Maybe it’s because we’ve all been subsisting on bland takeout for too long—or perhaps it’s just that authentic pho feels like a warm hug on even the hottest Arizona day. Regardless, when Mesa residents crave the vibrant, herb-packed flavors of Vietnam, the usual spots fill up fast. But a few gems still offer exceptional bánh mì, bún, and broth without the wait. Here are the 10 best.
SaDec Bistro
$$ | (480) 588-7778 | WEBSITE
SaDec Bistro is a Vietnamese spot in San Tan Valley that’s a convenient go-to for a quick and tasty bowl of pho. You can usually get a table without much wait, and it’s a solid choice for grabbing their standout rice paper rolls packed with shrimp, pork, and veggies, served with peanut and spicy sauces. They also do a steak pho that’s praised for its flavor and generous portion, in case you’re not in the mood for something wrapped.
Stick around long enough, and you’ll appreciate the friendly, attentive service that regulars keep coming back for.
Pho Leo
$ | (480) 758-1480 | WEBSITE
A late-night Vietnamese spot with consistently great pho is never going to fly under the radar, and you shouldn’t expect to arrive at Pho Leo and find the booths empty. But the space is so clean and welcoming that it still rarely feels too crowded. It’s a good spot to get a steaming bowl of pho or some fresh spring rolls, as long as you’re fine with occasionally being asked to take pictures of families posing in front of the fun, old-school interior that gives off a 90’s vibe.
Pho Thuan Thanh
$ | (480) 834-3449 | WEBSITE
Most people know Pho Thuan Thanh as the place you go while you’re waiting for a table at one of Mesa’s trendier spots. And while it definitely works for that, it’s also just a good spot to enjoy authentic Vietnamese food – especially if you like pho, since you can choose from several variations (they have bánh mì and summer rolls, too).
The cozy dining room is always bustling with activity, and the seat-yourself tables are constantly becoming available as people finish up their flavorful bowls of broth.
Phở Number One Restaurant
$ | (480) 755-8700 | WEBSITE
Phở Number One Restaurant looks kind of like a bright, clean spot where you’d grab a quick, satisfying meal after a long day. But if you head inside this popular Mesa Vietnamese restaurant, you’ll find a welcoming environment with some nice, spacious tables. You have to sit and order from a server in there, so it doesn’t get too chaotic – just keep in mind that since the place is quite popular, you might have to wait a bit for a table.
Unphởgettable
$ | (480) 835-2298 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of popular Vietnamese spots around Mesa, and they all tend to get incredibly busy whenever the weather is nice and the evening feels right. So if you’re avoiding the wait, try a smaller one, like Unphởgettable. It also happens to be a great place to enjoy a tasty banh mi while you’re waiting for your pho to arrive (which is often served alongside).
Saigon Jade
$ | (480) 265-0024 | WEBSITE
If you want a Vietnamese restaurant that’s authentic enough for food enthusiasts, but don’t want to wait behind half of Mesa’s pho devotees at the usual spots, check out Saigon Jade, a family-friendly dining spot located in a strip mall in Mesa. They serve pretty delicious central Vietnamese dishes from their extensive menu, so if that’s not your thing, just stick with the vegetarian fried rice and cucumber water at your table. Wherever you sit, you’ll get a nice taste of Vietnam.
Bún Bò Huế
$ | (480) 251-7429 | WEBSITE
This Vietnamese spot in Mekong Plaza doesn’t have much of a view – it’s just tucked away in a plaza – but it’s still technically a hidden gem. Try it for a quick family meal, or a craving for authentic dishes when you don’t feel like dealing with a fancy restaurant or a huge menu. They occasionally serve specialties here, like Bahn Xeo and banh canh cua, so check to see what’s available before you order – there might be a combo dish.
Mekong Sandwiches
$ | (480) 964-7999 | WEBSITE
Even on the days when you’re craving a sandwich so good you’d drive across town for it, Mekong Sandwiches won’t disappoint. That’s because this Vietnamese spot in Mesa offers professional, fast service with sandwiches that outshine many other Asian sandwich places – even some well-known spots from the Bay Area. The space is efficient, so once you’re in, you shouldn’t have trouble getting your order quickly.
Plus, the Grilled Beef Bahn Mi has that perfect balance of crunch and flavor, with bread that truly sets them apart. With sandwiches costing around $8 each and helpful advice on keeping veggies separate to enhance the savory experience, it’s basically like eating an exceptional sandwich that satisfies your hunger, but not expensive.
Com Tam Thuan Kieu
$ | (480) 668-5959 | WEBSITE
A Vietnamese restaurant in Mesa known for its ribs and pork broth sounds like the kind of place that fills up before you even get your soup. But that’s not the case with this spot on the list of top local eateries. It’s on the modest side – there are just a few tidy tables in a well-maintained space with a relaxed vibe – but it rarely gets overcrowded, and it’s a nice spot for a family meal.
We also like the friendly, attentive staff, so keep them in mind for a welcoming experience with your group.
Nhật Phở Restaurant
$ | (480) 898-0760 | WEBSITE
It seems like just about every spot across from MCC is someplace you could grab a quick bite – sandwich shops, coffee places, student hangouts. And Nhật Phở may seem like just another simple storefront on the street. But what sets this place apart is its mind-blowing pho. In the rare instance when the cozy interior feels too busy, grab any of their healing soups to-go (the beef pho is $12 for a generous portion) from the friendly husband and wife duo running the counter.