Best pho in Melbourne: Top spots to try in 2025

When you’re craving comfort food that ticks all the boxes—flavour-packed, fragrant, and downright satisfying, it’s hard to beat a hot, hearty bowl of pho. In Melbourne, a city with a thriving food culture and diverse communities, you are more likely to find a bowl of pho that could compete with the best bowls found in the bustling laneways of Hanoi or the vibrant corners of Ho Chi Minh City. From hidden back alleys to outer city gems, and of course, late nights, there is no shortage of awesome restaurants serving this beloved dish. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best pho in Melbourne, you’re exactly where you need to be.

What is pho, and why are Melburnians obsessed with it?

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with meat or chicken, rice noodles, herbs, and a flavorful broth that simmers for several hours. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a deep dive into a rich cultural experience. Pho holds a unique role in Melbourne’s culinary scene since it is both warm and flavorful. It’s perfect for a cold winter morning or as a quick lunch during a busy day.

Many Melbourne locals eat pho regularly, and the number of Vietnamese eateries has grown significantly over the years. Whether you’re after a classic bowl or something more modern and vegan, there’s a pho spot for everyone.

Must-visit pho spots in Melbourne

Here’s a look at some of Melbourne’s standout pho spots, each bringing something unique to the table, but all dishing up seriously delicious bowls of pho.

1. Pho Hung Vuong Saigon – Richmond and Springvale

• Famous for: Classic beef pho served with a rich, crystal-clear broth. 
• Why locals love it: Quick service, real flavours, and large portions. 
• Insider tip: For a truly Saigon-style experience, get the beef pho with tendon and tripe.

Pho Hung Vuong Saigon is often used as the benchmark by which other pho is judged, with a loyal following that spans decades. Expect simple decor, fast service, and a dish that’s just the right balance of meat, herbs, and spice.

2. I Love Pho – Richmond

• Famous for: Chicken, beef, and fresh herbs. 
• Why locals love it: Fresh, vibrant flavours served in a sleek, contemporary setting. 
• Insider tip: Their chilli oil is incredibly potent, so exercise caution.

‘I Love Pho’ is a must-try for everyone who enjoys lighter pho, with a perfectly balanced broth and delicate meat. Tucked away just off Victoria Street—often referred to as Melbourne’s own Little Vietnam—it’s right in the heart of the city’s Vietnamese food hub.

3. Mekong – Swanston Street, CBD

• Famous for: Freshly prepared pho served fast in Melbourne’s vibrant city centre.
• Why locals love it: Highlights include famous signs, fast food, and late hours.
• Insider tip: For a unique dining experience, take a seat near the window and view the crowd passes by.

Mekong has been around for a long time and is popular among students, city workers, and nightlife enthusiasts. The pho is hearty and rich, and the service is fast, making it an ideal spot for a quick lunch or a break during a night out.

4. Pho Nom – Emporium and Chadstone

• Famous for: Pho made with free-range chicken and grass-fed beef.
• Why locals love it: A modern vibe with ethical sourcing of ingredients.
• Insider tip: Don’t miss their house-made lemongrass chilli oil—it’s bursting with flavour and worth adding to your pho.

Pho Nom offers a delicious pho experience while also focusing on sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. The dishes, created by renowned chef Jerry Mai, stay true to the spirit of pho while being mindful of the environment.

5. Co Thu Quan – Footscray and Box Hill

• Famous for: Southern-style beef pho and side dishes.
• Why locals love it: A true taste of Vietnamese street food.
• Insider tip: If you order your pho with banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), you’ve got a full dinner!

If you’re up for a trip to the suburbs, Co Thu Quan serves up spicy, peppery pho that’s packed with rich flavours from slow cooking. The large Vietnamese community in the area is a great sign of the authenticity of this spot.

Tips for ordering pho like a local

• Don’t skip the herbs: You may customise your bowl by using fresh basil, bean sprouts, lime, and chilli.
• Taste the broth first: Before adding sauces, take a spoonful of soup and assess its depth.
• Go beyond the basics: Try several pho flavours, such as pho tai (rare beef), pho ga (chicken), or pho dac biet (special combo).
• Use chopsticks and a spoon together: It’s all about balance, so don’t be afraid to use chopsticks and a spoon together.
• Slurping is fine: In Vietnamese culture, slurping is seen as a sign of appreciation, not rudeness!

Vegan and vegetarian pho options in Melbourne

If you’re on a plant-based diet, Melbourne’s pho scene has evolved to cater to your needs.

• Fina’s Vegetarian Café (Richmond and Fitzroy): Provides vegan pho with mushroom broth and imitation meats.
• Loving Hut (Northcote and Richmond): Offers plant-based cuisine, including delicious pho.
• Madame K’s (Fitzroy): This modern, minimalist eatery serves up a smoky vegan pho, complete with all the classic garnishes you’d expect.

These restaurants know how to create umami-rich broths with mushrooms, seaweed, and spices. This makes them suitable for vegetarians and vegans who do not want to be left out.

Why Melbourne is a pho lover’s paradise

Melbourne’s rich cultural mix, especially its strong Vietnamese community, has played a big role in shaping the city’s thriving pho scene. Footscray, Richmond, and Springvale are home to long-standing, family-run eateries that have been serving locals for generations. At the same time, newer eateries in the CBD and inner-north merge old and contemporary designs to give pho a modern twist while retaining its essence.

Melbourne has it all, whether you love the comforting taste of classic pho or want to explore vegan or fusion dishes. Pho is more than simply a trend in this metropolis; it’s a beloved dish.

Conclusion 

Melbourne’s love for pho is a reflection of its rich cultural diversity and passion for great food. Whether you are pulled into the rich, deep, aromatic broth of traditional beef pho or curious to try modern variations, there is a bowl with your name on it. From small suburban venues to busy city markets, you will find each of these locations has a story and its own twist on this much-loved Vietnamese food. So, if you are looking for the best pho in Melbourne, think of it as an invitation to explore, try and enjoy one of Melbourne’s best comforting food experiences.