Atlanta has one of the most vibrant Vietnamese restaurant communities in the American South, driven by a substantial Vietnamese-American population concentrated primarily along Buford Highway in Chamblee and Doraville. Pho, the aromatic Vietnamese beef noodle soup that has become one of the world’s most beloved dishes, is served at numerous Atlanta establishments ranging from no-frills community institutions to upscale Vietnamese concepts with refined interpretations of the classic broth. Buford Highway, often called the International Corridor, is home to many of Atlanta’s most authentic pho destinations, where Vietnamese families have operated for decades and where the broth is the result of hours of careful bone-simmering. Midtown and Inman Park also host newer Vietnamese concepts that bring pho to a broader Atlanta audience.
When evaluating a pho restaurant in Atlanta, broth quality is the defining indicator. Authentic pho broth, or nuoc pho, is made by simmering beef bones for a minimum of six hours and often much longer, developing a deep, clear, aromatic stock that is distinct from any other soup. The spice profile of pho broth, which typically includes charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, should be present but balanced and not overpowering. The broth should be clear, not cloudy. Rice noodles should be cooked to the right texture, neither mushy nor stiff. Fresh accompaniments including bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime, and sliced chilies should be presented separately and freshly cut. Beware of pho served from broth that has clearly been pre-portioned into base and protein without the additions being cooked together.
Top Pho Restaurant Companies in Atlanta
1. So Ba Vietnamese Restaurant
Address: 560 Gresham Ave, Atlanta, GA 30316
Phone: (404) 627-9911
Website: https://www.soba-eav.com
Services:
- Traditional Vietnamese pho with house-grown herbs
- Full Vietnamese menu beyond pho
- Fresh herbs and accompaniments grown on-site
- Casual dine-in atmosphere in East Atlanta Village
- Lunch and dinner service
About: So Ba in East Atlanta Village is one of Atlanta’s most beloved Vietnamese restaurants, distinguished by its commitment to growing some of its own herbs on-site and incorporating them into its aromatic pho broth and fresh accompaniments. The restaurant has become a neighborhood anchor in East Atlanta Village, serving as an entry point to Vietnamese cuisine for the neighborhood’s broad audience while maintaining the authenticity that draws Vietnamese community members from across the metro. The relaxed, inviting atmosphere and fresh-ingredient commitment have made So Ba consistently popular with Atlanta food writers and diners alike. The restaurant’s East Atlanta Village location places it within a diverse, walkable neighborhood that has become one of Atlanta’s most vibrant dining destinations.
2. Pho 24
Address: 264 19th St, Atlanta, GA 30363 (Midtown)
Phone: (678) 705-4409
Website: https://www.pho24atlanta.com
Services:
- Pho with beef and non-beef broth options
- Vietnamese appetizers including spring rolls and egg rolls
- Vermicelli and rice dishes
- Lunch and dinner service
- Midtown Atlanta location
- Second location in Chamblee at 4646 Buford Hwy (770-710-0178)
About: Pho 24 operates in Midtown Atlanta with a second location on Buford Highway in Chamblee, covering two of Atlanta’s most active dining corridors with consistent Vietnamese cooking. The restaurant serves a broad menu that extends well beyond pho to include a full range of Vietnamese dishes, making it a practical destination for diners who want to explore Vietnamese cuisine beyond its most famous dish. The Midtown location serves a dense residential and office population, while the Chamblee location is embedded within the Buford Highway international food community where Vietnamese food culture is most deeply established. Pho 24’s accessible pricing and consistent quality have built a steady regular clientele at both locations.
3. Nam Phuong
Address: 4051 Buford Hwy NE, Chamblee, GA 30341
Phone: (404) 633-2400
Website: https://www.namphuongga.com
Services:
- Traditional Vietnamese pho in multiple sizes
- Vietnamese street food and appetizers
- Crispy glazed chicken wings
- Vietnamese crepes and specialties
- Full Vietnamese menu
- Buford Highway location
About: Nam Phuong is a beloved institution along Buford Highway, one of the most significant Vietnamese food corridors in the Southeast, serving a wide range of Vietnamese classics alongside its well-regarded pho. The restaurant’s combination of excellent pho with an adventurous menu that includes Vietnamese street food, crispy glazed chicken wings, and traditional crepes makes it a destination for both pho focused visits and broader Vietnamese dining exploration. Its Buford Highway location places it at the heart of Atlanta’s Vietnamese dining community, where the surrounding block offers one of the most diverse international dining concentrations in the American South. Nam Phuong has earned consistent positive recognition from Atlanta food media for the quality of its broth and the breadth of its menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I know about ordering pho for the first time at an Atlanta restaurant?
A: Pho (pronounced “fuh,” not “foe”) is ordered by broth type and meat selection. The most common broth is pho bo (beef), though pho ga (chicken) is also available. Meat options typically include tai (rare beef sliced thin and cooked in the broth), nam (well-done brisket), gau (fatty brisket), gan (tendon), and sach (tripe), with combination bowls offering several at once. The server will bring a plate of fresh accompaniments including bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime, and sliced chilies, which you add to taste during the meal. Add hoisin sauce and sriracha to a small dish for dipping the meat.
Q: What does pho cost at Atlanta restaurants?
A: A standard bowl of pho at Atlanta Vietnamese restaurants typically runs $12-$18, with large sizes priced at $14-$22. The price difference between regular and large bowls is usually $2-$4 and the size difference is significant. Appetizers like spring rolls, egg rolls, and Vietnamese crepes add $6-$12 to the meal. A full meal with pho, an appetizer, and a Vietnamese iced coffee typically runs $20-$30 per person. Buford Highway pho establishments generally price at the lower end of this range compared to intown Atlanta locations.
Q: What is the best time to visit a pho restaurant in Atlanta?
A: Pho is traditionally a morning and midday dish in Vietnam, and Atlanta’s pho restaurants are generally open for lunch and dinner. Broth is typically freshest earlier in the day since it is made overnight or in the early morning hours. Weekend midday visits at popular Buford Highway pho restaurants can involve waits at peak hours, so arriving at opening or during off-peak times is advisable. Most Atlanta pho restaurants are open seven days a week with consistent hours, and many accept walk-ins without reservations.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s pho restaurant community reflects the strength and authenticity of the city’s Vietnamese diaspora, with So Ba’s herb-forward approach in East Atlanta Village, Pho 24’s accessible Midtown and Chamblee dual presence, and Nam Phuong’s deep Buford Highway roots all offering genuine Vietnamese pho that satisfies on its own terms. Whether you are a pho veteran or exploring the dish for the first time, these Atlanta restaurants provide an authentic and memorable experience. Contact them directly for hours, large group accommodations, and any dietary considerations.