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Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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.
Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
8.6
Family-run Nong Lá brings a focused menu of pho, bánh mì, and bun to a clean, modern space on La Brea, with broths that lean clear, aromatic, and steady rather than heavy. The kitchen centers filet mignon pho, Bun Bo Hue, and crisp cha gio, making it a go-to for mid-city locals craving Vietnamese comfort that still feels light enough for a workday lunch or casual dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai / Filet Mignon, Pho Dac Biet (house combination pho), Bun Bo Hue (spicy lemongrass beef noodle soup)
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Family-run Vietnamese café known for filet mignon pho and fast, polished service.
Who should go: Pho fans wanting reliable, modern Vietnamese in mid-city.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners before peak crowds.
What to order: Pho Tai, Bun Bo Hue, Cha Gio crispy egg rolls.
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime if you like a brighter, punchier broth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along La Brea and surrounding residential streets; generally manageable on weekdays but can tighten during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; come as you are for a quick lunch or low-key dinner.
Noise level: Moderate; lively during peak hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the rush, usually moves quickly due to fast turnover.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian pho, tofu options, and vegetable sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some bowls can be modified but broths are not fully vegan; bánh mì can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Yes — pho can be prepared gluten-free since noodles are rice-based; avoid soy sauce–heavy dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure first date — clean space, quick service, and comforting bowls make it relaxed without feeling too informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they do not take reservations, but tables turn fast. Arrive a bit early on weekends for the shortest wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple flavors, quick service, and space for small groups; high chairs available and broths are mild enough for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Cleaner, lighter pho than many nearby spots, with consistent broth clarity and speedy service ideal for lunch breaks.
Skip if: You prefer ultra-rich, fatty broths or want a long, lingering sit-down meal — this is more polished quick-casual than full-service.