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Best Thai in Westwood
Best Pho in Westwood
Master Critic Review
Westwood Thai Cafe
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Westwood Thai Cafe is a long-running neighborhood spot just south of UCLA that pairs classic stir-fries, curries, and rice plates with student-friendly combo pricing. The dining room is straightforward and comfortable, but the appeal is generous portions, reliable flavors, and value meals that keep locals coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad see ew with beef, Green curry with eggplant and basil, BBQ chicken with rice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Since the early ’90s it’s delivered reliable, affordable Thai to Westwood.
Who should go: Students and locals seeking hearty Thai combos on a budget.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend lunches before the rush.
What to order: Lunch combo with pad see ew, green curry, Thai iced tea.
Insider tip: Use the combo plates at lunch for the strongest value play.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Westwood Blvd and the adjacent side streets is the primary option; meters turn over often but can be tight during UCLA class transitions. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Completely casual — students, families, and locals in everyday wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy for conversation except during peak student rush.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, often quicker for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, especially before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Moderate — several dishes can be prepared without fish sauce or egg, but confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some curries and rice plates are naturally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for a casual meal than a romantic first date — great value and comfort food, but the room is simple and busy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the restaurant does not rely on reservations and almost always has space outside of the peak dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed atmosphere, quick service, and mild-option dishes make it suitable for families with kids of most ages.
Best For
Better for: Consistent value combos, large portions, and quick-turnaround meals that beat many nearby Thai spots on price-to-portion ratio.
Skip if: You’re looking for a stylish atmosphere, craft cocktails, or regional specialties — this is more about comfort classics than culinary exploration.
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 10pm