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Westwood Thai Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Westwood Thai Cafe
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Westwood Thai Cafe is a long-running neighborhood spot just south of UCLA that pairs classic stir-fries, curries, and rice plates with student-friendly combo pricing. The dining room is straightforward and comfortable, but the appeal is generous portions, reliable flavors, and value meals that keep locals coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad see ew with beef, Green curry with eggplant and basil, BBQ chicken with rice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Since the early ’90s it’s delivered reliable, affordable Thai to Westwood.
Who should go: Students and locals seeking hearty Thai combos on a budget.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend lunches before the rush.
What to order: Lunch combo with pad see ew, green curry, Thai iced tea.
Insider tip: Use the combo plates at lunch for the strongest value play.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Westwood Blvd and the adjacent side streets is the primary option; meters turn over often but can be tight during UCLA class transitions. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Completely casual — students, families, and locals in everyday wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy for conversation except during peak student rush.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, often quicker for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, especially before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Moderate — several dishes can be prepared without fish sauce or egg, but confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some curries and rice plates are naturally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for a casual meal than a romantic first date — great value and comfort food, but the room is simple and busy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the restaurant does not rely on reservations and almost always has space outside of the peak dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed atmosphere, quick service, and mild-option dishes make it suitable for families with kids of most ages.
Best For
Better for: Consistent value combos, large portions, and quick-turnaround meals that beat many nearby Thai spots on price-to-portion ratio.
Skip if: You’re looking for a stylish atmosphere, craft cocktails, or regional specialties — this is more about comfort classics than culinary exploration.
Westwood Thai Cafe
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Westwood Thai Cafe is a compact Westwood Boulevard staple where fragrant soups, curries, and noodle plates draw a steady flow of students, locals, and office workers. Pho-style beef noodle soup shares the menu with Thai favorites like pad thai and panang curry, making it one of the neighborhood’s most reliable spots for a comforting bowl of broth and noodles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho (thinly sliced steak noodle soup), Pad Thai Noodle, Yellow Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume, consistently praised noodle soups and curries in a modest room.
Who should go: Diners craving reliable noodle soups near UCLA and offices.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners before the busiest rush.
What to order: Pho, Pad Thai Noodle, Yellow Curry.
Insider tip: Ask for medium spice first; they can easily dial it up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and the side streets; generally manageable at lunch but competitive during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual—students, locals, and office workers mix comfortably in everyday attire.
Noise level: Moderate; conversations are doable, though the compact dining room can get lively during peak meal times.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on party size; turnover is fairly quick.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though prime noon hours can see brief lines.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection, including tofu substitutions and several veggie-forward Thai dishes.
Vegan options: Moderate—some curries and stir-fries can be made vegan upon request; verify fish sauce use.
Gluten-free options: Limited—broths and sauces may contain soy sauce; ask staff for customizable options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a low-key, comfort-food setting; the room is casual and cozy rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in friendly. Peak times may require a short wait, but turnover is quick enough that tables open reliably.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for most ages—straightforward dishes, mild spice options, and quick service make it workable for families, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: A dependable bowl of pho-style soup with Thai favorites in one spot—great when your group wants varied noodle and curry options without leaving the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want a pho specialist focused solely on Vietnamese broth techniques or a more polished, sit-down atmosphere for a long meal.