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Basil Ultimate Pho and Fine Vietnamese Cuisine
Category: Restaurants Vietnamese Vietnamese [Edit]
2770 32 Ave NESte 10
Calgary, AB T1Y 5S5
(403) 457-0808
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 8 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
20 reviews for Basil Ultimate Pho and Fine Vietnamese Cuisine
20 reviews in English
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Review from James W.
Division No. 6, AB
3/13/2012
Here is a delicious place for some pho located in the NE of Calgary just off Barlow Trail and 32 avenue. The short and sweet of this place is...
The restaurant is very clean and presentable. The pho is actually quite tasty and well proportioned. Unfortunately they only have one size. Prices are decent for a Pho restaurant and their sate soup actually has sate flavour, unlike other restaurants that usually just put hot sauce/oil into your soup. I ordered the Pho Dac Biet with sate soup and it was quite enjoyable.
Come on by for a taste. The soup was good, not great, it could have had more flavour but it wasn't the worse that I've ever tasted. In my opinion, it is a worthy bowl of pho in Calgary. It is really tough to write a lot about pho since pho is pho... so if you have never tried it before, just head on out to your local neighbourhood pho restaurant and try some. -
Review from Queenie M.
Calgary, AB
1/4/2012
Food: 4/5
Atmosphere: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Overall experience: 4/5
(1- Terrible; 3- decent; 5- Fantastic)
After a recommendation from a friend, we came here today for some tasty pho. I give this a 4 mostly because of their beef sate noodle soup. MMMM MMMM! Located in a little strip mall with a bright green sign, Basil is not your typical low end, grimy Vietnamese noodle house. It has a fresh, clean decor and plenty of seating for the big lunch rush.
Their menu consists of the typical spring rolls and salad rolls as appetizers, noodle soup (pho), and vermicelli. Like most Fine ('westernized') Vietnamese restaurants I've been to, there is only one size bowl/portion, and the prices are slightly more than your average Viet restaurant. It's almost $7 for appetizers, $10 for a bowl of pho, and $9 for Vermicelli. But heck, I enjoyed my meal very much and was left satisfied and full.
I got their Beef Sate ($9.50) - Mekong style beef sate in creamy, spicy broth which was DIVINEEEEEE. Unlike most sates I've had (not spicy when it says it is, peanuty, and oily in a bad way), Basil does a fantastic job by creating a well balanced and flavoured broth of spiciness (just right for those who don't eat it a lot), that is mellowed out by a 'creamy' kind of coconut-like broth. Kind of Thai inspired - like a mellower version of Tom Yum with the coconut milk. Yes.. they could have skimmed a bit of fat off the top, but it was one broth that was worth sipping on. The portion of noodles was good (enough to make me feel full but not that I will fall asleep going back to work), and not overly salty or laddened with MSG. I didn't have to reach for a liter of water after! Highly recommend it!
Their service kinda sucks, despite us being there before the lunch rush. Sure..once we were seated we were served water immediately, but it took them 5-10 minutes too long to realize we were ready to order. The food however, was prepared quickly but with careful consideration.
Overall, if you're in the area come here and you must try the Beef Sate! -
Review from Jennifer L.
Calgary, AB
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Basil is located on 32nd Avenue NE of Calgary in a little strip mall area, their sign is green and it can be easily missed.
I work nearby so I've been here a few times.. although, its been a while so when my co-worker asked me out for lunch I chose Basil because she hasn't been there yet. We went on a Wednesday lunch hour. The parking lot is pretty big because its a strip mall area but around lunch its usually packed. When we entered, we were winded by a fresh pho scent. "Mmm, thats smells deelicious!" she said. Basil was quite packed, so we had to wait for them to clear a table.
We got sat within 10 minutes and glanced at the menu. We both wanted some Vermicelli. Robin went with the B1 which was vermicelli, pork, bean sprouts, greens and two spring rolls. I went with the B6 which was the same thing but with lemongrass chicken instead. We also got different drinks, I got the D9 which is a coconut 3 color drink and Robin got the strawberry bubble tea (which isn't on their menu so you have to ask!). The food didn't take too long to come which was surprising because of how busy it was. The vermicelli comes with a side of fish sauce to pour over. The spring rolls were nice and crispy and the vermicelli was delicious, I love the bean sproats because it adds a nice crunch!! I found the meat a teeny bit dry but other than that, everything was good.
I find the service a bit sloppy, kind of a drop and go. But I guess the food makes up for it! -
Review from Al B.
Calgary, AB
I've been hunting for the perfect bowl of Pho since moving to Calgary and Basil is it.
The broth is flavourful, the amount of meat and other ingredients they put in the bowl are plentiful too. I always order the PH1 or the PH2, the Beef Sate or Chicken Sate Pho.
Vietnamese cooking is always focused on the Umami and Basil gets it right with their food. The flavour balance is always spot on and the spice level is at just the right amount to make you go wow, that's spicey, but not so much as to become overwhelming so all you taste is the chili. Of course, if you're a real chili head, they include a potent chili pepper on the side of the dish should you want to kick it up a notch.
Another favourite dish of mine is the grilled pork chop topped with a fried egg. Fantasic dish, great flavour combo.
It's become my go to place for whenever I get the craving for Vietnamese.
9/30Listed in: My November challenge reviews
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Review from Sandra T.
Toronto, ON
9/26/2011
Pho Binh Minh used to be my favourite pho place but Pho Basil has definitely taken over this title.
The Pho Sate at Pho Basil is far superior to the one at Pho Binh Minh. The noodles are nice texture and taste fresh. The broth is delicious. Hmmm ... they make Pho Sate right!
My mom also loves this place and declares it to be her favourite pho place as well.
The decor is modern and clean. The wait staff is generally pretty friendly.
Hmmm ... when can I go back?! -
Review from Taw J.
Calgary, AB
3/15/2012
Well once in a while you find a place that is a star, the Pho' here is excellent and the environment is friendly... Codo was my go to, but sorry I have found a clean, open and inviting joint that serves great, filling and tasty Pho' in Basil. I look forward to the next (ok at least once a week) bowl of comfort.
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Review from Van B.
7/21/2011
Well.. you know this place is going to be good eats, afterall, I do believe these are the old owners of Pho Dau Bo down on International Avenue aka 17th Avenue SE aka Pho Avenue.
From friends to reviewers I know everyone loves this place, don't get me wrong the food is great -- well at least some of it is. Service is very low when the place is packed but most Vietnamese restaurants tend to be that way.
Their satay bowls are delicious, just the right amount of zing to enjoy a flavorful bowl of soup on a hot or cold day. The one thing I dislike about this place is the fact that there are only one bowl serving size.
I'm not one for the 'westernized' Vietnamese restaurants. I like having my size selection of bowls because I'm not always super starving when I go eat and in most instances a small bowl is perfect for my appetite complimented with some spring rolls and an iced coffee.
Speaking of spring rolls, I don't very much like the spring rolls at this place -- it's not that the spring rolls taste bad but it's mostly filled with carrots and is very lacking in the meat department. A good spring roll is 80% meat with 20% carrot.
This place is better to go eat at when you're with one or two people, when you're in large groups it does get kind of hectic and unorganized and through talking to other people that have eaten there it seems to be a reoccurring pattern.
I also find prices here just a bit steeper than it needs to be, I know for one because of who the restaurant caters to as well as the fact that there is only one sized bowl.
As far as decor, ambience and atmosphere go this place did it's homework -- not that it's super high-end luxurious but they did take the time to look at their brand as a whole which I find admirable.
If I'm in the NE along 32nd avenue I will usually stop by here for a quick bite!Listed in: My Pho Sho Joints
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Review from Simon K.
Calgary, AB
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
With the good reviews on Yelp, I had to try this place for the first time. I ordered the Beef Sate Pho. The first thing that I noticed was the portion size. It is on the small side, and with the price you are paying it should have more noodles. As for the taste of the Beef Sate Pho, it is better than the average Beef Sate Pho in town but definitely not the best. There are so many different vietnamese restaurants around the area that it just doesn't stand out from the crowd, except for the price and portion size (in a negative sense).
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Review from jon h.
5/4/2011
Nice place. Busy at lunch. Helpful and friendly staff.
Very good satay beef subs. Also the vermicelli bowls are tasty.
They have bubble tea! -
Review from Lynn H.
Toronto, ON
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
The quality of food is pretty good many of their dishes have plenty of flavour. I only give them 3 stars because their portions dont give the food enough value for the amount they charge. A bowl of pho is $8.50 & it does not even remotely fill u up. I'll honestly say tho, I've had better pho elsewhere. They just msg the crap out of their dishes & people will say they've got great food. It's the 36 & under crowd that gives it so much praise. (Mostly because we don't know how to cook, but those of us who do know better...wink wink.)
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Review from Karin P.
Calgary, AB
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yum!
My husband and I were up in the NE and looking for a great place to eat. We found this through the reviews posted here on Yelp and we were not disappointed. The food was fresh and delicious and the service was friendly and attentive. We have since been back several times - travelling out of our way just to eat here. -
Review from Cece A.
Calgary, AB
10/30/2010 2 photos
My friend Vanessa and I were going to try out Noodle King but it closed at 4pm. I then recommended Basil. I've never been before but the reviews I've seen we're all positive so I brought it up.
If I could give 3.5 I would but they are still worth a 4.
They get 1 whole star for their atmosphere and deco. From the menu to the floors and art on the walls. You can tell this Viet place was a bit more upscale then the regular run downs. Also the food is $1-3 more than regular Viet places.
The other 3 stars are broken down....
2 stars for the food..
A1 Shrimp Summer Rolls - The wraps were fresh, soft and moist. You can tell the rolls were made to order
A7 Rocket Shrimp Rolls - Super yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Giant tiger shrimp and taro paste wrapped and deep fried.
P3 Seafood Sate Noodle Soup - Didn't try it but it had a lot of seafood shrimp, crab stick, squid etc.. my friend loved it. The bowl was HUGE and you get a lot
B1 Bun - Grilled Pork and Spring Rolls - Generous portions and Pork was tender and cooked just right. I asked for no bean sprouts... and I was sad to see that there were bean sprouts. I had to pick them out one by one... arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh gosh I said no bean sprouts in a clear bold tone and they still put bean sprouts.
I wasn't too happy with their Avocado shake... it wasn't sweet enough and I had to ask for more sugar. Also I think it needed more avocado. Good size though. Totally worth the $$$$
Finally the LAST star is for the service. I needed HOT WATER for my baby's bottle and they were so quick and helpful I like that :) -
Review from Rick C.
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was staying at the Sheraton Cavalier and this is about a block away. I ordered the pork spring rolls with the seafood Pho and a tiger beer. I have had Pho at a number of Viet restaurants and I have to admit I can't tell a lot of difference - I love it all. The spring rolls were crispy and hot. Service was very good. Not a lot of atmosphere, but OK. I was on a business trip and was alone so I liked having the TV on. If i was local i would probably go back.
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Review from Kerrie M.
Calgary, AB
7/16/2010
This is a little gem in northeast Calgary that boasts excellent service and food to match.
The owners will always greet you with a smile and ensure you are taken care of right away. It gets quite busy over the lunch hour, but I have never had to wait for a table.
They have all the staples of a Vietnamese restaurant so this is a perk if you are a creature of habit. They also have some great meal deals for groups and you get to try a variety of foods such as Pho and vietnamese style subs.
This location used to be a Thai Thai, so the decor is similar which is always a nice touch. The only reason it lost a star is because it can get extremely loud. I prefer to go after the lunch rush so I can have a conversation with the person across from me without yelling.
It is a great location for those who work in the NE and want a quick delicious meal!
Oh and on a hot day, try the fresh fruit bubble tea, my fav is the honeydew melon... -
Review from Cobe H.
Calgary, AB
7/8/2010 14 Check-ins Here
This is my #1 pho dig in town.
I come here for pho and only pho. Everything else is meh but because my favorite is pho, I'm giving this place 5 stars. I like pho satay and pho bo kho but you can't go wrong with any pho on the menue. If you want vermicelli, go to any Vietnamese restaurant...just about anyone can pull this together. So come here for Pho and for pho only.
Service is "what do you want, here's your food, see you at the till" which is pretty much standard in most pho restaurants.
There's plenty of parking out in front and a decent size restaurant to fit all you Pho lovers but come before 12 on weekdays to avoid the gazillion peeps.
Food = 2 stars!
Ambiance = 1 star
Would I come back = hells yeah! 1 star
Would I eat another bowl after my first = for sho! 1 star
Grand total = 5 stars! -
Review from Ljubica T.
Calgary, AB
7/14/2011
Fresh fresh fresh, great ambiance, great staff, excellent abundant free parking. Just get rid of that TV And it would be perfect!
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Review from Chester L.
6/29/2011
The food here was pretty good.We had the chicken pho, the beef pho, chicken stir fry, and the shaking beef. The staff was very attentive and nice. Pretty good Vietnamese food for people from San Francisco. It has been difficult finding good Asian food in Calgary. We came here because of the good reviews at Yelp, and the reviewers were right!
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Review from Steven E.
Calgary, AB
5/31/2011
Delicious vermicelli. After walking by several times during lunch, I decided to drop in and check this place out. I was quite impressed, a large comfortable interior, quick service, and delicious food!
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Review from Terry D.
Winkler, MB
5/28/2011 1 photo
Subs are awesome and the soup bowls were huge! Food came quick and price was good, we'd go back.
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Review from Marc B.
Calgary, AB
11/17/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Solid menu from top to bottom. Nothing fancy but clean place and good atmosphere
