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ZipPicks Awards

Best Pho in Westchester-LAX Best Vietnamese in Westchester-LAX

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

123 Pho Playa Vista 8.1
Westchester
Part of a small local Vietnamese group, 123 Pho Playa Vista does streamlined bowls of pho, banh mi, and wok plates in a bright, modern counter-service setting. Locals lean on it for reliable takeout and quick sit-down meals with broth that’s clean, aromatic, and customizable with plenty of add-ons.
Must-Try Dishes: Pho (beef or chicken), Banh Mi, Crispy Baos
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Modern Vietnamese counter spot with focused pho, banh mi, and boba near LAX.
Who should go: Westside locals craving quick, comforting pho near LAX.
When to visit: Weeknights for shorter lines and easier parking.
What to order: Egg rolls, a build-your-own pho, and crispy baos.
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and chili oil to deepen the broth flavor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking in the Playa Vista Runway/retail complex; usually easy on weeknights but can fill during weekend lunch rush. Street parking available on surrounding blocks with time limits.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — gym clothes, jeans, and work-from-home attire all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate; steady counter-service buzz but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on takeout volume; seating turns quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless there’s a nearby office rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu pho, veggie broth options, and several non-meat sides.
Vegan options: Partially — veggie pho and some sides can be made vegan, but verify broths and sauces at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Yes — rice noodle dishes and pho are naturally gluten-free; ask about soy sauce and marinades if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for a low-pressure, casual first date — the setting is clean and modern, and the food comes quickly, but it’s not the place for a long, romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s fully counter-service with open seating. Tables turn fast, so you can almost always find a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — plenty of space for families, quick service, mild broths, and shareable dishes. Great for younger kids and teens alike.
Best For
Better for: Clean, customizable broths; fast service; reliable takeout; and a bright, modern setting that’s easier to navigate than many traditional pho shops.
Skip if: You want deeply traditional, long-simmered pho with richer, heavier broth or a full-service dining experience.

Hours

Monday10am - 10pm
Tuesday10am - 10pm
Wednesday10am - 10pm
Thursday10am - 10pm
Friday10am - 10pm
Saturday10am - 10pm
Sunday10am - 10pm