Le’s Vietnamese Restaurant: Pho for all in Harvard Square
Want to know where to go for pho in Harvard Square? While the hole-in-the-wall ambience of Le’s Vietnamese Restaurant hidden in Cambridge’s The Garage can be enough to scare off the average foodie, don’t judge a venerated culinary hot spot by its food-court cover. Locals know their pho, or the traditional fragrant soup of Vietnam, is perfect for those longing for an affordable fix of noodle goodness.
Formerly Pho Pasteur and one branch of a strong family tree that has its roots in Allston on Brighton Street at the Atrium Mall in Chestnut Hill, the servings at the Cambridge location are large enough to cause a noodle-induced coma. Yep, Le’s is definitely more.
Most meals are under $10 and this always-packed location serves up a heaping bowl of their famous pho (super-sized servings of noodle soup with beef or chicken) and their popular “banh hoi” or rice paper that’s soaked in hot water and used to bundle vegetables and vermicelli.
Le’s Vietnamese Restaurant also offers an array of tasty bubble teas ranging from mango to almond and mixes up a stellar avocado smoothie.
Le’s Vietnamese in Cambridge also boasts a coveted people-watching area located downstairs in a tight nook—it only fits four tables—with the restaurant’s only window overlooking Dunster Street. Truthfully, the entire restaurant is a tight fit.
Compared to its larger sister restaurant in Allston, the Cambridge branch isn’t an ideal spot for large groups. However, many of the tables are perfect for two and a party of four can always squeeze into a table. It’s a great first-date spot and a popular place for lunch on the cheap.
HelloMetro Tip: To avoid confusion, order by the number because many of the dishes are similar and it's a sure-fire way to ensure that your order isn’t lost in translation.
Posted by Sam Baltrusis
