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Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A Sawtelle staple for pho west of the 405, with a light, fragrant broth and consistently high-quality beef cuts. The menu mixes classic bowls with a few bolder, lemongrass-driven soups, and the room stays buzzing at lunch and dinner. It’s the reliable neighborhood stop when you want clean, modern Vietnamese comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai Bo Vien (rare steak & beef balls), Pho Dac Biet (special combination), Bun Bo Hue (spicy lemongrass beef soup)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Pho-focused Westside institution with a lighter, lemongrass-leaning broth profile.
Who should go: Pho purists and Sawtelle regulars on a dependable lunch hunt.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Pho tai bo vien, pho dac biet, bun bo hue.
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and try the bun bo hue if you want more punch.
Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
7.9
Bright, modern Vietnamese comfort food that stays faithful to big flavors. The bún bò Huế hits with lemongrass depth and spice, while rice plates and sandwiches keep things easy for everyday cravings. A clean, fast-casual stop that reliably scratches the pho-and-noodles itch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bún bò Huế, Garlic noodles with steak, Crispy imperial rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A dependable modern Vietnamese cafe with a cult noodle soup.
Who should go: Weeknight diners and lunch crews needing fast, warm food.
When to visit: Dinner on cooler nights for soup season.
What to order: Bún bò Huế, garlic noodles, imperial rolls.
Insider tip: Split the soup and a rice plate—portions are generous.
Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
8.0
Bright, herb-driven Vietnamese bowls and bánh mì that make for a clean, fast midday reset. The menu stays focused, and the kitchen hits the same aromatic notes visit after visit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Ga with fresh herbs, Classic Banh Mi, Shrimp Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Herb-heavy pho and sandwiches built for weekday regulars.
Who should go: Solo diners or pairs wanting a lighter lunch.
When to visit: Any weekday; turnover is steady.
What to order: Pho ga, bánh mì, spring rolls with peanut sauce.
Insider tip: Add extra basil and sprouts to stretch the bowl.
Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
8.0
A streamlined pho and vermicelli stop with clean, aromatic broths and bright herbs that keep things light but satisfying. It’s easy, quick, and reliably good for a weekday refuel on Sawtelle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai Nam, Imperial Rolls, Bun Cha Gio
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Fast, fragrant Vietnamese staples with strong broth execution.
Who should go: Pho fans and quick-lunch seekers
When to visit: Early dinner before the Sawtelle crowd
What to order: Pho tai nam, imperial rolls, bun cha gio
Insider tip: Add the house chili oil and extra lime to wake up the broth.
Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
8.3
Bright, modern Vietnamese spot known for deeply flavored pho and clean, herb-forward plates that satisfy both kids and adults. Fast counter ordering, reliable broth, and a steady neighborhood buzz make it an easy family default on Sawtelle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Ga (chicken pho), Pho Bo Tai Nam (rare brisket pho), Imperial Rolls with nuoc cham
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Clear, aromatic pho broth that tastes slow-simmered, not rushed.
Who should go: Families craving comforting noodles and easy ordering.
When to visit: Early dinner before the Sawtelle rush.
What to order: Any pho, imperial rolls, garlic noodles.
Insider tip: Add house chili oil and fresh herbs for a custom heat level.