Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe

36 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles, From Koreatown Fusion to Silverlake Health Counters | Condé Nast Traveler

"Nong Lá is a true gathering place. From noodle aficionados to foodie families, the casual bright vibe—as well as the best bun cha in L.A.—bring the crowds back time and again. Like the best street stalls in Hanoi, the pork has that wonderfully caramelized char that gives you that hit of umami—a perfect counterpoint to the bowl of cold rice noodles, lettuce, herbs, and pickles that's all topped with a sweet and savory fish sauce dressing. Other hits include the clam and green papaya salad, filet mignon pho, and bun bo hue, which is a lemongrass beef noodle soup with pork patty, beef shank and aromatics." - Hugh Garvey, Celeste Moure, Krista Simmons