Phorage Vietnamese Bistro + Bar WeHo

It seems like I had a similar experience to many others here: bland pho. Like zero flavor bland. Based on the restaurant's responses, they must be constantly training new kitchen staff and not tasting the results before things go out 'cause that seems to be their go-to reply. A friend who swears by the place because he can get gluten-free spring rolls talked me into giving it another try and the bahn mi was pretty decent (hence 3 stars instead of 1), but if you put "pho" in your name, you can't screw it up that badly (and based on the reviews, so frequently) and get me to try it again when there are so many other, better, kitchens around. [EDIT] Based on the owner's response, I gave it another shot last night and, while I can't say it's bland anymore, I also can't say that my rating has changed. The first time I tried it (a year or so ago) it seemed like they maybe forgot the salt completely. This time, it tasted like that was the only seasoning in the kitchen. That does indeed make for a flavorful broth, but the only two flavors I discerned were beef and salt: no anise, no other aromatics, just salt. Fortunately, the beef is of high quality so there was something to work with, but the deeper I got into the bowl, the more the salt took over and I ended up leaving half a bowl of broth, something I never do. If friends invite me here in the future, I'll definitely stick to the banh mi, which was pretty solid, or try out the pizza, which smelled great last night, but the pho is just a miss for me.

I discovered this place by ordering for delivery first. I had been frequently ordering from another pho place near me but decided randomly one day to try a new place out. The one I was getting food from is very very good….but Phorage even blew it out of the water. Any of their beef pho is INCREDIBLE. The serving sizes are enough for leftovers (I’m petite and definitely can make 2 full meals out of one and for hungry men they will most likely even have a small bit left over for a snack the next day). The broth is the most flavourful I’ve had in years. Very deep full rounded flavour. I’m so in love with them that I haven’t tried any of the other meat offerings. Another thing that stands out head and shoulders above many of the local restaurants is the customer service and staff. They genuinely love their jobs and the food, are fully knowledgeable and are so happy to share the stories and details of the founder and their recipe development. They treat you like close friends or family, which is so very heartwarming. I can’t recommend this place enough and I am always bringing my friends. They are also gluten free friendly, which is so wonderful being that I have celiac disease. Needless to say this is the only pho place I eat at now. Thank you to everyone for their kindness and amazing food!!