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PHOnomenal
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PHOnomenal

Asian, vietnamese · National City

4.8 · 236 Bewertungen Google

Über PHOnomenal

PHOnomenal stands as a celebrated women-owned gem in National City, truly living up to its name with world-class hospitality led by owner Sam. Guests rave about the lively, bright atmosphere filled with natural light and consistent lines that signal exceptional quality. The restaurant serves local s...

PHOnomenal stands as a celebrated women-owned gem in National City, truly living up to its name with world-class hospitality led by owner Sam. Guests rave about the lively, bright atmosphere filled with natural light and consistent lines that signal exceptional quality. The restaurant serves local specialties including legendary pho where tender meat slides effortlessly off the bone, alongside unique creations like the refreshing sugar cane and coconut juice blend known as COCOCANE. Beyond dine-in experiences, PHOnomenal offers curbside pickup, contactless delivery, and accessible parking for all visitors. Whether enjoying a quick lunch or a full dinner, this spot delivers huge portions, delicious broths, and an incredible vibe that has made it the top choice for locals and out-of-town guests alike seeking authentic Southeast Asian flavors without compromise.

Was Kunden über PHOnomenal sagen

PHOnomenal is highly rated for its Cambodian-style pho, especially the beef rib pho with tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs and flavorful broth. Customers rave about the friendly service and welcoming owner, Sam. Expect long waits, especially on weekends.

Beliebte Gerichte

pho (17) beef rib pho (3) cococane Kuy Teav spring rolls

Ideal für

Touristen Einheimische Zwanglos Schnell

Tip: Go early (before noon) to avoid long wait times, or order takeout to enjoy at home. The cococane (sugar cane + coconut juice) is a must-try.

Services

🅿️ Parking Accessible 🌅 Petit-déjeuner 🍽️ Déjeuner 🌙 Dîner Coffee
🎯 Casual 🛋️ Cozy Trendy 👨‍👩‍👧 Family 👥 Groups

Sehenswürdigkeiten in der Nähe

iglesia Episcopal de San Matías (National City)
Kulturerbe
A 496m

iglesia Episcopal de San Matías (National City)

iglesia

Details ansehen

Daten von Wikidata

Häufig gestellte Fragen zu PHOnomenal

PHOnomenal befindet sich in 811 K Ave, National City, CA 91950, National City.
PHOnomenal bietet asian;vietnamese Küche.
PHOnomenal hat regelmäßige Öffnungszeiten. Aktuelle Zeiten finden Sie im Profil.
PHOnomenal bietet folgende Dienste: vor Ort essen, zum Mitnehmen.
Die am meisten empfohlenen Gerichte bei PHOnomenal laut Kundenbewertungen sind: pho, beef rib pho, cococane, Kuy Teav, spring rolls.
PHOnomenal ist ideal für Touristen, Einheimische, Zwangloses Essen, Schnell essen.
PHOnomenal is highly rated for its Cambodian-style pho, especially the beef rib pho with tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs and flavorful broth. Customers rave about the friendly service and welcoming owner, Sam. Expect long waits, especially on weekends.
Go early (before noon) to avoid long wait times, or order takeout to enjoy at home. The cococane (sugar cane + coconut juice) is a must-try.
236
Bewertungen

Bewertungen von PHOnomenal National City

4.8
236
5★
92%
4★
4%
3★
1%
2★
0%
1★
2%
Bewertungen (70)
R
Robin

I have been here at least 5 times over the course of 3 years (around since they’ve been opened) and it’s been awesome every single time!

R
Rich C.

Jumped on the yelp 100 bandwagon and it took me straight to Flava Town! Got there early to avoid the crowd and met the owner who was super cool and chatted with us for a bit and came back often to check in on us, I wish all small businesses were like this. Only two things in the menu food wise, skipped the spring rolls this time around but they looked like two burritos (man they were huge). Of course I got the other item which was the beef ribs pho. I was expecting just one big rib but it came with two. It was flavorful and filling and I can see why this place has blown up as it has. You gotta come early cause they sell out around the lunch hour and just shut down the rest of the day.

r
robert

Start off this place is busy with limited space. It is around 45 min wait most times and one time they were sold out by 3pm. Today they sold out buy 12:30 but I just made it. All this is worth it though as the Phõ has amazing flavor. They only serve one type of Phõ Bone in Spare rib Phõ but they do it to perfection. The spring rolls are really good but what makes them Great is the slightly spicy peanut sauce. I dont know if its spicy all the time but when it is its great! This has become one of my favorites Phõ places. I hope they expand because this place really is Phonomenal.

M
My Le

4/15/2024 (today) will be their one year anniversary and can’t believe we just discovered this place recently! It’s located in the former corner spot of kbbq Vons Chicken. PHOnomenal does not have a sign, look for the bright orange awning or the flags. For parking, they have 4 assigned spots in the back lot. Or 2 visitor spots. Look on the floor. Or 2 green 15 min curb side if you’re ordering take out. Otherwise, it’s all street parking. Cambodian pho! There’s only two food items on the menu. Beef rib pho and spring rolls! Then coconut sugar cane drink. Can’t go wrong when a restaurant specializes in only two food items. It has to be good and guess what? It was PHOnomenal! We are avid pho eaters and always looking for new pho joints to try and all it takes is one sip of the broth, maybe two. I can tell you we approve of this broth. It had two huge beef ribs that fall right off the bones! You could tell that it’s been simmered for hours on end. I even drank the broth and normally don’t at restaurants. The shrimp pork spring rolls were bigger than normal size. Almost like mini burritos! Served with peanut sauce. We enjoyed the food and ambiance. Met Sam and the family. Sam said it’s his mom’s secret family recipe and it’s simmered early in the wee hours. They are all welcoming and provided great service. Say hi to the dad with his NXS in the front! We got a cup of cococane to-go and it was refreshing with fresh young coconut juice and fresh sugar cane. They also sell this by the 1/2 gallon. This place gets busy. There are 4 tables that seat 6 and 2 tables that seat 4. It can get back logged if a party of 2 sits at a table that seats 6. It gets so busy that they often sell out within the first few hours and end up putting up a closed sign. So go early and have pho for breakfast!

E
Edgelene Oliverio

First time I heard about this place from my sister, I thought, well it better be good to only have 2 items! We went, (I'll say the side parking is sparce but TOTALLY worth the trek up the slope!) They truly have perfected their craft! Giant spring rolls the size of my arm with a taste to match (I never thought pairing shrimp and pork in the spring rolls would be good). And the pho with the spare ribs was... PHOnomenal 😂 (I'll see myself out) had me sucking on the bone to get the bits of tendon left from the meat! And even though I never been a fan of Vietnamese meat balls, but these are dense and really tasty! And fr try their cococane (coconut sugar cane juice) it's like I was chewing on the raw fiber of sugar cane with a hint of coconut (with the cutest cup covers of all time)

J
Jessica

Hands down the best pho in San Diego! I usually drive up to OC for quality pho but glad I can finally get a delicious bowl here. There are only 3 things on the menu: house special pho, spring rolls, and a coconut/sugarcane drink. You can tell that the pho broth was boiled with love because it's packed with rich beefy flavor. You really don't need to add anything, but if you can handle your heat, their house chili oil is amazing. The spring rolls are generously sized and their cococane drink is refreshing. Arrive early if you want a seat!

B
Binh Do

Me and my gf came in 45 mins early and was greeted by the owner, Sam, at the parking lot and was invited to go in early. We sat down and were immediately greeted by the friendly staff. They got our order in early, food came out early and attended to all of our needs throughout the duration of our visit. Food was phenomenal! We got the house special pho with extra meatballs, pork and shrimp spring rolls, and cococane juice. Pho was flavorful and delicious. Spring rolls were perfectly wrapped and cococane juice was the perfect sweetness. Service was superb and the best I've ever received at any restaurant. They are so deserving of a 5 star review. Will definitely come back!

S
Saffa Raja

5 stars all around. My husband and I came in and there was a sign up at the door saying “we’re sold out”. We came all the way to try this pho so we were sad. Luckily they came out 5 minutes later saying they’d be able to get us 2 bowls and that we were the last ones. The pho was unlike anything I’ve ever had. Broth was amazing. I’ll definitely be coming here every visit to San Diego. The owners are amazing !! They gave us these coconut cane sugar drinks for free and treated us so kindly.

W
Wenzel Ablola

I had the pleasure of dining at Phenomenal in National City, and let me tell you, the experience lived up to its name in every possible way! Upon arrival, we were greeted by the extremely friendly and hospitable Sam, who prepared an unforgettable meal. Sam took the time to explain to us that Phenomenal specializes in one type of pho, and it's a Cambodian-style masterpiece called "House Special". We were intrigued by this unique product, we decided to try it out. The House Special Pho is served with ribs and meatballs, creating a delicate blend of flavors and textures that is simply out of this world. Simmered short ribs, beef bone broth, and perfectly marinated meatballs blend together to create a harmonious symphony of flavors that makes our taste buds dance with joy. The photos and videos we took (yes, we couldn't resist immortalizing this moment!) We hope to give you a glimpse of the delicious flavors of this pho. Besides pho, we also ordered spring rolls. Portion sizes are generous and the freshness of the ingredients shines through. We ordered two dishes, but in retrospect, only one would have been enough, as the abundant pho awaited us. The atmosphere of Phenomenon was also a pleasant surprise. They played a video of imported cars with hip-hop music in the background, adding a unique and lively touch to the atmosphere. The volume of the music was perfect, allowing for comfortable conversation without overwhelming the experience. Cleanliness is paramount and Phenomenal excelled in this department. The restaurant and restrooms are maintained extremely cleanly, contributing to an overall pleasant dining environment. What really sets Phenomenal apart is the exceptional service provided by Sam. He checked on us multiple times to make sure our meal was perfect. His warm personality and engaging conversation added joy to our dining experience. In short, Phenomenon in National City is an absolute gem that lives up to its glowing reputation every moment. If you are a Pho enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, this is a destination not to be missed. I can't wait to go back and enjoy their house special Pho again. Truly extraordinary!

O
Oscarlo Alessandrini

Totally worth the wait! We parked outside and there was a line, but it moved really fast. Even though the place was packed and running at full service, the ordering process was smooth, the service was excellent, and the food was great. Would definitely come back!

G
Greg Vogel (Photo)

This is a great local, family run shop. Very simple menu but man is the pho incredible! The broth is so very rich in flavor and depth. The meatballs are fantastic too! The rib meat was very tender and fall off the bone. And I loved the coco cane drink. Love this place! I will be back

J
Joji Bronner

The menu is very small but the food here was excellent. The spring roll I got was generous in portion and tasty. The beef rib in the pho falls off the bone and was so tender. Our waiter gave us spicy sauce that complemented very well with the pho broth. The staff here were friendly and attentive and we will be back for sure!

V
Vee Basilone

Overall 4.3/5 Parking is terrible. Only 2 spots behind it that are very cramped otherwise it is street parking. The restaurant can fit maybe 30/40 people at max. No frills or thrills very simple decor. Single restroom. Waited 30 min for a table. Wasn’t given a menu since they only have like 3 items on the menu: short rib pho, spring rolls with pork/shrimp, sugar cane juice and coconut juice. Wish i was given a menu though to actually read it because the photos on here are old. Servers are friendly, but dont really check on you. Pho was delicious. Clean savory broth. Fall off the bone meat. Two ribs! Great amount of meat. In my top 2 pho places in SD. The other is Shank n Bone The spring rolls were made fresh and thicc! Like 2 inches in diameter. I would get those again and again. Good amount of meat and veggies and delicious peanut sauce. I liked these over the pho. Sugar cane juice was delicious too and worth the price. Bill came to like 100$ after tax n tip for 3 ppl with 3 phos, 3 drinks and 1 order of rolls. I recommend this place and hopefully will be back. Maybe go when it opens so i can find parking lol.

B
B Coreas

Food is amazing and the soup is PHOnomenal Highly recommend it.

S
Sam G

Talk about good customer service and very good food! We were lucky enough to get the taste of their AMAZING pho! Apparently they usually sold out 2 hours after opening. That says a lot about their food! They gave us free Cocosugarcane (idk if that’s right) it’s coconut juice with sugarcane, and that one is soooo good! It really made me smile. Oh their pho? Look at the video and that will tell you how tender the meat is. The soup of their pho is like a hug to your soul! It’s not too salty and you can taste the sweetness of the meat. THE BEST PHO!!!

W
William Bowlin

My new Pho spot. I highly recommend this place. The house special, with beef ribs in the pho, is the only option you need. Got treated like family, and I feel as if I was family. Owners are really friendly and know what they're doing. I'm glad they opened up. No way I'm going anywhere else for Pho.

M
Max Bevill

PHOnomenal is my favorite bowl of pho in San Diego. There’s something special about a restaurant that picks just a couple things to be good at, and then knocks those things out of the park. Sam and the rest of the staff at PHOnomenal are incredibly friendly and efficient, and their pho is second to none!

a
allen khemm

The best pho spot in SD hand down! Broth is flavorful and doesn’t need anything else. The meaty beef spareribs are super tender as well. Spring rolls are huge and packed full of shrimp and pork. Gotta try the Cococane as well. They sell out by 1:30 or 2pm so come early. Highly recommended!

J
Jennifer Ong

The best pho we’ve ever been to the owner’s and staffs are very friendly. Make sure to call them first before going there, we went there twice and didn’t have a chance to dine in,3rd time we called and they reserved the last spot for us.

R
RJ Martinez

I've been hearing a lot of great things about this pho restaurant. I order 2 house special phos, Shrimp & Pork Spring Rolls and Pork Spring rolls. The broth in the pho was on point. It was full of flavor. The spring rolls are pretty big and they are fresh. I highly recommend you try everything they have. They have a simple menu which makes it easier for them to focus on the quality of the food I believe. Which in return makes everything really good. The service was really good and friendly. I will be back here again.

R
Ray G

PHOnomenal is hands-down one of the best spots I’ve ever been to—not just for the food, but for the incredible hospitality. The owner, Sam, is one of the nicest and most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. I got there a little late, only to find out they had sold out and had to close early. But that’s just a testament to how amazing their food is—people literally can’t get enough of it! Here’s what blew me away: Sam and his team start cooking at 1 AM every day to ensure everything is made fresh, from scratch, with no shortcuts. That level of dedication speaks volumes about their commitment to quality. You can taste the difference in every bite—this isn’t just food, it’s a labor of love. Even though they were completely out of food, Sam still wouldn’t let me leave empty-handed. He gifted me a bottle of his signature Cococane, a sugarcane drink that was unbelievably refreshing and delicious. That level of generosity and customer service is rare, and it’s exactly why this place has such a loyal following. Pro tip: Get there early! PHOnomenal is so popular that they often sell out. They’re only open Thursday to Sunday, with Sunday closing at 4 PM, so I highly recommend stopping by on Thursday or Friday for the best chance to try their food. On top of everything, the restaurant itself is spotlessly clean, with big, bright windows that make the space feel airy and welcoming. They’ve even got a great bar setup. Every little detail—from the ambiance to the ingredients to the hospitality—is top-tier. PHOnomenal isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience. Sam and his team have created something truly special, and I can’t wait to come back (but next time, I’m showing up early!). Five stars all the way!

M
Michelle

Hidden gem! Come early cause this place gets busy! The broth is incredibly savory, enriched with a big beef rib that adds a hearty depth of flavor. The tender meat falls off the bone, making each bite satisfying. The menu is simple and you don’t have to wait long for your order.

J
J Kerr

First visit and WOW!!! Pho that have So much flavor. The Beef Rib pho really is fulfilling. Great presentation on the pho itself. Picture and taste perfectly as it looks. Sugar cane drink is very refreshing, great for a warm afternoon. Thank you to a great team that provided us this amazing experience.

s
salvador escobar

PHOnomenal indeed, The broth is delicious with the ribs that fall off the bone. Their cane water and coconut cane drink some how complimented the pho. The staff is very friendly and attentive, first time here definitely will be back soon.

R
Rutilio Alberto

Wow amazing!! best pho soup I have ever had! We came all the way from VA and this spot left us shocked. My wife is not a pho person and she ate this soup and said it was the best one she’s ever had! Customer service was outstanding! Friendly staff ♥️

s
scrappy

Wow! Just perfect PHO! I recommend this place. I’m super picky when it comes to palette and Cleanliness! And this place checks off all five stars. And then there’s Sammy - friendly smile takes care of you very personable. Next time I’ll dine in Sam. House pho and spring rolls. Honestly no fuzz here ! And that’s why they get five stars all the way !

L
Lisa Leung

Popular place, go early (before noon) because they do sell out! Budget 30min-1hr for a weekend lunch time for waiting in line. The soup was great, rich in beef flavor, and portion size was good. The vermicelli was good texture too! A little stretchy and chewy and I liked it. I did like their soup a lot and to-go the leftover soup; the staff was so nice and he filled up my to-go box with new soup! I really appreciated it.

M
Monica Chu

The house special was definitely the must eat. Meat was tender and fall-off the bone. Broth was flavorful. Did not even need additional seasoning. Noodles were fresh and soft. Staff here were earnest and sincere. It's busy so understand you might share a table, might wait a bit, but it's worth it! Atmosphere is feels like a mom and pop pho place that is clean and new but with a touch of hole in a wall pho place. 100% will go back.

k
khoi ly

Phenomenal in National City lives up to its name. The vibe is lively and there is always a line, which is a good sign. The space is bright with floor to ceiling windows and plenty of natural light. It can get crowded but you can still talk comfortably with your group. The dining area and bathroom are clean, though I wish they had a step stool and paper towels for kids. The menu is simple and efficient. I ordered the beef ribs pho with meatballs and loved that each bowl comes with two ribs and plenty of meat. The broth is silky, rich, and very smooth. Portions are generous and everything came out steaming hot with fresh herbs. Service is fast and the owner is incredibly warm. He treats everyone like regulars, which adds to the welcoming, modern, and minimal vibe. This place feels like visiting a friend’s home for a comforting bowl of pho. Would I return? Definitely

J
Jereth Tolentino

I finally got to try PHOnomenal after my brother kept telling me about it for the longest time and wow, it completely blew my mind. The soup here is next level. It looks like pho, but it’s actually a Cambodian rice noodle soup called Kuy Teav, and honestly, it might just be the best one I’ve ever had. What I love most is the simplicity. The menu only has two main things: the soup and spring rolls. That’s it and that’s how you know they’ve perfected what they do. The broth is rich, deep, and comforting, and that huge beef rib? Fall off the bone tender. Every spoonful hits perfectly. The vibe inside is clean and relaxed, and I even got to meet the owner, Sam easily one of the coolest, most down to earth food business owners I’ve met. You can tell he really cares about what he serves. If you’re in National City or anywhere nearby, this is a must try spot. Go for the soup, grab a spring roll, and thank me later. Definitely coming back soon!

T
Thomas Crotty

If you want the best Pho, Cambodian style, best I've had and my wife did make the best until I tried this restaurant... I caught myself actually saying phenomenal while eating it... don't miss out and get there early to ensure the best dining pleasure your tongue has ever had!! PHOnomenal lives up to its name!! Enjoy!

J
Josh H

Phomoninal Lives Up to Its Name After slurping my way through every popular pho spot in San Diego (tough job, but someone had to do it), I can confidently say Phomoninal takes the crown. Yes, it's spelled exactly like that, and yes, it's absolutely phenomenal. Fair warning: this place doesn't make it easy on you. The limited hours mean you need to plan ahead, there's zero signage outside (I drove past it twice looking for... well, any indication it existed), and parking is basically a competitive sport. I ended up ditching my car in the residential neighborhood across the street and hoofing it a block, but honestly? Totally worth it. Arrived on Saturday around 10:45 AM and joined the 20 minute wait queue – clearly I wasn't the only one who got the memo about this place. The menu is refreshingly simple, which is usually a good sign that they're focusing on doing a few things really, really well. And boy, they deliver. If you're here for the beef rib pho, prepare to have your mind blown. The broth is ridiculously flavorful – the kind of deep, complex soup that makes you wonder if they've been simmering bones since the dinos were here. The service was fantastic too, with staff who are genuinely warm, inviting, and kind – the type of people who make you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just another customer. You can tell they clearly take pride in what they're serving. Best part? Your wallet won't hate you afterward. For the quality you're getting, the prices are more than fair. Sure, finding this place feels like a treasure hunt, but sometimes the best gems are the ones you have to work a little harder to discover. Just maybe allow some extra time for the parking adventure.

R
Randy Lazaro

The did is great! Come early! They only have a limited number served when they are open. When they run out, that's it! Parking is a challenge so be prepared to do some walking to park.

R
Ray Lai

I've been to all of highly rated pho places in San Diego and some are okay but I never found one that is truly legit until now. Finally I have a place to bring out of town guests that want the best pho. Not only is the broth the best, but the meat is as well. The place opens at 10:00 but usually sells out by noon. Unlike other places they don't water down there broth or skimp on portions when there are too many customers. Once they run out they run out and they shut down for the day. I came several times before where they already ran out so I recommend you call ahead just to make sure they're not sold out. I also met the two brothers Sam and Sinatra, very awesome guys. They start working at 1:00 a.m. preparing the food and it opens at 10 a.m. One more pro tip: get the coconut sugarcane drink, it's awesome. Definitely one of the best drinks in San Diego. Give yourself some extra time for parking because parking is a bit rough unless you have a motorcycle like me.

F
Freddie Bustria

PHOnomenal has outstanding food. 3 years and counting the service is still excellent, food prepared perfectly, and menu is simple contains all the dishes you need for a delicious meal. Co.e check out PHOnomenal TODAY😇

M
Mike R

I’ve heard and seen a lot of hype about PHOnomenal, so I decided to give it a try. I’d have to say they live up to the hype! Not only do they give huge portions, but the broth alone was delicious! I almost didn’t want to add additional sauces, but I like my pho with a little kick. The spare ribs easily come off the bone and have great flavor. The staff were attentive and very friendly. This place is only open 4 days a week. Thursday - Sunday. I got there at exactly 11:00am, and they already had a waitlist. I was 3rd on the list and was seated in about 8 min. Parking is a bit of a challenge. They have about 2-3 spaces for their customers. You’ll have to find street parking.

C
Caselle Reinke

Delicious Cambodian beef rib pho. Casual, modern dining spot with friendly staff. Simple menu with food on point.

T
Tommy Brennan

Easily the best pho in San Diego. I normally load my pho up with hoisin and sriracha, but their broth is so delicious on its own, I typically just have it plain. The cococane is a must, and the spring rolls are incredibly fresh. Their service is incredible too, despite how busy they get. Sam is incredible and always makes me feel at home when I visit. I’d recommend coming early as they tend to sell out within 2 hours of opening on weekends.

R
RM

Believe the high reviews because this restaurant is like the IN & OUT of Southeast Asia! The sugar cane + coconut juice combo {called COCOCANE}, we drank it so fast that we ended up forgetting to include it in our takeout order photo! And YES, it’s so refreshing that you'll be craving for more! Only 3 items on the menu at this place: * Cambodian PHO {2 pcs of huge beef ribs that’s so soft it falls off the bone; can be ordered without meatballs}. * Spring rolls with shrimp or pork or combination of both * Fresh drinks~ sugar cane or coconut juice or combination of both

T
Taliyah

This pho was literally one of the best phos I’ve ever had ! Such strong flavors and the meat was cooked to perfection. My only problem (which isn’t their fault) is the place is small and everyone was waiting inside. Maybe some benches out front would be best. They are open until sold out and have 8 - 10 tables. Only 1 type of pho and have been open for a little over a year. Definitely would like to go back but the packed room makes me nervous and may only be able to take home to eat the meal.

L
Lester

There's literally 2 things on the food menu plus a few drinks. My expectations were high after reading through all of the glowing reviews and both the Pho and Spring Rolls exceeded them. Pho: soup was flavorful and HOT, the meat was so tender, the noodles were cooked perfectly, and the side veggies were very fresh. Spring Rolls: big, fresh, and tasty. In addition to the food, the owner and staff were so great. I appreciate how kind they were to my family and appreciate the time that Sam the owner took in chatting with us. Definitely recommended and look forward to another future visit.

khoi ly
khoi ly

Phenomenal in National City lives up to its name. The vibe is lively and there is always a line, which is a good sign. The space is bright with floor to ceiling windows and plenty of natural light. It can get crowded but you can still talk comfortably with your group. The dining area and bathroom are clean, though I wish they had a step stool and paper towels for kids. The menu is simple and efficient. I ordered the beef ribs pho with meatballs and loved that each bowl comes with two ribs and plenty of meat. The broth is silky, rich, and very smooth. Portions are generous and everything came out steaming hot with fresh herbs. Service is fast and the owner is incredibly warm. He treats everyone like regulars, which adds to the welcoming, modern, and minimal vibe. This place feels like visiting a friend’s home for a comforting bowl of pho. Would I return? Definitely

Jereth Tolentino
Jereth Tolentino

I finally got to try PHOnomenal after my brother kept telling me about it for the longest time and wow, it completely blew my mind. The soup here is next level. It looks like pho, but it’s actually a Cambodian rice noodle soup called Kuy Teav, and honestly, it might just be the best one I’ve ever had. What I love most is the simplicity. The menu only has two main things: the soup and spring rolls. That’s it and that’s how you know they’ve perfected what they do. The broth is rich, deep, and comforting, and that huge beef rib? Fall off the bone tender. Every spoonful hits perfectly. The vibe inside is clean and relaxed, and I even got to meet the owner, Sam easily one of the coolest, most down to earth food business owners I’ve met. You can tell he really cares about what he serves. If you’re in National City or anywhere nearby, this is a must try spot. Go for the soup, grab a spring roll, and thank me later. Definitely coming back soon!

Thomas Crotty
Thomas Crotty

If you want the best Pho, Cambodian style, best I've had and my wife did make the best until I tried this restaurant... I caught myself actually saying phenomenal while eating it... don't miss out and get there early to ensure the best dining pleasure your tongue has ever had!! PHOnomenal lives up to its name!! Enjoy!

Freddie Bustria
Freddie Bustria

PHOnomenal has outstanding food. 3 years and counting the service is still excellent, food prepared perfectly, and menu is simple contains all the dishes you need for a delicious meal. Co.e check out PHOnomenal TODAY😇

Josh H
Josh H

Phomoninal Lives Up to Its Name After slurping my way through every popular pho spot in San Diego (tough job, but someone had to do it), I can confidently say Phomoninal takes the crown. Yes, it's spelled exactly like that, and yes, it's absolutely phenomenal. Fair warning: this place doesn't make it easy on you. The limited hours mean you need to plan ahead, there's zero signage outside (I drove past it twice looking for... well, any indication it existed), and parking is basically a competitive sport. I ended up ditching my car in the residential neighborhood across the street and hoofing it a block, but honestly? Totally worth it. Arrived on Saturday around 10:45 AM and joined the 20 minute wait queue – clearly I wasn't the only one who got the memo about this place. The menu is refreshingly simple, which is usually a good sign that they're focusing on doing a few things really, really well. And boy, they deliver. If you're here for the beef rib pho, prepare to have your mind blown. The broth is ridiculously flavorful – the kind of deep, complex soup that makes you wonder if they've been simmering bones since the dinos were here. The service was fantastic too, with staff who are genuinely warm, inviting, and kind – the type of people who make you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just another customer. You can tell they clearly take pride in what they're serving. Best part? Your wallet won't hate you afterward. For the quality you're getting, the prices are more than fair. Sure, finding this place feels like a treasure hunt, but sometimes the best gems are the ones you have to work a little harder to discover. Just maybe allow some extra time for the parking adventure.

Ray Lai
Ray Lai

I've been to all of highly rated pho places in San Diego and some are okay but I never found one that is truly legit until now. Finally I have a place to bring out of town guests that want the best pho. Not only is the broth the best, but the meat is as well. The place opens at 10:00 but usually sells out by noon. Unlike other places they don't water down there broth or skimp on portions when there are too many customers. Once they run out they run out and they shut down for the day. I came several times before where they already ran out so I recommend you call ahead just to make sure they're not sold out. I also met the two brothers Sam and Sinatra, very awesome guys. They start working at 1:00 a.m. preparing the food and it opens at 10 a.m. One more pro tip: get the coconut sugarcane drink, it's awesome. Definitely one of the best drinks in San Diego. Give yourself some extra time for parking because parking is a bit rough unless you have a motorcycle like me.

Mike R
Mike R

I’ve heard and seen a lot of hype about PHOnomenal, so I decided to give it a try. I’d have to say they live up to the hype! Not only do they give huge portions, but the broth alone was delicious! I almost didn’t want to add additional sauces, but I like my pho with a little kick. The spare ribs easily come off the bone and have great flavor. The staff were attentive and very friendly. This place is only open 4 days a week. Thursday - Sunday. I got there at exactly 11:00am, and they already had a waitlist. I was 3rd on the list and was seated in about 8 min. Parking is a bit of a challenge. They have about 2-3 spaces for their customers. You’ll have to find street parking.

Caselle Reinke
Caselle Reinke

Delicious Cambodian beef rib pho. Casual, modern dining spot with friendly staff. Simple menu with food on point.

Tommy Brennan
Tommy Brennan

Easily the best pho in San Diego. I normally load my pho up with hoisin and sriracha, but their broth is so delicious on its own, I typically just have it plain. The cococane is a must, and the spring rolls are incredibly fresh. Their service is incredible too, despite how busy they get. Sam is incredible and always makes me feel at home when I visit. I’d recommend coming early as they tend to sell out within 2 hours of opening on weekends.

Ray G
Ray G

PHOnomenal is hands-down one of the best spots I’ve ever been to—not just for the food, but for the incredible hospitality. The owner, Sam, is one of the nicest and most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. I got there a little late, only to find out they had sold out and had to close early. But that’s just a testament to how amazing their food is—people literally can’t get enough of it! Here’s what blew me away: Sam and his team start cooking at 1 AM every day to ensure everything is made fresh, from scratch, with no shortcuts. That level of dedication speaks volumes about their commitment to quality. You can taste the difference in every bite—this isn’t just food, it’s a labor of love. Even though they were completely out of food, Sam still wouldn’t let me leave empty-handed. He gifted me a bottle of his signature Cococane, a sugarcane drink that was unbelievably refreshing and delicious. That level of generosity and customer service is rare, and it’s exactly why this place has such a loyal following. Pro tip: Get there early! PHOnomenal is so popular that they often sell out. They’re only open Thursday to Sunday, with Sunday closing at 4 PM, so I highly recommend stopping by on Thursday or Friday for the best chance to try their food. On top of everything, the restaurant itself is spotlessly clean, with big, bright windows that make the space feel airy and welcoming. They’ve even got a great bar setup. Every little detail—from the ambiance to the ingredients to the hospitality—is top-tier. PHOnomenal isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience. Sam and his team have created something truly special, and I can’t wait to come back (but next time, I’m showing up early!). Five stars all the way!

Rutilio Alberto
Rutilio Alberto

Wow amazing!! best pho soup I have ever had! We came all the way from VA and this spot left us shocked. My wife is not a pho person and she ate this soup and said it was the best one she’s ever had! Customer service was outstanding! Friendly staff ♥️

RM
RM

Believe the high reviews because this restaurant is like the IN & OUT of Southeast Asia! The sugar cane + coconut juice combo {called COCOCANE}, we drank it so fast that we ended up forgetting to include it in our takeout order photo! And YES, it’s so refreshing that you'll be craving for more! Only 3 items on the menu at this place: * Cambodian PHO {2 pcs of huge beef ribs that’s so soft it falls off the bone; can be ordered without meatballs}. * Spring rolls with shrimp or pork or combination of both * Fresh drinks~ sugar cane or coconut juice or combination of both

L
Lin Yar

Until this restaurant, I've only ever had Vietnamese Pho in both the US as well as in Vietnam. This is my first experience to Cambodian Pho, which I now consider the best ever. Unlike Vietnamese Pho, there is no hint of cinnamon in the broth, so it tastes so much cleaner and more flavorful. The beef is fall-off-the-bone tender and flavorful as well. Let me tell you, I try beef rib Pho in basically any restaurant that serves it, and most other places have bland meat even though it is tender. Not at Phonomenal. The meat is incredibly savory and unforgettable. Warning: their chili oil is spicy as hell, but so irresistible. I now go here every weekend with my wife!

C
C C

This place is always PACKED for a reason. Unless you get there at opening. We always just take it out to go and eat at home and it’s just as tasty and you don’t have to wait an hour or more to get in and eat. Their pho broth and beef bones are high quality. Their chili oil that is their mother’s recipe is delicious and homemade! Their cococane is also top notch. There’s a reason why they got a Yelp reward for best pho!

C
Charlie Nguyen

Was in town and came here searching for the best pho in SD...let me say I don't need to search any further! The meat just slides off the bone so smoothly it's PHOnomenal! I think what truly stands out is the service and atmosphere there. Met a elderly lovely couple and felt right at home. We had a nice chat and it made the overall experience more memorable and endearing. Also despite how busy it gets and trust me...it gets BUSY, the staff there are absolutely going above and beyond to provide the best customer service possible. HUGE shoutout to Johnny for being a super star and giving me the best experience possible at PHOnomenal. Give that man a raise! *for some reason: Google won't let me upload any photos but trust it's great!

V
Vic Poeuv

Phonominal is hands down one of my favorite spots in National City. They do one thing and they do it better than anyone else. The pho is unreal. Deep, rich broth and meat that literally falls off the bone. You can tell everything is cooked with care and intention. The food alone would keep me coming back, but the team takes it to another level. Everyone is welcoming, genuinely kind, and always on point. Orders come out fast, service is consistent, and you feel appreciated every time you walk in. If you are looking for incredible Cambodian style pho done right, this place is a must. Simple menu, executed perfectly. Highly recommend.

salvador escobar
salvador escobar

PHOnomenal indeed, The broth is delicious with the ribs that fall off the bone. Their cane water and coconut cane drink some how complimented the pho. The staff is very friendly and attentive, first time here definitely will be back soon.

C C
C C

This place is always PACKED for a reason. Unless you get there at opening. We always just take it out to go and eat at home and it’s just as tasty and you don’t have to wait an hour or more to get in and eat. Their pho broth and beef bones are high quality. Their chili oil that is their mother’s recipe is delicious and homemade! Their cococane is also top notch. There’s a reason why they got a Yelp reward for best pho!

Charlie Nguyen
Charlie Nguyen

Was in town and came here searching for the best pho in SD...let me say I don't need to search any further! The meat just slides off the bone so smoothly it's PHOnomenal! I think what truly stands out is the service and atmosphere there. Met a elderly lovely couple and felt right at home. We had a nice chat and it made the overall experience more memorable and endearing. Also despite how busy it gets and trust me...it gets BUSY, the staff there are absolutely going above and beyond to provide the best customer service possible. HUGE shoutout to Johnny for being a super star and giving me the best experience possible at PHOnomenal. Give that man a raise! *for some reason: Google won't let me upload any photos but trust it's great!

Lisa Leung
Lisa Leung

Popular place, go early (before noon) because they do sell out! Budget 30min-1hr for a weekend lunch time for waiting in line. The soup was great, rich in beef flavor, and portion size was good. The vermicelli was good texture too! A little stretchy and chewy and I liked it. I did like their soup a lot and to-go the leftover soup; the staff was so nice and he filled up my to-go box with new soup! I really appreciated it.

c
chester lee (Clee)

Fall off the bone beef pho. Phonomenal is very good at what they do. There is usually a wait and it's worth it. Broth is tasty and noodles are good. If you are into spicy try their chili oil, but be warned less is more. Sugar cane drink is always good. This place is worth a try. I go as often as I can

S
SR

The pho broth was good and the ribs were tender with lots of meat. However, their noodles are way more soft than I like and used to. You could easily spend $50 for two people here, which is pricy for a pho meal with drinks in this area. I didn’t think their pho was super special but the chili oil is pretty good too. If you want to treat yourself try this place out!

P
Pa Mao

The rib pho is delicious—the rib is very tender, and the broth has a rich, sweet flavor that tastes like it was slow-cooked with real bones. It doesn’t seem to have MSG, which I appreciate. However, the spring rolls were just average, nothing special. We waited about 10 minutes, and for four people, we ordered two bowls of pho, one order of spring rolls, and one sugarcane juice. The total was $67 after tax and tip.

T
Tu Ngo

Finally I had a chance to try this place after seeing all the hype about it for so long. It was good. The ribs were huge!! The meat just sort of falling off the bone, which was delicious. Broth was flavorful and tasty, and the noodles had some interesting taste to it. By the time I finished half of the bowl though, I didn’t taste the pho flavor anymore, which was weird. Consider how difficult it is park there and the wait of at least 30 minutes if you don’t get there about 20 minutes before they open to start getting in line, I won’t be back since it wasn’t that outstanding to me.

Tu Ngo
Tu Ngo

Finally I had a chance to try this place after seeing all the hype about it for so long. It was good. The ribs were huge!! The meat just sort of falling off the bone, which was delicious. Broth was flavorful and tasty, and the noodles had some interesting taste to it. By the time I finished half of the bowl though, I didn’t taste the pho flavor anymore, which was weird. Consider how difficult it is park there and the wait of at least 30 minutes if you don’t get there about 20 minutes before they open to start getting in line, I won’t be back since it wasn’t that outstanding to me.

Pa Mao
Pa Mao

The rib pho is delicious—the rib is very tender, and the broth has a rich, sweet flavor that tastes like it was slow-cooked with real bones. It doesn’t seem to have MSG, which I appreciate. However, the spring rolls were just average, nothing special. We waited about 10 minutes, and for four people, we ordered two bowls of pho, one order of spring rolls, and one sugarcane juice. The total was $67 after tax and tip.

Stissy S•
Stissy S•

The pho broth was good and the ribs were tender with lots of meat. However, their noodles are way more soft than I like and used to. You could easily spend $50 for two people here, which is pricy for a pho meal with drinks in this area. I didn’t think their pho was super special but the chili oil is pretty good too. If you want to treat yourself try this place out!

N
Nick Wolford

I don't know how this place has 4.9 stars. i waited for over an hour to sit. It has a big beef bone in the pho and the beef was the only good part. The broth was bland and tasted like chicken soup. I later found out they put CHICKEN BOUILLON IN BEEF PHO. I know some cambodian pho's do use chicken parts in the broth for flavor, but i straight up saw the bottle. that is a cheap way out of making a legitimate pho that takes time. Then they said they were out of spring rolls, but other people got some even though we were sat first. i brought it up and he said "we are out but let me check if we have one" then comes back with spring rolls... they were mediocre. i read some other reviews and i guess they do that when they want to close early. Then i found out that they use capsaicin extract in their chili oil so it isn't even real chili oil. again, fake. save yourself time and go to any of the other 5 million pho places in san diego that are better. To those of you who think this place is good, please explore other options

Nick Wolford
Nick Wolford

I don't know how this place has 4.9 stars. i waited for over an hour to sit. It has a big beef bone in the pho and the beef was the only good part. The broth was bland and tasted like chicken soup. I later found out they put CHICKEN BOUILLON IN BEEF PHO. I know some cambodian pho's do use chicken parts in the broth for flavor, but i straight up saw the bottle. that is a cheap way out of making a legitimate pho that takes time. Then they said they were out of spring rolls, but other people got some even though we were sat first. i brought it up and he said "we are out but let me check if we have one" then comes back with spring rolls... they were mediocre. i read some other reviews and i guess they do that when they want to close early. Then i found out that they use capsaicin extract in their chili oil so it isn't even real chili oil. again, fake. save yourself time and go to any of the other 5 million pho places in san diego that are better. To those of you who think this place is good, please explore other options

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Informationen über PHOnomenal

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811 K Ave, National City, CA 91950

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PHOnomenal
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Highlights

Hoch bewertet
4.8/5 Sterne
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Viele Bewertungen
236 Bewertungen
👨‍🍳
asian;vietnamese
Küchenart

Dienstleistungen

🥞 Frühstück
🥐 Brunch
🍽️ Mittagessen
🍾 Abendessen
Kaffee
🥡 Zum Mitnehmen
🍴 Vor Ort Essen
🚗 Abholung am Bordstein

Speisemöglichkeiten

🍽️ Vor Ort Essen
🥡 Zum Mitnehmen
🚗 Abholung am Bordstein

Restaurant-Infos

Status
Vom Inhaber verifiziert
🕐 Horario Hoy
10AM-3PM
Bewertung
4.8/5
💬 Bewertungen
236
📞 Telefon
+1 619-856-4216

Ausstattung

🅿️ Parkplatz
Rollstuhlgerecht
🚻 Toilette
💳 Kreditkarten
📱 Mobile Zahlungen
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Die Nachbarschaft

Standort

811 K Ave, National City, CA 91950

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