Vietnamese restaurants

Phở Xe Lua

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

5331 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820, United States $10–20
4.4
1,174 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Phở Xe Lua is a vibrant Vietnamese and Asian restaurant nestled on Stockton Blvd in Sacramento, delivering an authentic and soul-satisfying dining experience. This unassuming gem delights with a menu that showcases the true depth and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine, particularly shining with their acclaimed phở and an impressive variety of fried rice and seafood dishes.

Step inside and you'll find a welcoming, spacious atmosphere that contrasts its modest exterior. The interior is clean and comfortable with captivating large paintings that add a warm, artistic touch to your meal. The friendly and attentive service ensures your dining experience is smooth, whether you’re popping in for a quick lunch or planning a leisurely dinner.

Phở enthusiasts will be thrilled by their Combination House Special beef rice noodle soup, which comes generously loaded with rare steak, flank, brisket, tendon, tripe, and beef balls—each bite revealing different textures that melt beautifully in your mouth. Accompanied by fresh side vegetables, the broth is savory and comforting, inviting you to savor every sip. Diners have praised the portion sizes here, noting the satisfying generosity that makes the meal worthwhile.

The menu extends well beyond phở, making it a culinary adventure for all palates. Fried rice aficionados can indulge in dishes like the Seafood Fried Rice with XO Sauce, a $19.50 delicacy bursting with umami-rich seafood flavors wrapped in the distinctly savory XO sauce. The Yang Chow Fried Rice offers a classic, vibrant medley, while the Salty Fish & Chicken Fried Rice offers a bold, salty punch for those seeking more adventurous tastes.

Seafood lovers will find plenty to delight in as well. Options like Sizzling Seafood with XO Sauce and Lemongrass Shrimp combine fresh, expertly cooked seafood with fragrant herbs and perfectly balanced spices. The Curry Shrimp invokes warm, exotic spices with a creamy texture that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Appetizers at Phở Xe Lua are equally enticing and set a promising stage for the main course. The Deep Fried Egg Rolls boast a crispy, golden exterior that gives way to a flavorful savory filling. Customers rave about the Crab Cheese Wontons, a delightful fusion of creamy cheese and tender crab wrapped in perfectly fried wontons. The DIY Shrimp & Pork Lettuce Wrap is a fun, interactive dish where freshness and zest shine through.

From the lively lunch rush to laid-back dinners, the restaurant maintains a steady flow of satisfied guests who appreciate the balance of authentic flavors, generous portions, and fast, friendly service. Several reviewers highlight that while some dishes like their noodles might be prepared differently than expected, the overall food quality and service encourage multiple visits.

Phở Xe Lua is more than just a meal; it’s a genuine Vietnamese culinary experience that invites you to explore textured broths, fragrant herbs, fresh seafood, and rich fried rice—all delivered with heartfelt hospitality. Whether you're a pho lover craving a warm noodle soup or a curious diner ready to dive into Southeast Asian specialties, Phở Xe Lua promises a satisfying and memorable culinary journey in the heart of Sacramento.

Don't miss out on their signature dishes, and be sure to try their Thai iced tea for a refreshing, sweet finish that perfectly balances the savory dishes.

Contact: 5331 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820 | Phone: +1 916-451-8838

03 Notes from regulars

1,174 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.4
Based on 1,174 verified notes
5 749
4 311
3 89
2 21
1 41
All Bánh Xèo Deep Fried Egg Rolls - Chả Gio Quick Seating Clear Broth Deep Fried Chicken Wings Tendon Orange Chicken Mongolian Beef Pho Broth Canh Chua
Alice Hou.
2 month ago
We were in the town and wanted to explore some good pho, and found this place on my want to go list. I ordered the small Combination House Special beef rice noodle soup; it came with rare steak, flank, brisket, tendon, tripe, and beef balls. It also came with a good amount of side veggies, which was a big plus. The broth was decent, and the portion was generous. I honestly doubted whether it was really a small bowl. I also tried their Shrimp & Boiled Pork Spring Rolls. This was a letdown; the wrapper was loose, and the pork was quite dry. Even though the rolls were huge, I didn't find anything special about them. I ordered the Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk as well, and this was another disappointment. The coffee was not strong enough or sweet enough, and it ended up being quite bitter. This was my first time having a Vietnamese coffee that tasted bitter. I would recommend skipping their Vietnamese coffee.
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Rosie M.
3 month ago
Stopped by for lunch & ordered the meatless Pho with charbroiled chicken that was recommended to us by our server, it was so delicious!! We also tried their cheese crab wontons, very good! The service was fast & they were so friendly.
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Bé Nguyễn Boonsalat.
3 month ago
First time where. Location look sketchy from the outside. Spacious and clean on the inside. Loving the large painting they have. Combination Phở was ok, let hubby. Noodles was too soggy. Broth not very flavorful. Fish sauce fried chicken wings: I LOVE it! Batter shrimp: Tom Rang Moi: it was good but needs a little more flavor. Good services. Will go again to try other food.
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Eric Miao.
4 month ago
A very authentic pho noodle restaurant. The service is really good, and the food comes out pretty fast. The price is very good, and they are generous in their portions. The pho is signature and every size is worth the price. Not only that, their combination plates is surprisingly good. I enjoy their porkchops, and my family likes the pho. It gets busy sometimes but also enough space. I believe this restaurant has been around since the late 2000's, and continues to deliver good quality, affordable, Vietnamese food. Enjoy!
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cristal evangelista.
4 month ago
This place is sooo good! I got the #1 special small & I barely finished it so a lot of portions. Also got a Thai tea & it’s delicious. Dine is service is really fast. I was in & out in under 30 mins. Definitely will come back
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Tom Chun.
4 month ago
The pho broth was rich and flavorful, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the fresh herbs and condiments were well-balanced. The portion size was generous compared to other pho restaurants. The service was adequate, and the restaurant was reasonably clean. While I might not choose it for a first date, it's an excellent option for recovering from a hangover.
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Michael Kawamoto.
5 month ago
One of the best phos I've had that tasted quite authentic. I highly recommend the ox tail rice noodle soup as it had a deep savory broth that will warm your soul. The broth here is very rich and not watered down at all. It still maintained a clear appearance without being too light. Would love to come back again!
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A YIM.
5 month ago
Found this restaurant on our way home. We were greeted upon arrival and seated. Gave us time to look at their huge menu options. We all ordered the Pho Dac Biet. Watching other customers food come out made me want to try other dishes such as the rice plates, Bo Bo Tray and spring rolls. Pho was good. We enjoy the herbs as some locations don’t have the saw tooth herb. There was a tv hung on the wall to our right so it was nice to watch while waiting. Overall, Pho was good.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday (today) 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Finding the door

5331 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

From the business
  • Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Fast service
  • Great tea selection
  • Serves local specialty
  • Sports
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • No Assistive hearing loop
Offerings
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
Crowd
  • College students
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • No Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • Has changing table(s)
  • High chairs
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Parking
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