Pho Xua

Opening a Vietnamese restaurant on Argyle is like tossing a coin into the U.S. Mint. Though, with most of its neighbors sporting utilitarian storefronts, Pho Xua, with its golden microsuede chairs and sleek wooden tables, is the shiniest coin in the till. The restaurant is named for the traditional beefy broth, but the best bowl in the house is the “fried duck noodle” filled with ribbons of delicious ramen, a juicy caramelized duck leg and a confetti of scallions. Segue into the noodles with a starter of betel leaf beef mini kebabs wrapped in wilted greens with a smoky honey flavor.