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Welcome to Phở Ao Sen Restaurant

Phở Ao Sen Restaurant is a beloved neighborhood gem nestled in Oakland, CA, offering authentic Vietnamese flavors that warm the soul. This family-friendly establishment has been delighting diners for decades with its diverse menu, featuring signature dishes like the rich beef pho and crispy spring rolls that evoke memories of home-cooked meals. Passionate about providing a welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant boasts spacious seating and outdoor options, perfect for any gathering. With a commitment to quick service and a cozy ambiance, Phở Ao Sen invites you to savor each aromatic bowl and discover why it's a favorite among locals for satisfying pho cravings.

Phở Ao Sen Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

Christine L.
Christine L.

This neighborhood spot has been around for decades, a locals favorite Pho spot for all your pho cravings. Beef combo pho, bun Bo hue, pho ga and rice dishes. They also have good appetizers like egg rolls, spring rolls and chicken wings. Bring your family and enjoy some warm pho for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Quick service and plenty of parking.

Veronica L.
Veronica L.

Prices went way up since we were last here but service and the food are still good. Parking lot was full so their business is good! Got the #38 bun entree and two pho tai #16 bowls. They were good about cleaning the tables and bringing shared bowls and plastic forks and spoons for my kids. They give hot tea for adults and water for kids which is nice also. You pay at the back when you are done. It's a nice redone space after Covid. Still one of our favorite pho spots in the Bay.

Tejal D.
Tejal D.

Lovely restaurant with its own parking lot, and lots of tables! The staff is extremely friendly, the ambiance charming, clean, and homey. I ordered the chicken pho and enjoyed it. Shared the shrimp spring roll with a friend, and it was nice as well, but messier than usual. Will be back on a cold night!

Alyssa Mae L.
Alyssa Mae L.

Came in with a friend on a Sunday morning after a night of drinking. We were seated immediately and checked back in on when we needed more time to order. I ended up going with the #11 which was a bowl of beef pho with different types of cooked beef and no tendons/meatballs. I later ordered a Thai tea as a sweet treat after the meal. Food came out promptly. In my opinion, it was a pretty substantial bowl with a good amount of meat. The broth was very light but still flavorful! Nothing really stood out, just a good bowl of soup. Also, as a cilantro hater, I was pretty happy to see that the bowl did not come with it. Service was okay. We had to wave down the waitress a couple times to refill water and order additional menu items. We also had to figure out on our own that you go up to the register to pay for the meal. The parking lot is a plus but definitely be wary of the area - don't leave anything valuable behind. Overall, pho here hit the spot for someone in need of a hangover cure!

Lumi V.
Lumi V.

We came here to have lunch with our families during thanksgiving weekend and I must say we really enjoyed the food as well as the service here! The restaurant was clean and spacious. My family ordered the pho which was very flavorful! I opted for the be spring rolls which was one of the best I've had! The grilled pork spring rolls were comparable to the famous Brodard spring rolls down south! The parking lot was very roomy ... however I was forewarned by family members "DO NOT leave ANYTHING in the car" . I will definitely come back here when I'm in town next time!

Andres G.
Andres G.

Great introduction to Pho, don't know where else newbies can get good Pho like this. I usually get spring rolls and peanut sauce as an appetizer to start then some chicken pho for the main dish. Food; 3/3 Stars, don't know what else they could do better with their food and I definitely recommend this place to others when they want Pho in the area. Service; 1/1 Stars, it's the service you want from a Pho spot, servers not knowing too much English and not being the kindest when you're being a bit slow. If my food doesn't come with this type of service I never go back to thise places. Ambiance: 1/1 Stars, so busy all the time when I go which puts me in a relaxed mood because I know they day is beginning for myself and others. Very pretty decorative pieces and tables so it's nice for family and groups.

Mark A.
Mark A.

Pho Ao Sen is a reddit darling for pho in Oakland so I decided to give it a try today. Bun Bo Hue is one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes so I knew I had to give it a try. Their broth has just the right amount of heat with lots of lemongrass flavor that made it very refreshing. There was ample meat in the bowl and the pork blood was nice and smooth. The servers were very friendly and the space was clean and spacious. I'll definitely be back.

Lauren L.
Lauren L.

The pho here is so light and flavorful and you have to order a Thai Tea to go with it. You can taste the authenticity in all their dishes, specifically the rolls. You always get seated right away and they're always quick to bring out your food. I think it's the perfect pick me up and has that homey feel to it. It is a little pricey, but still worth it in my opinion and probably one of the better restaurants in the area.

Karen Y.
Karen Y.

Ao sen's pho is southern style pho. I like how the pho is always consistent and the atmosphere is cleaner than most pho restaurants. A bowl of pho is around $16. My favorite order to get is the #1. They provide sauces on the tables for you to use along with clean sauce dishes. My favorite sauce to eat my pho with is the lemongrass that is in a little jar on each table. Service is poor. The owner at the cash register is always super rude when you go up to pay and never say thank you. The servers are kind and takes your order quickly and food comes out in a few minutes. Although the service is mediocre, their pho is the best in Oakland. They also have a parking lot but beware of car break ins and robberies. I would not recommend taking your time eating here - eat and immediately leave. The area is not safe to be in.

Location

Welcome to Phở Ao Sen Restaurant, your go-to destination for an authentic Vietnamese culinary experience in Oakland, CA. Nestled at 1139 E 12th St, this charming venue has become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike, celebrated for its flavorful phở and welcoming atmosphere.

Phở Ao Sen focuses on delivering an enriching dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy a delicious array of Vietnamese noodle dishes. The menu offers an inspiring selection ranging from the house special beef noodle soup, Phở Xe Lửa Đặc Biệt, to lighter fare like fresh spring rolls. Each dish is prepared with vibrant ingredients, creating a tantalizing blend of flavors that defines Vietnamese cuisine.

  • Appetizers: Start your meal with the mouthwatering Chả Giò (egg rolls) filled with a savory blend of ground pork, shrimp, and mushrooms, or opt for the refreshing Gỏi Cuốn (spring rolls), which feature poached pork and jumbo shrimp wrapped in delicate rice paper.
  • Signature Phở: Dive into the signature Phở Bò, particularly the special combination of tender sliced eye round steak, brisket, and tripe. The light yet rich broth is the perfect comfort food, ideal for any meal of the day.
  • Beverages: Pair your meal with a refreshing Café Sữa Đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) or a soothing Trà Thái (Thai iced tea) to complement the bold flavors of your dish.

The restaurant emphasizes a casual and family-friendly environment, making it an attractive option for gatherings and luncheons. With ample parking and outdoor seating, Phở Ao Sen is a convenient choice for guests looking to enjoy a meal in comfort. The cheerful staff and vibrant décor enhance the dining experience, making every visit feel special.

Personal testimonials speak highly of the restaurant's efficiency and welcoming ambiance. Diners repeatedly mention the generous portions and flavorsome offerings, ideal for satisfying those irresistible phở cravings. Christine L. calls it a "locals favorite," while Tejal D. appreciates its clean and cozy atmosphere, evoking a sense of home. Such feedback reflects the dedication of Phở Ao Sen to provide not just food, but genuine hospitality.

In short, Phở Ao Sen Restaurant is a delightful enclave for Vietnamese food enthusiasts, where every bowl of phở tells a story, and every bite evokes warmth and satisfaction. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Vietnamese cuisine, you're sure to leave with your taste buds delighted and your heart full.

For inquiries or to make reservations, feel free to reach out at (510) 835-5588. And don’t forget to visit us for lunch, dinner, or one of our happy hour specials—we can't wait to serve you!