Blossom

Run by a pair of siblings, this mini pho empire stretches from Northeast L.A. all the way to the Westside—and there's a perfectly good reason for it: a crowd-pleasing, milder pho with springy noodles, high-quality beef and plenty of bean sprouts and herbs. Stop by Sage Blossom (the Chinatown location) for the largest menu, but even the more pared down offerings in Santa Monica, Atwater Village and Venice will satisfy those in search of a decent bowl of pho. Food aside, the stylish interiors and friendly staff also set Blossom apart from the rest of the pack—the presence of some semblance of hospitality, in truth, actually makes a huge difference.