Westside Vietnamese??

[jkushn]

Any good Vietnamese in or near Santa Monica? I've been to Pho 99 on Wilshire and was unimpressed.

[Lee by the Sea]

If you find one, let us all know. As you note, pretty much all we have is unimpressive simple pho places. If Red Moon Cafe still exists, avoid it--ordinary and 99% Chinese.

The best I've encountered anywhere on the Westside is Michelia. It is very personal, a sweet little place, and moderately priced. But it's near Cedars-Sinai in West Hollywood, not Santa Monica.

[hch_nguyen]

There is Le Saigon, China Beach, Michelia, Pho Show. Never been to any of these myself. I think the consensus is that Le Saigon is the best you can get on the west side for Vietnamese.

[ElJeffe]

Not a whole lot of great options, but you can find some. If you like Bun, avoid Le Saigon at all costs. Not good. China Beach is very good, but the atmosphere leaves a little to be desired as its tucked into a corner convenience store location (its at Venice & Pacific in Venice). Pho 99 is in a strip mall on Wilshire at is pretty decent.

[a_and_w]

I strongly disagree -- Le Saigon does a very tasty bun, imo. The noodles and veggies are fresh, and the meat has a nice char.

[emosbaugh]

absolutely agree

[emosbaugh]

i want to clarify that. I absolutely agree with disagreeing. I think they have a very good bun.