I’m happy to report that a new Vietnamese restaurant has moved in less than 10 minutes from my house! Maybe you have read about my disappointing experience with the other Vietnamese restaurant down the street, Tay Do. After that fiasco, I was sad that there were no Vietnamese options near me that I would actually eat at.
#1 Pho has opened a new location at 7778 West 130th Street in Middleburg Heights (440-888-2150). I have already been there twice, once for takeout and once for dinner in the restaurant. Both experiences have been delicious with very friendly service. Between me and my husband, we have already tried almost all of their Bun (Rice Vermicelli) options. The vegetables were very fresh, the meat was perfectly seasoned and the crispy spring rolls were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. In fact, I think the quality is even better than that served at the other #1 Pho location on Superior Ave. and East 31st, near Chinatown. The spring rolls were also very tasty. We tried a dessert of fried bananas with honey, which were good, but not great. Probably not the best place for dessert.
The new location in Middleburg Heights used to be a sushi restaurant. #1 Pho did not do too much to update the decor. The new location does not feature the trendy decor of its counterpart on Superior Ave., but it is clean with simple decorations you would expect to see at an Asian restaurant.
I spoke with the manager, who is one of the siblings of the family that owns #1 Pho. He was very friendly and hooked me up with a cup of tea and some candy while I waited for my takeout. He told me that they are also opening a high end Vietnamese restaurant on East 4th downtown.
So, if you are in the mood for some Vietnamese, give #1 Pho in Middleburg Heights a try.
I agree that #1 Pho on W 130th is well worth a visit, and is a good place to try if you’re new to Vietnamese food.
I liked the “Spanish Fried Banana” dessert. It was covered in panko or something similar and then deep-fried. The banana was sweet and melt-in-your-mouth, and the coating was crispy and not too greasy. The honey added a nice flavor to it too.
I wouldn’t get it all the time because of the calories, but it was a good way to finish up a tasty meal. (I imagine it would not be very good for take-out, since you want it hot and crispy.)
I went to #1 Pho again on Saturday night, and the food was good and arrived really fast.
The Bun Dac Biet was tasty, but they skimp on the shrimp. (Mine had one and my sister-in-law’s had 2.)
The Thit Nuong Cuon was very good. They’re probably the best thing I’ve had there. I could make a whole meal out of them.
My wife had Ca Chien Sot Ca Chua and it was good too.
I tried “Bubble Tea” and liked the “Tea” part, but I didn’t really care for the “Bubbles.”
There isn’t really anything to dislike about #1 Pho in 130th, although the big lighted picture of Mt Fuji is kind of tacky (not quite as bad as paintings on black velvet, but close). That picture is left over from Phoenix Tokyo, and I wish they had taken it with them.
(Some of the decor is left over from before that when it was a Chinese restaurant – Dragon Phoenix.)
However, I think the food is somewhat Americanized, and it is not quite as good as the food at Tay Do. YMMV.
Hi Stuart,
Thanks for the info. The Thit Nuong Cuon sounds like something I definitely need to try on my next visit.
Too funny about the big lighted picture of Mt. Fuji. My husband and I said the same thing the last time we ate there. It is so tacky, but we had fun making fun of it, and other tacky decor, for a good 15 minutes:-)
Have a great day!
Megan
We ate at the #1 tonight for the first time. Great Pho and we had the beef with lemon which was also very good. Ditto on having commented on the Mt. Fuji sign…it’s great (the tackier the better). I liked the service a lot too…the owner is really nice. I’m a big fan of bubble tea and got a great one to go. One item that isn’t on the menu but available is green tea.
Thanks,
Gavin
is number one pho still open? Every time i go past it looks closed
Hi Tim,
I have not been to Number One Pho on West 130th in a couple of months. I know they are not open on Mondays. I don’t typically drive that way, unless I’m actually going to the restaurant, but next time I drive by I’ll take a look. If you are looking for a quick answer, their phone number is 440-888-2150.
Thanks!
Megan
It’s still open. I ate there this week. My wife and I love it. We are also fond of the waitress Teresa, who has served at that location for the last 3 or 4 owners.
They’re closed a lot. They were closed yesterday, even though the sign says they’re open on Sundays.
I’ve also tried to stop by there for lunch a few times and found them closed.
I guess you just have to call first since they’re not reliable.