I used to come to this place quite often, but this is the first time I've dined here again since the pandemic hit Melbourne 2 years ago. Pho Bo Ga Mekong Vietnam is still a popular and busy place due to its nice location in the city, and the atmosphere remains the same. I ordered a regular bowl of the special beef pho which had sliced beef, tripe, tendon, and bone marrow in it for toppings, as well as a side of the fried pork and prawn spring rolls. Everything is as delicious as I remember it. The ingredients are all very fresh, and the pho broth is well balanced and flavourful. It might just be my memory playing tricks on me, but I do feel that the portion sizes have been reduced somewhat. The bowl of pho did not have as much meat toppings in it, and the spring rolls seem smaller compared to what I can recall. The pho cost $16 (the most I've paid for a small bowl of pho for some time in a very casual restaurant) and $8 for the 4 pieces of spring rolls. One of the spring rolls I received was hollow and did not have any filling inside (maybe the filling fell out during the cooking process? I did not bother to ask for a replacement). The price rise could perhaps be attributed to the current socio-economical climate; however, I have previously still been able to find more generous servings of pho elsewhere for cheaper. There is a new ordering system as well. You can now scan the QR code at your table to order and pay online. However, it didn't quite work for me at the time (the SMS confirmation code was not sending through to my phone) so I ended up ordering at the counter.

One of the worst pho I've ever had. Literally went there with high expectation as, firstly, there were quite many people whenever I walked pass, second, with its poor interior I thought they seemed to rather focuse more on food but not other things. Well, failed. Taste was just full of MSG, which has kept me drinking water for the rest of my day but nothing else. It didn't have great flavour with secret ingredients I felt but I was rush to finish noodles and meats from the pho but tried not to have soup.

I’ve been coming here for about 15 years now and it never disappoints! Every time I come to Melbourne I come here, I love the fact you get a free flask of tea on arrival.

If Bill Clinton (as they claimed) had two bowls, then, I will match it. But Bill is the only celebrity that had two bowls, others with photos (of long go yesterday) on wall smiled and waved adored the restaurant walls. Ok, it is a busy place, cheap eats with quality and matching quantity without waste. I was full on my bowls of Pho and companies were also full plus very happy with the food. 5 stars for the atmosphere of overseas Asian restaurants, fully of dinners who eat and go, slurping, drinking and eating yummy food. The place is humming with noisy, but in a nice humming way, without offending loud. Cliental is quick turn over, travelers, students and tourists. But you do see the odd locals. Han, the waitress was happy to put a big table for us, efficient with pace without being rude. After explaining the how to, we ordered and in about 15mins all out piping hot Pho, food and drinks start arrived. The Pho was delicious. The broth was clear, soft and gentle. The taste on the palate was mellow, and with herbs and sweetness of bones rounding the mouth. You definitely cannot take the fat. The meat was soft and delicate, meatballs were not over cooked, soft on the chew, and intestinal bits mellow and melted on the chew. I love it. Similar responses were said by my companions as the eat and slurp there way though the big bowl. At the end, with matching smile as wide as the bowl. The broken nice was soft and fluffy, ditto for the flan egg. Fish sauce was well balanced in sweetness and spice, making a great accompaniment to the pork. Gilles to tender and melts on chew. More, you say? Yes, come and try yourself and love it like we all did!

Came here again after 2 years, had one sip of the pho broth and immediately noticed how the quality of the food deteriorated. The food was nice but I have had much better pho elsewhere for the same price. Was quite shocked because the last time I was here the food was fantastic. Perhaps there was a change in management or recipe, but sad to say it's no longer in my list of favourite pho places

Nice tasting broth with generous serving of meat. Chinese donuts on the menu too. Sprint rolls were just ok. Delicious but thirsty and sleepy afterwards from the MSG crash…

I went here due to the good reviews. I expected great pho, but it was good, not great. It's all hands-free service. You scan the QR code and order and pay, and the chopsticks and serviettes, etc, are in the draw at your table. Can I suggest making the basil for pho as an option? So many people don't like it and don't touch it, I love it a lot but they only served a small amount because they don't want to waste it understandably. You get some hot tea on your table which is nice too.

We finally got in! Have been wanting to try this place for years since I used to go to uni in the city for the time I always got there. The queue was always crazy down Swanson Street. The pho was just so fragrant and beautiful exactly what we needed on a cold night in Melbourne ! We got the chicken breast and sliced beef. Both proteins were very succulent and fresh. The food came out so fast. Would you know which thing to start first! Some of the dishes we wanted had already sold out, so we opted for the prawn rice, paper rolls and chicken and prawn spring rolls as side dishes. Will definitely aim to come back here again as I love my Pho! Great old 90s nostalgic photos of Jackie Chan and other celebrities. I have visited this little Vietnamese delight! It was like a trip back in time! Ps. service was spot on! Ordering is easy through your phone and you can choose to pay on your phone or at the end of the register.

Homie. And the food is just natural and taste like eating at home. A bit crowded sometimes for it is only a small restaurant. Yet the queue isn't take an ages to go inside. Yummy ofc for their pho

Haven’t been here since the new renovations. Everything was great. Now ordering on QR code and find the chopsticks and napkins in the drawer underneath the table. We got the barbecue chicken pho which was absolutely amazing! Hundred percent recommend!

G and I ate here 10 years ago and we’re happy to be back! Since shops here close early then and now, Mekong Vietnamese Restaurant was one of the few shops that were open till 10pm . Good thing we came before 6pm, lines started forming a few minutes after we were seated. The pho still as good as we remembered and perfectly warming on a cold 10°C evening.

Located in the bustling heart of Melbourne's CBD, this long-standing Vietnamese restaurant has been warming the hearts and bellies of both locals and tourists for years. Steeped in history and adorned with photographs of Asian celebrities who have graced its tables, it's no wonder this storied establishment has become a veritable institution in the city's culinary scene. I ventured into this renowned eatery with great anticipation. True to its reputation, I was promptly presented with a steaming bowl of their signature pho noodle soup. The broth was fragrant, rich, and soothing - the perfect antidote to Melbourne's chilly winters. At $15.50 for a small bowl (May 2023), the price may seem steep, but the experience and ambience are worth the premium. Beyond the pho, the restaurant offers a delightful selection of Vietnamese staples, including their generously-portioned spring rolls. At $19.50 for eight pieces, they may appear to be on the pricey side, but these delectable morsels are larger than your average spring roll, justifying the cost. Their size and satisfying crunch make them a worthy accompaniment to the meal. However, for those seeking a more authentic and adventurous dining experience, it's worth noting that Melbourne's sprawling suburbs offer an array of hidden gems. If you're able to venture out to the Springvale area, you'll find a treasure trove of establishments serving up even more delectable pho dishes, bursting with flavor and authenticity. In conclusion, this iconic restaurant in Melbourne's CBD is an ideal stop for tourists looking for a comforting, warm meal amidst the city's vibrant streets. With its rich history and notable clientele, it's a must-visit for those who appreciate both the culinary and cultural aspects of dining. But for pho connoisseurs seeking the ultimate bowl, a trip to the city's outskirts may prove to be an even more rewarding adventure.

A typical vietnamese restaurant. Its very crowded and turnover of the table is really fast. Love the pork ribs. Its so tender and I feel that the portion of beef is somewhat lesser compare to Sydney’s. That is probably why its also cheaper.

Hole in the wall eatery . There is always a queue outside . The queue moves relatively fast . They are famous for their noodle soups - which I find very simple tasty soup without much MSG ( preservatives ) . It goes down well and does not leave you thirsty . If you are hungry , do order their rice dishes . They marinate their pork chops and chicken thigh meat very well . Delicious and tender . Well worth the money . For side dishes , you can always order their spring rolls and juices . The restaurant is usually packed so you would eat and leave . Lots of oriental ambience .

This place is always packed - and for a good reason. The pho is great and well priced. The free hot tea at your table was a nice touch.

Had the classic pho here. It was really good, the broth had a lot of flavour, the meat was tender and noodles were cooked to perfection. The overall blend tastes amazing and I’d recommend trying the food there if you have the chance. It’s not too expensive as well which is a plus.

Lovely place and atmosphere. Tried the beef slice pho and was rather satisfied with it! Had some generous portions (at least according to Indonesian standards) and quite tasty as well. They also have free refillable hot tea. Recommended to visit if you're looking for a tasty pho in the middle of town. Think the dishes would be lovely as wcomfort food food. Would visit again

Good food and good atmosphere. Better to get in early as the queue tends to be quite long. Pho is good but love the vermicelli salad and broken rice dishes.

My friend and I were craving for a good/authentic Vietnamese food and this place def provided us that! We ordered the pork noodle salad, prawn and chicken spring rolls and pork and rice. We were satisfied with our meals. Will def be coming back again! :) thank you.

I've been here many times for a good bowl of Vietnamese soup noodle. However the prices has risen considerably over the years and it's now almost $20 a bowl. They used to have option for small or big bowl but now it's only size. Free hot tea in a tall flask are served. You'll need to order by scanning a QR code on the table.

This was a quick breakfast run on a busy Saturday morning and I dropped by this place which was open early morning compared to other restaurants in the city centre. The food I ordered did not disappoint. Next to my table is a photo of 2 very famous guests! See photo. Will go back again.

Stopped by because I was in need of a bowl of pho 😋 Pho broth was great, one of the best i've tasted and big portion. it's really good i just wish i ordered additional meat toppings because i was sharing the bowl 😂 The spring rolls was yumm, came in hot so that's great in my book. taste great and not too oily, love the dipping sauce but my sister and i preferred dipping it in sriracha (which was available on the table).

Love the soup, tasted yummy and quite big portion too. Spring roll is a must to try, fresh prawns and love the peanut source.

The pho here is outstanding, with a rich blend of flavors that leave you craving more, and the prices are incredibly wallet-friendly. The added bonus of complimentary hot tea at your table adds a warm and welcoming touch to the overall experience, making it a must-visit for pho enthusiasts.”

Expensive compared to a regular Vietnamese shop. Spring rolls are stale and not really full of filling inside. Phở is not authentic either. We came here because of thousands of reviews but unfortunately it’s not worth it

This little place is an icon. All the famous folks I don’t recognize in the photos on the wall. Great value, great quality food. I love a Pho and Spring rolls. I don’t like the COVID related phone ordering but man the food comes fast and fresh. Lots of people means it must be good.

It’s a Melbourne city institution for great Vietnamese food! Atmosphere is good with no-fuss aesthetics with picture of celebrities who have dined there. Food is authentic and tasty

Great tasting Vietnamese food in the heart of the city! Can’t go wrong with a Pho & some spring rolls. They checked our Vax Cert at the door & ordering is via the contactless app, food & drinks came quite quickly. At $70 to feed a family of 4 lunch, it’s not the cheapest feed in town, but it’s somewhat of an institution & judging by the quality of the food & how well patronised Mekong was I’m not the only one who thinks so.

One of a few shops that still open on Swanston St since I first came to Melbourne a decade ago. I love their grilled chicken, the soup pho is flavourful but not something I'm used to ... but the grilled chicken with lemongrass is soft and so so good. I happened to visit during lockdown and ordered a takeaway and they packed it well too. Please stay awesome!

The food is great if you are eating in city standard. The food is cheap and acceptable the place is about as clean as a Vietnamese restaurant can get. For both the Vietnamese coffee and durian smoothie it is acceptable.

We came here after reading many reviews which were positive. The beef pho was top notch - bed slides were fresh and tender, broth very flavorful. Com Tam (broken rice) comes with char grilled chicken which was nicely marinated. Bun Cha (dry vermicelli with grilled pork) was really tasty - pork isn’t dry and the sauce that comes with the vermicelli wasn’t overly sweet. Highly recommend if you would like a nice soupy meal on a cold or chilly day.

Another restaurant on my list whenever I am in Melbourne, avoid meal times unless you relish queuing for a while. Food is good, but since reopening after the pandemic, I've noticed that portions are smaller than they were before. Also, ingredients are also a little less than before. However, the food remains just as good as before! Go for the pho for a hearty meal, or choose the rice dishes with lemongrass fried chicken or pork for something satisfying.

Another amazing Vietnamese restaurant! I ordered chicken and liver pho (medium-sized, $16.27). The food was delivered fairly quickly in spite of the crowded restaurant. The staff were very busy but polite enough. As for the food, it was simply delightful. The chicken, and especially the liver were perfectly cooked. The soup was soulful and the noodles were perfect! I also ordered extra fresh chilli and pickled onion on the side at no additional cost. The place could've been a little cleaner, but the foos more than made up for it. A must visit for pho lovers and Vietnamese cuisine in general. Highly impressed!

Located near to Chinatown, the restaurant is packed with people. We ordered a beef brisket pho and a grilled pork chop vermicelli. Both are super big portion and authentic. Two pieces of pork chop, fried spring roll and tons of beef slices totally worth it. Also come with compliment hot tea. Overall we’re satisfied with the food and service.

Ordered the beef & sausage and the beef balls bowl. The place was busy but our food came in quite quickly. I loved the hot tea and also there was chili oil free for grabs on each of the tables. If you like your bowl of pho just spicier then I'd recommend to use the chili oil. Really good food for the cold cold weather in the CBD. But felt like I won't come back because there are (in my opinion) better places to get my fill of pho. Still a great place in my books though 👍

Ordered the grilled pork with fried rolls. The serving was big and delicious. They have thermos of hot tea and condiments per table.

The pho was as good as I have had outside of Vietnam. We had the special beef and it was packed full of special. We had a mix up with the order for 1 on our table and they were really helpful in fixing. The line up wasn’t too bad.

The broth of the pho is really nice and warm. Seasoned very well and so does the rice roll. The staff is friendly and there is free hot tea served. Price is reasonable and the dishes are excellent. Would like to come back again for sure.

food was served so quick! grilled chicken pho is my fav 🤤 veggie one was okay but too much of noodle compared the vegetables. Wish they gave more cabbage / tofu.

Pho broth was very good. The serving is a bit small but sufficient. A bit pricey. The service was good. Atmosphere was ok. The restaurant is nice n clean

[Sep 2023] Delicious pho here. Sufficient spices provided. Got the beef pho and is definitely filling, with the noodles silky and smooth. They also provide a serving of bean sprouts. It comes with lemon and please consume it especially if you feel giddy after eating the pho. Glad that the staff pointed that out (good customer svc).

The food was incredible and the little drawer in the table for chopsticks and napkins is just genius! Also this place has the best spring rolls I've had in my entire life!!

2nd visit here and perfect food in no frills Vietnamese restaurant. Fast service. I had the Vermicelli with pork chop absolutely delicious.

Pho: 8/10 (16aud) Chicken broken rice: 7.8/10 (15aud) If you want to try Northern Pho this is a must. It do not has that heavy tast from the broth, it’s more light and pure and the meat is soft and all of the flavor blend well. It would be quite plain if you like or get used to Southern Vietnam Pho. The Rice is quite good tho, but I would prefer more lemongrass flavour so it would taste more smoky and got that rich flavour.

My go too after spending 2 weeks in Melbourne staying in CBD. Food is tasty, basic decor but staff are efficient and friendly enough. Dined there 5x. Coming back.

Classic vietnamese food. To be honest it was just normal, not great or amazing. However this restaurant has been here for a long time and has been consistent. I don't really recommend this place unless it's been on your bucket list. 😊

Always seeing the queue outside of the restaurant, now i know why. The food here are AMAZING, maybe the best pho i have ever had in my life. Came here for dinner twice in my 5-day trip in Melbourne. Recommend the grill chicken and the spring roll, also don't forget the Hanoi beer!