Los Angeles may be famous for its tacos and sushi bars, but when a craving for steaming bowls of deeply flavored broth strikes, this city surprises with its pho scene. I still remember my first real bowl of pho in LA — the kind where the herbs are so fresh and the brisket melts almost at the touch of your chopsticks. Whether you covet beefy classics or plant-based comfort, LA’s pho game covers every craving.
Here’s what I’ve learned between Koreatown strip malls and funky fusion spots: finding good pho is as much about the atmosphere and subtle details as it is about broth and noodles. This guide sorts through buzz and blandness to point you straight to satisfying bowls. Forget the guesswork — if you’re after the top pho spots in Los Angeles, these picks are as reliable as they are slurp-worthy.
Where to find the best pho in Los Angeles, CA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best pho in Los Angeles, CA:
- Au Lac Dtla
- Gingergrass
- Little Sister
- Pho Café
- It’s Pho
- Chateau Lemongrass
- Pho 87 Restaurant
- Pho 999 Reseda
- Pho So 1
- Pho Saigon Pearl
1. Au Lac Dtla
+1 213-617-2533
Au Lac Dtla turns Vietnamese comfort food into a plant-based affair without losing any soul. The moment you step inside, you catch that clean, revitalizing vibe: organic ingredients, a thoughtful menu, and the scent of fragrant herbs drifting from the kitchen.
This is not your typical pho joint. Every bowl here is vegan, packed with fresh produce and savory broth created entirely from plants. Even if you’re not plant-based, the deep, almost smoky flavor of their signature Pho will convert you.
Order their signature Pho—you’ll get silky rice noodles, tofu, and a garden’s worth of crisp, green herbs. It’s satisfying, creative, and totally LA. If you’re searching for a refreshing twist on classic comfort, this spot has it mastered.
2. Gingergrass
Gingergrass stands out for its laid-back Silver Lake vibe and friendly service. Walking in, you’ll spot all walks of life sharing tables, chopsticks poised over steaming bowls. The place feels easy and sunny—perfect for lingering over lunch or dinner.
The menu is tuned for everyone: carnivores, vegans, and everyone in between. What makes Gingergrass different is how they treat the classics. Their pho is layered, clean-tasting, and doesn’t skimp on the fresh basil or bean sprouts. Each spoonful delivers balance and subtlety.
Try their Vegetarian Pho if you’re aiming for comfort, or go for the Gingergrass Pho packed with tender tofu and vibrant herbs. Each bowl has its own personality—bright, herby, and unmistakably fresh, just like the neighborhood itself.
3. Little Sister
Little Sister feels like a hidden adventure in Downtown LA. The décor has a moody, cozy spirit, and the menu brings together flavors from Southeast Asia with just the right touch of French finesse. Eating here, you get the feeling every detail has a story.
The pho at Little Sister stays true to tradition but is unafraid to get playful. Their broth tastes slow-simmered and warming, while fresh herbs and just-bouncy noodles invite you to linger over every bite. Each bowl is a lesson in balance—spice, salt, savory notes, all working together.
The brisket pho is a standout, brimming with depth and an edge of brightness that’s undeniably LA. If you’re craving something with both comfort and creative spark, this spot is a must-try.
4. Pho Café
Pho Café makes a statement with its minimalist décor and easy energy—this spot is built for quick comfort without any fuss. The dining room always hums with neighbors and regulars, everyone taking that first sip of broth before conversation picks up.
The kitchen here lets the essentials shine. Their pho feels light but not lacking. Every bowl arrives with bright garnishes and a deeply savory base, perfect for any mood or time of day. If you want something classic, this is the place.
Order the tofu pho for a satisfying vegetarian take, or try their beef broth if you want a traditional experience. Either way, every bite speaks to Pho Café’s talent for turning simple ingredients into comfort food done right.
5. It’s Pho
It’s Pho in Hollywood draws you in with a calm, no-nonsense vibe that’s rare this close to the Walk of Fame. The service is quick, friendly, and refreshingly unfussy—just the way you want it when hunger strikes after a long day.
What sets It’s Pho apart is its ability to capture classic Vietnamese flavors without cutting corners. You’re greeted with bowls that hit the table steaming, packed with crisp herbs and vibrant veggies in generous portions.
Their chicken pho stands out, offering a light yet rich broth that feels restorative. For plant-based friends, the tofu and veggie pho doesn’t disappoint, full of bright greens and tofu with the perfect chew. Simple, satisfying, and never overcomplicated.
6. Chateau Lemongrass
Chateau Lemongrass gives Eagle Rock a reliable pho destination where the staff greets regulars by name and first-timers feel part of the fold. There’s a warmth here, both in the friendly service and the aromatic bowls that never fail to comfort.
Freshness is front and center on every plate, and you can taste it in their signature Pho Tai. Thin slices of tender beef float in hearty, fragrant broth, and the sides of fresh basil and lime let you tune each spoonful.
The vegetarian pho is equally impressive, showing off a generous mix of vegetables and a clean, savory broth. If you like your pho with bright flavors and a cozy atmosphere, Chateau Lemongrass rises to the occasion every single time.
7. Pho 87 Restaurant
Pho 87 Restaurant has an old-school charm, tucked right into the bustle of Chinatown. The energy here is quick and lively, with diners slurping noodles and servers weaving between tables with effortless speed.
This spot doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it nails the classics. Broth at Pho 87 is rich and clear, with just the right notes of star anise and ginger. Each bowl feels like something a Vietnamese grandmother would proudly serve.
The beef pho is the star, offering tender slices that soak up flavor. For something lighter, try their chicken pho, which leans bright and herbaceous. Either way, you’re getting straightforward, satisfying comfort from a true neighborhood mainstay.
8. Pho 999 Reseda
Pho 999 Reseda has earned its reputation as a San Fernando Valley staple. There’s something nostalgic about the way the dining room fills with families and regulars who crave that signature fix of fragrant noodle soup. The atmosphere is no-frills, all focus on food.
The staff here know pho inside and out, and it shows in every bowl. Each portion is generous, layered with complex flavors, and always served promptly—a recipe for repeat visits. The spot balances quick service with a lingering sense of tradition.
If you’re here for the pho, order their House Special. Expect thinly sliced beef, tender brisket, and a broth that’s been perfected over years. Pho 999 Reseda is where you go for Vietnamese comfort that never fails.
9. Pho So 1
Pho So 1 keeps things refreshingly simple, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. The room is always lively, often with early risers chasing bowls for breakfast. There’s a real sense of routine—locals dropping by for their daily pho fix, rain or shine.
The magic at Pho So 1 is in their broth. Clear, flavorful, with a whisper of sweetness from long-simmered bones and spices. You can smell the freshness as soon as your order hits the table. Their menu is straightforward and no-nonsense.
Go for the rare steak pho. The beef arrives tender and paper-thin, while bright herbs and lime let you tailor flavors. For hearty, classic pho at any hour, Pho So 1 stands as a favorite on Sepulveda.
10. Pho Saigon Pearl
Pho Saigon Pearl sits right on Fairfax, making it a smart spot for a pre-museum meal or a quick comfort fix after shopping at The Grove. The atmosphere is cozy, with bright tables and an effortlessly friendly staff that treats everyone like a regular.
If you judge a pho spot by its broth, this one is a winner. The flavors are deep, aromatic, and clean—each spoonful invites you back for more. The balance of rich beef flavor and fresh herbs shows real care in the kitchen.
Their seafood pho is an unexpected highlight, with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked noodles. If you’re looking for variety, they also deliver a solid vegetarian option. Each bowl reflects a dedication to classic flavor and quality.
More Things to Try in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes pho in Los Angeles unique?
Pho in LA often blends classic Vietnamese techniques with the city’s farm-fresh ingredients and adventurous spirit. You’ll find everything from traditional, slow-simmered broths to inventive, plant-based versions that still deliver on depth and comfort.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan pho options in Los Angeles?
Definitely. Many spots feature vegetarian or vegan pho, using rich vegetable broths and hearty toppings like tofu, mushrooms, and plenty of crisp greens.
Which neighborhoods are known for the best pho in LA?
Head to areas like Chinatown, Koreatown, the San Fernando Valley, and Silver Lake. Each neighborhood has its own pho classics, whether you’re after tradition or something more modern.
What time of day is best for eating pho in Los Angeles?
Pho is served all day in LA. Whether you want a comforting breakfast, a mid-day pick-me-up, or a late-night slurp, you’ll find a bowl waiting.
Is pho in Los Angeles generally halal?
Some restaurants do offer halal options, but always check with the restaurant directly to confirm. Many menus are also focused on vegetarian or vegan selections that meet a variety of dietary needs.
Can I find gluten-free pho in Los Angeles?
Yes, several pho shops offer gluten-free options, often using rice noodles and avoiding sauces or additives with gluten. Always let your server know your dietary needs when ordering.