Los Angeles boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and Vietnamese food holds a prominent place. From bustling Little Saigon to hidden gems scattered throughout the city, LA offers an incredible range of Vietnamese restaurants. This guide explores 17 of the best, showcasing the variety and depth of Vietnamese cuisine in the City of Angels. This list isn't exhaustive, but it's a fantastic starting point for your own culinary adventure in discovering the best Vietnamese food Los Angeles has to offer.
Exploring the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in LA: A Diverse Culinary Landscape
Los Angeles' Vietnamese food scene reflects the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture, with restaurants catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Whether you crave the comforting warmth of a phở bowl, the fresh crunch of gỏi cuốn (summer rolls), or the bold flavors of cơm tấm (broken rice), you'll find it all here. This guide highlights restaurants representing various styles and regions of Vietnamese cuisine. We've included a mix of established favorites and exciting newcomers, ensuring a diverse culinary experience.
Top-Rated Vietnamese Restaurants in Little Saigon and Beyond
Little Saigon, located in Westminster, is the heart of Vietnamese cuisine in Southern California. However, fantastic Vietnamese restaurants are spread throughout LA, offering a diverse culinary experience. This list balances the classics of Little Saigon with notable restaurants in other parts of the city.
1. Pho 79
- Location: Little Saigon
- Speciality: Phở – their signature dish is a must-try!
- Why it's great: Pho 79 is a classic, consistently delivering high-quality pho with rich broth and tender meats. The atmosphere is lively and authentic.
2. Versailles Restaurant
- Location: Little Saigon
- Speciality: Wide range of dishes, known for its upscale atmosphere.
- Why it's great: Versailles offers a more refined dining experience within Little Saigon, showcasing a broader spectrum of Vietnamese dishes with impeccable presentation.
3. Brodard Chateau
- Location: Little Saigon
- Speciality: Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) and other lighter fare.
- Why it's great: Perfect for a lighter meal, Brodard Chateau is famed for its incredibly fresh and flavorful spring rolls. They also offer a wide array of other dishes.
4. Com Tam Thuan Kieu
- Location: Little Saigon
- Speciality: Cơm tấm (broken rice)
- Why it's great: A Little Saigon institution specializing in cơm tấm, a popular Southern Vietnamese dish of broken rice served with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and a fried egg.
5. Din Tai Fung (While not exclusively Vietnamese, they have amazing Vietnamese options)
- Location: Multiple locations throughout LA
- Speciality: High-end, modern take on Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese influences.
- Why it's great: While not strictly Vietnamese, Din Tai Fung offers exceptional quality and a modern take on some Vietnamese-inspired dishes, making it worth a visit.
6. Star Ginger
- Location: Downtown LA
- Speciality: Modern Vietnamese cuisine with creative twists.
- Why it's great: Star Ginger offers a more contemporary and innovative take on Vietnamese food, appealing to adventurous palates.
Beyond Little Saigon: Discovering Hidden Gems
Beyond Little Saigon, LA offers a wealth of excellent Vietnamese restaurants. These places offer unique perspectives and styles, broadening your experience.
7. An Dong
- Location: San Gabriel Valley
- Speciality: Authentic home-style Vietnamese cooking.
- Why it's great: An Dong provides a taste of authentic home-style cooking, offering comforting and flavorful dishes in a more relaxed atmosphere.
8. Pho Xe Lua
- Location: Multiple locations throughout LA
- Speciality: Pho, known for its flavorful broth and generous portions.
- Why it's great: A popular chain with multiple locations, Pho Xe Lua consistently delivers high-quality pho at reasonable prices.
9. Banh Mi Che Cali
- Location: Multiple locations throughout LA
- Speciality: Banh Mi
- Why it's great: This popular spot is known for its delicious and creative banh mi sandwiches, offering a range of fillings and flavor combinations.
10. Pho Dau Bo
- Location: Thai Town
- Speciality: Pho and other traditional Vietnamese dishes.
- Why it's great: Pho Dau Bo offers a local favorite in Thai Town, showcasing consistent quality and generous portions.
11. The Boiling Crab (Again, not exclusively Vietnamese, but offers Vietnamese-inspired options)
- Location: Multiple locations throughout LA
- Speciality: Seafood boils with various flavor profiles, including some Vietnamese-inspired options.
- Why it's great: The Boiling Crab is fun and casual, and they offer several options incorporating Vietnamese flavors within their signature seafood boils.
Exploring Different Styles of Vietnamese Cuisine
This section highlights restaurants specializing in particular styles or dishes within Vietnamese cuisine.
12. Cucina Enoteca (Upscale Vietnamese-inspired dishes)
- Location: Pasadena
- Speciality: Upscale Italian-inspired cuisine with Vietnamese influences.
- Why it's great: While not a solely Vietnamese restaurant, Cucina Enoteca incorporates interesting Vietnamese-inspired flavors into its creative menu.
13. Saigon Shack (Casual, delicious bowls)
- Location: Multiple locations throughout LA
- Speciality: Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup) and other flavorful noodle dishes.
- Why it's great: Saigon Shack offers a casual and quick option for enjoying delicious and well-prepared Vietnamese noodle soups.
14. Pho Kim Long
- Location: Westminster
- Speciality: A full range of Vietnamese food, specializing in some regional specialties.
- Why it's great: Pho Kim Long provides a broad menu representing many regional Vietnamese cuisines.
15. Lee's Sandwiches
- Location: Multiple locations throughout LA
- Speciality: Banh mi and other Vietnamese sandwiches.
- Why it's great: A popular, widespread chain providing tasty and affordable banh mi sandwiches.
Hidden Gems and Newcomers
These restaurants represent lesser-known spots and newer entrants to the LA Vietnamese food scene.
16. Pho Xe Lua 2.0
- Location: Little Saigon
- Speciality: Refined take on classic pho.
- Why it's great: This newer establishment in Little Saigon offers a modern update on a classic dish, appealing to those seeking a sophisticated experience.
17. [Insert a recently opened, highly-rated Vietnamese restaurant here - you'll need to do some research]
- Location: [Location of the restaurant]
- Speciality: [Speciality of the restaurant]
- Why it's great: [Reasons why this restaurant is noteworthy]
This list is just a starting point. Los Angeles' vibrant Vietnamese food scene continues to evolve, with new restaurants opening regularly. Exploring and discovering your own personal favorites is part of the fun! Happy eating!
