Greg K.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Over the last few years my wife and I have fallen deeper down the rabbits hole of Vietnamese cuisine. We have eaten at most, but probably not all, of the Vietnamese offerings in the Columbus area. There are a few that we still like and visit often but Mi Li, ohhh sweet Mi Li!!!! The Pho, both regular and Hue style, are perfect in every way. A bit of fat on the surface, fairly clear, complex with no one flavor overwhelming the other. As far as broth goes they are in the top 3 in Columbus, my favorite but the others are great too. The noodles, onion, beef, and all of the accouterments are of top quality. The Banh Mi Thit Cha is AMAZING!!! This is the tipping point that puts them as my favorite in Columbus. This sandwich is will blow your mind. The owner makes everyone of them herself. The bread is hot and fresh, the pickled veggies are great, and the cold cuts are so flavorful. What sets these apart though is the homemade pate, holy s@%t is it good. I know it has garlic in it but other than that I have intentionally not given it too much thought. I don't want to even consider trying replicating it and ruin it. The staff is courteous, efficient, and friendly. You may have to wait a bit for a sandwich while the owner skypes her family in Vietnam but it is worth the wait. My wife was away on business (Vietnam ironically) and the chef noticed I was eating alone and randomly brought me an order of egg rolls on the house and asked how I was. If this was TLDR Get the Banh Mi Thit Cha and thank me later.
(5)
Mary B.

I can't say enough about how awesome this place is. I have constant cravings. The pork and shrimp vermicelli is sweet and savory. Enough sweet and salty notes to keep you wanting more. The pho has a rich broth with lots of goodness inside. I recommend this place for the pho and vermicelli dishes. You are able to adjust the heat if you like it spicy one day or mild the next. The service is great and the food is quick. Fast casual. Add a bubble smoothie to take home. Great flavors like avocado , cappacino, pineapple, mango, etc.
(5)
Maureen H.

We've gone here several times, the food is always wonderful. There are times that our order gets lost in translation, especially if we have called it in. Over all I really enjoy it and plan on continuing patronize this establishment.
(3)
Daniela Z.

Grilled pork banh mi to die for!! Bread super fresh and has a wonderful crunch on the outside, warm & soft on the inside. Delicious grilled pork.
(5)
Lydia W.

It pains me to write this review, it really does, but I need to get it out. I came here on the recommendation of a credible dude. Had some time to spare, so I thought, hey girl, treat yoself to some authentic Vietnamese food. It's been a while since I had some bun so I was getting pretty excited. I drove 25 minutes out of the way for this. I walk in to a no-frills cafe, and thought that's good, no need to impress with looks or fancy-ness. The place was also filled with Vietnamese people, which I also took as a good sign. Since it was 90 degrees outside, I opted for a grilled pork and egg roll vermicelli, as well as a cafe sua da (iced coffee). I should have been concerned when, as soon as I headed back from the restroom, the food and coffee were being set on the table. I couldn't have been gone for more than 2 minutes. RED FLAG #1. So I start eating and decide to try out the egg rolls. Why did they taste like fried flour? If I wanted that, I would have gone to get myself a nice sweet donut. Please. This was not okay. I left the egg rolls neglected for the rest of my stay. The pork looked more like beef. It was so dark, but I decided to be brave. The taste was fine, but do I really think they grilled that in the time it took me to relieve myself? I shudder at how long it had been cooked for. The chunks were also cut into huge pieces, which was unfamiliar to me. I like the small, bite sized pieces that most places I've been to offer. I don't have too much to say about the vermicelli and the veggies - it's hard to mess that up. My final complaint is about the iced coffee. I mean for real. Just buy the chicory coffee and give me that sweet condensed milk. It was far too dark, far too burnt, and disgusting. How can you pass that off as cafe sua da? Overall, I am really sad that I paid $14 for a meal that was so sub par to any other Vietnamese food I have ever had. Perhaps I ordered the wrong things - my trusted recommender did say the banh mi and bun bo hue were good here. But will I come back to give Mi Li another chance? Methinks not. Unless you live close by or already have a good impression of this place, then I would not bother driving out of the way to come here. As much as I hate writing bad things about mom and pop shops, I just feel like this is not what a Vietnamese dining experience should be like.
(2)
Michael U.

So this is the thing. I like Vietnamese food a lot. But it occurred to me while enjoying this that I've never had bad Vietnamese food. Lucky or I just wouldn't know the difference? Either way we went to this place after we planned to go to Hoyo's Kitchen but it was closed for Ramadan. We got the pork spring rolls and the shrimp spring rolls. Both delicious. I ordered the combo plate with the meat patty, pork, rice and a few other things. Also good. My only regret was, after reading the review on the wall, not trying the sandwiches. I really enjoy just falling into a place and discovering something new by accident and that's what happened here.
(4)
Michael M.

I came here because I was in the area and really craving an authentic Bahn Mi. I found this place on Yelp so I gave it a try. For $5, I had a great Bahn Mi. Warm fresh bread, perfectly spiced, tasty pork. I didn't realize this place is primarily a sit-down and I was hoping to get it to go. No worries, I just sat at the bar while they made my food and packaged it to go. All I had was the sandwich, but it was fantastic. I would like to come back, sit down, and try some more food.
(4)
Arvid Y.

My favorite pho in Columbus thus far. Keep in mind, i've only been to Buckeye Pho and Lan Viet Market. There are still a couple of other places for me to try. Prices are average. $8 gets your a large pho and $3 gets you an order of summer rolls (2 rolls). They have an extensive menu and pretty much offer the gamut of Vietnamese food, from pho, bun bo hue, bahn mi, to rice dishes. I think the service at Mi LI is hit or miss. My waitress was very pleasant nice, but seemed a bit overwhelmed during a busy Saturday lunch. It also took awhile for the food to come out and for me to get the bill. The pho broth has a depth of flavor without being overly salty or oily. The portions of protein and noodles are decent. They also don't skimp on the condiments (sprouts, basil and culantro). Besides the rich broth, I enjoyed the texture of the noodles. They were a little more al dente and firm than other pho restaurants. I liked it (no one wants soggy noodles). The summer rolls were fresh with big pieces of shrimp, but overall pretty average. Anyways, i'll be back to try their other menu items. I don't really have a problem with the average service and decor. I'm pretty much here for the food and don't expect smiles and kowtows.
(4)
Alisha J.

We ordered well done and rare steak pho and grilled pork bahn mi. It was delicious. The prices are reasonable. Definitely a repeat location!
(5)
Steven Y.

This place is great, it is my go to for Pho. Been going for about 5 years. About 2 years ago one of the waiters suggested that I try the Bun Bo Hue, since then I haven't ordered Pho ever again, it is definitely worth a try. It's a lemongrass based broth with blood cubes, tendon, pork, and other goodies, I season mine with a bit of fish sauce, lime, & hot pepper oil sauce. It truly is delicious. My wife still orders the Pho and that is fantastic as well. Also try the summer rolls & the grilled pork sub, they are great as well. If you're into Vietnamese food this place is worth a try.
(5)
Whitney D.

Wow! I'm sad I waited this long to go to Mi Li cafe! I wanted to try two things so I ate part of the banh mi with cooked pork and the pho with rare beef. The service was fast and the food was so fresh! The bread and flavor combo with the banh mi was so balanced and delicious. I almost couldn't stop eating it! (I only planned on eating half) The pho was hot and had great flavor. The extra goodies were fresh and plentiful. They are also very generous on the portions! I highly recommend Mi Li and look forward to going back...maybe as soon as tomorrow!!!
(5)
Scott C.

Best Pho in town ! Small comfortable place , really good service been to several Pho places in town and there are some really good ones but this is my wife and My favorite!
(5)
Anna S.

This is the type of place I go to often, but always forget to write a review. So, if all these other reviews haven't convinced you, this really is the place to get a halfway decent Banh Mi in Columbus. And it's the upper level of "halfway decent' (meaning really quite delicious). The flavor of their sandwiches is quite consistent and I've never had a bad one. The bread is always crusty and the veggies fresh. I do find the location off-putting and have had pretty bad service quite a few times; hence the fewer stars.
(3)
Van S.

I was planning on bumping up my rating since this is my favorite place in the city to eat bun bo hue. However, I've noticed on my last couple visits that they've changed the ingredients. They've taken out a couple of my favorite parts: beef tendon and cubes of congealed pig blood. Maybe this is to make it more friendly to those new to trying the soup, but they have plenty of Vietnamese clientele so you'd think there'd at least be an option of keeping it more authentic. It still has plenty of meat and good flavor; it's just more of a 3.5 star bowl rather than the 4 star bowl it used to be.
(3)
Tabitha F.

I have had a hankering for pho for just over 48 hours. I wanted to try some place I haven't been before. The combination pho didn't have what I was looking for. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't the quality I expected. They were skimpy with the additives (jalapenos, lime and bean spouts, basil they gave plenty). They were "out of bubble tea"....which was weird cause the people who came in just before us got some, as did the people who walked in right after us. Service in general was pretty slow. I don't know what happened here this evening, it seems like they have so many great reviews - bummer. :( Maybe I will circle back around in the future and give it another shot but there are several places I will have to check out first for my pho cravings.
(2)
Naiying C.

If you are in this area, this is the place to go for Vietnamese food- everything is under 10$ . I recommend their pho and their combination dish is not bad either. One thing I didn't really like is their bubble tea...frozen bubble tea.
(4)
Dan B.

A great place to get hard to find vietamese items like bubble tea and banhmi. I would call mili's the best banhmi in the north columbus area (compared to the other few places to find it), and this tasty little artifact is only $5. Good pho, a tiny bit on the oily side. Be forewarned, this place may come off as a bit authentic. IE, small hole on the wall, pho lovers read tripes, banhmi lovers read liver paste, ect.
(5)
Emily F.

Pretty good food! I had pho (for the first time ever) they give you HUGE portions. The pho was delicious but I couldn't finish it because it was so much food.
(4)
Melinda W.

Everything was great. Service was quick and accurate. Was full when we left and didn't break the bank either.
(5)
Doug B.

Two words... chicken pho. If you've had it, anywhere, you know what I'm talking about. Mi Li makes it good! Great broth, ample noodles, fresh herbs and consistent. It's good every time. Do it the right way, spoon in one hand and sticks in the other while slurping your way to the bottom of the bowl. It's hard to tell from all the people killin' it with the pho, but they have other menu items too. The Banh mi's are tasty sammies, whether the pork is grilled or cold cut. The grilled pork roll appetizer is a favorite. The staff is accommodating and appreciative. I'd like to say I've eaten more things from their menu, but I can't go there and not get the pho. Crazy, but I'd feel like I'm cheating myself if I didn't. Decor?! With food this good, who really cares?! Price is very reasonable and if you get an extra large anything, you better come hungry.
(5)
John S.

Awesome Pho and Bahn Mi! This is the Best in Columbus for sure. I have tried a lot of others (usually to oily/greasy) however none of them match up to MiLi's. I get it to go at least once a week for myself as well as my wife and 6 year old son. For me its the traditional Bahn Mi and the extra large Pho. My wife gets the grilled pork Bahn Mi and steals a little bit of of my Pho for dipping. My 6 year old son cant get enough of the Wonton soup with rice noodles. Beware this food is ridiculously addicting. Fast, cheap and the "cure all for all". Hung over? Pho Sick? Pho Starving? Pho Headache? Pho Having a crave for what may be the best tasting soup of all time? Pho Wife nagging? Pho for both her and I. You cant argue when your mouths are stuffed with goodness! Add a few orders of egg rolls for an appetizer and be prepared have a nap for desert.
(5)
Gary S.

This is my third trip to this restaurant and I have been delighted with the food and service. The beef stew with rice noodles were excellent t fully recommend Mi Li for Antony wanting truly great Pho.
(5)
Sophia P.

The service is okay and it's not unbelievably fast but not super slow. Although sometimes they'll get your order wrong, so if you have a specific order make sure to confirm it with the staff. The food is delicious when it comes to certain meal.
(4)
James K.

a great lunch spot. the Bahn Mi (grilled pork sub) is amazing - their french bread is top notch. the Pho is a great way to warm up on a cold Winter's day.
(4)
Helen S.

I've only gotten takeout banh mi sandwiches from here -- tried two: bbq pork, and cold cuts with pate. Both tasted great and were reasonably priced, so if I'm in the mood for banh mi I'd likely get them from here again. Also, I've heard friends say that this is as authentic as it gets for the midwest, so I'd consider this place a gem.
(4)
John S.

My wife is Vietnamese and I've become quite the connoisseur. I've eaten many of my favorite dishes at more than a hundred restaurants across the country. Mi Li's stacks very favorably in comparison and is above average. Their Pho is very good among others things,cans pricing is a very good value. This wins our Best in Town Award.
(5)
Marlena L.

Lets see, the mango bubble tea, pho, summer roll and banh mi were all delicious! Prices are reasonable, portions are decent. The restaurant is nothing fancy, small and located in a half empty strip mall. Service was good. I'll be going back soon.
(4)
Matt P.

* Authentic Vietnamese * Hot, fresh, crispy BÃ¡nh mÃ¬ subs. Grilled pork's my fave (note the fresh jalapenos when ordering!) * Ph is the best in Columbus. Includes generous extras. Small's enough for one. Get a small "without meats" with your BÃ¡nh mÃ¬ sub and have a memorable $10 lunch ...or dinner. * Coffee with milk (condensed milk) is so sweet and so good * Bubble teas excellent * Salty lemonade ...not so good.... * Order by number on phone (see uploaded cropped menus) Prices might vary. * Make sure you have cash-$10 minimum for cards
(4)
Tim S.

Unfortunatley I will not be visiting this restaurant again. It is sad because the prior experience was great. On Wednesday (4/22) my fiancÃ© and I were in the mood for a warm soup for dinner, so we decided to meet a friend at Mi Li for some soup. As my fiancee waited for our friend to arrive we ordered two appetizers. It was at the delivery of the appetizers that I heard a lady behind the counter sneeze. My glance went to her and I noticed her moving her arm downward. I gave her the benefit of the doubt and thought she sneezed into her inside elbow (like you should to contain a sneeze). I started to direct my attention that way more diligently now and in a few moment she raised her hands to her nose and sneezed again into her hands. Now my full attention was on her. She turned and faced the front counter. Because the counter height was blocking my view I was unable to see if there was a sink she was washing her hands in so I literally stood up to look. She had her hands in a bowl of bean sprouts mixing them up. No gloves on. Did not wash the sneeze off her hands. I call my server over and explained what I just winessed. He asked which lady, I told him. He spoke to her in Vietnamese and turned to me and said, "She did not make your food." The lady echoed to me loudly, "I did not make your food." Since they elevated the situation loudly, I responded by saying, "That doesn't matter, fact is that she did not wash after sneezing and now she is mixing bean sprouts." They continued to talk in Vietnames, at this point my fiancÃ© got up and walked out. Seemed like they were more concerned with making justification and excusing what I witnessed than actually dealing with a worker not washing after sneezing into their hands. Not to mention, no she didn't make our food, but bean sprouts tend to go in a large selection of the meals prepared. Gross
(1)
Doc M.

For my lucky Buckeye gameday bowl of pho I wandered over to Mi Li that I'd visited before I'd became a Yelper and one of my favourites when it comes to my addiction to the steaming bowl of awesome that is Pho. Yes, after many years of this dish I still slip when ordering it by saying "Foe" instead of "Fuh", my tongue was not made for the Vietnamese language and never will be. I scored a bowl of the Pho Bo Vien and quite a score it was. With quick service I dug in to large bowl of a rich aromatic broth with the distinct ginger, star anise and other spices that make this one of my favourite dishes in the world. The broth was not too fatty/oily or overly salty and good enough that I didn't care how gauche it was as I picked up the bowl to get the last drops. A generous serving of rice noodles, green onion, meatballs and the accompanied veggies were fresh and the perfect amount leaving none to waste. While I can't vouch for anything else on their menu I will say this place is on my top 5 when it comes to my Cbus Pho Phix....
(4)
Dawson K.

This is by far the best vietnamese food I have had in a long time. I went with my vietnamese wife who said that it was the best she had in America. We had the BÃºn bÃ² hu, gi cun, gi tht nng, bÃºn tht nng, all very very delicious.
(5)
Kevin R.

If you like to try new things and like a little variety in your day, you have to try this place! Great pho in Columbus! I always get #12 and it is consistently good. Stop in and try it...The experience of the place is worth eating in...very nice staff...quick service. Nothing fancy, but it's goooooooood. :)
(4)
Rocky S.

My husband and I give it five stars just because we've never had a bad meal there. We brought family from out of town there and they loved it and they're coming from California! Delicious PhÅ and noodles. I love trying the different authentic drinks that they offer. If you're not used to Vietnamese food do not try the salty lemonade. Their bubble drinks are awesome on a hot day! We've tried almost everything on their menu and we've not been disappointed. One thing to consider is they're in a strip mall. Next to a waterbed & stuff store. It's also not in the best part of Cleveland Avenue. We've never been there past 7pm. It seems family run, sometimes you'll overhear them having their's Skype calls from Vietnam. The Decour is like they just started but they been there a while. Their food never disappoints and that's why we give it five stars thanks!
(5)
Howard S.

I have never had Vietnamese beef stew. I am sold different flavor them pho nice change.
(5)
Adam N.

This place has great food. The jalapeÃ±os on the banh mi are really tasty. Normally I would rate this place a 5 but the service at lunch has been really slow today. It seems like the place might have been understaffed or something. We had to ask about the status of a banh mi sandwich to go. I will definitely try this place again.
(3)
Andy D.

Ambience: standard basic tables and chairs typical of a local family-run asian restaurant decor, buddhist figurines on the interior with a couple of TVs on the wall showing the news. Try to get a table away from the front door to avoid the drafts of cold air if you can. Food: Between my fiancee and me we had the goi cuon (summer rolls), banh mi thit nuong (grilled pork viet sandwich), pho dac biet large (beef noodle soup with all the ingredients), cafe sua (hot vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk), and green tea flavored bubble tea. Summer rolls were made perfectly with just the right balance of noodles, herbs and vegetables, boiled shrimp and pork and some tasty peanut/hoisin dipping sauce. The sandwich was delicious with a fresh toasted baguette, savory grilled pork (lemongrass?), pickled carrot/daikon, cilantro, cucumber, jalepeno, and butter/pate. Pho was just as delicious with plentiful noodles and meat, great aroma and flavorful broth, and all the right herbs and fresh vegetables brought out (bean sprouts, basil, jalepeno slices, lime, etc.). My taste buds and stomach were in a very happy place. Vietnamese coffee was prepared well--strong and bold with the initial sip followed quickly by a pleasant creamy sweetness from the condensed milk. I requested a to-go cup with ice to turn my hot coffee into an iced coffee and they kindly brought out a red solo cup filled with ice for me. The green tea bubble tea was also good, though the tapioca bubbles were possibly a tad bit overcooked (soft) though some people like the bubbles like that! Service: prompt and friendly! Very accommodating for special requests as above. Overall this will be my new go-to Vietnamese restaurant. The great price for the amazing quality of food is awesome, and the authenticity of the food can't be beat. We got a vietnamese sandwich to go!
(4)
Deb L.

I live within walking distance if MiLi right now, and I can't imagine what I'm going to do when we move. they have the best pho in town! I go here all the time by myself (boyfriend is not big on vietnemese) and it's never a big deal. the waitress/waiters are always around when you need them and gone when you done. They don't make small talk, but honestly, it's a nice break. Sometimes you just want to go to a little hole in the wall, sit and relax with some comfort pho... this is the place to do that. very minimal decor, a few TVs usually playing the travel channel or the news. I've been to a ton of different restaurants around columbus, and this really is one of the best places for pho and bahn mi. Oh and the bubble smoothies are great too, usually prepared by ms MiLi herself :)
(5)
Charee M.

Standard Vietnamese restaurant in appearance and service. The pho is the best we have found in Columbus. Egg rolls are average, but the bunh cuon is top notch-lots of tasty filling.
(4)
John M.

When I first went here I couldn't believe I've been missing out. One of favorite restaurants here in Columbus! A must try!!!
(5)
Tory R.

I got off work early and decided to try this place on my way home. I LOVE Pho and have been looking to try new locations in Columbus. I moved here from Oklahoma City 6 months ago and haven't found anything as good as the many pho places in OKC. When I first walked in...it was about 3:30 p.m...and of course, I was the only person in there. Soon, another table came in. I decided to be the Bun Bo Hue (spicy noodle soup). I started out with the summer roll (fresh spring rolls) which were really good. Can't really screw those up. Then the soup came. Tastewise....it was delicious!!! Same for the spring rolls. They gave me a very small serving of the basil, cabbage, and bean sprouts (which isn't a huge deal....I could've asked for more). But what I really didn't like is the fact that they gave me a spaghetti spoon instead of the traditional "pho spoon" as I call it. It made eating kind've messy and difficult. So yeah, it was just "okay." I probably wouldn't walk across the street to eat here again. The restaurant was clean though and fairly trendy. Kudos for that! **************************************************Â********************************* A day after I wrote this review, I was contacted by someone who knows the owner of Mi Li Cafe (maybe a friend or aquaintance). She advised me that she brought up my concern to the owner regarding the spoons. She advised the owner has decided to change them to the "pho spoons" instead of the silver spaghetti spoons. :o) It's not a HUGE deal about the spoons...but it kind've is...just because this type of food requires the right kind of untensils. Thanks for the response Mi Li Cafe and for taking consideration to a customer's concern! My rating has changed from 2 stars to 4 because of your thoughtfulness! :o) **************************************************Â********************************* 12/4/2011 ~Stopped in a Mi Li today for lunch. They have added the pho spoons. Not just the regular looking ones....but the kind that are ridged so they can cling to the inside of your bowl when you take a drink or wipe your mouth. Very good idea! Great job and thanks!!
(4)
Lisa S.

If this was just about the food or the value of the meal, Mi Li would get 5 stars. The pho is really flavorful & aromatic with lots of fresh garnishes. The bahn mi, while a little skimpy on the filling, has the most delicious, crusty & chewy bread. It's everything bread should be. However, the service leaves much to be desired. We went there recently & the restaurant was empty except for a couple sitting at the counter. We stood at the entrance & none of the 4 people working even said hello because they were too busy talking to the couple. Another time I was scolded for going up to the counter & asking for a box after my request had been ignored multiple times. If only the pho wasn't so damn good...
(4)
Tracy N.

I'm Vietnamese, so I'm very picky and when it comes to Vietnamese food in Columbus? This spot is one of the best, lots of marination, and very satisfying. The sand which and pho here is highly recommended.
(4)
Mindy C.

If you love pho and bahn mi, this could be your new favorite place! We drove across town to go and I would do that any day of the week. Polite service, authentic, and delicious. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Jojo K.

This is my favorite place for Vietnamese food! I love their fresh ingredients and all of the amazing flavors they offer. It's also difficult to choose what to eat because everything is so good! Their egg rolls are to die for!
(5)
Julie D.

Hands down the best Vietnamese we've had in columbus! Started w the fresh summer rolls w a unique peanut sauce, enjoyed an avocado smoothie, Vietnamese coffee (of course) and then throughly enjoyed the 27--beef stew w egg noodles. Perfectly seasoned broth that tasted like it had simmered for hours. I had a Bahn mi and finally tasted that I've been wanting to taste for years, the crisp and slightly chewy bread and the perfect combination of veggies and grilled pork. I've had Bahn mi before and pho before but this was really awesome!
(5)
Elijah K.

Highly recommend. First time trying this place and authentic Vietnamese food. Will be a regular visitor.
(5)
J Bradford L.

I have to thank my sister-in-law for dragging me to this place. We are both fans of Pho and other Vietnamese deliciousness. Mi Li did not disappoint. I had the pho special with all the different kinds of meat. Broth was excellent - people raved about the banh mis, which I am told Mrs. Mi Li makes everyone herself. I will have to try those next time. Great pho, there really can't be too many of these in town.
(4)
Ariel B.

This is hands down the best and most consistent Vietnamese in the Columbus, albeit not the most conveniently located. I have been going to Mi Li for four years and have yet to find a Pho that I like more or a bahn mi than is more savory and delicious. I have taken multiple out of town friends here and have never had anyone leave with a less than satisfied full belly. The only criticism I could even muster is of their bubble tea which only comes frozen causing the tapioca balls to become so tough that, before you reach the half way point of your drink, they are no longer able to navigate the straw. Simply put, Mi Li is a delicious diamond in the rough and worth the drive to Cleveland Ave every time.
(5)
Brett S.

This was my first experience with Vietnamese food, so it is tough for me to compare it to something else. I visited with my Dad, who spent a week in Vietnam last year. I didn't take David C's advice and get the Pho Bo; I like the concept of Pho, but it was a warm October day and I didn't feel like I needed something akin to a hot soup. Instead I ordered the vermicelli with grilled pork and some won-tons. The won-tons were excellent, probably the best I have ever had. Prior to my vermincelli showing up, I was brought a bowl with a spoon. It was cool, a yellow-ish broth with carrots and green vegetables floating in it. I assumed (due to the spoon) that it was a soup; but after tasting it (it was salty, sweet, and maybe a little fishy) determined it was probably a sauce for the entree. Either way, I didn't particularly care for it. However, the vermicelli was quite interesting. It was rice noodles with delicious strips or pork with peanuts and green leafy vegetables mixed in. There were a variety of condiments on the table; I particularly liked this fiery red sauce that I first suspected might be ketchup. I applied a few squirts to my bowl and dove in. There were some other sauces that were more like salsa in appearance, I don't know what they were, but there's always next time. I feel like when sushi was relatively new in America there was a lot of explaining of what was what from helpful servers and laminated menu cards. You don't get that sort of explanation here, or at least we didn't. The service was efficient (a young woman) and a nice older lady came over to ensure our meal was to our expectations (not having any expectations myself, I said yes!). However, they don't exactly hold your hand and walk you through the menu. I am fine with this, but I am also totally comfortable eating some things without necessarily fully understanding what they are or how they are customarily consumed; others may be less comfortable munching on their own ignorance. I will go back for sure - the food was very good and per my Dad and other reviewers quite authentic. However, before I do I will do a little more reading on the various condiments and menu items I didn't quite understand in order to learn a little more from the experience.
(4)
Gary K.

I do love me some good Pho!!!! Unfortunately for me, this place is Just ok... I've been here several times, and I have to say the only reason I come back is because it is convenient and closer than all the other better places I prefer. I've had worse... but I've definately had better... all here in Columbus. If your in the area, give it a try, but I wouldn't drive across town... like I said... its just ok.
(3)
Andrea Y.

I had the vermacelli pork dish and summer rolls, and while they weren't the best ever, I've definitely had worse. Summer rolls were not soggy at all, which I appreciated since I saved one to eat later. Sauce was tasty, and not the average peanut butter concoction you can get at least places. The bun was heartier than I'm used to, with bits of fresh basil thrown in there. Service was fast. I order, went to the bathroom and came back to all my food on the table.
(3)
M Y.

Not the best banh mi, nor the best pho I've ever had, but it works. It's a hole in the wall place in a bad strip mall, so I'd probably not go all that frequently. Still, if I'm craving some Vietnamese food in Columbus, I'd probably pick this place.
(4)
Gerry J.

Open the door, look for a table, ignore the menu in front of you and immediately order the Bahn Mi without further ado. The bread is warm and toasted nicely, the combination of grilled pork, cilantro, jalapenos and I think those secret unknown black sauce make this sandwich truly an award deserving dish!!
(4)
Tony A.

Second visit here and each time I sat next to the window which was buzzing with flies. Once again, I moved to a table further inside. Service here has always been less than desirable. I always felt as though I was being rushed. The pho I had (number 20, I can't remember what it is in Vietnamese) was pretty good and that is this establishment's saving grace. But, once again I was thrown back into my overall distaste for Mi Li when I did not even receive a "thank-you" after paying my check. I would probably not come back to this restaurant.
(2)
Cynthia H.

Found this little place while going to the thrift shop in the same shopping center. We called in our order, the meatless Pho and a Bahn Mi sammich. After hearing about them both on Yelp, we were a bit unimpressed by the sandwich. The bread was good but there wasn't enough filling to really round it out, making it basically french bread with jalapeno pepper burning your mouth. It honestly contained one real tablespoon of pork, and 2 tablespoons of carrot/cucumber, & 4 jalapeno slices!! The Pho on the other was very good. A large feeds 2 people when combined with a sandwich. Yum Yum!! We'll be back to try the spring rolls, and of the coruse, more PHO!!
(3)
Yan Z.

I like the sauce for the summer role. Not so much for the summer role itself. Pho tastes good! Will come again.
(4)
Carrie M.

Decent. The food is good, but if you're used to eating pho you'll find the serving size here a little stingy - granted, all that really means is that I can actually FINISH the servings here. The bubble tea flavors are very limited, and they were out of 1 or 2 I wanted. I ended up with Pineapple, which to my horror was not a real pineapple flavor, but a really gross artificial taste. I'd recommend the coffee flavor - which is kind of like a DQ Moolatte with bubbles.
(3)
Paul T.

1st of all I'm originally from the west coast (O.C) to be exact. So coming from S. California very diverse group of people there with China Town,Korea Town, Little Saigon,etc........By far out of all the Vietnamese food I have tried here in Columbus Mi LI Cafe is constant with they're foods. Authentic & original. I come here almost everyday getting the same thing Cafe Sua Da and Banh Mi Cha and sometimes with to Pho. Yes I'm a pig when I come here. I order like if there's 3 people ordering. Well, thank god there's Mili Cafe otherwise I would be home sick......
(5)
Matt W.

Mi Li is a perfect example of a great strip mall joint, offering delicious Vietnamese food for cheap! One of the things I occasionally get jealous of is friends in New York or OC, with their large Vietnamese communities, who can get Pho or a Banh Mi for a few dollars anywhere in the city. At Mi Li (formerly Mi Mi's), you get food of a quality that matches those larger cities, but unlike some places in town, the price is competitive as well - $4 for a Banh Mi, $7 for a bowl of Pho. (Note: Even the small Pho is quite big - don't be surprised if it fills you up.) As much as I enjoy the Pho here, and the fact that they offer some of the most extensive combinations compared to other local Vietnamese restaurants I've tried, the Banh Mi is the star here - the grilled meats and pickled veggies are excellently flavored, the garlicky spread setting off the flavors perfectly, and the kicker is the exceptional bread - crusty and flavorful, but still tender and toothsome inside without getting mushy or soggy under the filling. I'm also a fan of the shredded pork salad rolls - a little bit of a texture challenge if you're used to fried spring rolls or egg rolls, but worth a try! For dessert, they do offer bubble and milk teas, but the way to go is the rainbow drink - Che Ba Mau, with it's thick, sweet condensed milk, dried fruit, and sweet beans over ice, or some Ca Phe Sue Da - sinfully dark iced coffee cut with sweetened milk.
(5)
Stephanie K.

After being introduced to Banh Mis in Boston's Chinatown, I was determined to find a decent one in Columbus when I moved back to my hometown. I was pretty disappointed with my local Vietnamese joints so I turned to Yelp and found this restaurant. Thank you Yelp. I love you. The Banh Mi at this place is amazing. It's a perfect blend of savory, sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy. Each sandwich features pate, cilantro, pickled carrots and cucumber, jalapenos, and pork on crunchy french bread. The Pho is purty fantastic as well. The staff is friendly and once even accomodated a vegetarian friend of mine who wanted a Banh Mi. They subbed butter for the pate and piled the veggies high.
(4)
Kitty K.

I'm a pho girl through and through, and Mili is very fresh and very clean. The bean sprouts were nice bright white crisp (not at all wilty and browning like many places). Basil was bright and firm too. The tables and chairs and condiment jars on the table are clean, not sticky. I've tried most of the appetizers, all of which were delicious and accompanied with appropriate sauces. They also have an pretty good selection of bubble teas/juices. Definitely will be going back.
(4)
Lori C.

I tried this place for the first time on Saturday as part of a Columbus Food Adventures tour, and sampled the banh mi sandwich. It. was. amazing. Definitely the kind of flavor and texture combination that cravings are made of. The bread is so fresh, and so perfectly compliments the richness of the pork, pate and mayo - then the fresh, cold veggies are in counterpoint to the spiciness of the jalepeno. It's just delicious, and I can't wait to get back up there to have another. And another!
(4)
Nick M.

The bread on the sandwiches is about all I can reccommend, it was fresh and very tasty. The sandwich was passable, but between the pork sandwich and the crab meat soup it was cilantro overload, it was all i could taste the rest of the day. Good to experience something new but I would not go back or tell friends to try this place.
(1)
Catherine J.

I had it on good authority from a friend who has tried Banh Mi all over Columbus that this is the best place around. My first Banh Mi experience was a good one at Mi Li Cafe! The combo of flavors-- French-meets-Pacific-- works so well. Each bite of the sandwich was unique and mega-flavorful: pate, veggies, pork (cold or grilled), cilantro, jalapenos and many other things I probably couldn't identify right away. There's pretty much only two types of banh mi here, the cold pork or the grilled. My dining mate and I ordered one of each, and traded halves. I can appreciate a smaller, honed menu, but a little more variety would be good. Beware that the jalapenos on these are SPICY. I enjoy the burn, but just an FYI. Also beware of pate burps later on in your afternoon. Hmm...what else? I got a Bubble Smoothie, honeydew flavor. I enjoyed it, but I''m not a bubble connoisseur. I thought it was a little bit expensive for a smoothie ($4) but I felt the sandwich was a pretty good value so it didn't bother me. The decor leaves something to be desired, but no one is coming here for ambiance. The place felt clean. Any lack of styling is definitely overlook-able. Service was great-- speedy, non-invasive, and efficient. They keep on top of water refills, which is necessary with those jalapenos. More Banh Mi, please!
(4)
Tom L.

Mi Li is only in the money making business rather than serving real Vietnamese food or trying to make a difference in Ohio. I am Vietnamese and eating at Mi Li is a disappointment. The servings are too small, the prices are inflated (by $2-$3 when compared to other states) and the flavors are not worth the price to value for what you get. I ordered rice with grill pork chops today and it was disappointing. The rice was hard and cold, the pork tasted it came out of a bag so it turned out to be dry, and the soup was not hot. I decided to leave and not finish my kid serving where then employees kept swirling around my bill to wait to pick up the cash. An employee then asked me if the food was good only when I was about to pay and not even my server came. I typically tip 25% but I couldn't bare tip on bad service and food quality.
(1)
Rach W.

I like it, pretty authentic, I like their noodles a lot. Thai tea is a bit too sweet. Pho is very good!
(5)
Eddie Y.

First time here and I was fairly satisfied. The pho was pretty decent. Ordered the a large beef bowl, and while the noodles seemed scant, at least there were plenty of other goodies in there. Broth was pretty decent but I still prefer Huong's. Never tried the bahn mi elsewhere in Columbus, but no complaints. Service was flaky. We were the only ones there and all four employees were watching a soap opera while we waited on refills and our forgotten sub order. Decent food, nothing special, but the service makes me want to look elsewhere if I have the option (seems hit or miss).
(3)
Chip B.

I will admit, people have to sort of poke and prod me to go to this place at times. I don't know what is wrong with me, but it always occurs to me that this place will be boring. Then I get there and actually eat something and mentally brow beat myself for the next hour as I am reminded with each bite how really excellent things are here. I am not a fancy guy... I go straight for the pho with rare beef and a sandwich. They have a roasted pork as well as a cold cut sandwich. Both are great. Both are peppery and sweet and savory and filled with crunchy vegetables and served on a crusty baguette. Just get a sandwich, any sandwich and thank me later. Then there is the pho. The broth is that excellent savory, sour, beefy "no thing from this planet should have this many competing flavors and still work" thing that makes pho pho. Add basil, bean sprouts, some menagerie of sauces (soy, fish, hoisin, various house made sriracha and pepper pastes) and I am in heaven. Great place, not fancy by any stretch, but by gum it is good.
(5)
Muness A.

Delicious fresh food, quick service for a great price with entrees from 6 to 10 dollars.
(5)
Dennis L.

I wish I could combine Mi Li with Huong a few miles southwest. Huong has the best pho in the city, but their banh mi leaves something to be desired. Mi Li's pho is good, but the flavor of the broth doesn't make me swoon like Huong's does. But Mi Li's banh mi is delicious beyond belief. The bread is so crispy and piping hot, and the grilled pork, mayo, veggies and herbs that lie within all blend to create that unique and amazing banh mi flavor. The service at Mi Li falls short of Huong as well... fairly attentive but not overtly friendly. The toppings served with the pho sometimes haven't included cilantro, and I prefer the typical Japanese-style spoons to the giant steel spoons you get here. Finally, I was disappointed in my Vietnamese iced coffee, which didn't come in its own steeper as it does at every other Vietnamese restaurant I've ever been to, but was premixed in a glass, and was throat-searingly sweet. If it weren't for the banh mi, I wouldn't have much reason to come back here, but that sandwich is well worth the drive.
(4)
Michael C.

Having grown up eating Banh Mi every other week in Oklahoma City, I can say that Mi Li's authenticity and taste is spot on. The two versions they offer, regular cold cut and grilled pork, are both equally satiating thanks with the help of the fresh and crispy French bread they're served on. My second favorite item on the menu is a dish I also loved as a child, the Banh Cuon Cha Lua. These are basically little thin steamed crepes made of rice flour stuffed with ground pork, wood-ear mushroom and onions. The crepes are served with Cha Lua (Vietnamese pork loaf) and a lightly steamed cilantro bean sprout mix to be topped off by a healthy dousing of Nuoc Mam (fish sauce). The Pho here isn't bad either. The Bun (vermicelli) and Com (rice) dishes, on the other hand, need a bit of work in my opinion. The vermicelli they choose to use is too thick, sticky and cooked too soft. This type is usually reserved for noodle soups instead of the bowl of Bun. The Cha that comes with the Com was a bit dry and bland. Overall, my visits to Mi Li's for my two favorite dishes are usually satisfying. The staff there are usually very friendly and service is good. Tip: Before we're done with our meal, my wife and I usually order two sandwiches to go. The next day, we take them out of the fridge, zap them for 1 minute, then finish them off in the toaster oven until crispy again. Mmmm.....
(4)
Nate S.

The Bahn Mi is impeccable. Honestly, the grilled pork on the grilled pork Bahn Mi is so good a diner could slap it on a blue plate and people would beat a path to their door. And the bread? Man. Audibly crisp on the outside while still wonderfully moist and chewy on the inside, this is among the best baguettes I've ever eaten. And the pho? Probably top five I've ever had, and I've eaten a lot of Pho. The pho dac biet, compete with meatballs and tripe is the way to go. The broth has a perfect, slow-cooked beefy richness, and is very spice forward, with lots of star anise. Service is super friendly, and gives off the vibe that they are genuinely proud of the food they serve, which is something I really like. Also, portions are large and prices are small. Also, unrelated to Mi Li's awesomeness, it is located in what is probably the coolest strip mall in the city (yeah, I just said that), with a great Halal market and bakery, an Ohio Thrift, an Ollie's, and a 24-hour bowling alley!
(5)
Christina C.

What are you looking for? Authentic Vietnamese? Jackpot! My second trip here was just as wowing as the first - with the legendary Banh Mi - complete with beef and egg noodles and summer rolls. Service was on-par and genuine - and very Vietnamese. I'm not sure how we would've enjoyed our meals without her - she gave us so many helpful tips! From "break the basil like this" to "squeeze the lime and dip the beef chunks in this," each bite was more enjoyable than the last thanks to her direction. So unassuming - next to a Waterbeds -n- Stuff and all - but so amazing!! I really want to take everyone I know here to introduce them to the world that now includes an addictive Banh Mi. Be alerted that the beef in the beef stew is full of fat, but the stew itself is just delicious. Love-ly, Mi Li. Just love-ly.
(4)
Craig C.

A couple notes right at the top: The location has changed it's name from Mi Mi Cafe to Mi Li Cafe. This is to prevent confusion with Mimi cafe in Polaris, or mimi maternity. Also, location is on Fiji drive, Columbus SQ does not exist. I used this place as a test of Yelp. I picked somewhere close to my office that was highly rated, and tried it. I would have NEVER found this place or ventured into it on my own. I'm so glad I did. it's as basic as it gets. A tasty spicy sandwich full of stuff I don't know. It was empty when I was there, so I had time to talk to the owners about the name change. 4.50 for the sandwich and a glass of water, and it's just the right size for lunch without going into an afternoon coma. I've become a fan, not only of this place, but vietnamese food in general. I'll be back! They do now accept credit cards, but only on transactions greater than 10 bucks. So, buy lunch for three friends, and make them fans too.
(5)
Joshua L.

Not quite the hole in the wall that normally attracts me since it gets more press than most, but definitely delicious! I could tell you to try the bahn mi, the buhn, and the pho, which are all quite good, but you CANNOT miss the spicy beef noodle soup. Incredible broth, although it will vary depending on who's in the kitchen that day!
(5)
Katye M.

We went to dinner here as a group of 10 after reading some of the reviews and not seeing a menu (we couldn't find one online), I was the only vegetarian. There are no vegetarian dishes on the menu! Everything has either some form of meat (pork or beef mainly) or fish (crab, fish sauce, etc.). I talked with the owner for quite awhile to figure out if there was anything they could make that didn't have meat or fish in it and she assured me that there was and she would take care of it - I honestly had no idea what I was going to get, but thought it was going to be the vermicelli with a soy sauce. I was happy they were wiling/able to accommodate. I ended up getting the crepes, which looked like large rice noodles that had about an inch diameter hole; they had cucumber and a couple vegetables on top. The sauce was a soy base with a few vegetables mixed in and the sauce was supposed to go on top. The crepe noodles were very dry alone, but soaked up the sauce, which gave it some flavoring. Although I was very happy they were willing to make a special dish for me, it wasn't that great. I did have the mango smoothie (they were out of the "bubbles" to make it a bubble smoothie), which was very good. The rest of the group ordered various dishes including the specialty pho, beef pho, crab soup, vermicelli with pork, egg rolls (pork), and a couple other dishes. They all really liked their food with the exception of the crab soup. The comments on the crab soup was that it was very fishy, but didn't taste like crab at all. For their meals, they all ordered a "small," which was very big and most had leftovers. The service was very attentive and accommodating to the entire group. Although I wouldn't return, a few people in our group said they would - particularly for the beef/signature pho. Also, they only accept credit cards if your bill is over $10...
(1)
Erin H.

Wow is all I can say after our recent lunch here last weekend. Visiting friends in Columbus I did not expect to have an excellent Vietnamese meal, but boy did we! Our table ordered an assortment of things and loved them all. The bahn mi was definitely a highlight - boy do I wish someone in Ann Arbor would open a place that does these! We all enjoyed our Pho, and the springrolls. The service was great - fast and nice!
(4)
Edy D.

I always love the food here. The Summer Rolls and Won Ton soup are my favorites.
(4)
Alex K.

I didn't expect much, coming from San Jose myself, where there are dozens of awesome Pho places, but I could tell from the smell of the restaurant it was going to be good. (Pho gives the restaurant a distinct smell when it is good) I was impressed by the soup, and the amount of beef they gave, and they also gave plenty of tripe in my Combo bowl. However, for the price, they really should fill it up, and I wanted more noodles when all was said and done. For Columbus, though, without a giant Vietnamese population I have to say I was very impressed and would definitely go again. On a negative note, I like my sprouts very fresh, and the ones they gave me were darkened and did not look good at all, so I did not touch them. The Sandwich was also delicious, I took one to go since it had good reviews, and I thought it was great.
(4)
Alexander B.

As my mom is Vietnamese, I grew up on the cusine. After 12 years living in NYC, I've checked out a lot of places to get the real deal. This stuff is awesome. I really wondered if I'd be able to find good Vietnamese when I moved here, and I just happened to find this place driving around. The big "Banh Mi" and "Pho Fresh everyday" written on the window made me pull over and when I walked in, I almost whimpered with relief to hear Vietnamese being spoken, and to smell real honest-to-God Vietnamese cooking. The Banh Mi is pretty good, espeically the grilled pork, but the real star to me is the Pho. Rice noodle soup served with a beef broth, you can tell it's made fresh (VERY key), and they give out all the fixings that make it real - lime, bean sprouts, basil and of course hoisin and red pepper at the table. Definitely on par with some of the better places I used to go to in Chinatown. Don't go if you put as much emphasis on decor as you do on food. Interior is simple, even barebones, but I like it that way. It menas they're concentrating on what's important - good, flavorful, satisfying and surprisingly affordable dishes. PS - If you're a fan of Buon Cuon, theirs is pretty darn good, too.
(4)
Josh Y.

The pho was alright. a decent bowl of pho. Although I don't think it was very large. Actually only the special pho (all the meats: meatballs, tripe, beef, and rare beef) is $7 for regular and $8 for large. The other types are $6.50 and $7.00. Service was good.
(4)
Scott K.

Great assortment of Pho here and fresh! They were also super generous with the Vietnamese basil. I have been to a variety of Vietnamese restaurants, but this place has some of the best variety of pho that I have ever been to. Since some people at our table were unfamiliar with Vietnamese food, the server was very helpful and took the time to clearly explain items on the menu. I was only in town a few days and wish I went back to this place for round two.
(5)
emily w.

We tried the vermicelli with spring rolls and the beef stew with rice noodles. Both were quite good. The broth, in particular, was excellent. I love the mix of fresh herbs and veggies in Vietnamese cooking. Dinner was unbelievably cheap. Not a ton of English is spoken here, but enough for us to get by. The restaurant is very clean, and the location easy to get to - just off Cleveland Ave.
(4)
Paul F.

I went over to get a bowl of their Pho and perhaps I built it up in my own mind but it was just okay.
(3)
Pra R.

I went there today. It's OK but I had better. It will be great for American because they don't know much about real authentic. I think Pho is good because I taste the soup but I am not a soup person. I like "Nam Neoung" but they don't make it. I'll keep looking for other Vietnamese restaurant
(3)
Julie P.

Mi Li wins for the best Bahn Mi sammies I've had since leaving California. The bread is excellent - crispy on the outside, soft and slightly chewy on the inside, and very very fresh. The pate is flavorful and the veggie toppings are also fresh. I had the grilled pork this time around - I will have to be back for the traditional cold cut. Yum Time! The pho is good, but not exceptional. I like that it comes in a small or large size. We also had a beef stew, which was a unique vegetable and meat stew with spices, thicker than pho and served with a fresh lime and black pepper sauce. This comes with rice or egg noodles, which is cool for a change. The service is very nice and attentive, I appreciate them going extra mile to explain the food. Unfortunately, we were served an iced coffee instead of hot. I guess we should have clarified when ordering. Ordering involved a bit of pointing due to a small language barrier. Don't let this dissuade you from trying the place, just be patient and make sure everyone understands. I'll be back soon! :D
(4)
Sandy M.

Of all the pho I've had in Columbus (Ha Long Bay, North Market and Pho Noodle House), I think the broth of Mi Li is definitely the best. Although I don't eat tripe and other components of the traditional bowl of pho, I think they really make the pho broth authentic and flavorful. Although I've read reviews saying that the Mi Li pho wasn't too great, I thought it was fantastic. My husband, who got the banh mi sandwich, absolutely loved it and he agreed with me about the pho. He also thought it was great. And, for the large bowl of soup, one banh mi and one soda, the bill came out to just about $15, which is a greal deal. And, the service was also very good. It seemed like the entire family was working in the kitchen, with the mother making the aazing sandwiches and the kids preparing the pho, waiting tables and taking phone orders. They do have somewhat of a very limited menu but I won't complain too much since they make what is on their menu so well. I just wish they had some other very common vietnamese fare such as the summer rolls. Also, the portions were not too big. The banh mi, which apparently tasted far sperior to the one in North Market, was a bit small and although I ordered the large portion of the pho to share with my husband, it wasn't that big at all. I wanted to try their bubble tea but they were out of bubbles (tapioca). I will definitely be going back and hopefully then, they'll have the tapioca for the tea.
(4)
Jurgen J.

I tried both the pho and the summer roll. I have to say the Pho are OK. The meat are tasty and the broth is flavorful. I think it's not that much different than the ones in North Market or Ha Long Bay. The summer roll was not as good as others in town. The sandwich is what makes this place better than others. The bread is toasted to perfection. Inside was grilled pork and jalapenos. As everyone mentioned in their reviews, the Banh Mis are the star in this place. I would give this place 3.5 stars, but it really doesn't deserve a 4 star. I would want to drive to this place, from the campus area just to have the Bahm Mi. But still, the Bahm Mi deserves a stellar 4.
(3)
David L.

Taste: 3 Value: 2 Service: 3 2pm on a Sunday, and I haven't gotten lunch yet. I scan through my Yelp bookmarks, and I decide that some banh mis would hit the spots, so out I drive from Easton. My Garmin couldn't find the Yelp address, so I just fired up my Yelp app and used the map function. Little did I know, but the address listed is completely wrong. The correct address is 5858 Emporium Sq Columbus, OH 43231. (Christina, can you please fix this since I don't have admin rights?) Because of this, I ended up driving all the way to Worthington and spent another 10 minutes looking around before I called up the owner and was told it's at 161 and Cleveland. That sucked. I decide to get some groceries at CAM since I'm close by, and I finally drop by Mi Li to pick up two banh mis. FYI, they're right behind Sunoco, which I took 5-10 minutes of driving around the square to find out. 1. Grilled pork banh mi, $5 So-so. Bread was pretty good, but again the rest was pretty standard. I did feel really thirsty after. Apparently they only have this and cold pork slices banh mi. Talk about variety. Unfortunately, what people have said about Asian food in Columbus is more or less true, as there are so many better options back home in CA, where there's 8-10 banh mi shops in the nearby city, each for only $2.50-3.
(3)
Diesel P.

Really good pho... better than most others around town. Don't expect much for atmosphere, but what else do you need? Keep your face pointed toward the bowl, chomp your excellent pho, and try to decipher what the old vietnamese guys in the corner are chattering about. The summer roll didn't blow me away but the sauce was great. I'll be back for sure.
(4)
Michael S.

I love Mi Li's! This was my first introduction to Vietnamese food. Everything I have had there has been wonderful. Bubble Tea, Spring Rolls and Pork Vermicelli bowl. The mixture of the cold and hot is awesome. Great place for lunch. Orders are up pretty quickly!
(5)
Tess P.

Loved this! Food sooo good, the Pho is fantastic! Love all the sauces, the fresh flavors. I am excited about a return trip very soon to try more items on the interesting menu!
(4)
michael c.

Made it back here the other day to see if the menu held up with the name change from MiMi to MiLi Cafe.. I'm pleased to say it has (at least for the Bahn Mi)... Evidently the name was changed to resolve a trademark issue (with Bob Evans evidently), but the owners are still doing magic. While I was waiting for my sandwich to be made, the woman making it pointed out that their pate is made in house (ahh, no wonder it's so great) as are some of the sauces they use. This is one of the best Bahn Mi I've had anywhere (even in Houston and LA) and I highly recommend it.. Perhaps sometime I'll retry the Pho, but it's just too hard to get away from the Bahn Mi... 4 stars on the strength of the sandwich alone (seriously debated 5 stars)
(4)
Moriah P.

This place doesn't look like much from the outside but, man, the food is good. So good that I am taking the time to write his review in the midst of an exciting NBA game. When we first walked in the place was loud and bursting with activity. There were people watching television, people talking (in what I presume was Vietnamese), bustling employees, and people eating yummy looking food. The service was quick and attentive. We ordered summer rolls to share, a banh mi w/ grilled pork for me, and some sort of rice + different variations of pork dish for my dining partner. Soon after ordering our summer rolls were brought to the table with a brown dipping sauce that had shredded carrots floating in it. I was very pleased to see two huge whole shrimp inside each roll as well as some pork. Tasty. Pretty much right as we were finishing our rolls our server brought out the rest of our food. My partner really enjoyed his rice + pork dish that came with a couple of sauces and broths to spoon over the rice... But, I'm not here to talk about rice, I'm here to tell you about the amazing banh mi w/ grilled pork that I had. That banh mi was so good it deserves it's own paragraph. First, let's talk about the bread. The warm, crispy, chewy, toothsome bread. It was like a French baguette but, a little different and from what I have heard banh mi bread is different from a French baguette in the way that it is made from both rice and wheat flour. Either way, it was delicious. Next, let's talk about the fillings...the cucumber, the spiced grilled pork, the pate, the creamy mayo, the hot peppers, the cilantro...I could do this all day, you know? But, I'll stop and just tell you that it was like the best fireworks show ever in my mouth. Everything worked perfectly with each other, the mayo and the cucumber cooled the spice of the pork + the peppers, the cilantro added that bright fresh flavor that so much food needs but, is often neglected of, and the bread added lovely heartiness and a comfort food component to the over-all sandwich. I really don't think I've ever had a more perfectly put together sandwich. However, the piÃ¨ce de rÃ©sistance of the whole meal was the chili sauce that you can spoon out from a jar onto your plate to use however you want or into any of their sauces for your rice, etc. I'm a junkie for this type of thing and always keep jars of sambal oelek and tuong ot toi in my own fridge to add to almost everything and I can say that what they have sitting in that little inconspicuous container on their tables is a million times better than whatever I have in my fridge. It's also better than different versions of the same stuff I've had at other restaurants. It's super spicy and bright with vinegar so if you aren't a fan of either flavors just save this stuff for people like me who can't get enough. It reminded me of what the sun may taste like if the sun was edible...fresh, bright, and tongue scorching. I loved it. After lunch I came home and took a nap only to later wake up with thoughts of that spicy chili sauce and delicious sandwich. I think I'm addicted.
(4)
Ilea M.

A great little gem in a very unassuming package. The Pho broth is pretty flavorful and the condiments and vegetables are always fresh. The summer rolls are pretty tasty as well and are among my favorites in addition to the bubble tea. The service is courteous and the restaurant is clean. I order take-out from here approximately once every 2 months or so and I've been consistently satisfied with my meal quality. My only reason for not giving this restaurant a 5 is because although the food is very good and the people there seem friendly enough, it is a very utilitarian place to eat. which isn't my preference for eating in.
(4)
Beth S.

I've made it by this place every month or so for a while now, and I'm always satisfied walking out of this place. My tummy always thanks me! This little cafe stuck in a strip mall is the perfect little in and out joint for a late morning breakfast of pho after a night of drinking. Lemme say this now; their pho works magic on hangovers. Needless to say, I'm a big fan of tasty pho, which is what they've got. It's cheap going at $6 a bowl for beef noodle soup, but you can get a LARGE size bowl for like a dollar or so more. When i go, I usually get the small bowl, my boyfriend gets the large bowl, and we split a bahn mi. The bahn mi is like nothing I've ever tasted in Columbus. I just love how the Vietnamese know how to pack so many flavors into one bite. The Vietnamese hot and cold coffees are delicious as well. Don't let their small sizes disappoint you, they pack a punch. The bubble teas are okay as well. Lots of flavor. A while back they had to change their name from MiMi's to MiLi's due to their name being the same as the cafe up in Polaris. I'm told that they were also shut down at the same time due to health department reasons. They have since installed a hood in their kitchen, and gotten rid of their big tacky big screen tv. The colors of the walls are garish, but nothing that distracts me from my meal. The staff is always willing to chat, even if half of what they say i have no idea that it is cause their accents are so heavy. Over all good experience with these guys.
(4)
Elena T.

u can't go wrong here! most authentic Vietnamese cooking next to my Mom's!
(5)
Tedd B.

I love Mi Li, i can not say it enough. i am from orange county and I am, by birthright spoiled because of little Saigon and all of the amazing Pho spots there. I decided to look around to see if i could find something that would make me feel at home and Mi Li does it....there is no other spot in C-bus that does it as well as they do...the broth is hearty, the beef is amazing and plenty, summer rolls are just what the home sick needed. Iced Coffee is the most amazing thing ever. I am so happy that Mi Li is in Columbus...I will openly admit...I eat here about three times a week.
(4)
Diana U.

One of the more authentic Vietnamese restaurants that I've found in Cbus. I'm not used to paying so much for a Banh Mi, but it's well worth it since it's the best I've had in town. I think the pho is mediocre here - they don't give a lot of meat in the soup. I'd recommend newbies to stick with the Vietnamese sandwiches and rice plates here. Oh! And if you need a pick-me-up...the iced coffee will do just that!
(4)
Sara S.

I have had Banh Mi sandwiches made by Asian relatives, eaten them from shops in Viet town in Chicago, had them at Asian festivals and parties and other local Vietnamese restaurants, yet none of these have compared to the Banh Mi that you will get from MiLi. The wonderful blend of textures and flavors compliment each other so well that I become a glutton and scarf down 2 sandwiches everytime I go. The daikon soaked carrots give just the right amount of sour, the pate and cilantro adding just the right amount of bitter, and the hot peppers give it that kick we all love in southeast Asian food. You can order with the cold cut pork or the grilled pork. I prefer the cold cut pork. Even if you've never been a huge cold cut fan, I promise this will change your mind. By far the best sandwich in town!!!!
(5)
Suzanne M.

**Update** 10/13 I can't believe that it's taken this long to get back to Mi MI Cafe, but we don't eat out all that often, and Cleveland Ave is a bit of a trek for us. This time we tried a few different things, and it's worth letting people know about them. Tragically, I tried the Ban Canh Cua. This was described as rice noodles in soup with pork ,fish cake and mushrooms. Unfortunately, it came in a gloopy sauce thickened with cornstarch and colored hot pink by... something that I hope has artificial origins. It tasted okay, but by comparison to everything else here, I would never get this again. Luckily, we had the inverse experience with my husband's choice: Ban Cuon. It was so GROOD, and by that I mean great and good! I had mentioned before that I missed bun, the classic rice noodle salad topped with fried egg rolls and barbecued meat. Ban Cuon fills that void in my food cravings, as it brings together the best aspects of fresh spring rolls (salad, rice flour crepes and fish sauce) and ban mi (vietnamese bologna). Plus, it's topped with tasty fried shallots. It's pure bliss, and totally cancels out the sadness of the similarly named Ban Canh Cua. **** My husband and I moved here from California last fall, so hopefully you can understand why we were pining away for good pho. We tried Lac Viet in the North Market and Ha Long Bay in Polaris, but neither really satisfied us. Happily, we found Mi Mi Cafe, after some consultation with yelp and other Columbus food blogs. The pho here is very nice--not quite up to West Coast standards, but still more complex and beefy tasting (to our palates) than the other places we have gone to. The noodles were the correctly texture--with a little bite and not clinging together in a sticky wad at the bottom of the bowl. I hate that. Also they have beef balls, slow cooked brisket and tripe! I think that the other Vietnamese places we tried are operating under the belief that Americans won't like tripe. Unfortunately, this is probably true for the most part. But WE like it, and were happy to find it here. Lastly, the garnish was really fresh and generous in quantity--perfect for doctoring the soup to one's own tastes. The banh mi was one of the best I have had. I liked it a lot, but to be fair, I probably won't get it that often because I'll always choose noodles over a sandwich. So I am probably not the best judge. Finally, the mango bubble smooth was awesome! At dim sum, I love to get mango pudding (isn't what you always hoped play-do would taste like as a kid?). The mango smoothie tasted just like that--but you can just sip it through a straw! Yay for laziness! A side note: The decor is... a little odd. Be prepared for unusual architectural flourishes and color combinations. Another side note: I was a little sad that they didn't have bun (vermicelli with salad and barbecued meat). I know that I can get it at Ha Long or Lac Viet, but I wasn't satisfied with their offerings either. Last side note: It is a little more expensive than the typical California place, so West Coast ex-pats beware. Overall, the food was good and the service was very attentive. This will be place we will be going for a Vietnamese food craving (probably pretty soon).
(4)
Caroline C.

This is another place I've been meaning to try for a while but never seemed to get round to it. Mi Mi's Cafe is located in a grotty-looking strip mall off of Cleveland Ave. Unfortunately, the decor inside isn't that much better than that outside. We went at lunch time with the intention of trying their pho, and banh mi sandwich. We were kinda surprised to see only two other items on the menu - some kind of crepe and another noodle soup. I would have liked to have had an appetizer or two. We were seated promptly, and water and menus were given immediately. His banh mi ($4.50) was brought quickly, and he scarfed it down in minutes - nice warm crusty French bread, tender pork, a lick of mayonnaise, and plenty of cilantro and jalepeno slices. It was too spicy for me, but he thought it was perfect, if a little on the small side. I opted for a large pho ($8) and he chose a small ($6.50). Now I know this sounds kinda silly but, while I have never had pho before, I have read sooo many foodie reviews of it that I really think I know what makes a good pho. Based on this, I would say it was good but not excellent. The broth was fragrant with the right combination of spices but I didn't think it was rich enough. The beef balls (a measly four of them) were decent, as was the steak (again, there wasn't an awful lot of it). Oddly, my bowl had absolutely no tripe but his had quite a lot; he isn't a fan so he gave them to me. It was ok; not much flavor. The noodles were plentiful and nicely cooked. As Fen Z notes, the microwave was used (for each and every order), so I have to wonder exactly when the soup was freshly made. But anyway, all in all, it was alright, but I was still hungry by the end of the meal. If it was closer to home, I would be willing to return. As it is, this will most likely be my one and only experience of pho in Columbus. 11.11.08 Edit: I've eaten pho a bunch of times since this review (in Denver. I now live five mins from the "Little Saigon" district where, I swear, if you threw a rock you'd hit at least three Thai/Viet eateries). I've had MUCH better pho since, but theirs is pretty a-ok. They really need to step it up with their broth - it lacks the meaty depth of flavor and delicate spicing that makes for some damn good pho. They also need to be more generous with the meat, and maybe offer more menu options. But as far as Columbus pho goes, they've pretty much captured the market. $4.50 for banh mi IS extortionate though. I pay $2.75 for superb banh mi here in Denver.
(3)
Christine D.

Mi Mi's sure know their banh mi! HOT DAMN, was that good. It rivals the banh mi you find in Little Saigon. BBQ pork, cha lua (lean pork sausage/bologna), pickled daikon and carrots, a smear of pate and mayo, sliced jalapenos, cucumber, and cilantro in a toasted french baguette. My only gripe with it was that the sandwich was so warm, that it wilted the veggies. My cucumber was not so cool. They've also got boba smoothies, which I wouldn't order because frozen boba is gross. If you like coffee, get their ca phe sua da (Viet iced coffee). If you want it hot, just tell them "ca phe sua nong" (nong = hot). You can also ask for more or less milk, depending on how strong or sweet you drink it. I definitely agree with Michael C....this is the place for banh mi in Columbus! However, that's the only menu item that they do really well. The other items are pretty mehhh--yes, even the pho. I guess it tastes ok if you're new to Vietnamese food. For me, the broth was too bland.
(3)
Jee C.

Delicious! My favorite pho with Fresh and ample amount of veggies/greens to go in the pho! ~and awesome banh mi in columbus =D
(5)
Johaun C.

the banh mi here is DEFINITELY "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" i can say this with absolute confidence too. while i can't speak on banh mi from, say, vietnam--i have the sandwiches in San Francisco, New York City, and most recently Seattle. which surprised me with its unusually large communities of Vietnamese and Thai (read: TONS of Vietnamese and Thai restaurants). hands down, this is still the best banh me i've ever had the pleasure of digging into. the pho is solid, probably one of the better bowls in columbus--definitely have had better in aforementioned cities. BUT, can't say it enough, the sandwich here IS as good as it gets.
(5)
Chill W.

even tho this time they didnt give me enough meat and pork this is still Hands down the best place for pho in the city one of my reoccuring fav spots just for pho :-) u dont know get to know!
(4)
Scott B.

their sammy goes smoothly in my tummy. msg over powers their pho though.
(4)
Lance N.

Pho was actually decent and I ate here a bunch of times. The staff is terrible - I am Vietnamese and I overhear the waitress mock and patronize customers. The first time this happened I stopped coming here. I tried Huong Viet on Morse road, and they are excellent all around!
(2)
Dan D.

The Pho is probably the worst I've had and I've had a lot. There were only two options of Pho and I requested they leave out the tripe and they left it in. The broth had a bad smell to it that I've never smelled. The atmosphere is terrible there is a pool table dominating most of the room. Someone at the next table had a small dog sitting on a chair and occasionally stepping onto the table. In fairness the banh mi was not too bad. If you're looking for a good Vietnamese restaurant look elsewhere unless you only want a sandwich...and in that case get it to go.
(1)
F Z.

"This place is MoMo2 meets Vietnamese kitchen!" exclaimed my mom upon entering Mi Mi Cafe (not to be confused with Mimi's Cafe in Polaris.) It was 2pm and I was starving so I went straight for the Banh Mi and the Iced French Coffee. Banh Mi is back to $4.50, but it was definitely one of the best sandwiches I've had in a while. Despite the chock full of fatty goodness (meat + mayo), it wasn't too hefty of a sandwich. The iced coffee awakened every single taste bud. Part coffee and part sweetened condensed milk could very well be my unhealthiest cup of coffee EVER, seeing how my usual choice of sugar is Splenda and creamer, skim milk. My mom opted for the pho which was eminently slurpable but not overcooked. The pho came with chili sauce and hoisin (pronounced HOY-sihn.) I'll admit I was a bit hesitant in adding hoisin sauce to the already flavorful noodle soup at first, but I went ahead and tried it because I'm a sucker for hoisin sauce. Surprisingly, the flavors blend smoothly. My only complaint about the pho was it only contained a few measly pieces of meat. In addition, I have to question the freshness claim, since I heard several thunks of a microwave. Now, depending on the day/time/weather/etc, my parents and I usually speak strictly Mandarin, Taiwanese, Indonesian, or a conglomerate of the aforementioned languages plus Teochew. Today just happened to be conglomeration day which sent the owner (who's actually Chinese-Viet) asking where we were from, because she picked up bits and pieces of Mandarin along with other languages foreign to her. We ended up conversing in Mandarin for a bit, and I must say she's one of the humblest owners I've ever encountered. I might just have to make another trip back sometime in the near future for MMC's Banh Canh and Banh Cuon, but certainly not for the bubble teas--seeing how they were much pricier than MoMo's and Pochi's.
(4)
christopher c.

mmmm banh mi (vietnamese sandwich) and pho (beef noodle soup) all the way! over the last few months that i lived in columbus i became a regular here. they don't bother wasting their time with having too many menu items, they just stick with what's good! :) don't forget to bring cash cuz they don't take credit.
(5)
Greg K.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Over the last few years my wife and I have fallen deeper down the rabbits hole of Vietnamese cuisine. We have eaten at most, but probably not all, of the Vietnamese offerings in the Columbus area. There are a few that we still like and visit often but Mi Li, ohhh sweet Mi Li!!!! The Pho, both regular and Hue style, are perfect in every way. A bit of fat on the surface, fairly clear, complex with no one flavor overwhelming the other. As far as broth goes they are in the top 3 in Columbus, my favorite but the others are great too. The noodles, onion, beef, and all of the accouterments are of top quality. The Banh Mi Thit Cha is AMAZING!!! This is the tipping point that puts them as my favorite in Columbus. This sandwich is will blow your mind. The owner makes everyone of them herself. The bread is hot and fresh, the pickled veggies are great, and the cold cuts are so flavorful. What sets these apart though is the homemade pate, holy s@%t is it good. I know it has garlic in it but other than that I have intentionally not given it too much thought. I don't want to even consider trying replicating it and ruin it. The staff is courteous, efficient, and friendly. You may have to wait a bit for a sandwich while the owner skypes her family in Vietnam but it is worth the wait. My wife was away on business (Vietnam ironically) and the chef noticed I was eating alone and randomly brought me an order of egg rolls on the house and asked how I was. If this was TLDR Get the Banh Mi Thit Cha and thank me later.
(5)
Mary B.

I can't say enough about how awesome this place is. I have constant cravings. The pork and shrimp vermicelli is sweet and savory. Enough sweet and salty notes to keep you wanting more. The pho has a rich broth with lots of goodness inside. I recommend this place for the pho and vermicelli dishes. You are able to adjust the heat if you like it spicy one day or mild the next. The service is great and the food is quick. Fast casual. Add a bubble smoothie to take home. Great flavors like avocado , cappacino, pineapple, mango, etc.
(5)
Maureen H.

We've gone here several times, the food is always wonderful. There are times that our order gets lost in translation, especially if we have called it in. Over all I really enjoy it and plan on continuing patronize this establishment.
(3)
Lydia W.

It pains me to write this review, it really does, but I need to get it out. I came here on the recommendation of a credible dude. Had some time to spare, so I thought, hey girl, treat yoself to some authentic Vietnamese food. It's been a while since I had some bun so I was getting pretty excited. I drove 25 minutes out of the way for this. I walk in to a no-frills cafe, and thought that's good, no need to impress with looks or fancy-ness. The place was also filled with Vietnamese people, which I also took as a good sign. Since it was 90 degrees outside, I opted for a grilled pork and egg roll vermicelli, as well as a cafe sua da (iced coffee). I should have been concerned when, as soon as I headed back from the restroom, the food and coffee were being set on the table. I couldn't have been gone for more than 2 minutes. RED FLAG #1. So I start eating and decide to try out the egg rolls. Why did they taste like fried flour? If I wanted that, I would have gone to get myself a nice sweet donut. Please. This was not okay. I left the egg rolls neglected for the rest of my stay. The pork looked more like beef. It was so dark, but I decided to be brave. The taste was fine, but do I really think they grilled that in the time it took me to relieve myself? I shudder at how long it had been cooked for. The chunks were also cut into huge pieces, which was unfamiliar to me. I like the small, bite sized pieces that most places I've been to offer. I don't have too much to say about the vermicelli and the veggies - it's hard to mess that up. My final complaint is about the iced coffee. I mean for real. Just buy the chicory coffee and give me that sweet condensed milk. It was far too dark, far too burnt, and disgusting. How can you pass that off as cafe sua da? Overall, I am really sad that I paid $14 for a meal that was so sub par to any other Vietnamese food I have ever had. Perhaps I ordered the wrong things - my trusted recommender did say the banh mi and bun bo hue were good here. But will I come back to give Mi Li another chance? Methinks not. Unless you live close by or already have a good impression of this place, then I would not bother driving out of the way to come here. As much as I hate writing bad things about mom and pop shops, I just feel like this is not what a Vietnamese dining experience should be like.
(2)
Michael U.

So this is the thing. I like Vietnamese food a lot. But it occurred to me while enjoying this that I've never had bad Vietnamese food. Lucky or I just wouldn't know the difference? Either way we went to this place after we planned to go to Hoyo's Kitchen but it was closed for Ramadan. We got the pork spring rolls and the shrimp spring rolls. Both delicious. I ordered the combo plate with the meat patty, pork, rice and a few other things. Also good. My only regret was, after reading the review on the wall, not trying the sandwiches. I really enjoy just falling into a place and discovering something new by accident and that's what happened here.
(4)
Michael M.

I came here because I was in the area and really craving an authentic Bahn Mi. I found this place on Yelp so I gave it a try. For $5, I had a great Bahn Mi. Warm fresh bread, perfectly spiced, tasty pork. I didn't realize this place is primarily a sit-down and I was hoping to get it to go. No worries, I just sat at the bar while they made my food and packaged it to go. All I had was the sandwich, but it was fantastic. I would like to come back, sit down, and try some more food.
(4)
Arvid Y.

My favorite pho in Columbus thus far. Keep in mind, i've only been to Buckeye Pho and Lan Viet Market. There are still a couple of other places for me to try. Prices are average. $8 gets your a large pho and $3 gets you an order of summer rolls (2 rolls). They have an extensive menu and pretty much offer the gamut of Vietnamese food, from pho, bun bo hue, bahn mi, to rice dishes. I think the service at Mi LI is hit or miss. My waitress was very pleasant nice, but seemed a bit overwhelmed during a busy Saturday lunch. It also took awhile for the food to come out and for me to get the bill. The pho broth has a depth of flavor without being overly salty or oily. The portions of protein and noodles are decent. They also don't skimp on the condiments (sprouts, basil and culantro). Besides the rich broth, I enjoyed the texture of the noodles. They were a little more al dente and firm than other pho restaurants. I liked it (no one wants soggy noodles). The summer rolls were fresh with big pieces of shrimp, but overall pretty average. Anyways, i'll be back to try their other menu items. I don't really have a problem with the average service and decor. I'm pretty much here for the food and don't expect smiles and kowtows.
(4)
Daniela Z.

Grilled pork banh mi to die for!! Bread super fresh and has a wonderful crunch on the outside, warm & soft on the inside. Delicious grilled pork.
(5)
Steven Y.

This place is great, it is my go to for Pho. Been going for about 5 years. About 2 years ago one of the waiters suggested that I try the Bun Bo Hue, since then I haven't ordered Pho ever again, it is definitely worth a try. It's a lemongrass based broth with blood cubes, tendon, pork, and other goodies, I season mine with a bit of fish sauce, lime, & hot pepper oil sauce. It truly is delicious. My wife still orders the Pho and that is fantastic as well. Also try the summer rolls & the grilled pork sub, they are great as well. If you're into Vietnamese food this place is worth a try.
(5)
Alisha J.

We ordered well done and rare steak pho and grilled pork bahn mi. It was delicious. The prices are reasonable. Definitely a repeat location!
(5)
Whitney D.

Wow! I'm sad I waited this long to go to Mi Li cafe! I wanted to try two things so I ate part of the banh mi with cooked pork and the pho with rare beef. The service was fast and the food was so fresh! The bread and flavor combo with the banh mi was so balanced and delicious. I almost couldn't stop eating it! (I only planned on eating half) The pho was hot and had great flavor. The extra goodies were fresh and plentiful. They are also very generous on the portions! I highly recommend Mi Li and look forward to going back...maybe as soon as tomorrow!!!
(5)
Scott C.

Best Pho in town ! Small comfortable place , really good service been to several Pho places in town and there are some really good ones but this is my wife and My favorite!
(5)
Anna S.

This is the type of place I go to often, but always forget to write a review. So, if all these other reviews haven't convinced you, this really is the place to get a halfway decent Banh Mi in Columbus. And it's the upper level of "halfway decent' (meaning really quite delicious). The flavor of their sandwiches is quite consistent and I've never had a bad one. The bread is always crusty and the veggies fresh. I do find the location off-putting and have had pretty bad service quite a few times; hence the fewer stars.
(3)
Van S.

I was planning on bumping up my rating since this is my favorite place in the city to eat bun bo hue. However, I've noticed on my last couple visits that they've changed the ingredients. They've taken out a couple of my favorite parts: beef tendon and cubes of congealed pig blood. Maybe this is to make it more friendly to those new to trying the soup, but they have plenty of Vietnamese clientele so you'd think there'd at least be an option of keeping it more authentic. It still has plenty of meat and good flavor; it's just more of a 3.5 star bowl rather than the 4 star bowl it used to be.
(3)
Tabitha F.

I have had a hankering for pho for just over 48 hours. I wanted to try some place I haven't been before. The combination pho didn't have what I was looking for. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't the quality I expected. They were skimpy with the additives (jalapenos, lime and bean spouts, basil they gave plenty). They were "out of bubble tea"....which was weird cause the people who came in just before us got some, as did the people who walked in right after us. Service in general was pretty slow. I don't know what happened here this evening, it seems like they have so many great reviews - bummer. :( Maybe I will circle back around in the future and give it another shot but there are several places I will have to check out first for my pho cravings.
(2)
Naiying C.

If you are in this area, this is the place to go for Vietnamese food- everything is under 10$ . I recommend their pho and their combination dish is not bad either. One thing I didn't really like is their bubble tea...frozen bubble tea.
(4)
Dan B.

A great place to get hard to find vietamese items like bubble tea and banhmi. I would call mili's the best banhmi in the north columbus area (compared to the other few places to find it), and this tasty little artifact is only $5. Good pho, a tiny bit on the oily side. Be forewarned, this place may come off as a bit authentic. IE, small hole on the wall, pho lovers read tripes, banhmi lovers read liver paste, ect.
(5)
Emily F.

Pretty good food! I had pho (for the first time ever) they give you HUGE portions. The pho was delicious but I couldn't finish it because it was so much food.
(4)
Melinda W.

Everything was great. Service was quick and accurate. Was full when we left and didn't break the bank either.
(5)
Doug B.

Two words... chicken pho. If you've had it, anywhere, you know what I'm talking about. Mi Li makes it good! Great broth, ample noodles, fresh herbs and consistent. It's good every time. Do it the right way, spoon in one hand and sticks in the other while slurping your way to the bottom of the bowl. It's hard to tell from all the people killin' it with the pho, but they have other menu items too. The Banh mi's are tasty sammies, whether the pork is grilled or cold cut. The grilled pork roll appetizer is a favorite. The staff is accommodating and appreciative. I'd like to say I've eaten more things from their menu, but I can't go there and not get the pho. Crazy, but I'd feel like I'm cheating myself if I didn't. Decor?! With food this good, who really cares?! Price is very reasonable and if you get an extra large anything, you better come hungry.
(5)
John S.

Awesome Pho and Bahn Mi! This is the Best in Columbus for sure. I have tried a lot of others (usually to oily/greasy) however none of them match up to MiLi's. I get it to go at least once a week for myself as well as my wife and 6 year old son. For me its the traditional Bahn Mi and the extra large Pho. My wife gets the grilled pork Bahn Mi and steals a little bit of of my Pho for dipping. My 6 year old son cant get enough of the Wonton soup with rice noodles. Beware this food is ridiculously addicting. Fast, cheap and the "cure all for all". Hung over? Pho Sick? Pho Starving? Pho Headache? Pho Having a crave for what may be the best tasting soup of all time? Pho Wife nagging? Pho for both her and I. You cant argue when your mouths are stuffed with goodness! Add a few orders of egg rolls for an appetizer and be prepared have a nap for desert.
(5)
Gary S.

This is my third trip to this restaurant and I have been delighted with the food and service. The beef stew with rice noodles were excellent t fully recommend Mi Li for Antony wanting truly great Pho.
(5)
Sophia P.

The service is okay and it's not unbelievably fast but not super slow. Although sometimes they'll get your order wrong, so if you have a specific order make sure to confirm it with the staff. The food is delicious when it comes to certain meal.
(4)
James K.

a great lunch spot. the Bahn Mi (grilled pork sub) is amazing - their french bread is top notch. the Pho is a great way to warm up on a cold Winter's day.
(4)
Marlena L.

Lets see, the mango bubble tea, pho, summer roll and banh mi were all delicious! Prices are reasonable, portions are decent. The restaurant is nothing fancy, small and located in a half empty strip mall. Service was good. I'll be going back soon.
(4)
Helen S.

I've only gotten takeout banh mi sandwiches from here -- tried two: bbq pork, and cold cuts with pate. Both tasted great and were reasonably priced, so if I'm in the mood for banh mi I'd likely get them from here again. Also, I've heard friends say that this is as authentic as it gets for the midwest, so I'd consider this place a gem.
(4)
John S.

My wife is Vietnamese and I've become quite the connoisseur. I've eaten many of my favorite dishes at more than a hundred restaurants across the country. Mi Li's stacks very favorably in comparison and is above average. Their Pho is very good among others things,cans pricing is a very good value. This wins our Best in Town Award.
(5)
Tim S.

Unfortunatley I will not be visiting this restaurant again. It is sad because the prior experience was great. On Wednesday (4/22) my fiancÃ© and I were in the mood for a warm soup for dinner, so we decided to meet a friend at Mi Li for some soup. As my fiancee waited for our friend to arrive we ordered two appetizers. It was at the delivery of the appetizers that I heard a lady behind the counter sneeze. My glance went to her and I noticed her moving her arm downward. I gave her the benefit of the doubt and thought she sneezed into her inside elbow (like you should to contain a sneeze). I started to direct my attention that way more diligently now and in a few moment she raised her hands to her nose and sneezed again into her hands. Now my full attention was on her. She turned and faced the front counter. Because the counter height was blocking my view I was unable to see if there was a sink she was washing her hands in so I literally stood up to look. She had her hands in a bowl of bean sprouts mixing them up. No gloves on. Did not wash the sneeze off her hands. I call my server over and explained what I just winessed. He asked which lady, I told him. He spoke to her in Vietnamese and turned to me and said, "She did not make your food." The lady echoed to me loudly, "I did not make your food." Since they elevated the situation loudly, I responded by saying, "That doesn't matter, fact is that she did not wash after sneezing and now she is mixing bean sprouts." They continued to talk in Vietnames, at this point my fiancÃ© got up and walked out. Seemed like they were more concerned with making justification and excusing what I witnessed than actually dealing with a worker not washing after sneezing into their hands. Not to mention, no she didn't make our food, but bean sprouts tend to go in a large selection of the meals prepared. Gross
(1)
Doc M.

For my lucky Buckeye gameday bowl of pho I wandered over to Mi Li that I'd visited before I'd became a Yelper and one of my favourites when it comes to my addiction to the steaming bowl of awesome that is Pho. Yes, after many years of this dish I still slip when ordering it by saying "Foe" instead of "Fuh", my tongue was not made for the Vietnamese language and never will be. I scored a bowl of the Pho Bo Vien and quite a score it was. With quick service I dug in to large bowl of a rich aromatic broth with the distinct ginger, star anise and other spices that make this one of my favourite dishes in the world. The broth was not too fatty/oily or overly salty and good enough that I didn't care how gauche it was as I picked up the bowl to get the last drops. A generous serving of rice noodles, green onion, meatballs and the accompanied veggies were fresh and the perfect amount leaving none to waste. While I can't vouch for anything else on their menu I will say this place is on my top 5 when it comes to my Cbus Pho Phix....
(4)
Dawson K.

This is by far the best vietnamese food I have had in a long time. I went with my vietnamese wife who said that it was the best she had in America. We had the BÃºn bÃ² hu, gi cun, gi tht nng, bÃºn tht nng, all very very delicious.
(5)
Kevin R.

If you like to try new things and like a little variety in your day, you have to try this place! Great pho in Columbus! I always get #12 and it is consistently good. Stop in and try it...The experience of the place is worth eating in...very nice staff...quick service. Nothing fancy, but it's goooooooood. :)
(4)
Rocky S.

My husband and I give it five stars just because we've never had a bad meal there. We brought family from out of town there and they loved it and they're coming from California! Delicious PhÅ and noodles. I love trying the different authentic drinks that they offer. If you're not used to Vietnamese food do not try the salty lemonade. Their bubble drinks are awesome on a hot day! We've tried almost everything on their menu and we've not been disappointed. One thing to consider is they're in a strip mall. Next to a waterbed & stuff store. It's also not in the best part of Cleveland Avenue. We've never been there past 7pm. It seems family run, sometimes you'll overhear them having their's Skype calls from Vietnam. The Decour is like they just started but they been there a while. Their food never disappoints and that's why we give it five stars thanks!
(5)
Howard S.

I have never had Vietnamese beef stew. I am sold different flavor them pho nice change.
(5)
Adam N.

This place has great food. The jalapeÃ±os on the banh mi are really tasty. Normally I would rate this place a 5 but the service at lunch has been really slow today. It seems like the place might have been understaffed or something. We had to ask about the status of a banh mi sandwich to go. I will definitely try this place again.
(3)
Andy D.

Ambience: standard basic tables and chairs typical of a local family-run asian restaurant decor, buddhist figurines on the interior with a couple of TVs on the wall showing the news. Try to get a table away from the front door to avoid the drafts of cold air if you can. Food: Between my fiancee and me we had the goi cuon (summer rolls), banh mi thit nuong (grilled pork viet sandwich), pho dac biet large (beef noodle soup with all the ingredients), cafe sua (hot vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk), and green tea flavored bubble tea. Summer rolls were made perfectly with just the right balance of noodles, herbs and vegetables, boiled shrimp and pork and some tasty peanut/hoisin dipping sauce. The sandwich was delicious with a fresh toasted baguette, savory grilled pork (lemongrass?), pickled carrot/daikon, cilantro, cucumber, jalepeno, and butter/pate. Pho was just as delicious with plentiful noodles and meat, great aroma and flavorful broth, and all the right herbs and fresh vegetables brought out (bean sprouts, basil, jalepeno slices, lime, etc.). My taste buds and stomach were in a very happy place. Vietnamese coffee was prepared well--strong and bold with the initial sip followed quickly by a pleasant creamy sweetness from the condensed milk. I requested a to-go cup with ice to turn my hot coffee into an iced coffee and they kindly brought out a red solo cup filled with ice for me. The green tea bubble tea was also good, though the tapioca bubbles were possibly a tad bit overcooked (soft) though some people like the bubbles like that! Service: prompt and friendly! Very accommodating for special requests as above. Overall this will be my new go-to Vietnamese restaurant. The great price for the amazing quality of food is awesome, and the authenticity of the food can't be beat. We got a vietnamese sandwich to go!
(4)
Deb L.

I live within walking distance if MiLi right now, and I can't imagine what I'm going to do when we move. they have the best pho in town! I go here all the time by myself (boyfriend is not big on vietnemese) and it's never a big deal. the waitress/waiters are always around when you need them and gone when you done. They don't make small talk, but honestly, it's a nice break. Sometimes you just want to go to a little hole in the wall, sit and relax with some comfort pho... this is the place to do that. very minimal decor, a few TVs usually playing the travel channel or the news. I've been to a ton of different restaurants around columbus, and this really is one of the best places for pho and bahn mi. Oh and the bubble smoothies are great too, usually prepared by ms MiLi herself :)
(5)
Charee M.

Standard Vietnamese restaurant in appearance and service. The pho is the best we have found in Columbus. Egg rolls are average, but the bunh cuon is top notch-lots of tasty filling.
(4)
John M.

When I first went here I couldn't believe I've been missing out. One of favorite restaurants here in Columbus! A must try!!!
(5)
Tory R.

I got off work early and decided to try this place on my way home. I LOVE Pho and have been looking to try new locations in Columbus. I moved here from Oklahoma City 6 months ago and haven't found anything as good as the many pho places in OKC. When I first walked in...it was about 3:30 p.m...and of course, I was the only person in there. Soon, another table came in. I decided to be the Bun Bo Hue (spicy noodle soup). I started out with the summer roll (fresh spring rolls) which were really good. Can't really screw those up. Then the soup came. Tastewise....it was delicious!!! Same for the spring rolls. They gave me a very small serving of the basil, cabbage, and bean sprouts (which isn't a huge deal....I could've asked for more). But what I really didn't like is the fact that they gave me a spaghetti spoon instead of the traditional "pho spoon" as I call it. It made eating kind've messy and difficult. So yeah, it was just "okay." I probably wouldn't walk across the street to eat here again. The restaurant was clean though and fairly trendy. Kudos for that! **************************************************Â********************************* A day after I wrote this review, I was contacted by someone who knows the owner of Mi Li Cafe (maybe a friend or aquaintance). She advised me that she brought up my concern to the owner regarding the spoons. She advised the owner has decided to change them to the "pho spoons" instead of the silver spaghetti spoons. :o) It's not a HUGE deal about the spoons...but it kind've is...just because this type of food requires the right kind of untensils. Thanks for the response Mi Li Cafe and for taking consideration to a customer's concern! My rating has changed from 2 stars to 4 because of your thoughtfulness! :o) **************************************************Â********************************* 12/4/2011 ~Stopped in a Mi Li today for lunch. They have added the pho spoons. Not just the regular looking ones....but the kind that are ridged so they can cling to the inside of your bowl when you take a drink or wipe your mouth. Very good idea! Great job and thanks!!
(4)
Matt P.

* Authentic Vietnamese * Hot, fresh, crispy BÃ¡nh mÃ¬ subs. Grilled pork's my fave (note the fresh jalapenos when ordering!) * Ph is the best in Columbus. Includes generous extras. Small's enough for one. Get a small "without meats" with your BÃ¡nh mÃ¬ sub and have a memorable $10 lunch ...or dinner. * Coffee with milk (condensed milk) is so sweet and so good * Bubble teas excellent * Salty lemonade ...not so good.... * Order by number on phone (see uploaded cropped menus) Prices might vary. * Make sure you have cash-$10 minimum for cards
(4)
Lisa S.

If this was just about the food or the value of the meal, Mi Li would get 5 stars. The pho is really flavorful & aromatic with lots of fresh garnishes. The bahn mi, while a little skimpy on the filling, has the most delicious, crusty & chewy bread. It's everything bread should be. However, the service leaves much to be desired. We went there recently & the restaurant was empty except for a couple sitting at the counter. We stood at the entrance & none of the 4 people working even said hello because they were too busy talking to the couple. Another time I was scolded for going up to the counter & asking for a box after my request had been ignored multiple times. If only the pho wasn't so damn good...
(4)
Tracy N.

I'm Vietnamese, so I'm very picky and when it comes to Vietnamese food in Columbus? This spot is one of the best, lots of marination, and very satisfying. The sand which and pho here is highly recommended.
(4)
Mindy C.

If you love pho and bahn mi, this could be your new favorite place! We drove across town to go and I would do that any day of the week. Polite service, authentic, and delicious. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Jojo K.

This is my favorite place for Vietnamese food! I love their fresh ingredients and all of the amazing flavors they offer. It's also difficult to choose what to eat because everything is so good! Their egg rolls are to die for!
(5)
Julie D.

Hands down the best Vietnamese we've had in columbus! Started w the fresh summer rolls w a unique peanut sauce, enjoyed an avocado smoothie, Vietnamese coffee (of course) and then throughly enjoyed the 27--beef stew w egg noodles. Perfectly seasoned broth that tasted like it had simmered for hours. I had a Bahn mi and finally tasted that I've been wanting to taste for years, the crisp and slightly chewy bread and the perfect combination of veggies and grilled pork. I've had Bahn mi before and pho before but this was really awesome!
(5)
Elijah K.

Highly recommend. First time trying this place and authentic Vietnamese food. Will be a regular visitor.
(5)
J Bradford L.

I have to thank my sister-in-law for dragging me to this place. We are both fans of Pho and other Vietnamese deliciousness. Mi Li did not disappoint. I had the pho special with all the different kinds of meat. Broth was excellent - people raved about the banh mis, which I am told Mrs. Mi Li makes everyone herself. I will have to try those next time. Great pho, there really can't be too many of these in town.
(4)
Ariel B.

This is hands down the best and most consistent Vietnamese in the Columbus, albeit not the most conveniently located. I have been going to Mi Li for four years and have yet to find a Pho that I like more or a bahn mi than is more savory and delicious. I have taken multiple out of town friends here and have never had anyone leave with a less than satisfied full belly. The only criticism I could even muster is of their bubble tea which only comes frozen causing the tapioca balls to become so tough that, before you reach the half way point of your drink, they are no longer able to navigate the straw. Simply put, Mi Li is a delicious diamond in the rough and worth the drive to Cleveland Ave every time.
(5)
Brett S.

This was my first experience with Vietnamese food, so it is tough for me to compare it to something else. I visited with my Dad, who spent a week in Vietnam last year. I didn't take David C's advice and get the Pho Bo; I like the concept of Pho, but it was a warm October day and I didn't feel like I needed something akin to a hot soup. Instead I ordered the vermicelli with grilled pork and some won-tons. The won-tons were excellent, probably the best I have ever had. Prior to my vermincelli showing up, I was brought a bowl with a spoon. It was cool, a yellow-ish broth with carrots and green vegetables floating in it. I assumed (due to the spoon) that it was a soup; but after tasting it (it was salty, sweet, and maybe a little fishy) determined it was probably a sauce for the entree. Either way, I didn't particularly care for it. However, the vermicelli was quite interesting. It was rice noodles with delicious strips or pork with peanuts and green leafy vegetables mixed in. There were a variety of condiments on the table; I particularly liked this fiery red sauce that I first suspected might be ketchup. I applied a few squirts to my bowl and dove in. There were some other sauces that were more like salsa in appearance, I don't know what they were, but there's always next time. I feel like when sushi was relatively new in America there was a lot of explaining of what was what from helpful servers and laminated menu cards. You don't get that sort of explanation here, or at least we didn't. The service was efficient (a young woman) and a nice older lady came over to ensure our meal was to our expectations (not having any expectations myself, I said yes!). However, they don't exactly hold your hand and walk you through the menu. I am fine with this, but I am also totally comfortable eating some things without necessarily fully understanding what they are or how they are customarily consumed; others may be less comfortable munching on their own ignorance. I will go back for sure - the food was very good and per my Dad and other reviewers quite authentic. However, before I do I will do a little more reading on the various condiments and menu items I didn't quite understand in order to learn a little more from the experience.
(4)
Gary K.

I do love me some good Pho!!!! Unfortunately for me, this place is Just ok... I've been here several times, and I have to say the only reason I come back is because it is convenient and closer than all the other better places I prefer. I've had worse... but I've definately had better... all here in Columbus. If your in the area, give it a try, but I wouldn't drive across town... like I said... its just ok.
(3)
Andrea Y.

I had the vermacelli pork dish and summer rolls, and while they weren't the best ever, I've definitely had worse. Summer rolls were not soggy at all, which I appreciated since I saved one to eat later. Sauce was tasty, and not the average peanut butter concoction you can get at least places. The bun was heartier than I'm used to, with bits of fresh basil thrown in there. Service was fast. I order, went to the bathroom and came back to all my food on the table.
(3)
M Y.

Not the best banh mi, nor the best pho I've ever had, but it works. It's a hole in the wall place in a bad strip mall, so I'd probably not go all that frequently. Still, if I'm craving some Vietnamese food in Columbus, I'd probably pick this place.
(4)
Gerry J.

Open the door, look for a table, ignore the menu in front of you and immediately order the Bahn Mi without further ado. The bread is warm and toasted nicely, the combination of grilled pork, cilantro, jalapenos and I think those secret unknown black sauce make this sandwich truly an award deserving dish!!
(4)
Tony A.

Second visit here and each time I sat next to the window which was buzzing with flies. Once again, I moved to a table further inside. Service here has always been less than desirable. I always felt as though I was being rushed. The pho I had (number 20, I can't remember what it is in Vietnamese) was pretty good and that is this establishment's saving grace. But, once again I was thrown back into my overall distaste for Mi Li when I did not even receive a "thank-you" after paying my check. I would probably not come back to this restaurant.
(2)
Cynthia H.

Found this little place while going to the thrift shop in the same shopping center. We called in our order, the meatless Pho and a Bahn Mi sammich. After hearing about them both on Yelp, we were a bit unimpressed by the sandwich. The bread was good but there wasn't enough filling to really round it out, making it basically french bread with jalapeno pepper burning your mouth. It honestly contained one real tablespoon of pork, and 2 tablespoons of carrot/cucumber, & 4 jalapeno slices!! The Pho on the other was very good. A large feeds 2 people when combined with a sandwich. Yum Yum!! We'll be back to try the spring rolls, and of the coruse, more PHO!!
(3)
Yan Z.

I like the sauce for the summer role. Not so much for the summer role itself. Pho tastes good! Will come again.
(4)
Carrie M.

Decent. The food is good, but if you're used to eating pho you'll find the serving size here a little stingy - granted, all that really means is that I can actually FINISH the servings here. The bubble tea flavors are very limited, and they were out of 1 or 2 I wanted. I ended up with Pineapple, which to my horror was not a real pineapple flavor, but a really gross artificial taste. I'd recommend the coffee flavor - which is kind of like a DQ Moolatte with bubbles.
(3)
Matt W.

Mi Li is a perfect example of a great strip mall joint, offering delicious Vietnamese food for cheap! One of the things I occasionally get jealous of is friends in New York or OC, with their large Vietnamese communities, who can get Pho or a Banh Mi for a few dollars anywhere in the city. At Mi Li (formerly Mi Mi's), you get food of a quality that matches those larger cities, but unlike some places in town, the price is competitive as well - $4 for a Banh Mi, $7 for a bowl of Pho. (Note: Even the small Pho is quite big - don't be surprised if it fills you up.) As much as I enjoy the Pho here, and the fact that they offer some of the most extensive combinations compared to other local Vietnamese restaurants I've tried, the Banh Mi is the star here - the grilled meats and pickled veggies are excellently flavored, the garlicky spread setting off the flavors perfectly, and the kicker is the exceptional bread - crusty and flavorful, but still tender and toothsome inside without getting mushy or soggy under the filling. I'm also a fan of the shredded pork salad rolls - a little bit of a texture challenge if you're used to fried spring rolls or egg rolls, but worth a try! For dessert, they do offer bubble and milk teas, but the way to go is the rainbow drink - Che Ba Mau, with it's thick, sweet condensed milk, dried fruit, and sweet beans over ice, or some Ca Phe Sue Da - sinfully dark iced coffee cut with sweetened milk.
(5)
Stephanie K.

After being introduced to Banh Mis in Boston's Chinatown, I was determined to find a decent one in Columbus when I moved back to my hometown. I was pretty disappointed with my local Vietnamese joints so I turned to Yelp and found this restaurant. Thank you Yelp. I love you. The Banh Mi at this place is amazing. It's a perfect blend of savory, sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy. Each sandwich features pate, cilantro, pickled carrots and cucumber, jalapenos, and pork on crunchy french bread. The Pho is purty fantastic as well. The staff is friendly and once even accomodated a vegetarian friend of mine who wanted a Banh Mi. They subbed butter for the pate and piled the veggies high.
(4)
Kitty K.

I'm a pho girl through and through, and Mili is very fresh and very clean. The bean sprouts were nice bright white crisp (not at all wilty and browning like many places). Basil was bright and firm too. The tables and chairs and condiment jars on the table are clean, not sticky. I've tried most of the appetizers, all of which were delicious and accompanied with appropriate sauces. They also have an pretty good selection of bubble teas/juices. Definitely will be going back.
(4)
Pra R.

I went there today. It's OK but I had better. It will be great for American because they don't know much about real authentic. I think Pho is good because I taste the soup but I am not a soup person. I like "Nam Neoung" but they don't make it. I'll keep looking for other Vietnamese restaurant
(3)
Catherine J.

I had it on good authority from a friend who has tried Banh Mi all over Columbus that this is the best place around. My first Banh Mi experience was a good one at Mi Li Cafe! The combo of flavors-- French-meets-Pacific-- works so well. Each bite of the sandwich was unique and mega-flavorful: pate, veggies, pork (cold or grilled), cilantro, jalapenos and many other things I probably couldn't identify right away. There's pretty much only two types of banh mi here, the cold pork or the grilled. My dining mate and I ordered one of each, and traded halves. I can appreciate a smaller, honed menu, but a little more variety would be good. Beware that the jalapenos on these are SPICY. I enjoy the burn, but just an FYI. Also beware of pate burps later on in your afternoon. Hmm...what else? I got a Bubble Smoothie, honeydew flavor. I enjoyed it, but I''m not a bubble connoisseur. I thought it was a little bit expensive for a smoothie ($4) but I felt the sandwich was a pretty good value so it didn't bother me. The decor leaves something to be desired, but no one is coming here for ambiance. The place felt clean. Any lack of styling is definitely overlook-able. Service was great-- speedy, non-invasive, and efficient. They keep on top of water refills, which is necessary with those jalapenos. More Banh Mi, please!
(4)
Tom L.

Mi Li is only in the money making business rather than serving real Vietnamese food or trying to make a difference in Ohio. I am Vietnamese and eating at Mi Li is a disappointment. The servings are too small, the prices are inflated (by $2-$3 when compared to other states) and the flavors are not worth the price to value for what you get. I ordered rice with grill pork chops today and it was disappointing. The rice was hard and cold, the pork tasted it came out of a bag so it turned out to be dry, and the soup was not hot. I decided to leave and not finish my kid serving where then employees kept swirling around my bill to wait to pick up the cash. An employee then asked me if the food was good only when I was about to pay and not even my server came. I typically tip 25% but I couldn't bare tip on bad service and food quality.
(1)
Rach W.

I like it, pretty authentic, I like their noodles a lot. Thai tea is a bit too sweet. Pho is very good!
(5)
Eddie Y.

First time here and I was fairly satisfied. The pho was pretty decent. Ordered the a large beef bowl, and while the noodles seemed scant, at least there were plenty of other goodies in there. Broth was pretty decent but I still prefer Huong's. Never tried the bahn mi elsewhere in Columbus, but no complaints. Service was flaky. We were the only ones there and all four employees were watching a soap opera while we waited on refills and our forgotten sub order. Decent food, nothing special, but the service makes me want to look elsewhere if I have the option (seems hit or miss).
(3)
Chip B.

I will admit, people have to sort of poke and prod me to go to this place at times. I don't know what is wrong with me, but it always occurs to me that this place will be boring. Then I get there and actually eat something and mentally brow beat myself for the next hour as I am reminded with each bite how really excellent things are here. I am not a fancy guy... I go straight for the pho with rare beef and a sandwich. They have a roasted pork as well as a cold cut sandwich. Both are great. Both are peppery and sweet and savory and filled with crunchy vegetables and served on a crusty baguette. Just get a sandwich, any sandwich and thank me later. Then there is the pho. The broth is that excellent savory, sour, beefy "no thing from this planet should have this many competing flavors and still work" thing that makes pho pho. Add basil, bean sprouts, some menagerie of sauces (soy, fish, hoisin, various house made sriracha and pepper pastes) and I am in heaven. Great place, not fancy by any stretch, but by gum it is good.
(5)
Muness A.

Delicious fresh food, quick service for a great price with entrees from 6 to 10 dollars.
(5)
Dennis L.

I wish I could combine Mi Li with Huong a few miles southwest. Huong has the best pho in the city, but their banh mi leaves something to be desired. Mi Li's pho is good, but the flavor of the broth doesn't make me swoon like Huong's does. But Mi Li's banh mi is delicious beyond belief. The bread is so crispy and piping hot, and the grilled pork, mayo, veggies and herbs that lie within all blend to create that unique and amazing banh mi flavor. The service at Mi Li falls short of Huong as well... fairly attentive but not overtly friendly. The toppings served with the pho sometimes haven't included cilantro, and I prefer the typical Japanese-style spoons to the giant steel spoons you get here. Finally, I was disappointed in my Vietnamese iced coffee, which didn't come in its own steeper as it does at every other Vietnamese restaurant I've ever been to, but was premixed in a glass, and was throat-searingly sweet. If it weren't for the banh mi, I wouldn't have much reason to come back here, but that sandwich is well worth the drive.
(4)
Michael C.

Having grown up eating Banh Mi every other week in Oklahoma City, I can say that Mi Li's authenticity and taste is spot on. The two versions they offer, regular cold cut and grilled pork, are both equally satiating thanks with the help of the fresh and crispy French bread they're served on. My second favorite item on the menu is a dish I also loved as a child, the Banh Cuon Cha Lua. These are basically little thin steamed crepes made of rice flour stuffed with ground pork, wood-ear mushroom and onions. The crepes are served with Cha Lua (Vietnamese pork loaf) and a lightly steamed cilantro bean sprout mix to be topped off by a healthy dousing of Nuoc Mam (fish sauce). The Pho here isn't bad either. The Bun (vermicelli) and Com (rice) dishes, on the other hand, need a bit of work in my opinion. The vermicelli they choose to use is too thick, sticky and cooked too soft. This type is usually reserved for noodle soups instead of the bowl of Bun. The Cha that comes with the Com was a bit dry and bland. Overall, my visits to Mi Li's for my two favorite dishes are usually satisfying. The staff there are usually very friendly and service is good. Tip: Before we're done with our meal, my wife and I usually order two sandwiches to go. The next day, we take them out of the fridge, zap them for 1 minute, then finish them off in the toaster oven until crispy again. Mmmm.....
(4)
Nate S.

The Bahn Mi is impeccable. Honestly, the grilled pork on the grilled pork Bahn Mi is so good a diner could slap it on a blue plate and people would beat a path to their door. And the bread? Man. Audibly crisp on the outside while still wonderfully moist and chewy on the inside, this is among the best baguettes I've ever eaten. And the pho? Probably top five I've ever had, and I've eaten a lot of Pho. The pho dac biet, compete with meatballs and tripe is the way to go. The broth has a perfect, slow-cooked beefy richness, and is very spice forward, with lots of star anise. Service is super friendly, and gives off the vibe that they are genuinely proud of the food they serve, which is something I really like. Also, portions are large and prices are small. Also, unrelated to Mi Li's awesomeness, it is located in what is probably the coolest strip mall in the city (yeah, I just said that), with a great Halal market and bakery, an Ohio Thrift, an Ollie's, and a 24-hour bowling alley!
(5)
Christina C.

What are you looking for? Authentic Vietnamese? Jackpot! My second trip here was just as wowing as the first - with the legendary Banh Mi - complete with beef and egg noodles and summer rolls. Service was on-par and genuine - and very Vietnamese. I'm not sure how we would've enjoyed our meals without her - she gave us so many helpful tips! From "break the basil like this" to "squeeze the lime and dip the beef chunks in this," each bite was more enjoyable than the last thanks to her direction. So unassuming - next to a Waterbeds -n- Stuff and all - but so amazing!! I really want to take everyone I know here to introduce them to the world that now includes an addictive Banh Mi. Be alerted that the beef in the beef stew is full of fat, but the stew itself is just delicious. Love-ly, Mi Li. Just love-ly.
(4)
Craig C.

A couple notes right at the top: The location has changed it's name from Mi Mi Cafe to Mi Li Cafe. This is to prevent confusion with Mimi cafe in Polaris, or mimi maternity. Also, location is on Fiji drive, Columbus SQ does not exist. I used this place as a test of Yelp. I picked somewhere close to my office that was highly rated, and tried it. I would have NEVER found this place or ventured into it on my own. I'm so glad I did. it's as basic as it gets. A tasty spicy sandwich full of stuff I don't know. It was empty when I was there, so I had time to talk to the owners about the name change. 4.50 for the sandwich and a glass of water, and it's just the right size for lunch without going into an afternoon coma. I've become a fan, not only of this place, but vietnamese food in general. I'll be back! They do now accept credit cards, but only on transactions greater than 10 bucks. So, buy lunch for three friends, and make them fans too.
(5)
Joshua L.

Not quite the hole in the wall that normally attracts me since it gets more press than most, but definitely delicious! I could tell you to try the bahn mi, the buhn, and the pho, which are all quite good, but you CANNOT miss the spicy beef noodle soup. Incredible broth, although it will vary depending on who's in the kitchen that day!
(5)
Katye M.

We went to dinner here as a group of 10 after reading some of the reviews and not seeing a menu (we couldn't find one online), I was the only vegetarian. There are no vegetarian dishes on the menu! Everything has either some form of meat (pork or beef mainly) or fish (crab, fish sauce, etc.). I talked with the owner for quite awhile to figure out if there was anything they could make that didn't have meat or fish in it and she assured me that there was and she would take care of it - I honestly had no idea what I was going to get, but thought it was going to be the vermicelli with a soy sauce. I was happy they were wiling/able to accommodate. I ended up getting the crepes, which looked like large rice noodles that had about an inch diameter hole; they had cucumber and a couple vegetables on top. The sauce was a soy base with a few vegetables mixed in and the sauce was supposed to go on top. The crepe noodles were very dry alone, but soaked up the sauce, which gave it some flavoring. Although I was very happy they were willing to make a special dish for me, it wasn't that great. I did have the mango smoothie (they were out of the "bubbles" to make it a bubble smoothie), which was very good. The rest of the group ordered various dishes including the specialty pho, beef pho, crab soup, vermicelli with pork, egg rolls (pork), and a couple other dishes. They all really liked their food with the exception of the crab soup. The comments on the crab soup was that it was very fishy, but didn't taste like crab at all. For their meals, they all ordered a "small," which was very big and most had leftovers. The service was very attentive and accommodating to the entire group. Although I wouldn't return, a few people in our group said they would - particularly for the beef/signature pho. Also, they only accept credit cards if your bill is over $10...
(1)
Paul T.

1st of all I'm originally from the west coast (O.C) to be exact. So coming from S. California very diverse group of people there with China Town,Korea Town, Little Saigon,etc........By far out of all the Vietnamese food I have tried here in Columbus Mi LI Cafe is constant with they're foods. Authentic & original. I come here almost everyday getting the same thing Cafe Sua Da and Banh Mi Cha and sometimes with to Pho. Yes I'm a pig when I come here. I order like if there's 3 people ordering. Well, thank god there's Mili Cafe otherwise I would be home sick......
(5)
Erin H.

Wow is all I can say after our recent lunch here last weekend. Visiting friends in Columbus I did not expect to have an excellent Vietnamese meal, but boy did we! Our table ordered an assortment of things and loved them all. The bahn mi was definitely a highlight - boy do I wish someone in Ann Arbor would open a place that does these! We all enjoyed our Pho, and the springrolls. The service was great - fast and nice!
(4)
emily w.

We tried the vermicelli with spring rolls and the beef stew with rice noodles. Both were quite good. The broth, in particular, was excellent. I love the mix of fresh herbs and veggies in Vietnamese cooking. Dinner was unbelievably cheap. Not a ton of English is spoken here, but enough for us to get by. The restaurant is very clean, and the location easy to get to - just off Cleveland Ave.
(4)
Alex K.

I didn't expect much, coming from San Jose myself, where there are dozens of awesome Pho places, but I could tell from the smell of the restaurant it was going to be good. (Pho gives the restaurant a distinct smell when it is good) I was impressed by the soup, and the amount of beef they gave, and they also gave plenty of tripe in my Combo bowl. However, for the price, they really should fill it up, and I wanted more noodles when all was said and done. For Columbus, though, without a giant Vietnamese population I have to say I was very impressed and would definitely go again. On a negative note, I like my sprouts very fresh, and the ones they gave me were darkened and did not look good at all, so I did not touch them. The Sandwich was also delicious, I took one to go since it had good reviews, and I thought it was great.
(4)
Edy D.

I always love the food here. The Summer Rolls and Won Ton soup are my favorites.
(4)
Alexander B.

As my mom is Vietnamese, I grew up on the cusine. After 12 years living in NYC, I've checked out a lot of places to get the real deal. This stuff is awesome. I really wondered if I'd be able to find good Vietnamese when I moved here, and I just happened to find this place driving around. The big "Banh Mi" and "Pho Fresh everyday" written on the window made me pull over and when I walked in, I almost whimpered with relief to hear Vietnamese being spoken, and to smell real honest-to-God Vietnamese cooking. The Banh Mi is pretty good, espeically the grilled pork, but the real star to me is the Pho. Rice noodle soup served with a beef broth, you can tell it's made fresh (VERY key), and they give out all the fixings that make it real - lime, bean sprouts, basil and of course hoisin and red pepper at the table. Definitely on par with some of the better places I used to go to in Chinatown. Don't go if you put as much emphasis on decor as you do on food. Interior is simple, even barebones, but I like it that way. It menas they're concentrating on what's important - good, flavorful, satisfying and surprisingly affordable dishes. PS - If you're a fan of Buon Cuon, theirs is pretty darn good, too.
(4)
Josh Y.

The pho was alright. a decent bowl of pho. Although I don't think it was very large. Actually only the special pho (all the meats: meatballs, tripe, beef, and rare beef) is $7 for regular and $8 for large. The other types are $6.50 and $7.00. Service was good.
(4)
Scott K.

Great assortment of Pho here and fresh! They were also super generous with the Vietnamese basil. I have been to a variety of Vietnamese restaurants, but this place has some of the best variety of pho that I have ever been to. Since some people at our table were unfamiliar with Vietnamese food, the server was very helpful and took the time to clearly explain items on the menu. I was only in town a few days and wish I went back to this place for round two.
(5)
Paul F.

I went over to get a bowl of their Pho and perhaps I built it up in my own mind but it was just okay.
(3)
Julie P.

Mi Li wins for the best Bahn Mi sammies I've had since leaving California. The bread is excellent - crispy on the outside, soft and slightly chewy on the inside, and very very fresh. The pate is flavorful and the veggie toppings are also fresh. I had the grilled pork this time around - I will have to be back for the traditional cold cut. Yum Time! The pho is good, but not exceptional. I like that it comes in a small or large size. We also had a beef stew, which was a unique vegetable and meat stew with spices, thicker than pho and served with a fresh lime and black pepper sauce. This comes with rice or egg noodles, which is cool for a change. The service is very nice and attentive, I appreciate them going extra mile to explain the food. Unfortunately, we were served an iced coffee instead of hot. I guess we should have clarified when ordering. Ordering involved a bit of pointing due to a small language barrier. Don't let this dissuade you from trying the place, just be patient and make sure everyone understands. I'll be back soon! :D
(4)
Sandy M.

Of all the pho I've had in Columbus (Ha Long Bay, North Market and Pho Noodle House), I think the broth of Mi Li is definitely the best. Although I don't eat tripe and other components of the traditional bowl of pho, I think they really make the pho broth authentic and flavorful. Although I've read reviews saying that the Mi Li pho wasn't too great, I thought it was fantastic. My husband, who got the banh mi sandwich, absolutely loved it and he agreed with me about the pho. He also thought it was great. And, for the large bowl of soup, one banh mi and one soda, the bill came out to just about $15, which is a greal deal. And, the service was also very good. It seemed like the entire family was working in the kitchen, with the mother making the aazing sandwiches and the kids preparing the pho, waiting tables and taking phone orders. They do have somewhat of a very limited menu but I won't complain too much since they make what is on their menu so well. I just wish they had some other very common vietnamese fare such as the summer rolls. Also, the portions were not too big. The banh mi, which apparently tasted far sperior to the one in North Market, was a bit small and although I ordered the large portion of the pho to share with my husband, it wasn't that big at all. I wanted to try their bubble tea but they were out of bubbles (tapioca). I will definitely be going back and hopefully then, they'll have the tapioca for the tea.
(4)
Jurgen J.

I tried both the pho and the summer roll. I have to say the Pho are OK. The meat are tasty and the broth is flavorful. I think it's not that much different than the ones in North Market or Ha Long Bay. The summer roll was not as good as others in town. The sandwich is what makes this place better than others. The bread is toasted to perfection. Inside was grilled pork and jalapenos. As everyone mentioned in their reviews, the Banh Mis are the star in this place. I would give this place 3.5 stars, but it really doesn't deserve a 4 star. I would want to drive to this place, from the campus area just to have the Bahm Mi. But still, the Bahm Mi deserves a stellar 4.
(3)
David L.

Taste: 3 Value: 2 Service: 3 2pm on a Sunday, and I haven't gotten lunch yet. I scan through my Yelp bookmarks, and I decide that some banh mis would hit the spots, so out I drive from Easton. My Garmin couldn't find the Yelp address, so I just fired up my Yelp app and used the map function. Little did I know, but the address listed is completely wrong. The correct address is 5858 Emporium Sq Columbus, OH 43231. (Christina, can you please fix this since I don't have admin rights?) Because of this, I ended up driving all the way to Worthington and spent another 10 minutes looking around before I called up the owner and was told it's at 161 and Cleveland. That sucked. I decide to get some groceries at CAM since I'm close by, and I finally drop by Mi Li to pick up two banh mis. FYI, they're right behind Sunoco, which I took 5-10 minutes of driving around the square to find out. 1. Grilled pork banh mi, $5 So-so. Bread was pretty good, but again the rest was pretty standard. I did feel really thirsty after. Apparently they only have this and cold pork slices banh mi. Talk about variety. Unfortunately, what people have said about Asian food in Columbus is more or less true, as there are so many better options back home in CA, where there's 8-10 banh mi shops in the nearby city, each for only $2.50-3.
(3)
Diesel P.

Really good pho... better than most others around town. Don't expect much for atmosphere, but what else do you need? Keep your face pointed toward the bowl, chomp your excellent pho, and try to decipher what the old vietnamese guys in the corner are chattering about. The summer roll didn't blow me away but the sauce was great. I'll be back for sure.
(4)
Michael S.

I love Mi Li's! This was my first introduction to Vietnamese food. Everything I have had there has been wonderful. Bubble Tea, Spring Rolls and Pork Vermicelli bowl. The mixture of the cold and hot is awesome. Great place for lunch. Orders are up pretty quickly!
(5)
Tess P.

Loved this! Food sooo good, the Pho is fantastic! Love all the sauces, the fresh flavors. I am excited about a return trip very soon to try more items on the interesting menu!
(4)
michael c.

Made it back here the other day to see if the menu held up with the name change from MiMi to MiLi Cafe.. I'm pleased to say it has (at least for the Bahn Mi)... Evidently the name was changed to resolve a trademark issue (with Bob Evans evidently), but the owners are still doing magic. While I was waiting for my sandwich to be made, the woman making it pointed out that their pate is made in house (ahh, no wonder it's so great) as are some of the sauces they use. This is one of the best Bahn Mi I've had anywhere (even in Houston and LA) and I highly recommend it.. Perhaps sometime I'll retry the Pho, but it's just too hard to get away from the Bahn Mi... 4 stars on the strength of the sandwich alone (seriously debated 5 stars)
(4)
Moriah P.

This place doesn't look like much from the outside but, man, the food is good. So good that I am taking the time to write his review in the midst of an exciting NBA game. When we first walked in the place was loud and bursting with activity. There were people watching television, people talking (in what I presume was Vietnamese), bustling employees, and people eating yummy looking food. The service was quick and attentive. We ordered summer rolls to share, a banh mi w/ grilled pork for me, and some sort of rice + different variations of pork dish for my dining partner. Soon after ordering our summer rolls were brought to the table with a brown dipping sauce that had shredded carrots floating in it. I was very pleased to see two huge whole shrimp inside each roll as well as some pork. Tasty. Pretty much right as we were finishing our rolls our server brought out the rest of our food. My partner really enjoyed his rice + pork dish that came with a couple of sauces and broths to spoon over the rice... But, I'm not here to talk about rice, I'm here to tell you about the amazing banh mi w/ grilled pork that I had. That banh mi was so good it deserves it's own paragraph. First, let's talk about the bread. The warm, crispy, chewy, toothsome bread. It was like a French baguette but, a little different and from what I have heard banh mi bread is different from a French baguette in the way that it is made from both rice and wheat flour. Either way, it was delicious. Next, let's talk about the fillings...the cucumber, the spiced grilled pork, the pate, the creamy mayo, the hot peppers, the cilantro...I could do this all day, you know? But, I'll stop and just tell you that it was like the best fireworks show ever in my mouth. Everything worked perfectly with each other, the mayo and the cucumber cooled the spice of the pork + the peppers, the cilantro added that bright fresh flavor that so much food needs but, is often neglected of, and the bread added lovely heartiness and a comfort food component to the over-all sandwich. I really don't think I've ever had a more perfectly put together sandwich. However, the piÃ¨ce de rÃ©sistance of the whole meal was the chili sauce that you can spoon out from a jar onto your plate to use however you want or into any of their sauces for your rice, etc. I'm a junkie for this type of thing and always keep jars of sambal oelek and tuong ot toi in my own fridge to add to almost everything and I can say that what they have sitting in that little inconspicuous container on their tables is a million times better than whatever I have in my fridge. It's also better than different versions of the same stuff I've had at other restaurants. It's super spicy and bright with vinegar so if you aren't a fan of either flavors just save this stuff for people like me who can't get enough. It reminded me of what the sun may taste like if the sun was edible...fresh, bright, and tongue scorching. I loved it. After lunch I came home and took a nap only to later wake up with thoughts of that spicy chili sauce and delicious sandwich. I think I'm addicted.
(4)
Ilea M.

A great little gem in a very unassuming package. The Pho broth is pretty flavorful and the condiments and vegetables are always fresh. The summer rolls are pretty tasty as well and are among my favorites in addition to the bubble tea. The service is courteous and the restaurant is clean. I order take-out from here approximately once every 2 months or so and I've been consistently satisfied with my meal quality. My only reason for not giving this restaurant a 5 is because although the food is very good and the people there seem friendly enough, it is a very utilitarian place to eat. which isn't my preference for eating in.
(4)
Beth S.

I've made it by this place every month or so for a while now, and I'm always satisfied walking out of this place. My tummy always thanks me! This little cafe stuck in a strip mall is the perfect little in and out joint for a late morning breakfast of pho after a night of drinking. Lemme say this now; their pho works magic on hangovers. Needless to say, I'm a big fan of tasty pho, which is what they've got. It's cheap going at $6 a bowl for beef noodle soup, but you can get a LARGE size bowl for like a dollar or so more. When i go, I usually get the small bowl, my boyfriend gets the large bowl, and we split a bahn mi. The bahn mi is like nothing I've ever tasted in Columbus. I just love how the Vietnamese know how to pack so many flavors into one bite. The Vietnamese hot and cold coffees are delicious as well. Don't let their small sizes disappoint you, they pack a punch. The bubble teas are okay as well. Lots of flavor. A while back they had to change their name from MiMi's to MiLi's due to their name being the same as the cafe up in Polaris. I'm told that they were also shut down at the same time due to health department reasons. They have since installed a hood in their kitchen, and gotten rid of their big tacky big screen tv. The colors of the walls are garish, but nothing that distracts me from my meal. The staff is always willing to chat, even if half of what they say i have no idea that it is cause their accents are so heavy. Over all good experience with these guys.
(4)
Elena T.

u can't go wrong here! most authentic Vietnamese cooking next to my Mom's!
(5)
Tedd B.

I love Mi Li, i can not say it enough. i am from orange county and I am, by birthright spoiled because of little Saigon and all of the amazing Pho spots there. I decided to look around to see if i could find something that would make me feel at home and Mi Li does it....there is no other spot in C-bus that does it as well as they do...the broth is hearty, the beef is amazing and plenty, summer rolls are just what the home sick needed. Iced Coffee is the most amazing thing ever. I am so happy that Mi Li is in Columbus...I will openly admit...I eat here about three times a week.
(4)
Diana U.

One of the more authentic Vietnamese restaurants that I've found in Cbus. I'm not used to paying so much for a Banh Mi, but it's well worth it since it's the best I've had in town. I think the pho is mediocre here - they don't give a lot of meat in the soup. I'd recommend newbies to stick with the Vietnamese sandwiches and rice plates here. Oh! And if you need a pick-me-up...the iced coffee will do just that!
(4)
Sara S.

I have had Banh Mi sandwiches made by Asian relatives, eaten them from shops in Viet town in Chicago, had them at Asian festivals and parties and other local Vietnamese restaurants, yet none of these have compared to the Banh Mi that you will get from MiLi. The wonderful blend of textures and flavors compliment each other so well that I become a glutton and scarf down 2 sandwiches everytime I go. The daikon soaked carrots give just the right amount of sour, the pate and cilantro adding just the right amount of bitter, and the hot peppers give it that kick we all love in southeast Asian food. You can order with the cold cut pork or the grilled pork. I prefer the cold cut pork. Even if you've never been a huge cold cut fan, I promise this will change your mind. By far the best sandwich in town!!!!
(5)
Suzanne M.

**Update** 10/13 I can't believe that it's taken this long to get back to Mi MI Cafe, but we don't eat out all that often, and Cleveland Ave is a bit of a trek for us. This time we tried a few different things, and it's worth letting people know about them. Tragically, I tried the Ban Canh Cua. This was described as rice noodles in soup with pork ,fish cake and mushrooms. Unfortunately, it came in a gloopy sauce thickened with cornstarch and colored hot pink by... something that I hope has artificial origins. It tasted okay, but by comparison to everything else here, I would never get this again. Luckily, we had the inverse experience with my husband's choice: Ban Cuon. It was so GROOD, and by that I mean great and good! I had mentioned before that I missed bun, the classic rice noodle salad topped with fried egg rolls and barbecued meat. Ban Cuon fills that void in my food cravings, as it brings together the best aspects of fresh spring rolls (salad, rice flour crepes and fish sauce) and ban mi (vietnamese bologna). Plus, it's topped with tasty fried shallots. It's pure bliss, and totally cancels out the sadness of the similarly named Ban Canh Cua. **** My husband and I moved here from California last fall, so hopefully you can understand why we were pining away for good pho. We tried Lac Viet in the North Market and Ha Long Bay in Polaris, but neither really satisfied us. Happily, we found Mi Mi Cafe, after some consultation with yelp and other Columbus food blogs. The pho here is very nice--not quite up to West Coast standards, but still more complex and beefy tasting (to our palates) than the other places we have gone to. The noodles were the correctly texture--with a little bite and not clinging together in a sticky wad at the bottom of the bowl. I hate that. Also they have beef balls, slow cooked brisket and tripe! I think that the other Vietnamese places we tried are operating under the belief that Americans won't like tripe. Unfortunately, this is probably true for the most part. But WE like it, and were happy to find it here. Lastly, the garnish was really fresh and generous in quantity--perfect for doctoring the soup to one's own tastes. The banh mi was one of the best I have had. I liked it a lot, but to be fair, I probably won't get it that often because I'll always choose noodles over a sandwich. So I am probably not the best judge. Finally, the mango bubble smooth was awesome! At dim sum, I love to get mango pudding (isn't what you always hoped play-do would taste like as a kid?). The mango smoothie tasted just like that--but you can just sip it through a straw! Yay for laziness! A side note: The decor is... a little odd. Be prepared for unusual architectural flourishes and color combinations. Another side note: I was a little sad that they didn't have bun (vermicelli with salad and barbecued meat). I know that I can get it at Ha Long or Lac Viet, but I wasn't satisfied with their offerings either. Last side note: It is a little more expensive than the typical California place, so West Coast ex-pats beware. Overall, the food was good and the service was very attentive. This will be place we will be going for a Vietnamese food craving (probably pretty soon).
(4)
Caroline C.

This is another place I've been meaning to try for a while but never seemed to get round to it. Mi Mi's Cafe is located in a grotty-looking strip mall off of Cleveland Ave. Unfortunately, the decor inside isn't that much better than that outside. We went at lunch time with the intention of trying their pho, and banh mi sandwich. We were kinda surprised to see only two other items on the menu - some kind of crepe and another noodle soup. I would have liked to have had an appetizer or two. We were seated promptly, and water and menus were given immediately. His banh mi ($4.50) was brought quickly, and he scarfed it down in minutes - nice warm crusty French bread, tender pork, a lick of mayonnaise, and plenty of cilantro and jalepeno slices. It was too spicy for me, but he thought it was perfect, if a little on the small side. I opted for a large pho ($8) and he chose a small ($6.50). Now I know this sounds kinda silly but, while I have never had pho before, I have read sooo many foodie reviews of it that I really think I know what makes a good pho. Based on this, I would say it was good but not excellent. The broth was fragrant with the right combination of spices but I didn't think it was rich enough. The beef balls (a measly four of them) were decent, as was the steak (again, there wasn't an awful lot of it). Oddly, my bowl had absolutely no tripe but his had quite a lot; he isn't a fan so he gave them to me. It was ok; not much flavor. The noodles were plentiful and nicely cooked. As Fen Z notes, the microwave was used (for each and every order), so I have to wonder exactly when the soup was freshly made. But anyway, all in all, it was alright, but I was still hungry by the end of the meal. If it was closer to home, I would be willing to return. As it is, this will most likely be my one and only experience of pho in Columbus. 11.11.08 Edit: I've eaten pho a bunch of times since this review (in Denver. I now live five mins from the "Little Saigon" district where, I swear, if you threw a rock you'd hit at least three Thai/Viet eateries). I've had MUCH better pho since, but theirs is pretty a-ok. They really need to step it up with their broth - it lacks the meaty depth of flavor and delicate spicing that makes for some damn good pho. They also need to be more generous with the meat, and maybe offer more menu options. But as far as Columbus pho goes, they've pretty much captured the market. $4.50 for banh mi IS extortionate though. I pay $2.75 for superb banh mi here in Denver.
(3)
Christine D.

Mi Mi's sure know their banh mi! HOT DAMN, was that good. It rivals the banh mi you find in Little Saigon. BBQ pork, cha lua (lean pork sausage/bologna), pickled daikon and carrots, a smear of pate and mayo, sliced jalapenos, cucumber, and cilantro in a toasted french baguette. My only gripe with it was that the sandwich was so warm, that it wilted the veggies. My cucumber was not so cool. They've also got boba smoothies, which I wouldn't order because frozen boba is gross. If you like coffee, get their ca phe sua da (Viet iced coffee). If you want it hot, just tell them "ca phe sua nong" (nong = hot). You can also ask for more or less milk, depending on how strong or sweet you drink it. I definitely agree with Michael C....this is the place for banh mi in Columbus! However, that's the only menu item that they do really well. The other items are pretty mehhh--yes, even the pho. I guess it tastes ok if you're new to Vietnamese food. For me, the broth was too bland.
(3)
Lori C.

I tried this place for the first time on Saturday as part of a Columbus Food Adventures tour, and sampled the banh mi sandwich. It. was. amazing. Definitely the kind of flavor and texture combination that cravings are made of. The bread is so fresh, and so perfectly compliments the richness of the pork, pate and mayo - then the fresh, cold veggies are in counterpoint to the spiciness of the jalepeno. It's just delicious, and I can't wait to get back up there to have another. And another!
(4)
Nick M.

The bread on the sandwiches is about all I can reccommend, it was fresh and very tasty. The sandwich was passable, but between the pork sandwich and the crab meat soup it was cilantro overload, it was all i could taste the rest of the day. Good to experience something new but I would not go back or tell friends to try this place.
(1)
Jee C.

Delicious! My favorite pho with Fresh and ample amount of veggies/greens to go in the pho! ~and awesome banh mi in columbus =D
(5)
Johaun C.

the banh mi here is DEFINITELY "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" i can say this with absolute confidence too. while i can't speak on banh mi from, say, vietnam--i have the sandwiches in San Francisco, New York City, and most recently Seattle. which surprised me with its unusually large communities of Vietnamese and Thai (read: TONS of Vietnamese and Thai restaurants). hands down, this is still the best banh me i've ever had the pleasure of digging into. the pho is solid, probably one of the better bowls in columbus--definitely have had better in aforementioned cities. BUT, can't say it enough, the sandwich here IS as good as it gets.
(5)
Chill W.

even tho this time they didnt give me enough meat and pork this is still Hands down the best place for pho in the city one of my reoccuring fav spots just for pho :-) u dont know get to know!
(4)
Scott B.

their sammy goes smoothly in my tummy. msg over powers their pho though.
(4)
Lance N.

Pho was actually decent and I ate here a bunch of times. The staff is terrible - I am Vietnamese and I overhear the waitress mock and patronize customers. The first time this happened I stopped coming here. I tried Huong Viet on Morse road, and they are excellent all around!
(2)
Dan D.

The Pho is probably the worst I've had and I've had a lot. There were only two options of Pho and I requested they leave out the tripe and they left it in. The broth had a bad smell to it that I've never smelled. The atmosphere is terrible there is a pool table dominating most of the room. Someone at the next table had a small dog sitting on a chair and occasionally stepping onto the table. In fairness the banh mi was not too bad. If you're looking for a good Vietnamese restaurant look elsewhere unless you only want a sandwich...and in that case get it to go.
(1)
F Z.

"This place is MoMo2 meets Vietnamese kitchen!" exclaimed my mom upon entering Mi Mi Cafe (not to be confused with Mimi's Cafe in Polaris.) It was 2pm and I was starving so I went straight for the Banh Mi and the Iced French Coffee. Banh Mi is back to $4.50, but it was definitely one of the best sandwiches I've had in a while. Despite the chock full of fatty goodness (meat + mayo), it wasn't too hefty of a sandwich. The iced coffee awakened every single taste bud. Part coffee and part sweetened condensed milk could very well be my unhealthiest cup of coffee EVER, seeing how my usual choice of sugar is Splenda and creamer, skim milk. My mom opted for the pho which was eminently slurpable but not overcooked. The pho came with chili sauce and hoisin (pronounced HOY-sihn.) I'll admit I was a bit hesitant in adding hoisin sauce to the already flavorful noodle soup at first, but I went ahead and tried it because I'm a sucker for hoisin sauce. Surprisingly, the flavors blend smoothly. My only complaint about the pho was it only contained a few measly pieces of meat. In addition, I have to question the freshness claim, since I heard several thunks of a microwave. Now, depending on the day/time/weather/etc, my parents and I usually speak strictly Mandarin, Taiwanese, Indonesian, or a conglomerate of the aforementioned languages plus Teochew. Today just happened to be conglomeration day which sent the owner (who's actually Chinese-Viet) asking where we were from, because she picked up bits and pieces of Mandarin along with other languages foreign to her. We ended up conversing in Mandarin for a bit, and I must say she's one of the humblest owners I've ever encountered. I might just have to make another trip back sometime in the near future for MMC's Banh Canh and Banh Cuon, but certainly not for the bubble teas--seeing how they were much pricier than MoMo's and Pochi's.
(4)
christopher c.

mmmm banh mi (vietnamese sandwich) and pho (beef noodle soup) all the way! over the last few months that i lived in columbus i became a regular here. they don't bother wasting their time with having too many menu items, they just stick with what's good! :) don't forget to bring cash cuz they don't take credit.
(5)

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Address : 5858 Emporium Sq
Columbus, OH, 43231
Phone (614) 899-9202
Website https://www.milicafe.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :10:30 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Mi Li Cafe

5858 Emporium Sq, Columbus, OH, 43231

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