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Bun & Mi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Bun & Mi
8.2
Family-owned Vietnamese fusion spot specializing in fresh banh mi sandwiches, noodle bowls, and spring rolls with house-made sauces. Owners Alvin and Pamela bring personal attention to this intimate Montana Avenue gem, crafting dishes with vibrant vegetables and perfectly seasoned proteins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Banh Mi, Saigon Grilled Chicken Noodle Bowl, Shrimp & Pork Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Husband-wife team delivers personalized service with house-made chili sauce.
Who should go: Montana locals seeking fresh Vietnamese fusion
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quickest service
What to order: Banh mi, spring rolls, Vietnamese coffee
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal specials
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Montana Avenue, 2-hour limit until 6pm, free after. Small lot behind building often full during lunch
Dress code: Very casual - come as you are, lots of locals in workout clothes from nearby gyms
Noise level: Moderate - lively lunch crowd but conversations are easy
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for takeout, minimal seating so call ahead
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min during 12-1pm rush, otherwise immediate
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - tofu banh mi, veggie spring rolls, and vermicelli bowls available
Vegan options: Yes - can modify most items, just ask Pamela for vegan fish sauce substitute
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice paper rolls and rice noodle bowls work, no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - it's intimate but very low-key with limited seating. Great for grabbing sandwiches to take to nearby Palisades Park
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's mostly counter service with just 6 tables. Best bet is off-peak hours or get takeout
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, owners love families and will adjust spice levels. No kids menu but spring rolls and plain noodles work well for little ones
Best For
Better for: Fresher ingredients and more authentic flavors than chain competitors, plus the personal touch from owners who remember regulars' orders
Skip if: You need a full-service dining experience, large group seating, or extensive cocktail menu - try Farmshop or Forma instead
Bun & Mi
8.2
This intimate Vietnamese-fusion counter spot on Montana Avenue specializes in crispy bánh mì sandwiches loaded with braised pork belly, shaken beef, or garlic shrimp. Family-owned since opening, the tiny space focuses on fresh, made-to-order Vietnamese classics with modern California touches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Pork Belly Bánh Mì, Garlic Shrimp Noodle Bowl, Shaken Beef with Filet Mignon
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Family-run spot with filet mignon in bánh mì sandwiches
Who should go: Montana locals craving Vietnamese without the trek
When to visit: Weekday lunch before 1pm to beat crowds
What to order: Pork belly bánh mì, spring rolls, Vietnamese coffee
Insider tip: Use the takeout window to skip the wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Montana, easier before noon or after 2pm
Dress code: Come as you are - ultra casual counter spot
Noise level: Lively buzz - close quarters but manageable for conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min for takeout, limited counter seating fills fast
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during 12-1pm rush, minimal wait otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - tofu bánh mì, veggie spring rolls, papaya salad
Vegan options: Limited - can modify tofu bánh mì without mayo, ask about fish sauce
Gluten-free options: Challenging - spring rolls and salads only, no GF bread option
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual third date - tiny counter space means eating shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, but takeout to nearby Palisades Park works
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service only with about 8 seats, most people get takeout
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for takeout, challenging for dine-in - no high chairs, limited space, but kids love the crispy spring rolls
Best For
Better for: Higher quality proteins than typical bánh mì spots - they use filet mignon and premium pork belly, not standard cold cuts
Skip if: You want a sit-down Vietnamese dinner experience - hit Saigon Dish in West LA instead for full service
Bun & Mi
8.3
This intimate family-owned gem brings modern Vietnamese-fusion to Montana Avenue, with owners Pamela and Alvin personally ensuring each banh mi and noodle bowl meets their exacting standards. The pork belly banh mi features crispy-edged meat on perfectly toasted French bread, while the homemade chili sauce adds a signature kick that keeps locals returning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Banh Mi, Shaken Beef Noodle Bowl, Shrimp & Pork Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Owner-operated with personal attention to every order and homemade sauces.
Who should go: Westside professionals seeking elevated Vietnamese lunch
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quick service, avoid Saturday rush
What to order: Pork belly banh mi, mango salad, Vietnamese iced coffee
Insider tip: Order through the takeout window to skip the limited indoor seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Montana Ave, usually spots within 1-2 blocks, free 2-hour meters
Dress code: Very casual - shorts and flip-flops totally fine
Noise level: Moderate - intimate space means conversations carry but manageable
Weekend wait: 15-20 min typical, mostly takeout crowd
Weekday lunch: No wait for takeout, 5-10 min for limited indoor tables
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - tofu banh mi, veggie spring rolls, vegetarian pho
Vegan options: Limited - can modify dishes, ask about fish sauce substitution
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice noodle bowls and salads, avoid banh mi
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - very small space and quick-service vibe is more lunch meetup than romantic dinner
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come with only 4-5 indoor tables, but takeout is always available
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for takeout, challenging for dine-in due to limited space. Kids love the mild grilled pork and plain pho
Best For
Better for: Authentic flavors with a modern twist at half the price of trendier Vietnamese spots, owners remember regulars
Skip if: You need a full-service dining experience, large group seating, or extensive wine list - this is elevated fast-casual