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ZipPicks Awards
Best Pho in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Trendy Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Cheap Eats in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A sibling-run Sawtelle cafe built around their mother's pho recipe, distinguished by a clean, lemongrass-forward broth and fresh rice noodles that set it apart from heavier renditions in the corridor. The bánh mì and bún bò Huế fill out a tight Vietnamese menu at price points that make it a reliable weekday lunch stop west of the 405. Expect a modest, counter-service setup with outdoor seating—functional for the format, with the tradeoff being Sawtelle's notoriously tight street parking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bánh Mì Thịt Xíu / Pork Belly, Phở Tái Bò Viên / Filet Mignon & Beef Balls, Chả Giò / Crispy Egg Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Family-owned cafe by siblings honoring their mother's recipes, known for a clean, lemongrass-tinged pho broth and fresh rice noodles on Sawtelle's restaurant row.
Who should go: Pho and bánh mì loyalists west of the 405
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quick seating; open daily 11:30–9
What to order: Start with the crispy egg rolls, get a phở tái bò viên as your main, and add a pork belly bánh mì to split — portions are filling but the sandwich is too good to skip.
Insider tip: The Bún Bò Huế is a sleeper pick — it's spicier and more complex than the regular phở and rarely has a wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—no dedicated lot or valet. Sawtelle corridor makes it tough, especially peak hours. Best bet is the public lot south of Olympic Blvd and walking a couple blocks.
Dress code: Very casual despite official listings saying business casual—it's a counter-service pho and banh mi shop. Anything goes.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation, not overly loud.
Weekend wait: Can get a line out onto the sidewalk during peak weekend hours, though some Saturday evenings stay manageable. Food comes out fast once you order.
Weekday lunch: Quick—minimal to no wait. Great for a fast weekday lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options: Vegetarian Chay Banh Mi with tofu and oyster mushrooms, Bun Chay Noodle Salad, Com Chay Rice Box, Veggie Spring Rolls, and Tofu Cabbage Salad. Veggie sauce available in place of fish sauce.
Vegan options: Multiple dedicated items: Vegan Chay Banh Mi (no mayo), Salt & Pepper Tofu & Mushroom Banh Mi, Vegan Bun Noodle Salad, Vegan Com Rice Box, and Pho Chay with vegetarian broth.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free baguette banh mi available with salt & pepper chicken or tofu & mushroom. Gluten-free bun noodle salad and rice box options also on the menu. Note: peanut sauce is not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual first date — the leafy front patio is your best bet for a relaxed, getting-to-know-you vibe. Inside is compact with about 6 closely spaced tables and moderate noise, so it's better for easy conversation over pho than a romantic evening. Request patio seating for more breathing room and Sawtelle people-watching.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, but seating is very limited — roughly 6 indoor tables plus patio and bar seats. Off-peak (early lunch around 11:30 or mid-afternoon) you'll likely walk right in. Peak lunch and weekend dinner can mean a line out the sidewalk. They accept reservations by phone if you want a sure thing.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual atmosphere with moderate noise, so kids won't feel out of place. The menu has approachable options like plain pho and rice plates that work for less adventurous eaters. No dedicated kids menu confirmed online. High chair availability not confirmed — call ahead if you need one. Best before the dinner rush when it's less crowded.
Is it good for groups? Small groups only — the compact interior maxes out around 4-6 people comfortably. No private dining and no confirmed large-format tables. For groups of 5-6, call ahead to arrange seating. Parties larger than 6 should look elsewhere on Sawtelle.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a small, leafy front patio along Sawtelle Blvd with heated seating. Good for people-watching and casual dining. The patio is compact, so arrive early if you want an outdoor table during peak hours. Whether it's covered is not confirmed — it can get warm during peak summer afternoons.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable solo meals—bar area is great for posting up alone with a bowl of pho and a beer. Heated patio works for outdoor dining. Budget-friendly banh mi under $9.
Skip if: You want deeply authentic Vietnamese flavors (Westminster does it bolder), need large portions, or want to linger—seats are hard and designed for quick turnover. Parking is a hassle.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 9pm
Saturday11:30am - 9pm
Sunday11:30am - 9pm