The 5 Best Phos in Edinburgh for a Soul-Warming Bowl
There’s something about the damp, misty streets of Auld Reekie that makes you crave a steaming bowl of rice noodles and aromatic broth. Searching for the best phos in Edinburgh isn’t just about finding a quick meal; it’s about uncovering that perfect balance of star anise, ginger, and total comfort.
Whether you’re a student looking for a cheap eat or a foodie chasing authentic Mekong Delta flavors, the city’s Vietnamese scene has grown into something special recently.
We’ve spent plenty of time slurping our way through various neighborhoods to find the spots that truly deliver on depth and freshness. Here are our top picks for a bowl that hits the spot every single time.
How much does pho cost in Edinburgh?
A standard bowl of this iconic Vietnamese noodle soup in the city usually ranges between £13.50 and £15.95 for a regular portion.
| Service Type | Price Range |
| Standard Pho Bowl | £13.50 – £15.95 |
| Specialty Pho (Extra Toppings/Marrow) | £15.50 – £18.50 |
1. NAM Restaurant
Website: namrestaurant.co.uk
Address: 46A Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5LA
Contact: 0131 346 7451 | [email protected]
Hours: Tue – Fri: 5 pm – 10 pm; Sat: 12 pm – 10 pm; Sun: 4 pm – 9 pm
Walking into NAM Restaurant feels like finding a hidden gem right across from the station, bringing the warmth and flavors of the Mekong Delta straight to Edinburgh. Their menu isn’t just a copy-paste job; you’ll notice cool culinary crossovers with subtle influences from Cambodia and Thailand that add layers of complexity you don’t find elsewhere.
I remember visiting on a particularly rainy Tuesday, and the pho was the absolute heartbeat of the experience, offering everything from clean, restorative broths to a rich bowl loaded with braised beef shank and roasted marrow. The homestyle comfort here is real, with big handfuls of fresh herbs and meats that feel like they were prepared with genuine love.
It’s a slender, snug space that feels very intimate, though the lighting is a bit on the darker side when you first walk in. That dimness is a small price to pay for such authentic flavors.
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/
Address: Fourth Floor St James Quarter, St James Crescent, Edinburgh, EH1 3AE
Contact: 01313 590 223
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12-9 pm; Friday – Saturday: 12-10 pm
If you find yourself shopping at St James Quarter, Pho Edinburgh is a reliable haven for a fresh meal that’s actually cooked from scratch in their own kitchen daily. The founders, Stephen and Juliette Wall, started the company back in 2005 after falling in love with the food in Ho Chi Minh City, and that passion still shows.
This spot is a dream for health-conscious diners because they’re super allergy-friendly, with a menu that’s mostly gluten-free and officially accredited by Coeliac UK. Plus, they offer a sweet student discount of 25% off food, making it a hit for those on a budget.
However, keep in mind that those discounts are for dine-in only, so you won’t get the deal on a takeaway. Also, since it’s in a mall, you can’t bring your dog along like you can at their standalone branches.
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/
Address: 15 Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2BQ
Contact: 0131 337 7522 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Located on Dalry Road, Pho Viet is run by Chef and Director Mr. Quang Thanh Nguyen, who brings over 20 years of experience to the kitchen. You can really taste that expertise in their broth, which relies on a mix of “secret” Vietnamese ingredients to capture those traditional, aromatic flavors.
While some restaurants with a view focus on the skyline, this place focuses entirely on what’s in the bowl. I appreciate how transparent they are with pricing, with their signature pho clearly marked at £14.50, so there are no surprises at the end of the meal.
They have a solid local reputation as part of a larger network of high-quality spots, which gives me a lot of confidence in their consistency.
That said, one thing to watch out for is their early kitchen cutoff time. Even though they stay open until 10:00 PM, you have to get your order in by 9:00 PM.
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. Vietnam House Restaurant
Website: https://vietnamhouseedinburgh.co.uk/
Address: 1-3 Grove Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8AF
Contact: 0131 228 3383 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Over on Grove Street, Vietnam House Restaurant serves as another pillar of authentic cooking led by Chef & Director Mr. Quang Thanh Nguyen. They really pride themselves on those secret ingredients and a 20th-century style beef bone broth that feels deeply traditional and full of character.
I’ve spoken to a regular who swears by their regional variations like the spicy bun bo hue, which is a great alternative if you want something with more kick than standard pho.
It’s a central spot, making it easy to reach if you want to take a break from fine dining restaurants and just want something slurpy. The menu also has clear dietary labeling for vegetarians and nut allergies, which is always helpful.
However, the physical restaurant is quite small with only a handful of tables, so it’s easy to get turned away if you haven’t booked ahead. Like its sister spots, the kitchen closes an hour before the doors do.
Customer Reviews
Cute little place that I walked in off the street for. I’d suggest reservations for larger parties. This is honestly the best pho I’ve had since coming to the uk. It was heavenly. The peanut sauce for the summer rolls was nice and thick too. 10/10
- Sam P Google Review
Amazing Vietnamese restaurant. We ordered Pho with fishcake and grill pork vermicelli which are both flavourful and delicious. The atmosphere is cozy and the staff are nice. Their black sticky rice yogurt dessert was also interesting. A great experience
- Pham Helen Google Review
5. Hoi An
Website: https://hoianuk.com/menu/
Address: 4-5 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HN
Contact: 0131 629 0870 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Hoi An brings a beautiful, immersive vibe to Bruntsfield Place, decked out with traditional glowing lanterns inspired by the historic town it’s named after. Also under the direction of Chef and Director Mr. Quang Thanh Nguyen, this place feels more like a destination thanks to its rustic décor and large, spacious dining room.
The portions here are notably generous, and the ingredients are always incredibly fresh, which makes it feel like great value for your money.
I personally love the relaxed atmosphere where the staff doesn’t rush you out the door, allowing you to actually enjoy the aromatic steam from your bowl.
But, because the space is large and full of hard surfaces, it can get quite loud and echoey when it’s busy. Also, being in a classic Edinburgh tenement building means there are some structural steps and narrow stairs that might be a challenge for some. It’s a cozy, warm spot nonetheless.
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