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Blossom Vietnamese

2821 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
$$
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Master Critic Review

Blossom Vietnamese 7.6
Ocean Park
Modern Vietnamese noodle shop with sleek minimalist design serves aromatic pho with rich bone broth and fresh spring rolls. The trendy space features communal seating and outdoor picnic tables, drawing crowds for banh xeo crepes and lemongrass-marinated grilled meats.
Must-Try Dishes: Pho Tai (Rare Steak), Imperial Rolls, Banh Xeo
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.5 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 7.7 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Fresh Vietnamese street fare in modern minimalist setting
Who should go: Pho lovers, quick lunch seekers, Vietnamese cuisine fans
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before evening rush
What to order: Pho tai, imperial rolls, shaken beef, Vietnamese iced coffee
Insider tip: Part of small LA mini-chain with consistent quality across locations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Main St and side streets, typically easy to find. Small lot behind building shares with neighboring businesses.
Dress code: Super casual - athletic wear and flip-flops common. This is a noodle shop, not fine dining.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - open kitchen and communal seating create energetic vibe but conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 15-25 min peak times (6-7:30pm). Counter service means turnover is quick.
Weekday lunch: Usually 5-10 min wait during 12-1pm rush, walk right in otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - tofu pho, vegetable spring rolls, and veggie banh mi available. Solid options but limited to 4-5 dishes.
Vegan options: Possible but requires modifications - vegetable pho with veggie broth (specify no fish sauce). Staff accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - rice noodles are safe but cross-contamination likely in shared fryers. Ask about imperial rolls.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date when you're past the formal stage. Casual counter-service vibe and communal seating aren't ideal for nervous first impressions, but perfect for laid-back daytime coffee dates or post-beach meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's counter service with first-come seating. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) you'll grab a table immediately. Weekend evenings expect 15-20 min but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - outdoor picnic tables, quick service, and mild pho options make it ideal for families. High chairs available. The casual vibe means no stress about noise. Kids love the spring rolls and simple rice bowls.
Best For
Better for: Quick, fresh Vietnamese at better value than sit-down spots like Cassia or Little Sister. Wins on speed, price, and no-reservation convenience when you want quality pho without the wait or $20+ entrées.
Skip if: You want authentic mom-and-pop Vietnamese (try SGV instead), need full table service, or are looking for adventurous regional specialties beyond the greatest hits. Also skip if ambiance matters - this is minimalist fast-casual.