Pho Bonsa

Family-owned, very small, tucked secretly inside a tiny strip mall, behind a staircase, in the dark corner. Surprisingly busy when we arrived in a mid-Sunday afternoon! Not the most mind-blowing bowl of phở, (coming from the San José area as we were) but there’s no such thing as a bad bowl of phở, & we appreciated having the option for a hot, fresh-made bowl so close to campus & downtown during our visit! Tiny menu—just the usual typical phở options, & 2 choices of bánh mỳ, at extremely reasonable prices. Friendly service from the family. Cảm ơn nhiều!!

I was told Pho Bonsa has the most authentic Pho noodle soup in the small town of Chico and I can’t wait to try it out. I live an hour away from the restaurant, but I am looking forward and willing to drive out of town for good food.

Amazing pho! Great price, walking distance to campus and super affordable for good quality! Customer service is also super good!

I've had my fair share of pho around Nor Cal and this is by far my favorite. It is extremely flavorful, well priced, and always piping hot. The staff is friendly and obviously a family that cares. If you order extra noodles you practically get another bowl of pho. The egg rolls are also sublime. They have a flavor I've never had in egg rolls before, possibly mushrooms, but it is delicious. 10/10 love this place and hope they are some day able to expand!

Great job, they work very hard and make the most authentic pho to serve the small town in Chico. we must support great restaurants like this to keep the business in the area.

This was some of the best pho I've had in chico. The servers are very friendly as well :)

Best pho in Chico. Had three other spots in town and this is by far the best. Comparable to the bigger cities like Sacramento and the Bay Area. The only negative part of their pho is the size/quantity of noodles. If you're used to other pho restaurants sizes, this place is definitely on the smaller end.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pho Bonsa and I must say it was a delightful experience from start to finish. The decision to visit this restaurant was influenced by the excellent rating it has on Google, and I can confidently say that it truly lived up to its reputation. My fiancée and I opted for the Pho Dac Biet, and it exceeded our expectations in every way. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the combination of meats and noodles was perfectly balanced. The attention to detail in each component of the dish showcased the culinary expertise of the kitchen. Beyond the delicious food, the service at Pho Bonsa was exceptional. The staff was friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure we had a pleasant dining experience. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and well taken care of. The ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall positive experience. The atmosphere was cozy, and the decor created a warm and inviting space. It's evident that the team at Pho Bonsa takes pride in providing not just a meal but a memorable dining experience. I highly recommend Pho Bonsa to anyone looking for authentic and delicious Vietnamese cuisine in Chico, CA. Whether you're a fan of pho or exploring Vietnamese dishes for the first time, Pho Bonsa is sure to leave you with a satisfied palate and a desire to return for more.

Great Pho! Broth was flavorful, meats were tender, noodles were tasty, and big portions. We got the egg rolls as well and they were delicious. Overall great Pho that may be my new go to spot!

The best Pho in town, I always get their number 1 (pho dac biet) 👍

This place is super delicious. I called to place an order for pick up and I was easily able to place my order and it was ready for me once I got there. I got the combination pho and it came with all of the toppings (hoisin sauce Sriracha sauce jalapeños green onions lime bean sprouts etc) and an order of eggrolls and they came with the sweet and sour sauce

The best ever. Authentic, very kind staff. Absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. They need more signs and advertising, I found out about this place from the news report. Hard too find. Walk around barbershop, backside of parking lot, to get in, has an open sign lit. Cheers!

This place needs more recognition. Cheap but authentic pho, great meat quality and broth is insane. Sheeeeeesh I personally recommend meat options like brisket, flank (fatty or not up to you). Add extra meat if you’re feelin’ it.

I recently discovered this place. I like that it's strictly a Pho place unlike other places where they offer other items on the menu. It's the best Pho place I've been to so far. The broth is different and they are generous with the meat portions. In fact, they already know me and my friend that when we order, we simply say the usual..

This pho spot near Chico State delivers a consistently outstanding dining experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an ideal place for students, locals, and visitors to unwind and enjoy a comforting meal. The moment you walk in, the aromas from the kitchen set the tone for an exceptional bowl of pho. The broth is remarkable—deep, rich, and balanced with the kind of slow-cooked flavor that shows real care in preparation. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the portions of beef, chicken, or toppings of choice are generous and fresh. Every bowl feels thoughtfully made, with the right blend of herbs and spices that elevates the entire experience. The service stands out as well. Staff members are friendly, attentive, and quick to ensure you have everything you need. Food arrives promptly, even during busy hours, and the team maintains a professional and welcoming environment throughout. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch between classes or meeting friends for dinner, this restaurant delivers quality, value, and consistency. It’s easily one of the best places near Chico State for a satisfying, flavorful meal. Highly recommended.

The broth and meatballs are fire, and each option is a great choice. Also the peanut sauce for the spring rolls is awesome.

Among the best Vietnamese restaurants in the vast region including Sac metro. I think Pho Bonsa is comparable to our long time favorite Pho City in Sac, but Bonsa is even better in terms of soup. Surprisingly all our super picky little kids finished all the food including soup. It was a great discovery for us and great addition to once disappointing county for pho lovers. The only disappointment was lack of choices on menu. My most favorite Vietnamese food is vermicelli but Bonsa doesn’t have any.

I’ve eaten here three times in the last two months. Take out twice and dine-in once. Both types of experiences were memorable. Best tasting pho in town! The staff is extremely friendly and they take great pride in the presentation of their restaurant and the food. I like dining in slightly more but just as delicious. I recommend this place to anyone looking for yummy pho!

Delicious food. Great service. Awesome location. They have really gotten it together lately. Even added a delicious Bahn Mi to the menu. I highly recommend the Pho as well.

IMO they have the best Pho and customer service in Chico. Even if they make a mistake they always make it right. I love this restaurant and I hope everyone gives it a try and loves it too! *The photo is beef/shrimp pho.

I'm not a pho connoisseur, but I found their pho as good or better than some of the other places in town. Additionally, the staff and owners seemed to be very nice people. We had a pleasant conversation with them. One very good indicator in my opinion is that we came in not long before closing and the food still seemed fresh and flavorful. Also, the interior is freshly remodeled and very clean.

Great pho! Soup was very tasty! Would love to have the soup a little hotter, but otherwise definitely the best in town. Update, WOW! I say. So much meat and the soup was hot and tasty as usual.

I will say this is the best Pho I have had. The broth is so flavorful and yummy ! I’m obsessed with their crispy egg rolls , super clean and friendly place. The owners are very friendly , polite, memorable and kind. 10/10 recommend! Food is super affordable as well for a lot of it.

The Pho here is absolutely delicious. The price is very reasonable. A new favorite. You will be hard-pressed to find better in Butte County. Be aware that they specialize in pho..so they pretty much sell only different varieties of pho...so not much selection just yet. That being said, everything they do sell is amazing.

Super yummy broth, high quality meat, fresh veggies for the pho (though did not come with cilantro), and good shrimp spring rolls! The staff were great- super friendly and attentive! I will definitely be back- great location too! So happy chico has another pho spot!

The best pho in town hands down. Prices and quality are unmatched. They don't skimp on the toppings or the meat. The broth is perfect. I can't say enough good things. I get this at least once a week since I started eating here. 10/10 must come here.

I went to check it out because of the many great things I heard about their pho. It didn't disappoint. Sometimes you go into a restaurant with big expectations and come out a bit disappointed, but that didn't happen this time around. If pho is what you want, go.

Thomas G

This pho spot near Chico State delivers a consistently outstanding dining experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an ideal place for students, locals, and visitors to unwind and enjoy a comforting meal. The moment you walk in, the aromas from the kitchen set the tone for an exceptional bowl of pho. The broth is remarkable—deep, rich, and balanced with the kind of slow-cooked flavor that shows real care in preparation. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the portions of beef, chicken, or toppings of choice are generous and fresh. Every bowl feels thoughtfully made, with the right blend of herbs and spices that elevates the entire experience. The service stands out as well. Staff members are friendly, attentive, and quick to ensure you have everything you need. Food arrives promptly, even during busy hours, and the team maintains a professional and welcoming environment throughout. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch between classes or meeting friends for dinner, this restaurant delivers quality, value, and consistency. It’s easily one of the best places near Chico State for a satisfying, flavorful meal. Highly recommended.

Skyler Jenkins

The broth and meatballs are fire, and each option is a great choice. Also the peanut sauce for the spring rolls is awesome.

G

Among the best Vietnamese restaurants in the vast region including Sac metro. I think Pho Bonsa is comparable to our long time favorite Pho City in Sac, but Bonsa is even better in terms of soup. Surprisingly all our super picky little kids finished all the food including soup. It was a great discovery for us and great addition to once disappointing county for pho lovers. The only disappointment was lack of choices on menu. My most favorite Vietnamese food is vermicelli but Bonsa doesn’t have any.

Jonathan

Great pho! Soup was very tasty! Would love to have the soup a little hotter, but otherwise definitely the best in town. Update, WOW! I say. So much meat and the soup was hot and tasty as usual.

Christina J

I’ve eaten here three times in the last two months. Take out twice and dine-in once. Both types of experiences were memorable. Best tasting pho in town! The staff is extremely friendly and they take great pride in the presentation of their restaurant and the food. I like dining in slightly more but just as delicious. I recommend this place to anyone looking for yummy pho!

Jeffrey Lang

Delicious food. Great service. Awesome location. They have really gotten it together lately. Even added a delicious Bahn Mi to the menu. I highly recommend the Pho as well.

nicole dijos

I will say this is the best Pho I have had. The broth is so flavorful and yummy ! I’m obsessed with their crispy egg rolls , super clean and friendly place. The owners are very friendly , polite, memorable and kind. 10/10 recommend! Food is super affordable as well for a lot of it.

A. T.

IMO they have the best Pho and customer service in Chico. Even if they make a mistake they always make it right. I love this restaurant and I hope everyone gives it a try and loves it too! *The photo is beef/shrimp pho.

Justis Storm

I'm not a pho connoisseur, but I found their pho as good or better than some of the other places in town. Additionally, the staff and owners seemed to be very nice people. We had a pleasant conversation with them. One very good indicator in my opinion is that we came in not long before closing and the food still seemed fresh and flavorful. Also, the interior is freshly remodeled and very clean.

Ze Yang

I went to check it out because of the many great things I heard about their pho. It didn't disappoint. Sometimes you go into a restaurant with big expectations and come out a bit disappointed, but that didn't happen this time around. If pho is what you want, go.

Paradise Strong

The Pho here is absolutely delicious. The price is very reasonable. A new favorite. You will be hard-pressed to find better in Butte County. Be aware that they specialize in pho..so they pretty much sell only different varieties of pho...so not much selection just yet. That being said, everything they do sell is amazing.

Acacia Bravo

Super yummy broth, high quality meat, fresh veggies for the pho (though did not come with cilantro), and good shrimp spring rolls! The staff were great- super friendly and attentive! I will definitely be back- great location too! So happy chico has another pho spot!

Coral D

The best pho in town hands down. Prices and quality are unmatched. They don't skimp on the toppings or the meat. The broth is perfect. I can't say enough good things. I get this at least once a week since I started eating here. 10/10 must come here.

Alex Garcia

Great Pho! Broth was flavorful, meats were tender, noodles were tasty, and big portions. We got the egg rolls as well and they were delicious. Overall great Pho that may be my new go to spot!

Chico has several PHO places. The place I had enjoyed the food but changed ownership and it lost my interest food wise. I found this place and found the food to be authentic and delicious. Service was very spot on as well. I will return.

Okay, listen up, people! I just had a culinary experience that I HAVE to share. I went to Pho Bonsa on a whim, and let me tell you, it was the best decision I've made in ages. First, the pho: I've had pho before, but this was on another level. The broth was rich, flavorful, and clearly made with love. The noodles were perfect, and the toppings were fresh and plentiful. But the REAL star of the show? Their coffee. I am not exaggerating when I say it was the BEST coffee I've ever had in my LIFE. I literally wanted to cry when I took that first sip. It was so smooth, so rich, so perfectly balanced... I'm already planning my next trip back. Seriously, if you're looking for incredible pho and life-changing coffee, look no further than Pho Bonsa You won't regret it!

Simple menu (variety of pho), two banmi sandwich options and fresh spring rolls. All reasonably priced with friendly and efficient service. Absolutely will return. A must try restaurant if you want pho or banmi. My daughter and I split one sandwich, one pho, and the spring rolls. A perfect meal.

I love the beautiful vegan pho, #13. The broth has a really interesting flavor, And the vegetables are so fresh. I wish they would figure out a second vegan pho, with different vegetables. Then I would eat there more often. All the staff is very kind, and the atmosphere is simple and calm. I’m so happy this restaurant is in Chico!

Harry Ko

Simple menu (variety of pho), two banmi sandwich options and fresh spring rolls. All reasonably priced with friendly and efficient service. Absolutely will return. A must try restaurant if you want pho or banmi. My daughter and I split one sandwich, one pho, and the spring rolls. A perfect meal.

Liane C

I love the beautiful vegan pho, #13. The broth has a really interesting flavor, And the vegetables are so fresh. I wish they would figure out a second vegan pho, with different vegetables. Then I would eat there more often. All the staff is very kind, and the atmosphere is simple and calm. I’m so happy this restaurant is in Chico!

Daniel Seibert

Chico has several PHO places. The place I had enjoyed the food but changed ownership and it lost my interest food wise. I found this place and found the food to be authentic and delicious. Service was very spot on as well. I will return.

Jenaea Robinson

Okay, listen up, people! I just had a culinary experience that I HAVE to share. I went to Pho Bonsa on a whim, and let me tell you, it was the best decision I've made in ages. First, the pho: I've had pho before, but this was on another level. The broth was rich, flavorful, and clearly made with love. The noodles were perfect, and the toppings were fresh and plentiful. But the REAL star of the show? Their coffee. I am not exaggerating when I say it was the BEST coffee I've ever had in my LIFE. I literally wanted to cry when I took that first sip. It was so smooth, so rich, so perfectly balanced... I'm already planning my next trip back. Seriously, if you're looking for incredible pho and life-changing coffee, look no further than Pho Bonsa You won't regret it!

Food was good, the spring rolls was ok, just the rice paper wasn’t too soft. The pho I had was number one combination, the size was good amount and the tendon was very tasty but the meat should be more thinly sliced, but overall the broth is good and very tasty. The inside is very clean and the workers are polite.

Went a few weeks back. It was a small little restaurant. We had pho and their Vietnamese sandwiches, both were delicious. One thing I didn't like were that the silverware utensils were just put out in a canister on the tables. Feels unsanitary when you don't know if other guests have touched every one prior to me putting it in my mouth. However the server was nice and she did bring us a new set from behind the counter when we asked.

Food is good, but these people lost a customer. We called on 4/19/2025 and got verbal confirmation they would be open on Easter. We drive all the way from the other side of Chico and this restaurant puts a note on the door saying they are closed for Easter. We'd rather have been told they'd be closed instead of wasting gas. Vietnam Bistro is the way to go instead

Giving 3 stars bc the first time I had it it was great, but I just got some pho tonight and th chicken is not edible - it’s extremely overcooked and too tough too eat. The noodles are also overcooked. The flavor of the broth is great though. But $18 for this chicken is crazy

Rushelle

Giving 3 stars bc the first time I had it it was great, but I just got some pho tonight and th chicken is not edible - it’s extremely overcooked and too tough too eat. The noodles are also overcooked. The flavor of the broth is great though. But $18 for this chicken is crazy

Fast service. Small quantity of noodles. Bathrooms need better upkeep. No paper towels and watered down soap!?

I went in and inquired about the vegan soup particularly what was in it, as there are foods I cannot eat. Was told rice noodles, vegetable broth and veggies. They never mentioned tofu which I cannot eat. Wasted money on a meal I could not eat, by the time I noticed they were closed. Tell people what is in the meal in case they can’t eat something like me! I asked for that reason!

This place has no service at all. We walk in and get a table. We patiently wait to get our order in. We wait awhile, two other tables who show up way later after us get serve before. We just walk out. I can stand place who dont ever try to provide any good service.

You guys have amazing food but being a part of the shrinkflation isn’t it! I would come back a few times a week for your bahn mi, now I won’t be buying them. I don’t want a BREAD sandwich. MORE MEAT! Sick of this you lost two customers today and we will be spreading the news of your increased prices with less food.

Slow serivce. I been here for almost an hour after they said it would be ready 15 minutes. Rude staff. Will never come come here again. Ice tea was .....just ice

bryant navarro

Slow serivce. I been here for almost an hour after they said it would be ready 15 minutes. Rude staff. Will never come come here again. Ice tea was .....just ice