Pho 515
Pho 515 offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine, famous for its rich pho and flavorful noodle dishes, conveniently located within C Fresh Market.
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Pho 515
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pho 515 offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine, famous for its rich pho and flavorful noodle dishes, conveniently located within C Fresh Market.
"This hidden gem offers phenomenal pho with fresh options and friendly service."
Enhance your Pho
Add extra shrimp to your Pho Diet Biet bowl or order the small/large pho with fresh vegetables.
Don't miss appetizers
Try the homemade egg rolls and highly-rated chicken wing appetizer for a flavorful start.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Vietnamese
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic & Flavorful Pho
Savor rich, aromatic broth with generous portions of tender beef and perfectly cooked rice noodles. A must-try for pho enthusiasts!
Vegan Pho & Banh Mi Options
Discover delicious vegan pho and banh mi, including a popular tofu and avocado option, making it a great choice for diverse dietary needs.
Convenient Market Location
Dine in or grab a meal to go inside C Fresh Market, perfect for a delicious meal after grocery shopping.
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Insider Tips
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Enhance your Pho
Add extra shrimp to your Pho Diet Biet bowl or order the small/large pho with fresh vegetables.
Don't miss appetizers
Try the homemade egg rolls and highly-rated chicken wing appetizer for a flavorful start.
Spice it up
If you enjoy heat, consider ordering the red tofu for a spicy kick.
Early closing
Be aware that dinner service ends at 7 PM due to C Fresh Market's store hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Enhance your Pho
Add extra shrimp to your Pho Diet Biet bowl or order the small/large pho with fresh vegetables.
Don't miss appetizers
Try the homemade egg rolls and highly-rated chicken wing appetizer for a flavorful start.
Spice it up
If you enjoy heat, consider ordering the red tofu for a spicy kick.
Early closing
Be aware that dinner service ends at 7 PM due to C Fresh Market's store hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pho 515 is praised for its authentic and flavorful Vietnamese cuisine, especially its pho with generous portions of tender beef and rich broth. Many appreciate the vegan options and the convenient location within C Fresh Market. However, some reviews mention issues with cleanliness and slow service during busy periods.
"Amazing pho, have been looking for a place with good vegan pho and I finally found it! Great flavor, and very fresh. Loved all the herbs."
Martin Guerrero
"Went for a late lunch on a weekend. It was busy but not crowded. The staff are friendly. I was seated quickly. The menu is large with pictures and descriptions. I ordered crab rangoon and bahn xeo. The crab rangoon had an interesting filling. The bahn xeo came with two medium-large crepes with bean sprouts and sliced shrimp, as well as greens and herbs. The bahn xeo was crispy. The dipping sauce was flavorful. May return."
Jesus Estrada
"haven’t been here in a very long time. i remember it being one of the better vietnamese restaurants in the des moines metro. the other i would say tnt.
the pho was absolutely delicious. super strong beefy and flavorful broth. they were quite generous with meat despite it being the small portion. and it was only $12! super great value.
we also ordered fried tofu and my mom ordered banh canh (seafood soup). super delicious and would come again.
the restaurant is pretty and cozy but they were extremely busy. looked like they only have 2 people running the dining area. we were patient with them and were in no rush. they did have a lot of dishes sitting around but you know what they say, is it really a vietnamese restaurant experience without dirty dishes? haha."
Austin Le
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Pho 515 is renowned for its authentic pho, particularly the Pho Diet Biet bowl, and also offers popular vegan options like the tofu and avocado banh mi.
Yes, Pho 515 has several vegan options, including vegan pho, vegan banh mi (like the tofu and avocado), and vegan egg rolls.
Yes, Pho 515 is conveniently located inside C Fresh Market, making it easy to shop and dine.
Dinner service typically closes around 7 PM due to the operating hours of C Fresh Market.
Reservations are not typically mentioned, but the restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared for a potential wait.
Customers recommend trying the Pho Diet Biet bowl or adding extra shrimp for enhanced flavor. Consider ordering a small or large size with fresh vegetables.
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Soup’s On! 4 Kids in Des Moines
801 University Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50314 • (515) 243-2434 • https://pho515.com/. Pho is a Vietnamese beef noodle soup, consisting of rice noodles and a variety of meats (or tofu and veggies) in a beef (or chicken or veggie) broth seasoned with anise, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Yum! But make sure you leave a little room—Pho 515 is famous for more than their noodle soup.
You Guide to Eating Vegan in Des Moines
One of Jackson’s go-to vegan options right now is the vegan Tofu and Avocado Banh Mi from Pho 515. It’s filled with delicious marinated tofu, avocado, pickled veggies and a touch of soy sauce all on a perfectly soft bun. They also offer vegan egg rolls, vegan pho, vegan fried rice and more.
50 Best Restaurants in Des Moines: Our guide of where to eat, drink, brunch
Located inside C Fresh Market, this Vietnamese diner serves plenty of pho and rice vermicelli dishes, along with other specialties like spring rolls and egg rolls, soups, noodles and rice entrees. Relax with a fresh fruit bubble tea. Location: 801 University Ave., Des Moines
Where to enjoy abowl of pho in the Des Moines metro: 2019 edition
Located inside an international grocery store, Pho 515 has plenty of options to customize your bowl. Chefs from Pho 515 took home the top prize at the 2017 Pho King Cook-Off. Location: Inside C Fresh Market,801 University Ave., Des Moines
Highest-rated Asian Restaurants in Des Moines, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (19 reviews)- Detailed ratings: not available- Type of cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese- Price: not available- Address: 801 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314-2752- Read more on Tripadvisor
Pho 515
Pho 515 is about 90% of the way done with a major remodeling. It is enclosed now with lovely new furniture. All that is left is the installing of a full bar which will be done by next year.
Des Moines' best places to eat, according to Eater
What's new: In her updated version for 2024, Walsh added newly opened and established eateries, including Wilson's Orchard & Farm, Pho 515, Oak Park, Prime & Providence and Crème.
Des Moines Restaurants | Top 35 in 2025
It is located inside a grocery store and serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Do your shopping while waiting for food in this casual and welcoming establishment.
CITYVIEW's Relish
Pho All Seasons and Pho 515 star on Des Moines’ superb lineup of Vietnamese cafés. The latter is housed in Iowa’s best Asian supermarket — C Fresh.
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