Nong La

Tucked into a converted furniture showroom along La Brea Avenue, Nong La has become a neighborhood anchor in Hancock Park. The space feels both modern and inviting, with a layout that works whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at the bar or settling in for a leisurely meal on the leafy front patio. It’s the kind of place that fills a gap you didn’t realize existed until it arrived.

The kitchen turns out legitimately excellent Vietnamese fare, with the braised pork belly banh mi earning most of the buzz. But the real treasure might be the Bun Bo Hue—a specialty noodle soup with a lemongrass-spiked broth that brings significantly more complexity than the standard pho. The Thit Nuong Cha Gio Bun showcases the same quality proteins over a mountain of cold vermicelli, while the spring rolls arrive packed with shrimp and pork alongside a peanut sauce you’ll want to drink straight.

What sets Nong La apart beyond the food is the genuine warmth of the service. Servers here clearly love what they’re serving and are happy to guide you through the menu to maximize your order. The prices remain remarkably accessible given the quality, making it easy to become a regular. Whether you’re flying solo at lunch or on a casual first date, the atmosphere adapts to the occasion.

If there’s one complaint, it’s that the restaurant closes on Sundays—precisely when you most want a steaming bowl of noodle soup from the comfort of your couch. But that minor grievance aside, Nong La has earned its place as a beloved spot on a stretch of LA that needed exactly this kind of neighborhood gem.