Looking for the best bowl of pho in Santa Fe, NM can feel a bit like a treasure hunt. The city sits far from Vietnam’s bustling street food stalls, yet pho here carries the same promise: aromatic broth, silky noodles, plenty of fresh herbs, and soul-soothing warmth. You might think a town known for its chilies and adobe walls would be an odd place to crave Vietnamese soup, but that’s just part of the charm. Santa Fe draws food lovers from all corners, and its Vietnamese spots deliver with their own twist.
After exploring dozens of bowls across town—some bright and clear, others deep and warming—I’ve landed at a few favorites that always hit the spot. Sometimes it’s the scent of basil, sometimes the snap of bean sprouts, and every so often, it’s the moment when that first sip of broth stops you in your tracks. In a place where culinary surprises are everywhere, tracking down the top pho is more than a mission; it’s a pleasure. If you’re ready to slurp your way to satisfaction, read on for the top spots that have earned a devoted following among locals and visitors alike.
Where to find the best pho in Santa Fe, NM
Here are some of the top spots to find the best pho in Santa Fe, NM:
- Dr. Field Goods Kitchen
- Pho Ava Vietnamese Restaurant
- Saigon Vietnamese Kitchen
- Pho Kim
- The Saigon Cafe
- Lan’s Vietnamese Cuisine
- Pho Ava Restaurant
- Jinja Bar & Bistro
- Little Saigon Restaurant
1. Dr. Field Goods Kitchen
Dr. Field Goods Kitchen turns classic comfort food on its head with a farm-to-table focus that feels at home in Santa Fe. Don’t expect cookie-cutter recipes here. Every bowl highlights fresh, local ingredients—something you notice in each sip of their pho. This spot blends Southwest charm with Vietnamese inspiration, resulting in a broth that’s both fragrant and lively.
The bustling kitchen refuses shortcuts, relying instead on scratch-made goodness and a butcher shop-on-site. I’ve spent afternoons watching the crew prep everything by hand, bringing a satisfying honesty to every dish. The pho takes center stage, rich with tender beef and crisp herbs. If you’re after something truly unique, try their pho as an anchor to a fresh, flavorful meal that supports local producers.
2. Pho Ava Vietnamese Restaurant
Stepping into Pho Ava Vietnamese Restaurant feels like a quick hop over to Hanoi—right off Cerrillos Road. The dining room stays simple and bright, putting all attention on what’s steaming in your bowl. Staff greet you with a kind of calm that lets you settle in and focus on the food.
What keeps me coming back? The pho arrives piping hot, broth crystal clear, layered with gentle aromatics. The meat, whether beef or chicken, always hits that comforting, tender spot. For those who love variety, Pho Ava offers generous vegetarian and vegan options that deliver the same deep flavor.
Order the classic Pho Tai if you’re a fan of rare beef, or ask for their tofu version for an equally satisfying lift. Here, balance always takes priority—each bowl tastes even better than you remember.
3. Saigon Vietnamese Kitchen
Saigon Vietnamese Kitchen keeps things unpretentious and focused, drawing regulars who crave a classic bowl of pho after a stroll down Cordova Road. I once slipped in during a rainy noon, and the generous pho serving turned the day around. The broth packs subtle warmth and depth, never overpowering, always inviting a long, slow meal.
The menu here leans on tradition, with no unnecessary frills. Order the hearty Pho Dac Biet for an array of meats and textures, or opt for their veggie pho if you want something lighter but no less flavorful. The fresh plate of herbs and jalapeños on the side hints at their careful attention to detail.
For those who appreciate a simple setting and consistent flavor, this spot is tough to beat. It’s pho as it should be—comforting, aromatic, and always satisfying.
4. Pho Kim
+1 505-820-6777
Pho Kim sits tucked away in the New Solana Shopping Center, but don’t let the location fool you. This place draws regulars who swear by the freshness in every bowl. My first visit was on the advice of a local, and the experience didn’t disappoint—just the right amount of warmth and comfort in every spoonful.
What makes Pho Kim shine? The broth is pure and delicate, lending an almost homemade feeling. The noodles have that perfect spring, and there’s always a mountain of crisp herbs on the side.
Try the Pho Ga if you love chicken with a comforting twist, or the classic Pho Tai for melt-in-your-mouth beef. The flavors are balanced, never heavy, always clean—ideal for both those familiar with pho and first-timers.
5. The Saigon Cafe
The Saigon Cafe has a way of combining comfort and character—two qualities that carry through from the moment you step in. The dining room is cozy, with a steady flow of regulars who seem to know exactly what they want. My first visit here left an impression; the quick service and fresh flavors meant I didn’t have to wait long to dig in.
What sets The Saigon Cafe apart? The pho broth arrives rich and subtly sweet, inviting you to linger over each slurp. Shoots of fresh herbs and bright lemon add a lift that’s hard to resist. For something classic, I go for the Pho Tai—thinly sliced beef that cooks in the broth for a silky, satisfying result.
Alongside traditional beef and chicken, vegetarian options hold their own. Here, you’ll find pho that respects tradition while never lacking warmth or spice.
6. Lan’s Vietnamese Cuisine
(505) 986-1636Call
Lan’s Vietnamese Cuisine sits in College Plaza South, but word of its savory, satisfying pho reaches much further than the block. The place feels homey and never rushed, putting you instantly at ease whether you’re dining solo or with friends. I’ve walked in on a whim and left feeling like a regular, thanks to both the easygoing staff and the reliability of what lands at the table.
The pho here stands out for its aromatic broth—a little bold, with depth and clarity in every mouthful. Fresh toppings arrive piled high, always crisp and generous. The menu offers beef and chicken pho, both served steaming and deeply flavorful, but don’t miss the vegetarian option; it holds its own with layers of herbal notes and fresh vegetables.
This spot captures the heart of what makes pho comforting, combining honest flavors with unpretentious service.
7. Pho Ava Restaurant
Pho Ava Restaurant, found in College Plaza South, keeps things casual yet always inviting. The dining space buzzes with conversation and the aroma of simmering broth. Each time I’ve stopped in, the staff have made picking from the menu effortless, always ready with a tip on the best bowl of the day.
The pho here is unfussy and spot-on—a clear, fragrant broth crowded with silky noodles and bright herbs. It’s hard to beat their beef pho, but the vegetarian version deserves its following, full of flavor and crunch from fresh toppings. Every bowl feels balanced and affirms why this place draws so many repeat customers.
If you’re seeking a straightforward and satisfying pho experience, this spot makes it easy to find your new favorite.
8. Jinja Bar & Bistro
Jinja Bar & Bistro welcomes you with a sleek aesthetic and an inviting hum, drawing a cross-section of diners with its pan-Asian menu. The atmosphere strikes a sweet spot between chic and laid-back, making it a favorite for lunch gatherings and relaxed dinners. What surprised me on my first visit was how their take on pho brought freshness alongside creativity.
Jinja’s pho stands out by fusing bright, crisp flavors with a refined presentation. The broth, mellow and aromatic, hits just the right note when paired with tender rice noodles and plenty of herbs. Vegetarian and vegan versions are treated with as much care as the classics, so everyone leaves with a favorite.
For something memorable, order the pho with tofu and fresh vegetables. It’s comforting, flavorful, and fitting for anyone craving a lighter meal with no compromise on taste.
9. Little Saigon Restaurant
Little Saigon Restaurant might sit just outside Santa Fe in Las Vegas, NM, but locals don’t mind making the short trip for steaming bowls of pho that consistently impress. The space is unassuming, focused much more on solid, satisfying meals than atmosphere. On my last visit, it was the steady pace of regulars that tipped me off—I was in good company.
Here, the pho boasts a clean, aromatic broth and noodles that invite you to linger a bit longer. Generous with fresh basil and lime, each bowl feels carefully built, not rushed. Meat and vegetarian options shine equally, letting everyone find their favorite.
If you’re after a classic pho experience that delivers every time, order their beef pho and savor the subtle, herb-forward balance that makes each spoonful worth the drive.
More Things to Try in Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pho?
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. It features a clear broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein—usually beef or chicken. The dish balances aromatic spices and often comes with a side plate of bean sprouts, lime, and basil for extra flavor.
Where can I find vegetarian or vegan pho in Santa Fe?
Several spots on this list serve solid vegetarian and vegan options. Try Pho Ava Vietnamese Restaurant, Jinja Bar & Bistro, or Lan’s Vietnamese Cuisine for bowls loaded with vegetables and tofu, all without sacrificing rich flavor.
Is pho gluten free?
Yes, traditional pho uses rice noodles and is typically prepared without gluten-based thickeners. If you have sensitivities, always ask if sauces or broths contain hidden gluten. Most Santa Fe restaurants can point you to gluten-free choices.
Do these restaurants offer takeout or delivery?
Most pho spots in Santa Fe provide takeout, and some offer delivery. Pho Kim and Saigon Vietnamese Kitchen are reliable for quick takeout if you want your noodles to go.