26 Pho Cafe Westwood Los Angeles Review: Fresh Pho Arrives

26 Pho Cafe Westwood Los Angeles has ended the area's long wait for a dedicated pho spot. The Vietnamese restaurant opened on October 4 at 1067 Glendon Ave., across from Trader Joe's. Daily Bruin reviewed the new venue and praised its generous portions. It is now the only dedicated pho restaurant in Westwood.

The brand also has locations in Pasadena, Vancouver and White Rock in Canada. Its menu covers pho, bánh mì and rice options. Appetizers include egg rolls and spring rolls. The 26 Pho Cafe restaurant review suggests it will soon be a go to stop for Bruins craving a cozy meal.

26 Pho Cafe Westwood Los Angeles Soft Opening Dates

The restaurant will host soft opening events on October 17 and 18. More follow on October 24 and 25. Guests should expect a few early challenges. The reviewer waited 20 minutes to be seated. The combined wait for a table and food reached 45 minutes.

The review called the delay understandable for a new restaurant. It suggested limited staff availability. The quality of the food made up for it.

Pork Egg Rolls Deliver Crunch and Flavor

The pork egg rolls made a strong first impression. They were deep fried and crispier than a standard egg roll. The filling mixed pork and vermicelli. The pork tasted rich without too much salt. The vermicelli added a soft contrast in texture.

The dish came with nước chấm, a sweet and savory fish sauce based dip. Pickled carrots and lettuce added freshness. The reviewer found the egg rolls a little oilier than expected. Even so, the appetizer did not skimp on flavor.

Beef Ball and Brisket Pho Is the Highlight

The beef ball and brisket pho costs $16.99. The broth was mild and smooth. The reviewer wanted a stronger aroma of cilantro and basil. The soup was not too salty or oily, so it worked well for sipping after the food was gone.

The meat portion was generous compared with other Westwood noodle dishes. Each slice of brisket was large, soft and rich, with a good ratio of fat. The beef balls soaked up the broth and gave a warm, umami taste.

The noodles were long and chewy. They kept their shape instead of falling apart in the soup. The bowl came with bean sprouts, lime and Thai basil. The portion was large enough to feed two people.

Why 26 Pho Cafe Stands Out in Westwood

The restaurant has no direct rival nearby. The second closest pho spot is Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe in Sawtelle. It can be up to a 40 minute bus ride away. A bowl there costs upward of $20 and is significantly smaller.

The review says 26 Pho Cafe stands out in an era of shrinkflation. It offers generous portions at reasonable prices. That makes for a flavorful and financially rewarding meal. The comforting broth also suits the colder months ahead.

Despite the disorganized wait, the reviewer found the pho exactly what Westwood fans have wanted. For more food industry updates, read the latest restaurant news from HCP.