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123 Pho Playa Vista
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
123 Pho Playa Vista
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
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.
123 Pho Playa Vista
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
123 Pho Playa Vista brings a modern, fast-casual spin to Vietnamese classics in a sleek Westchester retail plaza. Locals come for customizable pho, banh mi, and wok dishes plus slushies and Vietnamese coffee, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho, Banh Mi, Lemon Grass Pork
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: Fast-casual Vietnamese with customizable pho, wok plates, and strong drinks.
Who should go: Local workers and travelers craving reliable, modern Vietnamese comfort.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners before Playa Vista crowds peak.
What to order: Pho, Banh Mi, and Lemon Grass Pork with garlic noodles.
Insider tip: Add a side of garlic noodles to pair with extra broth or grilled meats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Plenty of free parking in the shared retail plaza lot; rarely fills except during peak Playa Vista lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — gym clothes, jeans, and office wear all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate — steady counter-service bustle, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal; 5–10 minutes to order, seating generally available.
Weekday lunch: Can get busy with office crowds, but lines move quickly; 0–10 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu pho, veggie broth, and customizable bowls make it easy.
Vegan options: Yes — several dishes can be made vegan with veggie broth and tofu; confirm sauces at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Mostly — pho with rice noodles and broths work well, but double-check marinades and sauces if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something low-key and tasty — it’s casual, affordable, and easy to chat, but not ideal for a romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come, first-served. Space turns over quickly even during busy periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — bright seating, quick service, mild broth options, and plenty of space for families. Great for kids 4+ who like noodles or rice plates.
Best For
Better for: Fast, customizable Vietnamese comfort with modern flavors and plenty of vegetarian/vegan flexibility.
Skip if: You’re looking for slow-simmered, ultra-traditional pho, a full-service dining experience, or a quiet, date-night setting.