Restaurant
Pholklore
38 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia
Find Pholklore
38 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Pholklore
Perched right along The Esplanade, Pholklore turns out punchy Vietnamese noodle soups and inventive street-food mashups with views straight across the water. Regulars drop in post-surf in trackies for generous bowls of rich black garlic pho or fiery bún bò huế packed with fresh herbs, bean shoots, and house chilli. Table ordering via QR code keeps the pace fast when the room gets loud and crowded, while the kitchen easily accommodates vegan and coeliac diners without fuss. Grab an outdoor table in the sun with a spicy margarita and a basket of crispy spring rolls wrapped in lettuce.
- Fusion Pho & Big Broths: Bold mashups like black garlic broth, pho mi goreng, and sukiyaki tomato pho alongside generous traditional beef and spicy soups.
- Esplanade Ocean Views: Prime patio seating right across from Torquay beach, paired with spicy margaritas and cold beers.
- Inclusive Dietary Menus: Extensive vegetarian, vegan, and coeliac-safe options, including gluten-free beer and knowledgeable dietary care.
What's On at Pholklore
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Dine at Pholklore
Why diners choose Pholklore for coastal Vietnamese dining in Torquay
Signature Broths & Creative Fusion Pho
Richly simmered broths and inventive fusion bowls like black garlic pho and Bun Bo Hue Chay pack intense seasoning and generous portions.
The broth is OUTSTANDING! Packed with depth and flavour and spice levels are perfection.
OW Crunchy Sides & Nontraditional Crossovers
Creative pan-Asian additions such as ultra-crisp chicken katsu and seasoned fries deliver satisfying variety alongside traditional bowls.
The Katsu chicken is the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. It was the plain but super crunchy and just melted in my mouth.
Zoe V Beachfront Esplanade & Ocean Views
Perched right along The Esplanade, diners can take in open sea views and soak in coastal sunshine from outdoor patio seating.
Truly a beautiful place with amazing seaside views and very friendly staff
Joel Molloy Relaxed Tabletop QR Ordering
Tableside digital ordering allows guests relaxing on the terrace to easily select drinks and food without waiting in line.
Found a spot looking out to the water and could easily order via the QR code at the table.
Libby Preston Dedicated Celiac & Allergy Reassurance
Knowledgeable staff and comprehensive gluten-free options ensure guests with celiac disease or allergies dine with absolute confidence.
She mentioned she’s coeliac herself, and that instantly made me feel so safe and comfortable ordering gluten-free.
Jade Hinge Inclusive Vegan & Plant-Based Choices
Extensive vegan and vegetarian pho and bun bowls make group get-togethers seamless and satisfying for every dietary lifestyle.
I eat everything but my friend was a vegan and we had so many options.
Aimee White
Most popular items
Signature noodle soups and fusion bowls
Bun bo hue
The bun bo hue wasn't like others I've tasted before but still worked. Lots of flavour and fresh ingredients. Generous serving of meat.
Jen Black garlic fusion pho
The black garlic fusion pho was so rich in flavour. Finished every drop of soup.
Jen Pho Mi Goreng Mushroom and Tofu
We had the Bun Bo Hue Chay - Spicy Vegetarian 🌶️ and the Pho Mi Goreng Mushroom and Tofu 🙌🏼🙌🏼
OW Pho Sukiyaki
I didn’t expect the soup base of the Pho Sukiyaki to be tomato, which was my favourite soup base.
Xiushi Cai
Other favorites
Sides, salads, and specialty cocktails to complete your meal
Fries
And the fries!!! Exceptionally seasoned 🥰
Raibina Quamer Cucumber salad
Cucumber salad is so yum you will need to lick the plate.
Emmy Koroneos Katsu chicken
The Katsu chicken is the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. It was the plain but super crunchy and just melted in my mouth.
Zoe V Spicy margs
Recommend the spicy margs and the laksa!!
Charlie Kollosche
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality and personalized dietary touches that elevate your seaside meal.
Firsthand Celiac Reassurance
Staff share firsthand celiac knowledge to reassure guests ordering gluten-free, providing safe guidance and menu confidence.
Complimentary Spill Replacement
When an entire laksa was accidentally spilt, the team replaced the bowl free of charge with warm and helpful customer service.
Allergy-Adapted Preparations
The kitchen specifically caters to complex onion, garlic, and gluten allergies without compromising on flavour.
Generous Fresh Herb Plates and Side Chillies
Broth dishes are accompanied by a separate herb plate of fresh lemon, bean shoots, and basil alongside optional fresh chillies for personalized seasoning.
Before you head over
Helpful pointers on wait times, table ordering, and dietary options for your coastal dining visit
Arrive Early to Beat Peak Lines
Pholklore draws significant crowds during summer and peak meal hours, with waits reaching 30 to 45 minutes, so plan to arrive right at opening or visit during off-peak times.
Order Smoothly via Tabletop QR Codes
Skip waiting for table service by scanning the QR code at your table to order and pay quickly, or walk straight up to the counter if you prefer ordering in person.
Ask Confidently About Dietary Modifications
The kitchen accommodates gluten-free diners, celiacs, and vegans with dedicated options across the menu, alongside specialty drinks like gluten-free beer.
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