Debates about Melbourne pop mostly boil down to Team Richmond, Team Footscray and Team Springvale — and first up to bat is Co Do, right in the heart of Richmond's bustling Victoria Street. 

This one's all in the name. With a focused and easy-to-read menu that doesn't compromise on variety, I Love Pho is your go-to for a quick and no-fuss meal. There are topping options all across the spectrum including brisket, meatballs, tendon and liver.

Moving westwards, Xuan Banh Cuon is a little off the beaten path, but it boasts a delicious variety of noodles worth the trip. As always, there's pho. but also glass noodles and vermicelli varieties should you wish to mix it up.

Representing Team Footscray is Pho Chu The, an unassuming corner restaurant — even as far as Melbourne pho restaurants go — in the heart of the city's west. Blink and you'll miss the relatively pared-back menu, consisting largely of pho bo.

A quick pause in Melbourne's inner north means a visit to Good Days on the iconic Sydney Road. The pho here is a touch pricier than the other venues on this list, but it's distinguished by its commitment to ethically sourced protein. 

Locals in Melbourne's southeast swear by Pho Hung Vuong. Though this hole-in-the-wall is tucked in the middle of a small block, between an Asian grocer and real estate agency, diners come from far and wide prepared to line up for its noods.

With pho in just about every corner of the city, Melbourne's CBD is no exception. Pho Thin is a standout, with tts signature pho featuring beef stir-fried in garlic before taking the plunge into a soup that is cooked overnight to maximise flavour. 

A Melbourne pho round-up would not be complete without the truly iconic institution of Mekong. With a steady stream of customers passing through its inner-city doors. Mekong is a must-visit if you're in the city and hungry for pho.