Superior Pho

3030 Superior Ave E
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 781-7462

Superior Pho in Cleveland's downtown is a tiny 15 or so table, Vietnamese restaurant specializing in Pho soups. Pho: savory rice noodle soups that are traditionally made with beef. But, can be made with chicken and pork, and come with garnishments of bean sprouts, basil, lime, and peppers. Usually, the soup starts with a slow simmered beef broth and is then served with beef shank, eye of round, flank steak, brisket, or fatty flank options.
As soon as you walk through the glass door you are enveloped by sweet and savory smells of basil and simmering beef. It was a Saturday afternoon and there were people of all ages having lunch when we arrived. Families, couples, and some friends, were all enjoying warm and soul comforting soups. They serve Jasmine tea by the never-ending pot full, as well as bubble teas. We started with a few summer rolls, of rice paper wrapped around shrimp and sprouts, and an order wrapped around Chinese sausage and fried egg,served with a sweet peanut dipping sauce. We also started with the crisp spring rolls stuffed with marinated, and chopped pork. Next, we all ordered a Pho soup. I tried the one served with fatty flank steak and eye of round. The fatty flank was falling apart as it floated in and around the cilantro, scallions, and tender noodles. I wanted to curl up in the large bowl and take a nap, swimming amongst the sweet broth. My sis in law chose the Barbeque pork and shrimp soup, which arrived steaming with a salty broth, but bursting with flavors of the cilantro and a sweet smokiness from the pork. It was served with chopped lettuce on the side for personal addition.
The staff was quite pleasant and ready to make our stay more comfortable at each pass.
Superior Pho serves up simple and delicious concoctions with ease, and it is definitely a spot I will return to every time I get the hankering for a smooth, and delightfully filling Pho.