Jordan EllisA great bowl of pho can turn an ordinary week around, with an aromatic broth and a crispy baguette doing more for your mood than they have any right to.
The trick is knowing where to look, since finding the best Vietnamese restaurant in Columbus means seeking out places that treat authentic cooking like an art form.
Luckily, the city has a booming food scene with plenty of local restaurants worth your time. A few of these spots even offer excellent catering services when you’re feeding a crowd.
So let’s dig into the top destinations serving the best bowls and sandwiches in town right now!
How much does it cost to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant in Columbus?
A satisfying meal at a Vietnamese restaurant in Columbus usually costs between $8 and $20 per person, depending on what you order.
Pho and noodle bowls are priced at the higher end, and rolls and sandwiches keep things budget-friendly.
| Menu Item | Typical Price Range |
| Appetizers & Rolls | $3.00 to $8.00 |
| Banh Mi Sandwiches | $8.00 to $11.00 |
| Pho & Noodle Bowls | $13.00 to $19.00 |
1. Buckeye Pho
Website: buckeyepho.net
Address: 761 Bethel Road
Contact: (614) 451-2828
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
If you want a family-owned spot with real hospitality, Buckeye Pho is a cozy Bethel Road destination worth seeking out.
This kitchen builds its identity around traditional Vietnamese dishes made with fresh ingredients and vibrant seasonings. You can taste the care in the specialized menu, which leans into classic noodle soups and flavorful rice dishes.
When I stopped by last Tuesday, the rich aroma of simmering beef bones had me hungry the moment I walked in. The staff greets everyone warmly, too, which makes the whole experience feel personal. That kind of welcome is a big part of the charm here.
On the downside, the ordering process can feel a little rushed if you have questions about the menu. Some of the broths also run milder than expected, so you might reach for the table condiments to add a kick.
Customer Reviews
Always hot and steamy with perfect noodles
Favorite beef stew here. My partner always orders the rare beef pho, and collectively I can say we’ve eaten takeout from here nearly every week for 3 years now. The beef stew is always so hot and steamy with perfect egg noodles and chunks of succulent beef, along with the tendon and tougher meat to bring a nice mixture of textures.
– Adam Shabana | Google Review
Great service and food
It is a fast paced, crowded, and busy restaurant with great service and food. I came for the pho and it did not disappoint. The rare steak obviously gets cooked more in the soup but stays nice and tender. The summer rolls are always my favorite. The peanut sauce is a little thinner than I am used to but just as flavorful.
– Aaron Friedman | Google Review
2. Pho Chef
Website: phochef.com
Address: 3540 W Dublin Granville Rd
Contact: (614) 777-9949
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Walking into a place that smells deeply of star anise and roasted ginger is an instant comfort, and Pho Chef nails that welcome. This vibrant neighborhood eatery builds its whole experience on traditional recipes.
I love how they lean on fresh, aromatic ingredients to craft an extensive menu of iconic noodle bowls and regional favorites. Their signature pho features a rich beef broth packed with natural spices and a distinctive aroma.
You’ll also appreciate the convenient online ordering if you’d rather enjoy your food at home. It makes grabbing a quick lunch painless.
The main downside is that certain northern dishes sometimes miss the mark if you expect strict Hanoi-style preparations. Communication can also hit a small snag during busy hours when language barriers arise with staff.
Customer Reviews
The best broth I’ve ever had
I moved from NYC last year. There I used to stop by a Vietnamese spot near my job whenever I had a bad digestive day, since Thai basil has anti-inflammatory properties. At my new job I was searching online for lunch and decided to try Pho Chef’s chicken pho. OMG, the broth is the best I’ve ever had, even better than the NYC spots! I love the food culture here in Columbus.
– Charlene Nieves | Google Review
Large portions of tasty Vietnamese food
This is, hands down, a great pho place in Columbus. Large portions of tasty Vietnamese food. Lots of the classic beef pho, but many other choices as well with shrimp, chicken, pork, vegetables, and tofu. Vegetarians have selections, though it’s not the whole menu. Much of the pho is made with meat broths, and it’s very tasty! Many rice dishes and variations of spring rolls too.
– Tờ Âm | Google Review
3. Mi Li Cafe
Website: milicafe.com
Address: 5858 Emporium Square
Contact: (614) 899-9202
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Mi Li Cafe is the kind of neighborhood gem that has held strong local loyalty since 2005, which is always a treat to find. This casual spot has actually earned a cult following for its exceptional baguettes and homestyle cooking.
Their extensive menu covers everything from comforting wonton soup to flavorful noodle bowls that the local community swears by. A close friend of mine raves about their housemade bread, and after one bite, I completely got the hype.
You’ll also notice that the lively atmosphere makes it a great choice for casual group gatherings, perfect for bringing a few people together with little planning.
Just keep in mind that the portions on certain grilled pork plates can feel a bit small for the price. Also, the soup bowls are oddly shaped, so handling your utensils without spilling takes a little care.
Customer Reviews
Their bun bo hue is fantastic
By far one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Columbus. The pho is fantastic and their broth is the best I’ve ever tasted. Their bun bo hue is fantastic as well, along with their Vietnamese pot roast. I’ve eaten here almost every Saturday with my son for the last year. In fact, I’m headed there now.
– Jason Ferguson (Ferg) | Google Review
Exceeded everything my friends said
I went in with some friends who had told me about the place and how much I would love it, and I must say they were absolutely correct. Mi Li’s exceeded everything my friends said it would be. The food was excellent, the service was exceptional, and I would suggest this restaurant to anyone who enjoys or wants to try authentic Vietnamese cuisine. I am taking my family to enjoy this restaurant.
– Sherry Mcmillan | Google Review
4. 6-1-Pho
Website: 61pho.com
Address: 4389 N High St.
Contact: (614) 706-4903
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Designing your own perfect noodle bowl is half the fun at 6-1-Pho, Ohio’s very first build-your-own bowl spot. This Clintonville landmark blends professional culinary credentials with treasured family recipes from Saigon.
Celebrating a decade in business, they offer an approachable format that makes it easy for newcomers to navigate traditional flavors. For instance, you can pile your bowl high with fresh components or go for one of their celebrated sandwiches.
It’s also a rare spot where plant-based eaters get real options, including a selection of marinated tofu and customizable bases.
On the flip side, the front-of-house service can be a little inattentive when you are picking up a carryout order. The sandwich flavor also leans unexpectedly sweet, which might catch you off guard if you prefer something savory.
Customer Reviews
Extremely flavorful broth and exceptional service
I was a bit hesitant about this place when I found out it was fast-casual style. However, when I tried the rare steak beef pho noodle soup, all of my initial judgements were quickly disproven. The broth was extremely flavorful and the customer service was exceptional. Everyone who worked there was very friendly and helped make the experience even better. Easily deserves a recommendation to anyone looking for pho or Vietnamese food in the Columbus area.
– Jackson Barnett | Google Review
Top-of-the-line authentic noodles
If you want the top-of-the-line authentic Vietnamese traditional dish of noodles with your choice of garnishes and protein, I highly recommend this restaurant. It is family-owned and definitely one of the best Vietnamese options in Columbus. Definitely five stars. It’s a bit on the pricey side but worth every minute of every bite. The only downfall is they’re not open on Monday.
– Joshua Mak-Lint | Google Review
5. Pho Asian Noodle House & Grill
Website: phoasiannoodleshousecolumbus.com
Address: 1288 W Lane Ave
Contact: (614) 488-8886
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Finding a reliable spot that covers a bunch of different cravings under one roof can settle a lot of dinner debates. Pho Asian Noodle House & Grill is a locally owned eatery with a broad selection spanning Vietnamese classics and Chinese staples.
The kitchen excels at fast service, and the convenient drive-through window makes it quicker than standard fast food. That speed is a lifesaver on a busy night.
The menu also features a dedicated plant-based section with nine separate vegetable platters that cater beautifully to vegan diners. It’s a thoughtful touch you don’t always see.
That said, order accuracy can occasionally slip when you use third-party delivery platforms. Some noodle dishes, like Pad Thai, can also be inconsistent, turning out a bit dry on certain nights.
Customer Reviews
Large, tasty portions
NOT just another Asian restaurant. Authentic Vietnamese fare. Large, tasty portions. Great fresh taste. Long menu. Lightning fast service, though the wait staff can be a bit terse. The dining area is kind of tight. Regardless, eat in or carry out, it’s worth every dollar.
– Jack Shaner | Google Review
Delicious, quick, and clean
Came here with my Vietnamese husband. We both had the pho dac biet. Delicious, quick, friendly service, and clean. We are out of state, but if we are nearby again we will definitely stop by!
– Sarah Dang | Google Review
