Pho Gyu Vietnamese Noodle House

Originally from Ventura, this newer restaurant serves the best bowl of pho in Koreatown, and thus most of Central L.A. Each batch of soup is made with Wagyu beef and simmered for 12 hours, and unlike most of the watery, one-note soups you’ll find in the neighborhood, the pho here offers a complex blend of aromatics in each sip. For those in the mood for spice, there’s a house special spicy pho, plus chicken, veggie and shrimp pho varieties, but the main draw here is still the beef version. The cheapest option includes lean brisket, but you can also jazz up your bowl with Wagyu beef slices, beef belly or bone-in beef ribs for a few dollars more. Help yourself to toppings at the self-serve station by the cashier after you order and enjoy.