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ZipPicks Awards
Best Vietnamese in Mid-Wilshire
Best Pho in Mid-Wilshire
Master Critic Review
Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe on La Brea is a family-run spot serving pho, bun bowls, and banh mi built from siblings Elaine and Victor Phuong’s family recipes. The room is simple and bright, but people come for clean flavors, springy noodles, and consistent execution at prices that still feel reasonable for the Fairfax side of 90036.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet (combination beef pho), Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), Cha Gio (crispy egg rolls)
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Family-run Vietnamese cafe built around cherished pho, bun, and banh mi recipes.
Who should go: Pho lovers craving casual, affordable Vietnamese in Fairfax District.
When to visit: Weeknights for shorter waits; weekend lunches for relaxed, unhurried dining.
What to order: Pho Dac Biet, Bun Bo Hue, Cha Gio crispy egg rolls.
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime to brighten the broth and balance richer soups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along La Brea and adjacent residential blocks; generally manageable before 6pm but tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; come as you are for a neighborhood Vietnamese meal.
Noise level: Moderate; easy to hold a conversation, though the small dining room can get lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with tables turning quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu pho, vegetarian spring rolls, and customizable bun bowls are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be made vegan by removing fish sauce–based dressings.
Gluten-free options: Many noodle soups and rice-based bowls are naturally gluten-free; banh mi is not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups rather than a romantic first date. The simple room and fast service keep it relaxed and unfussy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they do not take reservations, but turnover is quick. Arrive slightly early for lunch or dinner to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual setup, quick service, and mild noodle soups make it easy for families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Clean, consistent pho and bun bowls at approachable prices, with faster service than many nearby Vietnamese spots.
Skip if: You want late-night hours, a full bar, or a more atmospheric dining room; other Vietnamese restaurants in the area offer broader menus and cocktails.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 9pm
Saturday11:30am - 9pm
Sunday11:30am - 9pm