturday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Situated in the St James Quarter shopping complex, Pho Edinburgh is a reliable spot for fresh, scratch-cooked Vietnamese food. Launched in 2005 by Stephen and Juliette Wall after their travels in Ho Chi Minh City, the brand maintains high standards of consistency. The restaurant is particularly accommodating for diners with specific dietary needs, presenting a menu that is mostly gluten-free and accredited by Coeliac UK. While student discounts are limited to dine-in meals, and centre rules mean dogs are not allowed inside, the kitchen's swift service makes it a convenient city-centre option.

Customer Reviews

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. All in all a great place to eat if you’re in Edinburgh, we will definitely be back!

• Ruby Grant Google Review

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. Lovely place 😁 Highly recommend.

• Leena Kumar Google Review

3. Pho Viet

Website: https://phovietedinburgh.co.uk/

Contact: 0131 337 7522

Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Located on Dalry Road, Pho Viet is overseen by Chef Quang Thanh Nguyen, who brings over twenty years of culinary experience to the kitchen. This background is evident in the restaurant's signature broth, simmered with traditional aromatics to achieve a rich flavour. Pho Viet focuses on authentic execution and simple, transparent pricing rather than elaborate decor, earning a strong local following. Diners should note that the kitchen takes last orders at 9:00 pm, one hour before the restaurant closes.

Customer Reviews

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. Highly recommend!

• Martyn W Google Review

Wonderful to come out for a lovely dinner! Restaurant is cozy, the service was quick and friendly and the food was fresh and delicious.

Definitely recommend the vegetable pho and the stir-fry noodles. We really enjoyed it!

• Robin Harker Google Review

4. Hoi An

Website: https://hoianuk.com/menu/

Contact: 0131 629 0870

Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Hoi An provides an atmospheric, lantern-lit dining space on Bruntsfield Place, inspired by the historic Vietnamese town. Also managed by Chef Quang Thanh Nguyen, the venue features a spacious dining area with rustic timber details. Portion sizes are generous, using fresh ingredients to offer good value for money. The service is unhurried, allowing guests to dine at a relaxed pace. However, the large dining room can become noisy when busy, and the tenement building's steps and narrow entrance may present accessibility challenges for some visitors.

Customer Reviews

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. We also enjoyed some new dishes. The Chicken Salad and the Papaya and Prawn Salad were fresh and fragrant with a great sour fish sauce punch. Could not fault it. We will definitely be back.

• John Horsburgh Google Review

Another great lunch at we think Edinburgh’s best Vietnamese restaurant helped along with Daniel and Jenifer. Photo shows our starters including their Chicken Salad one of the most memorable dishes of all time, well except my wife’s meat loaf. Hoi An’s beef stock for their pho is also in my view is #1 although the portion size is huge. It would be good if there was an old folks portion available. Golly on 12th December Hoi An will have been open only one year but already feels like an Edinburgh Establishment. 10/10.

• JimmyMac Google Review

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