Finding the Best Pho in Atlanta, GA: A Local Guide to Steaming Bowls and Cozy Spots

Few things hit the spot on a chilly Atlanta evening—or after sitting in I-285 traffic—like a hot bowl of pho. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or just landed at Hartsfield–Jackson and are craving Vietnamese noodle soup, Atlanta, GA has plenty of options if you know where to look.

This guide walks you through where to find pho in Atlanta, what to expect from the city’s Vietnamese food scene, how to order if you’re new to pho, and tips for navigating popular pho neighborhoods around metro Atlanta.

What Makes Pho in Atlanta Unique?

Atlanta’s pho scene is shaped by a few local factors:

• Diverse neighborhoods: From Buford Highway to Doraville and Duluth, the metro area has long-standing Vietnamese communities that support authentic, family-run restaurants.
• Mix of old-school and modern: You’ll find everything from no-frills pho joints to trendy, fusion-leaning spots near Midtown and the BeltLine.
• Easy access from across the city: With clusters of pho restaurants along major corridors like Buford Highway NE, Jimmy Carter Blvd, and Pleasant Hill Rd, most Atlantans are within a reasonable drive of good pho.

If you’re searching “pho Atlanta GA” because you’re hungry right now, your best bet is to think in terms of areas rather than just one restaurant.

Top Areas in and Around Atlanta for Pho

Buford Highway: Atlanta’s Core Pho Corridor

Buford Highway is often the first stop for people in Atlanta looking for authentic pho. Spanning parts of Atlanta, Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville, this corridor is lined with Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, and other international restaurants.

Typical features of pho spots along Buford Highway:

• Large menus with multiple pho bo (beef pho) options
• Affordable pricing and generous portions
• Casual dining rooms, often in strip centers with plenty of parking

Common cross streets and sections to look for pho along Buford Highway:

• Near Clairmont Rd NE (Chamblee/Brookhaven area)
• Near Chamblee Tucker Rd
• Doraville area close to the Doraville MARTA Station

Many of these restaurants are within a short walk or drive of bus stops and MARTA, which can be helpful if you’re visiting without a car.

Doraville and Chamblee: Heavier Concentration of Vietnamese Restaurants

While Buford Highway runs through these cities, Doraville and Chamblee in particular are well-known for Vietnamese cuisine.

Things to know about pho in Doraville/Chamblee:

• You’ll often find specialty pho variations (oxtail, tendon, tripe, chicken, and more).
• Menus may list items in both Vietnamese and English.
• Service tends to be quick, making it a good choice for lunch breaks or early dinners.

Landmarks and areas where pho is commonly found:

• Near the Doraville MARTA Station (6000 New Peachtree Rd, Doraville, GA 30340)
• Along Peachtree Industrial Blvd and New Peachtree Rd
• In multi-tenant plazas that feature Vietnamese markets, bakeries, and bubble tea shops

Duluth and Gwinnett County: Expanding Pho Options Northeast of the City

If you’re east or northeast of Atlanta, Duluth and surrounding parts of Gwinnett County offer excellent pho options, often in large shopping centers with ample parking.

What to expect from pho in Duluth:

• Modern, well-decorated dining rooms alongside classic hole-in-the-wall spots
• Menus that may include pho, bun (vermicelli bowls), com (rice plates), and banh mi
• Later hours at some restaurants, which can help if you’re looking for a late dinner after work or a game

Common roads where pho can be found in Duluth and nearby:

• Pleasant Hill Rd
• Buford Hwy NE as it continues into Gwinnett
• Major shopping centers near I-85 interchanges

Midtown, Downtown, and In-Town Atlanta: Convenient but Fewer Choices

Inside the City of Atlanta—especially Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and parts of Downtown—you’ll find:

• A smaller number of pho-focused restaurants
• More varied menus that may mix Vietnamese dishes with broader Asian or fusion offerings
• Trendier atmospheres, sometimes with craft cocktails or small plates in addition to pho

These in-town locations are:

• Convenient if you’re staying near Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Piedmont Park, or the Atlanta BeltLine
• Typically easy to reach via rideshare, scooters, or short drives from central neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, or West Midtown

If you have the time and transportation, serious pho lovers often still head to Buford Highway or Doraville for the widest selection.

How to Order Pho in Atlanta if You’re New to It

Most pho menus around Atlanta are similar, so once you understand the basics, you’ll be comfortable anywhere.

Core Types of Pho You’ll See

• Pho Bo (Beef Pho):
  The most common style. Broth is usually simmered with beef bones, spices, and aromatics.

  • Pho tai: Rare sliced steak
  • Pho chin: Well-done brisket
  • Pho nam: Flank steak
  • Pho tai nam: Combination of rare steak and flank
  • Pho dac biet / house special: Usually includes several beef cuts like rare steak, brisket, tendon, and tripe

• Pho Ga (Chicken Pho):
  Clearer broth with chicken, often with shredded or sliced chicken breast or dark meat.

• Seafood or Vegetarian Pho:
  Less common but available at some Atlanta restaurants, especially more modern or fusion spots.

Typical Pho Toppings and Sides

When your bowl arrives in Atlanta, you’ll usually see a plate of fresh garnishes:

• Bean sprouts
• Thai basil
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños or other chiles

Condiments placed on the table often include:

• Hoisin sauce
• Sriracha or other chili sauce
• Sometimes fish sauce or chili oil

Atlanta locals often:

1. Taste the broth first before adding anything.
2. Add lime juice and a few basil leaves.
3. Add chili slices or sauces gradually to avoid overpowering the broth.

Portion Sizes and Pricing

Across metro Atlanta:

• Regular and large bowls are standard; large is substantial and often enough for very hungry diners.
• Prices are generally moderate, especially on Buford Highway, in Doraville, and in Duluth, where rent and operating costs may be lower than in Midtown or Downtown.

If you’re taking MARTA or walking, consider a regular-sized bowl—a large can be challenging if you’re heading straight back into the heat or walking around the city afterward.

When to Go: Timing Your Pho Craving in Atlanta

Atlanta’s pho restaurants typically follow a few patterns:

• Lunch: Many spots are busiest from roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., especially in business-heavy areas.
• Dinner: Common dinner hours run from around 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. Some may close earlier on weekdays.
• Weekends: Buford Highway, Doraville, and Duluth locations can get busy with families and groups, especially on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Tips:

• ⏰ Avoid peak lunch if you’re on a tight schedule—lines and wait times can be longer.
• 🌧️ On rainy or cold days, expect more people seeking hot soup, especially at well-known spots.

Because individual hours can change over time, it’s wise to check current hours directly with the restaurant before you go, especially on holidays or late at night.

Getting to Pho Without a Car: Transit-Friendly Options

If you’re staying in Atlanta without a car, you still have options for pho.

MARTA-Accessible Areas

Several pho-heavy areas are reasonably close to MARTA:

• Doraville Station (Gold Line)

  • Address: 6000 New Peachtree Rd, Doraville, GA 30340
  • From here, you can take short rideshares or buses along Buford Highway and nearby roads where pho restaurants cluster.

• Chamblee Station (Gold Line)

  • Address: 5200 New Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
  • Also close to sections of Buford Highway with Vietnamese and other Asian restaurants.

In-town pho spots in Midtown or Downtown may be walkable from stations like:

• Midtown Station
• North Avenue Station
• Peachtree Center Station

Check the MARTA website, customer service line, or station maps for current bus routes that serve Buford Highway and nearby corridors.

How Atlanta’s Pho Fits Into the Broader Food Scene

Pho in Atlanta doesn’t exist in isolation. Many Vietnamese restaurants here offer:

• Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches)
• Bun (vermicelli bowls)
• Com tam (broken rice plates)
• Spring rolls and summer rolls
• Vietnamese-style coffee and teas

This makes pho restaurants an easy choice if your group has mixed preferences—some can order soup, others can opt for grilled meats, rice dishes, or lighter appetizers.

In areas like Buford Highway, you can also pair a pho meal with:

• A stop at an Asian supermarket for specialty ingredients
• Dessert or drinks at nearby bubble tea shops, bakeries, or dessert cafés

Quick Reference: Navigating Pho in Atlanta, GA

Here’s a simple overview to help you decide where to go and what to expect:

Practical Tips for Enjoying Pho in Atlanta

To get the most out of your pho experience in Atlanta, consider these pointers:

• Check cash vs. card: Most places accept cards, but smaller or older establishments may have minimums or prefer certain payment methods.
• Ask for recommendations: Staff at Vietnamese restaurants are often comfortable guiding first-timers toward popular or milder options.
• Mind the spice: Atlanta pho spots can provide very hot chiles and sauces. Add gradually if you’re not used to spicy food.
• Parking awareness: In Doraville, Chamblee, and Duluth, large shared lots are common. In Midtown or some intown areas, you may encounter paid parking or tight spaces.
• Plan around traffic: If you’re driving from inside the Perimeter to Buford Highway or Duluth, consider Atlanta’s rush hours—late afternoon and early evening can be slow.

If you’re searching for “pho Atlanta GA,” you’ll find that the city and its nearby suburbs offer plenty of satisfying options, whether you want a quick, casual bowl on Buford Highway or a more sit-down, in-town experience. With a bit of neighborhood awareness and a basic understanding of pho styles, you can eat very well—and very warmly—across metro Atlanta.