Pho Basil image

Pho Basil

Restaurant Thai restaurant Vietnamese restaurant Pho restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Thai restaurants in Boston


Address

177 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Website

www.phobasilboston.com

Contact

(617) 262-5377

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (1.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 11:30 AM to 10 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: time (11) delicious (11) good (10) recommend (9) rice (9) perfect (9) Thai (9) wait (8) Basil (8) great (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Benjamin P. 2 years ago on Google
    I LOVE this place! Been here 3-4 times in the last year and I’m hoping I have time to come back in before 2021 ends. The staff is ALWAYS kind and will sit you immediately if they can. Longest wait time i’ve had during dinner rush is maybe 20 minutes at most. The establishment is small but the food comes quick! I HIGHLY recommend the Pho or a rice plate with your choice of meat. Pricing is perfect too! Look forward to coming back again! Best, Benjamin P-H
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Evan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Pad kra Pao is great. Not minced like I remember in Thailand, but still really good. We also tried the Saigon noodle, which is the dish closer in the photo, and I wouldn't recommend it. I don't know if it was tomato or pepper or what that they added, but it has a tomato-like somewhat pasty sauce all over the noodles. The sauce isn't very appetizing. I expected something more like a drunken noodle that might be more oily or a thinner sauce taken up by the noodles. The pad krao Pao made up enough for the other dish that I'm confident it's worth stopping in here for another try. Prices are roughly $10-15 per plate.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachel E. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was amazing!!! Service was fast and friendly. Kae was such a great waiter! Will definitely be back!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mallory H. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent food and very reasonable prices. Friendly service and the place is super clean. Unfortunately, there’s often a long line (mostly Northeastern and Berkelee students) to get in. I recommend without reservations!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 tox m. 2 years ago on Google
    Great eatery in Boston!! Affordable and superb, flavorful and plentiful, Fantastic service and attention to detail. One of my very favorites of all time in Beantown!!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 T k. 2 years ago on Google
    I ordered food to go and when I got home I lifted the bag out of my car and the whole bag just fell apart. I called and tried to explain that something was leaking and caused the bag to rip. But I was told that the bag was perfect when they gave it to me and that it was my fault. I guess I will have to eat the food from the ground to give a good review.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle WIlliams (. 1 year ago on Google
    The food we tried was so delicious! We ordered the Crispy Chicken Basil plate (super spicy so let them know if you want no spicy) and it was one of the best I tried so far. The sauce is perfect with the veggies and the chicken sits right on top so it doesn’t get soggy. Roti scallion pancakes were delicious too, the curry sauce was a nice subtle touch (good without the sauce as well). Lastly we got the Thai fried rice plate with crispy duck was superb!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Crystal 2 years ago on Google
    I came here with a couple of close friends for lunch on a Friday. It wasn’t too busy and we got seated relatively quickly. The waiters were helpful while we were ordering, but the pho we ordered took an unusual amount of time to come. After we asked the waiter for an update, it came pretty quickly though. Regardless, the spring rolls and pho was delicious and will definitely come again!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anubhav A. 9 months ago on Google
    Pho Basil, located on Massachusetts Avenue, offers a delightful dining experience with its flavorful cuisine. One standout dish worth trying is their Khou Soi Ramen, which truly impressed with its amazing taste and enticing blend of flavors. However, it's important to note that finding parking in the bustling Massachusetts Avenue area can be a bit challenging. The limited availability of parking spaces might require some extra time and patience. Nevertheless, the effort is definitely worthwhile for the culinary experience that awaits inside. Upon entering Pho Basil, you may find yourself greeted by a cozy and intimate ambiance. The restaurant's popularity is evident, as there is often a queue for seating due to the limited space available. While waiting in line might be a slight inconvenience, it speaks volumes about the quality of the food and the restaurant's reputation. Once seated, the anticipation builds as you peruse the menu filled with enticing options. The Khou Soi Ramen, with its rich and aromatic broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and tender meat, is a true standout. The flavors are well-balanced, and each spoonful offers a satisfying burst of taste that keeps you wanting more. Aside from the Khou Soi Ramen, Pho Basil offers a wide selection of Vietnamese and Thai dishes to cater to different palates. From their refreshing summer rolls to the hearty pho soups and delectable stir-fried dishes, there is something for everyone. The attentive and friendly staff at Pho Basil enhance the overall dining experience. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate special requests adds an extra layer of comfort and satisfaction to the meal. In conclusion, despite the minor inconvenience of parking and waiting for a table, Pho Basil delivers an overall fantastic experience. The exceptional taste of their Khou Soi Ramen and the variety of dishes available make it a must-visit for lovers of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. The warm ambiance and attentive staff further contribute to the restaurant's appeal. Just remember to plan accordingly for parking and be prepared to wait a bit for a table.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aeri Lee (. 5 months ago on Google
    Pho ga was amazing 🤤 the broth... portion was not overly big, which I liked. Spring roll (tofu) was pretty good too. Servers were nice and attentive. I'd definitely visit again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Il P. 7 months ago on Google
    Pho Basil goes straight to the heart. I highly recommend the warm and delicious Kao Soi noodles. High quality ingredients to make the perfect match of flavors. The Thai Ice tea is a must, it is refreshing and slightly sweet. A place where everyone is welcoming and attentive. I will definitely come back and try more dishes
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Vance T. 1 year ago on Google
    I was rushing for a rescheduled flight so I called ahead and asked if it's okay to place an order ahead so I can skip the wait time once I reach the place, they said "Okay". However, when I reach there they told me I could not sit there and have my food because I ordered for "pick-up". Maybe they misunderstood me wanting a pick-up order on the phone earlier. Even so, I fail to understand why I can't eat the food at their place because it's not like I'm having outside food. I am there, having just their food. The price I paid for the food is the same as dining-in. I had no choice but to pick up the food and went somewhere else to eat them. I will give credit where credit is due. The food did taste good. The Duck Noodle Soup was flavorful and well put together.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katherine M. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing food. There is often a wait, but they get people in and out quickly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Namoon M. 2 years ago on Google
    WORST EXPERIENCE 😤 Not many vegetarian options! 🌱 I ordered Veggie and tofu for take out. What i got was full of noodles with only 3 pieces of broccoli, 2 strips of red pepper, few slices of carrots and there was literally 1 slice of mushroom 😳 I went back and told them nicely that i don’t like what i got and I asked for a credit or a refund. The lady got really upset and she said she’s gonna refund. But I haven’t gotten any refund until today. This was my favorite place to get lunch. Unfortunately, I don’t wanna come back again
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tonya D. 2 years ago on Google
    The pho is delicious, and just as a side note, I am an Uber delivery courier. This restaurant is ALWAYS on top of their game. They are always a pleasure to pick up from (I can't say that about anywhere else). Me and my partner order from them any time we want to really treat ourselves (about once a month). There is no better restaurant in the Boston area. Everything about them is a joy. The people who work here are so professional and so nice. And I'm really underselling how delicious that pho is.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Suraj C. 2 years ago on Google
    For the pho, the soup is refreshing and flavourful, and the beef is tender. Quantity is massive, definitely recommended to order just a main dish.

  • 5/5 Kay C. 2 years ago on Google
    My go-to restaurant for after drink foodie time. The pho is great, but their fried rice is even better!!! Must have the beef fried rice.

  • 5/5 Celie M. 7 months ago on Google
    After a 40-minute wait, our patience paid off big time. The Kao Soi here is an absolute must-try if you’re a fan of coconut milk curry soup noodle. They even let you customize the spice level; I went with mild (the mildest option they offer), and it still packed quite a spicy punch – perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat but may have a lower spice tolerance.

  • 5/5 Gustavo D. 5 months ago on Google
    This place has the best Gyoza I’ve ever had in my life. My wife and I each got some Pho and a spicy crab Rangoon as well. The food came out super quick and everything was delicious and fresh.

  • 5/5 Kira C. 2 years ago on Google
    Didn't expect it but, Pho Basil was actually brilliant. Menu items are great and the crew is very courteous. These guys certainly have a superb menu too. The staff here were very friendly and accommodating. Just, I love this place, and I know you will really love it too.

  • 4/5 Jea K. 2 years ago on Google
    Decent Vietnamese restaurant that is really popular among college students. Ordered green curry, fried rice, and pho for takeout. Seemed like they specialize in pho as it was the only thing I enjoyed. Their rice and fried rice was disappointing - mostly dry and fried rice was a bit bland. Definitely recommend going for the dine-in option over takeouts as they can vary widely in quality and experience.

  • 4/5 MS B. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was really good, very large serving for their rice and noodle dishes And affordable pricing. But the service could use improvements. Some of the waiters try very hard to be outstanding. The space it's kind of small not a good option for large parties over 4. Call ahead to see if they will be able to accommodate your group. Perfect for groups of 2. We were a group of 5 and our food came out one at a time. I would give them a 5 star but since they brought the kids food last, had to takeaway 1 star. My pet peeve at restaurants, when they bring the kids food last.

  • 5/5 Lucy L. 5 months ago on Google
    We came here for dinner and the wait went so fast despite how many people were there. I highly recommend this place. Service was efficient and fast. The serving size is also very big. This is a good place for group and individual dining. For appetizers, we shared roti'n curry dip. it was flaky and crunchy but a little bit oily, but it was so delicious. For entre, we ordered vegetarian pad thai, kao soi, and pho. This restaurant is perfect for vegetarians and vegans as well, and all the food was so delicious. I will say I am not crazy for the pho here. The soup is a little more salty and not what I am used to. I personally would skip the pho altogether since everything else is perfect and so delicious. Kao Soi is amazing, and it was perfect for a chilly day. It is savory, and the battered fried chicken is so filling. The pad thai is a perfect staple and tasted good the following day as a leftover as well. Highly recommend. I see why this place is so popular.

  • 5/5 Gurleen K. 4 months ago on Google
    A great little pho spot in Back Bay! It was honestly my first time having pho and I couldn’t have picked a better spot to have it! The portion sizes were great and the food was fantastic. I would recommend!

  • 5/5 Clint A. 3 years ago on Google
    Charming restaurant with truly excellent cuisine. Flavors and food are very fresh. So happy to find this gem.

  • 5/5 Tanya M. 2 years ago on Google
    I had high hopes for this place and they were met ! Drunken noodles were just my spice level and very very flavorful. Can’t wait to come back to this restaurant and try other dishes. Nice little place !

  • 5/5 Daniel Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Viet + Thai options. I think they're actually more Thai though, so I'd actually recommend getting something Thai instead of Pho/Viet. Service is fantastic, Thai portions were large too! Update: Thai food is very, very good. Really nice plating too (which I usually don't care much about)

  • 5/5 Georgia T. 1 year ago on Google
    Delish food & great prices! There is usually a line especially as there are lots of students in the area (myself included) who love to eat here. Usually the line moves fast, and I think it is worth the wait.

  • 5/5 Joyce T. 2 years ago on Google
    Very generous portions of delicious, authentic hot beef pho. The roti scallion pancake with green curry appetizer was also wonderful. Great, friendly service.

  • 5/5 孫羽含 2 years ago on Google
    30 minutes for the waiting but it was pretty worth it! Yum!


Call (617) 262-5377 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking garage
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Vietnamese restaurants nearby

Union Oyster House image
1
Union Oyster House
Seafood restaurant
Historic eatery serving chowder & other New England seafood standards since 1826.
$$ $$
4.30 (8.8K reviews)
Cheers image
2
Cheers
Pub
Tourists visit this classic bar with iconic facade for pub grub, pints & nostalgia.
$$ $$
4.40 (7.4K reviews)
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse image
3
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Brazilian restaurant
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
$$$ $
4.60 (6K reviews)
Regina Pizzeria image
4
Regina Pizzeria
Pizza restaurant
Circa-1926 local chain for thin-crust, brick-oven pizzas in a no-frills setting.
$$ $$
4.60 (5.5K reviews)
Legal Sea Foods - Long Wharf image
5
Legal Sea Foods - Long Wharf
Seafood restaurant
Specializing in upmarket seafood, this contemporary chain also serves steaks & cocktails.
$$$ $
4.40 (5.5K reviews)
Last updated:
()