The generous teepee of fresh bean sprouts, bouquets of basil, plump little red hot chili peppers, juicy lime quarters, and even a mystery celery-like herb was the first sign that Pho Pasteur wasn't like the rest of 'em. My seafood pho ($7.50) came chock full of extra large tail-on meaty shrimp, delicately scored bite-sized pieces of squid, imitation crab meat, and tons of chewy fish balls. Everyone else's assorted thinly sliced beef and tender chunks of tendons were reported to be done just right. The rice noodles themselves were thin and not mushy. The broth was flavourful before and after my hoisin and hot sauce massacre.
The service was prompt and friendly. It was late on a weekday, but quite a few tables were actually filled. They were great about constantly refilling our teapot that was emptying out with every other round of pouring for five thirsty people. The air conditioning blasting from above was a little strong at first, but there were no more complaints once the piping hot bowls of pho came and we didn't break into the usual beads of noodle sweats.