Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe

Nong Lá fills a gaping Vietnamese gap on the Westside. Minimalist wooden tables and countertops and black and white photos set modern space, while comforting classics such as pho are served by the bowlful. Choose beef—toppings vary from beef ball and thinly sliced rare steak (both, $7.95) to an everything version ($8.50) of steak, brisket, beef ball and tripe—or chicken ($7.95), featuring free-range chicken and broth seasoned with cinnamon and cloves. Each bowl comes with a side of Thai basil, bean sprouts and a ginger-garlic-chile dipping sauce. Other favorites include bahn mi (8” baguette for $5.50, 12” baguette for $6.50) and bun ($7.95), rice vermicelli noodles served with cucumbers, carrots, daikon, bean sprouts, lettuce, cilantro and peanuts and topped with meat toppings. We like the bo nuong cha gio, as served as an appetizer, these crispy egg rolls are filled with ground pork, shrimp, carrots, glass noodles and shallots.