Phở Ban Mai - S San Diego

I was visiting my family in San Diego and they wanted to meet up at Pho Ban Mai in Mira Mesa. We usually go to a different Pho place down the road but, to be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d like this place because of the low reviews. I was quite surprised to find I really enjoyed the food here! Pho Ban Mai is nestled within the same plaza where Rite Aid, Boiling Crab and Seafood City are located. It was a little hard to find because the signage wasn’t as visible. We were seated quickly but we had about a dozen family members and we were split into separate tables. Note: This restaurant is not made for large groups; however, the staff were accommodating and made it work. Because of the smaller group seating, the orders were placed by table number. For example, there’s a QR code which launches their menu and you would place your order from there. It’s pretty cool actually. But if you’re someone who does not have a smart phone, you’ll be ordering the traditional way through a server and, from our experience, the language barrier was a challenge. We ended up placing 3 group orders due to our split tables but we were able to ask to pay on one big check. A few things we ordered from our table: Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio (Vermicelli with Grilled Pork and Egg Rolls) This is great for sharing. The dish itself is plentiful and you have your carb, protein, and veggies. This came with an egg roll, which is filling on its own. Grilled Pork with Broken Rice This came with a side of pickled veggies and a perfectly rounded scoop of steamed rice. I believe you get the option of fried rice or steamed rice but we opted for the latter. The taste was delicious! Pho #1 House Special Noodle Soup It’s just standard that we order the first pho option whenever we go to a Vietnamese restaurant. The broth had a good flavor and it wasn’t oily. Beef Steak Cubes with Fried Rice and Salad Bo Luc Lac is a family favorite. The beef cubes are always tender and juicy and comes on a sizzling hot plate. It’s perfect served over steamed rice. And the nuoc cham (fish sauce) flavors the dish with a sweet and salty umami. Overall, everyone enjoyed the food. Ordering was a little chaotic but we were able to get that settled quickly. I’m glad we gave this place a shot the ratings are low but I guarantee you, you’d be surprised how good it is here! You won’t know til you try it!

Banh xeo with extra lettuce was great. The avocado smash smoothie or Bo Dam was good. They didn't care if the open sign was on or off so they may be open even if it looks closed. I really really appreciated the staff letting me pay for the check quickly before my aunt could fight me for the bill :

It's no hidden gem but it will do the job for all your viet food cravings! I came here with a group of 16+ and although very surprised, were happy and open to serving all of us. Pho dac biet: Get Although there's nothing dac biet about this one, it will for sure fill you up and cure all your hang overs. It's not the best bowl you'll ever have but it's satisfying and solid. Service was hit and miss but I can't complain much because of our very lage party. Although it's not my first or second or third choice... I don't regret having a big vietnamese family dinner here.

The food was good but service was sub par. I hate the qr code app menu thing. In theory you go out to eat and not have to stumble around using a new app/ menu. Use people like the old days.

I don't know why, but sometimes the food and service is hit or miss. Need a refill on water? You'll probably have to flag someone down. Other than that, it's a clean place to take family and friends, and it's not crowded often. When the wife has cravings for Pho, atleast this place has fried chicken for the kid--and a tasty strawberry smoothie. Calamari is really good!