Bolsa Restaurant

The atmosphere is quant. The owners are there to make your visit memorable. My friend introduced me to the place, saying that people from all over Canada make special trips to Calgary just to have a meal at this restaurant. She has taken her friends and family members out for a meal in Bolsa for years. I will continue her tradition with my friends and family as I enjoyed everything about this place, including the free parking.

Love it here!
The owner will chat with you and tweak your dish to your specifications.

I love Bolsa's food, I've been many times over the years. I've never really paid much attention to the surroundings, because, well, it's kind of grimey. On this visit though, we happened to be sitting next next to a table that was just leaving. I overheard a comment, so i paid attention to what happened after they left. Again - I LOVE THE FOOD HERE. As soon as the table was vacant, the only server in the place (wearing gloves and a mask) came over, gathered up the dishes, took the tea pot and poured the left overs of it on to the table. I thought, ok, his hands are full and he did it by accident. Nope, he took the dishes back to the kitchen and then came out with the nastiest looking rag, wiped the table down, shuffling any food droppings onto the seats, placed the menus and cutlery and immediately sat a new customer at the table who slid into the booth and right though the last customers remnants. Ick. After we finished eating, we had some left overs so asked for a togo box. The server, in those same gross gloves that touched that same gross rag insisted on filling the box for us - i got a good look at the gloves at that point. He'd probably been wearing the same pair for weeks, they were filthy and holey. I'd rather bare hands. We left the to go box there. As we were at the door, i looked back, he had just poured our left over cold waters on the table and was wiping the table down with our used napkins. We won't be back for eat in again - and if this is what happens out in the open, i am scared of what the kitchen is like - so probably not going to even do take out again. It's a shame, because the food is amazing - but certain things can't be unseen.

The owners love to meet and get to know you! I do enjoy the conversation as it makes me feel like I am a friend of the family rather than a restaurant.

The best service ever! We love family dinners at Bolsa. Food is great and they treat little ones and elders with such joy and respect!

Over priced bad food served by a grumpy man, the beef sub was dry and teasteless, the spring rolls where blind, greassy and umpty, very expensive disappointing meal, unless you plan on feeding your dog your take out don't go there

Had the medium rare beef and beef ball pho. Broth and meat was delicious. The only thing that would have made it better is a bigger serving of protein. Compared to other viet places, the portion seemed a bit less.
Service was very slow, but I’d probably go back.

I only get the sate pho, but in my opinion it's one of the broths in the city. The family that owns is also very friendly, and service is always prompt. Great place for a quick lunch.

Best phō in the city and the head cook is the best. She came out to the table and was really friendly. Would come back again next time I'm in the city.

First time being there and it surprised me, the Satay Beef Noodle soup was so GOOD, the lady server there was so friendly, only had to wait a few minutes before seeing this big bowl of noodle in front of me, enjoyed it so much, wonderful quality and service, for sure will go back there again.

Very good food and such friendly staff! The special & shrimp salad rolls with the peanut sauce were a favourite.

My favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Calgary. The hotplate is my go-to currently, but I am also a big fan of their soups. Very friendly service too.

I had to see what all the hype was over this place.when I walked in with my partner I was absolutely horrified by how dirty and outdated the dining room was. The owner sat us at a table that was so filthy (I guess wet sanitized rags don’t exist there). I ordered the chicken pho with satay sauce on the side (never received the satay sauce and the basil was black), my partner ordered chicken on rice (chicken was definitely microwaved and very very dry and overcooked). These meals came out in less than 5 minutes meaning they pre-cooked the chicken and used chef mic.my partner and i grudgingly finished our meals, then decided to order dessert. We sat at the table for at least 20-30 minutes with dirty dishes waiting to be cleared by someone and order a dessert.never happened, so we finally put our jackets on to leave.as I was paying the bill I mentioned to the owner that I really wanted a dessert but nobody came around. She told me I need to “point” to the pictures underneath the glass table top and that she asked my partner on desserts and was told no (BS). Cant point at desserts without a server.overall, this place is very outdated, dirty, service is absolutely horrible and the food is terrible and disgusting. If I could give zero stars, that would not be enough.

I hate having to leave negative reviews but in honesty, bolsa has always been my favourite place to eat pho and spring rolls but they were a couple of times we were forgotten but I understand since it can be busy and there’s usually one server.

The last time I ate there (2 days ago), I was given a few noodles than usual which I was kinda disappointed with.

I also got a takeout of Vietnamese iced coffee and this morning, I opened the lid and saw something black floating on top.

I thought it was a herb but when I picked it out with my finger it was soft and fluffy… it was dead fly! Disgusting! I’m so glad I opened the lid and didn’t drink it right away!

We just wasted our money on this: (, so disappointed, I don’t think I’m comfortable coming back here again…

The best Vietnamese in the neighbourhood. Far, far better than the “new” (third owner) joint across the street. Eat here. I usually get satay pho but there is a sweet n sour shrimp soup you have to try (#53)

Pho and noodles are best in this part of town. Good value. Had a bad set of curry (bad as in bad texture, not sick) but the others are reliably good.

New favorite Pho place! Amazing noodles and beef, fabulous satay sauce, but most of all, super kind staff. The chef was so sweet and attentive to our requests. Top notch!

Best I've tried in Calgary; bbq salad rolls are the best I've tried, period. Great price, incredible service. Incomparable. Go here!

Brought my 2 sons and husband here for a late dinner. Appreciate very much this rare Vietnamese restaurant that does not close at 7: 30pm or 8pm. My husband and I both ordered a fried noodle dish with beef and veggies. The boys ordered a mix platter with vermicelli noodles and a lemon grass beef stir fry with coconut fried rice. I had a sample of all the dishes. The food tastes homemade. It's good! The service was friendly and attentive. Would we return. Yes.

Me and my gf went there got seated in the restaurant and ordered 1 Vietnamese sub, the waitress got our order but later the older lady came and said that they have ran out of subs and that they only serve subs in the morning. We got very suspicious from the way they talked to us. We left the restaurant and called them few min after and asked them if they have sub and they said yes. We asked them if we come now they can serve us sub and they said yes! I am upset…. Why did they have to lie, they could have told us that each person needs to order or the sub is only for take out.

Very friendly and prompt service-all smiles! Food was delicious-wonderful spicy shrimp noodle soup, tofu and veggies on vermicelli and salad rolls.

Friendly atmosphere, great food! Nice noodle combo available that includes shrimp, beef and chicken. The salad rolls are good too. I will return.

Excellent and delicious Vietnamese food
The owners are warm and friendly and treat you like one their kids. They will remember you name if you go twice.

Bolsa is hands down the best authentic vietnamese restaurant in Calgary. Every single item on the menu is made with love like a mother would make at home. Price is very good and for the amount of food you get. I come here 4 times a week and not one time has ever been a disappointment. The owner and her helper are truly the most nicest people. So if you want good vietnamese food this is a must go to

Food is just great. Owners are are wonderful, kind people. I'd recommend ANYTHING on the menu. We've never been disappointed.

The soup was good and drink arrived icy cold. However, I found the regular spring rolls tasted like vegetarian spring rolls. For $8 I expect to taste the meat, and to feel it when I chew… these felt a little mushy, hence why I think I may have been sent vegetarian rolls.

Very good food and service. Atmosphere and decor is a little grimey and outdated, but I guess that's part of its charm? Had the sate beef Pho, House Salad Rolls and fried meatball things.

I have covid so I wanted some soup, my regular place was close, so SkipTheDishes said that this place had 9.9 out of 10, it should be 1 out 10, the broth for the satay soup was disgusting, I couldn’t eat it, it was like cabbage broth, nothing like any other broths outhere. Good reviews mean nothing, they either fake or by people that don’t want to say the truth not to offend. One of the most expensive Vietnamese soups in town and the worst.: (

The food was absolutely amazing and super affordable. The atmosphere itself though would be worth going back for. Mama made sure we were taken care of and made sure we got to try the different homemade sauces. Definitely going to become a regular place to dine out.

I always order the hot sate beef pho. It has always been good except for this last time. It was SO much spicer then they have ever made it, to a point where my lips have burn marks and are now scabbed. I have to apply ointment on it for the past 3 days. I will never order from here again, and for customers health and safety you should ensure that you have a constant rate with your spice level (it was not consistent). This resulted in a painful physical experience for me, hence why I am sharing this review.

Consistantly good vietnamese fare, good value and friendly service. Definitely a favorite and one of the better Vietnamese restaurants in town. Visited again for the first time in 2 years.still great!

Sate beef pho is really good but the prices have gone up and the portions have gone down lately.

Great restaurant great food and beverages. Mama the cook is the best. She takes care of all her customers with compassion and her cooking is phenomenal and delicious. It comes from her heart. We ordered Shanghai noodles with beef and vegetables which was cooked perfectly. And we had rice and chicken and vegetables! So yummy! We will be back again here.they are a wonderful family with wonderful food! Our experience here is beyond what we expected. Highly recommend this place to anyone!

Good food but poor service. Only 2 on staff tonight. They spent more time greeting people at the door than helping those of us with our orders and bringing us the bill when we had finished eating.

Fresh, delicious, amazing service. Best find in Calgary for my satay soup and dumpling fix yet.

We had went here previously and it was pretty good nice and smooth broth for their original pho (no spice), however on our second visit we asked for it spicy and it wasn’t as good. If you go to Bolsa, just get their original and add spice to your taste.

Literally the best Vietnamese in the city. This place is so good. Special salad rolls and the peanut sauce is absolutely incredible.

Great customer experience the lady there is friendly and definitely knows how to make you smile and keep you happy. The food is amazing it has large portions and it fills you up.

Absolutely awesome satay soup. Good prices and a lot of different stuff on the menu with choices for everyone. Definitely can taste a lot of love here.

This is great family run establishment. They are always friendly with very fast service. The dishes are fantastic and they are understanding and attentive if you want something a bit different than what you see on the menu. The cooking is excellent, make sure you try it soon! You can add Vietnamese coffee (iced or not) or bubble tea (try the mango) to your order for an extra burst of flavor! I also like to start with spring rolls or salad rolls. If you don't want shrimp salad rolls ask for beef ones - they're yummy!

Very clean, nice atmosphere. Great food, most of all, the best hospitality I have seen in years. You will feel welcomed and well taken care of. Definitely recommend!

Best Vietnamese in the city hands down and the BEST people who run it. I've been going to Bolsa at least once a month for 10+ years and will never stop going. The owners are the most friendly people I have ever met.

The food is incredible. The people are wonderful. Do yourself a favour and get some food from Bolsa. Are you really from Calgary if you've never had Bolsa? I dunno man.

Great food and great clean service. I enjoy the Special Wonton Soup, Pho and Salad rolls very much.

Delicious food prepared by a lovely lady. This is a family-run place with home-made food. Everything we had was delicious and make sure you save room for the deep fried banana with ice cream. That particular treat is also made in-house and she uses the little Vietnamese bananas. Soooooo yummy. Sweet (but not overly), crispy, and not at all mushy.

Had a horrifying experience here, everything was good up till I bit into a piece of gum! I mean how the hell did that happen! I'm so disappointed this place was highly recommended. I will never eat here again.

I couldn't help but be blow away with the amazing food. If you do come here. Try the deep fried banana ice cream. It's made in house and honestly its the best pho I've had in the whole city. A hidden gem for sure ill be coming back here soon.

Sooo gooood.love ya mama and thank you very much so for your extra spice in life. Something every person in this city should experience that likes your flavour of food. There very few Vietnamese gems have held a place in my heart during my travels.this hidden gem is amazing

Apart from the satay soup being I'd say the best in the city, the owner is this absolute sweetheart of a human being

Always such a GREAT MEAL! Staff are so nice and professional and happy. I try something new each time im here and always say it my next favorite. Recommend this place to anyone looking for great Vietnamese food.

Definately deserve a 5 star rating, highly recommended! Probably the best satay beef noodle soup in Calgary. Mama always provide exceptional, friendly and efficient service, just like eating with family. Even though I need to drive 25min but the overall experience is worth, warm and hearty.

Great food, very nice people, reasonable prices. Good vegetarian selection. Will be going back.

Authentic, fresh ingredients and the owners are so nice. Support this locally owned restaurant, you'll be happy you did.

Not only does this place serve THE BEST Pho and spring rolls I've ever had, but the service can't be beat. I'll be honest in saying I'm a bit of a cheap tipper, but this place gets 20% from me everytime. Super family friendly, clean, fast, priced well. If I could give it 10 stars I would

So fresh, authentic and friendly! What a little gem!

Momma served me and was so sweet and warmed my heart! I was there for a quick bite, but everything came out so delicious and fresh! Can’t wait to go back!

You guys, THIS IS IT! This is where you get the best pho in Calgary! It is honestly. So FULL of flavor and love. The place it self in kind of hole in the wall but I'd say that's where the best food comes from. They're super generous with meat! I've had my share of bland pho but this place will rock your taste buds. The staff is so sweet and friendly and helped me pick the ultimate " brownie points" meal for my partner. I highly highly recommend if you want killer pho!

Tasty and fresh pho in the city. The chicken sate was spicy, refreshing and filling. This is my new favorite now. The couple who owns the restaurant are the friendliest people you will find in the restaurant business. You will feel welcomed.

Absolutely delicious Vietnamese with huge portion sizes. The family who runs it are very sweet and thoughtful. The place is shockingly busy for a hole in a wall but that means the food is fresh. My only concern is how run down things are. The restaurant and the path (cluttered hall) to the bathroom makes me curious/ worried about the kitchen.but why think of that.

Had an amazing experience! Great food and very personable service. Thank you so much Mama for the congee for our baby boy, I think we found his new favorite meal.
We cant wait to go back and see you again!

Our go to pho place. We've had a lot of pho and this has to be in our top three. Mom is always friendly and eager. Comfortable and clean environment. Never been disappointed.

Tasty food and friendly staff, but portions are quite small compared to other pho places for the price. The large bowl here would be considered regular elsewhere. Do recommend if you have a small appetite.

The food was amazing but what really honestly blew me away was the customer service. I went with a friend who had been there maybe 3 times and the owner remembered her and her seafood allergy and was so kind to us. It's such an amazing experience from start to finish and I would recommend Bolsa to anyone that want some great Viet food.

Bolsa is the best place to eat in this city! Mama makes everything herself and uses high quality ingredients! Mama always makes us happy:) 9a Large, extra tendon! Thanks mama

Look no further! This is without a doubt, THE best place to get pho in southern Calgary.
The broth is rich with flavor, an amazing balance between flavors and spices. The noodles and meat are portioned well and is a great value for money.
The service is also excellent. The servers makes you feel like you at home.
However the one place this restaurant lost points was in its atmosphere. The decor and menu is in need of a new face lift. And when I was there, there were some small garbage scattered on the floor.
But don't let this deter you. The food more than makes up for any small flaws this place have.

A must visit for anyone in Calgary that enjoys pho!

Went for lunch and found a hair in my shrimp salad rolls. I was still charged for them. Not very impressed and won't be back.