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Restaurant

Pholklore

38 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Recommended by 55 people

Updated

Find Pholklore

38 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Directions ↗
61 3 5261 4270
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 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.
RestaurantPhoRestaurant

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take reservations or will there be a wait?

Pholklore operates on a walk-in basis and does not take reservations. During peak periods, weekends, and summer, wait times can occur, though queues are actively managed by staff and turnover is relatively quick. Arriving early or outside peak rushes can help minimise wait times.

How do you order your food?

You can order directly from your table by scanning the QR code on your phone, or order in person up at the counter.

Are there options for gluten-free, vegan, or allergy-conscious diners?

Yes. The kitchen provides extensive options for gluten-free and coeliac diners (including dedicated gluten-free beer), alongside a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Staff are knowledgeable about allergies and dietary modifications.

Is there outdoor seating, and are dogs allowed?

Yes. Pholklore offers outdoor dining where you can enjoy the coastal breeze and views across the Esplanade. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.

How large are the portions?

Portions are generous, with hearty soup bowls and sizable sides. If you order multiple dishes, staff can provide takeaway containers for whatever you cannot finish.

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