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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Sawtelle

Unique food

A meal that offers something out of the ordinary is the only way to break up the monotony of a routine week.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Meymuni Cafe image 1
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Space combines Persian fusion design with a vibrant and cozy atmosphere. Energy feels playful and unique, supported by open seating and amenities like outlets and wifi. Quiet moments suit work, while the owner's presence adds character.

Food here is healthy, quality, and exquisite. The menu offers tasty dishes with a clear passion for food and hospitality.

Food features unique Persian flavors with a modern twist and playful style. Drinks include fun and tangy options like the Lavashak Smoothie, offering refreshing and distinct tastes.

People are saying

"The food at this Cafe is delicious and original."

"The food here is amazing and fresh."

"I loved the unique Persian flavors with a modern LA twist."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the attached garage and is free.

2

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

3

Wi-Fi is available, making it a good study spot.

02
Bangkok BBQ Bowl image 1

Tiny restaurant with minimalist decor and an open kitchen creates a homely vibe and relaxing ambiance. The space feels airy despite limited seating, offering a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Loud kitchen noises occasionally disrupt the otherwise comforting setting.

Food here has a homemade feeling that stands out. Dishes taste authentic and delicious, closely resembling those from Thailand with some even better.

Dishes like Grandma's bowl and Chicken Krapow bring a unique mix of flavors. The menu goes beyond typical Thai offerings with some distinctive dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and packed with incredible flavor."

"The owner, Nute, is so warm and friendly."

"The beef here is seasoned in a way I've never found elsewhere."

Good to know

1

On June 20, they are having 50% off bowls for the grand opening.

2

On June 21, they will have a BOGO free bowl promotion.

3

They are currently having their soft opening, which includes a free drink.

03
Menya Tigre image 1
Japanese curry restaurant

Small, cozy space with an open kitchen and covered outdoor patio featuring heating lamps. Loud atmosphere with a 90s hip hop and reggae soundtrack creates a lively, youthful vibe. Seating includes a bar and well-spaced tables, attracting a crowd that enjoys rich, flavorful Japanese curry dishes.

Rich, flavorful curry ramen offers a unique twist on traditional Japanese dishes. Outdoor dining provides a shaded spot suitable for families with toddlers and dogs.

Rich, flavorful curry ramen offers a unique twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. This dish stands out for its bold taste and distinct style.

People are saying

"The pork cutlet curry was excellent, tender and juicy."

"I came for the curry and it was fantastic."

"The curry ramen here is unique and rich."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, their tsukemen is 15% off.

2

Parking is challenging in the area, so plan ahead.

3

Expect about a 20-minute wait for a table on Saturday nights.

04
KAIF image 1
Restaurant

Indoor space combines New Orleans style dining with an open-air cozy terrace featuring a fireplace and heaters. Loud, live DJ sets create a boho with luxe vibe that energizes the atmosphere. Signature cocktails and top-notch hookah complement the meticulously designed interior and spacious seating.

Amazing food creates a memorable dining experience here. The atmosphere adds to the overall pleasure of eating, making it a great spot to hang out and enjoy a meal.

Cocktails feature unique and well thought out flavors. The spot offers a cozy atmosphere with creative teas that have rich, distinct tastes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, thanks to the excellent care."

"The DJ music and atmosphere created a great vibe."

"The hookah here is so unique and smooth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to visit KAIF.

2

The new brunch menu is available on Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.

3

Expect loud music after 8 pm when the DJ starts playing.

05
Chinchikurin Sawtelle image 1
Okonomiyaki restaurant

Open kitchen with large teppan plates creates a cozy, homey atmosphere that feels festive and laid back. The place draws groups and couples, offering expertly made okonomiyaki with fresh ingredients and generous portions. The vibe matches a busy boulevard spot, combining casual fun with a touch of authenticity.

Food features Hiroshima style okonomiyaki that tastes like authentic Japanese street food. Portions come huge, enough for three people, and dishes are made fresh with great flavor.

The restaurant offers a unique okonomiyaki experience rarely found outside Japan. It prepares the dish perfectly, making it a distinct spot in Sawtelle.

People are saying

"I thought the okonomiyaki was incredible, just like in Japan."

"The seafood in the okonomiyaki was high quality, with tender shrimp."

"The food here is amazing, savory, and spicy."

Good to know

1

Parking is convenient across the street.

2

Using the online waitlist helps reduce wait times.

3

The portion size is big enough to share with two people.

06
Torisoba Sumiya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen with charcoal grill flames creates a cozy, lively atmosphere accented by warm wood and modern decor. Seating is tight but inviting, with a large wooden bar facing the kitchen and about 10 tables. The vibe blends authentic Tokyo style with casual comfort, making it quietly distinctive.

Food features a smoky and char flavor from chicken grilled over charcoal visible through a glass window. Dishes arrive quickly, often within 10 minutes, and consistently deliver delicious taste.

Charcoal-grilled chicken ramen offers a unique smoky flavor that stands apart from typical pork tonkotsu ramen. The rich chicken broth combined with this distinctive twist creates a flavorful and authentic ramen experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food here has a uniquely smoky, charred chicken."

"The ramen's unique smoky flavor from charcoal chicken is amazing."

"The food's smoky, char flavor is unlike anything else."

Good to know

1

Parking is free with validation in the basement parkade.

2

Expect a five-minute wait before being seated during peak hours.

3

They stop accepting new guests at 9 pm, so arrive early.

07
Artelice Pรขtisserie image 1

Small space with elegant pastry displays and hand-painted murals creates a museum-like atmosphere. Soft, ambient lighting highlights intricate details, blending Middle Eastern and French influences. Neighborhood vibe invites quiet enjoyment of complimentary macarons alongside top-rated croissants.

Food here turns fine dining desserts into accessible delicacies with high quality and creative presentation. Prices stay reasonable considering the taste and beauty of the dishes.

Specialized desserts feature unique flavors and a wide variety of pastry types. The chocolate cake stands out as fudgy, crispy, and chocolatey, while the canelรฉs offer a distinct taste experience.

People are saying

"I found the pastries and macarons to be exceptionally good."

"The pastries and desserts here are beautiful and delicious."

"You have to try their unique pastries; the flavors are amazing."

Good to know

1

The place closes at 5 PM, so visit before then.

2

Come in the morning to buy croissants; they sell out by lunchtime.

3

Expect a crowd; it's best to arrive early.

08
Cafe 50's Diner - West LA image 1

Retro-themed diner with 50's decor, neon lights, and a jukebox creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Cozy and kitschy vibe welcomes families, offering toys and balloons for kids. Open 24 hours, it blends classic diner energy with playful vintage touches.

Food comes out made to perfection with delicious flavors and quality ingredients. Every dish matches the vibrant atmosphere and adds to the overall great experience.

Fun retro dรฉcor and 50's memorabilia create a nostalgic vibe. Unique menu items like the deep-fried Monte Cristo add to the distinct experience.

People are saying

"The staff made me feel like I was coming home for a home-cooked meal."

"The retro decor here feels truly nostalgic, like stepping back into the 50s."

"The decor's unique, nostalgic appeal really takes you back."

Good to know

1

Cafe 50's Diner is open 24 hours for late-night cravings.

2

Reservations are available to avoid waiting during busy hours.

3

The diner accepts cash only for payment, no credit cards.

09
Somisomi image 1
Dessert shop

Outdoor seating surrounds a small dessert shop known for taiyaki pastries and creamy soft serve ice cream. Crowds form long lines, creating a busy, fast-paced atmosphere focused on quick service. Watching taiyakis being made adds a unique visual element to the experience.

Taiyaki comes in a cute little fish shape and feels like comfort food. Food quality is good but ordering can be slow, especially if the iPads used for ordering have issues.

Offers unique and delicious creations with ice cream that stands out for its taste and presentation. Known for being an Instagram-worthy spot with desserts that are both tasty and visually appealing.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, taiyaki, is warm, crispy, and perfectly sweet."

"It's a delicious and unique soft-serve ice cream experience."

"This food is warm, crispy, and gooey comfort food."

Good to know

1

The wait time can be long, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be tricky, but metered street parking is available nearby.

3

Credit cards are accepted at the shop.

10
Millet Crepe Sawtelle image 1

Creperie operates as a walk-up kiosk with no indoor seating and only a couple of sidewalk benches nearby. The atmosphere is casual and street-side, attracting people who enjoy watching crepes being made and taking photos with Instagram-friendly walls. The vibe is lively with a college crowd mingling outside while savoring highly praised crepes served in cone form.

Food features incredibly delicious crepes with a light, amazing taste. The Crรจme Brรปlรฉe crepe stands out as a favorite, all at reasonable prices.

Millet Crepe stands out with its crรจme brรปlรฉe-style crepe featuring a perfectly caramelized top that adds a satisfying crunch. Unique names make orders easy to catch when ready.

People are saying

"These crepes are delicious, with a nice balance of sweet and salty."

"The crepes here taste good and are nicely done."

"I found their unique crepes to be a masterpiece with a satisfying crunch."

Good to know

1

There's no seating available at Millet Crepe Sawtelle.

2

Parking can be a nightmare, so consider walking or taking an Uber.

3

Expect wait times of up to 15 minutes during busy hours.

11
Odd One Out Tea Sawtelle image 1
Bubble tea store

Small, crowded space with strong herbal aroma and chill vibes. Offers free tea samples and a viewing area to watch drinks being made. Known for unique silk boba and high-quality teas from across Asia.

Silk boba stands out with its unique texture blending boba and jelly. Drinks like the champion milk tea and jasmine silk boba offer distinctive flavors not commonly found elsewhere.

People are saying

"I thought the boba tea here was the best I ever had."

"The Pistachio Matcha had a thick matcha flavor and perfect blend."

"Their silk boba has a unique texture, like a mix of boba and jelly."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $11 upfront, and refunds are not provided even with validation.

2

Expect a short wait time during peak hours due to the shop's popularity.

3

Prices for drinks are around $8 each, with boba costing extra.

12
Board House Coffee image 1

Small and cozy coffee shop offers a quiet and pleasant atmosphere with gentle pop music playing. Plenty of outlets and free wifi support working or studying, attracting people focused on projects. Seating is ample and comfortable, creating a relaxed environment for enjoying food and drinks.

Breakfast and lunch feature fantastic food with consistent quality. Coffee pairs well and the food offers good value for the price.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee here."

"It's a great Work Friendly spot with quiet vibes and free wifi."

"I enjoyed the fantastic food and coffee here."

Good to know

1

Free two-hour parking is available upstairs or in the spacious underground lot.

2

The coffee shop offers unique menu choices for breakfast and snacks.

3

The cafรฉ has trained baristas who know how to foam milk and pull the perfect shot.

13
Black Sheep Burgers image 1
New American restaurant

Small space combines indoor counter seating with covered outdoor tables. Atmosphere carries a lively, energetic vibe reflecting its busy neighborhood. Menu stands out with creative, reasonably priced burgers offering unique flavor combinations.

Food here offers incredible taste and great quality at a good price. The salmon cooks exceptionally well for a fast food spot, making it a solid choice to take to go.

Ingredients offer a unique twist with surprises in every bite. The menu features quirky options like crab meat on a burger patty, which has a distinct flavor.

People are saying

"I found the date burger with brie and bacon to be amazing."

"The food here is great, especially the burgers."

"The burger's unique flavor and creative toppings were delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a weekday special for $16.95 that includes the house Black Sheep Burger, fries, and a soda or bottled water.

2

They usually have daily specials that come with fries.

3

Parking is hard to find in this area, so expect to walk a bit.

14
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Conveyor belts display sushi plates with names while robots deliver drinks, creating a tech-forward vibe. The atmosphere is lively and fun, featuring touch screen ordering and a game rewarding diners after multiple plates. Seating includes Japanese-style booths, and the environment can be loud and energetic.

Food features freshness and unique flavors with a filling quality. Sushi options stand out for their great taste and variety.

A revolving sushi bar offers a unique dining experience with a variety of quality sushi and distinctive menu items. The setup makes the meal interactive and different from typical sushi spots.

People are saying

"It's a fun experience with the conveyor belt sushi and robot drink delivery."

"The food here is fresh and tastes great."

"The revolving sushi belt offers a unique and fun dining experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is available for free for customers.

3

The restaurant has a unique prize system for eating 15 plates of sushi.

15
GoodPeople image 1

Big back patio offers outdoor seating with a breezy atmosphere and dog-friendly space. Loud, bass-heavy music creates a club-like vibe that dominates the environment. Neighborhood feel attracts a casual crowd, but the interior remains basic and functional.

Food options cover many tastes and include choices for gluten and dairy restrictions. Unique coffee drinks and solid food options come with delicious flavors and a clean setting.

Coffee drinks like ube espresso and Wush Wush offer unique flavors. The menu features many distinctive coffee blends alongside solid food options.

People are saying

"Their coffee is made with care and quality, truly excellent."

"The food here is delicious and was brought right to our table."

"Their unique coffees like Wush Wush always delivered unique flavor."

Good to know

1

Thursday night comedy night is lively and entertaining, attracting a good crowd.

2

GoodPeople has a patio, which is rare for a coffee shop in this area.

3

The venue is dog-friendly, with treats and water bowls available.

16
Killer Noodle Tsujita image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers spacious seating with both indoor and outdoor options, featuring heated patio for cooler weather. Atmosphere includes loud noise levels and house music, creating a lively vibe. Interior design uses red and black accents with an open, clean aesthetic.

Food quality and quantity stay consistent with limited vegetarian options. The peanut sauce stands out even for those who avoid spicy food, while the Gokakyu Ramen suits spicy food lovers. Correct orders deliver great taste.

Ramen features a unique spice profile blending Japanese and Chinese influences. Dishes include peanut butter for an unusual flavor twist and emphasize spiciness throughout.

People are saying

"The soup's flavor is off-the-hook, with a great balance of heat and depth."

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"The ramen here has a unique, flavorful spice profile."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on Sawtelle.

2

The restaurant gets really busy after 6PM.

3

You need to jot your name down on their wait list to avoid waiting idly.

17
Bonsai Coffee & Bar image 1

Spacious coffee shop with natural lighting and communal seating creates a social and working environment. Upbeat music and a packed atmosphere make it lively but sometimes loud and stuffy. Laptop-free zones and plenty of outlets support both work and casual visits.

Delicious hot food pairs with unique pastries like red bean buns and matcha cookies. Drinks include soju cocktails and excellent coffee options.

Offers a wide range of sweet and savory pastries with a distinct Asian touch like spam & egg buns and red bean. Drinks include fun, unique options such as Sparkling Yuzu Matcha. The food menu features delicious hot food alongside these pastries.

People are saying

"The matcha latte here is perfectly balanced and smooth."

"You have to try the matcha with cream top; it's fantastic."

"The unique drinks here are fun and great for getting work done."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a nearby structure and on the street.

2

WiFi is free for 2 hours with purchase; additional time requires another purchase.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and food, making it a popular time to visit.

18
DongTing Noodle image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Chinese noodle restaurant offers authentic cuisine served in unique porcelain bowls with a casual, inviting atmosphere. The space feels cozy and clean with a well-laid-out seating arrangement. Noise levels can be high, making conversation difficult at times.

Hearty and flavorful dishes showcase authentic Chinese cuisine with unique flavor combinations. Servers provide knowledgeable explanations about Sichuan and Hunan styles.

Bold and distinct flavors define the dishes, featuring unique combinations of spices unfamiliar to most non-Chinese diners. The restaurant serves a distinctive Xiang style beef noodle soup not found elsewhere in LA, presented in unique porcelain and ceramics bowls.

People are saying

"The soup had a thick broth and tasty noodles."

"I loved the food, especially the flavorful noodles and soup."

"The Xiang beef noodle soup's flavors are truly unique and exquisite."

Good to know

1

The ordering process is easy due to a user-friendly app interface.

2

Parking near UCLA can be expensive, often over $20.

3

DongTing Noodle offers different levels of spiciness for their dishes.

19
Motoring Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Space combines vintage cars and classic memorabilia with a chic auto-body shop vibe. Atmosphere feels super chilled but can be unfriendly, with a quiet mood even in the members-only lounge. Seating includes unique spots like a truck bed table, and the place supports remote work with plenty of outlets and free WiFi.

Breakfast features great food and delicious coffee. Food options stay limited with a focus on sit-down dining and work areas.

A unique theme blends coffee with a fine and collector car and cycle museum. Vintage car parts and memorabilia create a surreal vibe alongside strong espresso and fast cars.

People are saying

"It's a cool coffee spot with classic cars on display."

"It's a unique place with a cool vibe and vintage cars on display."

"The breakfast food here is great and filling."

Good to know

1

Membership is required to access most of the seating and car collection.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Expect long lines on weekends, especially during peak hours.

20
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles image 1

Outdoor seating expands the space with a cozy, relaxing vibe that contrasts the intimate, buzzing interior. The atmosphere hums with the sound of slurping noodles and chopsticks, reflecting a serious ramen focus. Seating is limited indoors but spacious outside, creating a dynamic energy between the two areas.

Food arrives quickly, usually in less than 5 minutes. The menu features excellent Japanese dishes and fits well within a competitive Asian food scene.

Ramen features a unique fishy broth and a silky texture that stands out. The tonkotsu ramen carries a distinctive pork bone aroma, and the peach juice offers a mildly salty flavor that pairs well with the meal.

People are saying

"The Tsukemen broth is rich, deeply umami, and has a thick, grainy texture."

"The food here is surprisingly good and always worth the wait."

"The ramen here has a unique, rich, and savory tonkotsu broth."

Good to know

1

During busy hours, especially dinner time from Thursday to Saturday, there can be up to an hour-long wait.

2

On Monday evening, there was no line at Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles.

3

Seating is limited and the restaurant is very popular.

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Sawtelle, Los Angeles

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