quick, friendly service
1 / 10

iPho by Saigon

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A laid-back Vietnamese eatery serving soulful pho, flavorful banh mi, and generous portions at wallet-friendly prices. A true local gem.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
quick, friendly service

iPho by Saigon

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A laid-back Vietnamese eatery serving soulful pho, flavorful banh mi, and generous portions at wallet-friendly prices. A true local gem.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This is without a doubt the best Pho in all the cities."

TIP

Jumbo Pho for Value

Opt for jumbo pho or salad bowls for exceptionally large portions and great value.

Customize Your Flavors

Enhance your dish by customizing with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 7:45PM

Cuisine

Vietnamese

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(651) 225-8751

Address

704 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic & Aromatic Pho

Authentic & Aromatic Pho

Indulge in rich, aromatic pho broth, a star attraction for its depth of flavor and comforting qualities.

Google Review+1
Generous Portions & Value

Generous Portions & Value

Experience hearty, budget-friendly meals with exceptionally generous portion sizes that leave you satisfied.

Google Review+1
Delicious Banh Mi Sandwiches

Delicious Banh Mi Sandwiches

Savor the flavors of classic Banh Mi sandwiches, featuring flavorful fillings and crusty baguettes, a popular grab-and-go option.

St. Paul's Best RestaurantsGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Today I visited an all time favorite, iPho on University Ave in St Paul. It was delicious, per the usual. #lunch #twincities #food #foodie
@mindyinminne
18 likes • 484 views

Jumbo Pho for Value

Opt for jumbo pho or salad bowls for exceptionally large portions and great value.

Customize Your Flavors

Enhance your dish by customizing with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.

craving some pho again 😮‍💨 #pho #twincities #twincitiesmn #minnesota #mn #stpaul #stpaulminnesota #minneapolis #placestoeat #explore #saintpaul
@hanahhlee
40 likes • 1.4K views
Pho. 704 University ave. St Paul, Mn #pho #foodtiktok #foodreview #asian #hmong #soup #friedrice #stpaulminnesota #follow@Doc Compton®
@mikeonthego85
37 likes • 1.7K views

Off-Peak Hours Recommended

Visit during non-peak times to avoid crowds and ensure quicker service.

Grab-and-Go Convenience

Utilize the convenient takeout menu or sandwich counter for a quick and easy meal.

#minnesota #ipho #vietamese #vietamesefood #minnesotacheck #stpaulminnesota #fyp
@maria_ranelli
378 likes • 10.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Jumbo Pho for Value

Opt for jumbo pho or salad bowls for exceptionally large portions and great value.

Customize Your Flavors

Enhance your dish by customizing with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.

Off-Peak Hours Recommended

Visit during non-peak times to avoid crowds and ensure quicker service.

Grab-and-Go Convenience

Utilize the convenient takeout menu or sandwich counter for a quick and easy meal.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

iPho by Saigon is celebrated for its authentic and flavorful Vietnamese cuisine, particularly its rich pho broth and generous portion sizes that offer excellent value. Diners consistently praise the friendly and fast service, making it a reliable spot for both dine-in and takeout. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention occasional inconsistency in broth flavor.

"I walked in and to the right, which seemed like the take out line, ordered a BahnMi (Regular Sandwich) and then some Pho (Saigon Special Pho) and then sat done, I messed up the order... you can sit down and order from a menu. Food was fantastic! The peppers were hot, I mistakenly dropped one in the pho and it took a while for it to wear off. Interior is pretty basic and I didn't love the flimsy disposable pho spoon but it's very clean and service is great."

Trypp Adams

"Kids size Pho is more than enough for myself and people I've been with, usually having leftovers too. The only thing is they don't serve it on to go orders, only when dining in. That's okay with me and they've always given me a to go cup without issue anyway, if you have to have it but can't eat in. An old housemate showed me the place saying it had the best pho on a budget a couple years ago, and since then I have done the same. The only restaurant I've been this impressed by, they deserve a top rating 💯%"

Preston Ogline (Pressie)

"iPho by Saigon in Saint Paul is a fantastic spot for anyone craving authentic, flavorful Vietnamese cuisine in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with friendly smiles and attentive service that makes you feel right at home. The cozy, casual vibe is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner with friends, or a comforting solo meal.

The menu offers a great variety of classic Vietnamese dishes, but the star of the show is, of course, their pho. The broth is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying — clearly simmered to perfection with traditional spices and fresh ingredients. Whether you choose the rare beef, brisket, or chicken pho, each bowl arrives steaming hot, generously portioned, and packed with flavor. The fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges on the side allow you to customize every bite.

Beyond pho, their vermicelli noodle bowls and banh mi sandwiches are equally delicious. The grilled meats are tender and flavorful, and the fresh vegetables add just the right balance. Vegetarian options are also available and thoughtfully prepared.

Prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes. Service is consistently prompt and courteous, with staff always willing to offer recommendations or adjust spice levels to your taste.

If you’re in the Saint Paul area and looking for a go-to spot for comforting, authentic Vietnamese food, iPho by Saigon is a must-visit. It’s the kind of local gem you’ll find yourself returning to again and again."

Natalie Jo Baker

What People Like

Rich and aromatic pho broth
Generous portions and great value
Fast and friendly service

What People Dislike

Occasional inconsistency in broth flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

The most highly recommended dishes include their rich and aromatic Pho, flavorful Banh Mi sandwiches, and generous Vermicelli noodle bowls.

The 10 Best Restaurants In St. Paul 2024 - St. PaulGoogle Review+1

Yes, diners frequently mention that the portion sizes are very generous, offering great value for the price.

Google Review+1

Yes, they offer a vast takeout menu and have a convenient grab-and-go sandwich counter for quick orders.

St. Paul's Best RestaurantsGoogle Review

Absolutely! You can customize your Pho with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges to enhance the flavors to your preference.

It is recommended to visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure prompt service.

Dine at These Vietnamese Restaurants in Saint Paul

Yes, they offer vegetarian options on their menu, thoughtfully prepared for those with dietary preferences.

Google Review

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This laid-back counter spot has some of the best Vietnamese food—and biggest portions—in town. The 10-pound jumbo phở is essentially a cauldron filled with beef broth so soulful and aromatic, you’d think it has actual magical healing properties. Also, ask for “The Regular Sandwich” filled with red roast pork and nicely pickled vegetables on a crusty baguette slathered with pâté.

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When you enter iPho by Saigon, you’ll be faced by three options: have a speedy bánh mì made to your specs at their grab-and-go sandwich counter, order from their vast takeout menu at an adjacent counter, or enter the dining room and eat as many Vietnamese specialties as your stomach can expand to fit. No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that on a beautiful summer day, there’s nothing better than picking up a half-dozen bánh mì (iPho’s will run you under $6 each) for your friends and heading to one of Saint Paul’s many nearby parks to enjoy a truly low-effort, high-reward picnic.

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This is a menu to fall in love with: the extensive list of offerings ranges from bubble tea to pho to a slew of banh mi options. iPho has become a classic of Saint Paul dining, with loyal eaters often picking a favorite must-order dish with every visit. When the weather turns blustery, tuck into a bowl of bún bò huế, a rich beef broth with thick rice noodles, available in a tiny $6 size all the way up to a cauldron for just $14.

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Bun Salad with Chicken and Eggroll at iPho by Saigon: Pho seems like an easy thing to offer on this list, but as the weather warms, I’ll instead be craving this salad, the base of which is thin rice noodles. Order the toppings you prefer — I usually get a combo so I get one of their killer egg rolls and some meat. The salad is chock-full of vegetables, too: green lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts and quick-pickled carrots and jicama.

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The St. Paul location is part of the real estate on University Avenue that also includes iPho by Saigon (which I really need to review at some point), and it’s only a couple of blocks east of Homi and about a block and a half west of Big Daddy’s . There’s a large parking lot alongside but as it’s shared with a number of other businesses, parking is not necessarily easy—we had to circle a few times to score a spot.

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The Saigon Special is a meaty bonanza with flank, brisket, meatball, and more. The jumbo bowl is $9.50. Eat all 10 pounds of the $15 challenge bowl in 45 minutes and get a special shirt that says “I am the PHO-King.” iphomn.com

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