Rating: NNNNN
Where Miss Saigon 394 Spadina, at Nassau 416-597-9333
What Lush tropical space with decorative fish tanks full of koi for feng shui, decorative kale as garnish (not on the fish).
Pho contents Paper-thin raw marbled beef, sprouts, rau ram mint, two lime wedge-ettes, one red bird chili, thick rice stick, rich golden broth redolent of anise
Price $6 Rating NNNN
Where Pho 88 270 Spadina, at Dundas, 416-971-8899
WhatTurquoise faux-formica tableau, voted Toronto’s best by Toronto Sun ad department, open Friday and Saturday till 5 am.
Pho contents Regulation raw beef, slivered Spanish and chopped green onion, sprouts, one green bird chili, Thai basil, tiny wedge of wizened lemon, slippery rice stick, dark gold anise-heavy broth.
Price $4.50 Rating NNN
WherePho Hung 350 Spadina, at St. Andrew, 416-593-4274
WhatBusy morning-to-night spot famed for its pho, regularly voted best in town by NOW readers. Year-round tented patio with prime curb view.
Pho contents Raw beef, a few chopped scallion and Spanish onion rings, skinny rice vermicelli, beefy brown fat-dappled broth, Thai basil, sprouts, two tiny birds and a pair of slim lime wedges.
Price $4.50 Rating NNN
Where Pho Pasteur 525 Dundas West, at Spadina, 416-351-7188
What 24-hour pho factory gets new paint job, friendly staff, offbeat clientale: U of T academics, Vietnamese extended families, late-night club kids.
Pho contents Thinly sliced raw beef, green and Spanish onion, one red chili, large lime wedge, rau hung basil, long leaves of thorny ngo gai coriander, large lime wedge, thick rice noodles, sweet licorice-scented broth.
Price $4.50 Rating NNN
Where Dai Nam 221 Spadina, at Sullivan 416-598-3805
What Spotless spot popular with NOW readers. Cheerful staff, progressive menu.
Pho contents Beef already in soup, green and white onion garnish, sprouts, rau hung basil, rice noodle spaghetti, large lime wedge, perfectly balanced beefy broth, no chilies.
Price $4.49 Rating NNN
Where Saigon Palace 454 Spadina, at College, 416-968-1623
What Bare-bones boîte with bars on window, tables set up in line cafeteria-style. Opens early.
Pho contents Pre-cooked but tender beef, scallion, lots of white onion, a mountain of sprouts, coriander, lovely light broth complete with a large chunk of sweet turnip, minced chilies or lime.
Price $5.50 Rating NNN
