Pho Ca Dao Vietnamese Kitchen, a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant chain specializing in traditional Vietnamese cuisine, is getting ready to open a new location in Hillcrest at 3687 5th Ave.
The company’s sixth location is set to open in the former home of Two Seven Eight, which previously housed The Tractor Room restaurant, according to a liquor license application recently submitted. While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, the filing signals plans to bring the growing concept to the neighborhood. Customers can expect a menu centered on traditional Vietnamese dishes, including pho, banh mi sandwiches, rice plates, noodle bowls, and appetizers.
Founded by the Huynh family in 2001, Pho Ca Dao has grown steadily across San Diego County over the past two decades. The company currently operates multiple locations throughout the region, including restaurants in Mira Mesa, Mission Valley, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, and Escondido. Each location is independently owned and operated while remaining part of the broader Pho Ca Dao family of restaurants.
The Hillcrest restaurant will add another centrally located outpost for the brand as it continues expanding throughout San Diego County. The company describes its concept as focused on preserving traditional Vietnamese recipes while offering a welcoming environment for families and groups. Beer and wine service are also part of the restaurant’s existing model, making the recently filed liquor license application a notable step toward opening.
Pho Ca Dao’s menu features a wide selection of pho varieties, including combinations with rare steak, brisket, tendon, tripe, meatballs, oxtail, seafood, chicken, and vegetarian options. Beyond noodle soups, customers can choose from spring rolls, egg rolls, banh mi sandwiches, broken rice plates, vermicelli salad bowls, fried rice dishes, and specialty noodle soups. The restaurant also offers vegetarian items, children’s meals, desserts, Vietnamese coffee, teas, and fruit-based beverages.
