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Pho Linh
Category: Restaurants Vietnamese Vietnamese [Edit]
1156 College StreetToronto, ON M6H 1B6
Neighbourhood: Brockton Village
(416) 516-3891
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
18 reviews for Pho Linh
18 reviews in English
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Review from Meems C.
Toronto, ON
1/19/2012
We love this place so much we would consider moving if they changed locations, just to stay in their 'nabe. This Ma & Pa have cleaned up the interior a little since the greasy old days, but its still only a step above hole in the wall. The daily line ups of regular Asian families say it all. That and it was recommended to us by a Vietnamese foodie who swears their soup is as good as his Mom's. And my Laotian hubbie has given the cha gio (deep fried spring rolls) the "ALMOST as good as my Mom's" rating, which is as good as it gets!
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
I have to say Pho Linh's bánh cun (rice roll) is the best I have eaten for years!! Sorry, Dad... even yours were not as good!
Bánh cun is not easy to find up in Scarborough or Markham.. even if they have that on the menu, it would be something they offers only on the weekend.
I ordered a LARGE with minced pork and mushroom ($6.50).. and ate it all by myself... and have no regrets... and I want to come back for more!! I love how they were all rolled up in small bite size and I can just dipped them in the fish sauce and eat those in one bite!
The Spring rolls ($1.50) was A-OK too...stuffed with yam and came with a big leaf lettuce for me to wrap it in...
Pho Linh is as authentic Vietnamese as one expected...and I need to be back for the bánh cun or even to try out their bánh bèo!!Listed in: Vietnamese Food in the GTA!
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Review from Brandon D.
Toronto, ON
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Today I took it upon myself to try out this pho place as I've been to about 10 different places around Toronto. First off, don't come here with any vegetarians, as they have little to no selection for veggie pho. At most pho places I order the Rare beef / beef ball rice noodle. It came very quick and I was so impressed with the noodle to meet ratio. I've been severely let down by most places around Toronto for this reason. Too much broth not enough good stuff.
The broth was delicious right to the end and the amount of meat was amazing. I'd say this is one of the better if not best pho places in Toronto. However two things threw me off (hence the not so perfect score) - There was not a mini dish to fill a little rooster sauce mix to dip the meat into, so I used one of the spoons. There was a fruit fly in the ice cold tea (since it's hot out now). Kinda a bummer, but the delicious pho stands true. -
Review from Patrick M.
Toronto, ON
4/27/2011
We never would have tried Pho Linh based on its location and outside appearance -- a bit of a barren stretch on College before Dufferin, the sign reminds of those bad, small town diners that serve frozen fries and hockey puck burgers under guise of "home cookin'".
Still, yelpers recommend it and we thought we'd take a break from Pho Phuong and try a new place. It helps that it's equidistant from our house.
Ambience is low key, very quiet, no multi-TV distraction (YAY!!!), and clean, though the menus were a bit skuzzy. I blame the youth of today.
As we were sitting down, another couple arrived to a chance meeting with apparent acquaintances who had been enjoying a meal: "You've got good taste in restaurants!" they remarked to their friends. "This is the place for Pho in TO." How's that for a first impression upon arriving?
Anyway!
I ordered the S3 and #13, with a bean shake to wash it down. The server informed that, due to Monday being a holiday (Easter weekend), S3 was unavailable -- he seemed somewhat chagrined, as though he was offending me. No worries! I got the Hue style beef pho instead, which is their weekend offering.
Heather went for the ol' standby of noodles, grilled pork, and spring roll with salad (nice greens, no crappy/wilty iceberg lettuce!) and her customary avocado milkshake.
The soup was very good, tasty though not extraordinary, and came with nice, thick rice noodles rather than the vermicelli style one normally sees -- this pleased me greatly! I definitely prefer a more robust noodle, so they score points here. The side of sprouts, basil, limi, and a chili was very generous... which is good, because I usually have to ask for more.
The banh cuon (I think that's the name) isn't normally my style, but it was good. The odd little muffin thing topped with a fried shimp was damned tasty (I didn't bother with the shrimp... it was desiccated, though had served its purpose by imparting mucho flavour).
I have come to realize, however, that I'm just not a fan of Vietnamese style sausage... at least not the spongy, starchy kind served here (and many other places). They taste good, sure, but it just ain't meat. I'd feel the same way if I was served a hotdog on the side.
Heather remarked that her dinner was excellent, though she prefers the crispy spring rolls at Pho Phuong -- not because Pho Linh's are somehow lesser, oh no! Linh's are huge, and crammed with meat. So if you prefer a meaty roll, definitely try them out here... you won't be disappointed.
Shakes were both excellent, though they were served in plastic takeout cups when we were sitting down to eat (and it was pouring rain outside...). Weird. Ah well -- we'll ask for glass next time.
Finally, I've noticed a few people have questioned the service here. We found it very fast, friendly, and good. Absolutely no complaints there whatsoever. Maybe it falters when it's busy... but it was A-OK this time around!
All in all we were quite pleased with our experience -- I tried a couple things I wouldn't normally order, so won't pass judgement based on the things I didn't care for (the sausage, for example). We'll definitely be back, in particular because I want to try their basic chicken pho. If they roast their chicken and the broth is good I'll consider switching my go-to Pho joint!
*** Accepts Cash Only *** -
Review from Sandra T.
Toronto, ON
4/1/2011
Came here because a vietnamese friend told me this was the best place for pho.
I ordered the Bun Bo Hue (I always order this anywhere I go!) and it was not bad ... not quite as spicy and flavourful as I would like it but it was decent.
My husband ordered the Pho and he was disappointed. He said it was at about the same level of tasty as Pho Hung (which we both don't find that tasty).
The restaurant itself is modern and clean. The service is friendly.
Prices are decent.
Will probably not return ... still on the hunt for a "go to" pho place! -
Review from Christian P.
Toronto, ON
9/4/2011
4 and 1/2. perfect pho soup and with spicy combination on week days. The best ever fried spring roll in my life ever!!! service is quick and effective. a very very good place!! (menu is quite short, and so for once, one is not lost among the different options!!).
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Review from Mochi M.
3/15/2011
One of the best pho restaurants in Toronto. Cheap, fast, tasty. Well worth it, and conveniently located on College so you can just take a streetcar across.
The service is not amazing (hello? It's under $10), but the food is good and that's all I care about.
Update: I downgraded it to 4 stars because I recently visited and they were stingy on the beef, it was overcooked and while the shakes were delicious and the broth was still flavourful, I found a better place:
Tien Thanh @ 57 Ossington
The beef is out of this world, and the broth is so flavourful it makes me cry tears of pho. -
Review from Neil T.
Toronto, ON
8/26/2010
I didn't have the pho here. However, with items like banh cuon and banh beo on the menu, who needs that same same crap that you can get everywhere else?
The lowdown:
1. The banh cuon is fantastic. I recommend the one that includes banh cong tom, a delicious deep fried tapioca "muffin" topped with shrimp! It made my heart stop twice, once because I fell in love, the second when it clogged my arteries.
2. The banh beo was ok, not fantastic. However, this isn't a dish that is often found at Viet restaurants, so I had to order it. It's worth trying in my opinion, and for $4, why not?
3. Though I didn't have the pho, I can say that they do use the thicker fresh noodles, which I love. Plus if you order the raw beef, the beef actually comes raw on a side plate. Also a nice touch.
4. Prices are good, if not cheap.
5. You can order individual rolls like spring rolls or goi cuon (cold rolls) for $1.50. No more commitments to a full order costing you $4-5! Amazing!
6. Free street parking in the evenings!
I am beginning to think that the Dufferin/College oasis of Vietnamese joints is becoming the new Ossington. I am loving both Pho Linh and Pho Canh Buom so far. Next up to try in the area? Pho Phoenix. Could this be the start of the Holy Pho Trinity? Time will tell.
PS - If I come here next time for pho and it's on the money, this will be a 5-star place!Listed in: My Vietnamese Food Rankings
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Review from Lauren M.
What the heck did I eat here? I'm drawing a blank on the viet name already, but it was S3 (special #3) which is only served on Monday-Thursday.
It was a stew with spicy broth, roasted carrots and big pieces of stewed beef. Noodles were thick. Beef and broth were delicious, a bit fatty but that's what makes it tasty. I didn't like the noodles/broth ratio, way too many noodles and not enough broth! mmm broth
They also have "Hue Style" pho on Friday-Sunday only, which I'd like to try out. Good winter foodage!
Service OK, food brought out very quickly (YES!!!) and prices pretty cheapo.Listed in: My fav cheap eats
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Review from Simon K.
8/4/2010 1 photo
I came here to meet a friend, and wasn't that hungry to begin with, but coming in here, the aroma overpowered my senses to order. I was impressed right at the strat with the spring rolls. They weren't big in size, but they were definately tasty. And also ended up ordering a bowl of pho not even being hungry. This place is good, and is busy on just a regular weekday lunch.
I wasn't too impressed with the iced Vietnamese Coffee here, but maybe that is just me. -
Review from Sunny V.
Toronto, ON
10/14/2010
I use to eat here alot. One of the best pho in town. I have taken a lot of people to this place to eat and all of them like it. I live in Markham and some time I still drive all the away to this place to eat a good bowl of pho.
The service is alright. I don't really go for service in an Asian Restuarant. What do you you gonna get for 10 bucks? Four Season Service? Although I think this place might be running form immigration scam. Everytime I go in there have different group of people serving :-) Then again that goes for all cheap restaurant in Toronto. The only regular people you will see in there are the owners. :-) -
Review from susan c.
2/12/2010 1 photo
Pho-bruary continues! This time, on a block of Vietnamese businesses in a neighborhood I never go to. Where the hell was I?
The Pho-ndamentals
Pho Tai Gan (rare beef and beef tendon); large = $6.50
Broth: More light and refreshing than hearty and rich; the sweetness from the star anise was delightful
Beef: Too lean, too flavorless, too dry
Tendon: I got jaw fatigue from all chewing. Ugh.
Noodles: Fresh, slippery noodles that were as smooth on my palate as a romp on satin sheets; however, they may have been too delicate and I almost wish they were a tad thicker
Garnishes: the mung bean sprouts and basil were fresh; they included saw leaf (because sarah l. was not with me this time)
Service: Efficient; just like at every pho joint, the paper and pen ordering method means I don't even have to talk to anybody. One day, I'll be able to order on a touch screen and have robots bring the food to the table.
Other: The place is smallish and was packed with Vietnamese families. The "large" is smaller than the "medium" at Pho Pasteur but they didn't charge me tax. The total was exactly $6.50. But I am paying the MSG dehydration after-tax.
BOTTOM LINE: The fresh noodles were a nice treat but I wish they used better quality meat. Oh, how to rate?...let's say 3 stars.Listed in: My Time in 'Nam, My Pho-bruary
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Review from Deanna W.
5/10/2009 2 photos
My epic quest for the Toronto's best pho noodle house has landed me in another spot... somewhat off the beaten track from east or west chinatown. Pho Linh is a small vietnamese restaurant located at College and Dufferin; a little cluster of vietnamese shops and restaurants in the midst of the surrounding portuguese enclave. Recently renovated, Pho Linh delivers one of the better Pho's in downtown Toronto. It's money baby!
Broth: lightly coloured, but sweet and rich in flavor. not overly salty, unlike other places in town. soup comes garnished with a healthy topping of scallions and cilantro always a pleasant sight to see.
Noodles: slightly wider but I think it's because these are actually fresh rice noodles instead of the typical rice sticks used-they taste uberly fresh too. the only FRESH noodles I've come across amongst the pho joints downtown!
Herb plate: saw and basil on hand; definite plus and lime wedge. more places should offer saw though not a dealbreaker for me so long as the broth is on point
Beef: My only beef is with the beef BUT only because it is not as paper thin as I like my beef to be, good quality eye of round used.
I have also tried their banh cuon - unique vientnamese rice flour crepes filled with wood ear mushrooms and ground pork topped with fried shallots, cilantro and bean sprouts served with a side of fish sauce and vietnamese sausage. Delish! The thin, delicate rice flour sheets add a melt in your mouth contrast to the savory filling and the fried shallots provide a pleasant pop on top.
The rest of the menu is extensive-bun, broken rice and specialty soups are available as well and the prices are in keeping with most vietnamese joints around town. But man! I think I have another winner for pho in Toronto! At least this is a pho worth enduring the slow service of the 506 streetcar for.Listed in: Fie Fi Pho Fum!
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Review from Tina N.
Toronto, ON
4/25/2010
I had my first great banh cuon experience at Pho Linh and ever since I can remember, I've only ordered banh cuon take out from here. They make it real good serving up big portions where they generously give larger fillings of minced pork and mushroom into each roll. This dish is very satisfying as it is cheap so it'll give you a run for your money! They also have a variety of genuine Vietnamese drinks that should be tried since you might not find them at any other Vietnamese restaurants such as che ba mau, suong sao etc. since the make time is a bit tedious. Spring rolls are also a must get appetizer as they are made crunchy with a delicious meat filling. My mouth is watering just talking about it.
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Review from T. T.
1/10/2010
While this place isn't known to have any MIND-blowing dishes/entrees, I must say that their food is consistently tasty. Everything that I've tried gets a B grade from me. However, if you're a Pho snob, I would suggest you go to Tien Thanh on Ossington Street....and you can thank me later!
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Review from Johnny C.
Toronto, ON
3/15/2011
Used to eat here all the time when I lived in the neighborhood. The food is cheap, comes out quick and piping hot! It's a very tight space however, and there is always a line up during lunch and dinner on the weekends. They have weekend specials - the bun bo hue is really good. I never get the rice or vermicilli dishes but they look ok - I'd stick to the noodle soups.
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Review from benantha n.
Toronto, ON
7/10/2011
i get vietnamese food at home so i am pretty picky about vietnamese food restuarants. however i have to say pho linh is the bomb! i usually get #12 banh cun. best in town!!!! and i love their coconut shake! the prices are reasonable. the staff are friendly. lunch time during the weekends therre is usually a wait! they do take out and just started to do deliveries. the location is not the best and the place needs a face lift besides that i got no complaints!
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Review from mango C.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2010
I love this place, one of my favorites in the West end. I like that their noodles a little wider and fresh. They are pretty quick, and the broth is consistent. For those of you who enjoy their soup on the spicier side, they have a couple chilli oil jars kicking around. which is a big bonus for me, seeing as i bring my own sometimes to pho places that don't have them. i'm pretty much a regular there.
