Editor’s Note: Fork & Dagger is 828newsNOW’s anonymous restaurant review series, written by our independent Grub Scout—no freebies, no press perks, no agenda. Grub Scout pays full price, visits unannounced, and takes notes on food, service, atmosphere, and value. Each review reflects a recent, honest experience rated on our 1‑to‑5 fork scale. We aim to help you discover standout dining spots—from casual diners to white‑tablecloth affairs—one bite at a time.
As a big fan of Vietnamese food, Asheville has been a tricky locale for me these last 27 years. When I was younger, I drove to Charlotte, or even Atlanta, just to get the real deal. Wild Ginger is excellent, but it’s in South Asheville, and I live in North Asheville. To be honest, I don’t have the time or the energy for that one hour round trip driving commitment.
Pho Real has opened on Merrimon Avenue, in my neck of the woods. I really wanted it to be good because it’s only a casual stroll away…